bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative analysis on the double porous thermoelastic bodies with microtemperature
Authors: Florea O. A. , Craciun E. M. , Öchsner A. , Emin A. N. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study examines a mixed initial-boundary value problem in thermoelastic materials with a double porosity structure, taking into account the effects of microtemperature. The existence of a solution is established by converting the problem into a Cauchy-type problem. Given the complexity of the equations, unknowns, and conditions, we apply contraction semigroup theory within a specific Hilbert space. We prove the existence of a solution using the Lax-Milgram theorem. Additionally, the uniqueness of the solution is demonstrated based on the Lumer-Phillips corollary, which corresponds to the Hille-Yosida theorem. In the final section, we show the continuous dependence of the solution on the mixed initial-boundary value problem for double porous thermoelasticity with microtemperature.
Role of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of pituitary region tumors
Authors: Korbecki Adrian , Wagel Justyna , Zacharzewska-Gondek Anna , Gewald Maja , Korbecka Justyna , Sobański Michał , Kacała Arkadiusz , Zdanowicz-Ratajczyk Agata , Kaczorowski Maciej , Hałoń Agnieszka , Trybek Grzegorz , Kapetanakis Stylianos , Bladowska Joanna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to assess the role of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) in routine pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) protocols for distinguishing sellar and parasellar tumors, addressing the lack of clear guidelines in contemporary literature.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of 242 pituitary MRI scans with DWI sequences was conducted in a single-center study using a 1.5 T scanner and standard DWI sequence parameters. Measurements of both absolute and relative mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, along with minimal ADC values within tumors, were performed. The adopted region of interest (ROI) based method used for these measurements was validated.

Results
Invasive pituitary adenomas exhibited significantly lower min ADC and min rADC than meningiomas, with optimal cut-off points of 0.64 (sensitivity 73%, specificity 82%) and 0.78 (sensitivity 73%, specificity 89%), respectively. Post-hemorrhagic pituitary adenomas demonstrated lower ADC values than adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas, with an AUC of 0.893 for min rADC = 1.07, and Rathke’s Cleft Cysts with mucous content, AUC 0.8 for min rADC = 1.01. Specific differentiation with high sensitivity and specificity based on diffusion parameters was observed for these tumor groups. Cystic pituitary non-functional adenomas obtained significantly lower ADC values compared to the adamantinomatous type of craniopharyngiomas and serous Rathke’s Cleft Cysts (AUC up to 0.942).

Conclusions
The study concludes that integrating DWI into routine pituitary MRI protocols enhances diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing sellar and parasellar tumors. The short scan time of one minute makes DWI a valuable and precise tool, supporting its recommendation as a standard component of pituitary MRI examinations.
Potential Plant-To-Plant Transmission: Shared Endophytic Bacterial Community Between Ziziphus lotus and Its Parasite Cuscuta epithymum
Authors: Radouane Nabil , Errafii Khaoula , Mouhib Salma , Mhand Khadija Ait , Legeay Jean , Hijri Mohamed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicrobiota associated with host–parasite relationships offer an opportunity to explore interactions among plants, parasites, and microbes, thereby contributing to the overall complexity of community structures. The dynamics of ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts in arid environments remain largely understudied, especially in Africa. This study aimed to examine the bacterial communities of Cuscuta epithymum L. (clover dodder), an epiphytic parasitic plant, and its host, Ziziphus lotus L. (jujuba), in an arid environment. Our goal was to uncover the ecological complexities of microbial communities within the framework of plant–plant interactions. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the bacterial composition and diversity within populations of the C. epithymum parasite, the infected- and non-infected jujuba host, and their interface at the shoots of the host. This involved amplicon sequencing, targeting the V5–V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 5680 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, with Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Actinobacteriota being prevalent phyla. Among the bacterial communities, three genera were dominant: Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Acinetobacter. Interestingly, analyses of alpha-diversity (p = 0.3 for Shannon index and p = 0.5 for Simplon index) and beta-diversity (PERMANOVA, with p-values of 0.6 and 0.3) revealed no significant differences between Cuscuta-infected and non-infected jujube shrubs, suggesting a shared shoot endophytic bacteriome. This finding advances our comprehension of microbial communities linked to plant–parasite interactions in the arid environments of Africa. Further research on various hosts is required to confirm plant-to-plant bacterial transmission through Cuscuta infection. Additionally, studies on functional diversity, cytology, ecophysiology and the mechanisms by which bacterial communities transferred between host and parasite are necessary.
The Gut Microbiome of Two Wild Bumble Bee Species Native of South America: Bombus pauloensis and Bombus bellicosus
Authors: Fernandez de Landa Gregorio , Alberoni Daniele , Braglia Chiara , Baffoni Loredana , Fernandez de Landa Mateo , Revainera Pablo Damian , Quintana Silvina , Zumpano Francisco , Maggi Matias Daniel , Di Gioia Diana 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSouth America is populated by a wide range of bumble bee species that represent an important source of biodiversity, supporting pollination services in natural and agricultural ecosystems. These pollinators provide unique specific microbial niches, populated by a wide number of microorganisms such as symbionts, environmental opportunistic bacteria, and pathogens. Recently, it was demonstrated how microbial populations are shaped by trophic resources and environmental conditions but also by anthropogenic pressure, which strongly affects microbes’ functionality. This study is focused on the impact of different land uses (natural reserve, agroecosystem, and suburban) on the gut microbiome composition of two South American bumble bees, Bombus pauloensis and Bombus bellicosus. Gut microbial DNA extracted from collected bumble bees was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform and correlated with land use. Nosema ceranae load was analyzed with qPCR and correlated with microbiome data. Significant differences in gut microbiome composition between the two wild bumble bee species were highlighted, with notable variations in α- and β-diversity across study sites. Bombus bellicosus showed a high abundance of Pseudomonas, a genus that includes environmental saprobes, and was found to be the second major taxa populating the gut microbiome, probably indicating the vulnerability of this host to environmental pollution. Pathogen analysis unveils a high prevalence of N. ceranae, with B. bellicosus showing higher susceptibility. Finally, Gilliamella exhibited a negative correlation with N. ceranae, suggesting a potential protective role of this commensal taxon. Our findings underscore the importance of considering microbial dynamics in pollinator conservation strategies, highlighting potential interactions between gut bacteria and pathogens in shaping bumble bee health.
Rhizosphere Engineering of Biocontrol Agents Enriches Soil Microbial Diversity and Effectively Controls Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Vinothini K. , Nakkeeran S. , Saranya N. , Jothi P. , Richard J. Infant , Perveen Kahkashan , Bukhari Najat A. , Glick Bernard R. , Sayyed R. Z. , Mastinu Andrea 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe root-knot nematode (RKN) causes significant yield loss in tomatoes. Understanding the interaction of biocontrol agents (BCAs)-nematicides-soil microbiomes and RKNs is essential for enhancing the efficacy of biocontrol agents and nematicides to curb RKN damage to crops. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness of BACa and nematicide against RKN and to apply the amplicon sequencing to assess the interaction of Bacillus velezensis (VB7) and Trichoderma koningiopsis (TK) against RKNs. Metagenomic analysis revealed the relative abundance of three phyla such as Proteobacteria (42.16%), Firmicutes (19.57%), and Actinobacteria (17.69%) in tomato rhizospheres. Those tomato rhizospheres treated with the combined application of B. velezensis VB7 + T. koningiopsis TK and RKN had a greater frequency of diversity and richness than the control. RKN-infested tomato rhizosphere drenched with bacterial and fungal antagonists had the maximum diversity index of bacterial communities. A strong correlation with a maximum number of interconnection edges in the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria was evident in soils treated with both B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK challenged against RKN in infected soil. The present study determined a much greater diversity of bacterial taxa observed in tomato rhizosphere soils treated with B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK than in untreated soil. It is suggested that the increased diversity and abundance of bacterial communities might be responsible for increased nematicidal properties in tomato plants. Hence, the combined applications of B. velezensis VB7 and T. koningiopsis TK can enhance the nematicidal action to curb RKN infecting tomatoes.
Is radiotherapy still the optimal initial choice for patients with early-stage low-grade follicular lymphoma in the modern era? A population-based study
Authors: Zheng Wenshuai , Wang Shenyu , Liang Yanchao , Ning Hongmei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDespite radiotherapy (RT) is recognized as preferred initial therapy for early-stage low-grade follicular lymphoma (FL) by many international practice guidelines, the medical oncologist has improperly underutilized RT, and diverse management strategies, including systemic therapy (ST), combined modality (CM) and watch and wait (WW), are still used. Except survival outcomes, previous studies concerned little about the treatment-related toxicity, which is also important factor in choosing initial management strategy, especially second primary malignancies (SPMs). The aim of this study was to compare the overall survival (OS) and the SPMs risk between different management strategies, which can provide guidance for the choice of optimal initial management strategy. Data was acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Finally, A total 10,900 patients were identified, in which 930 cases developed SPMs. The use of radiotherapy (RT) has remained consistently low, with a utilization rate of around 20%, while most patients have received watchful waiting (WW) and systemic therapy (ST). In the rituximab era, multivariate analysis indicated that RT exhibited significantly superior OS and did not increase SPMs risk in comparison with ST and WW. At the same time, although there were no significant differences in OS between CM and RT, RT had significantly lower SPMs risk in comparison with CM. The use of RT improved the OS and did not increase the SPMs risk in comparison with other management strategies. Considering the low application rate of RT, oncologists should emphasize and increase the use of RT as an initial management strategy in patients with early-stage low-grade FL.
Ovarian reserve does not influence natural conception: insights from infertile women
Authors: Galati Giulia , Reschini Marco , Chine’ Alessandra , Benaglia Laura , Vigano’ Paola , Somigliana Edgardo , Vercellini Paolo , Muzii Ludovico 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
There is several albeit not univocal evidence suggesting that ovarian reserve is not related to the chance of natural pregnancy, provided that the remnant follicular pool is sufficient to ensure regular menstrual cycles. Nevertheless, available studies have some methodological limitations, and the issue cannot be considered definitively ascertained.

Methods
To further address this issue, we retrospectively selected infertile women whose infertility diagnostic work-up was unremarkable (unexplained infertility-cases) and matched them by age and study period to a group of infertile women who were diagnosed with severe male infertility (controls). If ovarian reserve impacts on natural fertility, one had to expect lower ovarian reserve among women with unexplained infertility. Tested biomarkers included AMH, AFC and day 2–3 serum FSH. The primary aim was the frequency of women with serum AMH < 0.7 ng/ml.

Results
Two-hundred fifty-two women with unexplained infertility and 252 women with male infertility were included. All biomarkers of ovarian reserve did not differ between the study groups. AMH levels < 0.7 ng/mL were observed in 26 (10%) women with unexplained infertility and 35 (14%) women with male infertility (p = 0.28). The adjusted OR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.44–1.33). Significant differences did not also emerge when repeating this dichotomous analysis using other biomarkers and other thresholds for the definition of low-ovarian reserve.

Conclusion
This study confirms that ovarian reserve is unremarkable to natural conception. Physicians and patients should be aware of this concept to avoid inappropriate counseling and undue clinical decisions.
Anatomy and connectivity of the Göttingen minipig subgenual cortex (Brodmann area 25 homologue)
Authors: Glud Andreas N. , Zaer Hamed , Orlowski Dariusz , Nielsen Mette Slot , Sørensen Jens Christian H. , Bjarkam Carsten R. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The subgenual gyrus is a promising target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) against depression. However, to optimize this treatment modality, we need translational animal models.

Aim
To describe the anatomy and connectivity of the Göttingen minipig subgenual area (sgC).

Materials and methods
The frontal pole of 5 minipigs was cryosectioned into 40 μm coronal and horizontal sections and stained with Nissl and NeuN-immunohistochemistry to visualize cytoarchitecture and cortical lamination. Eight animals were unilaterally stereotaxically injected in the sgC with anterograde (BDA) and retrograde (FluoroGold) tracers to reveal the sgC connectivity.

Results
In homology with human nomenclature (Brodmann 1909), the minipig sgC can be subdivided into three distinct areas named area 25 (BA25), area 33 (BA33), and indusium griseum (IG). BA25 is a thin agranular cortex, approximately 1 mm thick. Characteristically, perpendicular to the pial surface, cell-poor cortical columns separate the otherwise cell-rich cortex of layer II, III and V. In layer V the cells are of similar size as seen in layer III, while layer VI contains more widely dispersed neurons. BA33 is less differentiated than BA25. Accordingly, the cortex is thinner and displays a complete lack of laminar differentiation due to diffusely arranged small, lightly stained neurons. It abuts the IG, which is a neuron-dense band of heavily stained small neurons separating BA33 directly from the corpus callosum and the posteriorly located septal nuclear area.
Due to the limited area size and nearby location to the lateral ventricle and longitudinal cerebral fissure, only 3/8 animals received sgC injections with an antero- and retrograde tracer mixture. Retrograde tracing was seen primarily to the neighbouring ipsilateral ventral- and mPFC areas with some contralateral labelling as well. Prominent projections were furthermore observed from the ipsilateral insula, the medial aspect of the amygdala and the hippocampal formation, diencephalon and the brainstem ventral tegmental area. Anterograde tracing revealed prominent projections to the neighbouring medial prefrontal, mPFC and cingulate cortex, while moderate staining was noted in the hippocampus and adjoining piriform cortex.

Conclusion
The minipig sgC displays a cytoarchitectonic pattern and connectivity like the human and may be well suited for further translational studies on BA25-DBS against depression.
Melanoma genomics – will we go beyond BRAF in clinics?
Authors: Mirek Justyna , Bal Wiesław , Olbryt Magdalena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the era of next-generation sequencing, the genetic background of cancer, including melanoma, appears to be thoroughly established. However, evaluating the oncogene BRAF mutation in codon V600 is still the only companion diagnostic genomic test commonly implemented in clinics for molecularly targeted treatment of advanced melanoma. Are we wasting the collected genomic data? Will we implement our current genomic knowledge of melanoma in clinics soon? This question is rather urgent because new therapeutic targets and biomarkers are needed to implement more personalized, patient-tailored therapy in clinics. Here, we provide an update on the molecular background of melanoma, including a description of four already established molecular subtypes: BRAF+, NRAS+, NF1+, and triple WT, as well as relatively new NGS-derived melanoma genes such as PREX2, ERBB4, PPP6C, FBXW7, PIK3CA, and IDH1. We also present a comparison of genomic profiles obtained in recent years with a focus on the most common melanoma genes. Finally, we propose our melanoma gene panel consisting of 22 genes that, in our opinion, are “must-have” genes in both melanoma-specific genomic tests and pan-cancer tests established to improve the treatment of melanoma further.
Transient MRI changes and neurological deterioration in glioblastoma upon SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Zeyen Thomas , Friker Lea L. , Paech Daniel , Schaefer Niklas , Weller Johannes , Zschernack Valentina , Layer Julian P. , Schneider Matthias , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Bernhardt Marit , Sanders Christine , Kristiansen Glen , Hoelzel Michael , Gkika Eleni , Radbruch Alexander , Pietsch Torsten , Herrlinger Ulrich , Schaub Christina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Little is known about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on glioblastoma (GBM) growth, metabolism, and prognosis. Immunological changes within GBM tissue are potentially symptomatic, underlining the urgent need for a better understanding of this phenomenon. To date, the complex underlying biology has not been fully elucidated. A decisive role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the components of the immune system acting within it is assumed.

Methods
Immunohistochemical staining of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and immune cell infiltration of TME was performed on the tumor tissue of one patient. This patient developed hemiparesis 14 days after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to tumor diagnosis. Subsequently and after biopsy, there was an unexpectedly good response to chemotherapy only. In looking for further evidence of the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to influence the course of GBM, two additional adult patients that had transient MRI changes and neurological deterioration following SARS-CoV-2 infection were evaluated.

Results
In the patient for whom neurological deterioration in the course of SARS-CoV-2 led to GBM diagnosis, immunohistochemistry revealed virus-specific protein accumulation in the tumor cells, microglial activation, and the formation of T-cell nodules. In the other two patients, the findings were compatible with symptomatic pseudoprogression that occurred in a temporal relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion
The results indicate a possible association between clinically relevant changes in GBM biology and SARS-CoV-2 infection, with histological confirmation of SARS-CoV-2-associated changes within the tumor tissue. The exact pathomechanism and underlying inflammatory pathways require further investigation.
Herbivore kairomones affect germination speed, seedling growth, and herbivory
Authors: Pellegrini Brooke A. , Pintado Lina S. , Souza Paige N. , Bhavanam Santhi P. , Orians Colin M. , Orrock John L. , Preisser Evan L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSeeds and seedlings are particularly vulnerable to herbivory. Unlike mature plants, which can wait until herbivory is experienced to induce defense, seeds and seedlings face mortality if they wait. Slug mucus functions as a kairomone, a non-attack-related substance emitted by consumers that is detected by a prey species (in this case, plants). While snail mucus has been shown to induce defense in seedlings, it is not widely confirmed whether slugs have the same effect and whether seeds can also detect and react to such herbivore cues. We investigated how exposure to Arion subfuscus mucus affected growth and defense in Brassica nigra seeds and seedlings. Seeds exposed to slug mucus germinated 5% faster than control (water only) seeds, but the resulting seedlings weighed 16% less than control seedlings. To test whether this difference results from herbivore-exposed plants allocating energy from growth to defense, we conducted choice bioassays assessing slug preference for control seedlings versus seedlings that were either (A) exposed to mucus only as a seed; or (B) exposed to mucus as a seed and seedling. While slugs did not differentiate between control seedlings and ones exposed to herbivore cues only as a seed, they ate 88% less biomass of seedlings exposed to mucus as both seeds and seedlings. These results suggest that slug mucus induces changes in plant traits related to defense and growth/competitive ability. Future research should determine the chemical mechanisms of this induced defense.
Block Volume and Shape: Comparison of Calculation Methods and Investigation of Possible Relationships
Authors: Taboni Battista , Ferrero Anna Maria , Umili Gessica 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn dealing with rockfall risk mitigation, a proper assessment of the phenomenon is the key to correctly and precisely managing its possible consequences. In doing so, numerical simulations are an unavoidable step of the assessment process. The proper description of the slope and the falling rock is paramount. Thus, it is highly relevant to accurately assess block size and shape. Block size directly defines the kinetic energy involved in the phenomenon, whilst shape directly influences its trajectory. Tools to properly assess both block size and shape are available, either in analytical form or relying upon Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models. However, at present, no concrete demonstration of the equivalence of these two methods is provided in the literature. Moreover, block size and shape are always treated separately, while it is likely that a relationship of some sort exists between the two as they derive from the same features of the rock mass (i.e., the 3D geometry of its discontinuities). This paper presents a comprehensive study concerning (1) the comparison between DFN and analytical approaches and (2) the existence and quantification of a shape–size correlation. A modeling campaign consisting of 20 different geometrical structures is performed with both methods, with the aim of obtaining In Situ Block Size Distributions and Shape Distributions. Although the DFN and the analytical approach have different advantages and disadvantages, they have proved to be comparable in terms of results. Both methods identify the existence of a correlation between shape and size of the blocks: the shape distribution changes with reference to block size. This result points out the importance of implementing shape distribution in rockfall numerical simulations. Finally, a suitable case study from the literature has been selected to test the applicability and usefulness of the new findings for the design of rockfall barriers.