bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in Human Brain Structure at Birth
Authors: Khan Yumnah T. , Tsompanidis Alex , Radecki Marcin A. , Dorfschmidt Lena ,   APEX Consortium, Adhya Deep , Ayeung Bonnie , Bamford Rosie , Biron-Shental Tal , Burton Graham , Cowell Wendy , Davies Jonathan , Floris Dorothea L. , Franklin Alice , Gabis Lidia , Geschwind Daniel , Greenberg David M. , Gu Yuanjun , Havdahl Alexandra , Heazell Alexander , Holt Rosemary J. , Hurles Matthew , Lancaster Madeline , Lombardo Michael V. , Martin Hilary , Martinez Jose Gonzalez , Mill Jonathan , Musa Mahmoud , Niakan Kathy , Pavlinek Adam , Polit Lucia Dutan , Rowitch David , Sakai Jenifer , Sichlinger Laura , Srivastava Deepak , Uzefovsky Florina , Warrier Varun , Weir Elizabeth M. , Zhang Xinhe , Austin Topun , Suckling John , Allison Carrie , Lai Meng-Chuan , Bethlehem Richard A. I. , Baron-Cohen Simon 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Sex differences in human brain anatomy have been well-documented, though remain significantly underexplored during early development. The neonatal period is a critical stage for brain development and can provide key insights into the role that prenatal and early postnatal factors play in shaping sex differences in the brain.

Methods
Here, we assessed on-average sex differences in global and regional brain volumes in 514 newborns aged 0–28 days (236 birth-assigned females and 278 birth-assigned males) using data from the developing Human Connectome Project. We also assessed sex-by-age interactions to investigate sex differences in early postnatal brain development.

Results
On average, males had significantly larger intracranial and total brain volumes, even after controlling for birth weight. After controlling for total brain volume, females showed significantly greater total cortical gray matter volumes, whilst males showed greater total white matter volumes. After controlling for total brain volume in regional comparisons, females had significantly increased white matter volumes in the corpus callosum and increased gray matter volumes in the bilateral parahippocampal gyri (posterior parts), left anterior cingulate gyrus, bilateral parietal lobes, and left caudate nucleus. Males had significantly increased gray matter volumes in the right medial and inferior temporal gyrus (posterior part) and right subthalamic nucleus. Effect sizes ranged from small for regional comparisons to large for global comparisons. Significant sex-by-age interactions were noted in the left anterior cingulate gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus (posterior parts).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that sex differences in brain structure are already present at birth and remain comparatively stable during early postnatal development, highlighting an important role of prenatal factors in shaping sex differences in the brain.
Galectin-3 inhibition reduces fibrotic scarring and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Shan Fangli , Ye Jianan , Xu Xinzhong , Liang Chao , Zhao Yuanzhe , Wang Jingwen , Ouyang Fangru , Li Jianjian , Lv Jianwei , Wu Zhonghan , Yao Fei , Jing Juehua , Zheng Meige 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
In the context of spinal cord injury (SCI), infiltrating macrophages assume prominence as the primary inflammatory cells within the lesion core, where the fibrotic scar is predominantly orchestrated by platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ+) fibroblasts. Galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein of the lectin family, is notably expressed by infiltrating hematogenous macrophages and mediates cell-cell interactions. Although Galectin-3 has been shown to contribute to the endocytic internalization of PDGFRβ in vitro, its specific role in driving fibrotic scar formation after SCI has not been determined.

Methods
We employed a crush mid-thoracic (T10) SCI mouse model. Galectin-3 inhibition after SCI was achieved through intrathecal injection of the Galectin-3 inhibitor TD139 or in situ injection of lentivirus carrying Galectin-3-shRNA (Lv-shLgals3). A fibrosis-induced mice model was established by in situ injection of platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGFD) or recombinant Galectin-3 (rGalectin-3) into the uninjured spinal cord. Galectin-3 internalization experiments were conducted in PDGFRβ+ fibroblasts cocultured in conditioned medium in vitro.

Results
We identified the spatial and temporal correlation between macrophage-derived Galectin-3 and PDGFRβ in fibroblasts from 3 to 56 days post-injury (dpi). Administration of TD139 via intrathecal injection or in situ injection of Lv-shLgals3 effectively mitigated fibrotic scar formation and extracellular matrix deposition within the injured spinal cord, leading to better neurological outcomes and function recovery after SCI. Furthermore, the fibrosis-inducing effects of exogenous PDGFD in the uninjured spinal cord could be blocked by TD139. In vitro experiments further demonstrated the ability of PDGFRβ+ fibroblasts to internalize Galectin-3, with Galectin-3 inhibition resulting in reduced PDGFRβ expression.

Conclusions
Our finding underscores the pivotal role of macrophage-derived Galectin-3 in modulating the sustained internalized activation of PDGFRβ within fibroblasts, providing a novel mechanistic insight into fibrotic scarring post-SCI.
Social network size and endorsement of political violence in the US
Authors: Schleimer Julia P. , Reeping Paul M. , Robinson Sonia L. , Wintemute Garen J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, the United States (US) has witnessed a rise in political violence. Prior research has found that an individual’s social network is associated with their likelihood of engaging in various forms of violence, but research on social networks and political violence in the US context is limited. This study examined associations between social network size and endorsement of political violence in a recent nationally representative survey and explored how the relationship varied by use of social media as a major news source, perceptions of the government as an enemy, and membership in a marginalized or privileged racial or ethnic group.

Methods
This was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey study of adults aged 18 and older in the US, administered from May 13-June 2, 2022. The exposure was social network size, defined by the number of strong social connections. We examined three violence-related outcomes: support for non-political violence, support for political violence, and personal willingness to engage in political violence. We estimated prevalence ratios for associations using survey-weighted Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for hypothesized confounders and including interaction terms to examine effect measure modification.

Results
The sample included 8,620 respondents. Median age was 48.4 years (95% CI = 47.9–48.8), 51.5% were female (95% CI = 50.4–52.7%), and 62.7% self-identified as non-Hispanic White (95% CI = 61.4–65.9%). In adjusted models, those with zero strong connections were more likely than those with 1–4 strong social connections to consider political violence usually/always justified in general (PR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.47–4.01). Those with 50 + strong connections were more likely than those with 1–4 strong social connections to consider political violence usually/always justified in at least one situation (PR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.03–1.37) and were more likely to report being willing to personally use political violence (PR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13–2.04). Associations varied somewhat by social media use, perceptions of the government as an enemy, and racialized identity.

Conclusions
Individuals who reported very few and very many strong social connections were more likely than others to support political violence or be personally willing to engage in it in one form or another. Findings point toward potential intervention and prevention opportunities.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of solid renal tumors by high-frame-rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Wu Hailan , Shi Jiayu , Gao Long , Wang Jingling , Yuan WenXin , Zhang WeiPing , Liu Zhixing , Mao Yi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
To analyze the characteristics of high-frame-rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (H-CEUS) in solid renal tumors using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Methods
Seventy-five patients who underwent preoperative conventional ultrasound (US), conventional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (C-CEUS), and H-CEUS examination of renal tumors were retrospectively analyzed, with a total of 89 renal masses. The masses were divided into the benign (30 masses) and malignant groups (59 masses) based on the results of enhanced computer tomography and pathology. The location, diameter, shape, border, calcification, and color doppler blood flow imaging (CDFI) of the lesions were observed by US, and the characteristics of the C-CEUS and H-CEUS images were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The χ² test or Fisher’s exact probability method was used to compare the US image characteristics between the benign and malignant groups, and the image characteristics of C-CEUS and H-CEUS between the benign and malignant groups. Moreover, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the differences in C-CEUS and H-CEUS time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters.

Results
Significant differences in gender, surgical approach, echogenicity, and CDFI were observed between the malignant and benign groups (p = 0.003, < 0.001, < 0.001, = 0003). Qualitative analysis also revealed significant differences in the mode of wash-out and fill-in direction between C-CEUS and H-CEUS in the malignant group (p = 0.041, 0.002). In addition, the homogeneity of enhancement showed significant differences between the two contrast models in the benign group (p = 0.009). Quantitative analysis indicated that the TIC parameters peak intensity (PI), deceleration time (DT) /2, area under the curve (AUC), and mean transition time (MTT) were significantly lower in the H-CEUS model compared to the C-CEUS model in both the benign and malignant groups. (all p < 0.001). In contrast, ascending slope of rise curve (AS) was significantly higher in the H-CEUS model compared to the C-CEUS model in the malignant group (p = 0.048).

Conclusions
In renal tumors, H-CEUS shows clearer internal enhancement of the mass and the changes in the wash-out period. The quantitative TIC parameters PI, DT/2, AUC, and MTT were lower in H-CEUS compared to C-CEUS. Both the quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that H-CEUS better displays the characteristics of solid renal masses compared with C-CEUS.
Association of Tramadol Versus Codeine Prescriptions with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases among patients with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score-matched population-based cohort studies
Authors: Bahardoust Mansour , Mousavi Sepideh , Dehkharghani Maryam Zolfaghari , Arab Mahsa , Rashidi Heeva , Gorgani Habib , Haghmoradi Meisam , Askari Alireza 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Today, the prescription of tramadol in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) has increased significantly, which can be associated with serious consequences. Contradictory results have been reported regarding the association of tramadol versus codeine with the risk of all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the association of tramadol versus codeine with the risk of ACM and CVD in OA patients for the first time. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar with specific keywords and mesh terms to find relevant studies until January 2024. Two independent researchers did the process of searching and screening articles. Cochran’s Q and I2 tests evaluated the heterogeneity of the studies. Egger’s test was used to evaluate the existence of publication bias.

Results
Seven population-based cohort studies, matched by the propensity score method, including 1,939,293 participants, were reviewed. The study pooled results did not show a significant association between the prescriptions of tramadol versus codeine with increasing the risk of ACM in OA patients. (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.084, 95% confidence interval (95%) CI: 0.883, 1.286, P: 0.56) In addition, the prescription of tramadol versus codeine was not associated with an increased risk of CVD in OA. (HR: 1.025, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.16, P: 0.68, I2 = 37.8%)

Conclusion
Our systematic review showed that tramadol prescription compared to codeine in OA patients was not associated with an increased risk of ACM and CVD.
Nerve ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdelnaby Ramy , Shabib Ahmed Samy , El Din Moawad Mostafa Hossam , Salem Talal , Wagih Youssef Awad Merna , Awad Peter Dawoud , Maallem Imene , Atwan Hany , Rabie Salma Adel , Mohamed Khaled Ashraf , Abdelmageed Hossam , Karkour Ali M. , Elsayed Mohamed , Cartwright Michael S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background/ Aim
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, causing progressive atrophy of muscles, hypertonia, and paralysis. This study aimed to evaluate the current evidence and effectiveness of ultrasound in investigating nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves, vagus and cervical roots in those with ALS compared with healthy controls and to pool the CSA measurements.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted on Cochrane, Clarivate Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for the mesh terms nerve, ultrasonography, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A quality assessment was performed using the New-Ottawa scale. In addition, a double-arm meta-analysis using Review Manager 5 software version 5.4 was performed.

Results
From the seventeen studies included in this review, the overall mean difference showed that individuals with ALS had a significantly smaller CSA in comparison to healthy controls for median, ulnar, C6 root, and phrenic nerves. However, no significant difference in the CSA was found in radial, vagal, sural, and tibial nerves.

Discussion
This study confirmed results of some of the included studies regards the anatomic sites, where nerve atrophy in ALS could be detected to potentially support the diagnosis of ALS. However, we recommend further large, prospective studies to assess the diagnostic value of these anatomical sites for the diagnosis of ALS.

Conclusions
Our findings confirmed specific anatomic sites to differentiate ALS patients from healthy controls through ultrasound. However, these findings cannot be used to confirm the ALS diagnosis, but rather assist in differentiating it from other diagnoses.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered on July 30th 2024 in PROSPERO (PROSPERO (york.ac.uk)) with ID574702.

Graphical abstract
Translation and validation of Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale - Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA) in Azerbaijani
Authors: Aghayeva Kamala 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders can sometimes be challenging, especially when the clinical presentation is different from what is normally observed. Evaluating executive functions can provide valuable information about children’s and adolescents’ mental states. There is no available executive function rating scale for Azerbaijani. From this perspective, there is great utility in translating and validating the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale – Children and Adolescents (BDEF-CA). For this research, we decided to use the short form of the BDEF-CA. The rating scale was translated into the Azerbaijani by a bilingual clinical psychologist and by a professional translator. After performing backward translation, the final version was prepared, read and approved by two professors in the psychology department at the university. The study population included 148 parents of children aged 6-17 years (78 males and 70 females).

Results
The findings of this research support the validity and reliability of the Azerbaijani translation of the BDEF-CA short version (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficient were both greater than 0.9, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) results indicated an adequate fit).

Conclusion
The short version of the Azerbaijani translation of the BDEF-CA could be used for assessing executive functioning deficits in children and adolescents.
Treatment-resistant depression: molecular mechanisms and management
Authors: Kajumba Mayanja M. , Kakooza-Mwesige Angelina , Nakasujja Noeline , Koltai Deborah , Canli Turhan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDue to the heterogeneous nature of depression, the underlying etiological mechanisms greatly differ among individuals, and there are no known subtype-specific biomarkers to serve as precise targets for therapeutic efficacy. The extensive research efforts over the past decades have not yielded much success, and the currently used first-line conventional antidepressants are still ineffective for close to 66% of patients. Most clinicians use trial-and-error treatment approaches, which seem beneficial to only a fraction of patients, with some eventually developing treatment resistance. Here, we review evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant treatment response. We also discuss the efficacy of the currently used pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, as well as the novel emerging therapies. The review reveals that the underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant response, are not specific, but rather involve an interplay between various neurotransmitter systems, inflammatory mediators, stress, HPA axis dysregulation, genetics, and other psycho-neurophysiological factors. None of the current depression hypotheses sufficiently accounts for the interactional mechanisms involved in both its etiology and treatment response, which could partly explain the limited success in discovering efficacious antidepressant treatment. Effective management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) requires targeting several interactional mechanisms, using subtype-specific and/or personalized therapeutic modalities, which could, for example, include multi-target pharmacotherapies in augmentation with psychotherapy and/or other non-pharmacological approaches. Future research guided by interaction mechanisms hypotheses could provide more insights into potential etiologies of TRD, precision biomarker targets, and efficacious therapeutic modalities.
Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Adenomas—Mayo Clinic Experience
Authors: Dhanasekaran Maheswaran , Schmitz John , Castro Maria Regina , Rajwani Aadil , Lee Robert Alan , Hamadi Dana , Morris John C , Callstrom Matthew R , Stan Marius N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) constitute 5% to 7% of thyroid nodules and represent the second most common cause of hyperthyroidism following Graves’ disease. Currently, radioactive iodine (RAI) and surgery are the standard treatment options, and both incur a risk of postprocedural hypothyroidism and other surgery and radiation-related complications.

Methods
This work aimed at assessing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative treatment option for resolving hyperthyroidism and the nodule volume rate reduction (VRR) and its associated adverse events.

Results
A total of 22 patients underwent RFA for a solitary AFTN. Seventy-two percent (n = 16) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 9% (n = 2) had overt hyperthyroidism, and 18% (n = 4) were biochemically euthyroid on antithyroid medication. Average pretreatment TSH was 0.41 mIU/L (SD = 0.98) and free T4 1.29 ng/dL (SD = 0.33). Following a single RFA session, hyperthyroidism resolved in 90.9% (n = 20) and average VRR (61.13%) was achieved within 3 to 6 months following the ablation. Except for 1 nodule, none of the nodules grew during the follow-up period (16.5 months). Two patients (9%) developed transient tachycardia requiring short-term beta-blocker therapy, and 2 developed mild hypothyroidism requiring levothyroxine therapy. Two patients developed recurrent hyperthyroidism and elected to undergo lobectomy and repeat RFA respectively. No serious adverse effects were noted in this cohort.

Conclusion
RAI and/or surgery represent the standard of care for toxic adenomas, but RFA shows excellent efficacy and safety profile. Therefore, at centers with RFA expertise, it should be considered an alternative treatment strategy, avoiding radiation and surgery-related complications.
Phylogenomic analysis of the Lake Kronotskoe species flock of Dolly Varden charr reveals genetic and developmental signatures of sympatric radiation
Authors: Woronowicz Katherine C. , Esin Evgeny V. , Markevich Grigorii N. , Martinez Crisvely Soto , McMenamin Sarah K. , Daane Jacob M. , Harris Matthew P. , Shkil Fedor N. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Recent adaptive radiations provide experimental opportunities to parse the relationship between genomic variation and the origins of distinct phenotypes. Sympatric radiations of the charr complex (genus Salvelinus) present a trove for phylogenetic analyses as charrs have repeatedly diversified into multiple morphs with distinct feeding specializations. However, charr species flocks normally comprise only two to three lineages. Dolly Varden charr inhabiting Lake Kronotskoe represent the most extensive radiation described for the genus, containing at least seven lineages, each with defining morphological and ecological traits. Here, we perform the first genome-wide analysis of this species flock to parse the foundations of adaptive change. Our data support distinct, reproductively isolated lineages within the clade. We find that changes in genes associated with thyroid signaling and craniofacial development provided a foundational shift in evolution to the lake. The thyroid axis is further implicated in subsequent lineage partitioning events. These results delineate a genetic scenario for the diversification of specialized lineages and highlight a common axis of change biasing the generation of specific forms during adaptive radiation.
Generation of a zebrafish neurofibromatosis model via inducible knockout of nf2a/b
Authors: Desingu Rajan Ayyappa Raja , Huang Yuanyun , Stundl Jan , Chu Katelyn , Irodi Anushka , Yang Zihan , Applegate Brian E. , Bronner Marianne E. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) is a dominantly inherited genetic disorder that results from variants in the tumor suppressor gene, neurofibromin 2 (NF2). Here, we report the generation of a conditional zebrafish model of neurofibromatosis established by inducible genetic knockout of nf2a/b, the zebrafish homologs of human NF2. Analysis of nf2a and nf2b expression revealed ubiquitous expression of nf2b in the early embryo, with overlapping expression in the neural crest and its derivatives and in the cranial mesenchyme. In contrast, nf2a displayed lower expression levels. Induction of nf2a/b knockout at early stages increased the proliferation of larval Schwann cells and meningeal fibroblasts. Subsequently, in adult zebrafish, nf2a/b knockout triggered the development of a spectrum of tumors, including vestibular Schwannomas, spinal Schwannomas, meningiomas and retinal hamartomas, mirroring the tumor manifestations observed in patients with NF-2. Collectively, these findings highlight the generation of a novel zebrafish model that mimics the complexities of the human NF-2 disorder. Consequently, this model holds significant potential for facilitating therapeutic screening and elucidating key driver genes implicated in NF-2 onset.