bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic impact of nicotine products on periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Wiesmann-Imilowski Nadine , Becker Philipp , Gielisch Matthias W. , Ziebolz Dirk , Vermehren Franziska , Bitschnau Marian , Langguth Nils , Brieger Jürgen , Deschner James , Kämmerer Peer W. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The primary objective of this in vitro experiment was an assessment of proliferative capacity, metabolic activity, and potential cellular detriment of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDL) exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), electronic cigarette vapor (eCV), and heated tobacco product aerosol (HTP), or air (control).

Materials and methods
Using a CAD/CAM-designed exposition chamber, hPDL were exposed to CS, eCV, HTP, or air (control) based on the Health Canada Intense Smoking Regime. Cell proliferation, metabolic activity, and cellular detriment were assessed at various time points.

Results
Compared to the control, hPDL exposed to CS exhibited significantly decreased cell numbers at all time points. HTP exposure led to reduced cell numbers 48 h and 72 h post-exposure, while eCV-exposed cells showed no significant decrease. The metabolic activity of eCV-treated hPDL was slightly reduced at 7 h but recovered at 24 h and 48 h. In contrast, CS-treated cells exhibited significantly decreased metabolic activity at 24 h and 48 h, and HTP-exposed cells showed a significant decrease after 48 h. Flow cytometry indicated both apoptotic and necrotic cell death following CS exposure, with necrotic cell death being more pronounced.

Conclusions
eCV and HTP demonstrated comparatively reduced detrimental effects on hPDL compared to CS.

Clinical relevance
: The findings suggest that conventional cigarette smoke poses a substantial risk to periodontal health by significantly impairing cell proliferation and metabolic activity. However, alternatives such as eCV and HTP may offer a comparatively reduced risk.
Glacial Meltwater Increases the Dependence on Marine Subsidies of Fish in Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Saboret Grégoire , Moccetti Coralie , Takatsu Kunio , Janssen David J. , Matthews Blake , Brodersen Jakob , Schubert Carsten J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn a warming world, the input of glacier meltwater to inland water ecosystems is predicted to change, potentially affecting their productivity. Meta-ecosystem theory, which posits that the nutrient availability in the recipient ecosystem can determine the extent of cross-ecosystem boundary utilization, can be useful for studying landscape-scale influences of glacier meltwater on inland waters. Here, we investigate how the input of glacier meltwater in a river system in Southern Greenland influences the utilization of marine subsidies in freshwater fish. Our study system comprised four sites, with controls for glacial meltwater and marine subsidies, harboring a partially migrating population of arctic char, meaning that some individuals migrate to the ocean and others remain in freshwaters, and two fully resident populations as a freshwater reference. We assessed the incorporation of marine carbon in freshwater resident char using both bulk and amino acid stable isotope analysis of muscle tissue. In the population with partial migration, marine subsidies were a significant resource for resident char individuals, and estimates of trophic position suggest that egg cannibalism is an important mechanism underlying the assimilation of these marine subsidies. In proglacial streams, namely those with high glacial meltwater, the total dependence on marine subsidies increased and reached 83% because char become cannibals at smaller sizes. In the configuration of our focal meta-ecosystem, our results suggest that the importance of marine subsidies to freshwater fish strengthens within increasing meltwater flux from upstream glaciers.
Prevalence and clinical implications of bloodstream infections in intensive care patients with or without burn injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bergmann Felix , Jorda Anselm , Sollner Julia , Sawodny Rebecca , Kammerer Kerstin , List Valerie , Prager Marlene , Gelbenegger Georg , Kumpf Katarina , Lagler Heimo , Zeitlinger Markus , Radtke Christine 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Severe burn injuries are often accompanied by infections and associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and clinical impact of bacteremia between patients receiving intensive care with and without burns.

Methods
This single-center retrospective cohort study at the University Hospital Vienna, Austria, analyzed blood cultures from intensive care unit (ICU) patients with and without burns (2012–2022) to assess the prevalence of bacteremia, the associated pathogen distribution and the 60-day all-cause mortality.

Results
In 1170 ICU patients, 303 with burns and 867 without, the prevalence of bacteremia was similar among patients with at least one blood culture (31/157 [19.7%] versus 44/213 [20.7%], OR [95%CI] = 0.95 [0.57–1.57]). Burn patients exhibited a significantly higher frequency of microbiological sampling (51.5% versus 24.5%, p < 0.001), resulting in a higher overall prevalence of bacteremia (10.2% versus 5.1%, p = 0.002). 16.2% of all identified pathogens were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The 60-day all-cause mortality was higher in patients with MDR pathogens than in patients without bacteremia (41.7% versus 10.6%, p = 0.026).

Conclusion
Bacteremia prevalence was similar in burn and non-burn patients, with high rates of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The 60-day all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with MDR pathogens than in patients without bacteremia.
Value of MRI - T2 Mapping to Differentiate Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bucher Andreas Michael , Egger Jan , Dietz Julia , Strecker Ralph , Hilbert Tom , Frodl Eric , Wenzel Mike , Penzkofer Tobias , Hamm Bernd , Chun Felix KH , Vogl Thomas , Kleesiek Jens , Beeres Martin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStandardized reporting of multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) is widespread and follows international standards (Pi-RADS). However, quantitative measurements from mpMRI are not widely comparable. Although T2 mapping sequences can provide repeatable quantitative image measurements and extract reliable imaging biomarkers from mpMRI, they are often time-consuming. We therefore investigated the value of quantitative measurements on a highly accelerated T2 mapping sequence, in order to establish a threshold to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. For this purpose, we evaluated a novel, highly accelerated T2 mapping research sequence that enables high-resolution image acquisition with short acquisition times in everyday clinical practice. In this retrospective single-center study, we included 54 patients with clinically indicated MRI of the prostate and biopsy-confirmed carcinoma (n = 37) or exclusion of carcinoma (n = 17). All patients had received a standard of care biopsy of the prostate, results of which were used to confirm or exclude presence of malignant lesions. We used the linear mixed-effects model-fit by REML to determine the difference between mean values of cancerous tissue and healthy tissue. We found good differentiation between malignant lesions and normal appearing tissue in the peripheral zone based on the mean T2 value. Specifically, the mean T2 value for tissue without malignant lesions was (151.7 ms [95% CI: 146.9–156.5 ms] compared to 80.9 ms for malignant lesions [95% CI: 67.9–79.1 ms]; p < 0.001). Based on this assessment, a limit of 109.2 ms is suggested. Aditionally, a significant correlation was observed between T2 values of the peripheral zone and PI-RADS scores (p = 0.0194). However, no correlation was found between the Gleason Score and the T2 relaxation time. Using REML, we found a difference of -82.7 ms in mean values between cancerous tissue and healthy tissue. We established a cut-off-value of 109.2 ms to accurately differentiate between malignant and non-malignant prostate regions. The addition of T2 mapping sequences to routine imaging could benefit automated lesion detection and facilitate contrast-free multiparametric MRI of the prostate.
Deep Learning for Describing Breast Ultrasound Images with BI-RADS Terms
Authors: Carrilero-Mardones Mikel , Parras-Jurado Manuela , Nogales Alberto , Pérez-Martín Jorge , Díez Francisco Javier 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Ultrasound is one of the most used techniques for diagnosis, but an expert in the field is necessary to interpret the test. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems aim to help physicians during this process. Experts use the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to describe tumors according to several features (shape, margin, orientation...) and estimate their malignancy, with a common language. To aid in tumor diagnosis with BI-RADS explanations, this paper presents a deep neural network for tumor detection, description, and classification. An expert radiologist described with BI-RADS terms 749 nodules taken from public datasets. The YOLO detection algorithm is used to obtain Regions of Interest (ROIs), and then a model, based on a multi-class classification architecture, receives as input each ROI and outputs the BI-RADS descriptors, the BI-RADS classification (with 6 categories), and a Boolean classification of malignancy. Six hundred of the nodules were used for 10-fold cross-validation (CV) and 149 for testing. The accuracy of this model was compared with state-of-the-art CNNs for the same task. This model outperforms plain classifiers in the agreement with the expert (Cohen’s kappa), with a mean over the descriptors of 0.58 in CV and 0.64 in testing, while the second best model yielded kappas of 0.55 and 0.59, respectively. Adding YOLO to the model significantly enhances the performance (0.16 in CV and 0.09 in testing). More importantly, training the model with BI-RADS descriptors enables the explainability of the Boolean malignancy classification without reducing accuracy.
Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A inhibited ocular angiogenesis through modulating glial activation via SOCS3
Authors: Gregg Austin T. , Wang Tianxi , Szczepan Manon , Lam Enton , Yagi Hitomi , Neilsen Katherine , Wang Xingyan , Smith Lois E. H. , Sun Ye 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Pathological angiogenesis causes significant vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and other retinopathies with neovascularization (NV). Neuronal/glial-vascular interactions influence the release of angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. We hypothesized that botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) modulates pathological endothelial cell proliferation through glial cell activation and growth factor release.

Methods
A laser-induced choroidal NV (CNV) was employed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of BoNT/A. Fundus fluorescence angiography, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR were used to assess BoNT/A efficacy in inhibiting CNV and the molecular mechanisms underlying this inhibition. Neuronal and glial suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) deficient mice were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of BoNT/A in inhibiting CNV via SOCS3.

Findings
In laser-induced CNV mice with intravitreal BoNT/A treatment, CNV lesions decreased > 30%; vascular leakage and retinal glial activation were suppressed; and Socs3 mRNA expression was induced while vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) mRNA expression was suppressed. The protective effects of BoNT/A on CNV development were diminished in mice lacking neuronal/glial SOCS3.

Conclusion
BoNT/A suppressed laser-induced CNV and glial cell activation, in part through SOCS3 induction in neuronal/glial cells. BoNT/A treatment led to a decrease of pro-angiogenic factors, including VEGFA, highlighting the potential of BoNT/A as a therapeutic intervention for pathological angiogenesis in retinopathies.
Assessing the potential of different economic incentives for stimulating temperate agroforestry. A study in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Tavernier Helena , Borremans Lieve , Bracke Jolien , Reubens Bert , Wauters Erwin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany studies point to the social and environmental benefits of agroforestry, also in temperate regions such as Flanders. Nevertheless, farmers do not yet see agroforestry as an equally valuable option alongside other farming systems because of the uncertain economic profitability and the current incompatibility of this system with existing market conditions. This paper has the aim to identify and evaluate – existing and hypothetical- economic incentives for agroforestry in Flanders. Data was collected over the period 2015—2021 through focus groups at conferences and in thematic living labs in Flanders with a broad range of stakeholders (e.g. farmers, processors, policy makers, researchers, etc.). The results were analysed qualitatively in Nvivo12 to make a classification of incentives and instruments in a first phase. In a second phase they were evaluated based on an adjusted SAF (Suitability, Acceptability and Feasibility) framework. Four types of incentives were identified: (1) government based; (2) payment for agroforestry products; (3) payment for ecosystem services; and (4) community based incentives. Currently, the highest potential is expected from payment for ecosystem services and the least potential from payment for products and community-based incentives due to a lack of consumer demand for agroforestry products specifically and the unfamiliarity of agroforestry to a broader public. At the end of the data collection period, a positive evolution was already observed in the development of these instruments. To accelerate this evolution, initiatives supporting awareness among a broader public and more insights into the preferences of a wide range of stakeholders is needed.
LExCI: A framework for reinforcement learning with embedded systems
Authors: Badalian Kevin , Koch Lucas , Brinkmann Tobias , Picerno Mario , Wegener Marius , Lee Sung-Yong , Andert Jakob 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAdvances in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to its application in many areas of everyday life. In the context of control engineering, reinforcement learning (RL) represents a particularly promising approach as it is centred around the idea of allowing an agent to freely interact with its environment to find an optimal strategy. One of the challenges professionals face when training and deploying RL agents is that the latter often have to run on dedicated embedded devices. This could be to integrate them into an existing toolchain or to satisfy certain performance criteria like real-time constraints. Conventional RL libraries, however, cannot be easily utilised in conjunction with that kind of hardware. In this paper, we present a framework named LExCI, the Learning and Experiencing Cycle Interface, which bridges this gap and provides end-users with a free and open-source tool for training agents on embedded systems using the open-source library RLlib. Its operability is demonstrated with two state-of-the-art RL-algorithms and a rapid control prototyping system.
SPACA6P-AS: a trailblazer in breast cancer pathobiology and therapeutics
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Jiang Yiling , Zeng Lijun , Ouyang Yuhan , Li Hailong , Tang Yuanbin , Luo Lunqi , Ouyang Lianjie , Xie Liming , Tan Yeru , Li Yuehua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objective
The primary objective of this investigation is to delve into the involvement of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SPACA6P-AS in breast cancer (BC) development, focusing on its expression pattern, association with clinical-pathological features, impact on prognosis, as well as its molecular and immunological implications.

Methods
Bioinformatics analysis was conducted utilizing RNA sequencing data of 1083 BC patients from the TCGA database. Functional exploration of SPACA6P-AS was carried out through the construction of survival curves, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Furthermore, its functionality was validated through in vitro cell experiments and in vivo nude mouse model experiments.

Results
SPACA6P-AS showed a remarkable increase in expression levels in BC tissues (p < 0.001) and demonstrated a close relationship to poor prognosis (overall survival HR = 1.616, progression-free interval HR = 1.40, disease-specific survival HR = 1.54). Enrichment analysis revealed that SPACA6P-AS could impact biological functions such as protease regulation, endopeptidase inhibitor activity, taste receptor activity, taste transduction, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young pathway. ssGSEA analysis indicated a negative correlation between SPACA6P-AS expression and immune cell infiltration like dendritic cells and neutrophils, while a positive correlation was observed with central memory T cells and T helper 2 cells. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments illustrated that silencing SPACA6P-AS significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of BC cells. In vitro experiments also highlighted that dendritic cells with silenced SPACA6P-AS exhibited enhanced capabilities in promoting the proliferation of autologous CD3 + T cells and cytokine secretion. These discoveries elucidate the potential multifaceted roles of SPACA6P-AS in BC, including its potential involvement in modulating immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion
The high expression of lncRNA SPACA6P-AS in BC is closely linked to poor prognosis and may facilitate tumor progression by influencing specific biological processes, signaling pathways, and the immune microenvironment. The regulatory role of SPACA6P-AS positions it as a prospective biomarker and target for therapeutic approaches for BC diagnosis and intervention.
Micropolitics of Mental Health Recovery: An Assemblage Analysis of People’s Experiences of Becoming Well
Authors: Friesinger Jan Georg , Topor Alain , Lindvig Gunnhild Ruud , Larsen Inger Beate 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Mental health recovery takes place in a social and material world. However, socio-material contexts have often been absent from recovery studies. The present study was conducted in Norway, a Scandinavian welfare country. We interviewed people at meeting places who had experiences as service users, focusing on their experiences of becoming well, and analyzed their recovery stories using an assemblage framework. Our analysis identified four constitutive dimensions that promote mental health recovery: an atmosphere of togetherness, doings as more than the act, personal development, and integration in society. We discuss how these dimensions might be seen as social, relational, and material forces that create important micropolitics that challenge the individualistic professionalization of the recovery concept.
The Relation Between Perceived Mental Effort, Monitoring Judgments, and Learning Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: David Louise , Biwer Felicitas , Baars Martine , Wijnia Lisette , Paas Fred , de Bruin Anique 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccurately monitoring one’s learning processes during self-regulated learning depends on using the right cues, one of which could be perceived mental effort. A meta-analysis by Baars et al. (2020) found a negative association between mental effort and monitoring judgments (r = -.35), suggesting that the amount of mental effort experienced during a learning task is usually negatively correlated with learners’ perception of learning. However, it is unclear how monitoring judgments and perceptions of mental effort relate to learning outcomes. To examine if perceived mental effort is a diagnostic cue for learning outcomes, and whether monitoring judgments mediate this relationship, we employed a meta-analytic structural equation model. Results indicated a negative, moderate association between perceived mental effort and monitoring judgments (β = -.19), a positive, large association between monitoring judgments and learning outcomes (β = .29), and a negative, moderate indirect association between perceived mental effort and learning outcomes (β = -.05), which was mediated by monitoring judgments. Our subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant differences across moderators potentially due to the limited number of studies included per moderator category. Findings suggest that when learners perceive higher levels of mental effort, they exhibit lower learning (confidence) judgments, which relates to lower actual learning outcomes. Thus, learners seem to use perceived mental effort as a cue to judge their learning while perceived mental effort only indirectly relates to actual learning outcomes.
Exploring Scopoletin's Therapeutic Efficacy in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: Insights into Inflammatory Pathways, Immune Modulation, and Microbial Dynamics
Authors: Alqudah Abdelrahim , Qnais Esam , Gammoh Omar , Bseiso Yousra , Wedyan Mohammed , Alqudah Mohammad , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Tambuwala Murtaza 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of scopoletin in ulcerative colitis, with a primary focus on its impact on crucial inflammatory pathways and immune responses. A male mouse model of DSS-induced colitis was employed with six distinct groups: a control group, a group subjected to DSS only, three groups treated with varying scopoletin doses, and the final group treated with dexamethasone. The investigation included an assessment of the effects of scopoletin on colitis symptoms, including alterations in body weight, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and histopathological changes in colonic tissue. Furthermore, this study scrutinized the influence of scopoletin on cytokine production, PPARγ and NF-κB expression, NLRP3 inflammasome, and the composition of intestinal bacteria. Scopoletin treatment yielded noteworthy improvements in DSS-induced colitis in mice, as evidenced by reduced weight loss and colonic shortening (p < 0.05, < 0.01, respectively). It effectively diminished TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12 cytokine levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the associated cytokine release (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and modulated the immune response by elevating PPARγ expression while suppressing NF-κB pathway activation (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Additionally, scopoletin induced alterations in the gut microbiota composition, augmenting beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria while reducing E. coli (p < 0.05). It also enhanced tight junction proteins, signifying an improvement in the intestinal barrier integrity (p < 0.05, < 0.01). Scopoletin is a promising therapeutic agent for managing ulcerative colitis, showing benefits that extend beyond mere anti-inflammatory actions to encompass regulatory effects on gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal integrity.