bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of multiple brooding in Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Mann Hilary A.R. , Imlay Tara L. , Leonard Marty L. 
Published: July 2024

Multiple brooding is an important component of reproductive success in many birds and the frequency of this behaviour has been linked to intrinsic (e.g., age, experience) and extrinsic factors (e.g., weather and food availability). When extrinsic factors drive multiple brooding, it may be possible to identify conservation actions to support multiple-brooded species at risk. The Barn Swallow ( Hirundo rustica Linnaeus, 1758), is a multiple-brooded aerial insectivore, currently listed as Threatened on Canada’s Species at Risk Act. We examined how weather, landcover, the presence of livestock and metal roofs (with associated heat) above nests affected the likelihood of multiple brooding in Barn Swallows nesting in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. We found that sites with a lower proportion of open habitats, including pastures, hayfields, and lawns, within the typical foraging range (i.e., 400 m) of nests, were associated with a higher probability of multiple brooding. Also, multiple brooding may be less likely in windy conditions. We found no effect of proportion of other landcover types, weather conditions, livestock or metal roofs above nests. When possible, decreasing the proportion of open habitats around breeding sites could result in higher rates of multiple brooding, and in turn, help slow population declines.
On the radiation quality characterization in radiation therapy: from linear energy transfer to experimental microdosimetry
Authors: Missiaggia Marta 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRadiation-induced biological damage is primarily characterized by the average dose absorbed by the tissue. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that other parameters, collectively constituting ”radiation quality,” play a crucial role in this context. However, defining and characterizing the radiation quality in radiotherapy to assess the radiobiological damage remains an open challenge. The most commonly used approach to quantify the radiation quality, the Linear Energy Transfer (LET), reveals many flaws in its applications. Microdosimetry represents an alternative approach that has been developed in the last decades and is considered a more accurate description of the radiation quality. Both approaches are explored, each with its inherent limitations and promising potential.
On the entanglement of co-ordinate and momentum degrees of freedom in noncommutative space
Authors: Nandi Shilpa , Rahaman Muklesur , Patra Pinaki 
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the quantum entanglement induced by phase-space noncommutativity. Both the position–position and momentum–momentum noncommutativity are incorporated to study the entanglement properties of coordinate and momentum degrees of freedom under the shade of oscillators in noncommutative space. Exact solutions for the systems are obtained after the model is re-expressed in terms of canonical variables, by performing a particular Bopp’s shift to the noncommuting degrees of freedom. It is shown that the bipartite Gaussian state for an isotropic oscillator is always separable. To extend our study for the time-dependent system, we allow arbitrary time dependency on parameters. The time-dependent isotropic oscillator is solved with the Lewis–Riesenfeld invariant method. It turns out that even for arbitrary time-dependent scenarios, the separability property does not alter. We extend our study to the anisotropic oscillator, which provides an entangled state even for time-independent parameters. The Wigner quasi-probability distribution is constructed for a bipartite Gaussian state. The noise matrix (covariance matrix) is explicitly studied with the help of Wigner distribution. Simon’s separability criterion (generalized Peres–Horodecki criterion) has been employed to find the unique function of the (mass and frequency) parameters, for which the bipartite states are separable. In particular, we show that the mere inclusion of non-commutativity of phase-space is not sufficient to generate the entanglement, rather anisotropy is important at the same footing. We explore the experimental viability of our result through the computation of extractable work for the current situation.
Exosomal Thomsen–Friedenreich Glycoantigen: A New Liquid Biopsy Biomarker for Lung and Breast Cancer Diagnoses
Authors: Hsu Chang-Chieh , Su Yafei , Rittenhouse-Olson Kate , Attwood Kristopher M. , Mojica Wilfrido , Reid Mary E. , Dy Grace K. , Wu Yun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles released by cells to transport biomolecules such as proteins and RNAs for intercellular communication. Exosomes play important roles in cancer development and metastasis; therefore, they have emerged as potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for cancer screening, diagnosis, and management. Many exosome cargos, including proteins, RNAs, and lipids, have been extensively investigated as biomarkers for cancer liquid biopsy. However, carbohydrates, an important type of biomolecule, have not yet been explored for this purpose. In this study, we reported a new exosomal carbohydrate biomarker, α-linked Thomsen–Friedenreich glycoantigen (TF-Ag-α; Galβ1-3GalNAc-α). To translate our discovery into clinical settings, we developed a surface plasmon resonance–based assay which utilized a unique mAb, JAA-F11, with high specificity to measure the levels of exosomal TF-Ag-α in blood. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate that exosomes carry TF-Ag-α. We detected exosomal TF-Ag-α in as low as 10 μL serum samples from patients with cancer, but in contrast, levels were negligible in those from normal controls. With a total of 233 patients with cancer and normal controls, we showed that exosomal TF-Ag-α detected lung cancer (n = 60) and breast cancer (n = 95) from normal controls (n = 78) with ≥95% and ≥97% accuracy, respectively. These results demonstrated that exosomal TF-Ag-α is a potential liquid biopsy biomarker for cancer diagnosis.

Significance:
Exosomes or small extracellular vesicles have emerged as potent biomarkers of cancer liquid biopsy. We discovered a new exosomal carbohydrate marker, TF-Ag-α (Galβ1-3GalNAc-α), and showed that exosomal TF-Ag-α detected both lung and breast cancers with &gt;95% accuracy. Our findings demonstrated that exosomal TF-Ag-α is a promising liquid biopsy biomarker for cancer screening and early detection.
Efficacy and Safety of High-Dose TBS on Poststroke Upper Extremity Motor Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Zhiqing , Huang Jianting , Zhou Ying , Ren Jianxun , Duan Xinyu , Fu Xiaoxuan , Pan Ruiqi , Wang Rongrong , Zhang Ping , Ding Mengying , Sun Jian , Zhang Xiaonian , Chi Qianqian , Zhang Yue , Zhang Xin , Yu Weiyong , Xu Liu , Zhang Hao , Liu Hesheng 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Upper extremity (UE) motor function impairment is a major poststroke complication whose recovery remains one of the most challenging tasks in neurological rehabilitation. This study examined the efficacy and safety of the personalized neuroimaging–guided high-dose theta-burst stimulation (TBS) for poststroke UE motor function recovery.

METHODS:
Patients after stroke with UE motor impairment from a China rehabilitation center were randomly assigned to receive high-dose intermittent TBS (iTBS) to ipsilesional UE sensorimotor network, continuous TBS (cTBS) to contralesional UE sensorimotor network, or sham stimulation, along with conventional therapy for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was the score changes on the Fugl-Meyer assessment-UE from baseline to 1 and 3 weeks. The secondary outcomes included the response rate on Fugl-Meyer assessment-UE scores posttreatment (≥9-point improvement) and score changes in multidimensional scales measuring UE, lower extremity, and activities and participation.

RESULTS:
From June 2021 to June 2022, 45 participants were randomized and 43 were analyzed. The iTBS and continuous TBS groups showed significantly greater improvement in Fugl-Meyer assessment-UE (mean improvement, iTBS: 10.73 points; continuous TBS: 10.79 points) than the sham group (2.43 points) and exhibited significantly greater response rates on Fugl-Meyer assessment-UE (iTBS, 60.0%; continuous TBS, 64.3%) than the sham group (0.0%). The active groups consistently exhibited superior improvement on the other 2 UE assessments at week 3. However, only the iTBS group showed greater efficacy on 1 lower extremity assessment than the sham group at week 3. Both active groups showed significant improvements in activities and participation assessments.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study provides evidence for the efficacy and safety of high-dose TBS in facilitating poststroke UE rehabilitation.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100047340.
Improved myelin water imaging using B1+ correction and data-driven global feature extraction: Application on people with MS
Authors: Zlotzover Sharon , Omer Noam , Radunsky Dvir , Stern Neta , Blumenfeld-Katzir Tamar , Reichman Dominique Ben-Ami , Shrot Shai , Hoffmann Chen , Ben-Eliezer Noam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The predominant technique for quantifying myelin content in the white matter is multicompartment analysis of MRI’s T2 relaxation times (mcT2 analysis). The process of resolving the T2 spectrum at each voxel, however, is highly ill-posed and remarkably susceptible to noise and to inhomogeneities of the transmit field (B1+). To address these challenges, we employ a preprocessing stage wherein a spatially global data-driven analysis of the tissue is performed to identify a set of mcT2 configurations (motifs) that best describe the tissue under investigation, followed by using this basis set to analyze the signal in each voxel. This procedure is complemented by a new algorithm for correcting B1+ inhomogeneities, lending the overall fitting process with improved robustness and reproducibility. Successful validations are presented using numerical and physical phantoms vs. ground truth, showcasing superior fitting accuracy and precision compared with conventional (non-data-driven) fitting. In vivo application of the technique is presented on 26 healthy subjects and 29 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing substantial reduction in myelin content within normal-appearing white matter regions of people with MS (i.e., outside obvious lesions), and confirming the potential of data-driven myelin values as a radiological biomarker for MS.
The Reporting of Race and Ethnicity in the Conduct Disorder Literature: A Time‐Sensitive Review
Authors: Brown Tashalee R. , Jansen Madeline O. , Lin Binx Yezhe , Rogers Cynthia E. , Xu Kevin Y. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAmong presenting conditions in pediatric acute care settings, conduct disorder (CD) is a potentially stigmatizing yet common diagnosis in the setting of behavioral dysregulation requiring psychiatric admission. Concerns exist about over‐diagnosis of CD in non‐Hispanic Black children relative to White peers and the potential for the CD diagnosis to obfuscate manifestations of co‐occurring psychiatric conditions.MethodsWe evaluated the number of manuscripts on CD diagnoses that report race and ethnicity and co‐occurring mental health characteristics (i.e., history of trauma, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], or substance use disorders [SUDs]) that are often undertreated in racially minoritized children. Using the keywords “conduct disorder” or “externalizing disorder,” we screened peer‐reviewed articles in PubMed published from January 2013 to November 2023.ResultsWe screened 2791 manuscripts for potential inclusion, of which 136 were original research articles with data on children with CD diagnoses. Thirteen articles contained racial and ethnic data for people with CD diagnoses, with the majority illustrating that Black children were overrepresented among those with CD diagnoses. No studies provided details on how race and ethnicity were ascertained and few mentioned racism as a potential explanation for racial disparities in CD diagnoses. No studies contained data collected after 2016, with three studies using data collected as early as 2001–2002. Across all articles, data on co‐occurring trauma, ADHD, and SUDs were scarce.ConclusionsThe overwhelming majority of studies on CD diagnoses did not provide comprehensive data on race and ethnicity and co‐occurring psychiatric disorders in children receiving diagnoses of CD.
Diffusion indices alteration in major white matter tracts of children with tic disorder using TRACULA
Authors: Kang June Christoph , Chi SuHyuk , Mok Young Eun , Kim Jeong-Ahn , Kim So Hyun , Lee Moon Soo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Tic disorder is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by involuntary movements or vocalizations. Previous studies utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging to explore white-matter alterations in tic disorders have reported inconsistent results regarding the affected tracts. We aimed to address this gap by employing a novel tractography technique for more detailed analysis.

Methods
We analyzed MRI data from 23 children with tic disorders and 23 healthy controls using TRActs Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy (TRACULA), an advanced automated probabilistic tractography method. We examined fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity in 42 specific significant white matter tracts.

Results
Our findings revealed notable differences in the children with tic disorders compared to the control group. Specifically, there was a significant reduction in FA in the parietal part and splenium of the corpus callosum and the left corticospinal tract. Increased RD was observed in the temporal and splenium areas of the corpus callosum, the left corticospinal tract, and the left acoustic radiation. A higher mean diffusivity was also noted in the left middle longitudinal fasciculus. A significant correlation emerged between the severity of motor symptoms, measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, and FA in the parietal part of the corpus callosum, as well as RD in the left acoustic radiation.

Conclusion
These results indicate a pattern of reduced interhemispheric connectivity in the corpus callosum, aligning with previous studies and novel findings in the diffusion indices changes in the left corticospinal tract, left acoustic radiation, and left middle longitudinal fasciculus. Tic disorders might involve structural abnormalities in key white matter tracts, offering new insights into their pathogenesis.
Dabigatran accumulation in acute kidney injury: is more better than less to prevent bleeding? A case report
Authors: Matbouli Rafik , Pantet Olivier , Castioni Julien , Vakilzadeh Nima , Alberio Lorenzo , Hugli Olivier 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDabigatran is an oral anticoagulant that is mainly renally excreted. Despite its efficacy in preventing thromboembolic events, concerns arise regarding bleeding complications in patients with acute kidney injury. Idarucizumab is its specific antidote and reverses quickly and effectively dabigatran anticoagulation effects in situations of severe bleeding or pending surgical procedures, but its benefit beyond these two indications remains uncertain. We present a case of a woman with atrial fibrillation anticoagulated by dabigatran and admitted with Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis, acute kidney injury and dabigatran accumulation. Idarucizumab was not administered initially as she did not meet its current strict indications. However, subsequently, significant bleeding necessitated its use. A rebound increase in dabigatran concentration was associated with an intracranial hemorrhage, but the combination of additional doses of idarucizumab with hemodialysis lowered the dabigatran concentration and prevented significant rebound increases. Further investigation into the optimal management of dabigatran accumulation and acute kidney injury-associated bleeding is needed to enhance patient outcomes and safety. Early initiation of hemodialysis together with idarucizumab administration may be crucial in preventing life-threatening bleeding events in these patients.
Comprehensive analysis of Alfin-like transcription factors associated with drought and salt stresses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Wenyan , Wang Ziyi , Li Na , Xie Yongfeng , Zhao Yanhong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Alfin-like proteins are a kind of plant-specific transcription factors, and play vital roles in plant growth, development and stress responses.

Results
In this study, a total of 27 Alfin-like transcription factors were identified in wheat. TaAL genes were unevenly distributed on chromosome. Phylogenetic analysis showed TaAL genes were divided into AL-B and AL-C subfamilies, and TaALs with closer evolutionary relationships generally shared more similar exon-intron structures and conserved motifs. The cis-acting element analysis showed MBS, ABRE and CGTCA-motif were the most common in TaAL promoters. The interacting proteins and downstream target genes of TaAL genes were also investigated in wheat. The transcriptome data and real-time PCR results indicated TaAL genes were differentially expressed under drought and salt stresses, and TaAL1-B was significantly up-regulated in response to drought stress. In addition, association analysis revealed that TaAL1-B-Hap-I allelic variation had significantly higher survival rate compared to TaAL1-B-Hap-II under drought stress.

Conclusions
These results will provide vital information to increase our understanding of the Alfin-like gene family in wheat, and help us in breeding better wheat varieties in the future.
CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas12a target site richness reflects genomic diversity in natural populations of Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Collier Travis C. , Lee Yoosook , Mathias Derrick K. , López Del Amo Víctor 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDue to limitations in conventional disease vector control strategies including the rise of insecticide resistance in natural populations of mosquitoes, genetic control strategies using CRISPR gene drive systems have been under serious consideration. The identification of CRISPR target sites in mosquito populations is a key aspect for developing efficient genetic vector control strategies. While genome-wide Cas9 target sites have been explored in mosquitoes, a precise evaluation of target sites focused on coding sequence (CDS) is lacking. Additionally, target site polymorphisms have not been characterized for other nucleases such as Cas12a, which require a different DNA recognition site (PAM) and would expand the accessibility of mosquito genomes for genetic engineering. We undertook a comprehensive analysis of potential target sites for both Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases within the genomes of natural populations of Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti from multiple continents. We demonstrate that using two nucleases increases the number of targets per gene. Also, we identified differences in nucleotide diversity between North American and African Aedes populations, impacting the abundance of good target sites with a minimal degree of polymorphisms that can affect the binding of gRNA. Lastly, we screened for gRNAs targeting sex-determination genes that could be widely applicable for developing field genetic control strategies. Overall, this work highlights the utility of employing both Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases and underscores the importance of designing universal genetic strategies adaptable to diverse mosquito populations.
Morphological, anatomical, and transcriptomics analysis reveals the regulatory mechanisms of cassava plant height development
Authors: Cai Zhaoqin , Ruan Lixia , Wei Wanling , He Wen , Yang Haixia , Chen Huixian , Liang Zhenhua , Huang Zhenling , Lan Xiu , Zhang Xiufen , Huang Ruolan , Zhao Chunhui , Li Tianyuan , He Longfei , Li Hengrui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Cassava is one of three major potato crops and the sixth most important food crop globally. Improving yield remains a primary aim in cassava breeding. Notably, plant height significantly impacts the yield and quality of crops; however, the mechanisms underlying cassava plant height development are yet to be elucidated.

Results
In this study, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for cassava plant height development using phenotypic, anatomical, and transcriptomic analyses. Phenotypic and anatomical analysis revealed that compared to the high-stem cassava cultivar, the dwarf-stem cassava cultivar exhibited a significant reduction in plant height and a notable increase in internode tissue xylem area. Meanwhile, physiological analysis demonstrated that the lignin content of dwarf cassava was significantly higher than that of high cassava. Notably, transcriptome analysis of internode tissues identified several differentially expressed genes involved in cell wall synthesis and expansion, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis between the two cassava cultivars.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that internode tissue cell division, secondary wall lignification, and hormone-related gene expression play important roles in cassava plant height development. Ultimately, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms of plant height morphogenesis in cassava and identifies candidate regulatory genes associated with plant height that can serve as valuable genetic resources for future crop dwarfing breeding.
The effect of pre- and post-harvest sodium nitroprusside treatments on the physiological changes of cut Alstroemeria aurea ‘Orange Queen’ during vase life
Authors: Sadeghi Soheila , Jabbarzadeh Zohreh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCut flowers deteriorate rapidly after harvest, lasting mere days. To extend their vase life, various postharvest techniques are employed. Due to limited knowledge about the postharvest physiology of Alstroemeria cut flowers and the specific role of secondary compounds and antioxidant systems in their protection, this study investigated the optimal dosage of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a nitric oxide (NO) donor to enhance quality and antioxidant defenses. Preharvest foliar application of SNP at 0, 50, 100, and 200 µM followed by short-term pulsing treatments upon harvest at the same concentrations were applied in a factorial design. Results revealed that a preharvest 100 µM SNP treatment combined with a 50 µM postharvest pulse significantly increased the total amount of phenols (over 20%), antioxidant capacity (more than doubled), and the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase by over 35% and guaiacol peroxidase by about 20%). Notably, this combination also diminished ion leakage (by about 20%), ultimately extending the vase life by more than 40% compared to untreated plants. Therefore, SNP application at these specific dosages proves effective in bolstering Alstroemeria cut flower quality and vase life through enhanced total phenols and a strengthened antioxidant system.