bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy and confounders of vagus nerve ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—a single-center case series and pooled individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Müller Katharina J. , Schmidbauer Moritz L. , Schönecker Sonja , Kamm Katharina , Pelz Johann O. , Holzapfel Korbinian , Papadopoulou Marianna , Bakola Eleni , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Naumann Markus , Hermann Andreas , Walter Uwe , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Reilich Peter , Schöberl Florian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Several single-center studies proposed utility of vagus nerve (VN) ultrasound for detecting disease severity, autonomic dysfunction, and bulbar phenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the resulting body of literature shows opposing results, leaving considerable uncertainty on the clinical benefits of VN ultrasound in ALS.

Methods
Relevant studies were identified up to 04/2024 and individual patient data (IPD) obtained from the respective authors were pooled with a so far unpublished cohort (from Munich). An IPD meta-analysis of 109 patients with probable or definite ALS (El Escorial criteria) and available VN cross-sectional area (CSA) was performed, with age, sex, ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), disease duration, and bulbar phenotype as independent variables.

Results
Mean age was 65 years (± 12) and 47% of patients (± 12) had bulbar ALS. Mean ALSFRS-R was 38 (± 7), and mean duration was 18 months (± 18). VN atrophy was highly prevalent [left: 67% (± 5), mean CSA 1.6mm2 (± 0.6); right: 78% (± 21), mean CSA 1.8 mm2 (± 0.7)]. VN CSA correlated with disease duration (mean slope: left − 0.01; right − 0.01), but not with ALSFRS-R (mean slope: left 0.004; mean slope: right − 0.002). Test accuracy for phenotyping bulbar vs. non-bulbar ALS was poor (summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve: left 0.496; right 0.572).

Conclusion
VN atrophy in ALS is highly prevalent and correlates with disease duration, but not with ALSFRS-R. VN CSA is insufficient to differentiate bulbar from non-bulbar ALS phenotypes. Further studies are warranted to analyze the link between VN atrophy, autonomic impairment, and survival in ALS.
Critical evaluation and recalculation of current systematic reviews with meta-analysis on the effects of acute and chronic stretching on passive properties and passive peak torque
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Lohmann Lars Hubertus , Plöschberger Gerit , Konrad Andreas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Muscle, tendon, and muscle–tendon unit (MTU) stiffness as well as passive peak torque (PPT) or delayed stretching pain sensation are typical explanatory approaches for stretching adaptations. However, in literature, differences in the study inclusion, as well as applying meta-analytical models without accounting for intrastudy dependency of multiple and heteroscedasticity of data bias the current evidence. Furthermore, most of the recent analyses neglected to investigate PPT adaptations and further moderators.

Methods
The presented review used the recommended meta-analytical calculation method to investigate the effects of stretching on stiffness as well as on passive torque parameters using subgroup analyses for stretching types, stretching duration, and supervision.

Results
Chronic stretching reduced muscle stiffness ( −  0.38, p = 0.01) overall, and also for the supervised ( −  0.49, p = 0.004) and long static stretching interventions ( −  0.61, p < 0.001), while the unsupervised and short duration subgroups did not reach the level of significance (p = 0.21, 0.29). No effects were observed for tendon stiffness or for subgroups (e.g., long-stretching durations). Chronic PPT (0.55, p = 0.005) in end ROM increased. Only long-stretching durations sufficiently decreased muscle stiffness acutely. No effects could be observed for acute PPT.

Conclusion
While partially in accordance with previous literature, the results underline the relevance of long-stretching durations when inducing changes in passive properties. Only four acute PPT in end ROM studies were eligible, while a large number were excluded as they provided mathematical models and/or lacked control conditions, calling for further randomized controlled trials on acute PPT effects.
Genome-wide SNPs and candidate genes underlying the genetic variations for protein and amino acids in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) germplasm
Authors: Singh Satbeer , Yadav Chandra Bhan , Lubanga Nelson , Hegarty Matthew , Yadav Rattan S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations and 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near the strong marker trait associations (– log10P ≥ 5.5).

Abstract
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is largely grown as a subsistence crop in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It serves as a major source of daily protein intake in these regions. Despite its importance, no systematic effort has been made to study the genetic variations of protein and amino acid content in pearl millet germplasm. The present study was undertaken to dissect the global genetic variations of total protein and 18 essential and non-essential amino acids in pearl millet, using a set of 435 K Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 161 genotypes of the Pearl Millet Inbred Germplasm Association Panel (PMiGAP). A total of 544 significant marker-trait associations (at P < 0.0001; – log10P ≥ 4) were detected and 23 strong marker-trait associations were identified using Bonferroni’s correction method. Forty-eight pleiotropic loci were found in the genome for the studied traits. In total, 286 candidate genes associated with total protein and 18 amino acids were identified. Thirty-three candidate genes were found near strongly associated SNPs. The associated markers and the candidate genes provide an insight into the genetic architecture of the traits studied and are going to be useful in breeding improved pearl millet varieties in the future. Availabilities of improved pearl millet varieties possessing higher protein and amino acid compositions will help combat the rising malnutrition problem via diet.
ETV6::ABL1 fusion: from overlooked minor clone in myeloproliferative neoplasm to major player in leukemic transformation
Authors: Lee Hyun-Woo , Park Min-Seung , Kim Boram , Jung Chul Won , Kim Hee-Jin , Kim Hyun-Young 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe ETV6::ABL1 fusion defines a subgroup of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions. We report a case of extramedullary involvement and leukemic transformation in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), where ETV6::ABL1 was initially overlooked but later detected in the blast phase. ETV6::ABL1 burden was very low during the MPN phase but increased substantially during the blast phase. This correlation between ETV6::ABL1 burden and disease phenotype indicated that an immature leukemic clone is the sole carrier of ETV6::ABL1, suggesting that ETV6::ABL1 is not the primary driver of the MPN phase. Moreover, only the blast phase revealed somatic mutations in RUNX1 and STAG2, or complex karyotype, while the MPN phase revealed no molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether the small clone of ETV6::ABL1 influenced the manifestation of MPN or if another underlying driver was responsible for the MPN phase, necessitating further research.
Gain-of-function variants in GSDME cause pyroptosis and apoptosis associated with post-lingual hearing loss
Authors: Xiao Yun , Chen Lei , Xu Kaifan , Zhou Meijuan , Han Yuechen , Luo Jianfen , Ai Yu , Wang Mingming , Jin Yu , Qiao Ruifeng , Kong Shuhui , Fan Zhaomin , Xu Lei , Wang Haibo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGasdermin E (GSDME), a member of the gasdermin protein family, is associated with post-lingual hearing loss. All GSDME pathogenic mutations lead to skipping exon 8; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying hearing loss caused by GSDME mutants remain unclear. GSDME was recently identified as one of the mediators of programmed cell death, including apoptosis and pyroptosis. Therefore, in this study, we injected mice with GSDME mutant (MT) and examined the expression levels to assess its effect on hearing impairment. We observed loss of hair cells in the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion neurons. Further, the N-terminal release from the GSDME mutant in HEI-OC1 cells caused pyroptosis, characterized by cell swelling and rupture of the plasma membrane, releasing lactate dehydrogenase and cytokines such as interleukin-1β. We also observed that the N-terminal release from GSDME mutants could permeabilize the mitochondrial membrane, releasing cytochromes and activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, thereby generating possible positive feedback on the cleavage of GSDME. Furthermore, we found that treatment with disulfiram or dimethyl fumarate might inhibit pyroptosis and apoptosis by inhibiting the release of GSDME-N from GSDME mutants. In conclusion, this study elucidated the molecular mechanism associated with hearing loss caused by GSDME gene mutations, offering novel insights for potential treatment strategies.
Effects of ash dieback on leaf physiology and leaf morphology of Fraxinus excelsior L.
Authors: Buchner Lisa , Eisen Anna-Katharina , Jochner-Oette Susanne 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Key message
Ash dieback causes alterations in leaf physiology and morphology, particularly affecting the specific leaf area, which can be used to discriminate between different degrees of damage.

Abstract
Since the introduction of the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Europe, the European common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) has been threatened by ash dieback. An infection leads, for example, to typical symptoms of dying shoots, but changes of leaf physiology and morphology are still largely unexplored. Therefore, five physiological and morphological traits, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, and fluctuating asymmetry, were investigated in four different study sites in southern Germany regarding possible changes due to ash dieback and their relationship to different degrees of damage. Both higher and lower levels of chlorophyll with increasing damage due to ash dieback were observed. Chlorophyll fluorescence and fluctuating asymmetry proved to be less suitable indicators of damage. Leaf thickness showed the tendency (however not significant) of an increase in more severely damaged trees. The specific leaf area was identified as a suitable indicator of the damage severity, with significant smaller values in less healthy trees. Therefore, ash dieback can also result in notable alterations in leaf physiology and morphology.
Prevention of taxane chemotherapy-induced nail changes and peripheral neuropathy by application of extremity cooling: a prospective single-centre study with intrapatient comparison
Authors: Johnson Kristen , Stoffel Barbara , Schwitter Michael , Hayoz Stefanie , Rojas Mora Alfonso , Fischer Maranta Angela , El Saadany Tämer , Hasler Ursula , von Moos Roger , Patzen Annalea , Mark Michael , Roberts Gillian , Cathomas Richard 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Common side effects of taxane chemotherapy are nail toxicity and peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) causing severe impact on the quality of life. Different methods of cryotherapy to prevent these side effects have been tested. We investigated the use of machine-controlled cooling of hands and feet to reduce nail toxicity and CIPN in patients receiving taxane chemotherapy.

Methods
Patients receiving Docetaxel (planned dose $$\ge$$
≥
300 mg/m2) or Paclitaxel (planned dose $$\ge$$
≥
720 mg/m2$$-$$
-
) in the adjuvant or palliative setting of different cancers were included. The dominant hand and foot were cooled to approximately 10 °C using the Hilotherapy machine. The contralateral hand and foot were used as intrapatient comparison. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of any CIPN due to paclitaxel or nail toxicity due to Docetaxel. Both the intention to treat population (ITT) and the per protocol population (PPP) were analyzed.

Results
A total of 69 patients, 21 treated with Docetaxel and 48 with Paclitaxel, were included at our centre between 08/2020 and 08/2022. Nail toxicity due to Docetaxel was overall not significantly improved by cooling in the ITT or PPP but a significant benefit across visits was found for the ITT. CIPN due to Paclitaxel was numerically better in the ITT and significantly better in the PPP. A significant benefit of cooling on CIPN occurrence across visits was found for the ITT and the PPP. Cooling was very well tolerated.

Conclusion
Cooling of hands and feet has a clinically meaningful impact on reducing occurrence of CIPN and nail toxicity on treatment with taxanes. Effects are more significant over time and are dose dependent.
Trial registration number.
2020–00381.
Date of registration.
24th February 2020.
Mathematical modeling of neuron model through fractal-fractional differentiation based on maxwell electromagnetic induction: application to neurodynamics
Authors: Abro Kashif Ali , Atangana Abdon 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe electrical activities of the reliable neuron models have different responses within intrinsic biophysical effects and can functionalize for asymmetric coexisting electrical activities under anti-monotonicity phenomenon. This manuscript presents mathematical analysis of neuron model based on Maxwell electromagnetic induction through newly proposed fractal-fractional differential and integral operators. The neuron model based on Maxwell electromagnetic induction changes with time along a fractal dimension that describes the cumulative chaotic phenomenon. The cumulative chaotic phenomenon of neuron model is mathematically modeled via exponential and Mittag–Leffler kernels with variable and fixed fractal and fractional orders. In order to exhibit fractal properties and memory effects, the neuron model is discretized by means of Adams–Bashforth-Moulton method that allows explicitly to compute the approximate solution of neuron model. The comparison of neuron model based on memory effect and fractal dimension have distinguished the evolution of neuron model at (i) variability of fractal order with fixed fractional order, (ii) variability of fractional order with fixed fractal order, and (iii) variability of fractal order as well fractional order.
Predicting grout’s uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) for fully grouted rock bolting system by applying ensemble machine learning techniques
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Entezam Shima , Jodeiri Shokri Behshad , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , Nourizadeh Hadi , Motallebiyan Amin , Entezam Alireza , McDougall Kevin , Karunasena Warna , Aziz Naj 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study proposes a novel system for accurately predicting grout’s uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) in fully grouted rock bolting systems. To achieve this, a database comprising 73 UCS values with varying water-to-grout (W/G) ratios ranging from 22 to 42%, curing times from 1 to 28 days, the admixture of fly ash contents ranging from 0 to 30%, and two Australian commercial grouts, Stratabinder HS, and BU-100, was built after conducting comprehensive series of experimental tests. After building the dataset, a metaheuristic technique, the jellyfish search (JS) algorithm was employed to determine the weight of base models in the ensemble system. This system combined various data and modelling techniques to enhance the accuracy of the UCS predictions. What sets this technique apart is the comprehensive database and the innovative use of the JS algorithm to create a weighted averaging ensemble model, going beyond traditional methods for predicting grout strength. The proposed ensemble model was called the weighted averaging ensemble model (WAE-JS), in which the obtained results of several soft computing models such as multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Bayesian regularized (BR) neural networks, generalized feed-forward (GFF) neural networks, classification and regression tree (CART), and random forest (RF) were weighted based on JS and the new results were then generated. Eventually, the result of WAE-JS was compared to other models, including MLP, BR, GFF, CART, and RF, based on some statistical parameters, such as R-squared coefficients, RMSE, and VAF as indices for evaluating the performance and capability of the proposed model. The results suggested the superiority of the ensemble WAE-JS system over the base models. In addition, the proposed WAE-JS model effectively improved the predicting accuracy achieved from the MLP, BR, GFF, CART, and RF. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the W/G had the most significant impact on the grout’s UCS values.
Modulable 3D-printed plantibody-laden platform enabling microscale affinity extraction and ratiometric front-face fluorescence detection of microcystin-LR in marine waters
Authors: Payà-Pou Roser , Aguirre-Camacho Julia , Simó-Alfonso Ernesto Francisco , Knopp Dietmar , Miró Manuel , Carrasco-Correa Enrique Javier 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 3D-printed stereolithographic platform for selective biorecognition is designed to enable convective microscale affinity extraction of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) followed by direct solid-phase optosensing exploiting ratiometric front-face fluorescence spectroscopy. For this purpose, a recombinant monoclonal plantibody (recAb) is covalently attached to a 3D-printed structure for sorptive immunoextraction, whereupon the free and unbound primary amino moieties of the recAb are derivatized with a fluorescent probe. The fluorophore-recAb-MC-LR laden device is then accommodated in the cuvette holder of a conventional fluorometer without any instrumental modification for the recording of the solid-phase fluorescence emission. Using Rodbard’s four-parameter sigmoidal function, the 3D-printed bioselective platform features a limit of detection (LOD) of 28 ng L−1 using a sample volume of 500 mL, device-to-device reproducibility down to 12%, and relative recoveries ranging from 91 to 100% in marine waters. Printed prototypes are affordable, just 0.4 € per print and ≤ 10 € per device containing recAb. One of the main assets of the miniaturized immunoextraction device is that it performs comparably well in terms of analytical figures of merit with costly mass spectrometric-based analytical methodologies, such as HPLC–MS/MS. The device is readily applicable to high-matrix samples, such as seawater, as opposed to previous biosensing platforms, just applied to freshwater systems.
Graphical abstract
Neuronavigation assisted percutaneous balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia. How I do it
Authors: Rochat P. , Springborg J. B. , Birkeland P. , Agerlin N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia includes percutaneous techniques, including balloon compression, first described in 1983 by Mullan and Lichtor (J Neurosurg 59(6):1007–1012, 6).

Method
Here we present a safe and simple navigation-assisted percutaneous technique for balloon compression, which can also be used for glycerol injection.

Conclusion
The navigation-assisted percutaneous technique for balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia is a quick and safe treatment for patients not candidates for microvascular decompression.
CFD-DEM modelling of particle entrainment in wheel–rail interface: a parametric study on train characteristics
Authors: Maramizonouz Sadaf , Nadimi Sadegh , Lewis Roger 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRail-sanding is employed to improve the train’s wheel–rail traction loss in low adhesion conditions. This can significantly impede trains’ kinematics, operation, and performance by hindering the train’s acceleration and deceleration, resulting in delays and unreliability of transport system as well as causing safety risks and in the worst cases train collisions. Rail-sanding has its own merits in recovering the wheel–rail traction but can result in a sand wastage of more than 80% due to its low sand entrainment efficiency. In this research, computational fluid dynamics is coupled to discrete element modelling to study the behaviour of sand particles during rail-sanding. A parametric study based on the train characteristics, including train velocity, sand flow rate, and the geometry of the sander nozzle, is performed by comparing the entrainment efficiency of the sand particles. It is found that train velocities over 30 m/s result in the entrainment efficiency of almost zero. A moving air layer generated at the wheel–rail interface influences the lower bound of acceptable particle size range. The flow rate and nozzle geometry can be designed to enhance entrainment efficiency.
The impact of inorganic fillers, organic content, and polymerization mode on the degree of conversion of monomers in resin-matrix cements for restorative dentistry: a scoping review
Authors: Santos Marcionilia , Fidalgo-Pereira Rita , Torres Orlanda , Carvalho Oscar , Henriques Bruno , Özcan Mutlu , Souza Júlio C. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of the present study was to carry out a scoping review on the differences in degree of conversion of monomers regarding several types resin cements, indirect restorative materials, and light-curing procedures used in dentistry.

Method
A bibliographic review was performed on PubMed using the following search items: “degree of conversion” OR “filler” AND “resin cement” OR “inorganic cement” AND “organic” OR “radiopacity” OR “refractive” OR “transmittance” OR “type” AND “resin composite.” The search involved articles published in English language within the last thirteen years. A research question has been formulated following the PICO approach as follow: “How different is the degree of conversion of monomers comparing several types of resin-matrix cements?”.

Results
Within the 15 selected studies, 8 studies reported a high degree of conversion (DC) of the organic matrix ranging from 70 up to 90% while 7 studies showed lower DC values. Dual-cured resin-matrix cements revealed the highest mean values of DC, flexural strength, and hardness when compared with light- and self-polymerized ones. DC mean values of resin-matrix cements light-cured through a ceramic veneer with 0.4 mm thickness were higher (~ 83%) than those recorded for resin-matrix cements light-cured through a thicker ceramic layer of 1.5 mm (~ 77%).

Conclusions
The highest percentage of degree of conversion of monomers was reported for dual-cured resin-matrix cements and therefore both chemical and light-induced pathways promoted an enhanced polymerization of the material. Similar degree of conversion of the same resin-matrix cement were recorded when the prosthetic structure showed a low thickness. On thick prosthetic structures, translucent materials are required to allow the light transmission achieving the resin-matrix cement.

Clinical relevance
The chemical composition of resin-matrix cements and the light-curing mode can affect the polymerization of the organic matrix. Thus, physical properties of the materials can vary leading to early clinical failures at restorative interfaces. Thus, the analysis of the polymerization pathways of resin-matrix cements is significantly beneficial for the clinical performance of the restorative interfaces.