bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural evidence of core foundations and conceptual change in preschool numeracy
Authors: Chen Chi‐Chuan , Berteletti Ilaria , Hyde Daniel C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSymbolic numeracy first emerges as children learn the meanings of number words and how to use them to precisely count sets of objects. This development starts before children enter school and forms a foundation for lifelong mathematics achievement. Despite its importance, exactly how children acquire this basic knowledge is unclear. Here we test competing theories of early number learning by measuring event‐related brain potentials during a novel number word‐quantity comparison task in 3–4‐year‐old preschool children (N = 128). We find several qualitative differences in neural processing of number by conceptual stage of development. Specifically, we find differences in early attention‐related parietal electrophysiology (N1), suggesting that less conceptually advanced children process arrays as individual objects and more advanced children distribute attention over the entire set. Subsequently, we find that only more conceptually advanced children show later‐going frontal (N2) sensitivity to the numerical‐distance relationship between the number word and visual quantity. The nature of this response suggested that exact rather than approximate numerical meanings were being associated with number words over frontal sites. No evidence of numerical distance effects was observed over posterior scalp sites. Together these results suggest that children may engage parallel individuation of objects to learn the meanings of the first few number words, but, ultimately, create new exact cardinal value representations for number words that cannot be defined in terms of core, nonverbal number systems. More broadly, these results document an interaction between attentional and general cognitive mechanisms in cognitive development.Research Highlights
Conceptual development in numeracy is associated with a shift in attention from objects to sets.
Children acquire meanings of the first few number words through associations with parallel attentional individuation of objects.
Understanding of cardinality is associated with attentional processing of sets rather than individuals.
Brain signatures suggest children attribute exact rather than approximate numerical meanings to the first few number words.
Number‐quantity relationship processing for the first few number words is evident in frontal but not parietal scalp electrophysiology of young children.
Re‐PROGRAM: The evaluation of a brief intervention program for patients with functional seizures in an outpatient hospital setting
Authors: Higson Lana , O'Brien Terence J , Rayner Genevieve , Alpitsis Rubina , Winton‐Brown Toby 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveFunctional seizures (FS) account for 20%–25% of referrals to specialist epilepsy clinics. They are associated with major disability, increased mortality, and frequent and costly health care use. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of implementing clinical pathways to coordinate and deliver effective treatment, but there are few targeted evidence‐based interventions that reliably improve patient outcomes, and treatment resources are limited. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of Re‐PROGRAM, a novel, brief intervention for functional seizure patients, to assess its feasibility in an outpatient setting.MethodsTwenty‐nine patients with FS undertook Re‐PROGRAM between August 2020 and January 2022 at the Alfred Hospital Functional Seizures Clinic, Melbourne, Australia. The intervention comprised five 60–90‐min consecutive weekly appointments via telehealth, where psychologists engaged patients in a structured program of seizure management skills, lifestyle modification, and behavioral activation strategies. Following the intervention, patient feedback was collected in routine clinical follow‐up as well as with a 24‐item self‐report pre‐/postintervention comparison questionnaire.ResultsAll 29 patients who enrolled in Re‐PROGRAM completed the scheduled sessions. Of those who returned the postintervention questionnaire (n = 16), 15 reported a reduction in seizure frequency. Four patients were lost to follow‐up. Of the remaining nine, eight reported seizure frequency reduction during clinical follow‐up. Qualitative analysis of the feedback revealed the majority of patients reported reduced seizure duration, intensity, and bothersomeness, and patients felt improvements in their sense of control over seizures, confidence to use seizure control strategies, assertive communication, problem solving, coping skills, relationships with others, and their day‐to‐day functioning.SignificanceThis retrospective evaluation demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of Re‐PROGRAM as a brief intervention for individuals diagnosed with FS delivered in a clinical outpatient setting and warrants further investigation in larger scale, randomized controlled studies.
Marine heatwave‐driven mass mortality and microbial community reorganisation in an ecologically important temperate sponge
Authors: Bell James J. , Micaroni Valerio , Strano Francesca , Ryan Ken G. , Mitchell Katherine , Mitchell Paul , Wilkinson Shaun , Thomas Torsten , Bachtiar Ramadian , Smith Robert O. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMarine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity, disrupting global marine ecosystems. While most reported impacts have been in tropical areas, New Zealand experienced its strongest and longest MHW in 2022, profoundly affecting marine sponges. Sponges are vital to rocky benthic marine communities, with their abundance influencing ecosystem functioning. This study examines the impact of this MHW on the photosynthetic sponge Cymbastella lamellata in Fiordland, New Zealand. We describe the extent, physiological responses, mortality, microbial community changes and ecological impact of this MHW on C. lamellata. The Fiordland MHW reached a maximum temperature of 4.4°C above average, lasting for 259 days. Bleaching occurred in >90% of the C. lamellata Fiordland population. The population size exceeded 66 million from 5 to 25 m, making this the largest bleaching event of its kind ever recorded. We identified the photosynthetic symbiont as a diatom, and bleached sponges had reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Post‐MHW surveys in 2023 found that over 50% of sponges at sampling sites had died but that the remaining sponges had mostly recovered from earlier bleaching. Using a simulated MHW experiment, we found that temperature stress was a driver of necrosis rather than bleaching, despite necrosis only rarely being observed in the field (<2% of sponges). This suggests that bleaching may not be the cause of the mortality directly. We also identified a microbial community shift in surviving sponges, which we propose represents a microbial‐mediated adaptive response to MHWs. We also found that C. lamellata are key contributors of dissolved organic carbon to the water column, with their loss likely impacting ecosystem function. We demonstrate the potential for MHWs to disrupt key marine phyla in temperate regions, highlighting how susceptible temperate sponges globally might be to MHWs.
Implementation status of comprehensive geriatric assessment among older inpatients: A nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Hosoi Tatsuya , Yamana Hayato , Matsumoto Shoya , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Akishita Masahiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Ogawa Sumito 
Published: August 2024

AimThe importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is increasing in aging societies worldwide. However, there are few comprehensive studies on CGA, resulting in a limited understanding of its implementation rate, temporal changes and factors associated with its implementation. We aimed to investigate the implementation status of CGA and its regional variance in Japan.MethodsUsing the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, we investigated CGA trends, and identified the patient, hospital and regional factors associated with its implementation. We identified patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted for the first time between 2016 and 2020 with a diagnosis of stroke, heart failure, pneumonia, bone fracture or colorectal cancer. We examined the CGA implementation rate according to patient and hospital characteristics. We also investigated temporal changes and tendencies to carry out CGA in different prefectures.ResultsA total of 1 974 817 patients were analyzed, of whom 570 696 (28.9%) underwent CGA. The implementation trend increased steadily from 25.3% in fiscal year 2016 to 33.4% in fiscal year 2019. The implementation rate also increased with patient age (30.3% in patients aged ≥95 years). Regional variations in its implementation status were observed, with a higher tendency to be implemented in areas near major metropolitan regions. A trend toward carrying out CGA for colorectal cancer, but not for other diseases, has been observed in eastern Japan.ConclusionAlthough CGA is increasingly carried out, considerable regional differences remain in its implementation status. Initiatives to reduce variations are necessary. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 904–911.
Advancing Ki67 hotspot detection in breast cancer: a comparative analysis of automated digital image analysis algorithms
Authors: Zwager Mieke C , Yu Shibo , Buikema Henk J , de Bock Geertruida H , Ramsing Thomas W , Thagaard Jeppe , Koopman Timco , van der Vegt Bert 
Published: August 2024

AimManual detection and scoring of Ki67 hotspots is difficult and prone to variability, limiting its clinical utility. Automated hotspot detection and scoring by digital image analysis (DIA) could improve the assessment of the Ki67 hotspot proliferation index (PI). This study compared the clinical performance of Ki67 hotspot detection and scoring DIA algorithms based on virtual dual staining (VDS) and deep learning (DL) with manual Ki67 hotspot PI assessment.MethodsTissue sections of 135 consecutive invasive breast carcinomas were immunohistochemically stained for Ki67. Two DIA algorithms, based on VDS and DL, automatically determined the Ki67 hotspot PI. For manual assessment; two independent observers detected hotspots and calculated scores using a validated scoring protocol.ResultsAutomated hotspot detection and assessment by VDS and DL could be performed in 73% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Automated hotspot detection by VDS and DL led to higher Ki67 hotspot PIs (mean 39.6% and 38.3%, respectively) compared to manual consensus Ki67 PIs (mean 28.8%). Comparing manual consensus Ki67 PIs with VDS Ki67 PIs revealed substantial correlation (r = 0.90), while manual consensus versus DL Ki67 PIs demonstrated high correlation (r = 0.95).ConclusionAutomated Ki67 hotspot detection and analysis correlated strongly with manual Ki67 assessment and provided higher PIs compared to manual assessment. The DL‐based algorithm outperformed the VDS‐based algorithm in clinical applicability, because it did not depend on virtual alignment of slides and correlated stronger with manual scores. Use of a DL‐based algorithm may allow clearer Ki67 PI cutoff values, thereby improving the clinical usability of Ki67.
Impact of the COVID pandemic on melanoma thickness and ulceration: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Scharf Camila , Mongardini Federico M. , Fisone Francesca , Briatico Giulia , Brancaccio Gabriella , Chirico Fabrizio , Tolone Salvatore , Docimo Ludovico , Gambardella Claudio , Lucido Francesco , Parisi Simona , Moscarella Elvira , Argenziano Giuseppe , Iovino Francesco 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe global healthcare sector faced immense challenges due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Oncologists noted reduced cancer screening, which impacted melanoma diagnosis and treatment, leading to concerns about delayed care and poorer outcomes. This review analyzes how the pandemic influenced melanoma ulceration risk and Breslow thickness index through a meta‐analysis of published studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of literature from January 2021 to December 2022 on cutaneous melanoma before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Upon screening 1854 manuscripts, the review led to 13 studies meeting inclusion standards. The quality assessment followed MINORS and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale criteria. Regarding ulceration, post‐COVID ulceration surpassed pre‐COVID levels significantly, with a risk ratio of 1.31 and an estimated odds ratio of 1.41, indicating a 44% rise post‐COVID. As for Breslow thickness, studies show a rising trend in the Breslow index post‐COVID, but less significantly, with an effect size of 0.08 regarding the meta‐analysis model (P = 0.02) with a pre‐COVID mean Breslow of 1.56 mm and post‐COVID of 1.84 mm. This meta‐analysis concluded that post‐COVID ulceration rates significantly surpassed pre‐COVID levels. Considering that ulcerated melanomas usually undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy and are more likely to benefit from adjuvant therapies, this indicates important implications, as many patients might have missed the opportunity to start therapy appropriately, regardless of their Breslow thickness status.
“One blade, two cuts?” A multidisciplinary survey investigating practice variability of scalpel blade change for simultaneous excision of multiple skin lesions in the same patient
Authors: Pietkiewicz Paweł , Stefaniak Aleksandra , Giedziun Piotr , Calik Jacek , Lewandowicz Michał , Mazur Ewelina , Cantisani Carmen , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Akay Bengu Nisa , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Rosendahl Cliff 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSkin cancer incidence increases globally, requiring effective preventive measures and evidence‐based treatment strategies. Current guidelines advocate for surgical excision as a first‐line treatment for most early skin cancers. The study investigated practices regarding changing scalpel blades when excising multiple skin lesions in the same patient during the same visit (CSB) and explored how beliefs about iatrogenic seeding influence individual norms of practice.MethodsA multidisciplinary survey was conducted among 173 medical specialists involved in skin cancer care. Participants provided demographic information, years of experience, and practices regarding CSB in four clinical scenarios (first excised tumor: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma suspect, and evident melanoma). Practice variations based on specialty, experience, and beliefs about seeding risk were statistically assessed.ResultsSurgeons exhibited a significantly higher tendency to change blades compared to non‐surgeons across all diagnoses. Iatrogenic seeding (56.52%) and clinical training (18.84%) were the main reasons provided for CSB. Beliefs about seeding risk did not differ significantly between specialties.ConclusionsAlthough the practice of CSB lacks strong scientific rationale, the approach to this practice significantly varies among different medical specialties. Healthcare professionals should critically evaluate and standardize evidence‐based practices to ensure optimal patient care and mitigate potential harm.
An open‐label 16‐week study of liraglutide in adolescents with obesity post‐sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Zenno Anna , Nwosu Ejike E. , Fatima Syeda Z. , Nadler Evan P. , Mirza Nazrat M. , Brady Sheila M. , Turner Sara A. , Yang Shanna B. , Lazareva Julia , Te‐Vasquez Jennifer A. , Chen Kong Y. , Chung Stephanie T. , Yanovski Jack A. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackgroundUp to 50% of adolescents who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) have obesity 3 years post‐MBS, placing them at continued risk for the consequences of obesity.ObjectivesWe conducted an open‐label, 16‐week pilot study of liraglutide in adolescents with obesity after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to investigate liraglutide effects on weight and body mass index (BMI) post‐SG.MethodsAdolescents aged 12–20.99 years with obesity and a history of SG ≥1 year prior were enrolled. Liraglutide was initiated at 0.6 mg/day, escalated weekly to a maximum of 3 mg/day, with treatment duration 16 weeks. Fasting laboratory assessments and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed at baseline and end‐treatment.ResultsA total of 43 participants were screened, 34 initiated liraglutide (baseline BMI 41.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2), and 31 (91%) attended the end‐treatment visit. BMI decreased by 4.3% (p < 0.001) with liraglutide. Adolescents who had poor initial response to SG (<20% BMI reduction at BMI nadir) had less weight loss with liraglutide. Fasting glucose and haemoglobin A1C concentrations significantly decreased. There were no serious treatment‐emergent adverse events reported.ConclusionsLiraglutide treatment was feasible and associated with a BMI reduction of 4.3% in adolescents who had previously undergone SG, quantitatively similar to results obtained in adolescents with obesity who have not undergone MBS.
‘I found everything in them’: Formation of migrant networks and social capital
Authors: Jochim Vojtěch , Macková Lucie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the issue of creation of migrant networks in different contexts along the Eastern Mediterranean route and the Balkans. Drawing on 27 qualitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, it uncovers the information about migration journeys and the ways how social capital is transferred among migrants. The paper sheds light on the role of social networks, their influence on strategies, behaviour patterns and resource allocation during migration. The findings underscore different benefits of using migrant networks, highlighting their role in providing crucial support as well as increasing safety and supporting migrants' well‐being. Moreover, the shared identity forged through these networks enhances migrants' resilience, empowering migrants to navigate challenges more effectively. These empirical findings challenge the narratives of migration being individualistic and contribute to the literature on creation, dynamics, and benefits of networks of irregular transit migration, highlighting the differences from other migrant networks.
Plonmarlimab, a novel anti‐GM‐CSF blocking antibody, ameliorates disease progression in the pre‐clinical model of macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Ding Jian , Xu Ke , Niu Yanling , Qin Yihui , Shen Hong , Wang Yajuan , Guo Wenyu , Liu Xuejun , Wang Zhengyi , Zhu Andrew X. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to characterize and investigate the safety and efficacy of Plonmarlimab, a novel anti‐granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (anti‐GM‐CSF) neutralizing antibody, on the treatment of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life‐threatening systemic inflammatory disease, in pre‐clinical models.MethodsThe binding affinity was evaluated using Biacore. The neutralizing activity was measured through the blockade of ligand–receptor interaction, inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation and suppression of TF‐1 cell proliferation. The efficacy of Plonmarlimab was evaluated in a humanized MAS model, which was established by engrafting human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells into NOG‐EXL mice. Additionally, the safety profile of Plonmarlimab was investigated in cynomolgus monkeys.ResultsAt the molecular level, Plonmarlimab showed sub‐nanomolar binding affinity with human GM‐CSF and effectively blocked the binding of GM‐CSF to its receptor. At the cellular level, Plonmarlimab dose‐dependently inhibited intracellular STAT5 phosphorylation and suppressed GM‐CSF‐induced TF‐1 proliferation. In the UCB‐engrafted NOG‐EXL MAS mouse model, Plonmarlimab treatment significantly ameliorated disease progression, demonstrated by the improvements in body weight loss, anaemia and some histopathological features. Furthermore, Plonmarlimab was well tolerated up to 150 mg/kg weekly in monkeys with no reported adverse effects.ConclusionsPlonmarlimab is a highly potent GM‐CSF blocking antibody and has demonstrated promising efficacy in a pre‐clinical MAS model with a favourable safety profile, supporting its clinical development.
Ultrasonic‐assisted activation of clay for efficient removal of U(VI) and Cr(VI)
Authors: Yue Yanxue , Zhu Weiyu , Ishag Alhadi , Zhang Bo , Sun Yubing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe natural clay mineral was activated using the acid treatment under ultrasonic conditions to improve its adsorption performance. The acid‐activated clay (AAC) was investigated to remove Cr(VI) from wasted lubricant and U(VI) from aqueous solution by batch, spectroscopy, and modeling. Batch experiments showed that the isotherms and adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI)/U(VI) on AAC were satisfactorily followed by Frenudlich and the pseudo‐second‐order model, respectively. The decreased adsorption of U(VI) on AAC with the increase of ion strength indicated the outer surface complexation of U(VI) on AAC. The interaction mechanism of Cr(VI)/U(VI) on AAC was demonstrated to be surface complexation by oxygenated functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl) according to X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. According to fitting of surface complexation models using three approaches, the adsorption of U(VI) on AAC at different pH can be better fitted by the double‐layer model compared to the constant‐capacitance model and triple‐layer model. These findings are great important for the application of acid activated clay in the removal of heavy metals and radionuclides from the environment.
Mechanism and experimental study of in situ metallization on the surface of silver ion conductive glass
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Haiting , Ning Shaobo , Zhao Chenhao , Wang Wei , Hu Lifang , Fan Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn situ metallization of Ag+ conductive glass was successfully achieved by applying electric and temperature fields to the glass to ensure the controlled migration of ions inside the glass. The transport and kinetic characteristics of Ag+ under the combined effect of electric field and temperature field were investigated by calculating and analyzing Ag+ diffusion coefficient. The correlations between ion transport and current were characterized with potential energy equations. The simulations and experiments of ion transport in the conducting glass were implemented, which revealed the mechanisms of ion transport and interfacial precipitation within the conducting glass. Further more, the existence of Ag+ deprivation layer was confirmed and it was clarified that the depth of the deprivation layer reached 30 µm under thermal polarization conditions of 60 V and 300°C. The microscopic morphology of in situ silver deposition layer was observed using SEM and TOF–SIMS. In addition, It was determined that the in situ metallization of conductive glass under the polarization condition of 60 V at 250°C was the best, and the thickness of deposited silver dendrites reached 1000 nm in the side of cathodically. This paper provides theoretical and experimental references for the optimization of the in situ metallization process for the ion conductive glass.