bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards Early Diagnosis and Screening of Alzheimer’s Disease Using Frequency Locked Whispering Gallery Mode Microtoroid Biosensors
Authors: Gin Adley , Nguyen Phuong-Diem , Serrano Geidy , Alexander Gene , Su Judith 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia affecting almost 55 million people worldwide. It is characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain, leading to a pathological cascade of neuron degeneration and death as well as memory loss and cognitive decline. Amyloid beta (Aβ) is an AD biomarker present in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum and correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Measuring the levels of Aβ can help with early diagnosis of AD, which is key for studying novel AD drugs and delaying the symptoms of dementia. However, this goal is difficult to achieve due to the low levels of AD biomarkers in biofluids. Here we demonstrate for the first time the use of FLOWER (frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator) for quantifying the levels of post-mortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42 in clinicopathologically classified control, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD participants. FLOWER is capable of measuring CSF Aβ42 (area under curve, AUC = 0.92) with higher diagnostic performance than standard ELISA (AUC = 0.82) and was also able to distinguish between control and MCI samples. Our results demonstrate the capability of FLOWER for screening CSF samples for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s pathology.
The Impact of Emotional Valence on the Spatial Scope of Selective Attention and the Mediating Role of Psychological Distress
Authors: Chaisilprungraung Thitaporn , Kaewbuapan Poopa , Intrachooto Singh , Pongsuwan Sarigga , Itthipuripat Sirawaj 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The brain’s ability to focus on behaviorally relevant sensory inputs (i.e., targets) while ignoring behaviorally irrelevant inputs (i.e., distractors) is key to speedy and efficient sensory information processing. Yet, the specific roles of emotional valence in modulating selective attention and the key factors that mediate this interaction remain underexplored. The current study investigated how positive and negative emotions modulated the spatial scope of visual selective attention. To do this, we employed a modified Eriksen Flanker task, where face stimuli with different emotional valences (i.e., happy, angry, and neutral faces) were used as spatial cues that directed participants' attention to a target surrounded by distractors. We demonstrated that the degree of flanker interference was modulated by the valence of the face cue. Happy faces triggered increased performance susceptibility to surrounding distractors, suggesting a broadening of the spatial scope of visual attention. In contrast, angry faces decreased this susceptibility, indicating a narrowing of attentional focus. Importantly, the magnitude of attention modulation depended on the subjective rating of psychological distress, measured via the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Particularly, participants with high levels of stress or depression exhibited weaker modulation in response to emotional cues. A follow-up experiment demonstrated that the temporal uncertainty between the cue and target played a crucial role in mediating this effect. Together, our findings offer novel behavioral correlates for emotion-driven changes in the spatial scope of visual selective attention that could be used to index psychological distress across individuals. Moreover, the impact of emotion on selective attention is mediated by temporal expectation.
Orchiectomy as an alternative to injectable therapies as a tool to improve access to new generation systemic treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer in Developing Countries
Authors: Monteiro Fernando , Sasse Andre , Araujo Denizar , McKay Rana , Trindade Karine da , Soares Andrey , Alves Joao , Valverde Douglas , Bastos Diogo , James Nicholas , Herchenhorn Daniel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) hosts approximately 71,730 patients with prostate cancer annually for whom androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the is the primary treatment for advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (aHSPC) patients. Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) are not accessible through the BPHS. Using the BPHS as a model, this study assessed the long-term economic impact of surgical versus medical castration in aHSPC treatment to strategize cost reduction and the incorporation of the ARPI in developing countries.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from aHSPC patients (i.e., TxN1M0 ineligible for local treatment or TxNxM1)in the BPHS database were analyzed from 01/01/2011 to 12/31/2021 using the TECHTRIALS artificial intelligence platform. The main outcomes were quantitative and descriptive analyses as well as a cost analysis of surgical versus chemical castration.
RESULTS: Of the 274,519 aHSPC patients who received active treatment during the 11-year study period, 90% (246,683) underwent chemical castration, and 10% (27,836) underwent BSO. The median duration of chemical castration was 28 months. The BPHS spent an estimated total of US$ 665,552,091.40 on chemical castration and US$ 5,939,348.47 on BSO. The costs per patient were US$ 2,698 and US$ 213.37 for chemical castration and BSO, respectively. Hypothetically, if all aHSPC patients had undergone BSO, the total direct cost for the BPHS would have been US$ 42,774,832.20, saving US$ 622,777,259.20 over 11 years.
Conclusions: Based on this extensive financial analysis of data from the world's largest public health system database, BSO appears to be a valuable alternative to chemical castration for treating aHSPC. In resource-limited environments, the cost savings from using BSO may allow access to drugs that will improve survival, such as ARPIs.
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Unravels the Host Response Landscape and Reveals a Serum Protein Panel for Early Prognosis Prediction for ARDS
Authors: Lin Mengna , Xu Feixiang , Sun Jian , Song Jianfeng , Shen Yao , Lu Su , Ding Hailin , Lan Lulu , Chen Chen , Ma Wen , Wu Xueling , Song Zhenju , Wang Weibing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Multidimensional biological mechanisms underpinning Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) continue to be elucidated, and novel early biomarkers for ARDS prognosis remain to be identified.
Methods
We conducted a multicenter observational study, profiling the 4D-DIA proteomics and global metabolomics of serum samples collected from patients at the initial stage of ARDS, alongside samples from both disease control (DC) and healthy control (HC) groups. 28-day prognosis biomarkers of ARDS were screened by the LASSO method, fold change, and Boruta algorithm in the discovery cohort. We verified the serum candidate biomarkers by Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) targeted Mass Spectrometry (MS) on an external validation cohort. Machine learning models were applied to explore the biomarker panel of ARDS prognosis.
Results
In the discovery cohort, comprising 130 adult ARDS patients (mean age 72.5, 74.6% male), 33 disease controls, and 33 healthy controls, the distinct proteomic and metabolic signatures can differentiate ARDS from both control groups. Pathway analysis identified the upregulated sphingolipid signaling pathway as a key contributor to the pathological mechanisms underlying ARDS. Within this pathway, MAP2K1 emerged as the hub protein, facilitating interactions with various biological functions. Additionally, the metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) was found to be closely associated with ARDS and its prognosis. Our research further highlights essential pathways driving deceased ARDS, such as the downregulation of hematopoietic cell lineage and calcium signaling pathways, contrasted with the upregulation of the unfolded protein response and glycolysis. In which, GAPDH and ENO1, the critical enzymes in glycolysis, showed the largest interaction degree in protein-protein interaction network of ARDS. In the discovery cohort, a panel of 36 proteins was identified as candidate biomarkers, with 8 proteins (VCAM1, LDHB, MSN, FLG2, TAGLN2, LMNA, MBL2, and LBP) demonstrating significant consistency in an independent validation cohort of 183 patients (mean age 72.6 years, 73.2% male), as confirmed by PRM assay. The protein-based model exhibited superior predictive accuracy over the clinical model in both the discovery cohort (AUC: 0.893 vs. 0.784; Delong test, P < 0.001) and the validation cohort (AUC: 0.802 vs. 0.738; Delong test, P = 0.008).
Interpretation
Our multi-omics study demonstrated the potential biological mechanism and therapy targets in ARDS. This study unveiled several novel predictive biomarkers and established a validated prediction model for the poor prognosis of ARDS, which can provide clues relevant to the prognosis of individuals with ARDS.
Study on Leukapheresis of Hyperleukocyte Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pan Ruiyang , Xu Anjie , Liu Li , Wu Jinxian , Li Xinqi , Chen Guopeng , Li Ruihang , Yin Wanyue , Liu Dandan , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhou Fuling 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Respiratory failure, intracranial hemorrhage and infection were more common in hyperleukocyte acute myeloid leukemia patients than in non-hyperleukocyte leukemia patients. Compared with non-apheresis treatment, the white blood cells decreased significantly and the infection rate decreased after apheresis treatment. However, the treatment time of leukapheresis in patients with hyperleukocyte leukemia is very long, while the damage to cells is also large. In this study, a retrospective analysis was conducted on hyperleukocyte acute myeloid leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis during induction. Centrifugation was performed at different rotational speeds and centrifugation times to observe whether there were changes in the number and morphology of peripheral blood cells in healthy people and patients with hyperleukocyte leukemia. The centrifugation of normal cells and hyperleukocyte was simulated in vitro, so as to explore optimal centrifugation parameters in the treatment of leukapheresis. The cells obtained by optimal centrifugation parameters were cryopreserved and animal models were established. Through the research, it is found that when the rotational speed is increased below 6000rpm, the damage to normal blood cells and blood cells in patients with hyperleukocyte leukemia is small. When the rotational speed is greater than 6000rpm, the platelets will be damaged. The cells obtained under optimal centrifugation parameters can be successfully cryopreserved and modeled in leukemia animals.
An Epidemiological Look into Disparities in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Terrell Maci , Dongarwar Deepa , Rashid Raushan , Hamisu Salihu , Orengo Ida 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cutaneous carcinoma with a propensity for metastasis and death. Our study describes the prevalence, sociodemographics and inpatient mortality of Merkel Cell Carcinoma related hospitalizations in the United States from 2011 through 2020. We conducted an observational study using the Nationwide Inpatient sample database, which captures a 20% sample of all hospitalizations in the United States. We utilized the International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification codes from the ninth and tenth revision to identify Merkel Cell Carcinoma and demographic factors. There was a total of 28,809 cases of Merkel Cell Carcinoma in the United States from 2011 to 2020. Merkel Cell Carcinoma was associated with white race (11.4 per 100,000) and disposition of death (26.8 per 100,000). It was most prevalent in the highest quartile income (12.5 per 100,000) and Medicare as primary payer (13.0 per 100,000). Hospitalization was lowest in nonwhite races, particularly NH-Blacks and NH-Others. Inpatient mortality was significantly associated with non-Hispanic other (odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.38–3.45) and self-pay patients (odds ratio = 2.93, 95% confidence interval 1.84–4.67).This study contributes to reported socio-demographic factors related to Merkel Cell Carcinomas and brings awareness to factors associated with increased hospitalization and inpatient mortality.
A physical emulation of somatosensory cortex as a
Neuromorphic Twin for neural prostheses
Authors: Ramirez Hector , Donati Elisa , Behrens Wolfger von der , Indiveri Giacomo , Valle Giacomo , ̈ıfoudine Natacha Vanattou-Sa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Loss of tactile feedback in patients with paralysis or limb loss prevents the integration of sensory-motor signals, limiting dexterous motor control. Recent advances in the neurostimulation of the human somatosensory cortex offer the possibility of restoring touch in these patients. Brain-computer interfaces and bidirectional prostheses with implantable electrodes can restore feedback, improving control, awareness, and quality of life. However, current electrical stimulation methods lack the fidelity to consistently and reliably reproduce natural sensations, and the impact of this stimulation on the somatosensory cortex remains unclear. Here we propose to use a mixed-signal neuromorphic processing system to construct a “neuromorphic twin” of the somatosensory cortex, following a bottom-up approach for emulating and reproducing its intricate dynamics. We use the analog properties of electronic neuron and synapse circuits to faithfully replicate neural and synaptic response properties. To reproduce effects at the network level, we configure the neuromorphic processor to implement the recurrent connectivity patterns of the somatosensory cortex among different populations of excitatory and inhibitory silicon neurons. Our findings demonstrate the twin’s ability to reproduce the spatiotemporal firing patterns of the native neuronal population receiving afferent fiber inputs, resulting in a highly bio-realistic model that can be used to investigate the effect of different stimulation patterns. This physical emulation of the cortical circuits represents therefore an additional tool to understand and predict the somatosensory cortex behavior under neurostimulation. Using this system, neurostimulation patterns can be optimized to produce more natural sensations and ultimately improve the quality of restored feedback, leading to a better quality of life for affected patients.
An artificial intelligence-derived metabolic network predicts psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nguyen Nha , Gomar Jesus , Truong Jack , Barbero Janos , Do Patrick , Rommal Andrea , Oh Alice , Eidelberg David , Koppel Jeremy , Vo An 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease psychosis (AD + P) is characterized by accelerated cognitive decline and tau pathology. Through exploring the AD + P network (ADPN), the aim is to predict psychosis in AD and understand its mechanisms. Utilizing FDG PET scans from ADNI control and AD groups, we employed a convolutional neural network to identify and validate the ADPN. We analyzed network progression, clinical correlations, and psychosis prediction using expression scores, and network organization using graph theory. The ADPN accurately distinguishes AD + P from controls (97%), with increasing scores correlating with cognitive decline. ADPN-based approach predicts psychosis with 77% accuracy and identifies specific brain regions and connections associated with psychosis. Deep learning identified ADPN, linked to cognitive and functional decline. The increased metabolic connectivity between motor and language/social cognition regions in AD + P may drive delusions and agitated behavior. ADPN holds promise as a biomarker for AD + P, aiding in treatment development and patient stratification.
Assessing the Conformity of Biophilic Design to Green Building Rating Systems for Human Well-being
Authors: Ebrahiem Samia , Yassein Ghada 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between certified green buildings and biophilic design principles, aiming to assess how biophilic design aligns with Green Building Rating Tools (GBRTs). To achieve this, three widely used GBRTs (LEED, BREEAM, and LBC) are compared to the WELL Building Standard, which has best adopted biophilic design patterns. The research team conducted a thorough review of available crosswalks and alignment documents, using WELL as a benchmark against the other three GBRTs. They identified overlapping equivalency levels of the seven concepts of WELL and their related 100 features, assigning weighted scores accordingly. The findings reveal both opportunities and challenges in the alignment between WELL and other GBRTs. While partial equivalency is possible, achieving full compliance is unlikely due to the extensive scientific basis of WELL features requiring further testing and analysis. LEED stands out with the largest share of equivalent features, covering 59% of the total, indicating full compliance, while BREEAM scored 36% for equivalent features. However, LBC performed differently, with only 8% of features deemed equivalent due to its reliance on actual performance rather than prescriptive measures observed in LEED and BREEAM. This article offers valuable insights for architects, designers, and policymakers in fostering integrated and sustainable built environments. It holds significant relevance due to its potential to uncover unexplored territory, promising to reshape discourse on green building certifications and their impact on human well-being and environmental sustainability.
A Novel Predictive Model Utilizing Retinal Microstructural Features for Estimating Survival Outcome in Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Smith Rebekah , Sapkota Ranjit , Antony Bhavna , Sun Jinger , Aboud Orwa , Bloch Orin , Daly Megan , Fragoso Ruben , Yiu Glenn , Liu Yin Allison 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis despite surgery and chemoradiation. The visual sequelae of glioblastoma have not been well characterized. This study assessed visual outcomes in glioblastoma patients through neuro-ophthalmic exams, imaging of the retinal microstructures/microvasculature, and perimetry. A total of 19 patients (9 male, 10 female, average age at diagnosis 69 years) were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20–20/50. Occipital tumors showed worse visual fields than frontal tumors (mean deviation − 14.9 and − 0.23, respectively, p < 0.0001). Those with overall survival (OS) < 15 months demonstrated thinner retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex (p < 0.0001) and enlarged foveal avascular zone starting from 4 months post-diagnosis (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between eyes ipsilateral and contralateral to radiation fields (average doses were 1370 cGy and 1180 cGy, respectively, p = 0.42). A machine learning algorithm using retinal microstructure and visual fields predicted patients with long (≥ 15 months) progression-free and overall survival with 78% accuracy. Glioblastoma patients frequently present with visual field defects despite normal visual acuity. Patients with poor survival duration demonstrated significant retinal thinning and decreased microvascular density. A machine learning algorithm predicted survival; further validation is warranted.
Exploring Student Teachers’ Attitudes towards Continuous Internal Assessment: Development of a Comprehensive Questionnaire
Authors: Devi Kangjam Dijita , Singh Chongtham Khogendra , Devi Chongtham Beda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the concept of continuous internal assessment and a student teacher’s experience with and awareness of continuous internal assessment are introduced. Based on National Council for Teacher Education’s definition of continuous internal assessment, an attitude towards the continuous internal assessment questionnaire (CIAQ) is theoretically and empirically developed. Using the data of 560 respondents from the Indian state of Manipur aged 22–40 years old, the scale is developed for student teachers (B.Ed. trainees). The CIAQ can be used to measure student teachers’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of attitudes, in addition to the second- order constructs of the context of continuous internal assessment, benefits of continuous internal assessment for students-teachers, benefits of continuous internal assessment for teacher-educators, and strengthening of continuous internal assessment (ten valid and reliable subscales), as well as the third-order construct, attitude towards continuous internal assessment. The scale presents excellent psychometric quality. Possible applications of the questionnaire instruments in the context of the evaluation of teacher education policies, practises, and stakeholder engagement are discussed.
Evolutionary Dynamics in the Genome of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Strains from Northern Tanzania, pre- and post- Mass Drug Administration
Authors: Ghasemian Ehsan , Ramadhani Athumani , Harte Anna , Mafuru Elias , Derrick Tamsyn , Mtuy Tara , Massae Patrick , Malissa Aiweda , Breuer Judith , Pickering Harry , Bailey Robin L. , Mabey David , Burton Matthew J. , Holland Martin J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), remains a leading cause of preventable infection induced blindness worldwide. We conducted a four-year longitudinal study in three trachoma-endemic villages in Northern Tanzania, tracking infection dynamics and factors influencing trachomatous scarring progression and persistence pre- and post-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) interventions. We analysed 118 whole genomes of Ct originating from ocular swabs of children. Sample collection was conducted at three-month intervals over four years, encompassing 15 timepoints. We studied Ct phylogeny, patterns of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) accumulation in individual isolates and single nucleotide variation (SNV) in the population, with association of clinical signs of trachoma and scarring progression. Seventy-one (60.2%) samples were classified as serovar A (SvA) and 47 (39.8%) as serovar B (SvB) genomes. Initially, SvB dominated among pre-MDA samples (36/40, 90%), but SvA gradually became dominant after the first round of MDA (67/78, 85.9%) (P < 0.0001). Two distinct subsets of SvA were found: subset_1 (29 sequences) pre-MDA, aligning with Tanzanian reference strain A/2497; subset_2 (42 sequences) post-MDA, showing a mutation rate roughly twice as high as subset_1, a 6 kbp genome reduction in the PZ, and forming a distinct cluster. Similarly, 13 SvB sequences exhibited diverse PZ genome reduction (~ 4 and ~ 10 kbp), yet all grouped with Tanzanian reference strain B/TZ1A828/OT. Importantly, we observed a shift in the types of Ct serovars after the first round of MDA, with the emergence of a unique SvA subset with distinct genetic characteristics compared to those circulating before MDA. The observed decrease in the size of the Ct genome suggests a process where the Tanzanian ocular Ct strains may be streamlining, highlighting ongoing evolution. Further research is needed to understand the factors driving these changes and their impact on Ct biology and response to azithromycin.