bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of computerized cognitive training on functional brain networks in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and no dementia
Authors: Li Qiong‐Ge , Xing Yi , Zhu Zu‐De , Fei Xiao‐Lu , Tang Yi , Lu Jie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsPrevious neuroimaging studies of vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (VCIND), have reported functional alterations, but far less is known about the effects of cognitive training on functional connectivity (FC) of intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) and how they relate to intervention‐related cognitive improvement. This study provides comprehensive research on the changes in intra‐ and inter‐brain functional networks in patients with VCIND who received computerized cognitive training, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.MethodsWe prospectively collected 60 patients with VCIND who were randomly divided into the training group (N = 30) receiving computerized cognitive training and the control group (N = 30) receiving fixed cognitive training. Functional MRI scans and cognitive assessments were performed at baseline, at the 7‐week training, and at the 6‐month follow‐up. Utilizing templates for ICNs, the study employed a linear mixed model to compare intra‐ and inter‐network FC changes between the two groups. Pearson correlation was applied to calculate the relationship between FC and cognitive function.ResultsWe found significantly decreased intra‐network FC within the default mode network (DMN) following computerized cognitive training at Month 6 (p = 0.034), suggesting a potential loss of functional specialization. Computerized training led to increased functional coupling between the DMN and sensorimotor network (SMN) (p = 0.01) and between the language network (LN) and executive control network (ECN) at Month 6 (p < 0.001), indicating compensatory network adaptations in patients with VCIND. Notably, the intra‐LN exhibited enhanced functional specialization after computerized cognitive training (p = 0.049), with significant FC increases among LN regions, which correlated with improvements in neuropsychological measures (p < 0.05), emphasizing the targeted impact of computerized cognitive training on language abilities.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into neuroplasticity and adaptive changes resulting from cognitive training in patients with VCIND, with implications for potential therapeutic strategies.
Does the European Union's rule of law require the criminalisation of EU public officials? A first appraisal
Authors: di Martino Alberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article emphasises the role of criminal law as a strategic form of accountability aimed at safeguarding the EU rule of law, especially when public officials are entrusted with powers that may violate fundamental rights. Abuses committed in the context of border management serve as a case study and a test bench for the more general argument developed in the contribution. It is argued that criminal law—through sanctioning serious abuse of power irrespective of any lucrative intent—contributes to the legitimacy of policies and actions carried out in the name of the union. As impunity gaps may result from the difficult application of domestic law, the article maintains that it is necessary to stigmatise at the union's level such misdeeds that go beyond cases of mere bad policy or ‘maladministration’. It therefore advocates for a directive requiring Member States to criminalise abuse of powers, which are in breach of the rule of law as one of the foundational values enshrined in Article 2 TEU.
Contribution of ultrasound examination in diagnosing platynosomiasis and correlation with macro and microscopic findings in callitrichids kept under human care
Authors: Málaga Soraya Kezam , de Souza Balbueno Melina Castilho , Martins Jéssica Amâncio , da Costa Leonardo Dourado , de Sousa Barbosa Maria Luiza , Marcili Arlei , de Paula Coelho Cidéli 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPlatynosomiasis in non‐human primates kept under human care causes chronic disease of the bile ducts and liver, which initially presents with nonspecific signs and can culminate in the death of the animal. Diagnosing this disease is a challenge, and an ultrasound examination can be an excellent tool when it is suspected.MethodsThis study describes the ultrasound findings from 57 marmosets with suspected infection by Platynosomum sp., the correlated hepatobiliary changes, and the anatomopathological findings that confirmed the occurrence of platynosomiasis.ResultsIn six marmosets (one C. aurita, two C. jacchus, and three Callithrix sp.), Platynosomum infection was confirmed macroscopically (presence of adult trematodes in the gallbladder) and microscopically (adults, larvae, and eggs in histological examinations and eggs in bile and feces). These findings were compatible with the hepatobiliary changes and with images suggestive of parasitic structures in ante‐mortem assessments.ConclusionUltrasound examination demonstrated its usefulness within the clinical routine for investigating this parasitosis.
Investigating key factors of feeding intolerance in severe acute pancreatitis: A scoping review
Authors: Gu Yujia , Solomon O. Mensah , Wei Yehong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe complexity of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the stress caused by the disease is associated with a high incidence of feeding intolerance. However, the factors influencing feeding incontinence in patients with SAP are diverse.AimsTo systematically analyse relevant studies that investigate the occurrence of feeding intolerance in patients with SAP, identify the relevant factors of feeding intolerance in such patients and provide a reference for nursing staff to develop relevant intervention measures.Design and MethodsThis scoping review followed the approach proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Seven electronic databases were searched from their establishment until August 2023. This included research on the factors influencing feeding intolerance in patients with SAP, determining research questions, completing literature screening and quality evaluation, extracting data and summarizing and analysing the data. The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) statement has also been included.ResultsA total of 23 articles were included. The factors influencing feeding intolerance in patients with SAP included the patient's condition, disease, treatment, feeding management and follow‐up care.ConclusionsThe factors affecting feeding intolerance in patients with SAP are multifaceted. A personalized nursing care plan should be developed based on relevant risk factors to improve feeding tolerance and comfort in patients with SAP and shorten hospitalization time.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIntensive care nurses should identify the risk factors for feeding intolerance in patients with SAP and implement appropriate interventions. To identify the risk factors, nurses must be updated with courses and training. Moreover, a systematic feeding intolerance prediction program can help intensive care nurses effectively identify the risk factors for feeding.
Adult obesity treatment and prevention: A trans‐agency commentary on the research landscape, gaps, and future opportunities
Authors: Hoffman Rebecca K. , Donze Laurie Friedman , Agurs‐Collins Tanya , Belay Brook , Berrigan David , Blanck Heidi M. , Brandau Andrea , Chue Amanda , Czajkowski Susan , Dillon Glenn , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Kowtha Bramaramba , Li Rui , Mujuru Priscah , Mudd Lanay , Nebeling Linda , Tomoyasu Naomi , Young‐Hyman Deborah , Zheng Xincheng (Ted) , Pratt Charlotte 
Published: June 2024

SummaryGiven the high and growing prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States, obesity treatment and prevention are important topics in biomedical and public health research. Although researchers recognize the significance of this problem, much remains unknown about safe and effective prevention and treatment of obesity in adults. In response to the worsening obesity epidemic and the many unknowns regarding the disease, a group of key scientific and program staff members of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal and non‐government agencies gathered virtually in September 2021 to discuss the current state of obesity research, research gaps, and opportunities for future research in adult obesity prevention and treatment. The current article synthesizes presentations given by attendees and shares their organizations' current initiatives and identified gaps and opportunities. By integrating the information discussed in the meeting and current initiatives, we identify potential targets and overlapping priorities for future research, including health equity and disparities in obesity, the heterogeneity of obesity, and the use of technological and innovative approaches in interventions.
Proteomic signatures uncover phenotypic plasticity of susceptible and resistant genotypes by wall remodelers in rice blast
Authors: Sinha Arunima , Narula Kanika , Bhola Latika , Sengupta Atreyee , Choudhary Pooja , Nalwa Pragya , Kumar Mohit , Elagamey Eman , Chakraborty Niranjan , Chakraborty Subhra 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMolecular communication between macromolecules dictates extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics during pathogen recognition and disease development. Extensive research has shed light on how plant immune components are activated, regulated and function in response to pathogen attack. However, two key questions remain largely unresolved: (i) how does ECM dynamics govern susceptibility and disease resistance, (ii) what are the components that underpin these phenomena? Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae adversely affects rice productivity. To understand ECM regulated genotype‐phenotype plasticity in blast disease, we temporally profiled two contrasting rice genotypes in disease and immune state. Morpho‐histological, biochemical and electron microscopy analyses revealed that increased necrotic lesions accompanied by electrolyte leakage governs disease state. Wall carbohydrate quantification showed changes in pectin level was more significant in blast susceptible compared to blast resistant cultivar. Temporally resolved quantitative disease‐ and immune‐responsive ECM proteomes identified 308 and 334 proteins, respectively involved in wall remodelling and integrity, signalling and disease/immune response. Pairwise comparisons between time and treatment, messenger ribonucleic acid expression, diseasome and immunome networks revealed novel blast‐related functional modules. Data demonstrated accumulation of α‐galactosidase and phosphatase were associated with disease state, while reactive oxygen species, induction of Lysin motif proteins, CAZymes and extracellular Ca‐receptor protein govern immune state.
The OsZIP2 transporter is involved in root‐to‐shoot translocation and intervascular transfer of cadmium in rice
Authors: Li Meng‐Zhen , Hu Da‐Wei , Liu Xiang‐Qian , Zhang Rui , Liu Huan , Tang Zhong , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Huang Xin‐Yuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that poses serious threats to human health. Rice is a major source of dietary Cd but how rice plants transport Cd to the grain is not fully understood. Here, we characterize the function of the ZIP (ZRT, IRT‐like protein) family protein, OsZIP2, in the root‐to‐shoot translocation of Cd and intervascular transfer of Cd in nodes. OsZIP2 is localized at the plasma membrane and exhibited Cd2+ transport activity when heterologously expressed in yeast. OsZIP2 is strongly expressed in xylem parenchyma cells in roots and in enlarged vascular bundles in nodes. Knockout of OsZIP2 significantly enhanced root‐to‐shoot translocation of Cd and alleviated the inhibition of root elongation by excess Cd stress; whereas overexpression of OsZIP2 decreased Cd translocation to shoots and resulted in Cd sensitivity. Knockout of OsZIP2 increased Cd allocation to the flag leaf but decreased Cd allocation to the panicle and grain. We further reveal that the variation of OsZIP2 expression level contributes to grain Cd concentration among rice germplasms. Our results demonstrate that OsZIP2 functions in root‐to‐shoot translocation of Cd in roots and intervascular transfer of Cd in nodes, which can be used for breeding low Cd rice varieties.
An important step towards the comprehensive sun protection: Blue‐light exposure inhibits DNA repair in reconstituted human skin and a broadband sunscreen avoids this inhibition
Authors: Tonolli Paulo Newton , Baptista Mauricio S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe field of sun protection is quickly changing and the research article by Douki et al., published in the current issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology, reported key experimental data that will certainly help the development of better sun care products. Mutagenic photoproducts (CPDs, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6‐4PPs, pyrimidine‐6‐4‐pyrimidone photoproducts) were formed in the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) by UVB (312 nm) irradiation, and their concentrations were detected by HPLC‐MS/MS as a function of time after the UVB treatment. RHE had been previously exposed or not (control) to blue light (427 nm). Both CPDs and 6‐4PPs were shown to last longer in blue‐light irradiated RHE, proving the inhibition of the DNA repair by blue light exposure. This is a highly relevant information because sunscreens allow people to enjoy longer periods under the sun and consequently, to endure very high doses of blue light. The work also reported results obtained with RHEs previously treated with a sunscreen formulation containing a broadband filter that offers blue‐light protection. Interestingly, authors observed that the DNA repair was not significantly inhibited in RHE previously treated with the sunscreen offering broadband protection. Readers will find a scientifically sound proof of the importance of blue‐light protection in sun care products.
Trajectory Planning and Tracking Using Decoupled CBF-QPs for Safe Navigation of Quadrotors
Authors: Khan Sufyan Hafeez , Ghaffari Azad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Control barrier function-based quadratic program (CBF-QP) provides an avenue for agile and numerically efficient obstacle avoidance algorithms. However, the CBF-QP methods may lead to lengthy detours and undesirable avoidance maneuvers. This paper proposes a bi-level CBF-QP for the safe navigation of quadrotors. A Planning-QP is proposed to create a safe reference trajectory that shadows the actual reference trajectory with prescribed avoidance acceleration, velocity, distance, and direction during the avoidance maneuver. A control Lyapunov function (CLF) ensures that modified reference closely matches the actual reference outside the avoidance regions and multiple control barrier functions (CBFs) ensure the safety and smoothness of the avoidance trajectory. Model uncertainties can undermine the safety of the quadrotor while tracking the modified reference. Hence, a Tracking-QP is designed to achieve accurate tracking with ensured safe maneuvering around obstacles, where a new CBF is constructed to prevent actuator saturation. Prescribed attitude bounds are ensured via additional acceleration constraints in the Tracking-QP. The proposed method is validated using numerous experiments involving various static obstacles where the quadrotor carries different payloads.
Acoustic Characterization of Integrated Circuits During Operation
Authors: Frankhouse Josef , Li Changgen , Hu Han 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Power electronics are widely serving as core components of propulsion systems in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Nevertheless, affected by the Paschen effect, the breakdown voltage of these electronics during flight is significantly lower than that on the ground, which could deteriorate system stability, or even cause aircraft faults or crashes, increasing safety risks for the public. As such, condition monitoring of power electronics has become critical for the safe operation of eVTOL. To achieve nonintrusive monitoring, acoustic emission (AE) sensors have gained traction with their prominent resistance to electromagnetic interference and high temperatures. However, existing studies yield conflicting results regarding whether an increase in loading voltage impacts the internal mechanical stress of electronics. To address this issue, we present this work to probe the existence and the pattern of a relationship between load voltage and stress wave, since the change of mechanical stress could generate acoustic waves that can be acquired by AE sensors. In this study, an AE sensor was applied onto an oscillator placed upon an epoxy substrate to characterize the acoustic waves emitted from the device under various input loads. In the experiment, we observed a unique AE signal pattern characterized by two distinct components that consistently intersect at a specific frequency. The time required to establish such intersections progressively lengthens as the load voltage increases. Through time-domain and frequency-domain analyses of the unique AE signals under different load voltages, it was discovered that certain features of the unique AE signals have an approximately linear relationship with the load voltage.
Unscrambling the Proterozoic supercontinent record of northeastern Washington State, USA
Authors: Brennan Daniel T. , Box Stephen E. , Eyster Athena 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The time interval from Supercontinent Nuna assembly in the late Paleoproterozoic to Supercontinent Rodinia breakup in the Neoproterozoic is considered by some geologists to comprise the “Boring Billion,” an interval possibly marked by a slowdown in plate tectonic processes. In northeastern Washington State, USA, similar to much of western Laurentia, early workers generally thought the tectonostratigraphic framework of this interval of geologic time consisted of two major sequences, the (ca. 1480–1380 Ma) Mesoproterozoic Belt Supergroup and unconformably overlying (&lt;720 Ma) Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup. However, recent research indicates that strata considered by early workers as Belt Supergroup equivalents are actually younger, and a post-Belt, pre-Windermere record is present within the &lt;1360 Ma Deer Trail Group and &lt;760 Ma Buffalo Hump Formation. Thus, the northeastern Washington region perhaps comprises the most complete stratigraphic record of the “Boring Billion” time interval in the northwestern United States and holds important insights into global Proterozoic supercontinent tectonic processes. In light of these exciting developments, this field guide will address the early historic economic geology and original mapping of these Proterozoic sequences in the northeastern Washington region, and from that foundation explore more recent isotopic provenance data and their regional to global context. Finally, the guide will end with a discussion of remaining questions with a goal of stimulating interest in these relatively understudied, yet important, rocks.
Machine Learning with Confidential Computing: A Systematization of Knowledge
Authors: Mo Fan , Tarkhani Zahra , Haddadi Hamed 
Published: June 2024

Privacy and security challenges in Machine Learning (ML) have become increasingly severe, along with ML’s pervasive development and the recent demonstration of large attack surfaces. As a mature system-oriented approach, Confidential Computing has been utilized in both academia and industry to mitigate privacy and security issues in various ML scenarios. In this article, the conjunction between ML and Confidential Computing is investigated. We systematize the prior work on Confidential Computing-assisted ML techniques that provide
(i
)
confidentiality guarantees
and
(ii
)
integrity assurances
and discuss their advanced features and drawbacks. Key challenges are further identified, and we provide dedicated analyses of the
limitations
in existing
Trusted Execution Environment
(TEE) systems for ML use cases. Finally, prospective works are discussed, including grounded privacy definitions for closed-loop protection, partitioned executions of efficient ML, dedicated TEE-assisted designs for ML, TEE-aware ML, and ML full pipeline guarantees. By providing these potential solutions in our systematization of knowledge, we aim to build the bridge to help achieve a much stronger TEE-enabled ML for privacy guarantees without introducing computation and system costs.
Prospective of Mitochondrial DNA Variations in Cancer on Genomic Medicine
Authors: Du Mulong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has emerged as a pivotal component in understanding the etiology and susceptibility of cancer. A recent study by Chen and colleagues delineated the germline genetic effect of mtDNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and haplogroups across pan-cancer risk. They identified a subset of mtSNPs and the corresponding risk score, as well as haplogroups A and M7 alongside their genetic interactions, conferring a protective effect against various cancers. These findings underscored the value of mtDNA variations as biomarkers for cancer etiology and as tools for cancer risk stratification. Future investigations are encouraged to integrate comprehensive omics data of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, etc., from nuclear DNA with mtDNA variations, alongside single-cell and spatial technologies, to unravel the tumor mechanism and identify the drug targets. Moreover, the incorporation of polygenic risk score, that included mtDNA variations with both rare and common frequencies, and liquid biopsy-based biomarkers would enhance the predictive performance of cancer risk assessment and refine the risk stratification of population-based cancer screening. This commentary advocates for the validation across diverse populations to harness the full potential of mitochondrial genomics, and ultimately paves the prospective way for advancements in personalized cancer therapeutics and prevention strategies.
See related article by Chen and colleagues, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33:381–8
ПАТОГЕНЕТИЧНІ ПЕРЕХРЕСТЯ СИНДРОМУ ПОЛІКІСТОЗНИХ ЯЄЧНИКІВ ТА МЕТАБОЛІЧНОГО СИНДРОМУ В ЖІНОК ІЗ БЕЗПЛІДДЯМ
Authors: Хміль С. В. , Правак Ю. Б. 
Published: June 2024

Мета: визначити характерні особливості та потенційні акушерські наслідки поєднаного перебігу синдрому полікістозних яєчників та метаболічного синдрому при безплідді у молодих жінок із нереалізованим репродуктивним потенціалом.
Матеріали і методи. Проведено систематичний огляд та порівняльний аналіз 24 наукових публікацій і літературних джерел із бази PubMed за останні 5 років, що стосуються досліджень у галузі репродуктивної медицини щодо впливу синдрому полікістозних яєчників та метаболічного синдрому на розвиток безпліддя в жінок репродуктивного віку і на виношування вагітності.
Результати. Аналіз літератури виявив цілий ряд спільних ланок патогенезу СПКЯ та метаболічного синдрому в жінок із безпліддям та іншими розладами фертильності. Новітні дослідження рекомендують класифікувати СПКЯ за двома підтипами: репродуктивним та метаболічним. Інсулінорезистентність має ключову роль у розвитку синдрому полікістозних яєчників. Патологічне коло замикається і за рахунок гіперандрогенії та ожиріння. Саме дефектний стероїдогенез провокує розвиток різних метаболічних порушень, які є досить гетерогенними, а разом наявні при синдромі полікістозних яєчників інсулінорезистентність, вісцеральне ожиріння, дисліпідемію та гіперандрогенію можна класифікувати як метаболічний синдром. Деякі питання щодо менеджменту безпліддя при синдромі полікістозних яєчників та метаболічному синдромі є вельми дискутабельними та контроверсійними, про що вказують автори з різних країн світу.
Висновки. Синдром полікістозних яєчників виступає своєрідною платформою для розвитку багатьох коморбідних патологій. Якість життя таких пацієнток, їх репродуктивне та соматичне здоров’я, реалізованість репродуктивних планів напряму залежать від менеджменту всіх наявних проявів патології. Підхід до діагностики та лікування жінок репродуктивного віку, що мають проблеми із фертильністю, безпліддя і невиношування вагітності, має бути комплексним.