bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why do individuals with Williams syndrome or Down syndrome fail the Weather Prediction Task?
Authors: Bochud‐Fragnière Emilie , Lonchampt Gianni , Bittolo Paola , Ehrensperger Giada , Circelli Antonella Rita , Antonicelli Nicole , Costanzo Floriana , Menghini Deny , Vicari Stefano , Banta Lavenex Pamela , Lavenex Pierre 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWilliams syndrome (WS) and Down syndrome (DS) are two neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct genetic origins characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability. Individuals with WS or DS exhibit impaired hippocampus‐dependent place learning and enhanced striatum‐dependent spatial response learning. Here, we used the Weather Prediction Task (WPT), which can be solved using hippocampus‐ or striatum‐dependent learning strategies, to determine whether individuals with WS or DS exhibit similar profiles outside the spatial domain. Only 10% of individuals with WS or DS solved the WPT. We further assessed whether a concurrent memory task could promote reliance on procedural learning to solve the WPT in individuals with WS but found that the concurrent task did not improve performance. To understand how the probabilistic cue–outcome associations influences WPT performance, and whether individuals with WS or DS can ignore distractors, we assessed performance using a visual learning task with differing reward contingencies, and a modified WPT with unpredictive cues. Both probabilistic feedback and distractors negatively impacted the performance of individuals with WS or DS. These findings are consistent with deficits in hippocampus‐dependent learning and executive functions, and reveal the importance of congruent feedback and the minimization of distractors to optimize learning in these two populations.
Practical measurements distinguishing physiological and pathological stereoelectroencephalography channels based on high‐frequency oscillations in the human brain
Authors: Li Zilin , Zhao Baotian , Hu Wenhan , Zhang Chao , Wang Xiu , Liu Chang , Mo Jiajie , Guo Zhihao , Yang Bowen , Yao Yuan , Shao Xiaoqiu , Zhang Jianguo , Zhang Kai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to identify various distinguishing features for use in the accurate classification of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) channels based on high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) inside and outside the epileptogenic zone (EZ).MethodsHFOs were detected in patients with focal epilepsy who underwent SEEG. Subsequently, HFOs within the seizure‐onset and early spread zones were defined as pathological HFOs, whereas others were defined as physiological. Three features of HFOs were identified at the channel level, namely, morphological repetition, rhythmicity, and phase–amplitude coupling (PAC). A machine‐learning (ML) classifier was then built to distinguish two HFO types at the channel level by application of the above‐mentioned features, and the contributions were quantified. Further verification of the characteristics and classifier performance was performed in relation to various conscious states, imaging results, EZ location, and surgical outcomes.ResultsThirty‐five patients were included in this study, from whom 166  104 pathological HFOs in 255 channels and 53 374 physiological HFOs in 282 channels were entered into the analysis pipeline. The results revealed that the morphological repetitions of pathological HFOs were markedly higher than those of the physiological HFOs; this was also observed for rhythmicity and PAC. The classifier exhibited high accuracy in differentiating between the two forms of HFOs, as indicated by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89. Both PAC and rhythmicity contributed significantly to this distinction. The subgroup analyses supported these findings.SignificanceThe suggested HFO features can accurately distinguish between pathological and physiological channels substantially improving its usefulness in clinical localization.Plain Language SummaryIn this study, we computed three quantitative features associated with HFOs in each SEEG channel and then constructed a machine learning‐based classifier for the classification of pathological and physiological channels. The classifier performed well in distinguishing the two channel types under different levels of consciousness as well as in terms of imaging results, EZ location, and patient surgical outcomes.
Effect of methyl substitution on hydrogen bond structure of anthocyanin
Authors: Zhang ZhongXin , Liu QiFan , Aizezi Nuerbiye , Abulimiti Bumaliya , Xiang Mei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn nature, hydrogen bonding is a common physical occurrence that has a significant impact on the surroundings of anthocyanins. Water molecules will create hydrogen bonds with anthocyanin molecules in various configurations, but the characteristics of these hydrogen bonds will change. Varied hydrogen bonding characteristics have varied impacts on solvent solutions. This research analyzes the differences in hydrogen bonding qualities caused by different methyl structures, as well as the underlying explanations. In this study, the cyanidin and peonidin structures of anthocyanin molecules were calculated in various stable hydrogen bond configurations using the density functional theory B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), combined with information from the infrared spectroscopy spectrum, atoms in molecules analysis, interaction energy E, and intermolecular hydrogen bond length. The hydrogen bond structure that is the most stable is determined by analyzing it, as well as the effects of replacing the hydroxyl group with a methyl group and any potential underlying causes. Future anthocyanins research can benefit from the precise theoretical reference that this study can offer.
Comparative study of Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa: Microscopy, TLC, HPLC, and antioxidant activity
Authors: Ho Yu‐Ling , Au Thanh‐Thuy‐Dung , Wu Hung‐Yi , Wu Kun‐Chang , Chang Yuan‐Shiun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractQuality control of herbal medicines is crucial, especially the role of herbal drug identification. This is essential for preventing the misuse of herbs, which can affect efficacy or cause toxicity. Scleromitrion diffusum is a common herb, yet it is often mistaken for Oldenlandia corymbosa. This study analyzed the morphology, microscopy, thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), and high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using two markers, asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester, to distinguish between S. diffusum and O. corymbosa with the analysis included 10 samples of S. diffusum and 10 samples of O. corymbosa collected from the Taiwan market. By quantifying the total polyphenols and flavonoids, we investigated the antioxidant activity, including the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect, 2,2′‐azino‐bis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) scavenging effect, and reducing power to further elucidate the biological effects of the two herbs. The results of this study revealed notable differences in microscopy and suggested a TLC method for distinguishing between the two herbs in the market. In HPLC, the ratios of asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester differed between the two herbs. S. diffusum contained a higher asperuloside content. In contrast, O. corymbosa contained higher concentrations of scandoside methyl esters. With more total polyphenols and flavonoids in S. diffusum than those in O. corymbosa, the antioxidant activity of S. diffusum was superior to that of O. corymbosa. This study provides a comprehensive understanding for the identification and quality evaluation of S. diffusum in the market.Research Highlights
The study consolidates and clarifies the morphological and microscopic differences between Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa – a common adulterant species of S. diffusum on the Taiwan markets.
Using Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester as two chemical markers, the study proposes a TLC method for rapidly testing S. diffusum and O. corymbosa on the market. Through HPLC analysis, our results showed that S. diffusum and O. corymbosa had a clear difference in the ratio of two markers, Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester: Asperuloside/Scandoside methyl ester in S. diffusum is higher than that in O. corymbosa.
Through phytochemicals contents, including total phenols content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity, including DPPH, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power, S. diffusum showed slightly higher levels of phenols and flavonoids as well as a better antioxidant activity than O. corymbosa.
Normal Values for Atrial Deformation Measured by Feature‐Tracking Cardiac MRI: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cai Qiuyi , Zhao Zhengkai , Gao Jin , Liu Jian , Li Jianlin , Peng Xin , Chen Hang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundA consensus on normal atrial deformation measurements by feature‐tracking cardiac MRI remained absent.PurposeProvide reference ranges for atrial strain parameters in normal subjects, evaluating the influence of field strength and analysis software on the measurements.Study TypeMeta‐analysis.Population2708 subjects from 42 studies undergoing cardiac MRI.AssessmentA systematic search was conducted from database (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE) inception through August 2023. The random‐effects model was used to pool the means of biatrial strain parameters. Heterogeneity and clinical variable effects were assessed. Strain measurements among different field strengths and analysis software were compared.Statistical TestsThe inverse‐variance method, Cochrane Q statistic, and I2 value, meta‐regression analysis, and ANOVA were used; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe pooled means of left atrial (LA) total strain (εs), passive strain (εe), and active strain (εa) were 37.46%, 22.73%, and 16.24%, respectively, and the pooled means of LA total strain rate (SRs), passive strain rate (SRe), and active strain rate (SRa) were 1.66, −1.95, and −1.83, indicating significant heterogeneity. The pooled means of right atrial (RA) εs, εe, and εa were 44.87%, 26.05%, and 18.83%. RA SRs, SRe, and SRa were 1.66, −1.95, and −1.83, respectively. The meta‐regression identified age as significantly associated with LA εs, εe and SRe, field strength was associated with LA SRa (all P < 0.05). ANOVA revealed differences in LA εa and SRa among different analysis software and in LA εs and all LA strain rates (all P < 0.05) among field strengths. No significant differences were identified in RA strain across analysis software (RA strain: P = 0.145–0.749; RA strain rates: P = 0.073–0.744) and field strengths (RA strain: P = 0.641–0.794; RA strain rates: P = 0.204–0.458).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrated the pooled reference values of biatrial strain. Age, analysis software, and field strength were attributed to differences in LA strain, whereas RA strain showed consistency across different field strengths and analysis software. Limited study subjects may account for the absence of influence on RA strain.Level of Evidence1.Technical EfficacyStage 5.
GABAergic system and chloride cotransporters as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate cell death in ischemia
Authors: Nascimento A. A. , Pereira‐Figueiredo D. , Borges‐Martins V. P. , Kubrusly R. C. , Calaza K. C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a critical inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that plays a vital role in modulating neuronal excitability. Dysregulation of GABAergic signaling, particularly involving the cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2, has been implicated in various pathologies, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and ischemia. NKCC1 facilitates chloride influx, whereas KCC2 mediates chloride efflux via potassium gradient. Altered expression and function of these cotransporters have been associated with excitotoxicity, inflammation, and cellular death in ischemic events characterized by reduced cerebral blood flow, leading to compromised tissue metabolism and subsequent cell death. NKCC1 inhibition has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to attenuate intracellular chloride accumulation and mitigate neuronal damage during ischemic events. Similarly, targeting KCC2, which regulates chloride efflux, holds promise for improving outcomes and reducing neuronal damage under ischemic conditions. This review emphasizes the critical roles of GABA, NKCC1, and KCC2 in ischemic pathologies and their potential as therapeutic targets. Inhibiting or modulating the activity of these cotransporters represents a promising strategy for reducing neuronal damage, preventing excitotoxicity, and improving neurological outcomes following ischemic events. Furthermore, exploring the interactions between natural compounds and NKCC1/KCC2 provides additional avenues for potential therapeutic interventions for ischemic injury.
The South American precipitation trends under (or not) El Niño‐Southern Oscillation influences and relationship with large‐scale circulation
Authors: da Costa Jean Antunes Custódio , Andreoli Rita Valéria , Kayano Mary Toshie , de Souza Itamara Parente , de Souza Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira , Cerón Wilmar L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe precipitation trend patterns in South America (SA) are determined using trend empirical orthogonal function analysis for the 1951–2016 period. The associated large‐scale tropical and extratropical anomalous circulation patterns are also examined. The words “total” and “residual” refer to the monthly anomalies and monthly anomalies without the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects, respectively. The total precipitation features a positive trend in southeastern SA (SESA, southern Brazil, Uruguay, most of eastern Argentina) and northern Chile, and a negative trend over central‐eastern Brazil and central Amazonia. The residual precipitation shows an increased positive trend over most of the coastal extension of northern SA and Colombia; a weak positive trend over southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and northern Chile; and a negative trend over central‐eastern SA and western Amazonia. The differences between the total and residual precipitation trend patterns in tropical SA is explained as responses to total and residual zonally asymmetric anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) patterns, respectively. The total SST pattern along the equatorial Pacific configures the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which impacts ENSO variability and as response intensifies the Walker circulation. Without the ENSO, the Walker cell is mainly driven by the tropical Indian and Atlantic Oceans, which configure residual asymmetric anomalous warming. Furthermore, the warming in the equatorial Indian and eastern Pacific Oceans, in the presence of ENSO, induces a Rossby wave train‐type anomalous pattern that extends across the South Pacific into SA and modulates the atmospheric anomalous circulation over SESA. In this region, an anomalous anticyclonic accompanied by an intensified South American Low‐Level Jet induces a moisture transport to SESA. This anticyclone is also observed in the absence of ENSO but is weaker. The results suggest the importance of ocean warming in the western Pacific‐Indian in the modulation of extratropical teleconnections to SESA in the tropical ocean warming scenario.
Effects of a single‐session, online, experiential happiness workshop on graduate student mental health and wellness
Authors: Sommers‐Flanagan John , Mumbauer‐Pisano Jayna , Salois Daniel , Byrne Kristen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGraduate students regularly experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression, but little research exists on how to support their mental health. We evaluated the effects of a single‐session, online, synchronous, happiness workshop on graduate student well‐being, mental health, and physical health. Forty‐five students participated in a quasi‐experimental study. Students attended a synchronous 2.5‐h online happiness workshop, or a no‐workshop control condition. After workshop completion and as compared with no‐treatment controls, participants reported significant reductions in depression symptoms but no significant changes on seven other measures. At 6 months, participants reported further reductions in depression symptoms. Moreover, across four open‐ended questions, 37.0%–48.1% of workshop participants (a) recalled workshop tools, (b) found them useful, (c) had been practicing them regularly, and (d) used them in sessions with clients. Despite study limitations, single‐session, synchronous, online, happiness workshops may have salutatory effects on graduate student mental health. Additional research is needed.
Tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft, with or without cross‐linked hyaluronic acid, in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: 12‐month outcomes of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Skierska Izabela , Górski Bartłomiej , Fus Łukasz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the influence of the adjunctive application of a cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions, using a modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) (MCAT+SCTG±HA).MethodsA randomized, split‐mouth, double‐masked comparison of the effects of MCAT+HA+SCTG (test) versus MCAT+SCTG (control) in the treatment of multiple, contralateral gingival recessions with clinical, esthetic, and histological evaluations was carried out. All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Verhoeff–Van Gieson, and Alcian blue stain for semiquantitative evaluation. The primary outcome variable was 12‐month mean root coverage (MRC).ResultsTwenty‐four patients with 266 gingival recessions received both control and test treatments (133 recessions per group). 12‐month MRC of the MCAT+HA+SCTG group was not significantly different from the MCAT+SCTG group with 84.32%± 34.46% and 85.71%± 36.43%, respectively (p = 0.991). Both treatment modes produced favorable esthetic outcomes (root coverage esthetic score [RES] 9.51± 1.01 tests vs. 9.26± 1.10 controls, p = 0.7292). However, the application of HA improved soft tissue texture (p = 0.0091). The remaining end point measures did not differ significantly between groups. Histological evaluation showed a significantly greater number of elastic fibers and a moderate increase in collagen fiber density in biopsy samples taken from the test sides when compared to the control sides (p = 0.0419 and p = 0.300, respectively).ConclusionsMCAT+SCTG is an effective procedure in the treatment of multiple recession Type 1 (RT1) and RT2 recessions. There were no statistically significant differences in evaluated clinical treatment outcomes in the MCAT+HA+SCTG group compared to the MCAT+SCTG group within a period of 12 months. The application of HA increased collagen and elastic fiber density.
Technical note: Patient‐specific quality assurance for multi‐target single‐isocenter SRS—A target‐specific approach
Authors: Lee Tae Kyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAs radiotherapy techniques advance, so do planning methods for multi‐target intracranial SRS cases. Multi‐target‐single‐isocenter (MTSI) planning offers high‐precision beam delivery with shortened duration. However, accommodating all targets in a single Patient‐Specific‐Quality‐Assurance (PSQA) with QA devices like SRS MapCHECK (SRS MC) is generally impractical.PurposeConsequently, we conducted PSQA, using a custom script, by relocating each Target or Neighboring‐Target‐Group (T‐NTG) relative to the beam isocenter on the PSQA device, ensuring each target's dose coverage at high precision.MethodsSRS treatment plans use 6MV–FFF beams, consisting of four Volumetric Modulated ARC Therapy (VMAT) arcs, including one full‐arc and three half arcs with couch‐kicks. A custom script calculated T‐NTG coordinates relative to the beam isocenter. QA verification plans were created for each T‐NTG, redefining the beam isocenter for precise alignment with the center of the SRS MC. CBCT images were acquired during PSQA for SRS MC alignment, and gamma‐index analysis (GIA) was performed. A single‐tail paired t‐test assessed the passing rate (PR) for 75 QA verification plans.ResultsGIA with l.0 mm/2.0% criteria for each QA plan yielded a PR > 95.5%, with an average of 98.9%. Plans achieving PR > 99.0% and > 97.0% constituted 63% and 92% of studied plans, respectively. Statistical significance was observed in a t‐test with an ideal PR value of 100%, while insignificance was found with a PR value of 99%, suggesting that PSQA for individual targets consistently approaches 99% PR. In MTSI cases using 6MV‐FFF beams, targets within the lateral dose‐fall‐off region require careful verification for acceptability. Our clinical study on individual T‐NTG relocation demonstrates that the presented PSQA methods are generally acceptable, supported by a statistically insignificant PR against a 99% PR value.ConclusionsPresented statistical analysis results indicate that the proposed PSQA approach can serve as a reliable tool in clinical settings.
Sequence building block for magnetic resonance spectroscopy on Siemens VE‐series scanners
Authors: Karkouri Jabrane , Rodgers Christopher T. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe present a sequence building block (SBB) that embeds magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) into another sequence on the Siemens VE platform without any custom hardware. This enables dynamic studies such as functional MRS (fMRS), dynamic shimming and frequency correction, and acquisition of navigator images for motion correction. The SBB supports nonlocalised spectroscopy (free induction decay), STimulated Echo Acquisition Mode single voxel spectroscopy, and 1D, 2D and 3D phase‐encoded chemical shift imaging. It can embed 1H or X‐nuclear MRS into a 1H sequence; and 1H‐MRS into an X‐nuclear sequence. We demonstrate integration into the vendor's gradient‐recalled echo sequence. We acquire test data in phantoms with three coils (31P/1H, 13C/1H and 2H/1H) and in two volunteers on a 7‐T Terra MRI scanner. Fifteen lines of code are required to insert the SBB into a sequence. Spectra and images are acquired successfully in all cases in phantoms, and in human abdomen and calf muscle. Phantom comparison of signal‐to‐noise ratio and linewidth showed that the SBB has negligible effects on image and spectral quality, except that it sometimes produces a nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) signal enhancement for multinuclear applications in line with conventional 1H NOE pulses. Our new SBB embeds MRS into a host imaging or spectroscopy sequence in 15 lines of code. It allows homonuclear and heteronuclear interleaving. The package is available through the standard C2P procedure. We hope this will lower the barrier for entry to studies applying dynamic fMRS and for online motion correction and B0‐shim updating.
Enhanced HPLC Method for Boar Taint Quantification
Authors: Pereira‐Pinto R. , Barros M. , Vaz‐Velho M. , Mata F. , Pires P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBoar taint is an unpleasant odour found in the carcasses of entire male pigs, resulting from androstenone and skatole accumulation during pubertal development, and impacting pork quality. This study proposes the validation of an adapted chromatographic method for quantifying skatole and androstenone in the pigs’ liquid fat using fluorescence detection. A good chromatographic separation was achieved, with skatole (SKA) and androstenone (AND) elution at 4.4 and 9.9 min., respectively. An external calibration method was applied, with calibration curves correlation coefficient of 0.9999 for both analytes. Detection limit values were 1.53 and 16.02 ng/g for SKA and AND, respectively. SKA recovery was 99.72±2.34 % (2.34 % RSD) and 102.84±1.62 % (1.57 % RSD) for AND. Results showed good precision values (repeatability <2.46 % RSD for SKA, <6.85 % RSD for AND; intermediate precision <2.87 % RSD for SKA, <6.98 % RSD for AND). The method‘s robustness was tested and the values were within the reference ranges. The validation results proved that the adaptation of an existing method resulted in good assessments of robustness, reliability and accuracy.