bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired fibrinolysis in patients with atrial fibrillation and elevated circulating lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Sadowski Marcin , Ząbczyk Michał , Undas Anetta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is unknown whether elevated gut-derived serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can affect thrombin generation, fibrinolysis, and fibrin clot properties in atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate associations of circulating LPS with prothrombotic markers in AF patients. A total of 157 (women, 57.3%) ambulatory anticoagulant-naïve AF patients aged from 42 to 86 years were recruited. Clinical data together with serum LPS, inflammation, endothelial injury, coagulation and fibrinolysis markers, including fibrin clot permeability (Ks) and clot lysis time (CLT), were analyzed. A median LPS concentration was 73.0 (58.0-100.0) pg/mL and it showed association with CLT (r = 0.31,p < 0.001) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1,r = 0.57,p < 0.001), but not other fibrinolysis proteins, thrombin generation, inflammatory markers, or Ks. There were weak associations of LPS with von Willebrand factor (vWF,r = 0.2,p = 0.013), cardiac troponin I (r = 0.16,p = 0.045), and growth differentiation factor-15 (r = 0.27,p < 0.001). No associations of LPS and CHA2DS2-VASc or other clinical variables were observed. Multivariable regression adjusted for potential confounders showed that serum LPS ≥ 100 pg/mL was an independent predictor of prolonged CLT. This study is the first to demonstrate antifibrinolytic effects of elevated LPS in AF patients largely driven by enhanced PAI-1 release.
Optimization of Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation, regeneration and characterization of Malus domestica Borkh. Ri lines
Authors: Rüter Philipp , Eeckhaut Tom , Dhooghe Emmy , De Keyser Ellen , Doan Manh Hung , Bartels Jens , Winkelmann Traud 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explored the establishment and optimization of Ri (root inducing) technology for apple breeding, using the bacterium Rhizobium rhizogenes to obtain Ri lines with compact shoots and stronger root systems. The transformation and shoot regeneration for Malus domestica cultivars was studied in detail. Various R. rhizogenes strains, scion and rootstock genotypes, explant types, wounding methods and explant orientations were tested for hairy root induction. Most of the 16 tested strains, especially those with plasmid type III, induced hairy roots in the rootstock genotype ‘M26’. Although apple genotypes differed in response, in most of them roots were successfully induced using strains ATCC 15834, LMG 63 and LMG 150, with leaf blades outperforming petioles as explants. Wounding by scratching or sonication further improved transformation efficiency, as did placing leaf blades with their abaxial side upward on root induction medium. The majority (94%) of roots formed in one transformation experiment were tested PCR-positive for at least one T-DNA gene. Shoot regeneration experiments investigated salt concentrations, gelling agents, cytokinin types, concentrations, and a resting period on hormone-free medium. Shoot regeneration was highly genotype-dependent varying between 0 and 83%, whereas only minor, non-significant effects were observed for the treatments tested. Copy numbers of T-DNA genes were estimated using digital PCR for the first time in apple Ri lines. In the greenhouse, two Ri lines showed compact shoots and shorter leaves, but no enhanced root system. The improved protocol provides a valuable tool for breeders and scientists to obtain and further use Ri lines.
Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers
Authors: Rabatseta T P , Fourie P , Nkosi B D , Malebana I M M 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg–1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg–1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg–1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals’ average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers’ daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg–1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg–1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg–1 in steers’ diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.
Impacts of noise pollution from high-speed rail and road on bird diversity: a case study in a protected area of Italy
Authors: Bergamini Ester , Prandelli Sofia , Minelli Fausto , Gatti Roberto Cazzolla 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe disturbance of infrastructures may affect biological communities that are exposed to them. This study assesses the impact of high-speed (highway and railway) infrastructures in a protected study site, the Natural Reserve Fontanili di Corte Valle Re (Emilia–Romagna, Italy). We compared bird diversity with sound intensity and frequency in three sampling areas, increasingly distant from the infrastructures at the border with the reserve, during the last 4 years (2019–2022), monitoring sedentary, nesting, and migratory bird species. We hypothesize a decreasing diversity closer to the source of disturbance, which is mostly attributable to noise pollution. Our findings confirmed this trend, and we show that, in particular, disturbance seems to influence species richness more than the total abundance of birds. We also discovered that highway disturbance was much higher than railway in terms of frequency and duration. In light of these results, we suggest that some species, which have a behavioral ecology strongly based on singing to communicate with each other for their reproductive and defensive strategies, may suffer more from constant acoustic disturbance. The installation of effective noise barriers to shield the sound produced by the highways should be considered a mandatory request not only in proximity to houses but also in the vicinity of protected areas.
Variants of Bernstein’s theorem for variational integrals with linear and nearly linear growth
Authors: Bildhauer Michael , Fuchs Martin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing a Caccioppoli-type inequality involving negative exponents for a directional weight we establish variants of Bernstein’s theorem for variational integrals with linear and nearly linear growth. We give some mild conditions for entire solutions of the equation $$\begin{aligned} {\text {div}} \Big [Df(\nabla u)\Big ] = 0 \,, \end{aligned}$$

div

[

D
f
(
∇
u
)

]

=
0

,

under which solutions have to be affine functions. Here f is a smooth energy density satisfying $$D^2 f>0$$

D
2

f
>
0

together with a natural growth condition for $$D^2 f$$

D
2

f

.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure
Authors: Dhore-Patil Aneesh , Urina-Jassir Daniela , Samson Rohan , Le Jemtel Thierry H. , Oparil Suzanne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose of the Review
Preserved ejection fraction heart failure and obesity frequently coexist. Whether obesity plays a consistent role in the pathogenesis of preserved ejection fraction heart failure is unclear. Accumulation of visceral adiposity underlies the pathogenic aftermaths of obesity. However, visceral adiposity imaging is assessed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance and thus not routinely available. In contrast, epicardial adiposity thickness is assessed by echocardiography and thus routinely available. We review the rationale for assessing epicardial adiposity thickness in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure and elevated body mass index.

Recent Findings
Body mass index correlates poorly with visceral, and epicardial adiposity. Visceral and epicardial adiposity enlarges as preserved ejection fraction heart failure progresses. Epicardial adiposity may hasten the progression of coronary artery disease and impairs left ventricular sub-endocardial perfusion and diastolic function.

Summary
Epicardial adiposity thickness may help monitor the therapeutic response in patients with preserved ejection failure heart failure and elevated body mass index.
Clinicopathologic Features and Cytologic Correlation of ALK-Rearranged Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Series of Eight Cases
Authors: Shih Kun-Ping , Lee Yu-Cheng , Tsai Jia-Jiun , Lin Shu-Hui , Liu Chih-Yi , Li Wan-Shan , Li Chien-Feng , Hang Jen-Fan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAnaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions are rare in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but may serve as a therapeutic target. This study aims to evaluate the preoperative cytologic findings and clinicopathologic features of a series of eight ALK-rearranged PTCs from our pathology archives and consultations. All cases were confirmed by ALK D5F3 immunohistochemistry and six with additional targeted RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). The original fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnosis included the Bethesda System (TBS) category II in three (37.5%), TBS III in two (25%), TBS V in two (25%), and TBS VI in one (12.5%). Six cases had available FNA cytology and were reviewed. The cytologic features showed microfollicular architecture as well as limited or reduced nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations in all six. Nuclear grooves and pseudoinclusions were absent in two cases, rarely or focally noted in three, and frequently found in one. Two cases initially diagnosed as TBS II, showing microfollicular architecture without well-developed nuclear features, were revised to TBS III (with architectural atypia only). For histologic correlations, four were infiltrative follicular variant PTCs, three as classic subtype PTC with predominant follicular growth, and one as solid/trabecular subtype PTC. All eight cases demonstrated reduced PTC nuclear features with respect to nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations compared to those typically identified in “BRAF-like” PTCs. The NGS testing revealed EML4::ALK fusion in three, STRN::ALK fusion in two, and ITSN2::ALK fusion in one. In conclusion, although ALK-rearranged PTCs have been associated with neutral gene expression profile from a BRAF-RAS scoring perspective, the “RAS-like” nuclear features were more commonly identified in this series, resulting in frequent indeterminate diagnosis of preoperative FNA.
Dose-Ranging Effects of the Intracerebral Administration of Atsttrin in Experimental Model of Parkinson’s Disease Induced by 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in Mice
Authors: Poniatowski Łukasz A. , Joniec-Maciejak Ilona , Wawer Adriana , Sznejder-Pachołek Anna , Machaj Ewa , Ziętal Katarzyna , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractParkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a multitude of motor and non-motor clinical symptoms resulting from the progressive and long-lasting abnormal loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Currently, the available treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease are limited and exert only symptomatic effects, without adequate signs of delaying or stopping the progression of the disease. Atsttrin constitutes the bioengineered protein which ultrastructure is based on the polypeptide chain frame of the progranulin (PGRN), which exerts anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of TNFα. The conducted preclinical studies suggest that the therapeutic implementation of Atsttrin may be potentially effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with the occurrence of neuroinflammatory processes. The aim of the proposed study was to investigate the effect of direct bilateral intracerebral administration of Atsttrin using stereotactic methods in the preclinical C57BL/6 mouse model of Parkinson’s disease inducted by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication. The analysis of the dose dependency effects of the increasing doses of Atsttrin has covered a number of parameters and markers regarding neurodegenerative processes and inflammatory responses including IL-1α, TNFα, IL-6, TH, and TG2 mRNA expressions. Accordingly, the evaluation of the changes in the neurochemical profile included DA, DOPAC, 3-MT, HVA, NA, MHPG, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA concentration levels. The intracerebral administration of Atsttrin into the striatum effectively attenuated the neuroinflammatory reaction in evaluated neuroanatomical structures. Furthermore, the partial restoration of monoamine content and its metabolic turnover were observed. In this case, taking into account the previously described pharmacokinetic profile and extrapolated bioavailability as well as the stability characteristics of Atsttrin, an attempt was made to describe as precisely as possible the quantitative and qualitative effects of increasing doses of the compound within the brain tissue microenvironment in the presented preclinical model of the disease. Collectively, this findings demonstrated that the intracerebral administration of Atsttrin may represent a potential novel therapeutic method for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Sequential RAS mutations evaluation in cell-free DNA of patients with tissue RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: the PERSEIDA (Cohort 2) study
Authors: Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Safont Maria José , González Flores Encarnación , García-Alfonso Pilar , Aranda Enrique , Muñoz Ana-Maria López , Falcó Ferrer Esther , Cirera Nogueras Luís , Rodríguez-Salas Nuria , Aparicio Jorge , Llanos Muñoz Marta , Pimentel Cáceres Paola Patricia , Castillo Trujillo Oscar Alfredo , Vidal Tocino Rosario , Salgado Fernández Mercedes , Salud-Salvia Antonieta , Massuti Sureda Bartomeu , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Vicente Conesa Maria Ángeles , Lloansí Vila Ariadna ,   the PERSEIDA investigators
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutational status on a tumor biopsy is mandatory to guide the best treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Determining the RAS mutational status by tumor-tissue biopsy is essential in guiding the optimal treatment decision for mCRC. RAS mutations are negative predictive factors for the use of EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis enables minimally invasive monitoring of tumor evolution.

Methods/patients
PERSEIDA was an observational, prospective study assessing cfDNA RAS, BRAF and EGFR mutations (using Idylla™) in first-line mCRC, RAS wild-type (baseline tumor-tissue biopsy) patients (cohort 2). Plasma samples were collected before first-line treatment, after 20 ± 2 weeks, and at disease progression.

Results
117 patients were included (103 received panitumumab + chemotherapy as first-line treatment). At baseline, 7 (6.8%) patients had RAS mutations, 4 (3.9%) BRAF mutations and no EGFR mutations were detected (cfDNA, panitumumab + chemotherapy subpopulation [panitumumab + Ch]). The baseline RAS mutational status concordance between tissue and liquid biopsies was 94.0% (93.2%, panitumumab + Ch). At 20 weeks, only one patient in the study (included in the panitumumab + Ch) had an emerging cfDNA RAS mutation. No emerging BRAF or EGFR mutations were reported. At disease progression, 6 patients had emergent mutations not present at baseline (RAS conversion rate: 13.3% [6/45]; 15.0% [6/40], panitumumab + Ch).

Conclusions
The concordance rate between liquid and solid biopsies at baseline was very high, as previously reported, while our results suggest a considerable emergence of RAS mutations during disease progression. Thus, the dynamics of the genomic landscape in ctDNA may provide relevant information for the management of mCRC patients.
Redating the arrival of Tropaeolum minus in Italy
Authors: Buldrini Fabrizio , Mossetti Umberto , Morales Juan Francisco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAt a European level, Tropaeolum minus is the first species of this genus that arrived in our continent, around 1570, immediately used as an ornamental, vegetable and pharmaceutical plant. According to Italian sources, instead, T. minus arrived in Italy only in 1642: the species of this genus which was known in Italy at the time was T. majus, imported in 1596. However, in the Italian Renaissance herbaria, there are four specimens dated to the last decades of 1500, clearly recognisable as T. minus, which would confirm its import around 1570. Thanks to the analysis of these herbarium specimens and documental sources of the second half of the XVI century (Ulisse Aldrovandi’s manuscripts and watercolour plates, the lists of species cultivated in that period in the principal Italian botanical gardens, the manuscript code I cinque libri di piante by Pietro Antonio Michiel), it is possible to demonstrate that the arrival of T. minus in Italy has to be redated at the second half of the XVI century. Furthermore, this work allowed the specimens of Tropaeolum preserved in the Erbario Aldrovandi to be identified correctly, which were formerly attributed to T. majus following the Italian scientific literature available so far.
Graphical abstract
Remarks on the Relation of Log-Concave and Contoured Distributions in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Dafnis Nikos , Tsolomitis Antonis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe provide a characterization of those log-concave distributions in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^n$$

R

n

that are contoured distributions, through the $$K_p$$

K
p

-bodies of the distribution, defined by Ball. Our method uses the logarithmic integral for the solution of a Bernstein type approximation problem. In the second part of the paper we state a question for contoured distributions that would provide an alternative approach to the isotropic constant problem.
The Curvature Operator of the Second Kind in Dimension Three
Authors: Fluck Harry , Li Xiaolong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article aims to understand the behavior of the curvature operator of the second kind under the Ricci flow in dimension three. First, we express the eigenvalues of the curvature operator of the second kind explicitly in terms of that of the curvature operator (of the first kind). Second, we prove that $$\alpha $$
α
-positive/$$\alpha $$
α
-nonnegative curvature operator of the second kind is preserved by the Ricci flow in dimension three for all $$\alpha \in [1,5]$$

α
∈
[
1
,
5
]

.
The Role of Verbal Fluency in the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale in Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Corben Louise A. , Blomfield Eliza , Tai Geneieve , Bilal Hiba , Harding Ian H. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie , Delatycki Martin B. , Vogel Adam P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCerebellar pathology engenders the disturbance of movement that characterizes Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), yet the impact of cerebellar pathology on cognition in FRDA remains unclear. Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated the role of the cerebellar pathology in disturbed cognitive, language and affective regulation, referred to as Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS), and quantified by the CCAS-Scale (CCAS-S). The presence of dysarthria in many individuals with ataxia, particularly FRDA, may confound results on some items of the CCAS-S resulting in false-positive scores. This study explored the relationship between performance on the CCAS-S and clinical metrics of disease severity in 57 adults with FRDA. In addition, this study explored the relationship between measures of intelligibility and naturalness of speech and scores on the CCAS-S in a subgroup of 39 individuals with FRDA. We demonstrated a significant relationship between clinical metrics and performance on the CCAS-S. In addition, we confirmed the items that returned the greatest rate of failure were based on Verbal Fluency Tasks, revealing a significant relationship between these items and measures of speech. Measures of speech explained over half of the variance in the CCAS-S score suggesting the role of dysarthria in the performance on the CCAS-S is not clear. Further work is required prior to adopting the CCAS-S as a cognitive screening tool for individuals with FRDA.
A case of methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disease showing multiple liver lesions in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nagata Yamato , Akiba Shotaro , Horiuchi Hidekazu , Okumoto Kazuo , Hachinohe Shigemi , Ohe Rintaro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been receiving methotrexate (MTX) for 2 years presented with tarry stools. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed irregular wall thickening in the ileocecal region and multiple low-contrast masses in both lobes of the liver. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the ileocecal region with a semi-peripheral ulcer. Histological examination of liver and colon biopsies showed other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (Oi-LPD), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, with positivity for Epstein-Barr virus DNA. After withdrawal of MTX, the LPD lesions disappeared and the patient achieved remission. We considered this to be a sporadic case of Oi-LPD, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, in the liver and colon due to treatment with MTX. There has been no previous report of this condition with simultaneous hepatic and colonic lesions, and the present case is thought to be highly informative in relation to the pathogenesis.
Capstone Portfolios as an Accreditation and Professional Development Tool: Early Childhood Candidates' Experience
Authors: Al-Salmi Laila 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the perceptions of teacher candidates enrolled in an early childhood program (BEd) towards the importance of producing the capstone portfolio. The purpose of using capstone portfolios is to provide evidence that Early Childhood Education candidates (ECEC) have met international accreditation standards as stipulated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and realize the culminating development of their study in shaping the desired teacher qualities in their program of study. The perspectives of two cohorts of teacher candidates (a total of six participants) were investigated to report their views on the experience of creating capstone portfolios. Interviews and artefact analysis were used to collect data. The study revealed that Early Childhood Education candidates consolidated theory and practice through their capstone portfolios. The findings also revealed that the capstone portfolio, besides being evidence for meeting the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation standards, served as a means for learning and professional development. These findings show that capstone portfolios are effective not only for meeting accreditation standards but also for allowing candidates to connect the dots and fully view their overall learning as ECE professionals.