bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical and volumetric description of the guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) brain from an ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Avelino-de-Souza Kamilla , Mynssen Heitor , Chaim Khallil , Parks Ashley N. , Ikeda Joana M. P. , Cunha Haydée Andrade , Mota Bruno , Patzke Nina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) is a common species along Central and South American coastal waters. Although much effort has been made to understand its behavioral ecology and evolution, very little is known about its brain. The use of ultra-high field MRI in anatomical descriptions of cetacean brains is a very promising approach that is still uncommon. In this study, we present for the first time a full anatomical description of the Guiana dolphin’s brain based on high-resolution ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging, providing an exceptional level of brain anatomical details, and enriching our understanding of the species. Brain structures were labeled and volumetric measurements were delineated for many distinguishable structures, including the gray matter and white matter of the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, superior and inferior colliculi, thalamus, corpus callosum, ventricles, brainstem and cerebellum. Additionally, we provide the surface anatomy of the Guiana dolphin brain, including the labeling of main sulci and gyri as well as the calculation of its gyrification index. These neuroanatomical data, absent from the literature to date, will help disentangle the history behind cetacean brain evolution and consequently, mammalian evolution, representing a significant new source for future comparative studies.
Electron Scattering on $$^4$$He from Coupled-Cluster Theory
Authors: Sobczyk Joanna E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe present a coupled-cluster calculation for the electron-$$^4$$

4

He scattering in the region of the quasi-elastic peak. We show the longitudinal and transverse responses separately, and discuss results within two distinct theoretical methods: the Lorentz integral transform and spectral functions. The comparison between them allows to investigate the role of final state interactions, two-body currents and relativistic effects.
Mapping functions for the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to generate EQ-5D-3L for economic evaluation
Authors: Mukuria Clara , Franklin Matthew , Hinde Sebastian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Generic preferenced-based measures, such as EQ-5D-3L, that are used to estimate quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for economic evaluation are not always available in clinical trials. Predicting EQ-5D-3L values from the commonly used Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) would allow estimation of QALYs from such trials. The aim was to provide mapping functions to estimate EQ-5D-3L from PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to facilitate economic evaluation.

Methods
Data was drawn from four trials of patients with symptoms of depression testing collaborative care or computerised cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients completed PHQ-9, GAD-7, and EQ-5D-3L at different timepoints. Mapping was undertaken using adjusted limited dependent variable mixture models (ALDVMM), ordinary least squares (OLS), and Tobit models based on PHQ-9, GAD-7 scores or questions, and age to predict EQ-5D-3L utilities. Models were selected based on mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), model goodness of fit, and visual inspection of the predictions.

Results
There were 5583 and 3942 observations for EQ-5D-3L combined with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 respectively. ALDVMM models had low ME ( ≤|0.0018|) and MAE ranging from 0.189 to 0.192, while RMSE was from 0.251 to 0.254 and had better predictions than OLS and Tobit models. ALDVMM models with four components based on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores are recommended for estimating EQ-5D-3L utilities.

Conclusions
Recommended mapping functions provide users with an approach to estimate EQ-5D-3L utilities for economic evaluation using PHQ-9, GAD-7, or both scores where they have been used together.
Infectious complications in pediatric patients undergoing CD19+CD22+ chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wu Xiaochen , Cao Zhanmeng , Chen Zihan , Wang Yi , He Hailong , Xiao Peifang , Hu Shaoyan , Lu Jun , Li Benshang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is effective in the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL); however, patients who receive CAR-T therapy are predisposed to infections, with considerable detrimental effects on long-term survival rates and the quality of life of patients. This study retrospectively analyzed infectious complications in 79 pediatric patients with R/R B-ALL treated with CAR-T cells at our institution. Overall, 53 patients developed 88 infections. Nine patients experienced nine infections during lymphodepletion chemotherapy, 35 experienced 41 infections during the early phase (days 0–+ 30 after infusion), and 29 experienced 38 infections during the late phase (day + 31–+ 90 after infusion). Pathogens were identified in 31 infections, including 23 bacteria, seven viruses, and one fungus. Four patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for infection and one died. In a univariate analysis, there were ten factors associated with infection, including tumor load, lymphodepleting chemotherapy, neutrophil deficiency and lymphocyte reduction, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), etc. In a multivariate analysis, CRS ≥ grade 3 was identified as a risk factor for infection (hazard ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–5.36, P = 0.031). Therefore, actively reducing the CRS grade may decrease the risk of infection and improve the long-term quality of life of these patients.
Fibroblast expression of neurotransmitter receptor HTR2A associates with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis joint
Authors: Xiang Chunyan , Hong Soon-Min , Zhao Bingjiao , Pi Hui , Du Fang , Lu Xingyu , Tang Yuanjia , Shen Nan , Yang Chunxi , Wang Runci 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study of neuroimmune crosstalk and the involvement of neurotransmitters in inflammation and bone health has illustrated their significance in joint-related conditions. One important mode of cell-to-cell communication in the synovial fluid (SF) is through extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying microRNAs (miRNAs). The role of neurotransmitter receptors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint diseases, and whether there are specific miRNAs regulating differentially expressed HTR2A, contributing to the inflammatory processes and bone metabolism is unclear. Expression of neurotransmitter receptors and their correlated inflammatory molecules were identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovium from a scRNA-seq dataset. Immunohistochemistry staining of synovial tissue (ST) from RA and OA patients was performed for validation. Expression of miRNAs targeting HTR2A carried by SF EVs was screened in low- and high-grade inflammation RA from a public dataset and validated by qPCR. HTR2A reduction by target miRNAs was verified by miRNAs mimics transfection into RA fibroblasts. HTR2A was found to be highly expressed in fibroblasts derived from RA synovial tissue. Its expression showed a positive correlation with the degree of inflammation observed. 5 miRNAs targeting HTR2A were decreased in RA SF EVs compared to OA, three of which, miR-214-3p, miR-3120-5p and miR-615-3p, mainly derived from monocytes in the SF, were validated as regulators of HTR2A expression. The findings suggest that fibroblast HTR2A may play a contributory role in inflammation and the pathogenesis of RA. Additionally, targeting miRNAs that act upon HTR2A could present novel therapeutic strategies for alleviating inflammation in RA.
Organic soil greenhouse gas flux rates in hemiboreal old-growth Scots pine forests at different groundwater levels
Authors: Samariks Valters , Ķēniņa Laura , Īstenais Nauris , Ozoliņš Kristaps , Köster Kajar , Jansons Āris 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTree biomass and soils (especially organic soils) are significant carbon pools in forest ecosystems, therefore forest management practices, in order to ensure carbon storage in these pools and to mitigate climate change, are essential in reaching climate neutrality goals set by the European Union. Overall studies have focused on diverse aspects of forest carbon storage and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from mineral soils, and recently also from organic soils. However, the information about old-growth forests and the long-term effects of drainage on GHG fluxes of organic soils is missing. Additionally, a large proportion of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests on organic soils in the hemiboreal region are drained to regulate groundwater level and to improve above-ground carbon storage. The study aims to assess the intra-annual dynamics of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes in hemiboreal old-growth Scots pine stands on organic soils with diverse groundwater levels. Six old-growth stands (130–180 years old) were evaluated. In old-growth forests, the main source of soil CO2 emissions is ground vegetation and tree roots (autotrophic respiration), while heterotrophic respiration contributes to almost half (41%) of the total forest floor ecosystem (soil) respiration. The total forest floor respiration and soil heterotrophic respiration are mainly affected by soil temperature, with minor but statistically significant contribution of groundwater level (model R2 = 0.78 and R2 = 0.56, respectively). The CO2 fluxes have a significant, yet weak positive relationship with groundwater level (RtCO2 R2 = 0.06 RhCO2 R2 = 0.08). In contrast, total soil CH4 uptake or release depends primarily on groundwater level fluctuations, with a minor but significant contribution of soil temperature (model R2 = 0.67). CH4 flux has high variability between stands.
Dietary multi-strains Bacillus spp. enhanced growth performance, blood metabolites, digestive tissues histology, gene expression of Oreochromis niloticus, and resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection
Authors: Dighiesh Hagar Sedeek , Alharbi Nouf A. , Awlya Ohaad F. , Alhassani Walaa E. , Hassoubah Shahira A. , Albaqami Najah M. , Aljahdali Nesreen , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M. , Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan , Munir Mohammad Bodrul , Sakr Salah El-Sayed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe present study tested the symbiotic effects of dietary multi-strain Bacillus probiotics (MSB) (Bacillus licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to Aspergillus flavus infection. Furthermore, this study investigated water quality, growth performance, blood metabolites, histological morphology, immune regulatory genes, and resistance to A. flavus infection. For 70 days, fish (n = 240) were divided into four groups in triplicate: T0 (control group; MSB0), T1 (1 g/kg, MSB1), T2 (2 g/kg, MSB2), and T3 (3 g/kg, MSB3). The immune response was then assessed by challenging all fish groups with the A. flavus pathogen. The results showed that the rearing water quality, fish growth, and blood parameters, as well as total proteins, albumin, globulins, and amylase activity were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all MSB-treated groups with the best results in MSB2 and MSB3 groups. Meanwhile, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, and glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.05) modulated, particularly at higher concentrations of the probiotic mixture (MSB3 group). Fish fed with various levels of MSB showed a maintained histological structure of the hepatopancreas, intestine, and spleen tissues. The mRNA expression of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were increased in a dose-dependent manner due to MSB dietary inclusion (P < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene was significantly decreased in MSB groups compared to untreated group (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, supplemented groups in Bacillus spp. probiotics exhibited significant modulations in all computed parameters. MSB supplementation improved the pathogenic tolerance of tilapia after change with A. flavus. The integration of growth performance, biochemical, and transcriptomic results confirms that the dietary intervention of multi-strain Bacillus spp. is symbiotic and enhances the benefits for the maintenance of O. niloticus’ health, growth, and digestion. This is achieved by supporting growth genes, reducing inflammatory genes, and enhancing immune-antioxidant resistance to combat A. flavus infection.
A systematic literature review: Trends and current state of research on Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), 2010–2022
Authors: Maharjan Amir , Maraseni Tek , Allen Benjamin L. , Apan Armando 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTigers are one of the most recognized and charismatic predator on earth, yet their habitats have declined, their numbers are low, and substantial threats to their survival persist. Although, tiger conservation is high priority globally and tigers are generally considered well studied, there has been no comprehensive global assessment of tiger-related publications aimed at identifying trends, assessing their status and pinpointing research gaps. Utilizing PRISMA framework, we conducted an extensive search across multiple databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, to gather research related to Bengal tigers. Following thorough screening, we selected and evaluated 491 articles published between 2010 and 2022 to address these issues. The results show that publications on Bengal tigers have steadily on rise, with an average of 40 papers/year within this period. We found that most research was focused on the theme of tiger biology. Information on leopards and dholes was also frequently associated with tiger research. The highest number of lead authors originated from India (n = 192), where most research was also conducted. Authors from USA (n = 111) and UK (n = 38) were the next most productive, even though tigers are not found in or anywhere near these countries. We demonstrate that there is only limited amount of transboundary research, and that relatively little tiger research is conducted in the forests beyond protected areas. Similarly, very important but the least studied themes ─Poaching, Population and Socio-culture dimension should be the priority of future research efforts. Additionally, research on tourism, economic aspects and technological inputs are essential for the sustainable conservation of Bengal tigers.
Biocomposites and bionanocomposites from poly(lactide) and cellulosic materials – a review
Authors: Nkuna C. N. , Mhike W. , Ojijo V. , Shongwe M. B. , John M. J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract Global environmental concerns have recently accelerated interest in the usage of biodegradable polymers to replace petroleum-based conventional plastics. Lactic acid-based polymers are some of the most promising and widely studied biobased materials, which are suitable for packaging and biomedical applications. This is mainly due to their appealing characteristics such as relatively good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and multiple end-of-life options such as recyclability and biodegradability in industrial composting conditions. However, the use of lactic acid-based polymers in advanced applications is constrained by their inherent brittleness, poor melt strength, and relatively high cost. These disadvantages can be remedied by reinforcement with cellulose nanomaterials which can enhance their mechanical properties while maintaining their biodegradability. This review provides an overview of recent studies on the development of biodegradable lactic acid-based polymer composites and nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The different processing methods and chemical modification techniques utilised on modification and functionalisation of cellulosic nanomaterials for improving the properties of lactic acid-based polymer nanocomposites are also discussed.
Real-world evidence on treatment pattern, effectiveness, and safety of blinatumomab in Chinese patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhou Huifen , Wu Xiaoxia , Yang Zhen , Lu Shenqi , Zhang Xinhui , Yang Xiaofei , Chen Suning , Wu Depei , Miao Miao 
Published: April 2024

SummaryBlinatumomab is efficacious in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), yet limited real-world data exists in this context. This retrospective study provided real-world data on the treatment pattern, effectiveness, and safety of blinatumomab in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed (ND) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-ALL. Patients with B-ALL who received at least one dose of blinatumomab in frontline or R/R settings between August 2021 and June 2023 were included. The primary outcome was the treatment pattern of blinatumomab. Key secondary outcomes included complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete blood cell recovery (CRi) rate, minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, median event-free survival (EFS), and safety. The study included 96 patients with B-ALL; 53 (55.2%) patients were in the ND group and 43 (44.8%) patients were in the R/R group. The median treatment duration was one cycle (range: 1–5). Most patients underwent chemotherapies, allo-HSCT, or experimental CAR-T following blinatumomab. The ND patients using blinatumomab induction therapy achieved 100% CR/CRi rate; 87.2% achieved MRD negativity within two cycles of blinatumomab. In R/R re-induction patients, the CR/CRi rate was 50%; MRD negativity rate was 64.2%. In R/R patients using blinatumomab for consolidation, MRD negativity rate was 90.9%. The median EFS was not reached in both ND and R/R patients; 1-year EFS rate was 90.8% (95% CI: 67%, 97%) and 55.1% (95% CI: 30%, 74%), respectively. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 12.5% patients. Blinatumomab was found to be effective with a tolerable safety profile in real world setting.
Environmental regulations and firms’ integration in global markets: using a new environmental performance index
Authors: Paschoaleto Rafael Duarte Lisboa , Martínez-Zarzoso Inmaculada 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates how the environmental performance of firms impacts their participation in global value chains (GVC). The analysis is based on a dataset of 15,922 firms located in 32 European, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African countries, with information on firm-level environmental practices provided by the recent Green Economy module of the World Bank Enterprise Surveys. We propose the Firm Environmental Performance Index (FEPI), a new index measuring firms’ adoption of environmental actions. The index is used in a two-part instrumental variable approach to estimate the impact of FEPI on both the probability and the intensity of GVC participation, while addressing reverse causality concerns. The results indicate that a one-standard deviation increase in the FEPI increases the probability of participation by 6.4 percentage points, a result consistently observed in all regions and sectors. The effects on the intensity of participation are mostly non-significant. However, a negative effect is observed in exceptional cases, namely for firms that are importers only, have low-technology practices, and are located in less developed regions. The results are robust to alternative definitions of GVC participation, inclusion of alternative instruments, and to partial violations of the exclusion restriction. All in all, they suggest that complying with environmental regulations could lead to higher integration in global markets, albeit with adverse effects in some particular cases.
The benefits of experimental breeding research genotypes for the genetic resources of spring durum wheat
Authors: Dvořáček V. , Jelínek M. , Jágr M. , Hermuth J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Our study aimed to incorporate 60 newly acquired spring durum wheat genotypes into the Prague Gene Bank collection, focusing on 54 experimental breeding research genotypes and their technological quality contributions for conservation and future use. We analyzed a total of 11 field and 6 technological parameters of grain quality. Additionally, we identified the composition of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) in 13 accessions with contrasting technological characteristics. Two different extraction procedures were employed to detect HMW-GSs: one based on total protein extraction and the other on gliadin pre-extraction. The tested parameters exhibited a significant range of variability, with the relative standard deviation ranging from 2.1% for starch content to 96.7% for the gluten index. Additionally, six breeding research genotypes exhibited high technological grain quality comparable to the two modern durum wheat cultivars. Two accessions: M90-99–2 and IG 142076 showed above-average Zeleny sedimentation values, probably positively influenced by the presence of HMW-GSs A1: (2*). Genotypes PI 675012 and IG 142039 displayed the highest grain stability in technological parameters. Both extraction methods also detected the specific subunit B1: (6 + 8*) in the genotype IG 142039. Preserving these genotypes thus represents a substantial expansion of genetic resources in the genebank.
Characteristic Curves of Polar Fluids: (II) The Two-Center Lennard–Jones Plus Quadrupole Fluid
Authors: Renneis Hans , Stephan Simon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA systematic study of Brown’s characteristic curves of the two center Lennard–Jones plus point quadrupole (2CLJQ) fluid was carried out using molecular simulation and molecular-based equation of state (EOS) modeling. The model parameters (elongation and quadrupole moment) were varied systematically covering the range relevant for real fluid models. In total, 36 model fluids were studied. The independent predictions from the EOS and the computer experiments are found to be in very good agreement. Based on these results, the influence of the quadrupole moment on the fluid behavior at extreme conditions is elucidated. The quadrupole interactions are found to have a surprisingly minor influence on the extreme state fluid behavior. In particular, for the Amagat curve, the quadrupole moment is found to have an almost negligible influence in a wide temperature range. The results also provide new insights into the applicability of the corresponding states principle, which is compared to other molecular property features. Interestingly, for a wide range of quadrupole moments, the fluid behavior at extreme conditions is conform with the corresponding states principle—opposite to the influence of other molecular features. This is attributed to the symmetry of the quadrupole interactions. Moreover, an empirical correlation for the characteristic curves was developed as a global function of the model parameters and tested on real substance models. Additionally, the applicability of Batschinski’s linearity law for the Zeno curve was assessed using the results for the 2CLJQ fluid.