bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent increase of perineuronal nets in the human hippocampus and precocious aging in epilepsy
Authors: Lehner Annika , Hoffmann Lucas , Rampp Stefan , Coras Roland , Paulsen Friedrich , Frischknecht Renato , Hamer Hajo , Walther Katrin , Brandner Sebastian , Hofer Wiebke , Pieper Tom , Reisch Lea‐Marie , Bien Christian G. , Blumcke Ingmar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivePerineuronal nets (PNN) are specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the central nervous system, frequently accumulating at the surface of inhibitory GABAergic interneurons. While an altered distribution of PNN has been observed in neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy, their anatomical distribution also changes during physiological brain maturation and aging. Such an age‐dependent shift was experimentally associated also with hippocampal engram formation during brain maturation. Our aim was to histopathologically assess PNN in the hippocampus of adult and pediatric patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to age‐matched post‐mortem control subjects and to compare PNN‐related changes with memory impairment observed in our patient cohort.MethodsSixty‐six formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of the human hippocampus were retrieved from the European Epilepsy Brain Bank. Twenty‐nine patients had histopathologically confirmed hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and eleven patients suffered from TLE without HS. PNN were immunohistochemically visualized using an antibody directed against aggrecan and manually counted from hippocampus subfields and the subiculum.ResultsPNN density increased with age in both human controls and TLE patients. However, their density was significantly higher in all HS patients compared to age‐matched controls. Intriguingly, TLE patients presented presurgically with better memory when their hippocampal PNN density was higher (p < 0.05).SignificanceOur results were compatible with age‐dependent ECM specialization in the human hippocampus and its precocious aging in the epileptic condition. These observations confirm recent experimental animal models and also support the notion that PNN play a role in memory formation in the human brain.Plain Language Summary“Perineuronal nets” (PNN) are a specialized compartment of the extracellular matrix (ECM), especially surrounding highly active neurons of the mammalian brain. There is evidence that PNN play a role in memory formation, brain maturation, and in some pathologies like Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia or epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the role of PNN in patients suffering from drug‐resistant focal epilepsy compared to controls. We found that with increasing age, more neurons are surrounded by PNN. Similarly, all epilepsy patients but especially patients with better memory performance also had more PNN. This study raises further interest in studying ECM molecules in the human brain under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Effects of surface inoculation of biological soil crusts on laminar overland flow resistance
Authors: Di Stefano Costanza , Guida Gaetano , Nicosia Alessio , Palmeri Vincenzo , Pampalone Vincenzo , Ferro Vito 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNotwithstanding the recognized influence of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) on surface roughness and its implication for hydrological processes, limited information is currently available on the effect of BSCs on overland flow resistance. The objective of this paper was to investigate the applicability of a theoretically deduced flow resistance equation, based on a power‐velocity profile, using the experimental data set by Jafarpoor et al. (2022) and Sadeghi et al. (2023) for bare soil, which is a control condition, and three inoculated soils (cyanobacteria, bacteria, cyanobacteria+bacteria). In particular, the available data set was used to calibrate the relationship between the velocity profile parameter Γ and the flow Froude number. The developed analysis allowed for stating that (a) the Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor can be accurately estimated using the proposed theoretical approach, and (b) the available measurements do not allow for detecting a trend with the soil treatment.
Enhancing precision targeting of ovarian cancer tumor cells in vivo through extracellular vesicle engineering
Authors: Alharbi Mona , Lai Andrew , Godbole Nihar , Guanzon Dominic , Nair Soumyalekshmi , Zuñiga Felipe , Quinn Alexander , Yang Mengliu , Wu Sherry Y. , Salomon Carlos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) function as natural mediators of intercellular communication, secreted by cells to facilitate cell–cell signaling. Due to their low toxicity, immunogenicity, biodegradability, and potential to encapsulate therapeutic drugs, EVs hold significant therapeutic promise. Nevertheless, their limited targeting ability often diminishes their therapeutic impact. Therefore, enhancing EVs by incorporating targeting units onto their membranes could bolster their targeting capabilities, enabling them to accumulate in specific cells and tissues. In this study, we engineered EVs to fuse ephrin‐B2 with the EV membrane protein LAMP2b. This modification aimed to direct the engineered EVs toward the ephrin‐B4 receptor expressed on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. The engineered EVs retained their inherent properties, including size, expression of EV membrane proteins, and morphology, upon isolation. In vitro experiments using real‐time imaging revealed that EVs engineered with the ephrin‐B2 ligand exhibited substantial internalization and uptake by ovarian cancer cells, in stark contrast to native EVs. In vivo, the engineered EVs carrying the ephrin‐B2 ligand effectively targeted ovarian cancer cells, surpassing the targeting efficiency of control EVs. This innovative approach establishes a novel targeting system, enhancing the uptake of EVs by ovarian cancer cells. Our findings underscore the potential of using EVs to target cancer cells, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of anti‐cancer therapies while minimizing off‐target effects and toxicity in normal cells and organs.
A systematic review of social‐validity assessments in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: 2010–2020
Authors: Leif Erin S. , Kelenc‐Gasior Nadine , Bloomfield Bradley S. , Furlonger Brett , Fox Russell A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe conducted a systematic review of studies published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis between 2010 and 2020 to identify reports of social validity. A total of 160 studies (17.60%) published during this time included a measure of social validity. For each study, we extracted data on (a) the dimensions of social validity, (b) the methods used for collecting social‐validity data, (c) the respondents, and (d) when social‐validity data were collected. Most social‐validity assessments measured the acceptability of intervention procedures and outcomes, with fewer evaluating goals. The most common method for collecting social validity data was Likert‐type rating scales, followed by non‐Likert‐type questionnaires. In most studies, the direct recipients of the intervention provided feedback on social validity. Social‐validity assessment data were often collected at the conclusion of the study. We provide examples of social‐validity measurement methods, discuss their strengths and limitations, and provide recommendations for improving the future collection and reporting of social‐validity data.
N‐glycan signatures identified in the serum from biliary tract cancer patients: Association with clinical diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Huang Chenjun , Qiu Zhiquan , Wang Mengmeng , Ji Jun , Xiao Xiao , Wang Ying , Xu Xuewen , Gao Zhiyuan , Gao Chunfang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the expression of genes related to glycosyltransferases may lead to alterations in N‐glycan structure abundance, potentially acting as markers for diagnosis and prognosis in biliary tract cancer (BTC).MethodsThis study was divided into cross‐sectional and longitudinal approaches. The cross‐sectional study included 316 BTC and 301 non‐BTC. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for sex and age differences between BTC and non‐BTC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors for BTC and constructed the BTC‐G model. The ROC curve was used to validate the diagnostic performance of BTC‐G. Longitudinal follow‐up studies included postoperative (N = 50) and immunotherapy (N = 43) follow‐up cohorts. Cox regression analysis identified N‐glycan structures impacting BTC prognosis postoperative and immunotherapy, with further confirmation through Kaplan–Meier curves.ResultsUnivariate and multivariate analyses identified Peak3 (OR: 0.790, 95% CI: 0.658–0.949), Peak9 (OR: 1.646, 95% CI: 1.409–1.922), and Peak9p (OR: 2.467, 95% CI: 1.267–4.804) as independent BTC risk factors, leading to the creation of the BTC‐G. The ROC curve confirmed that BTC‐G performed well in training (AUC: 0.753, 95% CI: 0.703–0.799), validation (AUC: 0.811, 95% CI: 0.740–0.870), and CA19‐9 negative cohorts (AUC: 0.717, 95% CI: 0.664–0.767). Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves established that Peak12 (HR: 5.578, 95% CI: 1.145–27.170) and Peak11 (HR: 1.104, 95% CI: 0.611–1.994) are independent risk factors for BTC prognosis following surgery and immunotherapy, respectively.ConclusionsOur NGFP technology supplements BTC diagnostics, distinguishing survival and recurrence subtypes for postoperative and immunotherapy, thereby supporting the development of treatment strategies.
MRI Reference Ranges for Fetal Cardiothoracic Ratio of Diameter, Area, and Circumference from 21 to 38 Weeks Gestational Age
Authors: Gao Duo , Feng Xuran , Cao Yimin , Yi Zexi , Han Xuefang , Yang Haiqing , Geng Zuojun , Zhou Lixia 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundWhether fetal cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is constant or increasing with gestational age (GA) is controversial. The majority of the fetal CTR data has been obtained through ultrasound.PurposeTo retrospectively analyze CTR of diameter, area, and circumference on prenatal MR images in a low‐risk population of singleton pregnancies, and to clarify its diagnostic value.Study TypeRetrospective.Subjects1024 low‐risk singleton pregnancies undergoing MRI.Field StrengthBalanced steady state free precession sequence and single shot‐fast spin echo sequence at 1.5 Tesla.AssessmentPregnancy clinical data were recorded and diameter, area, and circumference of the fetal heart and thorax were measured by two researchers with 6 and 7 years of radiology experience, respectively, and their variation with GA was investigated. The relationship between CTRs with GA was also investigated. Finally, the value of CTR in the diagnosis of fetuses with abnormal development was explored by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Statistical TestsLinear regression and ROC curves. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThere were significant positive linear correlations (R2 > 0.7, P < 0.0001) between the diameter, area, and circumference of the heart and thorax with GA. The CTRs remain constant values and do not change with GA. The 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles of the CTR in 21–38 weeks GA were 0.32, 0.39, and 0.48 respectively. The corresponding percentiles for the area ratio were 0.15, 0.21 and 0.27, respectively, and for the circumference ratio were 0.40, 0.46, and 0.52, respectively. Based on ROC curves of CTR with three methods, the area under curves (AUCs) were up to 0.95, the sensitivity and the specificity were more than 88%.Data ConclusionReference ranges of fetal CTR were established using MRI, which remain constant. These may be helpful in making a definitive diagnosis in fetuses with abnormal development.Level of Evidence4.Technical EfficacyStage 2.
Projection of future water availability in the Amu Darya Basin
Authors: Salehie Obaidullah , Jamal Mohamad Hidayat bin , Ismail Tarmizi bin , Harun Sobri Bin , Shahid Shamsuddin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWater scarcity is a major challenge facing many regions worldwide, especially arid and semi‐arid areas that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. This study aimed to project water availability in the Amu Darya Basin (ADB) of Central Asia under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase Six (CMIP6) during two upcoming periods (2020–2059 and 2060–2099). The study used a robust machine learning approach, namely a Random Forest (RF) model, to simulate Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) data from precipitation and maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax and Tmin). It then incorporated precipitation, Tmax and Tmin from four selected CMIP6 GCMs, into a water storage model to project spatiotemporal changes in water availability across the basin. The study also evaluated the relative impacts of land use and population on TWS. Results indicate an increase in TWS by approximately 4 cm in the basin's eastern, northwestern and southwestern regions in both future periods, while a decrease by approximately −4 cm in the remaining areas. These projections suggest that TWS will decline in densely populated regions and increase in certain intensively cultivated areas. The most pronounced increase in TWS is anticipated in the snow‐covered Tundra climate zone of the basin. This is attributed to the melting of glaciers, which contributes to runoff in the tributaries of the Amu River. The findings highlight the importance of considering climate change and socioeconomic factors when projecting water availability in arid and semi‐arid regions. The projected changes in TWS have important implications for water resources management in the ADB, particularly in densely populated and intensively cultivated areas.
The Exploration of the Holistic and Complex Impacts of Creative Dance on Creative Potential Enhancement
Authors: Richard Veronique , Brown Denver M. Y. , Garcías Silvia , Almarcha Maricarmen , Cairney John , Torrents Carlota 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTInterest in nurturing individuals' creative potential is rising. Yet, the potential benefits of incorporating creative embodied activities have been neglected in both applied and research settings. To address this gap, this study examined the effects of a Creative Dance program on university students' creative self‐efficacy, emotional creativity, tolerance to ambiguity, and ideation behaviors. A total of 143 undergraduate students participated, either in the Creative Dance intervention or a sport‐based control group for 15 weeks. A mixed‐method approach using questionnaires and focus groups was adopted. Linear mixed effects models showed that engaging in Creative Dance had a significant effect on ideational behaviors and tolerance to ambiguity. Specifically, students in the intervention condition improved their ideational behaviors and remained stable in their tolerance to ambiguity compared to student in the control condition who remained stable and regressed on those variables respectively. Focus group results highlighted the social effects of the intervention, which help to contextualize the quantitative findings. This study underscores the importance of integrating creative embodied activities to foster individuals' creative potential while highlighting the need to develop comprehensive assessment tools to capture the dynamic interplay between individuals and their environment throughout this process.
Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology recommendations on Merkel cell carcinoma surgical treatment
Authors: Lobo Matheus de Melo , Wainstein Alberto Julius Alves , Barros Aldo Vieira , Oliveira Alexandre Ferreira , Jafelicci Andrea Schiavinato , Molina Andre Sapata , Bertolli Eduardo , Riccardi Felice , Cavarsan Flavio , Belfort Francisco Aparecido , Teixeira Frederico Jose  Ribeiro , DeBiasi Gustavo Galvan , Ribeiro Heber Salvador de Castro , Almeida Herbert Ives Barretto , de Oliveira Jadivan Leite , Duprat Neto Joao Pedreira , Rebolho Juliano Camargo , Nunes Luiz Fernando , Junior Manoel Jesus Pinheiro Coelho , Brandao Miguel Angelo , Brandao Paulo Henrique Domingues Miranda , de Souza Rafael Oliveira , Vazquez Vinicius de Lima , Pinheiro Rodrigo Nascimento 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer with poor 5‐year survival rates. Surgery and radiation are the current first‐line treatments for local and nodal disease.ObjectivesThe Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology developed this document aiming to guide the surgical oncology role in multimodal MCC management.MethodsThe consensus was established in three rounds of online discussion, achieving consensus on specific topics including diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow‐up.ResultsPatients suspected of having MCC should undergo immunohistochemical examination and preferably undergo pathology review by a dermatopathologist. Initial staging should be performed with dermatologic and nodal physical examination, combined with complementary imaging. Whole‐body imaging, preferably with positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) scans, are recommended. Due to the need for multidisciplinary approaches, we recommend that all cases should be discussed in tumor boards and referred to other specialties as soon as possible, reducing potential treatment delays. We recommend that all patients with clinical stage I or II may undergo local excision associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The decision on margin size should consider time to recovery, patient's comorbidities, and risk factors. Patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes or the presence of risk factors should undergo postoperative radiation therapy at the primary site. Exclusive radiation is a viable option for patients with low performance. Patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy should undergo nodal radiation therapy or lymphadenectomy. In patients with nodal clinical disease, in addition to primary tumor treatment, nodal radiation therapy and/or lymphadenectomy are recommended. Patients with advanced disease should preferably be enrolled in clinical trials and discussed in multidisciplinary meetings. The role of surgery and radiation therapy in the metastatic/advanced setting should be discussed individually and always in tumor boards.ConclusionThis document aims to standardize a protocol for initial assessment and treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, optimizing oncologic outcomes in middle‐income countries such as Brazil.
Kinetics of permanganate–sulfuric acid redox reaction with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Authors: Zaheer Zoya , Bawazir Wafa A. , Bahaidarah Effat A. , Abbas Shatha 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe permanganate–H2SO4 redox reaction, useful in oxidative treatments under aqueous conditions, was studied spectrophotometrically in the absence and presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The decolorization reactions were influenced by the [MnO4−], [H2SO4], and temperature. Permanganate reduction follows first‐, and complex–order kinetics with permanganate, and H2SO4 concentrations, respectively. The reduction of permanganate (Mn(VII)) proceeds through a complex formation between MnO4− and H2SO4. The characteristic absorption peaks for MnO42− (λmax = 439 and 606 nm), MnO43− (λmax = 667 nm), and MnO2 (λmax = 400–418 nm) were not appeared during the redox reaction. The KMnO4 degradation efficiency remains unaffected with sodium pyrophosphate and sodium fluoride. The results of this study demonstrated the formation of Mn(II) as the stable product in acidic reaction media. The degradation efficiency increases drastically from 15 to 100% with 2.0 × 10−4 to 16.0 × 10−4 mol/L CTAB concentration under sub‐, and post‐micellar reaction conditions, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (activation energy = 98.8 and 43.2 kJ/mol), activation of enthalpy (96.3, and 39.0 kJ/mol), activation of entropy (16.2 and −149.5 J/K/mol), free energy of activation (93.1 and 83.5 kJ/mol) were calculated without and with CTAB, respectively. Hence, CTAB can be exploited for its multifunctional applications, and specifically for the catalytic role in the permanganate‐assisted redox reactions in future.
Labile carbon content and nutrient availability determines microbial composition in topsoil and subsoil following land‐use change in subtropical China
Authors: Xiao Huacui , Sheng Hao , Zhang Liang , Liang Wandong , Wei Liang , Zhou Ping 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEvaluating the impact of land‐use intensification on soil microbial communities is essential for recognizing the implications on microbiome stability and ecosystem function. The microbial biomass and enzyme activity in the topsoil have been found to decrease as a consequence of natural forest conversion; however, the impact of land‐use conversion on the microbes in subsoil remains largely unclear. Here, we examined the effect of primary forest conversion to plantations and cultivated lands on microbial communities at three sites with similar soil, climate, and landform. The forest conversion was set as the experimental treatment, and the primary forest as the control. A linear mixed‐effect model was applied to investigate the role of environmental parameters in shaping the soil microbial biomass and community determined by the phospholipid fatty acids analysis in both the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm). Compared to the primary forest, the total microbial biomass, β‐1,4‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase activities, and labile organic C fraction contents in both topsoil and subsoil were reduced in cultivated lands. The ratios of gram‐positive bacteria to gram‐negative bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to saprotrophic fungi in subsoil decreased by 45%–53% and increased by 29%–151%, respectively, following the primary forest conversion to cultivated lands. The response ratio (the percentage of microbial and enzyme indicator response to the primary forest conversion) ranged from −80% to 140% depending on the soil depth, specific microbial group, and converted land‐use type. Microbial biomass and enzyme activity are primarily controlled by the labile organic C content and nutrients availability in both topsoil and subsoil. This study suggests that the primary forest conversion exerts an adverse effect on the microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and substrate availability in both topsoil and subsoil, highlighting the degradation of subsoil health in subtropical China.
Dynamic Transition from Branched Flow of Light to Beam Steering in Disordered Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Yu Xiao , Chang Shan‐Shan , Wang Zi‐Ye , Liu Jiao , Tang Xing‐Zhou , Chen Jin‐Hui , Li Bing‐Xiang , Lu Yan‐Qing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOrientational ordered soft matter possessing diverse microstructures has become a focal point of scientific research and technological exploration, thanks to its advancements in serving as an indispensable optical platform enabling propagation of light with multidimensional and manipulatable states. Herein, a facile way is developed to manipulate the in‐plane light beam transition dynamics by harnessing a time‐variable nematic liquid crystal (NLC) film through the electrical‐field‐induced topological defects. The results show that the dynamic change of optical branched flow is associated with the growth in the correlation length of optical potential and the reduction in the density of topological defects. The optical branching can continuously transform to deterministic and tunable beam steering at the low‐defect‐density regime through annihilation kinetics of defects. The explored soft matter system provides an excellent planar platform for the fundamental physics of light interacting with topological defects and may offer new perspectives for novel optics elements toward the applications of soft matter photonics.