bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BCAA metabolism in pancreatic cancer affects lipid balance by regulating fatty acid import into mitochondria
Authors: Gotvaldová Klára , Špačková Jitka , Novotný Jiří , Baslarová Kamila , Ježek Petr , Rossmeislová Lenka , Gojda Jan , Smolková Katarína 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been associated with the host dysmetabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), however, the implications for the role of BCAA metabolism in PDAC development or progression are not clear. The mitochondrial catabolism of valine, leucine, and isoleucine is a multistep process leading to the production of short-chain R-CoA species. They can be subsequently exported from mitochondria as short-chain carnitines (SC-CARs), utilized in anabolic pathways, or released from the cells.

Methods
We examined the specificities of BCAA catabolism and cellular adaptation strategies to BCAA starvation in PDAC cells in vitro. We used metabolomics and lipidomics to quantify major metabolic changes in response to BCAA withdrawal. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry we quantified the fluorescence of BODIPY probe and the level of lipid droplets (LDs). We used BODIPY-conjugated palmitate to evaluate transport of fatty acids (FAs) into mitochondria. Also, we have developed a protocol for quantification of SC-CARs, BCAA-derived metabolites.

Results
Using metabolic profiling, we found that BCAA starvation leads to massive triglyceride (TG) synthesis and LD accumulation. This was associated with the suppression of activated FA transport into the mitochondrial matrix. The suppression of FA import into mitochondria was rescued with the inhibitor of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and the activator of AMP kinase (AMPK), which both regulate carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1) activation status.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that BCAA catabolism is required for the import of long chain carnitines (LC-CARs) into mitochondria, whereas the disruption of this link results in the redirection of activated FAs into TG synthesis and its deposition into LDs. We propose that this mechanism protects cells against mitochondrial overload with LC-CARs and it might be part of the universal reaction to amino acid perturbations during cancer growth, regulating FA handling and storage.
How effective are mood stabilizers in treating bipolar patients comorbid with cPTSD? Results from an observational study
Authors: Iazzolino Anna Maria , Valenza Marta , D’Angelo Martina , Longobardi Grazia , Di Stefano Valeria , Luca Steardo , Scuderi Caterina , Steardo jr Luca 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Multiple traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). Unfortunately, individuals with bipolar disorder (BP) are more likely to have suffered traumatic events than the general population. Consequently, cPTSD could be comorbid with BD, and this may negatively affect psychopathological manifestations. To date, no one has explored whether such comorbidity also affects the response to treatment with mood stabilizers in BD patients.

Results
Here, a cross-sectional study was carried out by comparing the response to treatment, measured by the Alda scale, in a cohort of 344 patients diagnosed with BD type I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire. The main result that emerged from the present study is the poorer response to mood stabilizers in BD patients with comorbid cPTSD compared with BD patients without cPTSD.

Conclusions
The results collected suggest the need for an add-on therapy focused on trauma in BD patients. This could represent an area of future interest in clinical research, capable of leading to more precise and quicker diagnoses as well as suggesting better tailored and more effective treatments.
Unlocking employee innovative behavior: the role of humble leadership, core self-evaluation, and leader-member exchange
Authors: Wang Gaofeng , Saher Laiba , Hao Tang , Ali Asad , Amin Muhammad Waqas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHumble leadership has gained attention in recent years due to its potential impact on employee performance. This study explores the association between humble leadership and follower innovative behavior by investigating the moderating role of core self-evaluation (CSE) and the mediating role of leader-member exchange (LMX). The study uses data from 328 followers and their immediate leaders to test a mediated moderation model. Results show that there is a favorable association between humble leadership and LMX and followers’ innovative behavior, particularly pronounced for followers who possess lower levels of CSE. The findings suggest that humble leaders should focus their development efforts on followers with low CSE to achieve complementarity congruity and improved innovation. This research enhances the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the significance of comprehending the functions of relational procedures and the psychological resources of followers in determining the effectiveness of humble leadership. These findings have practical implications for organizations seeking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and followers’ innovative behavior.
MRC1 and LYVE1 expressing macrophages in vascular beds of GNAQ p.R183Q driven capillary malformations in Sturge Weber syndrome
Authors: Nasim Sana , Bichsel Colette , Dayneka Stephen , Mannix Robert , Holm Annegret , Vivero Mathew , Alexandrescu Sanda , Pinto Anna , Greene Arin K. , Ingber Donald E. , Bischoff Joyce 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), a neurocutaneous disorder, is characterized by capillary malformations (CM) in the skin, brain, and eyes. Patients may suffer from seizures, strokes, and glaucoma, and only symptomatic treatment is available. CM are comprised of enlarged vessels with endothelial cells (ECs) and disorganized mural cells. Our recent finding indicated that the R183Q mutation in ECs leads to heightened signaling through phospholipase Cβ3 and protein kinase C, leading to increased angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2). Furthermore, knockdown of ANGPT2, a crucial mediator of pro-angiogenic signaling, inflammation, and vascular remodeling, in EC-R183Q rescued the enlarged vessel phenotype in vivo. This prompted us to look closer at the microenvironment in CM-affected vascular beds. We analyzed multiple brain histological sections from patients with GNAQ-R183Q CM and found enlarged vessels devoid of mural cells along with increased macrophage-like cells co-expressing MRC1 (CD206, a mannose receptor), CD163 (a scavenger receptor and marker of the monocyte/macrophage lineage), CD68 (a pan macrophage marker), and LYVE1 (a lymphatic marker expressed by some macrophages). These macrophages were not found in non-SWS control brain sections. To investigate the mechanism of increased macrophages in the perivascular environment, we examined THP1 (monocytic/macrophage cell line) cell adhesion to EC-R183Q versus EC-WT under static and laminar flow conditions. First, we observed increased THP1 cell adhesion to EC-R183Q compared to EC-WT under static conditions. Next, using live cell imaging, we found THP1 cell adhesion to EC-R183Q was dramatically increased under laminar flow conditions and could be inhibited by anti-ICAM1. ICAM1, an endothelial cell adhesion molecule required for leukocyte adhesion, was strongly expressed in the endothelium in SWS brain histological sections, suggesting a mechanism for recruitment of macrophages. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that macrophages are an important component of the perivascular environment in CM suggesting they may contribute to the CM formation and SWS disease progression.
Analysis of metabolome and microbiome revealed the resistance mechanisms in sugarcane cultivars with high resistance to pokkah boeng disease
Authors: Xiao Jian , Chen Zhongliang , Liang Tian , Yang Shangdong , Tan Hongwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndophytes are reported to play a role in resistance against plant pathogens. Understanding the metabolite-mediated endophytic microbiota composition in plants provides insights to improve plant stress resistance. In this study, via metabolome and microbiome analyses, we aimed to elucidate the resistance mechanism of sugarcane cultivars with high resistance to sugarcane pokkah boeng disease (PBD). The endophytic microbial composition and metabolites in the stems of various sugarcane cultivars with high resistance (HR) or high susceptibility (HS) to PBD were analyzed.ResultsThe results revealed that the endophytic fungi with biocontrol effects such asShinella,Dechloromonas, andMicrobacterwere significantly enriched, and the abundance of pathogenic fungi such asFusarium,Ramichloridium,Scleroramularia,Phaeosphaeriopsis,Sarocladium,Zygophiala,Gibberella,Pseudocercospora,Cyphellophora,Monocillium,Apiotrichum,Microsphaeropsis, andScleroramulariasignificantly reduced in the stems of HR cultivars. Additionally, six metabolites [citric acid, isocitrate, malic acid, PC(16:0/0:0), phosphocholine, and lysoPC(16:0)] were significantly related to the endophytes in the stems of HR cultivars.ConclusionsThese results suggested that more abundance of antagonistic microbes and highly active metabolic functions of endophytes in the HR cultivars were the important mechanisms underlying their higher resistance to PBD.Graphical abstract
Sourdough bread as nutritional intervention tool for improvement of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats
Authors: Mohamed Doha A. , Fouda Karem , Mabrok Hoda B. , El-Shamarka Marwa E. , Hamed Ibrahim M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The current research targeted to study the impact of nutritional intervention by two sourdough breads in improvement of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats.

Methods
Type-2 diabetes was induced in rats by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NC). Diabetic rats were fed on balanced diet or balanced diet containing 20% of sourdough bread I or II for a month. Lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and cognitive functions were assessed in all rats. Gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2) were assessed in hippocampal tissue, while expression of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) genes were evaluated in hepatic tissue. Chemical composition and fatty acids profile were evaluated in the prepared sourdough bread.

Results
Sourdough bread II showed higher content of phenolic compounds, fat, fiber and carbohydrates. Fatty acids profile revealed that sourdough bread I was higher in saturated fatty acids (16.08%), while sourdough bread sample II was higher in unsaturated fatty acids (79.33%). Sourdough bread I or II feeding rats’ showed significant improvement in hyperglycemia, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions in association with improvement in cognitive function. Gene expression of BDNF and NRF2 in hippocampal tissue were increased significantly, while hepatic GLUT2 and PEPCK gene expression were down-regulated in diabetic given sourdough bread I or II.

Conclusion
Sourdough bread II was superior in all the studied parameters. The anti-diabetic effect and protection from cognitive dysfunction of sourdough bread samples may be ascribed to the occurrence of dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescents with depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol for SPARX-UK
Authors: Khan K. , Hall C. L. , Babbage C. , Dodzo S. , Greenhalgh C. , Lucassen M. , Merry S. , Sayal K. , Sprange K. , Stasiak K. , Tench C. R. , Townsend E. , Stallard P. , Hollis C. ,   on behalf of the Digital Youth research team
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background

A serious game called SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts), originally developed in New Zealand and incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents with mild to moderate depression in studies undertaken in Australasia. However, SPARX has never been trialled in the United Kingdom (UK), and there have been issues relating to low engagement when it has been used in a real-world context.

Aims
To conduct the first pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) in England to explore the use of SPARX in different settings. The trial will explore whether SPARX supported by an e-coach (assistant psychologists) improves adherence and engagement compared with self-directed (i.e. self-help) use. The trial results will be used to inform the optimal mode of delivery (SPARX supported vs. SPARX self-directed), to calculate an appropriate sample size for a full RCT, and to decide which setting is most suitable.

Methods
Following consultation with young people to ensure study suitability/appropriateness, a total of 120 adolescents (11–19 years) will be recruited for this three-arm study. Adolescents recruited for the study across England will be randomised to receive either SPARX with human support (from an e-coach), self-directed SPARX, or a waitlist control group. Assessments will be conducted online at baseline, week 4, and 8–10-week post-randomisation. The assessments will include measures which capture demographic, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire modified for adolescents [PHQ-A]) and anxiety (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale [RCADS]) symptomatology, and health-related quality-of-life data (EQ-5D-Y and proxy version). Analyses will be primarily descriptive. Qualitative interviews will be undertaken with a proportion of the participants and clinical staff as part of a process evaluation, and the qualitative data gathered will be thematically analysed. Finally, feasibility data will be collected on recruitment details, overall study uptake and engagement with SPARX, participant retention, and youth-reported acceptability of the intervention.

Discussion
The findings will inform the design of a future definitive RCT of SPARX in the UK. If the subsequent definitive RCT demonstrates that SPARX is effective, then an online serious game utilising CBT principles ultimately has the potential to improve the provision of care within the UK’s health services if delivered en masse.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: ISRCTN15124804. Registered on 16 January 2023, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15124804.
Economic and labour market impacts of migration in Austria: an agent-based modelling approach
Authors: Poledna Sebastian , Strelkovskii Nikita , Conte Alessandra , Goujon Anne , Linnerooth-Bayer Joanne , Catalano Michele , Rovenskaya Elena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the potential economic and labour market impacts of a hypothetical but plausible migration scenario of 250,000 new migrants inspired by Austria’s experience in 2015. Using the agent-based macroeconomic model developed by Poledna et al. (Eur Econ Rev, 151:104306, 2023. 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2022.104306, the study explores the detailed labour market outcomes for different groups in Austria’s population and the macroeconomic effects of the migration scenario. The analysis suggests that Austria’s economy and labour market have the potential to be resilient to the simulated migration influx. The results indicate a positive impact on GDP due to increased aggregate consumption and investment. The labour market experiences an increase in the unemployment rates of natives and previous migrants. In some industries, the increase in the unemployment rates is more significant, potentially indicating competition among different groups of migrants. This research provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Austria and other countries that may face the challenge of managing large-scale migration in the near future.
Toward viewing behavior for aerial scene categorization
Authors: Jiang Chenxi , Chen Zhenzhong , Wolfe Jeremy M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrevious work has demonstrated similarities and differences between aerial and terrestrial image viewing. Aerial scene categorization, a pivotal visual processing task for gathering geoinformation, heavily depends on rotation-invariant information. Aerial image-centered research has revealed effects of low-level features on performance of various aerial image interpretation tasks. However, there are fewer studies of viewing behavior for aerial scene categorization and of higher-level factors that might influence that categorization. In this paper, experienced subjects’ eye movements were recorded while they were asked to categorize aerial scenes. A typical viewing center bias was observed. Eye movement patterns varied among categories. We explored the relationship of nine image statistics to observers’ eye movements. Results showed that if the images were less homogeneous, and/or if they contained fewer or no salient diagnostic objects, viewing behavior became more exploratory. Higher- and object-level image statistics were predictive at both the image and scene category levels. Scanpaths were generally organized and small differences in scanpath randomness could be roughly captured by critical object saliency. Participants tended to fixate on critical objects. Image statistics included in this study showed rotational invariance. The results supported our hypothesis that the availability of diagnostic objects strongly influences eye movements in this task. In addition, this study provides supporting evidence for Loschky et al.’s (Journal of Vision, 15(6), 11, 2015) speculation that aerial scenes are categorized on the basis of image parts and individual objects. The findings were discussed in relation to theories of scene perception and their implications for automation development.
A preliminary study of factors influencing the occurrence of post-arousal hypersynchrony
Authors: Suzuki Yoko , Fan Zhiwei , Abe Takashi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Post-arousal hypersynchrony (PAH) is a continuous delta wave occurring after arousal. We hypothesized that PAH would decrease with age because PAH is affected by sleep pressure, which decreases with age.

Methods
We evaluated polysomnography (PSG) during daytime napping to determine whether age affected the incidence of PAH. Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 45.0 ± 14.8 years [mean ± standard deviation], and age range, 22-67 years) were assessed using PSG during 90-min naps. PAH was present in two participants in their 20 s, one in their 40 s, and two in their 60 s. We first investigated whether the incidence of PAHs decreases with age using correlation analysis. Secondly, correlations between PAH and sleep index were analyzed to evaluate the factors influencing PAH occurrence. Thirdly, we evaluated whether sleep pressure decreases with age. %N3 and slow-wave activity (SWA) were used to measure sleep pressure.

Results
PAH occurrence was unchanged with age. PAH corrected with total sleep time (PAH/TST) increased with %N3, but not with SWA. PAH/arousal, which is PAH corrected by the number of arousals, was also increased with %N3 and SWA. These results indicate that PAH occurrence may be related to sleep pressure. Contrary to expectation, %N3 showed no change with age, but SWA decreased with age.

Conclusions
PAH occurrence may be affected by sleep pressure. Contrary to our hypothesis, PAH was seen in older adults, and its occurrence was unchanged with age. This may be associated with the relatively high sleep pressure observed in older adults.
Responsiveness and minimal important change of the Family Reported Outcome Measure (FROM-16)
Authors: Shah R. , Finlay A.Y. , Salek M.S. , Allen H. , Nixon S.J. , Nixon M. , Otwombe K. , Ali F.M. , Ingram J.R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The FROM-16 is a generic family quality of life (QoL) instrument that measures the QoL impact of patients’ disease on their family members/partners. The study aimed to assess the responsiveness of FROM-16 to change and determine Minimal Important Change (MIC).

Methods
Responsiveness and MIC for FROM-16 were assessed prospectively with patients and their family members recruited from outpatient departments of the University Hospital Wales and University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff, United Kingdom. Patients completed the EQ-5D-3L and a global severity question (GSQ) online at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Family members completed FROM-16 at baseline and a Global Rating of Change (GRC) in addition to FROM-16 at follow-up. Responsiveness was assessed using the distribution-based (effect size-ES, standardized response mean -SRM) and anchor-based (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve ROC-AUC) approaches and by testing hypotheses on expected correlation strength between FROM-16 change score and patient assessment tools (GSQ and EQ-5D). Cohen’s criteria were used for assessing ES. The AUC ≥ 0.7 was considered a good measure of responsiveness. MIC was calculated using anchor-based (ROC analysis and adjusted predictive modelling) and distribution methods based on standard deviation (SD) and standard error of the measurement (SEM).

Results
Eighty-three patients with 15 different health conditions and their relatives completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires and were included in the responsiveness analysis. The mean FROM-16 change over 3 months = 1.43 (SD = 4.98). The mean patient EQ-5D change over 3 months = −0.059 (SD = 0.14). The responsiveness analysis showed that the FROM-16 was responsive to change (ES = 0.2, SRM = 0.3; p < 0.01). The ES and SRM of FROM-16 change score ranged from small (ES = 0.2; SRM = 0.3) for the distribution-based method to large (ES = 0.8, SRM = 0.85) for anchor-based methods. The AUC value was above 0.7, indicating good responsiveness. There was a significant positive correlation between the FROM-16 change scores and the patient’s disease severity change scores (p < 0.001). The MIC analysis was based on data from 100 family members of 100 patients. The MIC value of 4 was suggested for FROM-16.

Conclusions
The results of this study confirm the longitudinal validity of FROM-16 which refers to the degree to which an instrument is able to measure change in the construct to be measured. The results yield a MIC value of 4 for FROM-16. These psychometric attributes of the FROM-16 instrument are useful in both clinical research as well as clinical practice.