bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine-scale hunting strategies in Australian fur seals
Authors: Salzeri Perla , Luque Sebastián P. , Arnould John P. Y. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionKnowledge of the hunting strategies of top predators can provide insights into the cost-benefit trade-offs of their foraging activities. Air-breathing marine predators are constrained in their foraging activities due to their metabolic expenditure at depth being supported by limited body oxygen stores. Understanding how these species adapt their behaviours to maximise foraging success is of importance in view of the anticipated alterations to marine ecosystems in response to global change. The Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), the largest fur seal species, has a distribution restricted to south-eastern Australia, which is one of the fastest warming oceanic regions and where the abundance, distribution and diversity of prey species is expected to change in coming decades.MethodsIn the present study, combined IMU (acceleration, magnetometer, gyroscope), depth and GPS data logger information was used to reconstruct 3-dimensional tracks during diving, assess energy expenditure and quantify prey capture events in adult female Australian fur seals during benthic foraging.ResultsThe results revealed that individuals ascended at steeper pitches (to reduce transit time), remained for shorter durations and travelled shorter distances at the surface, and then descended at steeper pitches on subsequent dives after predatory events on the seafloor. Higher travel speeds and more directional changes during searching for prey along the seafloor, while requiring greater energy expenditure, were associated with more prey captures. Interestingly, individuals did not display conventional Area Restricted Search, with the heading between dives not influenced by prey encounters.DiscussionTogether, these results suggest Australian fur seals undertake rapid searching along the seafloor to surprise cryptic prey and, if prey is encountered, undertake rapid surfacing (to reload body oxygen stores) and return to nearby seafloor habitat with a similar but undisturbed prey field.
Neuroanatomical correlates of distracted straight driving performance: a driving simulator MRI study across the lifespan
Authors: Guan Dylan X. , Churchill Nathan W. , Fischer Corinne E. , Graham Simon J. , Schweizer Tom A. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundDriving is the preferred mode of transportation for adults across the healthy age span. However, motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of injury and death, especially for older adults, and under distracted driving conditions. Understanding the neuroanatomical basis of driving may inform interventions that minimize crashes. This exploratory study examined the neuroanatomical correlates of undistracted and distracted simulated straight driving.MethodsOne-hundred-and-thirty-eight participants (40.6% female) aged 17–85 years old (mean and SD = 58.1 ± 19.9 years) performed a simulated driving task involving straight driving and turns at intersections in a city environment using a steering wheel and foot pedals. During some straight driving segments, participants responded to auditory questions to simulate distracted driving. Anatomical T1-weighted MRI was used to quantify grey matter volume and cortical thickness for five brain regions: the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), precentral gyrus (PG), superior temporal cortex (STC), posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and cerebellum. Partial correlations controlling for age and sex were used to explore relationships between neuroanatomical measures and straight driving behavior, including speed, acceleration, lane position, heading angle, and time speeding or off-center. Effects of interest were noted at an unadjusted p-value threshold of 0.05.ResultsDistracted driving was associated with changes in most measures of straight driving performance. Greater volume and cortical thickness in the PPC and cerebellum were associated with reduced variability in lane position and heading angle during distracted straight driving. Cortical thickness of the MFG, PG, PPC, and STC were associated with speed and acceleration, often in an age-dependent manner.ConclusionPosterior regions were correlated with lane maintenance whereas anterior and posterior regions were correlated with speed and acceleration, especially during distracted driving. The regions involved and their role in straight driving may change with age, particularly during distracted driving as observed in older adults. Further studies should investigate the relationship between distracted driving and the aging brain to inform driving interventions.
Practical tool to identify Spasticity-Plus Syndrome amongst patients with multiple sclerosis. Algorithm development based on a conjoint analysis
Authors: Fernández Fernández Óscar , Costa-Frossard Lucienne , Martínez Ginés Maria Luisa , Montero Escribano Paloma , Prieto González José María , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís , Aladro Yolanda , Alonso Torres Ana , Álvarez Rodríguez Elena , Labiano-Fontcuberta Andrés , Landete Pascual Lamberto , Miralles Martínez Ambrosio , Moral Torres Ester , Oliva-Nacarino Pedro 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe Spasticity-Plus Syndrome (SPS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to a combination of spasticity and other signs/symptoms such as spasms, cramps, bladder dysfunction, tremor, sleep disorder, pain, and fatigue. The main purpose is to develop a user-friendly tool that could help neurologists to detect SPS in MS patients as soon as possible.MethodsA survey research based on a conjoint analysis approach was used. An orthogonal factorial design was employed to form 12 patient profiles combining, at random, the eight principal SPS signs/symptoms. Expert neurologists evaluated in a survey and a logistic regression model determined the weight of each SPS sign/symptom, classifying profiles as SPS or not.Results72 neurologists participated in the survey answering the conjoint exercise. Logistic regression results of the survey showed the relative contribution of each sign/symptom to the classification as SPS. Spasticity was the most influential sign, followed by spasms, tremor, cramps, and bladder dysfunction. The goodness of fit of the model was appropriate (AUC = 0.816). Concordance between the experts’ evaluation vs. model estimation showed strong Pearson’s (r = 0.936) and Spearman’s (r = 0.893) correlation coefficients. The application of the algorithm provides with a probability of showing SPS and the following ranges are proposed to interpret the results: high (&gt; 60%), moderate (30–60%), or low (&lt; 30%) probability of SPS.DiscussionThis study offers an algorithmic tool to help healthcare professionals to identify SPS in MS patients. The use of this tool could simplify the management of SPS, reducing side effects related with polypharmacotherapy.
Single-voxel delay map from long-axial field-of-view PET scans
Authors: Nielsen Frederik Bay , Lindberg Ulrich , Bordallo Heloisa N. , Johnbeck Camilla Bardram , Law Ian , Fischer Barbara Malene , Andersen Flemming Littrup , Andersen Thomas Lund 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveWe present an algorithm to estimate the delay between a tissue time-activity curve and a blood input curve at a single-voxel level tested on whole-body data from a long-axial field-of-view scanner with tracers of different noise characteristics.MethodsWhole-body scans of 15 patients divided equally among three tracers, namely [15O]H2O, [18F]FDG and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE, which were used in development and testing of the algorithm. Delay times were estimated by fitting the cumulatively summed input function and tissue time-activity curve with special considerations for noise. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, it was compared against two other algorithms also commonly applied in delay estimation: name cross-correlation and a one-tissue compartment model with incorporated delay. All algorithms were tested on both synthetic time-activity curves produced with the one-tissue compartment model with increasing levels of noise and delays between the tissue activity curve and the blood input curve. Whole-body delay maps were also calculated for each of the three tracers with data acquired on a long-axial field-of-view scanner with high time resolution.ResultsOur proposed model performs better for low signal-to-noise ratio time-activity curves compared to both cross-correlation and the one-tissue compartment models for non-[15O]H2O tracers. Testing on synthetically produced time-activity curves showed only a small and even residual delay, while the one-tissue compartment model with included delay showed varying residual delays.ConclusionThe algorithm is robust to noise and proves applicable on a range of tracers as tested on [15O]H2O, [18F]FDG and [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE, and hence is a viable option offering the ability for delay correction across various organs and tracers in use with kinetic modeling.
The coexistence of myosteatosis and the creatinine/cystatin C ratio are determinants of outcomes in cholangiocarcinoma patients undergoing curative surgery
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Jingli , Song Guanghui , Ding Xueli , Sun Hui , Zhou Jianrui , Jing Xue 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundMyosteatosis is a well-established predictor of poor prognosis in many types of cancer, and a decreased Creatinine/Cystatin C ratio (CCR) is a known indicator of unfavorable outcomes in patients with metabolic disorders and cancer. Despite this knowledge, the significance of concurrent CCR and myosteatosis in predicting the prognosis of patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) who undergo radical surgery remains uncertain.MethodData from 757 patients with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent the first radical resection in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2017 to March 2022 were collected. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 149 patients were finally included in the retrospective study cohort. Various clinicopathological, serological, and radiological data were collected at admission. Myosteatosis was evaluated using sliceOmatic software on computed tomography (CT) images. The study used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the critical value of CCR, which predicts overall survival (OS) based on the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to identify the risk factors associated with OS and RFS confidently.ResultsThe group identified as the myosteatosis cohort consisted of 79 patients with an average age of 64.3 ± 7.8 years. The ROC curve analysis revealed an optimal critical CCR value of 10.834. A low CCR ≤ 10.834 and myosteatosis were found to be associated with poor OS and RFS outcomes (P = 0.022; P = 0.017; P = 0.038; P = 0.030 respectively). Moreover, patients with myosteatosis and a CCR ≤ 10.834 had the worst OS and RFS outcomes (P = 0.035; P = 0.027).ConclusionAfter radical excision in CCA patients, the presence of myosteatosis and CCR had a negative correlation with prognosis. A more accurate prediction of OS and RFS was possible by combining CCR and myosteatosis, compared to CCR alone.
The use of technology in cancer prehabilitation: a systematic review
Authors: Tay San San , Zhang Fuquan , Neo Edmund Jin Rui 
Published: April 2024

AimThis review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of cancer prehabilitation programs delivered through technological enablers compared to conventional face-to-face interventions.MethodsA systematic review was conducted, searching PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published from inception to February 6, 2024. Studies were included if they involved adult cancer patients in primary research, utilized technology for prehabilitation, and assessed functional, psychological, and quality of life outcomes.ResultsSixteen studies were included, encompassing wearables, apps, teleprehabilitation, and virtual reality. All studies reported feasibility, but challenges included technical issues, lack of supervision, and non-compliance. Effectiveness depended on intervention rigor and technology type. Wearables offered objective monitoring but faced compliance issues. Videoconferencing provided supervision and could mitigate compliance concerns. Multimodal programs and intervention-specific outcome measures were recommended.ConclusionTechnology-based prehabilitation programs seem feasible, but effectiveness depends on intervention design and technology employed. Future research should focus on developing robust evidence to guide clinical practice and explore the potential of integrated technological solutions.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42022376028.
Case report: A case of recurrent cervical cancer with bronchial and esophageal metastases presenting with hemoptysis and dysphagia
Authors: Yu Xiao , Dong Shixiang , Wang Wenjie , Sun Xin , Wang Yankui , Yu Fengsheng 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe treatment outcomes and prognosis for recurrent cervical cancer are generally poor, with a 5-year survival rate of only 10%–20%.Case presentationIn this case, the patient is a young woman who experienced a recurrence 5 years after the initial treatment of cervical cancer. Her primary symptoms were hemoptysis and dysphagia, indicative of hilar and mediastinal lymph node metastases, with further involvement of the bronchus and esophagus. Additionally, the patient also presented with tumor-associated dermatomyositis. Following combined treatment with albumin-bound paclitaxel, carboplatin, bevacizumab, and cadonilimab, the patient’s tumor was effectively controlled.
Tofacitinib to prevent anti-drug antibody formation against LMB-100 immunotoxin in patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing cancers
Authors: Skorupan Nebojsa , Peer Cody J. , Zhang Xianyu , Choo-Wosoba Hyoyoung , Ahmad Mehwish I. , Lee Min-Jung , Rastogi Shraddha , Sato Nahoko , Yu Yunkai , Pegna Guillaume Joe , Steinberg Seth M. , Kalsi Shelley S. , Cao Liang , Figg William D. , Trepel Jane B. , Pastan Ira , FitzGerald David , Alewine Christine 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundLMB-100 is a mesothelin (MSLN)-targeting recombinant immunotoxin (iTox) carrying a Pseudomonas exotoxin A payload that has shown promise against solid tumors, however, efficacy is limited by the development of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Tofacitinib is an oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor that prevented ADA formation against iTox in preclinical studies.MethodsA phase 1 trial testing LMB-100 and tofacitinib in patients with MSLN-expressing cancers (pancreatic adenocarcinoma, n=13; cholangiocarcinoma, n=1; appendiceal carcinoma, n=1; cystadenocarcinoma, n=1) was performed to assess safety and to determine if tofacitinib impacted ADA formation. Participants were treated for up to 3 cycles with LMB-100 as a 30-minute infusion on days 4, 6, and 8 at two dose levels (100 and 140 µg/kg) while oral tofacitinib was administered for the first 10 days of the cycle (10 mg BID). Peripheral blood was collected for analysis of ADA levels, serum cytokines and circulating immune subsets.ResultsThe study was closed early due to occurrence of drug-induced pericarditis in 2 patients. Pericarditis with the combination was not reproducible in a transgenic murine model containing human MSLN. Two of 4 patients receiving all 3 cycles of treatment maintained effective LMB-100 levels, an unusual occurrence. Sustained increases in systemic IL-10 and TNF-α were seen, a phenomenon not observed in prior LMB-100 studies. A decrease in activated T cell subsets and an increase in circulating immunosuppressive myeloid populations occurred. No radiologic decreases in tumor volume were observed.DiscussionFurther testing of tofacitinib to prevent ADA formation is recommended in applicable non-malignant disease settings.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04034238.
Da-Cheng-Qi decoction improves severe acute pancreatitis capillary leakage syndrome by regulating tight junction-associated proteins
Authors: Tu Jiamin , Jiang Yinping , Tu Lei , Chen Yafeng , Pan Liyun , Fan Xinjuan , Tian Jiyun , Li Jianguo , Wang Xinji , Fu Honghao , Xu Bing , Feng Dianxu 
Published: April 2024

Background and aims:To investigate mechanisms underlying the effects of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction (DCQD) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) capillary leakage syndrome.Methods:In this study, a SAP rat model was established using retrograde perfusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. The study included three randomized groups: control, SAP (modeling), and DCQD (via gavage at 2 h pre-modeling and 2 and 4 h post-modeling). HPLC was used to analyzed major components of DCQD. Pathological changes and capillary permeability in the rat pancreatic tissues were examined. mRNA levels of claudin 5, occludin, zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1), and junctional adhesion molecules (JAM-C) were assessed using qRT-PCR. Tight junction-associated protein expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to investigate the mechanism m of DCQD.Results:Serum levels of amylase, TNF–α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6 were higher in the SAP group compared to the DCQD group (p &lt; 0.05). DCQD treatment significantly attenuated rat pancreas damage (p &lt; 0.05) and reduced tissue capillary permeability compared to the SAP group (p &lt; 0.05). Claudin 5, occludin, and ZO-1 expression in the rat tissues was upregulated, but JAM-C was downregulated by DCQD treatment (p &lt; 0.05). HUVEC permeability was improved by DCQD in a dose-time-dependent manner compared to the SAP group (p &lt; 0.05). DCQD also upregulated claudin 5, occludin, and ZO-1 expression in vitro (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion:DCQD can improve capillary permeability in both in vivo and in vitro models of SAP by upregulating expression of claudin 5, occludin, and ZO-1, but not JAM-C.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of the novel chrysin prodrug for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment
Authors: Zhang Ruiming , Gao Chuanyue , Hu Mingxing , Wang Xingxing , Li Shuoyuan , An Zhenmei , Yang Xifei , Xie Yongmei 
Published: April 2024

Background: Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid that has been reported as a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, extensive phase II metabolism and poor aqueous solubility led to a decrease in the chrysin concentration in the blood after oral administration, limiting its pharmacological development in vivo.Methods: In the present study, we synthesized a novel chrysin derivative prodrug (C-1) to address this issue. We introduced a hydrophilic prodrug group at the 7-position hydroxyl group, which is prone to phase II metabolism, to improve water solubility and mask the metabolic site. Further, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of C-1 on NAFLD in vitro and in vivo by NAFLD model cells and db/db mice.Results:In vitro studies indicated that C-1 has the ability to ameliorate lipid accumulation, cellular damage, and oxidative stress in NAFLD model cells. In vivo experiments showed that oral administration of C-1 at a high dose (69.3 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated hyperlipidemia and liver injury and reduced body weight and liver weight in db/db mice, in addition to alleviating insulin resistance. Proteomic analysis showed that C-1 altered the protein expression profile in the liver and particularly improved the expression of proteins associated with catabolism and metabolism. Furthermore, in our preliminary pharmacokinetic study, C-1 showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and significantly improved the oral bioavailability of chrysin.Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that C-1 may be a promising agent for NAFLD therapy.
Efficient degenerate middle infrared ZGP-OPO pumped by an electro-optically Q-switched Tm:YAP laser
Authors: Dai Wantian , Ding Yu , Liu Tongyu , Zhao Yuwei , Gao Jia , Zhao Chen 
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we demonstrated an efficient degenerate middle infrared (mid-IR) ZGP-OPO that is pumped by an electro-optically Q-switched diode-pumped Tm:YAP laser. The Tm:YAP laser, operating at a repetition rate of 1 kHz, produced a peak pulse energy of 9.66 mJ at 1.94 μm and a minimum pulse width of 25 ns. Utilizing the Tm:YAP laser as the pump source, a peak average output power of 3.14 W at 3.88 μm was achieved in the degenerate ZGP-OPO with an incident Tm power of 9.4 W, resulting in a slope efficiency of 62.7% and an optical conversion efficiency of 33.4%. The minimum pulse width was measured at 21 ns, leading to a peak power of 149.5 kW. Additionally, the beam quality factor of the degenerate mid-IR ZGP-OPO was evaluated to be approximately 2.7 at the maximum output power level.
Unfair teachers, unhappy students: longitudinal associations of perceived teacher relational unfairness with adolescent peer aggression and school satisfaction
Authors: Gini Gianluca , Angelini Federica , Pozzoli Tiziana 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionTeacher relational unfairness is a significant risk factor for students’ physical and mental well-being, especially during adolescence. However, school psychology research has not yet fully analyzed the links between teacher unfairness and important indicators of school experience and wellbeing, including peer aggression and school satisfaction. Even less evidence does exist with longitudinal, multilevel data.MethodsThe present study tested the prospective relations between Fall perceived teacher unfairness and Spring reactive and proactive aggression, and school satisfaction. At T1, participants were 1,299 students (48.3% girls, mean age = 13.6 years, SD = 1.1) attending 67 classrooms in Italian public schools, whereas 1,227 students participated in the second wave 6 months later.ResultsMultilevel regressions showed that, at the individual level, T1 perceived teacher unfairness positively predicted T2 reactive and proactive aggression, and negatively predicted school satisfaction. At the class-level, T1 class teacher unfairness explained between-class variability in T2 school satisfaction, but not variability in peer aggression.DiscussionThe findings expand current knowledge about the role of teacher unfairness with the classroom and have implications for interventions at school.
“Picture this from there”: spatial perspective-taking in developmental visuospatial disorder and developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Orefice Camilla , Cardillo Ramona , Lonciari Isabella , Zoccante Leonardo , Mammarella Irene C. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionEither Developmental Visuospatial Disorder (DVSD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) present with difficulties in visuospatial processing, even though entailing different degrees of impairment. Among the visuospatial domain, spatial perspective taking is essential to interact with the environment and is significantly involved in many daily activities (e.g., environment navigation and spatial orienting). Notwithstanding, no previous studies have investigated this spatial domain in children with DVSD and limited evidence is available regarding DCD. Consistent with a transdiagnostic approach, the first goal of the present study was to compare spatial perspective taking abilities of these groups, also including a control group of not diagnosed peers (ND). Secondly, the role of different fine-motor and visuo-spatial predictors on the spatial perspective taking performance was considered.MethodA total of 85 participants (DVSD = 26; DCD = 26; ND = 33), aged between 8 and 16 years old, were included in the study. Tasks assessing spatial perspective taking, fine-motor, visual imagery, and mental rotation skills, as well as visuo-spatial working memory were administered.Results and DiscussionOverall, our results confirmed weaknesses in spatial perspective taking in both clinical groups, with the DVSD obtaining the lowest scores. Similarities and differences in the predictors accounting for the performance in the spatial perspective taking task emerged, suggesting the possible employment of different fine-motor or visuospatial strategies by group. Findings are discussed considering the potential impact they may have both in research and clinical practice.