bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An EWAS of dementia biomarkers and their associations with age, African ancestry, and PTSD
Authors: Miller Mark W. , Wolf Erika J. , Zhao Xiang , Logue Mark W. , Hawn Sage E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Large-scale cohort and epidemiological studies suggest that PTSD confers risk for dementia in later life but the biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. This study examined this question by assessing the influences of PTSD, APOE ε4 genotypes, DNA methylation, and other variables on the age- and dementia-associated biomarkers Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP, NfL, and pTau-181 measured in plasma. Our primary hypothesis was that PTSD would be associated with elevated levels of these markers.

Methods
Analyses were based on data from a PTSD-enriched cohort of 849 individuals. We began by performing factor analyses of the biomarkers, the results of which identified a two-factor solution. Drawing from the ATN research framework, we termed the first factor, defined by Aβ40 and Aβ42, “Factor A” and the second factor, defined by GFAP, NfL and pTau-181, “Factor TN.” Next, we performed epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) of the two-factor scores. Finally, using structural equation modeling (SEM), we evaluated (a) the influence of PTSD, age, APOE ε4 genotype and other covariates on levels of the ATN factors, and (b) tested the mediating influence of the EWAS-significant DNAm loci on these associations.

Results
The Factor A EWAS identified one significant locus, cg13053408, in FANCD2OS. The Factor TN analysis identified 3 EWAS-significant associations: cg26033520 near ASCC1, cg23156469 in FAM20B, and cg15356923 in FAM19A4. The SEM showed age to be related to both factors, more so with Factor TN (β = 0.581, p < 0.001) than Factor A (β = 0.330, p < 0.001). Genotype-determined African ancestry was associated with lower Factor A (β = 0.196, p < 0.001). Contrary to our primary hypothesis, we found a modest negative bivariate correlation between PTSD and the TN factor scores (r = − 0.133, p < 0.001) attributable primarily to reduced levels of GFAP (r = − 0.128, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study identified novel epigenetic associations with ATN biomarkers and demonstrated robust age and ancestral associations that will be essential to consider in future efforts to develop the clinical applications of these tests. The association between PTSD and reduced GFAP, which has been reported previously, warrants further investigation.
Combined transplantation of hiPSC-NSC and hMSC ameliorated neuroinflammation and promoted neuroregeneration in acute spinal cord injury
Authors: Du Xiaofeng , Kong Desheng , Guo Ruiyun , Liu Boxin , He Jingjing , Zhang Jinyu , Amponsah Asiamah Ernest , Cui Huixian , Ma Jun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious clinical condition that has pathological changes such as increased neuroinflammation and nerve tissue damage, which eventually manifests as fibrosis of the injured segment and the development of a spinal cord cavity leading to loss of function. Cell-based therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) are promising treatment strategies for spinal cord injury via immunological regulation and neural replacement respectively. However, therapeutic efficacy is rare reported on combined transplantation of MSC and NSC in acute mice spinal cord injury even the potential reinforcement might be foreseen. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of co-transplanting of MSC and NSC sheets into an SCI mice model on the locomotor function and pathological changes of injured spinal cord.

Methods
To evaluate the therapeutic effects of combination cells, acute SCI mice model were established and combined transplantation of hiPSC-NSCs and hMSCs into the lesion site immediately after the injury. Basso mouse scale was used to perform the open-field tests of hind limb motor function at days post-operation (dpo) 1, 3, 5, and 7 after SCI and every week after surgery. Spinal cord and serum samples were collected at dpo 7, 14, and 28 to detect inflammatory and neurotrophic factors. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, masson staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the morphological changes, fibrosis area and ultrastructure of the spinal cord.

Result
M&N transplantation reduced fibrosis formation and the inflammation level while promoting the secretion of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. We observed significant reduction in damaged tissue and cavity area, with dramatic improvement in the M&N group. Compared with the Con group, the M&N group exhibited significantly improved behaviors, particularly limb coordination.

Conclusion
Combined transplantation of hiPSC-NSC and hMSC could significantly ameliorate neuroinflammation, promote neuroregeneration, and decrease spinal fibrosis degree in safe and effective pattern, which would be indicated as a novel potential cell treatment option.

Graphical abstract
Culture of Hoffa fat pad mesenchymal stem/stromal cells on microcarrier suspension in vertical wheel bioreactor for extracellular vesicle production
Authors: Otahal Alexander , Kramer Karina , Neubauer Markus , Gulová Slavomira , Lacza Zsombor , Nehrer Stefan , De Luna Andrea 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are increasingly employed in regenerative medicine approaches for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which are encoded in their secretome including extracellular vesicles (EVs). The Hoffa fat pad (HFP) located infrapatellarly harbours MSCs that could assist in tissue homeostasis in osteoarthritic joints. Intraarticular injection therapies based on blood products could modulate the populations of released HFP-MSC-EVs in a quantitative manner.

Methods
To obtain amounts of HFP-MSC-derived EVs that allow pre-clinical evaluation, suitable EV production systems need to be developed. This work investigates the release of EVs from primary HFP-MSCs cultivated in a 3D environment using microcarrier suspension culture in a vertical wheel bioreactor in comparison to conventional 2D culture. To simulate an intraarticular blood product therapy, cultures were treated with citrate-anticoagulated platelet-rich plasma (CPRP) or hyperacute serum (hypACT) before EV collection. HFP-MSC-EVs are enriched via ultrafiltration and characterised via Western Blot, nanoparticle tracking analysis in scatter as well as fluorescence mode. EV potency was determined via RT-qPCR analysing the expression of type II and X collagen (COL2 and COL10), as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in primary OA chondrocytes.

Results
Blood product supplementation elevated HFP-MSC metabolic activity as determined via XTT assay over the course of 14 days. 3D culture resulted in a roughly 100-fold EV yield compared to 2D culture and elevated number of EVs released per cell. Total protein content correlated with the EV concentration. While typical EV marker proteins such as CD9, CD63 or Alix were detected in total protein extracts, CD9 and CD73 colocalised on individual EVs highlighting their cell origin. The type of blood product treatment did not affect the size or concentration of EVs obtained from HFP-MSCs. Assessing potency of 3D culture EVs in comparison to 2D EVs revealed superior biological activity with regard to inhibition of inflammation, inhibition of chondrocyte hypertrophy and induction of cartilage-specific ECM production.

Conclusions
HFP-MSCs proliferate in presence of human blood products indicating that animal serum in culture media can be avoided in the future. The culture of HFP-MSCs in the employed bioreactor was successfully used to generate quantities of EVs that could allow evaluation of HFP-MSC-EV-mediated effects in pre-clinical settings. In addition, EV potency of 3D EVs is superior to EVs obtained in conventional 2D culture flasks.
Cardiac progenitor cell therapy: mechanisms of action
Authors: Bryl Rut , Kulus Magdalena , Bryja Artur , Domagała Dominika , Mozdziak Paul , Antosik Paweł , Bukowska Dorota , Zabel Maciej , Dzięgiel Piotr , Kempisty Bartosz 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is an end-stage of many cardiac diseases and one of the main causes of death worldwide. The current management of this disease remains suboptimal. The adult mammalian heart was considered a post-mitotic organ. However, several reports suggest that it may possess modest regenerative potential. Adult cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), the main players in the cardiac regeneration, constitute, as it may seem, a heterogenous group of cells, which remain quiescent in physiological conditions and become activated after an injury, contributing to cardiomyocytes renewal. They can mediate their beneficial effects through direct differentiation into cardiac cells and activation of resident stem cells but majorly do so through paracrine release of factors. CPCs can secrete cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors as well as exosomes, rich in proteins, lipids and non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs and YRNAs, which contribute to reparation of myocardium by promoting angiogenesis, cardioprotection, cardiomyogenesis, anti-fibrotic activity, and by immune modulation. Preclinical studies assessing cardiac progenitor cells and cardiac progenitor cells-derived exosomes on damaged myocardium show that administration of cardiac progenitor cells-derived exosomes can mimic effects of cell transplantation. Exosomes may become new promising therapeutic strategy for heart regeneration nevertheless there are still several limitations as to their use in the clinic. Key questions regarding their dosage, safety, specificity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and route of administration remain outstanding. There are still gaps in the knowledge on basic biology of exosomes and filling them will bring as closer to translation into clinic.
The neuroscience of human empathy for pleasure: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Mello Manuel , Fusaro Martina , Aglioti Salvatore Maria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
The neuroscience of human empathy for pleasure and positive affect is an emergent, scarcely addressed topic. The main aim of this scoping review is to map the impact of this new research domain on the field of social and affective neuroscience.

Introduction
Most of the literature on empathy and affect sharing has hitherto focused on negative emotions, with a special focus on pain. However, understanding, sharing, and reacting to others’ pleasures is an evolutionarily and socially important function. Our scoping review addresses this gap in the literature and tries to unify the available information under the empathy for pleasure umbrella.

Inclusion criteria
This scoping review is intended to cover studies on empathy for positive emotions, pleasant sensory outcomes, and other rewards in healthy individuals and neurological/neuropsychiatric/neurodevelopmental disorders populations.

Methods
We will perform a systematic search in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Two authors will independently screen all titles, abstracts, and then full-text articles that meet the inclusion criteria. The year range of interest will be 2000–2022, and only journal articles published in English will be assessed. Data will be extracted and presented in tables and/or graphical representations to synthesize and describe the results. The extracted data will be reported in a comprehensive summary.

Results
The final manuscript is intended for submission to an indexed journal in late 2023/beginning 2024.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, the present scoping review will be the first to address the variety and heterogeneity of available evidence on human empathy for pleasure. We ultimately aim at perusing the growing literature on this far-reaching field of study and informing future research.

Systematic review registration
The neuroscience of human empathy for pleasure: Protocol for a scoping review. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/W7H6J. (December 27, 2022).
Nitrogen uptake in lentil cultivar mixtures is not predictable from pure stands performance but is correlated with agronomic parameters and experimental conditions
Authors: Lorenzetti Elisa , Carlesi Stefano , Michelsen Anders , Bàrberi Paolo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In the context of rising costs of raw materials and environmental degradation caused by livestock farming, the agri-food sector faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable proteins. Grain legumes have emerged as cost-effective protein sources, with lower water footprint and GHG emissions compared to animal sources. However, their cultivation is threatened by strong yield fluctuations. Leveraging intra-specific diversity through cultivar mixtures in cropping systems can effectively buffer biotic and abiotic stresses, hence increasing yield stability. In this study, we investigate the effect of intra-specific diversity on lentil nitrogen uptake under pot (2020) and field conditions (2021). We hypothesize that cultivars with higher affinity for nitrogen fixation influence the other components of the mixture, and that nitrogen uptake dynamics are a possible driver in modulating cultivar mixture behaviour. We designed two-, three-, and four-cultivar mixtures with a trait-blind approach and compared them to sole cultivars.

Results and conclusions
Our results show inconsistencies across the two experimental years, indicating that lentils may shift their nitrogen source from the atmosphere to the soil when grown in pots. Mixtures 15N enrichment was not always consistent with pure stand performance, suggesting that cultivar mixtures may have an unpredictable cumulative effect on nitrogen uptake. Regarding correlations with agronomic parameters, we observed a significant correlation between nodules number and nitrogen concentration, regardless of experimental conditions. Finally, we found that 15N excess emerged as a significant predictor for pure stands’ yield, but the differences were diluted with the increase in diversity levels. The findings on 15N enrichment responses, cultivar impacts, and complex mixture effects on soil microbiota underscore the need for further research.
Examining user behavior with machine learning for effective mobile peer-to-peer payment adoption
Authors: Antonio Blanco-Oliver , Juan Lara-Rubio , Ana Irimia-Diéguez , Francisco Liébana-Cabanillas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDisruptive innovations caused by FinTech (i.e., technology-assisted customized financial services) have brought digital peer-to-peer (P2P) payments to the fore. In this challenging environment and based on theories about customer behavior in response to technological innovations, this paper identifies the drivers of consumer adoption of mobile P2P payments and develops a machine learning model to predict the use of this thriving payment option. To do so, we use a unique data set with information from 701 participants (observations) who completed a questionnaire about the adoption of Bizum, a leading mobile P2P platform worldwide. The respondent profile was the average Spanish citizen within the framework of European culture and lifestyle. We document (in this order of priority) the usefulness of mobile P2P payments, influence of peers and other social groups such as friends, family, and colleagues on individual behavior (that is, subjective norms), perceived trust, and enjoyment of the user experience within the digital context and how those attributes better classify (potential) users of mobile P2P payments. We also find that nonparametric approaches based on machine learning algorithms outperform traditional parametric methods. Finally, our results show that feature selection based on random forest, such as the Boruta procedure, as a preprocessing technique substantially increases prediction performance while reducing noise, redundancy of the resulting model, and computational costs. The main limitation of this research is that it only has a place within the sociocultural and institutional framework of the Spanish population. It is therefore desirable to replicate this study by surveying people from other countries to analyze the effects of the institutional environment on the adoption of mobile P2P payments.
Unveiling emotional experiences: a phenomenological study of emotional labor in expatriate EFL teachers
Authors: Jalilzadeh Kaveh , Attaran Atena , Coombe Christine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis phenomenological study aimed to investigate the most common emotions experienced by expatriate EFL instructors and identify the factors that affect their emotional labor in the Turkish educational context. Emotional labor refers to the effort, expression, and management of emotions as part of one’s job responsibilities. In the context of this study, it specifically pertains to the emotional demands and challenges faced by expatriate EFL instructors during their teaching experiences. The study involved eight participants, consisting of five males and three females, working in different state and foundation universities across Türkiye. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data, which were then analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings of the study revealed a range of both positive and negative emotions experienced by the participants. Negative emotions included stress, boredom, feeling ignored, job dislike, low motivation, and insecurity, while positive emotions entailed happiness, job satisfaction, love of one’s job, feeling appreciated, contentment, and motivation. The obtained results also indicated that the emotional labor of expatriate EFL instructors was influenced by two broad groups of positive and negative factors. The former group consisted of personal, interpersonal work-related relations, as well as institutional, and professional factors, while the latter was composed of personal, interpersonal work-related relations, as well as national, economic, institutional, and pedagogical categories. The findings were further discussed and several pedagogical implications were presented.
Australia’s university Generation Z and its concerns about climate change
Authors: Salguero Rodrigo Bardales , Bogueva Diana , Marinova Dora 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite scientific evidence about the imminent threat of climate change, people and governments around the world are slow in taking sufficient action. Against these bleak outlooks, Generation Z (Gen Z) born 1995–2010 will inherit the consequences of prolonged inaction. This research delves into the climate change concerns of Australia’s university Gen Z. A representative survey of 446 Australian university students conducted between September 2021 and April 2022 revealed that climate change is the top environmental concern for Gen Z with 81% of these young people being significantly concerned and many experiencing serious climate anxiety. Despite this pervasive concern, 65% of Australia’s university Gen Z is not engaged in traditional climate activism; however, these young people are using technology to voice their concerns. As the future decision-makers of the world, it is crucial for Gen Z to accelerate climate action in all of its forms, including engaging with scientific knowledge and other generations to shape policies and safeguard a liveable planet for all.
The controlled SWAP test for entanglement of mixed quantum states
Authors: Zhang Rui-Qi , Qu Yue-Di , Shen Shu-Qian , Li Ming , Wang Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Quantum entanglement plays a key role in the field of quantum computing and quantum communication. The controlled SWAP test has been used to detect pure state entanglement (Foulds S. et al. Quantum Sci. Technol., 6 (2021) 035002; Beckey J. L. et al. Phys. Rev. Lett., 127 (2021) 140501). In this paper, we investigate that quantum circuits for controlled SWAP test can be used to detect the entanglement of multipartite mixed state. Based on the measured probability, we propose entanglement criteria for detecting multipartite entanglement and genuine entanglement of pure states. In addition, we give representation of the entanglement measures based on the measured probability of the controlled SWAP tests. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the efficiency of the entanglement criteria.
Far Lateral Approach With C1 Hemilaminotomy for Excision of a Ruptured Fusiform Lateral Spinal Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Papadimitriou Kyriakos , Quach Eric T. , Golub Danielle , Patsalides Athos , Dehdashti Amir R. 
Published: March 2024

The lateral spinal artery (LSA) represents the most rostral extent of the posterolateral arterial axis of the spinal cord and supplies both the posterior and lateral aspects of the spinal cord.
1
The LSA originates from either the intradural segment of vertebral artery or the lateral segment of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
1,2
It terminates at the level of C5 because it anastomoses with the posterior spinal artery. Although the LSA is in communication with the subarachnoid space, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to an LSA aneurysm is rare.
3-6
Moreover, accurate diagnosis of vascular pathologies involving the LSA is challenging because the LSA is typically too small to be visualized with conventional angiography.
2
Here, we present the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented to our institution with headache, nausea, and confusion due to posterior fossa SAH without any visible vascular malformation on initial diagnostic cerebral angiography. A right frontal external ventricular drain was placed for communicating hydrocephalus. Immediate cerebral angiogram was within normal limits. Two-week follow-up angiogram demonstrated a fusiform right LSA aneurysm. The endovascular treatment was not an option because of the risk of occlusion of proximal perforators of the right posterior spinal artery, resulting in a long segment ischemia. The patient underwent a right far lateral transcondylar approach with C1 hemilaminotomy and excision of the LSA aneurysm. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was neurologically intact. Six-month follow-up angiogram showed no evidence of residual aneurysm. LSA pathologies should be kept in mind with posterior fossa SAH. Surgical excision is an effective treatment option in carefully selected patients.
The patient consented to the procedure.
Globalnie i lokalnie ważona kombinacja liniowa jako podejście metodyczne do oceny georóżnorodności geoparków
Authors: Zwoliński Zbigniew , Najwer Alicja , Jankowski Piotr 
Published: March 2024

Artykuł przedstawia analizę porównawczą metody przestrzennej analizy wielokryterialnej w dwóch technikach do oceny georóżnorodności wybranych parków narodowych reprezentujących zróżnicowane typy krajobrazu Polski: obszar górski, wyżynny i nizinny. Pierwsza technika dotyczy globalnie ważonej kombinacji liniowej (G-WLC), natomiast druga – lokalnie ważonej kombinacji liniowej (L-WLC). Oceny georóżnorodności zlewni elementarnych wykonano w oparciu o siedem komponentów środowiska geograficznego wybranych parków narodowych. Do analizy porównawczej uzyskanych wyników ocen georóżnorodności obydwoma technikami wykorzystano indykator georóżnorodności. W artykule wykazano, że technika globalnie ważonej kombinacji liniowej (G-WLC) jest bardziej czuła na georóżnorodność obszarów jednorodnych środowiskowo, np. wyżynnych i nizinnych, natomiast technika lokalnie ważonej kombinacji liniowej (L-WLC) powinna być przeznaczona do badania obszarów heterogenicznych, bardzo zróżnicowanych, szczególnie hipsometrycznie, np. do obszarów górskich.