bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decadal evolution of fluvial islands and its controlling factors along the lower Yangtze River
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Fan Manman , Zhang Huan , Shaukat Muhammad , Best James L. , Li Na , Gao Chao 
Published: March 2024

Fluvial islands are vital from both morphological and ecological perspectives and consequently have been hotspots of morphodynamic research in large rivers around the world. This study selected 14 representative fluvial islands in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and explored their spatial-temporal evolution, including their shape and area dynamics during 1945–2016, by interpreting remote sensing images and analyzing the hydrological data. Results indicated that the total area of the 14 fluvial islands showed a growing trend at an average rate of 0.30 km2 yr−1 during the 72 years. The island Fenghuangzhou experienced the largest change in area, while Xiaohuangzhou (XHZ) had the smallest change in area. Sediment discharge and flooding were assumed to be the primary natural factors controlling the island dynamics. Furthermore, dam construction and bank reinforcement also played a critical role in preventing shoreline collapse, improving channel conditions, and promoting the stability of fluvial islands. From 1976 to 2016, the maximum erosion occurred on the left XHZ, while the maximum accretion was found on the Qingjiezhou island. Almost the entire river section experienced an accretion process on the right bank, which was assumed to be caused by the construction of erosion control structures. Besides, the dynamics of the fluvial islands along the lower Yangtze River appears to follow the erosion processes of the river bank. Our findings can provide an important reference for sustainable utilization and management of fluvial islands.
The genetic landscape of autism spectrum disorder in the Middle Eastern population
Authors: Al-Sarraj Yasser , Taha Rowaida Z. , Al-Dous Eman , Ahram Dina , Abbasi Somayyeh , Abuazab Eman , Shaath Hibah , Habbab Wesal , Errafii‬ Khaoula , Bejaoui Yosra , AlMotawa Maryam , Khattab Namat , Aqel Yasmin Abu , Shalaby Karim E. , Al-Ansari Amina , Kambouris Marios , Abouzohri Adel , Ghazal Iman , Tolfat Mohammed , Alshaban Fouad , El-Shanti Hatem , Albagha Omar M. E. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by aberrations in social interaction and communication associated with repetitive behaviors and interests, with strong clinical heterogeneity. Genetic factors play an important role in ASD, but about 75% of ASD cases have an undetermined genetic risk.Methods: We extensively investigated an ASD cohort made of 102 families from the Middle Eastern population of Qatar. First, we investigated the copy number variations (CNV) contribution using genome-wide SNP arrays. Next, we employed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify de novo or inherited variants contributing to the ASD etiology and its associated comorbid conditions in families with complete trios (affected child and the parents).Results: Our analysis revealed 16 CNV regions located in genomic regions implicated in ASD. The analysis of the 88 ASD cases identified 41 genes in 39 ASD subjects with de novo (n = 24) or inherited variants (n = 22). We identified three novel de novo variants in new candidate genes for ASD (DTX4, ARMC6, and B3GNT3). Also, we have identified 15 de novo variants in genes that were previously implicated in ASD or related neurodevelopmental disorders (PHF21A, WASF1, TCF20, DEAF1, MED13, CREBBP, KDM6B,SMURF1, ADNP, CACNA1G, MYT1L, KIF13B, GRIA2, CHM, and KCNK9). Additionally, we defined eight novel recessive variants (RYR2, DNAH3, TSPYL2, UPF3B KDM5C, LYST, and WNK3), four of which were X-linked.Conclusion: Despite the ASD multifactorial etiology that hinders ASD genetic risk discovery, the number of identified novel or known putative ASD genetic variants was appreciable. Nevertheless, this study represents the first comprehensive characterization of ASD genetic risk in Qatar's Middle Eastern population.
Causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and autoimmune thyroid disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yao Zhiwei , Guo Fengli , Tan Yanlu , Zhang Yiyuan , Geng Yichen , Yang Guang , Wang Song 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundAutoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) ranks among the most prevalent thyroid diseases, with inflammatory cytokines playing a decisive role in its pathophysiological process. However, the causal relationship between the inflammatory cytokines and AITD remains elusive.MethodsA two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to elucidate the causal connection between AITD and 41 inflammatory cytokines. Genetic variations associated with inflammatory cytokines were sourced from the FinnGen biobank, whereas a comprehensive meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) yielded data on Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Regarding the MR analysis, the inverse variance-weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were utilized. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was conducted using MR-Egger regression, MR-pleiotropy residual sum, and outliers.ResultsSeven causal associations were identified between inflammatory cytokines and AITD. High levels of tumor necrosis factor–β and low levels of stem cell growth factor–β were indicative of a higher risk of GD. In contrast, high levels of interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-13, and interferon-γ and low levels of monocyte chemotactic protein–1 (MCP-1) and TNF-α suggested a higher risk of HD. Moreover, 14 causal associations were detected between AITD and inflammatory cytokines. GD increases the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein–1β, MCP-1, monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG), interferon γ–induced protein 10 (IP-10), stromal cell–derived factor–1α, platelet-derived growth factor BB, β–nerve growth factor, IL-2ra, IL-4, and IL-17 in blood, whereas HD increases the levels of MIG, IL-2ra, IP-10, and IL-16 levels.ConclusionOur bidirectional MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and AITD. These findings offer valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AITD.
Intercropping changed the soil microbial community composition but no significant effect on alpha diversity
Authors: Liu Jiaying , Zhang Weixi , Teng Chao , Pang Zhongyi , Peng Yanhui , Qiu Jian , Lei Jiawei , Su Xiaohua , Zhu Wenxu , Ding Changjun 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionEnhancing the planning of the forest-agricultural composite model and increasing the efficiency with which forest land is utilized could benefit from a thorough understanding of the impacts of intercropping between forests and agriculture on soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities.MethodsPopulus cathayana × candansis cv. Xinlin No.1 and Glycine max intercrop soils, along with their corresponding monocrops, were used in this study’s llumina high-throughput sequencing analysis to determine the composition and diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities.ResultsThe findings indicated that intercropping considerably raised the soil’s total phosphorus content and significantly lowered the soil’s carbon nitrogen ratio when compared to poplar single cropping. Furthermore, the total carbon and nitrogen content of soil was increased and the soil pH was decreased. The sequencing results showed that intercropping had no significant effect on soil alpha diversity. Intercropping could increase the composition of fungal community and decrease the composition of bacterial community in poplar soil. At the phylum level, intercropping significantly increased the relative abundance of four dominant phyla, i.e., Patescibacteria, Proteobacteria, Patescibacteria and Deinococcus-Thermus. And the relative abundances of only two dominant phyla were significantly increased. It was found that soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus content had the strongest correlation with soil bacterial community diversity, and soil pH had the strongest correlation with soil fungal community diversity.DiscussionThe results of this study were similar to those of previous studies. This study can serve as a theoretical foundation for the development of a poplar and black bean-based forest-agricultural complex management system in the future.
Quality assessment of glucose measurement with regard to epidemiology and clinical management of diabetes mellitus in Germany
Authors: Luppa Peter B. , Zeller Michael , Pieper Marija , Kaiser Patricia , Weiss Nathalie , Vierbaum Laura , Freckmann Guido 
Published: March 2024

Background:During the last decade, Germany has seen an increased prevalence and a redistribution from undetected to diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Due to this substantial epidemiological development, the number of people with documented type 2 diabetes was 8.7 million in 2022. An estimated two million undiagnosed subjects are to be added. Beyond that, the life expectancy of diabetic subjects is increasing due to more responsive health systems in terms of care. Possible reasons include improved screening of at-risk individuals, the introduction of HbA1c for diagnosis in 2010, and the higher use of risk scores. Additionally, quality aspects of the laboratory methodology should be taken into consideration.Methods:Epidemiology and clinical management of diabetes in Germany are presented in the light of publications retrieved by a selective search of the PubMed database. Additionally, the data from German external quality assessment (EQA) surveys for the measurands glucose in plasma and HbA1c in whole blood, reviewed from 2010 until 2022, were evaluated. Above this, data concerning the analytical performance of near-patient glucometer devices, according to the ISO norm 15197:2013, were analyzed.Results:Two laboratory aspects are in good accordance with the observation of an increase in the diabetes mellitus prevalence when retrospectively reviewing the period 2010 to 2022: First, the analytical performance according to the ISO norm 15197:2013 of the glucometer devices widely used by patients with diabetes for the glucose self-testing, has improved during this period. Secondly, concerning the EQA program of INSTAND, the number of participating laboratories raised significantly in Germany. The spreads of variations of the specified results for plasma glucose remained unchanged between 2010 and 2022, whereas for HbA1c a significant decrease of the result scattering could be observed.Conclusion:These retrospectively established findings testify to an excellent analytical quality of laboratory diagnostics for glucose and HbA1c throughout Germany which may be involved in a better diagnosis and therapy of previously undetected diabetes mellitus.
Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) regulates neuronal maturation and synaptic transmission during postnatal retinal development
Authors: Dalmaso Barbara , Liber Andre Mauricio Passos , Ventura Dora Fix , Jancar Sonia , Del Debbio Carolina Beltrame 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPlatelet-activating factor (PAF), PAF receptor (PAFR), and PAF- synthesis/degradation systems are involved in essential CNS processes such as neuroblast proliferation, differentiation, migration, and synaptic modulation. The retina is an important central nervous system (CNS) tissue for visual information processing. During retinal development, the balance between Retinal Progenitor Cell (RPC) proliferation and differentiation is crucial for proper cell determination and retinogenesis. Despite its importance in retinal development, the effects of PAFR deletion on RPC dynamics are still unknown.MethodsWe compared PAFR knockout mice (PAFR−/−) retinal postnatal development proliferation and differentiation aspects with control animals. Electrophysiological responses were analyzed by electroretinography (ERG).Results and discussionIn this study, we demonstrate that PAFR−/− mice increased proliferation during postnatal retinogenesis and altered the expression of specific differentiation markers. The retinas of postnatal PAFR−/− animals decreased neuronal differentiation and synaptic transmission markers, leading to differential responses to light stimuli measured by ERG. Our findings suggest that PAFR signaling plays a critical role in regulating postnatal RPC cell differentiation dynamics during retinal development, cell organization, and neuronal circuitry formation.
IgLON5 autoimmunity in a patient with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: case report and review of literature
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Chen Yimin , Zhang Le , Zhang Wei , Li Bin , Baizabal-Carvallo José Fidel , Song Xingwang 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveWe present the case of a patient with clinical and imaging features of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) and positive IgLON5 antibodies (Abs) in the serum and CSF.Case reportA 66-year-old Chinese man presented to the hospital with a stroke-like episode, followed by rapidly progressive cognitive decline, mutism, and parkinsonism. The MRI results showed a cortical ribboning sign in diffusion-weighted MRI, periodic triphasic waves with a slow background in EEG, and positive protein 14–3-3 in CSF. There were matching IgLON5 Abs in the serum and CSF. A literature review showed positive autoimmune encephalitis Abs or autoimmune inflammatory disease between 0.5 and 8.6% among patients with clinical suspicion of CJD, most commonly anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) Abs; however, IgLON5 autoimmunity in CJD has been rarely reported. This is an intriguing association as both conditions have been associated with brain deposits of phosphorylated tau protein.ConclusionIgLON5 Abs may be observed in patients with a diagnosis of CJD; it is unknown whether a synergistic effect of IgLON5 Abs with CJD exists, increasing neurodegenerative changes.
Participation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in the regulation of epileptiform activity of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Zinchenko Valery Petrovich , Teplov Ilia Yu. , Kosenkov Artem Mikhailovich , Gaidin Sergei Gennadievich , Kairat Bakytzhan Kairatuly , Tuleukhanov Sultan Tuleukhanovich 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionEpileptiform activity is the most striking result of hyperexcitation of a group of neurons that can occur in different brain regions and then spread to other sites. Later it was shown that these rhythms have a cellular correlate in vitro called paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS). In 13–15 DIV neuron-glial cell culture, inhibition of the GABA(A) receptors induces bursts of action potential in the form of clasters PDS and oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). We demonstrate that GABAergic neurons expressing calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) as well as Kv7-type potassium channels regulate hippocampal glutamatergic neurons’ excitability during epileptiform activity in culture.MethodsA combination of whole-cell patch-clamp in current clamp mode and calcium imaging microscopy was used to simultaneously register membrane potential and [Ca2+]i level. To identify GABAergic cell cultures were fixed and stained with antibodies against glutamate decarboxylase GAD 65/67 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) after vital [Ca2+]i imaging.Results and discussionIt was shown that CP-AMPARs are involved in the regulation of the PDS clusters and [Ca2+]i pulses accompanied them. Activation of CP-AMPARs of GABAergic neurons is thought to cause the release of GABA, which activates the GABA(B) receptors of other GABAergic interneurons. It is assumed that activation of these GABA(B) receptors leads to the release of beta-gamma subunits of Gi protein, which activate potassium channels, resulting in hyperpolarization and inhibition of these interneurons. The latter causes disinhibition of glutamatergic neurons, the targets of these interneurons. In turn, the CP-AMPAR antagonist, NASPM, has the opposite effect. Measurement of membrane potential in GABAergic neurons by the patch-clamp method in whole-cell configuration demonstrated that NASPM suppresses hyperpolarization in clusters and individual PDSs. It is believed that Kv7-type potassium channels are involved in the control of hyperpolarization during epileptiform activity. The blocker of Kv7 channels, XE 991, mimicked the effect of the CP-AMPARs antagonist on PDS clusters. Both drugs increased the duration of the PDS cluster. In turn, the Kv7 activator, retigabine, decreased the duration of the PDS cluster and Ca2+ pulse. In addition, retigabine led to deep posthyperpolarization at the end of the PDS cluster. The Kv7 channel is believed to be involved in the formation of PDS, as the channel blocker reduced the rate of hyperpolarization in the PDS almost three times. Thus, GABAergic neurons expressing CP-AMPARs, regulate the membrane potential of innervated glutamatergic neurons by modulating the activity of postsynaptic potassium channels of other GABAergic neurons.
Association of taurine intake with changes in physical fitness among community-dwelling middle-aged and older Japanese adults: an 8-year longitudinal study
Authors: Domoto Takashi , Kise Kazuyoshi , Oyama Yukiko , Furuya Kanae , Kato Yuki , Nishita Yukiko , Kozakai Rumi , Otsuka Rei 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionTaurine has diverse valuable biological functions, including antioxidant activity and regulation of osmotic pressure. Maintaining physical fitness from middle age is important for healthy life expectancy. Although taurine administration improves muscle endurance and strength, its role in maintenance remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the longitudinal taurine intake association with fitness changes.MethodsParticipants comprised men and women aged ≥40 years who participated in the third (2002–2004; Baseline) and seventh (2010–2012; Follow-up) waves of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS-LSA) and completed a 3-day dietary weights recording survey at baseline. A table of taurine content was prepared for 751 foods (including five food groups: Seaweed; Fish and shellfish; Meat; Eggs; and Milk and dairy products) from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan (1,878 foods) 2010. Four physical fitness items (knee extension muscle strength, sit-and-reach, one-leg standing with eyes closed, and maximum walking speed) were measured at baseline and follow-up. We analyzed the association of taurine intake with physical fitness change, employing a general linear model (GLM) and trend tests for baseline taurine intake and follow-up fitness change. Adjustments included baseline variables: sex, age, height, weight, educational level, self-rated health, smoking status, depressive symptoms, and clinical history.ResultsThe estimated average daily taurine intake (standard deviation) was 207.5 (145.6) mg/day at the baseline. When examining the association with the four physical fitness parameters, higher taurine intake positively increased the change in knee extension muscle strength (T1; 0.1, T2; 0.8, T3; 1.1 (kgf) GLM, p &lt; 0.05; p for trend &lt;0.05) and reduced the decline in knee extension muscle strength in the subgroup analysis of participants aged ≥65 years (T1: −1.9, T2: −1.7, T3: −0.4 kgf; GLM p &lt; 0.05, p for trend &lt;0.05). No relationship was found between taurine intake and the remaining three fitness factors.ConclusionEstimation of taurine intake showed that dietary taurine intake potentially contributes to the maintenance of knee extension muscle strength over 8 years among Japanese community-dwelling middle-aged and older individuals. This is the first study to investigate the association of dietary taurine intake with muscle strength.
Intrahousehold empowerment gaps and dietary diversity in China
Authors: Huang Yanfang , Yang Yuying , Nie Fengying , Jia Xiangping 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis article analyzes the relationship between intrahousehold empowerment gaps and food and nutrition security using quantitative data collected through a household survey organized by the Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS-AII), in 2023.MethodsBased on empowerment theory, this study measured the relative empowerment of spouses from the Abbreviated Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI).ResultsFrom the micro-level evidence of 468 rural households, this study found that intrahousehold empowerment gaps harm the diversity of household diets. In particular, reducing gender gaps in access to resources, leadership, and income can help diversify household diets. However, data on the impact of shortening the difference in working hours between wives and husbands for the benefit of food safety are yet to be conclusive. Additionally, gender gaps in the group of non-coresident mothers-in-law and non-migrants hurt household food security.ConclusionThe paper also provides further justification for policies and interventions that aim to improve women's bargaining position in the household.
Virtual reality as a non-medical tool in the treatment of anxiety, pain, and perception of time in children in the maintenance phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment
Authors: Velasco-Hidalgo Liliana , González-Garay Alejandro , Segura-Pacheco Blanca Angélica , Esparza-Silva Ana Luisa , Cuéllar Mendoza Miguel Enrique , Ochoa-Drucker Cecilia , Campos-Ugalde Sofía , Bernabé-Gaspar Luis Eduardo , Zapata-Tarrés Marta 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionManagement of pediatric cancer patients involves invasive procedures such as punctures, injections, catheter placements, and chemotherapy which can generate fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and pain. Virtual Reality (VR) is a nonpharmacological intervention classified as a cognitive-behavioral method to relieve symptoms.MethodsWe designed a crossover protocol and included 20 patients between 9 and 12 years old; ten were male. All patients had acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis and were treatedwith St. Jude’s XV protocol in the maintenance phase. Pain and anxiety were measured with validated scales in the pediatric population.ResultsAlthough we used a small group of patients, we found statistical difference in the reduction of anxiety and perception of time.DiscussionThese results open a window to non-pharmacological treatments and show a strategy to improve quality of life in children inside the hospital.