bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of time to initiation and dose of methylprednisolone on outcome in multiple sclerosis‐related optic neuritis
Authors: Gilad Hadar , Horowitz Josepha , Bloch Sivan , Golan Daniel 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesIt is known that the benefit of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in multiple sclerosis‐related optic neuritis (MS‐ON) is limited to an accelerated recovery. We aimed to evaluate the impact of time from symptoms onset to IVMP initiation and of IVMP dose on visual recovery among people with MS‐ON.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of MS‐ON was undertaken. The associations between time from symptoms onset to IVMP as well as dose of IVMP and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement after 6–12 mo were analyzed.ResultsSixty‐one events of ON from 61 patients were included (Age: 32 ± 13, Female: 46 [75%]). ON was the initial presentation of MS for 45 (74%) participants. The mean time from symptoms onset to initiation of IVMP was 5.8 ± 4.6 d. Twenty‐eight episodes (46%) were treated with 3 g and 33 episodes (54%) were treated with 4.5 g IVMP. The proportion of events with complete recovery of BCVA was similar between those who were treated up to 3 d, 4 to 7 or ≥8 d from onset (46%, 74%, 58%, respectively (χ2(2) = 3.9, P = .14). Complete recovery of visual acuity was achieved in 71% and 49% of events treated with 3 and 4.5 g IVMP, respectively (χ2(1) = 3.3, P = .07). On multivariate analysis, only nadir visual acuity predicted incomplete recovery of BCVA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; P = .05); IVMP timing and dose did not.ConclusionWhile intravenous corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment, increasing the dose or starting treatment earlier does not seem to improve long‐term recovery from MS‐ON. A substantial proportion of people with MS‐ON remain with residual impairment of BCVA, highlighting the need for better treatments.
Effect of Bone Microstructure Derived From CBCT on the Accuracy of Robot‐Assisted Implant Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dong Wenxi , Wang Linhong , Zheng Yuanna , Yang Xulan , Shen Liheng , Yang Fan , Zheng Yuchen 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bone microstructure on the accuracy of robot‐assisted dental implant surgery.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 52 patients who received robot‐assisted implant surgery between January 2023 and October 2023. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to evaluate bone microstructural parameters, including the bone volume (BV), tissue volume (TV), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), bone surface fraction (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Preoperative and postoperative CBCT data were used to evaluate implant accuracy, and the relationship between bone microstructure parameters and implant deviation including platform deviation, apex deviation, and angular deviation was statistically analyzed.ResultsIn robot‐assisted implant surgery, BS/BV was a potential facilitator of several implant deviations, while BV/TV and Tb.Th were potential inhibitors of apex global deviation and angular deviation, respectively. Implant deviations were divided into two groups of large and small deviations by median, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Tb.Th had the largest area under the ROC for predicting large apex global deviation, 0.711 (p < 0.001), with an optimal cutoff value > 0.179, a sensitivity and specificity of 70.37% and 76.92%.ConclusionThe study concluded that bone microstructure might affect the accuracy of dental implant placement in robotic surgeries. Incorporating bone quality assessments into preoperative planning may enhance the precision and outcomes of implant procedures, highlighting the potential for further refinement in robotic‐assisted dental surgery techniques.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2400085813
A Novel Missense Variant in SORBS2 Is Causative With Familial Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Shiyuan , Cao Shuman , Wang Qigeng , Wei Yiping , Li Ying , Wang Yan , Li Yan , Qin Wei , Quan Meina , Jia Jianping 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a substantial genetic component. Despite advances in elucidating the genetic underpinnings of AD, much of its heritability remains unexplained. Discovering novel genetic variants and understanding their pathogenic roles are crucial challenges in AD research.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify pathogenic genes and elucidate their role in familial early‐onset AD (EOAD).MethodsBlood samples from an EOAD pedigree and Sorbin and SH3 Domain‐Containing Protein 2 (SORBS2) T189M transgenic mice were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed via the Morris water maze (MWM). Protein expression was evaluated by western blotting, while amyloid‐β (Aβ) levels were quantified via immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory markers were measured using immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Neuronal morphology, including dendritic and spine alterations, was examined using Golgi staining.ResultsWe identified a novel SORBS2 variant (c. 566C>T, p. T189M) in a Han Chinese family, segregating with AD in a Mendelian fashion. SORBS2 T189M transgenic mice exhibited cognitive deficits, cortical Aβ accumulation, and an increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. Additionally, elevated levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)‐positive microglia, along with neuronal loss, were observed in the brains of T189M mice.ConclusionOur study suggest that the SORBS2 T189M variant is a novel candidate causal mutation associated with familial AD in a Chinese pedigree, contributing to AD pathogenesis by promoting neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. Notably, this study is the first to establish a link between SORBS2 mutations and AD.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of GLP‐1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular events and risk factors: A review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: An Xuedong , Sun WenJie , Wen Zhige , Duan LiYun , Zhang YueHong , Kang Xiaomin , Ji Hangyu , Sun Yuting , Jiang Linlin , Zhao Xuefei , Gao Qing , Lian Fengmei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to systematically evaluate and perform a systematic review and network meta‐analysis comparing the comprehensive cardiovascular protective effects of various glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), focusing on cardiovascular events and risk factors.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science from inception to December 15, 2024. Included studies were published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing GLP‐1RAs to placebo or other GLP‐1RAs. Missing data were standardized, and network meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 17.0. Study heterogeneity, publication bias and evidence quality were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis (CINeMA).ResultsAs of December 15, 2024, a total of 18 313 articles were retrieved. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 156 high‐quality studies were included, incorporating 144 782 patients and 14 different GLP‐1RAs. The network meta‐analysis demonstrated low heterogeneity, ensuring the reliability of the results. Comprehensive analysis revealed the following: Efpeglenatide was the most effective in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events. Oral semaglutide shows more significant advantages in reducing all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Orforglipron excelled in glycaemic control and weight reduction. SC‐Semaglutide showed the greatest efficacy in lowering both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, Liraglutide showed the greatest efficacy in lowering total cholesterol, Noiiglutide in triglycerides and Taspoglutide in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, but no GLP‐1RAs in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. GLP‐1RAs did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events, but Orforglipron and Taspoglutide significantly increased the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events compared with placebo.ConclusionThis study compared the cardiovascular benefits of different GLP‐1RAs, including reductions in cardiovascular events and improvements in multiple cardiovascular risk factors. However, due to limitations in the quantity and quality of the included studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Future large‐scale, high‐quality clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and further optimize comprehensive cardiovascular management strategies for patients.
Museum collections reveal a global range of Ophryocystis parasites in Danaus butterflies
Authors: Müller‐Theissen Maria L. , Barriga Paola , Yan Katie , Gottdenker Nicole L. , Altizer Sonia M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Understanding the host range, patterns and consequences of parasite infection is essential for detecting and responding to parasite‐mediated insect declines. The debilitating protozoan Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE; Neogregarinorida: Ophryocystidae) was identified as a parasite of monarch (Danaus plexippus) and queen (D. gilippus) butterflies in the late 1960s in Florida, USA. Recently, similar parasites were documented in other Danaus species, but their occurrence among the diverse clade of milkweed butterflies (Nymphalidae: Danainae) remains unexplored.
This study used museum collections to systematically investigate the host range and global occurrence of OE and similar Ophryocystis parasites in milkweed butterflies. We examined 2727 museum specimens from 86 countries/areas, spanning 61 milkweed butterfly species across 10 genera, to document parasitism.
Our findings revealed that, among milkweed butterflies, Ophryocystis parasites were confined to hosts in the genus Danaus and were widespread across five continents. Positive specimens dated back to 1909. Lesser wanderers (D. petilia) exhibited the highest percentage of positive specimens (16%), followed by monarchs (12%), plain tigers (D. chrysippus, 11%) and queens (4%). We also present the first documented infections in Jamaican monarchs (D. cleophile, 4%). The patterns of parasite variation in size reflected the relatedness of their host species but not their size.
Overall, this research underscores the value of museum collections for investigating geographic and temporal host–parasite associations and provides foundational ecological data on the relationships between Ophryocystis parasites and their milkweed butterfly hosts.
The Development of a Brief Session‐Level Process Measure for Emotion‐Focused Couple Therapy
Authors: Biran Talmor Shanny , Shahar Ben , A. Sbarra David , Bar‐Kalifa Eran 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEmotion‐focused therapy for couples (EFT‐C) has a strong tradition of delineating mechanisms of change. These change processes are typically examined using labor‐intensive observational methods, which may not be practical for clinicians or researchers who aim to routinely monitor changes in therapy processes as they unfold across therapy sessions. The current study describes the EFT‐C Process Measure (ECPM), a short, easily administered, eight‐item questionnaire that can complement more traditional observational methods. The ECPM uses a systemic framework (assessing one's experience as well as one's perception of the partner's experience) and can be administered at the end of each session to capture the key processes of change in EFT‐C (cycle understanding, accessing vulnerability, sharing vulnerabilities, responsive expression). We used data from 1033 session reports obtained from 44 couples receiving EFT‐C to examine the validity of this measure. The results indicated that the ECPM evidenced convergent and discriminant validity (it was associated with reports of the therapeutic alliance), criterion validity (it was associated with reports of session evaluation and relationship satisfaction), and incremental validity for its systemic framework. Additionally, the ECPM proved sensitive in tracking change processes from session to session and capturing the expected increase in process engagement throughout the course of therapy. Although a complete validation of this tool requires a larger sample, the ECPM may be used by researchers and clinicians to obtain insights into the change process in EFT‐C.
Thriving or sinking? The emplacement process of Ukrainian refugees in depopulating, peripheral areas in the Netherlands
Authors: Tesorio Jofelle 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe ‘free‐to‐work, free‐to‐settle’ feature of the EU's temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees has led millions to various locations, with the majority gravitating towards urban areas. However, due to housing shortages, a significant number have moved to peripheral municipalities experiencing depopulation. These refugees often find themselves in villages without a network and where the Ukrainian diaspora is small or non‐existent. Reflecting on their settlement and everyday ‘unproblematic’ encounters (conviviality) with neighbours, colleagues at work, and networks at various institutions in Het Hogeland and Pekela, The Netherlands, this analysis explores the emplacement process of Ukrainian refugees. Based on this reflection, the paper aims to address the question: Which factors facilitate or hinder positive encounters among Ukrainian refugees in these peripheral areas, motivating them to (re)consider taking root in these host localities?
Drought Stress at Different Growth Stages Affects the Capacities of Sinks and Two Carbon Sources of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yang Jingya , Liang Xi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDrought stress reduces cereal crop growth and yield due to modifications to interactions between sink and source. However, little research has investigated multiple carbon sources and their relationships with sink capacities, especially in response to drought stress at different growth stages. The objective of this study was thus to examine two major carbon sources (i.e., photosynthetic assimilation in the flag leaf and remobilisation of pre‐anthesis reserves in stems) and their interactions with sink strength in response to drought stress at different phenological stages. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at five water regimes: well‐watered (WW), progressive drought (PD), and drought stress (DS) during vegetative growth (DS‐V), early reproductive growth (DS‐ER), and post‐anthesis (DS‐PA). Compared with the WW regime, the DS‐V treatment reduced shoot biomass, grain yield, number of grains per pot, grain weight, harvest index, and water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems despite the recovered photosynthesis after rehydration. Wheat plants subject to DS‐PA exhibited reduced shoot biomass, grain yield, grain weight, and post‐anthesis photosynthetic rate but greater depletion of water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems during grain filling relative to the WW regime. Grain yield positively correlated with residual water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems and late‐season photosynthetic rates. This study demonstrated yield losses associated with changes in sink and source capacities in response to drought stress at different phenological stages and showcased the predominant role of the two carbon sources in grain filling.
Exploration of the covariation signal between cortical bone and dentine volumes across the upper limb bones and anterior teeth in modern humans and relevance to evolutionary anthropology
Authors: Augoyard Mathilde , Zanolli Clément , Profico Antonio , Thibeault Adrien , Cazenave Marine , Oettlé Anna C. , L′Abbé Ericka N. , Hoffman Jakobus , Bayle Priscilla 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCortical bone and dentine are two mineralized tissues sharing a common embryological origin, developmental, and genetic background, distinct from those of enamel. Understanding their relationship is crucial to decipher the factors acting on their postnatal development, and shedding light on the evolutionary patterns of tissue proportions. Here, we investigate the coordinated variation between cortical bone and dentine volumes measured from arm and forearm bones (humeri, ulnae, radii) and upper anterior teeth (central incisors, lateral incisors, canines) of modern humans. Given the shared characteristics of cortical bone and dentine, we expect similarities in their postnatal development, which may lead to covariation between their volumes. The degree of bone‐dentine covariation may be influenced by the physiological response of upper limb bones to mechanical loading. No such covariation is expected with enamel volumes, due to the greater developmental independence of bone and enamel. Our sample includes 55 adults of African and European ancestries from South African osteological collections. Principal component analysis of cortical thickness variation along the shafts of paired humeri, ulnae, and radii is used to assess asymmetry. Bone regions with bilateral asymmetry in cortical bone thickness are considered sensitive to functional loads, while regions with minimal bilateral variation likely reflect genetic influences during bone postnatal development. Statistical analyses reveal strong positive correlations between cortical bone and dentine volumes across all bones and teeth, and weaker correlations between cortical bone and enamel. We outline a complex pattern of bone‐dentine covariation that varies by skeletal location and tooth type. Contrary to our expectations, the presumed functional sensitivity of bone regions does not influence the covariation signal. Additionally, the strength of the covariation appears to align with the developmental sequence of the anterior teeth, with the upper canines showing the strongest correlation with cortical bone volumes, followed by lateral and central incisors. These results provide insights into the functional and biological factors influencing the coordinated variation of cortical bone and dentine volumes during postnatal development. Further research on the cortical bone‐dentine covariation across different skeletal parts, including lower limb elements, would enhance our understanding of the effects of both endogenous and exogenous factors on the development of the mineralized tissues.
Feasibility and Safety of Pulsed‐Field Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chen Guocai , Gao Mingyang , Lai Yiwei , Huang Lihong , Xia Shijun , Zuo Song , Guo Xueyuan , Liu Nian , Long Deyong , Dong Jianzeng , He Liu , Du Xin , Li Songnan , Sang Caihua , Ma Changsheng 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionPulsed‐field ablation (PFA) is a novel nonthermal ablation approach using rapid electrical pulses to cause cardiac cell apoptosis via electroporation. Our study aims to investigate the feasibility and safety of PFA for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF).MethodsThirty‐two consecutive patients diagnosed with PeAF were enrolled in our study. All patients underwent PFA treatment using the strategy including pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) isolation, cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block, and mitral isthmus (MI) block. Acute and follow‐up procedure outcomes were evaluated, and adverse events related to the ablation procedure were also observed.ResultsOne‐year survival free from atrial tachyarrhythmia post‐ablation was 65.6%. Acute success rates for PVI, LAPW isolation, CTI block, and MI block were 100%, 100%, 96.9%, and 81.3%, respectively. Eleven cases (34.4%) experienced atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence, with eight cases being atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and three cases being atrial flutter recurrence. Three patients underwent repeat ablation. Minor complications were encountered in four patients with asymptomatic cerebral lesions. Vagal responses were commonly observed during the procedure. No severe coronary vasospasm or severe hemolysis occurred in our cohort.ConclusionPFA with the strategy including PVI, LAPW isolation, CTI block, and MI block is feasible, safe, and associated with a high rate of freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence at 1 year in patients with PeAF.Trial RegistrationThis study registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068980).
Analysis of Mitochondrial Sequence Deletion in the atp9 5′UTR Region and Design of Molecular Markers in Cotton (Gossypium spp.)
Authors: Kang Wanlin , Zhang Lanlan , Li Zhiyu , Fang Yuzhu , Yang Jinglong , Song Yan , Liu Shining , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Rui 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCotton (Gossypium) is the most important fibre crop in the world, consisting of 45 diploid and 7 tetraploid cotton species. These cotton varieties are valuable for breeding, but their molecular identification methods still need further study. We identified an insert/deletion site (AATTT) at the atp9 5′UTR region in the mitochondrial genome of cotton, which could be used to distinguish different cotton species. In this study, the target fragments of 33 cotton species (29 diploid and 4 tetraploid species) were amplified by PCR, and the PCR products potentially containing an EcoR I restriction site were subsequently digested and analysed. The sequencing results revealed that 27 out of 33 cotton species lacked ‘AATTT’ sequences, while six cotton species (G. longicalyx, G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. tomentosum, G. mustillinum and G. darwinii) were found to possess the sequences. Additionally, 39 SNPs were found in this region, and specific molecular markers for G. stocksii, G. bickii and E‐genome were developed, respectively. The comparative analysis of mitochondrial sequences from diploid and tetraploid cotton species elucidated their genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships, and species‐specific markers were able to discriminate among these species, thereby provided a foundation for more targeted use of wild genetic resources in cotton improvement and efforts to ensure their conservation.
TRPV3 Mutation‐Associated Olmsted Syndrome in a Hispanic Patient: Response to Erlotinib and Review of Literature
Authors: Arias‐Berrios Gabriel , Ortiz‐López Laura I. , Sánchez‐Flores Xavier 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTOlmsted syndrome (OS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by severe palmoplantar and periorificial keratoderma, often linked to TRPV3 gene mutations. This case report describes a 23‐month‐old Hispanic boy with TRPV3‐associated OS who initially showed limited improvement with acitretin but experienced substantial recovery with the addition of erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. A review of the literature indicates that erlotinib has shown efficacy in other cases of OS, making it a promising therapeutic option. This report underscores erlotinib's potential to effectively manage TRPV3 mutation‐associated OS, especially when traditional treatments fail.