bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐related macular degeneration discordance in monozygotic twin pairs
Authors: Kananen Fabian , Kaprio Jaakko , Immonen Ilkka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTo examine age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–Bruch's membrane (BrM) complex volume associations in monozygotic twin pairs.MethodsIn this study, 106 elderly twins (53 twin pairs) from the Finnish Twin Cohort study were recruited. Each participant underwent dilated 35‐degree digital colour fundus photography (CFP), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and replied to a structured study questionnaire. The CFPs were graded according to the Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) classification. The OCT images were segmented and volumetric data of the RPE‐BrM complex volume was calculated with the Orion™ software. The worse eye according to AREDS classification was used for the analysis.ResultsTwenty‐nine (55%) of the twin pairs were discordant with regard to AREDS classification. Fourteen (26%) pairs were discordant with one twin participant having AMD (AREDS 2–4) and the other being unaffected (AREDS 1). Four (8%) pairs had one twin participant with intermediate or late AMD (AREDS 3–4) versus the other being unaffected (AREDS 1). The within‐pair polychoric correlation for AREDS was 0.605 (95% confidence interval 0.418–0.792).In multivariate analysis intermediate and late AMD as well as age associated with RPE‐BrM complex volume. RPE‐BrM complex volume showed a within twin pair correlation, r = 0.430 (95% confidence interval 0.172–0.688, p < 0.01).ConclusionA substantial proportion of monozygotic twin pairs are discordant with regard to age‐related macular degeneration phenotype. RPE‐BrM complex volume associated with age and intermediate and late AMD.
The cytoplasmic sensor, the AIM2 inflammasome: A precise therapeutic target in vascular and metabolic diseases
Authors: Lin Jiuguo , Wang Jiaojiao , Fang Jian , Li Meihang , Xu Suowen , Little Peter J. , Zhang Dongmei , Liu Zhiping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCardio‐cerebrovascular diseases encompass pathological changes in the heart, brain and vascular system, which pose a great threat to health and well‐being worldwide. Moreover, metabolic diseases contribute to and exacerbate the impact of vascular diseases. Inflammation is a complex process that protects against noxious stimuli but is also dysregulated in numerous so‐called inflammatory diseases, one of which is atherosclerosis. Inflammation involves multiple organ systems and a complex cascade of molecular and cellular events. Numerous studies have shown that inflammation plays a vital role in cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome detects and is subsequently activated by double‐stranded DNA in damaged cells and pathogens. With the assistance of the mature effector molecule caspase‐1, the AIM2 inflammasome performs crucial biological functions that underpin its involvement in cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases and related metabolic diseases: The production of interleukin‐1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin‐18 (IL-18) and N‐terminal pore‐forming Gasdermin D fragment (GSDMD‐N) mediates a series of inflammatory responses and programmed cell death (pyroptosis and PANoptosis). Currently, several agents have been reported to inhibit the activity of the AIM2 inflammasome and have the potential to be evaluated for use in clinical settings. In this review, we systemically elucidate the assembly, biological functions, regulation and mechanisms of the AIM2 inflammasome in cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases and related metabolic diseases and outline the inhibitory agents of the AIM2 inflammasome as potential therapeutic drugs.
Radiprodil, a selective GluN2B negative allosteric modulator, rescues audiogenic seizures in mice carrying the GluN2A(N615S) mutation
Authors: Bertocchi Ilaria , Cifarelli Lorenzo , Oberto Alessandra , Eva Carola Eugenia , Sprengel Rolf , Mirza Naheed Rohman , Muglia Pierandrea 
Published: March 2024

Background and PurposeGRIN‐related disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit genes. A large fraction of these mutations lead to a ‘gain of function’ (GoF) of the NMDAR. Patients present with a range of symptoms including epilepsy, intellectual disability, behavioural and motor. Controlling seizures is a significant unmet medical need in most patients with GRIN‐related disorders. Although several hundred GRIN mutations have been identified in humans, until recently none of the mouse models carrying Grin mutations/deletions showed an epileptic phenotype. The two recent exceptions both carry mutations of GluN2A. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of radiprodil, a selective negative allosteric modulator of GluN2B‐containing NMDARs, in counteracting audiogenic seizures (AGS) in a murine model carrying the GluN2A(N615S) homozygous mutation (Grin2aS/S mice).Experimental ApproachGrin2aS/S mice were acutely treated with radiprodil at different doses before the presentation of a high‐frequency acoustic stimulus commonly used for AGS induction.Key ResultsRadiprodil significantly and dose‐dependently reduced the onset and severity of AGS in Grin2aS/S mice. Surprisingly, the results revealed a sex‐dependent difference in AGS susceptibility and in the dose‐dependent protection of radiprodil in the two genders. Specifically, radiprodil was more effective in female versus male mice.Conclusion and ImplicationsOverall, our data clearly show that radiprodil, a GluN2B selective negative allosteric modulator, may have the potential to control seizures in patients with GRIN2A GoF mutations. Further studies are warranted to better understand the sex‐dependent effects observed in this study.
Increased risk of complications in lower versus upper limb peripheral intravenous cannulation in children with severe neurological impairment
Authors: Kluckow Eliza , Perera Sajini , Clifford Isaac , Wilks Daniel , Cooper Monica S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundObtaining peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) access in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) is often challenging and commonly associated with complications, including dislodgement, phlebitis and extravasation. In severe cases, extravasation injury may lead to tissue necrosis, ulceration and long‐term morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence of PIVC complications secondary to lower limb cannulation, compared to upper limb, in children with SNI.MethodsA single centre, retrospective, observational review was conducted. Patients with SNI, admitted at a tertiary paediatric centre over 6 months between July and December 2022, were included.ResultsOne‐hundred fifty‐five PIVC procedures were conducted in 110 children over the study period. Complications were more common in lower limb PIVCs (12/16, 75%) compared to upper limb (58/139, 42%), p = 0.01.ConclusionUpper limb cannulation is preferred in children with SNI.
Patterns of primary and secondary defects associated with non‐syndromic cleft lip and palate: An epidemiological analysis in a Kenyan population
Authors: Kamau Martin , Sarna Krishan , Guthua Symon , Sonigra Khushboo Jayant , Kimani Paul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCleft lip and palate deformities substantially burden individuals and families, particularly in low‐income communities. However, a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and distribution of these deformities in Kenya remains limited. This retrospective cross‐sectional study analyzed 647 clinical records from the BelaRisu Foundation registry in Kenya, spanning 2018–2022. After meticulous record verification and data extraction, cleft pattern modeling was used to analyze each case. Data were imported to SPSS version 29.0 and descriptive statistics were calculated, which included means, ranges, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Additionally, a comparative analysis between genders was conducted. The findings revealed a higher average age of presentation compared with previous studies in Kenya, along with a greater susceptibility of males to cleft lip and palate defects overall. Noteworthy disparities in case distribution across provinces were observed. Cleft lip emerged as the most observed primary defect, while palatal fistulae constituted the most frequent secondary defect. Interestingly, while some results aligned with global trends, others diverged significantly from the existing literature, warranting further exploration and investigation. These findings shed light on the unique patterns and distribution of cleft lip and palate deformities in Kenya, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems.
Congenital cardiac anomalies in non‐syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kumar Bindey , Singh Priyankar , Ranjan Alok , Singh Tulika , Singh Nimmi , Kriti  , Singh Swati , Singh Siddharth , Mishra Navin , Sharma Arbind Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim was to establish a specific and definite connection between non‐syndromic orofacial cleft patients and associated congenital heart disease (CHD). Following PRISMA guidelines, selective databases were searched for data collection. Studies showing a definite association of CHD with orofacial cleft were included, and studies non‐specific of the association of orofacial cleft with CHD were excluded. Data extraction criteria were study design, frequency of CHD in overall non‐syndromic orofacial cleft and in specific cleft type, and most prevalent congenital cardiac anomaly. DerSimonian Laird random effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of CHD, along with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each measure. Publication bias was assessed using Fail‐Safe N analysis and the Rosenthel approach. Of a total of 182 articles searched, only 30 studies were assessed. The overall pooled estimate of the proportion of CHD in total cleft lips/palates was 16% (95% CI: 13–19). The odds of developing CHD in cleft palates was 4.08 times more as compared to cleft lips with 95% CIs of 3.86–4.33, and 1.65 more as compared to cleft lips and palates both with 95% CI of 1.52–1.68. We affirm the upsurging prevalence of CHD in non‐syndromic cleft children and vehemently propose that it is of utmost importance to inculcate it in practice and policy‐making to screen all non‐syndromic orofacial cleft children for congenital cardiac anomaly. This study was registered on PROSPERO (ID no. CRD42023391597) on February 24, 2023.
Supportive therapy following peri‐implantitis treatment: A retrospective study on compliance
Authors: Monje Alberto , Galindo‐Fernández Pablo , Nart José 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe compliance rate with supportive therapy following peri‐implantitis treatment (SPIT) remains unknown. The present retrospective study was carried out to assess the compliance rate and the factors influencing compliance in a private practice setting.Materials and MethodsPatients were divided into three groups according to compliance rate: regular compliance (RC ≥2 SPIT/year), erratic compliance (EC <2 SPIT/year), and non‐compliance (NC <1 SPIT/year). Overall, 17 patient‐ (n = 8) and site‐related variables (n = 9) were explored as potential confounders of compliance. The Chi2 test was applied to assess the association between categorical variables and determine the odds ratio (OR).ResultsThe study comprised 159 patients restored with 1075 implants, of which 469 were treated for peri‐implantitis and met the inclusion criteria. A total of 57.2% were RC, 25.8% EC, and 17% NC. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking and grade C periodontitis reduced the likelihood of RC (OR = 0.28, p < .001) when compared to complete edentulism or non‐smoking. Moreover, age demonstrated being associated with follow‐up when SPIT was interrupted in EC and NC (OR = 0.94, p = .007).ConclusionComprehensive information, provided prior to peri‐implantitis treatment, regarding the importance of adhering to SPIT after peri‐implantitis treatment to achieve/maintain peri‐implant health, resulted in ~60% regular compliance rate (NCT05772078).
ERBB1 alleviates secondary brain injury induced by experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats by modulating neuronal death via PLC‐γ/PKC pathway
Authors: Li Bing , Wu Jiang , Cao Demao , Cao Cheng , Zhang Juyi , Li Xiang , Li Haiying , Shen Haitao , Yu Zhengquan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a disease with high rates of disability and mortality. The role of epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (ERBB1) in ICH was elucidated in this study.MethodsICH model was constructed by injecting autologous arterial blood into the right basal ganglia. The protein level of ERBB1 was detected by western blot analysis. To up‐ and downregulation of ERBB1 in rats, intraventricular injection of a lentivirus overexpression vector of ERBB1 and AG1478 (a specific inhibitor of ERBB1) was used. The cell apoptosis, neuronal loss, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were assessed by TUNEL, Nissl staining, and ELISA. Meanwhile, behavioral cognitive impairment of ICH rats was evaluated after ERBB1‐targeted interventions.ResultsERBB1 increased significantly in brain tissue of ICH rats. Overexpression of ERBB1 remarkably reduced cell apoptosis and neuronal loss induced by ICH, as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, the behavioral and cognitive impairment of ICH rats were alleviated after upregulation of ERBB1; however, the secondary brain injury (SBI) was aggravated by AG1478 treatment. Furthermore, the upregulation of PLC‐γ and PKC in ICH rats was reversed by AG1478 treatment.ConclusionsERBB1 can improve SBI and has a neuroprotective effect in experimental ICH rats via PLC‐γ/PKC pathway.
The role of football win percentage on college applications for Power Five and Group of Five schools
Authors: McFarland Craig , Groothuis Peter A. , Guignet Dennis 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInvesting in athletics is one approach that universities have taken to better appeal to potential students. We analyze whether football success, as measured by win percentage, is correlated with a higher number of student applicants. We find that for schools in the major “Power‐Five” conferences, win percentage does not significantly change the number of students who apply. However, in the smaller “Group‐of‐Five” conferences, win percentage is associated with an increase in the number of applications. This is a particularly relevant finding because smaller universities may often be the ones struggling to maintain the size of their student body.
Corruption and Bank Risk‐Taking in Dual Banking Systems
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Bitar Mohammad , Tarazi Amine , Hassan Arshad , Fraz Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueWe investigate whether the risk‐taking of Islamic banks is affected differently by corruption compared to conventional banks. We also examine whether the characteristics of the Shari'ah Supervisory Board (SSB) of Islamic banks and the characteristics of the board of directors of conventional banks play an effective role in moderating such an effect.Research Findings/InsightsWe find consistent evidence that banks in countries with higher corruption have higher bank risk for both conventional and Islamic banks. However, this association is attenuated by the size of the SSB, the presence of female board members, and higher academic qualifications of SSB members. For conventional banks, the moderating effect of the presence of female directors and academically qualified members on the board of directors is also prevalent but to a lesser extent.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study contributes to the corporate finance literature more generally by highlighting the role played by corporate governance, particularly the presence of female members and academically qualified members on the SSBs of Islamic banks and on the board of directors of conventional banks, in mitigating the effect of corruption on bank risk‐taking for the two bank types.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur findings are based on a matched sample of banks operating in 10 OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries and have important implications for bank stability and bank governance reforms. On the detrimental side, urgency of the anti‐corruption campaigns in these countries is justified due to the significant effect of corruption on risk‐taking for both conventional and Islamic banks. Overall, to better fight corruption in countries with dual banking systems, there is a need to enforce stricter rules for all types of banks.
Pcolce2 overexpression promotes supporting cell reprogramming in the neonatal mouse cochlea
Authors: Xu Changling , Zhang Liyan , Zhou Yinyi , Du Haoliang , Qi Jieyu , Tan Fangzhi , Peng Li , Gu Xingliang , Li Nianci , Sun Qiuhan , Zhang Ziyu , Lu Yicheng , Qian Xiaoyun , Tong Busheng , Sun Jiaqiang , Chai Renjie , Shi Yi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHair cell (HC) damage is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss, and in mammals supporting cells (SCs) are unable to divide and regenerate HCs after birth spontaneously. Procollagen C‐endopeptidase enhancer 2 (Pcolce2), which encodes a glycoprotein that acts as a functional procollagen C protease enhancer, was screened as a candidate regulator of SC plasticity in our previous study. In the current study, we used adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐ie (a newly developed adeno‐associated virus that targets SCs) to overexpress Pcolce2 in SCs. AAV‐Pcolce2 facilitated SC re‐entry into the cell cycle both in cultured cochlear organoids and in the postnatal cochlea. In the neomycin‐damaged model, regenerated HCs were detected after overexpression of Pcolce2, and these were derived from SCs that had re‐entered the cell cycle. These findings reveal that Pcolce2 may serve as a therapeutic target for the regeneration of HCs to treat hearing loss.
Intra‐pancreatic fat is associated with continuous glucose monitoring metrics
Authors: Liu Yutong , Kimita Wandia , Shamaitijiang Xiatiguli , Skudder‐Hill Loren , Sequeira‐Bisson Ivana R. , Petrov Maxim S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship of fat in the pancreas with time spent in different glycaemic ranges.MethodsAbdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 Tesla was used to quantify fat in the pancreas as both continuous [i.e. intra‐pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD)] and binary (i.e. fatty change of the pancreas vs. normal pancreas) variables. Dexcom G6 devices were used to collect continuous glucose monitoring data every 5 min over a continuous 7‐day period. Time above range (TAR), time in range (TIR) and time below range were computed. Statistical models were built to adjust for age, sex, body composition, and other covariates in linear regression analysis and analysis of covariance.ResultsIn total, 38 individuals were studied. IPFD was significantly associated with TAR (p = .036) and TIR (p = .042) after adjustment for covariates. For every 1% increase in IPFD, there was a 0.3 unit increase in TAR and a decrease in TIR. Individuals with fatty change of the pancreas, when compared with those with normal pancreas, had significantly higher TAR (p = .034) and lower TIR (p = .047) after adjustment for covariates. Neither IPFD (p = .805) nor fatty change of the pancreas (p = .555) was associated with time below range after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionIncreased fat in the pancreas is associated with excessive glycaemic variability. Fatty change of the pancreas may contribute to heightening the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Lateralisation of nasal cycle is not reflected in the olfactory bulb volumes and cerebral activations
Authors: Thaploo Divesh , Joshi Akshita , Thomas Marie , Hummel Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNasal cycle (NC) is a rhythmic change of lateralised nasal airflow mediated by the autonomous nervous system. Previous studies reported the dependence of NC dominance or more patent side on handedness and hemispheric cerebral activity. We aimed to investigate firstly the possible lateralised effect of NC on olfactory bulb volume and secondly the association of NC with the lateralised cerebral dominance in terms of olfactory processing. Thirty‐five subjects (22 women and 13 men, mean age 26 ± 3 years) participated in the study. NC was ascertained using a portable rhino‐flowmeter. Structural and functional brain measurements were assessed using a 3T MR scanner. Vanillin odorant was presented during functional scans using a computer‐controlled olfactometer. NC was found to be independent of the olfactory bulb volumes. Also, cerebral activations were found independent of the NC during odorant perception. NC potency is not associated with lateralised structural or functional differences in the cerebral olfactory system.
Plant functional traits couple with range size and shape in European trees
Authors: Midolo Gabriele 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimPlant functional traits are frequently proposed as influential factors in species distribution. However, there is a gap in assessing how plant resource‐economic traits relate to the size and shape of a species' geographical range, and to what extent these relationships are conserved over evolutionary history. Specifically, an acquisitive strategy (characterized by heightened metabolism, shorter lifespan and quicker generation turnover) may promote isotropic range formations, resulting in less elongated and larger ranges. Here, I tested this link using data from 98 native European tree species.LocationPalaearctic.Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsI used chorological maps to quantify two independent range attributes: species' range area and elongation. I considered 28 functional traits linked to resource‐use strategy measured in above‐ and below‐ground organs. I used multi‐response phylogenetic mixed models to calculate the conservative trait correlation (CTC) and the phylogenetically independent correlation (IND) component of each functional trait with range area and elongation.ResultsRange area positively correlated with resource acquisitive strategies, while range elongation correlated with resource conservative strategies. This pattern was consistent across the examined traits but statistically significant in seven out of the 28 traits, including specific leaf area, specific root area and root mycorrhizal colonization. Traits related to leaf and root nutritional status exhibited the weakest relationships with range attributes. Significant correlations were more frequent in the IND component and often showed contrasting trends compared to CTC.Main conclusionsPlant resource‐use strategy emerges as a relevant factor to gain insights on what shapes species' geographical distribution, alongside more established drivers such as dispersal limitation and climatic tolerance. Trait‐range relationships are driven by processes leaving a weak phylogenetic signature. These processes may result from direct selection, where functional traits impact range attributes, or indirect effects, such as the co‐variation of ranges and traits with environmental niche optima.