bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of guar gum reinforced calcium magnesium phosphate‐based bone biocement
Authors: Goenka Vidul , V. K. Anupama Devi , Manikandan Ceera , Jaiswal Amit Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims at developing a calcium magnesium phosphate‐based bone biocement that combines a natural polymer and regenerative properties of bone bonding materials. The formulation of this biocement consists of oxidized guar gum, polydopamine, and calcium magnesium phosphate. The oxidized guar gum is easily soluble in water and has a slightly basic pH, unlike unmodified guar gum, thus allowing a homogenous paste to form in the alkaline environment of calcium magnesium phosphate. Three different oxidized degrees of guar gum were made, and the impact on the biocement properties was studied. The modified guar gum‐reinforced biocement (OGG C2) displayed higher mechanical strength and lower degradation rates than OGG B1 and OGG A0. Furthermore, samples with polydopamine exhibited better results, thus, improving the already reinforced biocement. Morphological studies of the biocement displayed a highly porous structure with porosity varying among biocement containing different oxidized guar gum and polydopamine levels.
Evaluation of the Sysmex XQ‐320 three‐part differential haematology analyser and its flagging capabilities
Authors: Coutaz Christine , Mamin Adrien , Mintzas Konstantinos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThree‐part differential (3PD) haematology analysers offer a quick, easy‐to‐use and economical way to acquire important information about a patient's physiology. In this study, we evaluated a new 3PD analyser, the Sysmex XQ‐320, investigated its comparability with its predecessor (Sysmex XP‐300) and the five‐part differential analyser Sysmex XN‐9000, and explored its flagging potential.MethodsAnalytical performance studies were conducted for repeatability, within‐laboratory precision, between‐day precision, carry‐over and linearity with fresh blood and QC material. Method comparison was performed in 493 samples comparing XQ‐320 with XP‐300, using the XN‐9000 as the gold standard.ResultsThe XQ‐320 excelled manufacturer's specifications in the analytical performance studies, except for MXD in within‐laboratory and between‐day precisions using the QC material level 1. The XQ‐320 showed correlation values greater than 0.94 with XN‐9000 for the majority of the 20 reportable parameters (MXD# 0.891, MXD% 0.898 and MCHC 0.849). Improvements over the XP‐300 were observed in WBC in the leucocytopenic range (bias −0.038 vs. −0.097) and PLT (bias 2.568 vs. −7.877, intercept 3.880 vs. −8.845). Concordance between XQ‐320 and XP‐300 was 91.9% for the WBC histogram abnormal distribution flag and 95.3% for the PLT flag. Patterns of increased neutrophils and decreased mixed cells on the XQ‐320 were observed in samples that raised a flag on XN‐9000.ConclusionThe XQ‐320 showed excellent analytical performance, and very good to excellent correlation with XN‐9000 with improvements over XP‐300. Flagging combined with parameter patterns identified additional suspected abnormal samples, thus making the XQ‐320 an excellent solution for laboratories utilising 3PD analysers.
Negative self‐perceptions and severity of NSSI: Testing the benefits and barriers model
Authors: Nagy Laura M. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is theorized to be caused by negative associations with the self, including low self‐esteem, but the mechanisms explaining why low self‐esteem is related to more severe NSSI are unclear. The current study aimed to address this limitation by evaluating a mediation model, proposing that low self‐esteem would relate to more severe NSSI through increasing self‐punishment motivations. Data came from 468 undergraduate students with a history of NSSI who completed an online survey measuring NSSI characteristics and functions, self‐esteem, and self‐punishment motivations for NSSI. Mediation was tested using a structural equation model using bootstrapped 95% percentile‐corrected confidence intervals in which NSSI severity was modeled as a latent variable composed of NSSI frequency, recency, and versatility of methods. The total model was significant and the indirect effect of self‐esteem on NSSI severity through self‐punishment motives was significant. Self‐esteem also retained significant direct effects on NSSI severity, indicating partial mediation. These results provide support for the benefits and barriers model of NSSI, suggesting that negative self‐views increase risk for more severe NSSI through self‐punishment motivations. Clinical interventions that emphasize self‐compassion and focus on modifying self‐punishment motivations may help reduce NSSI behavior.
Constellations of posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: A latent profile analysis approach
Authors: Zerach Gadi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesPosttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are possible reactions to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about patterns of both PTSS and PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines constellations of PTSS and PTG among Israeli female combat veterans, as well as military‐related exposure and positive psychological correlates of these constellations.MethodsA volunteer sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional design study.ResultsLatent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify four profiles characterized by unique constellations of PTSS and PTG: moderate PTSS and high PTG (33%), moderate PTSS and moderate PTG (30%), low PTSS and high PTG (30%), and low PTSS and PTG (5.5%). Higher levels of combat experiences were associated with higher odds of inclusion in the moderate PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and moderate PTG profiles. Moreover, compared to the other classes, both low PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and high PTG classes were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life and happiness psychological outcomes.ConclusionThe study's findings offer an overview of the complex pattern of associations between PTSS, PTG, and associated predictors and outcomes. Clinicians treating female veterans should be aware of the varying reactions to military service challenges, including the presence of moderate to high levels of PTG reactions in addition to PTSS.
Integrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) competency into the dental school curriculum
Authors: Salter Reginald O. , Barham LaToya , Young Daniel L. , McIntosh Crystal , Butler Craig J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDecreasing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities requires healthcare providers who understand and appreciate social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. This includes care and education focused on individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ).MethodsThis study examined dental students’ and residents’ self‐reported clinical preparedness, prejudicial attitudes (implicit and explicit), and knowledge of health disparities that exist in the LGBTQ community using the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT‐DOCSS) prior to and after the presentation of an LGBTQ competency course.ResultsA total of 178 dental students at a private US dental school ranging from D1 to first‐year postdoctoral residency participated in the course and completed both pre‐course survey and post‐course survey. Sixty‐seven percent of the students reported having formal training in LGBTQ competency prior to completing the pre‐training survey. The results of the LGBT‐DOCSS in this population following intervention training revealed an increased feeling of clinical preparedness in treating LGBTQ patients, decreased bias toward LGBTQ, and increased knowledge of health disparities in the LGBTQ community. A more significant percentage of male respondents self‐reported prejudicial beliefs. Knowledge of LGBTQ health issues increased significantly among pre‐clinical students.ConclusionIntroducing an early intervention LGBTQ competency course in the dental curriculum is an effective method of improving students’ awareness and self‐confidence in working with LGBTQ patients while decreasing biases that may have existed prior to a training course.
RAB31 drives extracellular vesicle fusion and cancer‐associated fibroblast formation leading to oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chan , Yang Yi‐Fang , Li Chien‐Hsiu , Chan Ming‐Hsien , Lu Meng‐Lun , Chen Ming‐Huang , Chen Chi‐Long , Hsiao Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance. The Rab superfamily of small G‐proteins plays a role in regulating cell cytoskeleton and vesicle transport. However, it is not yet clear how the Rab family contributes to cancer progression by participating in EMT. By analysing various in silico datasets, we identified a statistically significant increase in RAB31 expression in the oxaliplatin‐resistant group compared to that in the parental or other chemotherapy drug groups. Our findings highlight RAB31's powerful effect on colorectal cancer cell lines when compared with other family members. In a study that analysed multiple online meta‐databases, RAB31 RNA levels were continually detected in colorectal tissue arrays. Additionally, RAB31 protein levels were correlated with various clinical parameters in clinical databases and were associated with negative prognoses for patients. RAB31 expression levels in all three probes were calculated using a computer algorithm and were found to be positively correlated with EMT scores. The expression of the epithelial‐type marker CDH1 was suppressed in RAB31 overexpression models, whereas the expression of the mesenchymal‐type markers SNAI1 and SNAI2 increased. Notably, RAB31‐induced EMT and drug resistance are dependent on extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion. Interactome analysis confirmed that RAB31/AGR2 axis‐mediated exocytosis was responsible for maintaining colorectal cell resistance to oxaliplatin. Our study concluded that RAB31 alters the sensitivity of oxaliplatin, a supplementary chemotherapy approach, and is an independent prognostic factor that can be used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Poor outcomes for trial‐ineligible patients receiving polatuzumab for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in routine care: An Australian Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry project
Authors: Shaw Briony , Chung Eliza , Wellard Cameron , Yoo Edward , Bennett Rory , Birks Callum , Johnston Anna , Cheah Chan Y , Hamad Nada , Simpson Jock , Barraclough Allison , Ku Matthew , Viiala Nicholas , Ratnasingam Sumita , Armytage Tasman , Cochrane Tara , Chong Geoffrey , Lee Denise , Manos Kate , Keane Colm , Wallwork Stephanie , Opat Stephen , Hawkes Eliza A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolatuzumab vedotin (Pola) is an approved therapy in combination with rituximab and bendamustine for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (RR‐DLBCL) based on positive results of the landmark phase II randomised G029365 trial. However, trial results for many approved novel therapies in RR‐DLBCL have not been replicated in routine care cohorts, as RR‐DLBCL patient populations are heterogeneous and trial eligibility is increasingly restrictive. We evaluated outcomes from pola ± bendamustine and rituximab in patients with RR‐DLBCL enrolled in a compassionate access program with no alternative treatment options identified via the Australasian Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry according to their eligibility for the original phase II published study. Of 58 eligible patients, 74% met the criteria deeming them ineligible for the G029365 original study at the time of pola's commencement. Median progression‐free survival and overall survival in our cohort were 2.3 and 3.5 months, respectively. In contrast to the landmark trial cohort, more of our patients ceased therapy prior to completion, the majority due to progressive disease and only 8/58 received any subsequent treatment. Dismal outcomes in this Australian real‐world population demonstrate trial eligibility is challenging to meet, and newer treatments can be difficult to deliver in routine care. Clinically applicable results from therapeutic studies require trial cohorts to reflect representative clinical populations wherever possible, and more research is required to address the benefit of novel agents in the increasing majority who are ineligible for modern studies.
Utilizing fab fragment‐conjugated surface plasmon resonance‐based biosensor for detection of SalmonellaEnteritidis
Authors: Eser Esma , Ekiz Okan Öner , Ekiz H. İbrahim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough antibodies, a key element of biorecognition, are frequently used as biosensor probes, the use of these large molecules can lead to adverse effects. Fab fragments can be reduced to allow proper antigen‐binding orientation via thiol groups containing Fab sites that can directly penetrate Au sites chemically. In this study, the ability of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor to detect Salmonella was studied. Tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine was used as a reducing agent to obtain half antibody fragments. Sensor surface was immobilized with antibody, and bacteria suspensions were injected from low to high concentrations. Response units were changed by binding first reduced antibody fragments, then bacteria. The biosensor was able to determine the bacterial concentrations between 103 and 108 CFU/mL. Based on these results, the half antibody fragmentation method can be generalized for faster, label‐free, sensitive, and selective detection of other bacteria species.
Effects of Gadolinium Retention in the Brains of Type 2 Diabetic Rats after Repeated Administration of Gadolinium‐Based MRI Contrast Agents on Neurobiology and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Yao Xiang , Zhang Haoran , Hu Jingyi , Lin Xiaoning , Sun Jin , Kang Junlong , Huang Zhichun , Wang Guangsong , Tian Xinhua , Chen E. , Ren Ke 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe neurotoxic potential of gadolinium (Gd)‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) retention in the brains of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear.PurposeTo determine the deposition and clearance of GBCAs in T2DM rats and the mechanism by which Gd enhances nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation.Study TypeCross‐sectional, prospective.Animal Model104 T2DM male Wistar rats.Field Strength/Sequence9.4‐T, T1‐weighted fast spin echo sequence.AssessmentT2DM (male Wistar rats, n = 52) and control group (healthy, male Wistar rats, n = 52) rats received saline, gadodiamide, Gd‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, and gadoterate meglumine for four consecutive days per week for 7 weeks. The distribution and clearance of Gd in the certain brain were assessed by MRI (T1 signal intensity and relaxation rate R1, on the last day of each week), inductively coupled plasma mass‐spectroscopy, ultraperformance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Behavioral tests, histopathological features, and the effects of GBCAs on neuroinflammation were also analyzed.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance, bonferroni method, and unpaired t‐test. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe movement distance and appearance time in the open field test of the T2DM rats in the gadodiamide group were significantly shorter than in the other groups. Furthermore, the expression of NLRP3, Pro‐Caspase‐1, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD protein in neurons was significantly higher in the gadodiamide group than in the saline group, as shown by Western blot. Gadodiamide also induced differentiation of microglia into M1 type, decreased the neuronal mitochondrial membrane potential, and significantly increased neuronal apoptosis from flow cytometry.Data ConclusionT2DM may affect both the deposition and clearance of GBCAs in the brain. Informed by the T2DM model, gadodiamide could mediate the neuroinflammatory response by NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 1
Single high‐energy arc proton therapy with Bragg peak boost (SHARP)
Authors: Penfold Scott N. , Santos Alexandre M. C. , Penfold Melanie , Shierlaw Emma , Crain Rosanna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionBecause of the co‐location of critical organs at risk, base of skull tumours require steep dose gradients to achieve the prescribed dosimetric criteria. When available, proton beam therapy (PBT) is often considered a desirable modality for these cases, but in many instances, compromises in target coverage are still required to achieve critical organ at risk (OAR) tolerance doses. A number of techniques have been proposed to further improve the penumbra of PBT. In the current study, we propose a novel, collimator‐free treatment planning technique that combines high‐energy shoot‐through proton beams with conventional Bragg peak spot placement. The small spot size of the high‐energy pencil beams provides a sharp penumbra at the target boundary, and the Bragg peak spots provide a higher linear energy transfer (LET) boost to the target centre.MethodsThree base of skull chordoma patients were retrospectively planned with three different PBT treatment planning techniques: (1) conventional intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT); (2) high‐energy proton arc therapy (HE‐PAT); and (3) the novel technique combining HE‐PAT and IMPT, referred to as single high‐energy arc with Bragg peak boost (SHARP). The Monaco 6 treatment planning system was used.ResultsSHARP was found to improve the PBT penumbra in the plane perpendicular to the HE‐PAT beams. Minimal penumbra differences were observed in the plane of the HE‐PAT beams. SHARP reduced dose‐averaged LET to surrounding organs at risk.ConclusionA novel PBT treatment planning technique was successfully implemented. Initial results indicate the potential for SHARP to improve the penumbra of PBT treatments for base of skull tumours.
Task‐induced changes in brain entropy
Authors: Camargo Aldo , Del Mauro Gianpaolo , Wang Ze 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEntropy indicates irregularity of a dynamic system, with higher entropy indicating higher irregularity and more transit states. In the human brain, regional brain entropy (BEN) has been increasingly assessed using resting state fMRI (rs‐fMRI), while changes of regional BEN during task‐based fMRI have been scarcely studied. The purpose of this study is to characterize task‐induced regional BEN alterations using the large Human Connectome Project (HCP) data. To control the potential modulation by the block design, BEN of task‐fMRI was calculated from the fMRI images acquired during the task conditions only (task BEN) and then compared to BEN of rs‐fMRI (resting BEN). Moreover, BEN was separately calculated from the control blocks of the task‐fMRI runs (control BEN) and compared to task BEN. Finally, control BEN was compared to resting BEN to test for residual task effects in the control condition. With respect to resting state, task performance unanimously induced BEN reduction in the peripheral cortical area and BEN increase in the centric part of the sensorimotor and perception networks. Control compared to resting BEN showed similar entropy alterations, suggesting large residual task effects. Task compared to control BEN was characterized by reduced entropy in occipital, orbitofrontal, and parietal regions.
Does transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex improve implicit motor sequence learning in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Firouzi Mahyar , Baetens Kris , Swinnen Eva , Baeken Chris , Van Overwalle Frank , Deroost Natacha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImplicit motor sequence learning (IMSL) is a cognitive function that is known to be associated with impaired motor function in Parkinson's disease (PD). We previously reported positive effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) on IMSL in 11 individuals with PD with mild cognitive impairments (MCI), with the largest effects occurring during reacquisition. In the present study, we included 35 individuals with PD, with (n = 15) and without MCI (n = 20), and 35 age‐ and sex‐matched controls without PD, with (n = 13) and without MCI (n = 22). We used mixed‐effects models to analyze anodal M1 tDCS effects on acquisition (during tDCS), short‐term (five minutes post‐tDCS) and long‐term reacquisition (one‐week post‐tDCS) of general and sequence‐specific learning skills, as measured by the serial reaction time task. At long‐term reacquisition, anodal tDCS resulted in smaller general learning effects compared to sham, only in the PD group, p = .018, possibly due to floor effects. Anodal tDCS facilitated the acquisition of sequence‐specific learning (M = 54.26 ms) compared to sham (M = 38.98 ms), p = .003, regardless of group (PD/controls). Further analyses revealed that this positive effect was the largest in the PD‐MCI group (anodal: M = 69.07 ms; sham: M = 24.33 ms), p < .001. Although the observed effect did not exceed the stimulation period, this single‐session tDCS study confirms the potential of tDCS to enhance IMSL, with the largest effects observed in patients with lower cognitive status. These findings add to the body of evidence that anodal tDCS can beneficially modulate the abnormal basal ganglia network activity that occurs in PD.
Understanding functional brain reorganization for naturalistic piano playing in novice pianists
Authors: Olszewska Alicja M. , Gaca Maciej , Droździel Dawid , Widlarz Agnieszka , Herman Aleksandra M. , Marchewka Artur 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLearning to play the piano is a unique complex task, integrating multiple sensory modalities and higher order cognitive functions. Longitudinal neuroimaging studies on adult novice musicians show training‐related functional changes in music perception tasks. The reorganization of brain activity while actually playing an instrument was studied only on a very short time frame of a single fMRI session, and longer interventions have not yet been performed. Thus, our aim was to investigate the dynamic complexity of functional brain reorganization while playing the piano within the first half year of musical training. We scanned 24 novice keyboard learners (female, 18–23 years old) using fMRI while they played increasingly complex musical pieces after 1, 6, 13, and 26 weeks of training. Playing music evoked responses bilaterally in the auditory, inferior frontal, and supplementary motor areas, and the left sensorimotor cortex. The effect of training over time, however, invoked widespread changes encompassing the right sensorimotor cortex, cerebellum, superior parietal cortex, anterior insula and hippocampus, among others. As the training progressed, the activation of these regions decreased while playing music. Post hoc analysis revealed region‐specific time‐courses for independent auditory and motor regions of interest. These results suggest that while the primary sensory, motor, and frontal regions are associated with playing music, the training decreases the involvement of higher order cognitive control and integrative regions, and basal ganglia. Moreover, training might affect distinct brain regions in different ways, providing evidence in favor of the dynamic nature of brain plasticity.