bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining variability in early stages of [18F]‐flortaucipir tau‐PET binding: Focus on sex differences
Authors: Bachmann Dario , Buchmann Andreas , Studer Sandro , Saake Antje , Rauen Katrin , Gruber Esmeralda , Nitsch Roger M. , Hock Christoph , Gietl Anton , Treyer Valerie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONFemale sex is associated with increased [18F]‐flortaucipir signal, which may be affected by amyloid pathology, age, and off‐target binding in skull and meninges.METHODSIn this cross‐sectional study comprising 52 females and 52 matched males, we examined sex‐related differences in regional tau‐positron emission tomography (PET) with and without considering off‐target binding. We assessed the respective contributions of sex, age, amyloid‐PET burden, and off‐target binding to tau‐PET signal. We explored associations between age at menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use with regional tau‐PET signals.RESULTSFemale sex was associated with increased regional tau both independently and interactively with amyloid, but amyloid‐independent associations were largely reduced when controlling for off‐target binding. Age but not age*sex interactions explained a small but significant amount of tau‐PET signal in temporoparietal regions. Considering the sample size and limited range of amyloid‐PET burden, no clear associations between regional tau‐PET signals and age at menopause or HRT use could be found.DISCUSSIONFemale sex is associated with increased [18F]‐flortaucipir signal mainly through its interaction with amyloid.
Detection of evolutionary conserved and accelerated genomic regions related to adaptation to thermal niches in Anolis lizards
Authors: Sakamoto Fuku , Kanamori Shunsuke , Díaz Luis M. , Cádiz Antonio , Ishii Yuu , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Nakayama Takuro , Makino Takashi , Kawata Masakado 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic basis for adapting to thermal environments is important due to serious effects of global warming on ectothermic species. Various genes associated with thermal adaptation in lizards have been identified mainly focusing on changes in gene expression or the detection of positively selected genes using coding regions. Only a few comprehensive genome‐wide analyses have included noncoding regions. This study aimed to identify evolutionarily conserved and accelerated genomic regions using whole genomes of eight Anolis lizard species that have repeatedly adapted to similar thermal environments in multiple lineages. Evolutionarily conserved genomic regions were extracted as regions with overall sequence conservation (regions with fewer base substitutions) across all lineages compared with the neutral model. Genomic regions that underwent accelerated evolution in the lineage of interest were identified as those with more base substitutions in the target branch than in the entire background branch. Conserved elements across all branches were relatively abundant in “intergenic” genomic regions among noncoding regions. Accelerated regions (ARs) of each lineage contained a significantly greater proportion of noncoding RNA genes than the entire multiple alignment. Common genes containing ARs within 5 kb of their vicinity in lineages with similar thermal habitats were identified. Many genes associated with circadian rhythms and behavior were found in hot‐open and cool‐shaded habitat lineages. These genes might play a role in contributing to thermal adaptation and assist future studies examining the function of genes involved in thermal adaptation via genome editing.
Changes in right ventricular function and clinical outcomes following tricuspid transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair
Authors: Tanaka Tetsu , Sugiura Atsushi , Kavsur Refik , Öztürk Can , Wilde Nihal , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Weber Marcel , Vogelhuber Johanna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsPrognostic impact of post‐procedural changes in right ventricular (RV) function after tricuspid transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (T‐TEER) is still unclear. We investigated association of RV function and its post‐procedural changes with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing T‐TEER.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analysed 204 patients who underwent T‐TEER and echocardiographic follow‐up at 3 months after T‐TEER. RV function was assessed by RV fractional area change (RVFAC), and RV dysfunction was defined as RVFAC <35%. Patients with an increase in RVFAC from baseline to the follow‐up were considered as RV responders. Patients were divided into four groups according to baseline RVFAC and the RV responder. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure within 1 year. Forty‐five of 204 patients (22.1%) had RVFAC <35% at baseline, and 71 (34.8%) were RV responders. The association between the RV responder and the composite outcome had a significant interaction with RVFAC at baseline. Among patients with baseline RVFAC <35%, RV responders had a lower risk of the composite outcome than RV non‐responders, while this association was not significant in those with baseline RVFAC ≥35%. Among patients with baseline RVFAC <35%, a smaller RV diameter and a greater reduction of tricuspid regurgitation were predictors for the RV responder.ConclusionPost‐procedural increase in RVFAC after T‐TEER is associated with improved outcomes in patients with RV dysfunction. The factors related to the increase in RVFAC may support patient selection for T‐TEER in patients with RV dysfunction.
Disciplining growth‐at‐risk models with survey of professional forecasters and Bayesian quantile regression
Authors: Szabo Milan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study presents a novel and fully probabilistic approach for combining model‐based forecasts with surveys or other judgmental forecasts. In our method, survey forecasts are integrated as penalty terms for the model parameters, facilitating a probabilistic exploration of additional insights obtained from surveys. We apply this approach to estimate a growth‐at‐risk model for real GDP growth in the United States. The results reveal that this additional shrinkage significantly improves prediction performance, with the information from surveys even exerting an influence on the lower tails of the distribution.
Curcumin mitigates acrylamide‐induced ovarian antioxidant disruption and apoptosis in female Balb/c mice: A comprehensive study on gene and protein expressions
Authors: Alaee Sanaz , Khodabandeh Zahra , Dara Mahintaj , Hosseini Elham , Sharma Mona 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurcumin is known for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of curcumin on acrylamide (ACR)‐induced alterations in the first‐line antioxidant defense of ovarian tissue. Female Balb/c mice were divided into control, ACR (50 mg/kg), ACR/CUR100 (received Acr + curcumin100 mg/kg), and ACR/CUR200 (Acr + curcumin 200 mg/kg) groups, and received oral treatments for 35 days. Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme expression (Sod, Cat, Gpx genes), pro‐apoptotic gene expressions (Bax, Caspase 3), and anti‐apoptotic gene expression (Bcl2l1) at mRNA and protein levels was done. Percentage of apoptotic cells using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed. The model group (ACR) showed decreased mRNA expression of Sod, Cat, and Gpx genes compared with the control group. Treatment with two different doses of curcumin (CUR100 and CUR200) significantly increased Sod, Cat, and Gpx gene expression, with CUR200 demonstrating significant recovery. SOD, CAT, and GPX protein levels were similar to mRNA expression trends, significantly increased with curcumin administration. Acrylamide exposure significantly increased Bax and Caspase 3 expression and decreased Bcl2l1 gene expression leading to a notable rise in apoptosis in ACR group as compared to the control group. Conversely, curcumin administration, significantly reduced Bax and Caspase 3 expressions, with an increase in Bcl2l1expression, though not statistically significant. TUNEL assay revealed a substantial decrease in apoptosis in curcumin‐received groups. In our study, ACR exposure adversely affected ovarian antioxidant defense thereby leading to increased pro‐apoptotic markers. Notably, curcumin treatment effectively mitigated these effects, restored antioxidant potential, and reduced acrylamide‐induced toxicity in female mouse ovaries.
Influence of geographical location on the distribution of heavy metals in dairy cattle feeds sourced from two South African provinces
Authors: Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Oladeji Oluwaseun Mary , Gbashi Sefater , Njobeh Patrick Berka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe contamination of feed and food by heavy metals represents a significant concern for the health of both animals and humans. This study investigates the impact of geographical location on heavy metal distribution in dairy cattle feeds sourced from Free State and Limpopo, South Africa (SA). A total of 70 feed samples (40 from Free State and 30 from Limpopo) were collected from 2018 to 2019 and analyzed for heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Our findings revealed the presence of Cr, Cu, and Zn in the feeds, but at levels below the FAO/WHO permissible limits. Additionally, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in the feeds were below the Limit of Detections (LODs). Generally, Cr concentrations (0.032–0.454 mg/kg) identified in the Free State samples were lower than those found in Limpopo (0.038–1.459 mg/kg), while the levels of Cu (0.092–4.898 mg/kg) and Zn (0.39–13.871 mg/kg) recorded in the Free State samples were higher than those from Limpopo [(0.126–3.467 mg/kg) and (0.244–13.767 mg/kg), respectively]. According to independent sample t‐tests, Cu and Zn levels were substantially higher (p ≤ .05) in Free State feeds compared to Limpopo, while Limpopo feeds exhibited significantly higher (p ≤ .05) Cr concentrations than Free State feeds. Despite the low recorded heavy metal levels, regular monitoring of these elements in cow diets across all SA provinces is essential for ensuring the well‐being of animals and humans.
The effect of nano/microparticles of bee pollen on the shelf life of high‐fat cooked sausage during refrigerated storage
Authors: Mashhadi Zahra , Davati Nafiseh , Emamifar Aryou , Karami Mostafa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSausage is susceptible to oxidative changes in lipids and microbial spoilage due to the presence of water, fat, protein, and vitamins. Bee pollen (BP) as a source of potential antioxidants and antibacterial compounds can effectively prevent lipid peroxidation and microbial spoilage in meat products. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of BP and the effects of nano/microparticles of bee pollen extract (n/m BP) at a concentration of 125 and 250 mg/100 g meat on the oxidative stability and microbial growth of high‐fat sausage during 30 days of storage at 4°C. The formation of BP particles in the nano/micro range was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. High concentrations of total phenolic compounds (28.26 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g BP) with antioxidant activity (EC50 = 5.4 ± 0.07 mg/mL) were detected in BP. Based on the microdilution assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration of n/m BP for all test bacteria was 1000 (μg/mL) and the minimum bactericidal concentration of n/m BP was 2000 (μg/mL) for Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus and 4000 (μg/mL) for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The n/m BP treatment (250 mg/100 g meat) showed a higher pH value (p < .05) and lower TBARS values (p < .05) than the ascorbic acid treatment (100 mg/100 g meat) and the control during the storage period. The microbial analysis showed that the addition of n/m BP led to a significant decrease (p < .05) in the total bacterial count, coliforms, S. aureus, and fungal population compared to the other samples. The results show that the addition of n/m BP (125 mg/100 g) can improve the texture, taste, and overall acceptability of the sausage compared to the control sample. In conclusion, this study suggests that BP can replace synthetic antioxidants in high‐fat sausages at the nano/microparticle level.
Public health priorities for the Gulf states
Authors: Alfawaz Rasha , Alhumud Raghad , Amato‐Gauci Andrew Joseph , Penttinen Pasi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe newly established Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Gulf CDC) has to identify priorities to tackle in the first 2 years of operation. A rapid situational assessment involving a selected sample of national stakeholders, an objective study of the strengths and gaps in the national public health programmes and a study estimating the burden of the main disease/risk factors were carried out. The findings of an objective ranking survey, followed by consensus discussion in an in‐person meeting for senior Gulf states' experts, were combined with the evidence available from the previous three studies to result in a short list of the most pressing priority topics for the Gulf CDC to tackle. Both communicable (lead priorities: antimicrobial resistance and immunisation) and non‐communicable diseases (leads: cardiovascular disease, then cancer, diabetes, and mental health) are the consensus priorities. Also, the risks associated with non‐communicable diseases (high BMI, blood sugar, high blood pressure) and unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, low physical activity and tobacco use) were also highlighted as top priorities to tackle.
Using equivalence tests in higher tier studies of honey bees under the revised EFSA Bee Guidance—How?
Authors: Hotopp Ines , Russ Anja , Alkassab Abdulrahim , Pistorius Jens , Prados Elena A. , Persigehl Markus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The proposed use of equivalence tests instead of difference tests in the revised guidance on the risk assessment of plant protection products for bees is a reasonable approach given an adverse effect was observed in the lower tier studies, using the hypothesis that there is a risk as the null hypothesis places the burden to prove the opposite on the other side. However, some uncertainties regarding the application of equivalence tests in field studies are discussed in the present study. Here, we compare equivalence and difference testing methods using a control dataset of a honey bee field effect study conducted in northern Germany in 2014. Half of the 48 colonies were assigned to a hypothetical test item group, and the colony strength data were analyzed using t-tests, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), and the corresponding equivalence tests. The data reflected the natural variability of honey bee colonies, with initially approximately 12 000 adult bees. Although the t-test and GLMM confirmed that 24 + 24 colonies are sufficient to show “no adverse effect,” the equivalence tests of the t-test and GLMM were not able to reject the null hypothesis and classified at least some of the assessments as “high risk,” indicating a power that was too low. Based on this, different operating options to reduce the variability are discussed. One possible option, which may provide a more realistic application of equivalence to avoid false high risk, is to consider the lower confidence interval of the control as a baseline and use GLMMs. With this option, we demonstrate a relatively acceptable probability to prove that no high risk for initially similar groups can be achieved. Further studies with different numbers of colonies are still needed to develop and validate the suggested approach. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1496–1503. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
The new, recently published European Food Safety Authority guidance on risk assessments of bees requires that honey bee field study data are analyzed using equivalence testing rather than difference testing as in the previous guidance. Applying the equivalence test on control data of a large honey bee field study revealed that a “high risk” could not be rejected in many assessments despite no underlying true effect due to the large variability in field data. Using the lower confidence limit of the control group as the baseline for the calculation of the threshold of the acceptable effect and conducting the equivalence test based on generalized linear mixed models provide a more realistic application to avoid false positive results.
Trends in management and outcomes of colon cancer in the United States over 15 years: Analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Horesh Nir , Emile Sameh Hany , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Zhou Peige , Wexner Steven D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractManagement of colon cancer has changed over the last few decades. We assessed the trends in management and outcomes using the US National Cancer Database (NCDB). A retrospective analysis of all patients with colonic adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2019 was conducted. The cohort was divided into three equal time periods: Period 1 (2005–2009), Period 2 (2010–2014), and Period 3 (2015–2019) to examine treatment and outcomes trends. The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival (OS). The study included 923,275 patients. A significant increase in patients with stage IV disease was noted in Period 3 compared to Period 1 (47.9% vs. 27.9%, respectively), whereas a reciprocal reduction was seen in patients with locally advanced disease (stage II: 20.8%–12%; stage III: 14.5%–7.7%). Use of immunotherapy significantly increased from 0.3% to 7.6%. Mean 5‐year OS increased (43.6 vs. 42.1 months) despite the increase in metastatic disease and longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (7 vs. 14 days). A reduction in 30‐day readmission (5.1%–4.2%), 30‐ (3.9%–2.8%), and 90‐day mortality (7.1%–5%) was seen. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery increased from 45.8% to 53.1% and 2.9% to 12.7%, respectively. Median postoperative length of hospital stay decreased by 2 days. Rate of positive resection margins (7.2%–6%) and median number of examined lymph nodes (14–16) also improved. Minimally invasive surgery and immunotherapy for colon cancer significantly increased in recent years. Patient outcomes including OS improved over time.
Transmittance contrast‐induced photocurrent: A general strategy for self‐powered photodetectors based on MXene electrodes
Authors: Ma Hailong , Fang Huajing , Li Jiaqi , Li Ziqing , Fang Xiaosheng , Wang Hong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe regulation of carrier generation and transport by Schottky junctions enables effective optoelectronic conversion in optoelectronic devices. A simple and general strategy to spontaneously generate photocurrent is of great significance for self‐powered photodetectors but is still being pursued. Here, we propose that a photocurrent can be induced at zero bias by the transmittance contrast of MXene electrodes in MXene/semiconductor Schottky junctions. Two MXene electrodes with a large transmittance contrast (84%) between the thin and thick zones were deposited on the surface of a semiconductor wafer using a simple and robust solution route. Kelvin probe force microscopy tests indicated that the photocurrent at zero bias could be attributed to asymmetric carrier generation and transport between the two Schottky junctions under illumination. As a demonstration, the MXene/GaN ultraviolet (UV) photodetector exhibits excellent performance superior to its counterpart without transmittance contrast, including high responsivity (81 mA W–1), fast response speed (less than 31 and 29 ms) and ultrahigh on/off ratio (1.33 × 106), and good UV imaging capability. Furthermore, this strategy has proven to be universal for first‐ to third‐generation semiconductors such as Si and GaAs. These results provide a facile and cost‐effective route for high‐performance self‐powered photodetectors and demonstrate the versatile and promising applications of MXene electrodes in optoelectronics.image
Solidarity, agency, and learning in everyday participation: A look at an adult education program in the context of COVID‐19
Authors: Kalman Judy , Lorenzatti María del Carmen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the world stage has impacted multiple aspects of our lives, affecting how we interact, organize public affairs, and carry out daily activities. This paper explores how students in an ongoing adult education program in Villa María, Argentina, continued their studies during the 2020–2022 pandemic in the context of the restrictive public health policies that led to suspending in‐person classes and collaborative sessions and moving to digitally mediated formats. It centers on the experience of adult learners confronted by the COVID‐19 emergency and their response through solidarity relationships and agency. We found that the students actively reorganized and redesigned their academic practices by articulating their emergency needs resulting from the pandemic with their continued participation in their program through acts of solidarity. Finally, we share thoughts and future directions about solidarity in adult learning contexts.
Spatial mapping of corneal biomechanical properties using wave‐based optical coherence elastography
Authors: Wang Qingying , Chen Yulei , Shen Kexin , Zhou Xingyu , Shen Meixiao , Lu Fan , Zhu Dexi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractQuantifying the mechanical properties of the cornea can provide valuable insights into the occurrence and progression of keratoconus, as well as the effectiveness of corneal crosslinking surgery. This study presents a non‐contact and non‐invasive wave‐based optical coherence elastography system that utilizes air‐pulse stimulation to create a two‐dimensional map of corneal elasticity. Homogeneous and dual concentration phantoms were measured with the sampling of 25 × 25 points over a 6.6 × 6.6 mm2 area, to verify the measurement capability for elastic mapping and the spatial resolution (0.91 mm). The velocity of elastic waves distribution of porcine corneas before and after corneal crosslinking surgery were further mapped, showing a significant change in biomechanics in crosslinked region. This system features non‐invasiveness and high resolution, holding great potential for application in ophthalmic clinics.
Tempol alleviates acute lung injury by affecting glutathione synthesis through Nrf2 and inhibiting ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Ai Li , Li Ran , Wang Xiaona , Liu Zhijuan , Li Yongxia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs a life‐threatening disease, acute lung injury (ALI) may progress to chronic pulmonary fibrosis. For the treatment of lung injury, Tempol is a superoxide dismutase mimetic and intracellular redox agent that can be a potential drug. This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of Tempol in the treatment of ALI. A mouse model of ALI was established, and HE staining was used to examine histomorphology. The CCK‐8 assay was used to measure cell viability, and oxidative stress was assessed by corresponding kits. Flow cytometry and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining assays were used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Protein expression levels were measured by Western blot analysis and ELISA. Pulmonary vascular permeability was used to measure the lung wet/dry weight ratio. The level of oxidative stress was increased in ALI mice, and the level of ferroptosis was upregulated. Tempol inhibited this effect and alleviated ALI. The administration of Tempol alleviated the pathological changes in ALI, inhibited pulmonary vascular permeability, and improved lung injury in ALI mice. The upregulation of genes essential for glutathione (GSH) metabolism induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was inhibited by Tempol. In addition, nuclear factor‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is activated by Tempol therapy to regulate the de novo synthesis pathway of GSH, thereby alleviating LPS‐induced lung epithelial cell damage. The results showed that Tempol alleviated ALI by activating the Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Tempol alleviates ALI by inhibiting ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells through the effect of Nrf2 on GSH synthesis.