bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnobotanical study on edible flowers in Xishuangbanna, China
Authors: Zhang Qing , Cheng Zhuo , Fan Yanxiao , Zhang Dezheng , Wang Miaomiao , Zhang Jihai , Sommano Sarana , Wu Xianjin , Long Chunlin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Edible flowers (EFs) represent valuable sources of both food and medicinal resources, holding the promise to enhance human well-being. Unfortunately, their significance is often overlooked. Ethnobotanical studies on the EFs are lacking in comparison with their botanical and phytochemical research. The practice of consuming flowers as food has a rich culture and long history in China, especially among different linguistic groups in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. However, economic activities have led to a decline of this tradition. Consequently, preserving the traditional knowledge and culture tied to the EFs in Xishuangbanna becomes both essential and pressing.

Methods
The field ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Xishuangbanna during five visits in April 2021 and May 2023, covering 48 villages and 19 local markets of all three county-level areas and 9 different linguistic groups. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and on-site field surveys, relevant information regarding the EFs of Xishuangbanna was systematically collected and documented. Additionally, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) values were calculated from the survey data.

Results
A total of 212 taxa (including species and varieties) of EFs from 58 families and 141 genera were documented in the study area. The edible parts of flowers were classified into 13 categories including peduncle, petal, flower buds, inflorescence as a whole, and etc. They were consumed in 21 ways and as 8 types of food. The inflorescence was the most commonly consumed category, accounting for 85 species (40.1%) of the total categories. They always eat flowers as vegetables (184 species, 86.8%). The preparing form of stir-frying was the preferred food preparation method (138, 65.1%). The Xishuangbanna locals had profound knowledge of which EFs required specific processing to remove their toxicity or bitterness. The dishes can be made from either exclusively from the flowers themselves or by incorporating them alongside other plant parts like stems and leaves. Some EFs with high RFC value, such as Musa acuminata and Bauhinia variegata var. candida, showed significant cultural meanings. These edible flowers occupy specific positions in local traditional culture.

Conclusion
Traditional knowledge regarding edible flowers holds substantial significance and serves as a representative element of the flower-eating culture in Xishuangbanna. Nevertheless, this knowledge and cultural practice are currently decreasing. Serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity, the flower-eating culture, which derives from local people’s practical experience, shows the potential of EFs and can be applied to the conservation of biocultural diversity, healthy food systems, and sustainable development.
The influence of diabetes and age-related degeneration on body balance control during static standing: a study based on plantar center-of-pressure trajectories and principal component analysis
Authors: Hu Xing-xi , Yang Xiong-gang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin , Geng Xiang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAging and diabetes can impair the balance function of the elderly and diabetic patients and increase their fall risk. This study aimed to assess the shaking amplitude of the center-of-pressure (CoP) during static standing, to analyze the effects of aging and diabetes on the balance control.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional observational study, compared the balance performance of 20 healthy younger adults (27.65 ± 5.60 years), 16 healthy older adults (58.88 ± 3.54 years) and 15 diabetic patients (58.33 ± 5.33 years) in four static standing conditions on a force plate: horizontal, anteroposterior (AP), left and right slope planes (5° angles on AP, left and right directions, respectively). The trajectory coordinates of the CoP over time were recorded and analyzed by principal components analysis to obtain the 95% confidence ellipse and its parameters: angle, major and minor axes lengths, and area. The balance indicators were compared among the three groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Brown–Forsythe test or Kruskal–Wallis H test, depending on the normality and homogeneity of variance assumptions.ResultsThe diabetic group had a significantly larger confidence ellipse area than the healthy younger adults on the horizontal plane (P = 0.032) and than the healthy older adults on the horizontal (P = 0.036), AP slope (P = 0.023), and right ML slope (P = 0.037) planes. There were no significant differences in the major axis length of the confidence ellipse among the three groups. The diabetic group had a significantly longer minor axis length than the healthy younger adults on the AP slope (P = 0.039), left ML slope (P = 0.045) and right ML slope (P = 0.016) planes and than the healthy older adults on the AP slope (P = 0.007), left ML slope (P = 0.035) and right ML slope (P = 0.012) planes.ConclusionsThe balance control of diabetic patients is decreased compared with healthy younger and older people, and the body swing amplitude increases mainly in the direction of minor axis of confidence ellipse during static standing, while the swing amplitude in the direction of the major axis has no significant change. Evaluating the balance function of diabetic patients can help clinicians identify people with fall risk early and intervene early, thereby reducing the occurrence of fall events in this population.
TDP-43 pathology is associated with increased tau burdens and seeding
Authors: Tomé Sandra O. , Tsaka Grigoria , Ronisz Alicja , Ospitalieri Simona , Gawor Klara , Gomes Luis Aragão , Otto Markus , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Van Damme Philip , Van Den Bosch Ludo , Ghebremedhin Estifanos , Laureyssen Celeste , Sleegers Kristel , Vandenberghe Rik , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Thal Dietmar Rudolf 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Most Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) cases also exhibit limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathological changes (LATE-NC), besides amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) containing hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau). LATE-NC is characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates positive for pathological TDP-43 and is associated with more severe clinical outcomes in AD, compared to AD cases lacking TDP-43 pathology TDP-43: AD(LATE-NC-). Accumulating evidence suggests that TDP-43 and p-tau interact and exhibit pathological synergy during AD pathogenesis. However, it is not yet fully understood how the presence of TDP-43 affects p-tau aggregation in symptomatic AD.

Methods
In this study, we investigated the impact of TDP-43 proteinopathy on p-tau pathology with different approaches: histologically, in a human post-mortem cohort (n = 98), as well as functionally using a tau biosensor cell line and TDP-43A315T transgenic mice.

Results
We found that AD cases with comorbid LATE-NC, AD(LATE-NC+), have increased burdens of pretangles and/or NFTs as well as increased brain levels of p-tau199, compared to AD(LATE-NC-) cases and controls. The burden of TDP-43 pathology was also correlated with the Braak NFT stages. A tau biosensor cell line treated with sarkosyl-insoluble, brain-derived homogenates from AD(LATE-NC+) cases displayed exacerbated p-tau seeding, compared to control and AD(LATE-NC-)-treated cells. Consistently, TDP-43A315T mice injected with AD(LATE-NC+)-derived extracts also exhibited a more severe hippocampal seeding, compared to the remaining experimental groups, albeit no TDP-43 aggregation was observed.

Conclusions
Our findings extend the current knowledge by supporting a functional synergy between TDP-43 and p-tau. We further demonstrate that TDP-43 pathology worsens p-tau aggregation in an indirect manner and increases its seeding potential, probably by increasing p-tau levels. This may ultimately contribute to tau-driven neurotoxicity and cell death. Because most AD cases present with comorbid LATE-NC, this study has an impact on the understanding of TDP-43 and tau pathogenesis in AD and LATE, which account for the majority of dementia cases worldwide. Moreover, it highlights the need for the development of a biomarker that detects TDP-43 during life, in order to properly stratify AD and LATE patients.
Clinical research stakeholders’ experiences of clinical research during COVID-19: a qualitative study
Authors: FitzGerald Christine , Vaughan-Witts Aoife , Barry Louise , Corey Gillian , Leahy Fiona , Egan Siobhán , Conway Elaine , O’Connor Margaret , Galvin Rose 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic created a complex high-risk clinical research environment with clinical research activities significantly impacted. Clinical research stakeholders adapted rapidly to new clinical practices; PPE, infection control policies, all while engaging with a more unwell patient demographic. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of conducting clinical research during COVID-19 with clinical research stakeholders.

Methods
This qualitative study of semi-structured interviews conducted with clinical research stakeholders in an acute Hospital setting across a variety of disciplines; Consultant Geriatrician, Clinical Research Nurse, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy. Interviews were fully transcribed prior to reflexive thematic analysis. NVivo software was used to support data management and analysis.

Results
Three main themes were produced; (1) The challenging COVID-19 clinical research landscape, (2) COVID-19 clinical research communication barriers, and (3) Adaptations and learnings from clinical research during COVID-19.

Conclusions
This study explored the experiences of conducting clinical research during COVID-19 with clinical research stakeholders examining challenges faced and adaptations required. The findings inform, equip and support clinical research stakeholders in the event of future adverse public health events.
Evaluation of the clinical and quantitative performance of a practical HPLC-UV platform for in-hospital routine therapeutic drug monitoring of multiple drugs
Authors: Morikawa Go , Fukami Kazuto , Moriiwa Yukiko , Okazawa Katsuko , Yanagida Akio 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
In-hospital therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) requires a suitable quantification method for target drugs from the viewpoint of precision, throughput, and testing costs. We previously developed a practical HPLC-UV platform for quantification of serum levels of various drugs. In this report, the platform was effectively applied to the quantification of patient serum levels of five different drugs by clinical professionals in our hospital during their daily work.

Methods
The residual sera of patients receiving carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), lamotrigine (LTG), vancomycin (VCM), or voriconazole (VRCZ) were used in the present clinical study. The quantification method for each drug consisted of rapid solid-phase extraction (SPE) of each drug in the patient serum, followed by optimized HPLC-UV analysis of the drug in the SPE eluate. Furthermore, patient serum levels of PHT, CBZ, and VCM were also measured by ligand-binding assay using a cobas® analyzer in our hospital, and those of LTG and VRCZ were measured by HPLC-MS/MS at an outsourced provider. Passing–Bablok regression analysis and Bland–Altman analysis were employed to analyze the agreement of drug levels in patient sera, which was separately quantified using two different methods—our HPLC-UV platform and the cobas analyzer, or HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS/MS.

Results
All analytical conditions of the present method using our HPLC-UV platform were well optimized for each target drug quantification in the patient’s serum, and the quantification method for each drug was fully validated for accuracy, precision and reproducibility. Furthermore, Passing–Bablok regression analysis and Bland–Altman analysis revealed that patient serum levels of PHT, CBZ, and VCM quantified by our HPLC-UV platform were closely correlated with those quantified by the cobas® analyzer, and the levels of LTG and VRCZ quantified by our HPLC-UV platform were also correlated with those quantified by HPLC-MS/MS.

Conclusions
Our HPLC-UV platform can be performed without requiring special analytical techniques. This platform is expected to be used for the measurement of blood levels of multiple drugs for in-hospital routine TDM.
Primary intra-axial Ewing sarcoma of the central nervous system: report of a rare case with literature review
Authors: Dirilenoğlu Fikret , George Moyo Mthabisi Talent , Kahraman Aslı 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Primary intra-axial Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is extremely rare and a highly aggressive small blue round cell tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). We reported a case of primary intra-axial CNS-EWS in a 30-year-old male and presented an extensive literature review of CNS-EWS cases.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old male had been diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in the left frontal lobe a year ago and had received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He presented with a right-sided mass, which was revealed to be a 6 cm contrast-enhancing lesion with heterogeneous hemorrhagic areas in the right frontal lobe. The patient underwent emergent craniotomy for surgical excision. Histologically, the tumor was composed of high-grade, small, blue, round cells forming trabecular islands and rosettes which were separated by fibrovascular tissues. In immunohistochemical (IHC) examination, the tumor cells were positive for CD99 and FLI-1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed the presence of EWSR1 gene rearrangement. The histopathological, IHC, and molecular findings were consistent with a diagnosis of EWS. Further imaging did not show evidence of another primary site. The patient was followed up without further therapy and succumbed to the disease three months after the diagnosis.

Conclusion
EWS is very rare but an aggressive neoplasm in the CNS. Chemoradiotherapy may promote secondary cancers but it is unclear whether the development of EWS was associated with chemoradiotherapy that our case had received for astrocytoma. EWS should be considered when diagnosing a CNS tumor that shows small, blue, round cell tumor morphology. A combination of IHC and molecular tests is required for accurate diagnosis to ensure that all patients receive the most appropriate treatment to optimize outcomes.
Modelling of slab track systems for design purposes
Authors: Aly Mohamed Hafez Fahmy , El-Naga Islam Mahmoud Abou , Soliman Ahmed Abdul Hay , Diab Muhammad Ahmad 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSlab track is a recent technology used to cope up with the train high axle loads and speed, it has replaced the ballast material in classical ballasted track with either reinforced concrete slab or asphalt layer in order to increase both stability and durability of the railway lines. This paper aims to propose a new slab track design model which can be used to design/analyze any slab track systems under vertical loads using AREMA and EN specifications for high-speed systems (300 kmph). This model has been validated through experimental work held in Heriot-Watt University then applied to the most common slab track systems (BÖGL, Shinkansen, and RHEDA 2000) in the world. The standard section of RHEDA 2000 slab track has shown the best structural performance and efficiency compared with BÖGL and Shinkansen standard sections regarding the rail deflection, stresses of rails, and stress of replacement soil layer and subgrade soil. This paper has concluded the rail deflection is the most critical factor for the slab track design regarding EN specifications while the subgrade stresses is the vital criterion concerning AREMA specifications. Furthermore, EN-Specifications are found to be more conservative than AREMA specifications for the design or analysis of all the slab track types.
International Validation of the Immunoscore Biopsy in Patients With Rectal Cancer Managed by a Watch-and-Wait Strategy
Authors: El Sissy Carine , Kirilovsky Amos , Lagorce Pagès Christine , Marliot Florence , Custers Petra A. , Dizdarevic Edina , Sroussi Marine , Castillo-Martin Mireia , Haicheur Nacilla , Dermani Mohamed , Loche Nicolas , Buttard Bénedicte , Musina Ana Maria , Anitei Maria Gabriela , van den Berg José G. , Broeks Annegien , Iseas Soledad , Coraglio Mariana , Loria Fernando Sanchez , Romero Alfredo , Laurent-Puig Pierre , de Reyniès Aurélien , Fernandez Laura M. , Karoui Mehdi , Tougeron David , Vaccaro Carlos A. , Santino Juan P. , Poulsen Laurids Østergaard , Lindebjerg Jan , O'Connor Juan Manuel , Scripcariu Viorel , Dimofte Mihail-Gabriel , Gérard Jean-Pierre , Chalabi Myriam , Figueiredo Nuno , Perez Rodrigo O. , Habr-Gama Angelita , Galon Jérôme , Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Jensen Lars Henrik , Beets Geerard , Zeitoun Guy , Pagès Franck 
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE No biomarker capable of improving selection and monitoring of patients with rectal cancer managed by watch-and-wait (W&W) strategy is currently available. Prognostic performance of the Immunoscore biopsy (ISB) was recently suggested in a preliminary study. METHODS This international validation study included 249 patients with clinical complete response (cCR) managed by W&W strategy. Intratumoral CD3+ and CD8+ T cells were quantified on pretreatment rectal biopsies by digital pathology and converted to ISB. The primary end point was time to recurrence (TTR; the time from the end of neoadjuvant treatment to the date of local regrowth or distant metastasis). Associations between ISB and outcomes were analyzed by stratified Cox regression adjusted for confounders. Immune status of tumor-draining lymph nodes (n = 161) of 17 additional patients treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery was investigated by 3'RNA-Seq and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Recurrence-free rates at 5 years were 91.3% (82.4%-100.0%), 62.5% (53.2%-73.3%), and 53.1% (42.4%-66.5%) with ISB High, ISB Intermediate, and ISB Low, respectively (hazard ratio [HR; Low v High], 6.51; 95% CI, 1.99 to 21.28; log-rank P = .0004). ISB was also significantly associated with disease-free survival (log-rank P = .0002), and predicted both local regrowth and distant metastasis. In multivariate analysis, ISB was independent of patient age, sex, tumor location, cT stage (T, primary tumor; c, clinical), cN stage (N, regional lymph node; c, clinical), and was the strongest predictor for TTR (HR [ISB High v Low], 6.93; 95% CI, 2.08 to 23.15; P = .0017). The addition of ISB to a clinical-based model significantly improved the prediction of recurrence. Finally, B-cell proliferation and memory in draining lymph nodes was evidenced in the draining lymph nodes of patients with cCR. CONCLUSION The ISB is validated as a biomarker to predict both local regrowth and distant metastasis, with a gradual scaling of the risk of pejorative outcome.
Metformin Improves the Prerequisites for FGF21 Signaling in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pedersen Anne Kathrine Nissen , Gormsen Lars Christian , Nielsen Søren , Jessen Niels , Bjerre Mette 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Context
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 acts as a metabolic regulator and its therapeutic use is under investigation. FGF21 signaling requires binding to surface receptors, FGFR1c and β-klotho. FGF21 resistance is observed in metabolic diseases and FGF21 signaling is regulated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Metformin is reported to influence expression and secretion of FGF21 in preclinical models, but the effect of metformin on FGF21 in a clinical trial remains unknown.

Objective
To investigate how 12 weeks of treatment with metformin affects the FGF21 signaling pathway in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods
Randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with T2D (n = 24) receiving either metformin (1000 mg twice daily) or placebo. A control group of body mass index- and age-matched healthy individuals (n = 12) received a similar dose of metformin. Blood samples and muscle and fat biopsies were collected at study entry and after 12 weeks.

Methods
Plasma levels of FGF21 (total and intact) and FAP (total and activity) were measured. Muscle and fat biopsies were analyzed for mRNA and protein expression of targets relevant for activation of the FGF21 signaling pathway.

Results
Circulating FAP activity decreased after metformin treatment compared with placebo (P = .006), whereas FGF21 levels were unchanged. Metformin treatment increased gene and protein expression of β-klotho, FGFR1c, and pFGFR1c in adipose tissue. FGF21 mRNA expression increased in muscle tissue after metformin and the FGF21 protein, but not mRNA levels, were observed in adipose tissue.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that metformin suppresses the circulating FAP activity and upregulates the expression of FGFR1c and β-klotho for increased FGF21 signaling in adipose tissue, thus improving peripheral FGF21 sensitivity.
The Neuroendocrine Impact of Acute Stress on Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: dos-Santos Raoni Conceição , Sweeten Brook L W , Stelly Claire E , Tasker Jeffrey G 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Stress induces changes in nervous system function on different signaling levels, from molecular signaling to synaptic transmission to neural circuits to behavior—and on different time scales, from rapid onset and transient to delayed and long-lasting. The principal effectors of stress plasticity are glucocorticoids, steroid hormones that act with a broad range of signaling competency due to the expression of multiple nuclear and membrane receptor subtypes in virtually every tissue of the organism. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors are localized to each of the cellular compartments of the receptor-expressing cells—the membrane, cytosol, and nucleus. In this review, we cover the neuroendocrine effects of stress, focusing mainly on the rapid actions of acute stress–induced glucocorticoids that effect changes in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability by modulating synaptic and intrinsic neuronal properties via activation of presumed membrane glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. We describe the synaptic plasticity that occurs in 4 stress-associated brain structures, the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, in response to single or short-term stress exposure. The rapid transformative impact of glucocorticoids makes this stress signal a particularly potent effector of acute neuronal plasticity.