bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Musicality – Tuned to the melody of vocal emotions
Authors: Nussbaum Christine , Schirmer Annett , Schweinberger Stefan R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMusicians outperform non‐musicians in vocal emotion perception, likely because of increased sensitivity to acoustic cues, such as fundamental frequency (F0) and timbre. Yet, how musicians make use of these acoustic cues to perceive emotions, and how they might differ from non‐musicians, is unclear. To address these points, we created vocal stimuli that conveyed happiness, fear, pleasure or sadness, either in all acoustic cues, or selectively in either F0 or timbre only. We then compared vocal emotion perception performance between professional/semi‐professional musicians (N = 39) and non‐musicians (N = 38), all socialized in Western music culture. Compared to non‐musicians, musicians classified vocal emotions more accurately. This advantage was seen in the full and F0‐modulated conditions, but was absent in the timbre‐modulated condition indicating that musicians excel at perceiving the melody (F0), but not the timbre of vocal emotions. Further, F0 seemed more important than timbre for the recognition of all emotional categories. Additional exploratory analyses revealed a link between time‐varying F0 perception in music and voices that was independent of musical training. Together, these findings suggest that musicians are particularly tuned to the melody of vocal emotions, presumably due to a natural predisposition to exploit melodic patterns.
Ligand and structure based hierarchical virtual screening cascade for finding novel epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Huo Donghui , Sun Zhiqi , Wang Maolin , Yan Aixia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase plays an important role in tumor formation and growth by mediating cell growth and other physiological processes. Therefore, EGFR is a promising target for the treatment of cancer. In this work, we combined ligand‐based and structure‐based virtual screening methods to identify novel EGFR inhibitors from a library of more than 103 thousand compounds. We first obtained hundreds of compounds with similar physiochemical properties through 3D molecular shape and electrostatic similarity screening with potent inhibitors AEE788 and Afatinib as queries. Next, we identified compounds with strong binding affinities to the EGFR pocket through molecular docking, which makes good use of the structure information of the receptor. After molecular scaffold analysis, our bioassay confirmed 13 compounds with EGFR inhibitory activity and three compounds had IC50 values below 1000 nM. In addition, we collected 5371 EGFR inhibitors from online databases, and clustered them into 7 groups by K‐means method using their ECFP4 fingerprints as input. Each cluster had typical molecular fragments and corresponding activity characteristics, which could guide the design of EGFR inhibitors, and we concluded that the fragments from some of the hits are indicated in the highly active scaffolds.
Long‐term spaceflight composite stress induces depressive behaviors in model rats through disrupting hippocampus synaptic plasticity
Authors: Yin Yi‐Shu , Zhu Yuan‐Bing , Liu Jun‐Lian , Fan Quan‐Chun , Wu Xiao‐Rui , Zhao Shuang , Wang Jia‐Ping , Liu Yu , Li Yong‐Zhi , Lu Wei‐Hong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionLong‐term spaceflight composite stress (LSCS) can cause adverse effects on human systems, including the central nervous system, which could trigger anxiety and depression.AimsThis study aimed to identify changes in hippocampus synaptic plasticity under LSCS.MethodsThe present study simulated the real long‐term space station environment by conducting a 42‐day experiment that involved simulating microgravity, isolation, noise, circadian rhythm disruptions, and low pressure. The mood and behavior of the rats were assessed by behavior test. Transmission electron microscopy and patch‐clamp were used to detect the changes in synapse morphology and electrophysiology, and finally, the expression of NMDA receptor channel proteins was detected by western blotting.ResultsThe results showed that significant weight loss, anxiety, and depressive behaviors in rats were observed after being exposed to LSCS environment for 42 days. The synaptic structure was severely damaged, manifested as an obvious decrease in postsynaptic density thickness and synaptic interface curvature (p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, LTP was significantly impaired (p < 0.0001), and currents in the NMDAR channel were also significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Further analysis found that LSCS decreased the expression of two key subtype proteins on this channel.ConclusionThese results suggested that LSCS‐induced depressive behaviors by impairing synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampus.
Eomesodermin expression in CD4+T‐cells associated with disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Chen Sheng , Huan Xiao , Xu Chun‐Zuan , Luo Su‐Shan , Zhao Chong‐Bo , Zhong Hua‐Hua , Zheng Xue‐Ying , Qiao Kai , Dong Yi , Wang Ying , Liu Chang‐Yun , Huang Hua‐Pin , Chen Yan , Zou Zhang‐Yu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo clarify the role of Eomesodermin (EOMES) to serve as a disease‐relevant biomarker and the intracellular molecules underlying the immunophenotype shifting of CD4+T subsets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsThe derivation and validation cohorts included a total of 148 ALS patients and 101 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical data and peripheral blood were collected. T‐cell subsets and the EOMES expression were quantified using multicolor flow cytometry. Serum neurofilament light chain (NFL) was measured. In 1‐year longitudinal follow‐ups, the ALSFRS‐R scores and primary endpoint events were further recorded in the ALS patients of the validation cohort.ResultsIn the derivation cohort, the CD4+EOMES+T‐cell subsets were significantly increased (p < 0.001). EOMES+ subset was positively correlated with increased serum NFL levels in patients with onset longer than 12 months. In the validation cohort, the elevated CD4+EOMES+T‐cell proportions and their association with NFL levels were also identified. The longitudinal study revealed that ALS patients with higher EOMES expression were associated with higher progression rates (p = .010) and worse prognosis (p = .003).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that increased CD4+EOMES+T‐cell subsets in ALS were associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Identifying these associations may contribute to a better understanding of the immunopathological mechanism of ALS.
Robotic‐assisted versus conventional laparoscopic approach in patients with large rectal endometriotic nodule: the evaluation of safety and complications
Authors: Volodarsky‐Perel Alexander , Merlot Benjamin , Denost Quentin , Dennis Thomas , Chanavaz‐Lacheray Isabella , Roman Horace 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimThe aim was to compare postoperative complications in patients undergoing the excision of a rectal endometriotic nodule over 3 cm by a robotic‐assisted versus a conventional laparoscopic approach.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating prospectively collected data. The main interventions included rectal shaving, disc excision or colorectal resection. All the surgeries were performed in one endometriosis reference institute. To evaluate factors significantly associated with the risk of anastomosis leakage or fistula and bladder atony, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 548 patients with rectal endometriotic nodule over 3 cm in diameter (#ENZIAN C3) were included in the final analysis. The demography and clinical characteristics of women managed by the robotic‐assisted (n = 97) approach were similar to those of patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy (n = 451). The multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the surgical approach (robotic‐assisted vs. laparoscopic) was not associated with the rate of anastomosis leakage or fistula (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–4.0) and bladder dysfunction (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.1–1.8). A rectal nodule located lower than 6 cm from the anal verge was significantly associated with anastomosis leakage (aOR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4–10.8) and bladder atony (aOR 4.3, 95% CI 1.5–12.3). Anastomosis leakage was also associated with smoking (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4–7.4), significant vaginal infiltration (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.7) and excision of nodules involving sacral roots (aOR 5.6, 95% CI 1.7–15.5).ConclusionThe robotic‐assisted approach was not associated with increased risk of main postoperative complications compared to conventional laparoscopy for the treatment of large rectal endometriotic nodules.
Epigenetics and the evolution of form: Experimental manipulation of a chromatin modification causes species‐specific changes to the craniofacial skeleton
Authors: DeLorenzo Leah , Powder Kara E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA central question in biology is the molecular origins of phenotypic diversity. While genetic changes are key to the genotype–phenotype relationship, alterations to chromatin structure and the physical packaging of histone proteins may also be important drivers of vertebrate divergence. We investigate the impact of such an epigenetic mechanism, histone acetylation, within a textbook example of an adaptive radiation. Cichlids of Lake Malawi have adapted diverse craniofacial structures, and here we investigate how histone acetylation influences morphological variation in these fishes. Specifically, we assessed the effect of inhibiting histone deacetylation using the drug trichostatin A (TSA) on developing facial structures. We examined this during three critical developmental windows in two cichlid species with alternate adult morphologies. Exposure to TSA during neural crest cell (NCC) migration and as postmigratory NCCs proliferate in the pharyngeal arches resulted in significant changes in lateral and ventral shape in Maylandia, but not in Tropheops. This included an overall shortening of the head, widening of the lower jaw, and steeper craniofacial profile, all of which are paedomorphic morphologies. In contrast, treatment with TSA during early chondrogenesis did not result in significant morphological changes in either species. Together, these data suggest a sensitivity to epigenetic alterations that are both time‐ and species‐dependent. We find that morphologies are due to nonautonomous or potentially indirect effects on NCC development, including in part a global developmental delay. Our research bolsters the understanding that proper histone acetylation is essential for early craniofacial development and identifies a species‐specific robustness to developmental change. Overall, this study demonstrates how epigenetic regulation may play an important role in both generating and buffering morphological variation.
Reducing long‐term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists: In‐depth interview study with primary care stakeholders
Authors: Coteur Kristien , Peters Sanne , Jansen Pieter , Schoenmakers Birgitte , Van Nuland Marc 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimsTo increase our understanding of which factors contribute to long‐term benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use for insomnia in primary care, from a patients', general practitioners' (GP) and pharmacists' perspective.DesignQualitative research following a grounded theory approach.SettingPrimary care in Belgium.ParticipantsTwenty‐four participants were interviewed, including nine patients, six GPs and nine pharmacists.MeasurementsIn‐depth, semistructured interviews with iterative cycles of data collection and analysis. Transcripts were analysed using the framework method. Thematic findings were interpreted in the context of the Theoretical Domains Framework.FindingsA reflexive relation was identified between views about hypnotic use at the level of society, healthcare and patients. Behaviour change appeared to depend strongly on context and social influence, including a need for supporting relationships by all stakeholders. Six key messages captured factors that contribute to long‐term BZRA use for insomnia in primary care: societal beliefs as a game changer, the opportunity of nonpharmacological treatment, collaborative primary care, patient‐centred goals, informed consent and self‐management.ConclusionsLong‐term BZRA use for insomnia is a complex and multifaceted public health problem that is not adequately addressed in primary care at this time. Although primary care professionals in this study found discontinuation of long‐term BZRA use relevant to the patient's health, many organisational and personal barriers were reported. Moreover, the current social and healthcare context is not empowering patients and professionals to reduce long‐term BZRA use for insomnia. Specifically, for primary care, all stakeholders reported the need for a nonmedicalised relationship between the patient and GP to lower prescribing rates.Patient or Public ContributionThe Flemish Patient Platform, a patient representative organisation, assisted with recruitment by launching a call for participants in their newsletter and volunteered to disseminate the results. The call for recruitment was also published online in social media groups regarding insomnia and via posters in public pharmacies. Patients or public were not involved in designing or conducting the interview study.
The alterations of innate immunity and enhanced severity of infections in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhou Zi , Wang Hao , Tan Sipin , Zhang Huali , Zhu Yaxi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic inflammatory disease with a high incidence worldwide. Patients with DM are at a high risk for all types of infections. Type 1 DM is characterised with immune destruction of pancreatic β cells, while type 2 diabetes is characterised with insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction, both of which result in disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism. This metabolic disorder causes functional defects of immune cells, aberrant production of inflammatory cytokines, dysregulated immune responses, advanced pathophysiological injury of the body, and increased mortality in populations with DM upon infections. Starting with the change of natural immune system in patients with DM, this paper focused on the enhanced severity of infections in DM and the underlying innate immune alterations in preclinical and clinical studies, aiming to better understand the influence of DM on the susceptibility, pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes in infections.
A variety of death modes of neutrophils and their role in the etiology of autoimmune diseases
Authors: Li Yanhong , Wu Yinlan , Huang Jingang , Cao Xue , An Qiyuan , Peng Yun , Zhao Yi , Luo Yubin 
Published: October 2023

SummaryNeutrophils are important in the context of innate immunity and actively contribute to the progression of diverse autoimmune disorders. Distinct death mechanisms of neutrophils may exhibit specific and pivotal roles in autoimmune diseases and disease pathogenesis through the orchestration of immune homeostasis, the facilitation of autoantibody production, the induction of tissue and organ damage, and the incitement of pathological alterations. In recent years, more studies have provided in‐depth examination of various neutrophil death modes, revealing nuances that challenge conventional understanding and underscoring their potential clinical utility in diagnosis and treatment. This review explores the multifaceted processes and characteristics of neutrophil death, with a focus on tailored investigations within various autoimmune diseases. It also highlights the potential interplay between neutrophil death and the landscape of autoimmune disorders. The review encapsulates the pertinent pathways implicated in various neutrophil death mechanisms across diverse autoimmune diseases while also charts possible avenues for future research.
Key aspects defining the development and implementation of a regional genomic surveillance strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Meredith Luke W. , Aboualy Mustafa , Ochola Rachel , Okwarah Patrick , Ozel Mehmet , Abubakar Abdinasir , Barakat Amal 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of pathogen sequencing in making informed public health decisions. Initially, the Eastern Mediterranean Region faced limitations in sequencing capacity. However, with robust WHO and stakeholder support, the situation significantly improved. By 2022, COVID‐19 sequencing was underway in 22 out of 23 regional countries, with varying throughput and capacity. Notably, three genomic hubs were established in Oman, UAE, and Morocco, playing a key role in providing expanded genomics training and support across the region. While primarily for COVID‐19 surveillance, this sequencing capacity offers an opportunity to integrate genomic surveillance into existing networks. This integration can enable early detection and response to high‐threat pathogens with pandemic potential. To advance this, WHO/EMRO collaborated with stakeholders to formulate the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Emerging Pathogens of Pandemic Concern. Consultative meetings with regional and international genomic surveillance experts identified strategy focal points, key partners, priority pathogens, and implementation steps. As the strategy awaits member states' ratification in Q4 2023, this manuscript outlines pivotal facets defined by member states and the strategic document's key deliverables and opportunities. These efforts aim to yield a substantial positive impact within the region.
A model for public–private partnership during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Lessons from Biolab and public laboratories working in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Authors: Abu‐Dayyeh Issa , Naber Zein , Meredith Luke W. , Alsawalha Lora , Nassar Dana , Sumrain Lara , Ghunaim Mohammad , Hasan Thaer , Abdelnour Amid 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe global COVID‐19 pandemic overwhelmed national public health and laboratory capacity in Jordan and globally. In response, Biolab, a private laboratory group with 27 branches across Jordan, assisted with testing. Biolab was equipped to quickly increase molecular testing capacity without compromising quality or turnaround time, allowing them to contribute to national COVID‐19 surveillance efforts.MethodsBiolab expanded testing in Jordan by operationalizing automated testing platforms at various locations, including 16 branches, 2 drive‐through and 2 walk‐through centres, and entry points for airports and marine passenger arrivals. Genomic and molecular testing were implemented to track variants. Information technology platforms were introduced for sample management, registration, and commercial sample payments. Data were directly provided to the Ministry of Health through these platforms to support public health decision‐making and responses. Biolab prioritized staff well‐being by providing mental, financial, and physical health support during the pandemic.ResultsBiolab processed more than two million samples, with a turnaround time of ~1.5 h. Results were transmitted directly to key stakeholders in near real time. Biolab conducted variant evaluations on >1.4 million samples using molecular variant testing and >1000 samples using whole genome sequencing. Biolab prioritized staff well‐being, improving staff satisfaction from 74% to 91%, a remarkable achievement when many laboratory systems experienced staff burnout and dissatisfaction.ConclusionThe collaboration between public and private laboratories during COVID‐19 established a model for future joint efforts to prevent outbreaks from becoming pandemics. Biolab's focus on efficiency, quality, and staff well‐being enabled consistent, high‐quality performance. The introduction of innovative information technology platforms ensured swift information dissemination. Biolab plans to continue investing in these platforms and expand pathogen testing, creating a top‐tier testing infrastructure in Jordan with a demonstrated ability to cooperate with the government for public benefit.
Adoption barriers to green logistics in the Indian food industry: A circular economy perspective
Authors: Panghal Anupama , P Akhila , Vern Priyanka , Mor Rahul S 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLogistics is among the leading contributors to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and needs a paradigm shift to ensure sustainability. Green logistics is an initiative to reduce environmental, social and economic damage, create a positive brand image and ensure customer loyalty to the firm. Even though green logistics yields many benefits, several factors often challenge its successful implementation. Thus, the study aims to identify and group the adoption barriers to green logistics in the food industry. The barriers perceived by food industry professionals were collected through a survey, and exploratory factor (EFA) analysis was applied to identify and group the most significant ones. EFA grouped the 19 significant barriers into six factors: organizational, regulatory, supplier, technological, customer and financial. Identifying these adoption barriers can help organizations frame suitable strategies to overcome barriers in successfully implementing green logistics. The study also suggests strategies to address the barriers to green logistics in the food industry for the Indian economy. The study also highlights implications for practice and theory.
RETRACTED: Effectiveness of nursing intervention in the operating room to prevent pressure ulcer and wound infection in patients undergoing intertrochanteric fracture: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Fei‐Fei , Huang Si‐Mei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, a meta‐analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of nursing intervention in the operating room to prevent pressure ulcers and wound infections in patients with intertrochanteric fractures. A computerised search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database of Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang databases was performed to identify randomised controlled studies (RCTs) on the effectiveness of nursing intervention in the operating room for patients undergoing intertrochanteric fractures from the time of construction of the respective databases to June 2023. Two researchers independently searched and screened the literature, extracted information and performed quality assessments of the included literature. The meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Eighteen studies were finally included, including 1517 patients, with 757 in the intervention group and 760 in the control group. The results showed that nursing intervention in the operating room significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative pressure ulcers in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures compared to the control group (1.69% vs. 6.01%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.57, p < 0.001) and reduced the incidence of surgical site wound infection (1.00% vs. 6.15%, OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11–0.50, p < 0.001). Current evidence suggests that nursing intervention in the operating room is superior to routine care in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers and wound infections in patients with intertrochanteric fractures and that such interventions should be promoted for clinical use.