bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional network dynamics revealed by EEG microstates reflect cognitive decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Metzger Marjorie , Dukic Stefan , McMackin Roisin , Giglia Eileen , Mitchell Matthew , Bista Saroj , Costello Emmet , Peelo Colm , Tadjine Yasmine , Sirenko Vladyslav , Plaitano Serena , Coffey Amina , McManus Lara , Farnell Sharp Adelais , Mehra Prabhav , Heverin Mark , Bede Peter , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Pender Niall , Hardiman Orla , Nasseroleslami Bahman 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent electroencephalography (EEG) studies have shown that patterns of brain activity can be used to differentiate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and control groups. These differences can be interrogated by examining EEG microstates, which are distinct, reoccurring topographies of the scalp's electrical potentials. Quantifying the temporal properties of the four canonical microstates can elucidate how the dynamics of functional brain networks are altered in neurological conditions. Here we have analysed the properties of microstates to detect and quantify signal‐based abnormality in ALS. High‐density resting‐state EEG data from 129 people with ALS and 78 HC were recorded longitudinally over a 24‐month period. EEG topographies were extracted at instances of peak global field power to identify four microstate classes (labelled A‐D) using K‐means clustering. Each EEG topography was retrospectively associated with a microstate class based on global map dissimilarity. Changes in microstate properties over the course of the disease were assessed in people with ALS and compared with changes in clinical scores. The topographies of microstate classes remained consistent across participants and conditions. Differences were observed in coverage, occurrence, duration, and transition probabilities between ALS and control groups. The duration of microstate class B and coverage of microstate class C correlated with lower limb functional decline. The transition probabilities A to D, C to B and C to B also correlated with cognitive decline (total ECAS) in those with cognitive and behavioural impairments. Microstate characteristics also significantly changed over the course of the disease. Examining the temporal dependencies in the sequences of microstates revealed that the symmetry and stationarity of transition matrices were increased in people with late‐stage ALS. These alterations in the properties of EEG microstates in ALS may reflect abnormalities within the sensory network and higher‐order networks. Microstate properties could also prospectively predict symptom progression in those with cognitive impairments.
Coronary microvascular resistance comparison of coronary arteries with and without considering vascular diameter: A retrospective, single‐center study
Authors: Muroya Takahiro , Kawano Hiroaki , Yamamoto Fumi , Maemura Koji 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsMeasurement of coronary microvascular resistance (MR) is essential for diagnosing nonocclusive coronary artery ischemia, but whether coronary branches of different diameters can be similarly assessed using hyperemic microvascular resistance index (hMVRI) calculated from average peak velocity (APV) remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between coronary arteries of different diameters and hMVRI.MethodsThirty patients with suspected angina pectoris and nonobstructive coronary stenosis with fractional flow reserve >0.8 underwent evaluation of all coronary arteries using a Doppler velocity and pressure‐equipped guidewire. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was used to analyze vessel diameter (DQCA). Coronary blood flow (CBFQCA) was calculated as πDQCA2/4 (0.5 × APV) and hMVRIQCA as distal coronary pressure divided by CBFQCA during maximal hyperemia.ResultsThe hMVRI was significantly higher for the right coronary artery than for the left anterior descending artery, but no significant differences between arteries were seen for CBFQCA and hMVRIQCA. Although the correlation between CBFQCA and APV was weak, CBFQCA divided into three groups according to DQCA showed very strong correlations with APV. Slopes of the straight line between APV and CBFQCA for small‐, middle‐, and large‐diameter groups were 0.48, 0.30, and 0.21, respectively, with slope decreasing as diameter increased.ConclusionsComparative evaluation of MR in coronary branches with varying vessel diameters requires vessel diameter to be accounted for.
Methanol poisoning during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran: A retrospective cross‐sectional study of clinical, laboratory, and brain imaging characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Esmaeilian Saeid , Teimouri Arash , Hooshmandi Sedighe , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Mohajeri Elham , Bazmi Sina , Tabrizi Reza , Hoseinyazdi Meisam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency and significance of brain imaging findings in methanol poisoning patients and to propose a criterion for prioritizing brain imaging.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 306 patients (286 men and 34 women, mean age 32.10 ± 9.9 years) with confirmed methanol poisoning who were admitted to two hospitals in Iran during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyzed their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and brain imaging data.ResultsThe main brain computed tomography (CT) scan findings were hypodensity in the putamen (11.1%), cerebellar nuclei (8.2%), diffuse cerebral edema (7.5%), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; 1.6%). These findings were associated with blood pH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), renal failure, bicarbonate, oxygen, carbon dioxide, potassium, and glucose levels (p < 0.05). Poor prognosis was related to blindness, opium addiction, chronic alcohol use, hyperglycemia, and abnormal CT scans (p < 0.001 for all). The most predictive brain imaging findings for poor prognosis were hypodensity in the cerebellar nuclei, diffuse cerebral edema, and ICH.ConclusionBrain imaging can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and management of methanol poisoning patients. We suggest that patients with severe acidosis, low GCS, low pH, low oxygen saturation, and high glucose levels should undergo brain CT scan as a priority.
Predicting attachment in Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm: Understanding the roles of infant regulatory behavior, maternal sensitivity, and risk factors
Authors: Antunes Sandra , Alves Maria João , Martelo Inês , Beeghly Marjorie , Barros Luísa , Fuertes Marina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA growing body of research shows that early attachment relationships are foundational for children's later developmental and psychosocial outcomes. However, findings are mixed regarding whether preterm birth predicts later attachment, but insecurity is generally more prevalent among infants at higher medical and/or social/familial risk. This longitudinal study aimed to identify specific relational, familial/demographic, and perinatal predictors of attachment in a sample of 63 Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm (VEPT, <32 gestational weeks) and their mothers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. One‐third of the mothers had social/family risk factors (e.g., single parent, immigrant, unemployed, low education, and/or low income). At 3 months (corrected age), dyads were observed during social interaction in the Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face paradigm (FFSF) and during free play. At 12 months, mother‐infant dyads were observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation. Over half (58.7%) of the infants were classified as insecurely attached. Social‐Positive Oriented regulatory behavior pattern, higher maternal sensitivity, higher infant cooperation during free play, number of siblings and an absence of social/family risk factors were associated with attachment security. Perinatal variables were unrelated to attachment. Findings indicate that both relational and social contextual factors contribute to attachment in this biologically vulnerable sample.
Mental health and wellbeing of undergraduate students in engineering: A systematic literature review
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Minichiello Angela , Ahmed Shaf 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe wellbeing of college students today is at risk because of rising occurrences of mental health issues in higher education. Concurrently, undergraduate students perceive engineering courses and programs to be among the most arduous, and least welcoming and accommodating, in higher education. Although research related to mental health and wellbeing (MHW) in engineering is growing, a systematic review of this research has yet to be conducted.PurposeThis systematic literature review identifies and synthesizes empirical scholarship related to the MHW of undergraduate engineering students.Scope/MethodSpecified search terms and inclusion criteria were used to identify 34 empirical studies related to engineering undergraduates' MHW. Content and qualitative thematic analyses were conducted to characterize and synthesize trends in research quality and outcomes across studies.ResultsUndergraduate engineering students experience a variety of mental health issues that negatively affect their experiences in engineering education. Stress is the most prevalent mental health issue identified; anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also reported. Heavy academic workloads, sleep issues, and the nature of engineering education culture are identified as impediments to MHW in engineering education.ConclusionsAlthough MHW in engineering is a growing area of research internationally, current MHW research in engineering is nascent and focused on the characterization of student mental health issues. Researchers underutilize qualitative and mixed‐methods approaches, longitudinal and experimental designs, guiding frameworks, and robust sampling techniques. Academic and mindfulness interventions, as well as the use of mental wellness constructs from positive psychology, show promise for supporting MHW in engineering.
Identification of prognostic value of anoikis‐related gene score model combined with tumor microenvironment score models in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Moyan , Liang Yicheng , Song Peng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has poor survival. Effective prognostic models with high application value remain lack.MethodsBulk RNA seq and single cell RNA‐seq data were retrieved from the XENA‐TCGA‐ESCC cohort and GSE188900. The anoikis‐related gene score (ANO score) model and tumor microenvironment score (TME score) model were constructed and merged into three subgroups. Functional annotation was analyzed by Gene Ontology terms. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis were performed to construct prognostic prediction models and identify prognostic value. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were drawn for evaluating the overall survival (OS) of patients classified by different score subgroups. Immunotherapy response and mutation analyses were also conducted.ResultsIn the ANO score model, TNFSF10 was an independent factor for the prognosis of ESCC patients. The area under the curve values of the ANO–TME score model in predicting the OS were 0.638 at 5 years and 0.632 at 7 years. Patients in the ANO low score–TME high score group had a much longer OS than patients in any other ANO–TME score subgroup (p < 0.001), suggesting a higher prognostic value. The differentially expressed genes of the ANO low score–TME high score group were mainly involved in cell adhesion molecules, nucleotide excision repair, the TGF‐β signaling pathway and mismatch repair. TP53 (92%), TTN (38%) and NFE2L2 (31%) were the top genes with highest mutant frequency in the ANO low score–TME high score group.ConclusionsA novel prognostic prediction model with high application value was constructed and identified for ESCC patients, which may provide evidence for immunotherapy in the treatment of ESCC.
The efficiency and safety of multidetector computed tomography‐guided transseptal puncture during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation
Authors: Lu Yi , Yuan Zhen , Liu Chunhui , Ma Shenghui , Shu Li , Cai Zhejun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTransseptal puncture (TSP) is a crucial technique for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although intracardiac echo (ICE) facilitates a safe and accurate TSP, it is not widely used in developing countries because of the expense. This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a novel cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)‐guided TSP during AF catheter ablation.MethodsThe study consisted of two cohorts. In the index cohort, TSP procedure was performed under the guidance of ICE, and we recorded the angulation of right anterior oblique of X‐ray projection. In the validation cohort, we compared the efficiency and safety of TSP guided by MDCT‐calculated angulation with propensity‐score‐matched patients who underwent TSP guided by ICE.ResultsWe included 50 patients in the index cohort, and the mean angles of interatrial septum (IAS) measured from MDCT and ICE were 34.8 ± 6.3 and 35.1 ± 6.5, respectively. In the validation cohort, 376 patients were enrolled in the MDCT‐guided group and ICE‐guided group. Both groups had 1 case of cardiac tamponade. The mean axial plane angle was 35.46 ± 6.17 degrees, which was not influenced by age, gender, BMI, and LA size, while a moderate positive linear correlation between EF and the axial plane angle (R2 = 0.14, p = .006).ConclusionCardiac MDCT can provide a clear vision of IAS orientation, and provide the appropriate RAO angle and height for TSP. The efficiency and safety of our MDCT‐guided TSP were comparable to ICE‐guided TSP, which may serve as an alternative method for TSP with ICE unavailable.
Human gingival fibroblasts are a source of B cell‐activating factor during periodontal inflammation
Authors: Dyab Ahed , Emnegard Ava , Wänman Magnus , Sjöström Filippa , Kindstedt Elin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHost‐modulating therapy is a possible treatment for individuals that respond poorly to conventional periodontal therapy. B cells, abundant in periodontitis lesions, require the cytokines B cell‐activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) for survival and maturation. Although mRNA levels of BAFF and APRIL are increased in tissue from periodontitis lesions, it is unknown if periodontal resident cells express BAFF and/or APRIL during periodontal inflammation. In this study, we aim to analyze the expression of BAFF and APRIL in human gingival fibroblasts after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we perform protein analysis in tissues and serum from periodontitis patients and healthy controls.MethodsHuman gingival fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokines’ tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). The mRNA expression of BAFF and APRIL was analyzed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the protein was detected in tissue sections using immune staining. Serum levels of BAFF were analyzed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsIn gingival fibroblasts, TNF‐α upregulated BAFF mRNA, but APRIL was unaffected. IL‐1β affected neither BAFF nor APRIL expression. BAFF protein was detected in the oral epithelium and in cells of the underlying connective tissue in periodontitis tissue, and BAFF protein was increased in the serum of periodontitis patients.ConclusionPeriodontal resident cells express BAFF during periodontal inflammation and participate in providing a favorable milieu for the survival and action of B cells.
Combined volatile compounds and non‐targeted metabolomics analysis reveals variation in flavour characteristics, metabolic profiles and bioactivity of mulberry leaves after Monascus purpureus fermentation
Authors: Wang Biao , Duan Yichen , Wang Chengmo , Liu Chun , Wang Jun , Jia Junqiang , Wu Qiongying 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMulberry leaves (MLs) are widely used in food because of their nutritional and functional characteristics. However, plant cell walls and natural bitterness influence nutrient release and the flavor properties of MLs. Liquid‐state fermentation using Monascus purpureus (LFMP) is a common processing method used to improve food properties. The present study used headspace solid‐phase micro extraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) and non‐targeted metabolomics to examine changes in volatile and non‐volatile metabolites in MLs. The transformation mechanism of LFMP was investigated by microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity, and changes in the biological activity of MLs were analyzed.RESULTSLFMP significantly increased total phenolics, total flavonoids, free amino acids and soluble sugars in MLs, at the same time as decreasing phytic acid levels. In total, 92 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified and quantified. VOCs such as (2R,3R)‐(–)‐2,3‐butanediol, terpineol and eugenol showed some improvement in the flavour characteristics of MLs. By using non‐targeted metabolomics, 124 unique metabolites in total were examined. LFMP altered the metabolic profile of MLs, mainly in plant secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity indicated that LFMP promoted cell wall degradation and biotransformation of MLs. In addition, LFMP significantly increased the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of MLs.CONCLUSIONLFMP altered the flavour characteristics, metabolite profile and biological activity of MLs. These findings will provide ideas for the processing of MLs into functional foods. In addition, they also provide useful information for biochemical studies of fermented MLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
METTL3‐mediated m6A methylation of TRAF5 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis via activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Fei , Li Jiang‐Tao , Zheng Qing‐Lin , Ren Kun‐Lun , Yi Cheng‐Cheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 5 (TRAF5) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. This work aimed to clarify the role of TRAF5 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Herein, we uncovered that TRAF5 level was reduced in LUAD tissues. Low TRAF5 expression correlated with dismal prognosis in LUAD patients. Moreover, upregulated TRAF5 impeded cell viability, migration, and invasion, induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as impaired tumorigenicity in vivo. However, depletion of TRAF5 revealed opposing results. Moreover, TRAF5 was identified as the downstream target of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3)‐elicited N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification. METTL3 stabilized TRAF5 mRNA and positively modulated TRAF5 level. Further, TRAF5 depletion relieved the repressive phenotype caused by METTL3 addition. In addition, it was manifested that the METTL3/TRAF5 axis served as an inhibitor in LUAD through the PI3K/AKT/Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. Collectively, we propose that METTL3‐mediated TRAF5 m6A modification exerted as a vital tumor inhibitory function in LUAD development. The METTL3/TRAF5 axis may be a critical effector of LUAD progression.
Camrelizumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma cancer: Results from a retrospective study
Authors: Kang Ning‐Ning , Zheng Hao , Hu Jin‐Xiu , Cui Kai , Si Pan‐Pan , Ge Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy during preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) of clinical Stages II and III. The patients received camrelizumab plus chemotherapy regimen on Day 1 for up to three to four cycles (3 weeks per cycle). The probabilities of overall survival (OS) were 55.6% at 12 months and 35.6% at 18 months (45 patients). The disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 70.0% at 12 months and 63.3% at 18 months (30 patients). The median OS and DFS were not reached. The proportion of patients at postneoadjuvant pathological tumor stages ypT0, ypT2, and ypT3 were 10 (33.3%), 14 (46.7%), and 6 (20.0%), respectively, and those at stages ypN0 and ypN1 were 19 (63.3%) and 11 (36.7%), respectively. Additionally, the pathological complete response rate was 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.154–0.512), and the major pathologic response rate was 46.7% (95% CI: 0.277–0.656). Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were reported in five patients (11.1%), with vomiting being the most common AE (three patients; 3.3%). Other common AEs of any grade included decreased lymphocyte count (48.9%), reactive capillary endothelial proliferation (46.7%), decreased white blood cell count (40.0%), anemia (31.1%), and vomiting (31.1%). The combination of camrelizumab and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable safety.
High Performance Shape Memory Epoxy Syntactic Foam Composites as Lost Circulation Material in Deep Drilling
Authors: Ma Qian , Ren Mingwei , Wang Chao , Xing Xijin , Liu Lianying , Yang Wantai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLost circulation is a critical issue in drilling. This work reports the investigations on shape memory epoxy polymers (SMEPs) with high switching temperatures, and good thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties for plugging in deep drilling. The SMEPs are produced by curing diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and castor oil glycidyl ether (COGE) with a flexible poly(oxypropylene) diamine (D230) and a rigid 4, 4′ ‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). Increasing D230 contents or using COGE, glass transition temperature (Tg, 93–163 °C, DMA analyses) and crosslink density of SMEPs are reduced, shape recovery rate is increased, while tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength are improved. Further, shape memory epoxy syntactic foams (SMEFs) with high‐temperature adhesion are developed by introducing polymer microspheres into SMEPs. The SMEFs have compression ratio of 52–58%, and expansion ratio of 100% by adding 2% wt. microspheres. They retain the Tg and thermal stability of SMEPs, and show a delayed, slower recovery than SMEPs. Long fracture plugging experiments exhibit that a pressure‐bearing capability of 8.99–9.81 MPa is achieved with SMEFs in sealing fracture slots at a high temperature.