bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maf1 loss regulates spinogenesis and attenuates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Han Yingying , Chen Kui , Yu Hongxiang , Cui Can , Li Hongxia , Hu Yongbo , Zhang Bei , Li Gang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is neurodegenerative and characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. Synaptic dysfunction appears in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease and is significantly correlated with cognitive impairment. However, the specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear.
Here, we found the transcription factor Maf1 to be upregulated in Alzheimer’s disease and determined that conditional knockout of Maf1 in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease restored learning and memory function; the downregulation of Maf1 reduced the intraneuronal calcium concentration and restored neuronal synaptic morphology. We also demonstrated that Maf1 regulated the expression of NMDAR1 by binding to the promoter region of Grin1, further regulating calcium homeostasis and synaptic remodelling in neurons.
Our results clarify the important role and mechanism of the Maf1-NMDAR1 signalling pathway in stabilizing synaptic structure, neuronal function and behaviour during Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. This therefore serves as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
The relationship between oxidative degradation and ammonia emission of carbon capture amines based on their chemical structures
Authors: Muchan Pailin , Supap Teeradet , Narku-Tetteh Jessica , Lisawadi Supranee , Idem Raphael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This work investigates the effect of chemical structural positioning of different functional groups in 29 amines covering primary, secondary and tertiary alkanolamines as well as multi-alkylamines and cyclic amines on both amine degradation and ammonia (NH3) emissions during post-combustion amine-based carbon dioxide capture. The results helped to elucidate possible relationships between degradation and emissions as related to the chemical structure of the amine. The results showed that longer alkyl chain lengths in multi-alkylamines caused a more drastic decrease in both degradation and NH3 emissions followed by secondary alkanolamines. The decrease in those activities for primary and tertiary alkanolamines as well as cyclic amines was low and more so for NH3 emissions. In contrast, the increase in hydroxyl groups in secondary alkanolamines caused a drastic increase in degradation and NH3 emissions. On the other hand, having more hydroxyl groups in sterically hindered primary and tertiary alkanolamines caused a more drastic decrease in degradation and a smaller decrease in NH3 emissions due to the steric hindrance within their structure. An increase in the number of amino groups in an amine caused an increase in both degradation and NH3 emission rates because these provided the reactive sites for the formation of free radicals. This effect was not as large in alkyl-cyclic amines as in multi-alkylamines due to the ability of the former to resist oxidative degradation. Furthermore, branched alkyl groups between amino and hydroxyl groups more drastically increased both the degradation and NH3 emission activities than branched alkyl groups located at the nitrogen atom.
The control patterns of affective processing and cognitive reappraisal: insights from brain controllability analysis
Authors: Fang Feng , Teixeira Antonio L , Li Rihui , Zou Ling , Zhang Yingchun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPerceiving and modulating emotions is vital for cognitive function and is often impaired in neuropsychiatric conditions. Current tools for evaluating emotional dysregulation suffer from subjectivity and lack of precision, especially when it comes to understanding emotion from a regulatory or control-based perspective. To address these limitations, this study leverages an advanced methodology known as functional brain controllability analysis. We simultaneously recorded electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 17 healthy subjects engaged in emotion processing and regulation tasks. We then employed a novel EEG/fMRI integration technique to reconstruct cortical activity in a high spatiotemporal resolution manner. Subsequently, we conducted functional brain controllability analysis to explore the neural network control patterns underlying different emotion conditions. Our findings demonstrated that the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex exhibited increased controllability during the processing and regulation of negative emotions compared to processing of neutral emotion. Besides, the anterior cingulate cortex was notably more active in managing negative emotion than in either controlling neutral emotion or regulating negative emotion. Finally, the posterior parietal cortex emerged as a central network controller for the regulation of negative emotion. This study offers valuable insights into the cortical control mechanisms that support emotion perception and regulation.
Causal effects of osteoporosis on structural changes in specific brain regions: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Nie Xinlin , Zhang Qiong , Wang Yixuan , Liu Zhaoliang , Xie Dongheng , Song Qingxu , Yang Chen , Yu Tiecheng , Sun Yang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Observational studies have reported that osteoporosis is associated with cortical changes in the brain. However, the inherent limitations of observational studies pose challenges in eliminating confounding factors and establishing causal relationships. And previous observational studies have not reported changes in specific brain regions. By employing Mendelian randomization, we have been able to infer a causal relationship between osteoporosis and a reduction in the surficial area (SA) of the brain cortical. This effect is partially mediated by vascular calcification. We found that osteoporosis significantly decreased the SA of global brain cortical (β = −1587.62 mm2, 95%CI: −2645.94 mm2 to −529.32 mm2, P = 0.003) as well as the paracentral gyrus without global weighted (β = − 19.42 mm2, 95%CI: −28.90 mm2 to −9.95 mm2, P = 5.85 × 10−5). Furthermore, we estimated that 42.25% and 47.21% of the aforementioned effects are mediated through vascular calcification, respectively. Osteoporosis leads to a reduction in the SA of the brain cortical, suggesting the presence of the bone-brain axis. Vascular calcification plays a role in mediating this process to a certain extent. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for further investigations into the intricate interplay between bone, blood vessels, and the brain.
Predictable and unpredictable deviance detection in the human hippocampus and amygdala
Authors: Tzovara Athina , Fedele Tommaso , Sarnthein Johannes , Ledergerber Debora , Lin Jack J , Knight Robert T 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Our brains extract structure from the environment and form predictions given past experience. Predictive circuits have been identified in wide-spread cortical regions. However, the contribution of medial temporal structures in predictions remains under-explored. The hippocampus underlies sequence detection and is sensitive to novel stimuli, sufficient to gain access to memory, while the amygdala to novelty. Yet, their electrophysiological profiles in detecting predictable and unpredictable deviant auditory events remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that the hippocampus would be sensitive to predictability, while the amygdala to unexpected deviance. We presented epileptic patients undergoing presurgical monitoring with standard and deviant sounds, in predictable or unpredictable contexts. Onsets of auditory responses and unpredictable deviance effects were detected earlier in the temporal cortex compared with the amygdala and hippocampus. Deviance effects in 1–20 Hz local field potentials were detected in the lateral temporal cortex, irrespective of predictability. The amygdala showed stronger deviance in the unpredictable context. Low-frequency deviance responses in the hippocampus (1–8 Hz) were observed in the predictable but not in the unpredictable context. Our results reveal a distributed network underlying the generation of auditory predictions and suggest that the neural basis of sensory predictions and prediction error signals needs to be extended.
Wage-led or profit-led: is it the right question to examine the relationship between income inequality and economic growth? Insights from an empirical stock-flow consistent model for Denmark
Authors: Byrialsen Mikael Randrup , Valdecantos Sebastian , Raza Hamid 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
For the last two decades an increasing number of empirical studies have analysed the relationship between income inequality and economic growth by classifying economies as either wage-led or profit-led. However, some critiques have claimed that rather than being unequivocally wage-led or profit-led, the growth regime of an economy might depend on the circumstances and the nature of the processes that determine income distribution. Using an empirical stock-flow consistent (SFC) model estimated for Denmark for 2005–2020 we run eight scenarios simulating changes in policy, structural and institutional variables to see how each affects income distribution and, through it, the business cycle and economic growth. We find that the relationship between demand, growth and income distribution is highly dependent on the source of the shock affecting income shares, its impact on the other areas of the economy and the intensity of feedback effects.
Validity and reliability of the ERSA questionnaire in Turkish
Authors: Öztürk Hüseyin , Karabulut Mustafa , Baydan-Aran Mine , Tokgöz-Yılmaz Suna 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This methodological study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Evaluation of the Impact of Hearing Loss in Adults (ERSA) questionnaire for individuals with treated hearing loss. The study involved 200 participants, and both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine structural validity. External validity was assessed by correlating ERSA scores with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. The Turkish ERSA demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with significant correlations between APHAB and ERSA scores and excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The findings suggest that the Turkish ERSA is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the impact of hearing loss in individuals.
Estimating spot volatility under infinite variation jumps with dependent market microstructure noise
Authors: Liu Qiang , Liu Zhi 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Jumps and market microstructure noise are stylized features of high-frequency financial data. It is well known that they introduce bias in the estimation of volatility (including integrated and spot volatilities) of assets, and many methods have been proposed to deal with this problem. When the jumps are intensive with infinite variation, the efficient estimation of spot volatility under serially dependent noise is not available and is thus in need. For this purpose, we propose a novel estimator of spot volatility with a hybrid use of the pre-averaging technique and the empirical characteristic function. Under mild assumptions, the results of consistency and asymptotic normality of our estimator are established. Furthermore, we show that our estimator achieves an almost efficient convergence rate with optimal variance when the jumps are either less active or active with symmetric structure. Simulation studies verify our theoretical conclusions. We apply our proposed estimator to empirical analyses, such as estimating the weekly volatility curve using second-by-second transaction price data.
Flecainide to prevent atrial arrhythmia after patent foramen ovale closure, Rationale and design of the randomized AFLOAT study
Authors: Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Guedeney Paul , Dauphin Claire , Auffret Vincent , Marijon Eloi , Aldebert Philippe , Clerc Jean-Michel , Beygui Farzin , Elbaz Meyer , Khalil Wissam Abi , Da Costa Antoine , Macia Jean-Christophe , Elhadad Simon , Cayla Guillaume , Brugier Delphine , Silvain Johanne , Hammoudi Nadjib , Duthoit Guillaume , Vicaut Eric , Montalescot Gilles ,   for the ACTION Study Group, Montalescot Gilles , Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Duthoit Guillaume , Vicaut Eric , Laredo Mikael , Rolland Thomas , Temmar Yassine , Lellouche Nicolas , Chatellier Gilles , Edhery Stéphane , Montalescot Gilles , Dauphin Claire , Auffret Vincent , Marijon Eloi , Beygui Farzin , Aldebert Philippe , Clerc Jean-Michel , Elbaz Meyer , Macia Jean-Christophe , Da Costa Antoine , Khalil Wissam Abi , Elhadad Simon , Cayla Guillaume , Iriart Xavier 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial arrhythmia is the most common complication of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The real incidence of post-PFO closure atrial arrhytmia and whether this complication can be prevented is unknown.

Methods/Design
The Assessment of Flecainide to Lower the PFO closure risk of Atrial fibrillation or Tachycardia (AFLOAT) trial is a prospective, national, multicentre, randomized, open-label, superiority trial with a blind evaluation of all the endpoints (PROBE design). A total of 186 patients are randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio immediately after PFO closure to receive Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single sustained-release (SR) dose) for 6 months (Group 1), Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single SR dose) for 3 months (Group 2), or no additional treatment (standard of care) for 6 months (Group 3). The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients with at least one episode of symptomatic or asymptomatic atrial arrhythmia episode (≥30 s) recorded within 3 months after PFO closure on long-term monitoring with an insertable cardiac monitor. Whether 3 months of treatment is sufficient compared to 6 months will be analysed as a secondary objective of the study.

Conclusion
AFLOAT is the first trial to test the hypothesis that a short treatment with oral Flecainide can prevent the new-onset of atrial arrhythmia after PFO closure.

Clinical trial registration
NCT05213104 (clinicaltrials.gov).
The Trans Middle Ages: Incorporating Transgender and Intersex Studies into the History of Medieval Sexuality
Authors: Wingard Tess 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article reviews recent work on trans and intersex history in the European Middle Ages, locating it within the established historiography on medieval gender and sexuality. It begins by surveying the three overarching themes in prior historical research on medieval gender and sexuality: identity, community and repression. Then, it introduces the context of the transgender turn in medieval studies, beginning in the late 2010s, by charting the origin of this sub-field and its rapid growth since 2020. It then outlines three key theoretical concepts underpinning its methodology: 1) gender is socially constructed and historically contingent; 2) likewise, biological sex is socially constructed and historically contingent; 3) all societies include people who transition away from their assigned gender, and, while these identities are no less contingent, they nevertheless constitute a valid subject for long histories of transness. Lastly, it argues that medieval trans and intersex studies contributes new perspectives and methodological approaches to each of the overarching research themes: 1) the lives and experiences of queer historical subjects such as Eleanor Rykener and Joseph of Schönau can be productively read through a trans lens, and trans historians’ focus on questions of agency and subjectivity provides a model for exploring queerness in the medieval archive; 2) trans historians’ arguments around community and mutual aid within trans case-studies revive the otherwise neglected historiographical topic of medieval queer networks; 3) trans historians demonstrate that medieval discourses around sexuality, gender and race are mutually constitutive, and significantly shape subsequent early modern European interactions with Black and indigenous societies.
Radioactive waste microbiology: predicting microbial survival and activity in changing extreme environments
Authors: Gregory Simon P , Mackie Jessica R M , Barnett Megan J 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe potential for microbial activity to occur within the engineered barrier system (EBS) of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste is acknowledged by waste management organizations as it could affect many aspects of the safety functions of a GDF. Microorganisms within an EBS will be exposed to changing temperature, pH, radiation, salinity, saturation, and availability of nutrient and energy sources, which can limit microbial survival and activity. Some of the limiting conditions are incorporated into GDF designs for safety reasons, including the high pH of cementitious repositories, the limited pore space of bentonite-based repositories, or the high salinity of GDFs in evaporitic geologies. Other environmental conditions such as elevated radiation, temperature, and desiccation, arise as a result of the presence of high heat generating waste (HHGW). Here, we present a comprehensive review of how environmental conditions in the EBS may limit microbial activity, covering HHGW and lower heat generating waste (LHGW) in a range of geological environments. We present data from the literature on the currently recognized limits to life for each of the environmental conditions described above, and nutrient availability to establish the potential for life in these environments. Using examples where each variable has been modelled for a particular GDF, we outline the times and locations when that variable can be expected to limit microbial activity. Finally, we show how this information for multiple variables can be used to improve our understanding of the potential for microbial activity to occur within the EBS of a GDF and, more broadly, to understand microbial life in changing environments exposed to multiple extreme conditions.
Humanitarian–Development Nexus: strengthening health system preparedness, response and resilience capacities to address COVID-19 in Sudan—case study of repositioning external assistance model and focus
Authors: Mohamed Nur Muna , Aweesha Huzeifa , Elsharif Mahmoud , Esawi Ahmed , Omer Arwa , Musa Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the establishment of a new transitional government in Sudan with rejuvenated relations with the international community paved the way for external assistance to the EU COVID-19 response project, a project with a pioneering design within the region. The project sought to operationalize the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, perceiving the nexus as a continuum rather than sequential due to the protracted nature of emergencies in Sudan and their multiplicity and contextual complexity. It went further into enhancing peace through engaging with conflict and post-conflict-affected states and communities and empowering local actors. Learning from this experience, external assistance models to low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) should apply principles of flexibility and adaptability, while maintaining trust through transparency in exchange, to ensure sustainable and responsive action to domestic needs within changing contexts. Careful selection and diverse project team skills, early and continuous engagement with stakeholders, and robust planning, monitoring and evaluation processes were the project highlights. Yet, the challenges of political turmoil, changing Ministry of Health leadership, competing priorities and inactive coordination mechanisms had to be dealt with. While applying such an approach of a health system lens to health emergencies in LMICs is thought to be a success factor in this case, more robust technical guidance to the nexus implementation is crucial and can be best attained through encouraging further case reports analysing context-specific practices.
Identifying BMI-associated genes via a genome-wide multi-omics integrative approach using summary data
Authors: Tang Jingxian , Xu Hanfei , Xin Zihao , Mei Quanshun , Gao Musong , Yang Tiantian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Levy Daniel , Liu Ching-Ti 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to identify BMI-associated genes by integrating aggregated summary information from different omics data.

Methods
We conducted a meta-analysis to leverage information from a genome-wide association study (n = 339 224), a transcriptome-wide association study (n = 5619), and an epigenome-wide association study (n = 3743). We prioritized the significant genes with a machine learning-based method, netWAS, which borrows information from adipose tissue-specific interaction networks. We also used the brain-specific network in netWAS to investigate genes potentially involved in brain-adipose interaction.

Results
We identified 195 genes that were significantly associated with BMI through meta-analysis. The netWAS analysis narrowed down the list to 21 genes in adipose tissue. Among these 21 genes, six genes, including FUS, STX4, CCNT2, FUBP1, NDUFS3, and RAPSN, were not reported to be BMI-associated in PubMed or GWAS Catalog. We also identified 11 genes that were significantly associated with BMI in both adipose and whole brain tissues.

Conclusion
This study integrated three types of omics data and identified a group of genes that have not previously been reported to be associated with BMI. This strategy could provide new insights for future studies to identify molecular mechanisms contributing to BMI regulation.
Increasing Exposure to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Education in Gastroenterology Fellowship: The Pilot IBD 101 Experience
Authors: Malter Lisa , Hong Simon J , Lopatin Sarah , Murphy Megan , Hudesman David , Kane Sunanda , Rubin David T 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management has become increasingly complex, and education varies across fellowship programs. IBD 101 was designed to introduce first-year gastroenterology (GI) fellows to IBD care and training.

Methods
In 2019, a cohort of fellows participated in a 1-day course with small group learning and group observed structured clinical examinations. Pre- and postcourse surveys were administered to evaluate the course. To assess the long-term impact, surveys were emailed in May 2022 to all third-year fellows from previously participating programs. The primary outcome was comfort managing IBD scenarios and information regarding each fellow’s exposure to IBD education.

Results
Fifty-five fellows from 32 programs participated. A total of 49 (89%) of 55 completed pre- and postcourse surveys. All fellows agreed that the course content was appropriate. In the postcourse survey, all fellows reported increased comfort managing IBD patients. Ninety-six percent of attendees stated that they would strongly recommend this course. Thirty-six fellows completed surveys in 2022, 21 (58%) attendees and 15 (42%) nonattendees. Attendees reported equivalent or higher levels of comfort compared with nonattendees. Higher global competence was noted among attendees (odds ratio, 5.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-29.9; P = .06) after adjusting for presence of a local IBD specialist, number of IBD patients seen monthly (≤5 vs &gt;5), and rotation through an IBD service.

Conclusions
IBD 101, an introductory course for first-year GI trainees, was associated with increased comfort managing IBD with a durable benefit independent of individual access to IBD education. Continuation of this program will further enhance the IBD education of future GI fellows.