bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using magnetic resonance imaging to measure head muscles: An innovative method to opportunistically determine muscle mass and detect sarcopenia
Authors: Borda Miguel German , Duque Gustavo , Pérez‐Zepeda Mario Ulises , Baldera Jonathan Patricio , Westman Eric , Zettergren Anna , Samuelsson Jessica , Kern Silke , Rydén Lina , Skoog Ingmar , Aarsland Dag 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is associated with multiple adverse outcomes. Traditional methods to determine low muscle mass for the diagnosis of sarcopenia are mainly based on dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bioelectrical impedance analysis. These tests are not always available and are rather time consuming and expensive. However, many brain and head diseases require a head MRI. In this study, we aim to provide a more accessible way to detect sarcopenia by comparing the traditional method of DXA lean mass estimation versus the tongue and masseter muscle mass assessed in a standard brain MRI.MethodsThe H70 study is a longitudinal study of older people living in Gothenburg, Sweden. In this cross‐sectional analysis, from 1203 participants aged 70 years at baseline, we included 495 with clinical data and MRI images available. We used the appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI) in DXA images as our reference measure of lean mass. Images from the masseter and tongue were analysed and segmented using 3D Slicer. For the statistical analysis, the Spearman correlation coefficient was used, and concordance was estimated with the Kappa coefficient.ResultsThe final sample consisted of 495 participants, of which 52.3% were females. We found a significant correlation coefficient between both tongue (0.26) and masseter (0.33) with ALSTI (P < 0.001). The sarcopenia prevalence confirmed using the alternative muscle measure in MRI was calculated using the ALSTI (tongue = 2.0%, masseter = 2.2%, ALSTI = 2.4%). Concordance between sarcopenia with masseter and tongue versus sarcopenia with ALSTI as reference has a Kappa of 0.989 (P < 0.001) for masseter and a Kappa of 1 for the tongue muscle (P < 0.001). Comorbidities evaluated with the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale were significantly associated with all the muscle measurements: ALSTI (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.26, P < 0.001), masseter (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07–1.26, P < 0.001) and tongue (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22, P = 0.002); the higher the comorbidities, the higher the probability of having abnormal muscle mass.ConclusionsALSTI was significantly correlated with tongue and masseter muscle mass. When performing the sarcopenia diagnostic algorithm, the prevalence of sarcopenia calculated with head muscles did not differ from sarcopenia calculated using DXA, and almost all participants were correctly classified using both methods.
MicroRNA‐299‐3p inhibits cell proliferation, motility, invasion and angiogenesis via VEGFA in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chien‐Shen , Lee Yi‐Chen , Jhan Jhen‐Hao , Li Wei‐Ming , Chang Lin‐Li , Huang A‐Mei , Lin Hui‐Hui , Wu Yi‐Ru , Hsu Wei‐Chi , Ke Hung‐Lung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundUpper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare tumor with extraordinarily different features between Eastern and Western countries. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGFA) was originally identified as a secreted signaling protein and regulator of vascular development and cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of VEGFA by microRNA in UTUC.MethodsVEGFA expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 140 human UTUC tissue samples. Next, we assessed the regulatory relationship between VEGFA and miR‐299‐3p by real‐time PCR, western blotting, ELISA and dual‐luciferase reporter assays using two UTUC cell lines. The role of miR‐299‐3p/VEGFA in cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and tube formation was analyzed in vitro.ResultsHigh VEGFA expression was significantly associated with tumor stage, grade, distant metastasis and cancer‐related death and correlated with poor progression‐free and cancer‐specific survival. VEGFA knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in UTUC cell lines. miR‐299‐3p significantly reduced VEGFA protein expression and miR‐299‐3p overexpression inhibited VEGFA mRNA and protein expression by directly targeting its 3′‐UTR. Functional studies indicated that VEGFA overexpression reversed the miR‐299‐3p‐mediated suppression of tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, miR‐299‐3p/VEGFA suppressed cellular functions in UTUC by modulating the expression of P18 and cyclin E2.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that miR‐299‐3p possibly suppresses UTUC cell proliferation, motility, invasion and angiogenesis via VEGFA. VEGFA may act as a prognostic predictor, and both VEGFA and miR‐299‐3p could be potential therapeutic targets for UTUC.
Validation of an HIV whole genome sequencing method for HIV drug resistance testing in an Australian clinical microbiology laboratory
Authors: Jenkins Frances , Le Thomas , Farhat Rima , Pinto Angie , Anzari Azim , Bonsall David , Golubchik Tanya , Bowden Rory , Lee Frederick J. , van Hal Sebastiaan J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDetection of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is vital to successful anti‐retroviral therapy (ART). HIVDR testing to determine drug‐resistance mutations is routinely performed in Australia to guide ART choice in newly diagnosed people living with HIV or in cases of treatment failure. In 2022, our clinical microbiology laboratory sought to validate a next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based HIVDR assay to replace the previous Sanger‐sequencing (SS)‐based ViroSeq. NGS solutions for HIVDR offer higher throughput, lower costs and higher sensitivity for variant detection. We sought to validate the previously described low‐cost probe‐based NGS method (veSEQ‐HIV) for whole‐genome recovery and HIVDR‐testing in a diagnostic setting. veSEQ‐HIV displayed 100% and 98% accuracy in major and minor mutation detection, respectively, and 100% accuracy of subtyping (provided > 1000 mapped reads were obtained). Pairwise comparison exhibited low inter‐and intrarun variability across the whole‐genome (Jaccard index [J] = 0.993; J = 0.972) and the Pol gene (J = 0.999; J = 0.999), respectively. veSEQ‐HIV met all our pre‐set criteria based on WHO recommendations and successfully replaced ViroSeq in our laboratory. Scaling‐down veSEQ‐HIV to a limited batch size and sequencing on Illumina iSeq. 100, allowed easy implementation of the assay into the workflow of a small sequencing laboratory with minimal staff and equipment and the ability to meet clinically relevant test turn‐around times. As HIVDR‐testing moves from SS‐ to NGS‐based methods and new ART drugs come to market (particularly those with targets outside the Pol region), whole‐genome recovery using veSEQ‐HIV provides a robust, cost‐effective and “future‐proof” NGS method for HIVDR‐testing.
Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of microplastics‐contaminated geocarposphere soil on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pod development: roles of pod nutrient metabolism and geocarposphere microbial modulation
Authors: Yang Liyu , Liang Haiyan , Wu Qi , Shen Pu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soil poses a threat to the sustainability of agriculture, impacting crop growth and soil health. Due to the geocarpy feature of peanut, geocarposphere soil environment is critical to pod development and its nutritional quality. While the effects of microplastics in the rhizosphere have been studied, their impact on peanut pod in the geocarposphere remains unknown. Biochar has emerged as a potential soil agent with the ability to remediate soil contamination. However, the mechanisms of biochar in mitigating the toxic effects of microplastics‐contaminated geocarposphere soil on peanut pod development remain largely unexplored.RESULTSWe evaluated the peanut pod performance and microbiome when facing microplastics contamination and biochar amendment in geocarposphere soil. The results showed that microplastics present in geocarposphere soil could directly enter the peanut pod, cause pod developmental disorder and exert adverse effects on nutritional quality. Aberrant expression of key genes associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid synthesis, and auxin and ethylene signaling pathways were the underlying molecular mechanisms of microplastics‐induced peanut pod developmental inhibition. However, these expression abnormalities could be reversed by biochar application. In addition, peanut geocarposphere microbiome results showed that biochar application could restore the diversity of microbial communities inhibited by microplastics contamination and promote the relative abundance of bacteria correlated with pathogen resistance and nitrogen cycle of geocarposphere soil, further promoting peanut pod development.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that biochar application is an effective strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of microplastics‐contaminated geocarposphere soil on pod development and nutritional quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differential efficacy of two small molecule PHLPP inhibitors to promote nucleus Pulposus cell health
Authors: Zhang Changli , Gordon Madeleine D. , Joseph Katherine M. , Diaz‐Hernandez Martha E. , Drissi Hicham , Illien‐Jünger Svenja 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with chronic back pain. We previously demonstrated that the phosphatase pleckstrin homology domain and leucine‐rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) 1 was positively correlated with IVD degeneration and its deficiency decelerated IVD degeneration in both mouse IVDs and human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Small molecule PHLPP inhibitors may offer a translatable method to alleviate IVD degeneration. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of the two PHLPP inhibitors NSC117079 and NSC45586 in promoting a healthy NP phenotype.MethodsTail IVDs of 5‐month‐old wildtype mice were collected and treated with NSC117079 or NSC45586 under low serum conditions ex vivo. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was performed to examine IVD structure and NP cell morphology. The expression of KRT19 was analyzed through immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Human NP cells were obtained from patients with IVD degeneration. The gene expression of KRT19, ACAN, SOX9, and MMP13 was analyzed via real time qPCR, and AKT phosphorylation and the protein expression of FOXO1 was analyzed via immunoblot.ResultsIn a mouse IVD organ culture model, NSC45586, but not NSC117079, preserved vacuolated notochordal cell morphology and KRT19 expression while suppressing cell apoptosis, counteracting the degenerative changes induced by serum deprivation, especially in males. Likewise, in degenerated human NP cells, NSC45586 increased cell viability and the expression of KRT19, ACAN, and SOX9 and reducing the expression of MMP13, while NSC117079 treatment only increased KRT19 expression. Mechanistically, NSC45586 treatment increased FOXO1 protein expression in NP cells, and inhibiting FOXO1 offset NSC45586‐induced regenerative potential, especially in males.ConclusionsOur study indicates that NSC45586 was effective in promoting NP cell health, especially in males, suggesting that PHLPP plays a key role in NP cell homeostasis and that NSC45586 might be a potential drug candidate in treating IVD degeneration.
Quality of Life and Screening on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Depression, Anxiety in Septorhinoplasty
Authors: Hohenberger Ralph , Endres Philipp , Salzmann Irina , Plinkert Peter K. , Wallner Frank , Baumann Ingo , Alt Janes , Riedel Frank , Lippert Burkard M. , Bulut Olcay Cem 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesSeptorhinoplasty (SRPL) can improve quality of life (QoL) in functional and aesthetical aspects of the nose. A key factor compromising postoperative satisfaction is symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), defined by excessive concerns and distress over slight or imagined physical defects. Although a high prevalence of BDD in SRPL patients is evident, the effect of positive screening on BDD and other psychiatric disorders is understudied. It was hypothesized that patients screening positive for BDD, depression or anxiety do not show increased postoperative QoL.MethodsA multicenter, prospective study including 259 patients. For psychiatric evaluation, the BDD concern questionnaire—aesthetic version and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used; for disease‐specific QoL the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) and the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory (FROI‐17).ResultsIn preoperative evaluation, 32.5% had a positive screening for BDD, 42.2% for increased anxiety, and 32.9% for depression. Mean QoL improved in the whole cohort (FROI total score: 54.4 ± 21.8 to 32.8 ± 23.7 and ROE: 32.3 ± 15.6 to 69.8 ± 23.1, both p < 0.001). Patients screening positive for BDD, depression or anxiety did show an increased postoperative QoL, but to a significantly lower degree and with lower pre‐ and postoperative QoL levels.ConclusionsSRPL patients show a high prevalence of BDD symptoms, elevated anxiety, and depression. These subgroups show lower QoL levels and an impaired QoL increase after surgery. Rhinoplasty surgeons must be aware of the disorders and their symptoms, discuss potential concerns with the patients, and potentially refer them to a specialist.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:2187–2193, 2024
Single Shot Generation of High‐Aspect‐Ratio Nano‐Rods from Sapphire by Ultrafast First Order Bessel Beam
Authors: Belloni Valeria Viviana , Hassan Mostafa , Furfaro Luca , Giust Remo , Seydoux‐Guillaume Anne‐Magali , Sao‐Joao Sergio , Courvoisier Francois 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEngineering the polarization and spatial phase of ultrafast laser pulses represents a compelling strategy for enhancing control over laser–matter interaction and enabling rapid and innovative nano‐fabrication processes. Here, the single‐shot, ultrafast laser fabrication of high‐aspect‐ratio, vertically standing nano‐pillars with a diameter of nm and height up to 15 µm on the surface of sapphire, is reported. To achieve this, the distinctive properties of diffraction‐free, first‐order Bessel beams endowed with either radial or azimuthal polarization distributions, are harnessed under tight focusing conditions. The highly intense laser–matter interaction in this configuration generates a tubular‐shaped, high‐pressure field beneath the material surface, leading to the rapid expulsion of material across the surface. Three distinct regimes for the pillar generation are identified in addition to a mechanism based on the Rayleigh‐Plateau theory that explains the distinct morphological regimes observed. The findings not only shed light on the underlying physical mechanisms of intense excitation of transparent dielectrics but also offer exciting prospects for the rapid fabrication of positive nano‐structures and material compression across various fields of application.
A property of forcing notions and preservation of cardinal invariants
Authors: Aoki Yushiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe define a property of forcing notions and show that there exists a model of its forcing axiom and the negation of the continuum hypothesis in which the Cichoń‐Blass diagram of cardinal invariants is the same as in the Cohen model. As a corollary, its forcing axiom and the forcing axiom for ‐centered forcing notions are independent of each other.
Toward High‐Performance Piezoresistive Polymer Derived SiOC Ceramics through Masked Stereolithography 3D Printing with β‐Silicon Carbide Nanopowder Reinforcement
Authors: Rahman Md Sazzadur , Phani Arindam , Kim Seonghwan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEnhancing the piezoresistivity of polymer‐derived silicon oxycarbide ceramics (SiOCPDC) is of great interest in the advancement of highly sensitive pressure/load sensor technology for use in harsh and extreme working conditions. However, a facile, low cost, and scalable approach to fabricate highly piezoresistive SiOCPDC below 1400 °C still remains a great challenge. Here, the fabrication and enhancement of piezoresistive properties of SiOCPDC reinforced with β‐SiC nanopowders (SiCNP) through masked stereolithography‐based 3D‐printing and subsequent pyrolysis at 1100 °C are demonstrated. The presence of free carbon in SiCNP augments high piezoresistivity in the fabricated SiCNP‐SiOCPDC composites even at lower pyrolysis temperatures. A gauge factor (GF) in the range of 4385–5630 and 6129–8987 with 0.25 and 0.50 wt% of SiCNP, respectively is demonstrated, for an applied pressure range of 0.5–5 MPa at ambient working conditions. The reported GF is significantly higher compared to those of any existing SiOCPDC materials. This rapid and facile fabrication route with significantly enhanced piezoresistive properties makes the 3D‐printed SiCNP‐SiOCPDC composite a promising high‐performance material for the detection of pressure/load in demanding applications. Also, the overall robustness in mechanical properties and load‐bearing capability ensures its long‐term stability and makes it suitable for challenging and severe environment applications.
Precision of metabolite‐selective MRS measurements of glutamate, GABA and glutathione: A review of human brain studies
Authors: Kanagasabai Kesavi , Palaniyappan Lena , Théberge Jean 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSingle‐voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SV 1H‐MRS) is an in vivo noninvasive imaging technique used to detect neurotransmitters and metabolites. It enables repeated measurements in living participants to build explanatory neurochemical models of psychiatric symptoms and testing of therapeutic approaches. Given the tight link among glutamate, gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA), glutathione and glutamine within the cellular machinery, MRS investigations of neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders must quantify a network of metabolites simultaneously to capture the pathophysiological states of interest. Metabolite‐selective sequences typically provide improved metabolite isolation and spectral modelling simplification for a single metabolite at a time. Non‐metabolite‐selective sequences provide information on all detectable human brain metabolites, but feature many signal overlaps and require complicated spectral modelling. Although there are short‐echo time (TE) MRS sequences that do not use spectral editing and are optimised to target either glutamate, GABA or glutathione, these approaches usually imply a precision tradeoff for the remaining two metabolites. Given the interest in assessing psychiatric and neurocognitive diseases that involve excitation‐inhibition imbalances along with oxidative stress, there is a need to survey the literature on the quantification precision of current metabolite‐selective MRS techniques. In this review, we locate and describe 17 studies that report on the quality of simultaneously acquired MRS metabolite data in the human brain. We note several factors that influence the data quality for single‐shot acquisition of multiple metabolites of interest using metabolite‐selective MRS: (1) internal in vivo references; (2) brain regions of interests; (3) field strength of scanner; and/or (4) optimised acquisition parameters. We also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various SV spectroscopy techniques that were able to quantify in vivo glutamate, GABA and glutathione simultaneously. The insights from this review will assist in the development of new MRS pulse sequences for simultaneous, selective measurements of these metabolites and simplified spectral modelling.
The clinical characteristics and risk factors for necrotizing soft tissue infection in children
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Jigang , Wang Yanni , Qi Hongyan , Yu Jing 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTImportanceNecrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a serious infectious disease. However, the early clinical manifestations and indicators of NSTI in children are still unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of NSTI in pediatric patients.MethodsA total of 127 children with skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) were treated at our hospital and divided into two groups: the NSTI group and the non‐NSTI group, based on their discharge diagnosis from January 2011 to December 2022. Then, we collected and analyzed the clinical characteristics and risk factors of all patients, including sex and age, disease inducement, admission temperature, local skin manifestations, infection site, the presence of sepsis, bacterial culture, and laboratory indicators.ResultsIn our study, there was a statistical difference in the age distribution and disease inducement between NSTI and non‐NSTI groups. The occurrence of local skin manifestations (blisters/bullae and ecchymosis) and the presence of sepsis significantly increased in the NSTI group compared to the non‐NSTI group. Additionally, only the platelet count on laboratory tests was statistically different between the NSTI and non‐NSTI groups. Finally, the logistic regression analysis suggested that local skin manifestations such as blisters/bullae, and ecchymosis, as well as the presence of sepsis, were identified as risk factors for NSTI.InterpretationChildren with SSTI and skin manifestations such as blisters/bullae, ecchymosis, and the presence of sepsis are at a higher risk of developing NSTI. These symptoms serve as useful indicators for early detection of NSTI.
Review of participatory research assent procedures in school psychology
Authors: Flowers Jaime , McCleary Daniel , Dawes Jillian , Marzolf Hunter 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the realm of psychology and related fields, like school psychology, obtaining informed consent from clients or participants who are 18 years old or older is mandatory for researchers. However, if the individuals are below 18 years old or under a conservatorship, their assent is crucial even if their parent or legal guardian has provided formal consent. Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of assent during research, there is a lack of research and guidelines on how to obtain it effectively. To bridge this gap, we conducted a review and created a summary of research published in school psychology journals on gaining assent during research studies. The articles were categorized based on the experimental design, population, and level of assent described. Our findings offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on gaining assent in school psychology, which will enhance transparency in research methods.
Conserved cellular patterning in the mesophyll of rice leaves
Authors: Sloan Jen , Wang Saranrat , Ngai Qi Yang , Xiao Yi , Armand Jodie , Wilson Matthew J. , Zhu Xin‐Guang , Fleming Andrew J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe mesophyll cells of grass leaves, such as rice, are traditionally viewed as displaying a relatively uniform pattern, in contrast to the clear distinctions of palisade and spongy layers in typical eudicot leaves. This quantitative analysis of mesophyll cell size and shape in rice leaves reveals that there is an inherent pattern in which cells in the middle layer of the mesophyll are larger and less circular and have a distinct orientation of their long axis compared to mesophyll cells in other layers. Moreover, this pattern was observed in a range of rice cultivars and species. The significance of this pattern with relation to potential photosynthetic function and the implication of the widespread use of middle layer mesophyll cells as typical of the rice leaf have been investigated and discussed.