bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantum Toolbox for Neurobiology Sensory Systems
Authors: Chiofalo Marilù 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The quantum-like paradigm has emerged over the last decade to describe non-linear, dynamical, complex phenomena using quantum mechanics as a tool. In essence, it takes advantage of the linearity of quantum information processing, allowing for complex correlations through entanglement. In a quantum- and neuroscience truly interdisciplinary research, we found that an open quantum spin network, mapping a neural system, can successfully simulate the human sense of number as a global dynamical property, in contrast with the poor performance of conventional Artificial Neural Networks. Here, we discuss how the simulation can be extended to other important complex perceptual phenomena like the perception of space, time, and numbers, known to be interdependent with each other, suggesting that a shared neuronal mechanism is operating in the brain. Here we present a research program that aims at creating a quantum toolbox to simulate this integrated space-time-number sensory ability of our brain, with open-quantum systems methods. We will explore the implications of more general quantum-matter paradigms, and their possible coding into a quantum technology.
Work extraction from a controlled quantum emitter
Authors: K G Paulson , Terletska Hanna , Fotso Herbert 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We investigate how an external driving field can control the amount of extractable work from a quantum emitter, a two-level quantum system (TLS) interacting with a photonic environment. In this scenario, the TLS functions as a quantum battery, interacting with the photonic bath that discharges it while the control field recharges it. Ergotropy serves as our measure of the extractable work from the quantum system. We systematically analyze how the ergotropy of the system evolves as it interacts with the photonic bath under the control of either a continuous driving field or a periodic pulse sequence. The coherent and incoherent contributions to the total ergotropy for various initial states are calculated. The role of detuning between the driving field and the emission frequency of the TLS, as well as the initial state of the system in work extraction, are investigated for continuous and periodic pulse-driving fields. We show that detuning has little impact on work extraction for a system that is driven by a periodic sequence of instantaneous pulses. However, for a continuously driven system, as the system approaches its steady state, ergotropy increases with detuning increases.
Manuel de Falla's El amor brujo
Authors: Hess Carol A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
El amor brujo (Love, the Magician) is a theater work by the Spanish classical composer Manuel de Falla that showcases flamenco, the music of the Spanish Gitanos (gypsies). When it premiered in Spain, in 1915, it proved controversial: some Spanish critics applauded Falla for celebrating the music of a marginalized culture while others attacked his mixing of classical and popular idioms. El amor brujo has long intrigued arrangers and artists, however. It has been repeatedly reshaped, rearranged, and repackaged, either by Falla himself or by artists ranging from the concert pianist Artur Rubinstein to the super-showman Liberace to various jazz and pop arrangers. El amor brujo has also figured in soundtracks. Frothy “movie musicals” from the 1940s, somber accounts of recent Spanish history, and films on anti-Black racism, including one by Spike Lee, have all drawn on El amor brujo. How did this rich trajectory come about? This book invites the reader to explore music, the culture industry, and race through El amor brujo.
Estimating measured creatinine clearance for critically ill trauma patients with presumed normal kidney function
Authors: Dickerson Roland N , Adams Delaney S , Farrar Julie E , Swanson Joseph M , Soule Sara , Byerly Saskya , Filiberto Dina M , Hudson Joanna Q 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The intent of this study was to evaluate the predictive performance of two common methods for estimating kidney function in critically ill trauma patients with presumed normal kidney function.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of 2 common methods for estimating kidney function, the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (2021 CKD-EPI) equations, was undertaken for adult trauma patients. Patients with a 24-hour urine collection for determination of measured creatinine clearance (mCrCl) within 4 to 14 days after admission were included in the study. Patients with a serum creatinine concentration of &gt;1.5 mg/dL or who required dialysis were excluded.

Results
The 200 patients included in the study had a median (IQR) mCrCl of 184 (141-233) mL/min; both the CG and CKD-EPI equations were biased towards underpredicting mCrCl, with median (IQR) values of 135 (100-177) mL/min and 135 (113-155) mL/min, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). One hundred twenty-two patients had augmented renal clearance (ARC), defined as an mCrCl of &gt;129 mL/min/1.73m2, and those patients had a median (IQR) mCrCl of 216 (188-265) mL/min; both the CG and CKD-EPI equations were biased towards underpredicting mCrCl in patients with ARC: the median (IQR) estimates were 160 (126-197) mL/min and 147 (129-164) mL/min, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). For those without ARC (n = 78), the median (IQR) mCrCl was 125 (98-153) mL/min; both the CG and CKD-EPI equations underpredicted mCrCl, with median estimates of 98 (76-116) mL/min and 112 (92-132) mL/min, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). The CKD-EPI equation outperformed the CG method for all markers of precision in patients without ARC (P &lt; 0.003).

Conclusion
Common predictive equations for assessing kidney function in critically ill patients with traumatic injuries underpredicted mCrCl, especially in those with ARC.
NPD7426 suppresses sterol regulatory element-binding proteins by promoting the degradation of mature SREBP forms
Authors: Kodaka Manami , Matsunaga Yuki , Terada Seiya , Kamei Minami , Suzuki Tsukasa , Yamamoto Yuji , Inoue Jun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are transcription factors that regulate various genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, playing a central role in lipid metabolism regulation in vivo. SREBP-1c activity is significantly elevated in the liver under conditions of obesity, fatty liver disease, and type II diabetes, while suppression of SREBP-1c activity has been shown to alleviate these symptoms. Consequently, targeting SREBP-1c activity is considered a potential therapeutic approach for these conditions. In this study, we identified NPD7426 as a compound with inhibitory effects on SREBP activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NPD7426 promotes the proteasome-mediated degradation of mature SREBP protein forms. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of SREBP activity suppression by small-molecule compounds containing NPD7426, suggesting that NPD7426 may be a promising candidate for the development of therapeutic drugs targeting SREBPs.
Deletion of an evolutionarily conserved TAD boundary impacts spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Lima Ana C , Okhovat Mariam , Stendahl Alexandra M , Yang Ran , VanCampen Jake , Nevonen Kimberly A , Herrera Jarod , Li Weiyu , Harshman Lana , Fedorov Lev M , Vigh-Conrad Katinka A , Ahituv Nadav , Conrad Donald F , Carbone Lucia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that can be disrupted by genetic and epigenetic changes, potentially leading to male infertility. Recent research has rapidly increased the number of coding mutations causally linked to impaired spermatogenesis in humans and mice. However, the role of noncoding mutations remains largely unexplored. To evaluate the effects of noncoding mutations on spermatogenesis, we first identified an evolutionarily conserved topologically associated domain boundary near two genes with important roles in mammalian testis function: Dmrtb1 and Lrp8. We then used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a mouse line where 26 kb of the boundary was removed including a strong and evolutionarily conserved CTCF binding site. ChIP-seq and Hi-C experiments confirmed the removal of the CTCF site and a resulting mild increase in the DNA–DNA interactions across the domain boundary. Mutant mice displayed significant changes in testis gene expression, a higher frequency of histological abnormalities, a drop of 47–52% in efficiency of meiosis, a 15–18% reduction in efficiency of spermatogenesis, and, consistently, a 12–28% decrease in daily sperm production compared to littermate controls. Despite these quantitative changes in testis function, mutant mice show no significant changes in fertility. This suggests that noncoding deletions affecting testis gene regulation may have smaller effects on fertility compared to coding mutations of the same genes. Our results demonstrate that disruption of a topologically associated domain boundary can have a negative impact on sperm production and highlight the importance of considering noncoding mutations in the analysis of patients with male infertility.
Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration measured before gonadotropin stimulation is associated with quality of subsequent ovarian response in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Bovell Rhasaan T M , Comizzoli Pierre , Nagashima Jennifer B , Santiestevan Jenny , Crosier Adrienne E , Place Ned J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Relationships between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and subsequent ovarian stimulation outcomes have been demonstrated in several mammalian species, but comprehensive reports are lacking in felids. Our objective was to characterize relationships between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and responses to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation in cheetahs and domestic cats. Blood samples collected before stimulation were used to measure serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations, which were compared to post-stimulation outcomes, including counts of retrievable oocytes or ovulation sites, oocyte quality, embryonic cleavage after in vitro fertilization, and progestogen concentrations. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were also compared to outcomes in domestic cats induced to ovulate by mechanical stimulation of the vagina and cervix (simulated coitus). Greater anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were associated with greater ovulatory response, progestogen production, and embryonic cleavage success among gonadotropin-treated cheetahs, and with greater ovulatory response among gonadotropin-treated domestic cats. Associations were moderated by age, with anti-Müllerian hormone concentration generally a greater determinant of these outcomes in older animals. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations alone could distinguish domestic cats with high and low ovulatory responses to exogenous hormones. However, this marker was unrelated to ovulatory response in domestic cats after simulated coitus. These results demonstrate the potential for anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations to predict responses of cheetahs and domestic cats to ovarian stimulation treatment commonly used in assisted reproductive technologies. Associations between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and ovarian stimulation outcomes in these species might reflect relationships between anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and antral follicle count or oocyte/embryo cellular function, as reported in other mammals; however, this remains to be tested.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans: A split-neck comparative study
Authors: Ali Mona S , El-Sadek Hala M , Rageh Mahmoud A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a prevalent dermatological issue with numerous treatment options that are not entirely sufficient. Topical vitamin D analogs were found to be effective and safe in treating AN; however, other preparations of vitamin D have not been studied yet.

Objectives
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional vitamin D3 injection in treating pseudo-acanthosis nigricans.

Methods
We enrolled thirty subjects who had bilateral pseudo-acanthosis nigricans of the neck. Every patient received intralesional vitamin D3 therapy on the right side of the neck and intralesional saline as a control on the left side over the course of four sessions, each spaced one week apart. Cases were assessed clinically one month after the last treatment session by Acanthosis Nigricans Area and Severity Index (ANASI) score in addition to dermoscopic examination.

Results
A statistically significant decrease in ANASI score was seen between the treated and control sides both before and after treatment, with the intralesional vitamin D treated side exhibiting a larger percentage of reduction than the control side. Intralesional vitamin D3 treatment significantly improved dermoscopic features such as cristae cutis, sulci cutis, and pigmented dots compared to the placebo treatment.

Conclusions
Intralesional vitamin D3 is a safe and effective modality for treating pseudo-acanthosis nigricans.
Machine learning-based pH quantification from test strip images using multiple color spaces
Authors: Nakamura Yuto , Nagao Masahiro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent advances in colorimetric analysis have focused on improving measurement accuracy through the integration of smartphone cameras and machine learning. Particular focus has been placed on enhancing predictive accuracy by combining variables from multiple color spaces. In this study, we developed a model incorporating multiple color spaces using images of universal pH test strips. For model selection, we focused on localized errors and used the mean absolute error for each pH value as an evaluation metric. As a result, by emphasizing localized errors, we were able to build a model with better generalization performance than the model selected on the basis of overall error. We implemented this model in a real-time pH measurement demo web application.
Sniffing Colors – Color associations for descriptors and odors of the MONEX-40 test
Authors: Arnhardt Sally , Fu Lilian Wei , Kornhuber Johannes , Freiherr Jessica 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Research on odor-color associations provides insights into brain processes that integrate attributes from seemingly independent senses, forming crossmodal correspondences. Since multisensory integration is based, among others, on semantic congruency, we aimed to provide a color profile - encompassing hue, saturation, and lightness - for the standardized MONEX-40 test. This color profile will enable the use of odor-congruent or odor-incongruent colors in olfactory-visual studies. In Study 1, participants completed an online survey, selecting colors corresponding to each descriptor in the smell test. The analysis revealed distinct color patterns, highlighting the importance of learning in descriptor-color associations. Study 2 explored color associations for all 40 odors of the MONEX-40 at different time points. Initially, participants reported color associations based solely on odor perception. Then, they identified the odor from a set of four descriptors and reassigned colors after odor identification. Both qualitative and quantitative methods, including statistical tests and ΔE (CIE 2000) analysis, demonstrated shifts in color associations after odor identification, affecting hue, saturation and lightness. This research deepens our understanding of how color associations form in response to various stimuli, including descriptors and odors. The findings have scientific relevance, as mentioned above, but also practical applications in product development, particularly in the food and cosmetics industries, where combining specific colors and odors can enhance product appeal.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Estimation with Cystatin C—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Karger Amy B , Shlipak Michael G 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Cystatin C is a long-established filtration marker which can be used to assess kidney function, but it has been sparingly used for clinical care due to creatinine’s role as the primary biomarker for kidney function assessment based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Content
This review summarizes the evolution of cystatin C’s role in kidney disease assessment and highlights new guidelines promoting more widespread use. Specifically, the 2021 National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Disease report, and the 2024 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), recommend increased use of cystatin C as an alternative and complementary biomarker for kidney function assessment, since it does not differ by race like creatinine, correlates better with adverse outcomes compared to creatinine, and provides a more accurate eGFR when used in combination with creatinine.

Summary
While robust literature demonstrates improved accuracy with cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) in certain clinical subpopulations, future research is needed to better understand its performance relative to creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr) and measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in additional diverse cohorts, and to achieve assay standardization to match the performance of creatinine assays. Additionally, cystatin C testing availability will need to be broadened from primarily reference laboratories to local laboratories, and partnerships will need to be developed between clinical stakeholders and the laboratory to promote cystatin C’s clinical use, to achieve widespread adoption of guideline-recommended eGFR equations.
A phloem-limited RNA phytovirus infection does not positively modulate vector preference and fitness in primary and alternate hosts
Authors: Pandey Sudeep , Roberts Phillip , Bag Sudeep , Jacobson Alana L , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Colonizing aphids play an important role in the transmission of RNA phytoviruses in the family Solemoviridae. According to “host manipulation hypothesis,” phloem limited and persistently transmitted Solemoviridae viruses modulate host physiology that positively affects vector behavior and fitness and facilitates virus spread. However, it is unclear if virus-modulated host effects on vectors across pathosystems involving Solemoviridae members are always positive. Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is a recently introduced Solemoviridae member in the United States, and it is transmitted by the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii). Effects of CLRDV infection on vector behavior and fitness were evaluated on its primary host plant, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and an alternate host plant, hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella). In this study, changes to viruliferous and non-viruliferous aphid preference and aphid fitness on virus-infected and non-infected hosts were examined. In contrast to the hypothesized preference of non-viruliferous aphids for infected plants and vice-versa, both viruliferous and non-viruliferous A. gossypii preferred non-infected cotton and hibiscus plants over CLRDV-infected plants. This suggested that the preference of non-viruliferous vectors to non-infected plants might negatively impact virus acquisition, whereas the preference of viruliferous vectors toward non-infected plants could positively facilitate virus inoculation. The total fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase of aphids were higher on non-infected plants compared with CLRDV-infected plants. The lack of enhanced fitness benefits on CLRDV-infected hosts also could negatively impact virus spread. Overall, this study suggested that “host manipulation hypothesis” favoring vector attraction and enhanced fitness on infected plants does not apply to all pathosystems involving Solemoviridae members.
The reversibility of cardiac damage after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and short-term outcomes in a real-world setting
Authors: Myagmardorj Rinchyenkhand , Fortuni Federico , Généreux Philippe , Nabeta Takeru , Stassen Jan , Galloo Xavier , Meucci Maria Chiara , Butcher Steele , van der Kley Frank , Cohen David J , Clavel Marie-Annick , Pibarot Philippe , Leon Martin B , Regeer Madelien V , Delgado Victoria , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Bax Jeroen J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims
This study aims to assess the changes in cardiac damage stage in a real-world cohort of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and to investigate the prognostic value of cardiac damage stage evolution.

Methods and results
Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI were retrospectively analysed. A five-stage system based on the presence and extent of cardiac damage assessed by echocardiography was applied before and 6 months after TAVI. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to examine independent prognostic value of the changes in cardiac damage after TAVI. A total of 734 patients with severe AS (mean age, 79.8 ± 7.4 years; 55% male) were included. Before TAVI, 32 (4%) patients did not show any sign of extra-valvular cardiac damage (Stage 0), 85 (12%) had left ventricular damage (Stage 1), 220 (30%) left atrial and/or mitral valve damage (Stage 2), 227 (31%) pulmonary vasculature and/or tricuspid valve damage (Stage 3), and 170 (23%) right ventricular damage (Stage 4). Six months after TAVI, 39% of the patients improved at least one stage in cardiac damage. Staging of cardiac damage at 6 months after TAVI [hazard ratio (HR) per one-stage increase, 1.391; P = 0.035] as well as worsening in the stage of cardiac damage (HR, 3.729; P = 0.005) were independently associated with 2-year all-cause mortality.

Conclusion
More than one-third of patients with severe AS showed an improvement in cardiac damage 6 months after TAVI. Staging cardiac damage at baseline and follow-up may improve risk stratification in patients undergoing TAVI.
Endo- and myocarditis as a severe complication of immune related adverse events treatment: case report
Authors: Van den Bosch Lauren , Vanclooster PieterJan , Van Offenwert Jan , Teuwen Laure-Anne , Franssen Constantijn 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Disseminated Aspergillus infection is a severe condition in immunocompromised patients. Mortality secondary to cardiac Aspergillus infection remains high.

Case summary
We present a case of a 45-year-old female breast cancer patient who developed Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis and myocarditis after receiving the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab. The infection emerged as a complication following the management of a severe immune-related adverse event (irAE) with high doses of immunosuppressants, triggered by the ICI.

Discussion
The use of ICI and the subsequent treatment of irAEs with immunosuppressants introduces a new subset of immunocompromised patients at risk for fungal infections. While alternative corticosteroid-sparing immune-modulating agents such as biologicals, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs have been explored, there is lack of prospective studies evaluating their efficacy and safety in this context.