bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-driven neighborhood effects on herbivory in the dioecious Mediterranean palm Chamaerops humilis L.
Authors: Muñoz-Gallego Raquel , Wiegand Thorsten , Traveset Anna , Fedriani Jose M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough it is well recognized that the strength of plant–herbivore interactions can vary with the plant sex, the distance, and the density of conspecific neighbors, no study has yet assessed their combined influence. Here, we filled this knowledge gap by focusing on the dioecious palm Chamaeropshumilis L., and its two main herbivores, the invasive moth Paysandisiaarchon Burmeister and the feral goat Caprahircus L. We evaluated levels and spatial patterns of herbivory, as well as those of plant size and number of inflorescences in two palm populations in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Our spatial point pattern analyses revealed that palms not affected by moth herbivory or goat florivory were spatially aggregated, goats fed more strongly upon inflorescences in palms with more neighbors, but they consumed more leaves in isolated palms. Interestingly, we could reveal for the first time that plant sex is a key plant trait modulating neighborhood effects. For instance, whereas aggregated female palms experienced lower intensity of goat florivory than isolated ones, male palms showed the opposite pattern. Palm size and number of inflorescences also showed sex-related differences, suggesting that sexual dimorphism is a key driver of the observed neighborhood effects on herbivory. Our study highlights the importance of considering relevant plant traits such as sex when investigating plant neighborhood effects, calling for further research to fully understand the dynamics governing plant–herbivore interactions in dioecious systems.
Selection of surgical modality for massive splenomegaly in children
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Congjun , Chen Weilong , Chen Chao , Tang Xianming , Wang Hong , Chen Jiabo , Liu Qiang , Li Wei , Li Yanqiang , Chen Peng , Luo Yige , Su Cheng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), a treatment for both benign and malignant splenic diseases, can prove technically challenging in patients with massive splenomegaly. In particular, the optimal surgical modality for treating massive splenomegaly in children remains controversial.

Methods
The clinicopathologic data of 289 pediatric patients undergoing splenectomy for massive splenomegaly were studied in a retrospective analysis. Accordingly, the patients were classified into the LS surgery group and open splenectomy (OS) surgery group. In the laparoscopy cohort, they were separated into two subgroups according to the method of surgery: the multi-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (MILS) and the single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (SILS) surgery groups, respectively. Patient demographics, clinical data, surgery, complications, and postoperative recovery underwent analysis. Concurrently, we compared the risk of adverse laparoscopic splenectomy outcomes utilizing univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results
The total operation time proved remarkably shorter in the OS group in contrast to the LS group (149.87 ± 61.44 versus 188.20 ± 52.51 min, P < 0.001). Relative to the OS group, the LS group exhibited lowered postoperative pain scores, bowel recovery time, and postoperative hospitalization time (P < 0.001). No remarkable difference existed in post-operation complications or mortality (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the operation duration was remarkably longer in the SILS surgery group than in the MILS surgery group (200 ± 46.11 versus 171.39 ± 40.30 min, P = 0.02). Meanwhile, the operative duration of MILS and SILS displayed a remarkable positive association with splenic length. Moreover, the operative duration of SILS displayed a remarkable positive association with the age, weight, and height of the sick children. Splenic length proved an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes (P < 0.001, OR 1.378).

Conclusions
For pediatric patients with massive splenomegaly who can tolerate prolonged anesthesia and operative procedures, LS surgery proves the optimal treatment regimen. SILS remains a novel surgery therapy which may be deemed a substitutional surgery approach for treating massive splenomegaly.
L-DOPA-therapy in Parkinson’s disease: some personal reflections on L-DOPA therapy from Vienna and Berlin
Authors: Riederer Peter , Horowski Reinhard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDopamine was initially considered as a mere intermediate in the noradrenaline synthesis but was then found to be a neurotransmitter. Its depletion resulted in characteristic symptoms in experimental studies and could be antagonized by DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanin), suggesting a similarity to the human disorder Parkinson´s disease (PD) and a therapeutic potential which was successfully exploited from the 1970s on. This was due to the pioneering work of Arvid Carlsson and clinicians around the world who first worked on the breakthrough of L-DOPA therapy and then on its amendment and modification and on alternative therapies for PD patients. All these developments led to the establishment of PD therapy as we know it today. It is characterized by the availability of many different compounds which are mostly employed in combination and by different methods: orally, intravenously, transdermally, subcutaneously, or duodenally. Here, we present without claim of completeness some personal reflections about causal drug developments for PD patients and reflect on some personal interactions with leading clinicians and basic researchers who cooperated with us. Such interactions are crucial for the creation, sometimes serendipitously, of fresh ideas and to further develop existing concepts to make therapeutical progress.
A 12-month prospective real-life study of opicapone efficacy and tolerability in Emirati and non-White subjects with Parkinson’s disease based in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Metta Vinod , Ibrahim Huzaifa , Muralidharan Neha , Rodriguez Kislyn , Masagnay Therese , Mohan Judith , Lacsina Arlet , Ahmed Abdullah , Benamer Hani T. S. , Chung-Faye Guy , Mrudula Rukmini , Falup-Pecurariu Cristian , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Borgohain Rupam , Goyal Vinay , Bhattacharya Kalyan , Chaudhuri K. Ray 
Published: October 2023

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and the condition is complicated by the emergence of wearing off/motor fluctuations with levodopa treatment after a variable period. COMT inhibitors when used as adjunct therapy to levodopa tend to smoothen out these wearing off fluctuations by enhancing delivery of levodopa and increasing its bioavailability to the brain. The study was conducted to investigate the motor and nonmotor effect, safety and tolerability of the third generation once-daily COMT inhibitor (opicapone), as add-on, adjuvant therapy to levodopa and at 6 and 12 months follow-up in a real-life cohort of consecutive Emirati and non-White PD patients. A real-life observational analysis using tolerability parameters as used previously by Rizos et al. and Shulman et al. based on clinical database of cases rat Kings College Hospital Dubai Parkinson care database. This was a prospective, single-arm follow-up clinical evaluation study that evaluated the effectiveness of opicapone 50 mg once-daily regime in 50 patients diagnosed with idiopathic neurodegenerative disorder. All patients were assessed with scales used in clinical pathway and include motor Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), nonmotor symptom scale (NMSS), quality of life (PDQ8) Parkinson’s fatigue scale (PFS16) and King’s Parkinson’s Pain Scale (KIPS). Out of 50 patients treated with opicapone (72% male, mean age 66.9 years (SD 9.9, range 41–82 years) and mean duration of disease 5.7 years (SD 2.5 range (2–11), there was significant statistical improvements shown in motor function-UPDRS part 3: baseline 40.64 ± 2.7, at 6 months 32.12 ± 3.14 and after 12 months 33.72 ± 3.76. Nonmotor burden NMSS: 107.00 ± 21.86, at 6 months 100.78 ± 17.28 and 12 months 96.88 ± 16.11. Reduction in dyskinesias (UPDRS part 4): baseline 8.78 ± 1.07, at 6 months 7.4 ± 0.81 and 12 months 6.82 ± 0.75. Opicapone provides beneficial motor and nonmotor effects in Emirati and other non-White Parkinson’s patients, resident in UAE, proving its efficacy across different racial groups as COMT activity may vary between races.
Comparative biological properties of resin-free and resin-based calcium silicate-based endodontic repair materials on human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Saber Shehabeldin M. , Gomaa Shaimaa M. , Elashiry Mohamed M. , El-Banna Ahmed , Schäfer Edgar 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the effect of three different calcium silicate-based materials (CSBM) on the biological behavior of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).

Methods
Eluates of Biodentine, NeoPutty and TheraCal PT prepared at 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios were extracted under sterile conditions. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to the hPDLSCs was assessed using the MTT assay. Scratch wound healing assay was utilized for assessing cell migration. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect cell attachment and morphology. Calcium ion release was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; the pH-value was evaluated with a pH-meter. ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used for statistical analysis.

Results
Cell viability was significantly higher for Biodentine and NeoPutty at day 1 with all dilutions (p < 0.05), while at day 3 and day 7 with dilutions 1:2 and 1:4; all materials showed similar behavior (p > 0.05). Biodentine had the highest percentage of cell migration into the scratched area at day 1 for all dilutions (p < 0.05). Stem cells were attached favorably on Biodentine and NeoPutty with evident spreading, and intercellular communications; however, this was not shown for TheraCal PT. Biodentine showed the highest pH values and calcium ion release (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The resin-free CSBM showed better performance and favorable biological effects on hPDLSCs and were therefore considered promising for usage as endodontic repair materials.
Clinical significance: Proper selection of materials with favorable impact on the host stem cells is crucial to ensure outcome in different clinical scenarios.
Estimating school provision, access and costs from local pupil counts under decentralised governance
Authors: Jacobs-Crisioni Chris , Moreno-Monroy Ana I. , Kompil Mert , Dijkstra Lewis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study proposes a sequence of methods to obtain geolocated estimates of primary school provision, costs, and access. This sequence entails: (1) location-allocation, an approach that mimics school location patterns in case of decentralised governance, such as exists in the EU and UK; (2) balanced floating catchment areas, an approach to assign pupils to schools assuming free school choice; and (3) school costs estimates, which are induced from pupil counts and the distributional properties of observed school costs. The method is fine-tuned using observed school locations and school-level costs data. It is developed to assess how much local population densities and demography affects school access and schooling costs across Europe. Its results can be aggregated by degree of urbanisation to quantify the differences across human settlements ranging from mostly uninhabited areas to densely populated cities.
A systematic review of deep learning-based cervical cytology screening: from cell identification to whole slide image analysis
Authors: Jiang Peng , Li Xuekong , Shen Hui , Chen Yuqi , Wang Lang , Chen Hua , Feng Jing , Liu Juan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in daily life. Early detection and diagnosis can effectively help facilitate subsequent clinical treatment and management. With the growing advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) techniques, an increasing number of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods based on deep learning have been applied in cervical cytology screening. In this paper, we survey more than 80 publications since 2016 to provide a systematic and comprehensive review of DL-based cervical cytology screening. First, we provide a concise summary of the medical and biological knowledge pertaining to cervical cytology, since we hold a firm belief that a comprehensive biomedical understanding can significantly contribute to the development of CAD systems. Then, we collect a wide range of public cervical cytology datasets. Besides, image analysis approaches and applications including cervical cell identification, abnormal cell or area detection, cell region segmentation and cervical whole slide image diagnosis are summarized. Finally, we discuss the present obstacles and promising directions for future research in automated cervical cytology screening.
A Qualitative Exploration of PrEP Interests, Barriers, and Interventions Among Black and Latina Cisgender Women in the U.S.
Authors: Nydegger Liesl A. , Kidane Heran , Benitez Sabrina , Yuan Mandy , Claborn Kasey R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBlack and Latina cisgender women (BLCW) are disproportionally affected by HIV, particularly in the southern U.S. In Austin, Texas, Black women contract HIV 18.4 times more and Latinas 2.6 times more compared to White women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents contracting HIV; however, PrEP adoption among women is low. The current qualitative study aimed to explore PrEP awareness, interest, preferred PrEP administration methods, barriers to PrEP adoption, and future programs to increase PrEP adoption and adherence among BLCW. A total of 18 BLCW at high risk for HIV were enrolled. Participants completed 3 semi-structured interviews across 3 months. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results demonstrated that BLCW had low PrEP awareness, high initial PrEP interest, and were interested in a long-acting injectable form of PrEP. Barriers to PrEP adoption included concerns regarding side effects, concerns about adherence to the currently available daily pill, and difficulty with insurance. Participants proposed different ideas for interventions, including support groups, education, community-level programs, and structural interventions. Future studies should focus on increasing PrEP awareness and HIV risk, consider alternative forms of PrEP, educate providers and medical staff on PrEP, and consider tailored interventions to reduce HIV risk among BLCW.
Gene expression profiles in clinically T1-2N0 ER+HER2− breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy: their added value in case sentinel lymph node biopsy is not performed
Authors: van Roozendaal L. M. , Vane M. L. G. , Colier E. , Strobbe L. J. A. , de Boer M. , Sonke G. , Van Maaren M. C. , Smidt M. L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer treatment results in patients with unknown positive nodal status and potential risk for systemic undertreatment. This study aimed to investigate whether gene expression profiles (GEPs) can lower this risk in cT1-2N0 ER+ HER2– breast cancer patients treated with BCT.

Methods
Patients were included if diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 with cT1-2N0 ER+ HER2– breast cancer, treated with BCT and SLNB, and in whom GEP was applied. Adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations based on clinical risk status (Dutch breast cancer guideline of 2020 versus PREDICT v2.1) with and without knowledge on SLNB outcome were compared to GEP outcome. We examined missing adjuvant chemotherapy indications, and the number of GEPs needed to identify one patient at risk for systemic undertreatment.

Results
Of 3585 patients, 2863 (79.9%) had pN0 and 722 (20.1%) pN + disease. Chemotherapy was recommended in 1354 (37.8% guideline-2020) and 1888 patients (52.7% PREDICT). Eliminating SLNB outcome (n = 722) resulted in omission of chemotherapy recommendation in 475 (35.1% guideline-2020) and 412 patients (21.8% PREDICT). GEP revealed genomic high risk in 126 (26.5% guideline-2020) and 82 patients (19.9% PREDICT) in case of omitted chemotherapy recommendation in the absence of SLNB. Extrapolated to the whole group, this concerns 3.5% and 2.3%, respectively, resulting in the need for 28–44 GEPs to identify one patient at risk for systemic undertreatment.

Conclusion
If no SLNB is performed, clinical risk status according to the guideline of 2020 and PREDICT predicts a very low risk for systemic undertreatment. The number of GEPs needed to identify one patient at risk for undertreatment does not justify its standard use.
Peer Spillover and Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effects with SIMS80: Revisiting a Historical Database Through the Lens of a Modern Methodological Perspective
Authors: Televantou Ioulia , Marsh Herbert W. , Xu Kate M. , Guo Jiesi , Dicke Theresa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe present study uses doubly latent models to estimate the effect of average mathematics achievement at the class level on students’ subsequent mathematics achievement (the “Peer Spillover Effect”) and mathematics self-concept (the “Big-Fish-Little-Pond-Effect; BFLPE”), controlling for individual differences in prior mathematics achievement. Our data, consisting of 13-year-old students from Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, come from a unique cross-national database with a longitudinal design at the student level: the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS80). This historical survey was administered by IEA in the 1980s and highly influenced the development of educational policies in the following decades. We replicate a widely cited study based on SIMS80, interrogating the validity of its findings of a positive peer spillover effect. When we adjust for measurement error, using doubly latent models, we observe that originally positive peer spillover effects become less positive or disappear altogether. On the contrary, negative BFLPEs become more negative and remain statistically significant throughout. Our study is the only cross-national study to have evaluated both the BFLPE and the peer spillover effect with controls for a true measure of prior achievement — and the only study to test the peer spillover effect cross-nationally using doubly latent models. Our findings question the empirical results of past and current research evaluating school- and class-level compositional effects based on sub-optimal models that fail to control for measurement error.
Fertility preservation in pregnant cancer patients after first-trimester abortion: a new challenge with possible solutions
Authors: Marin Loris , Ambrosini Guido , Vio Chiara , Conley Jordyn , Bordin Luciana , Sabbadin Chiara , Andrisani Alessandra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFertility preservation in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer can be a challenge. Raised levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG) and progesterone in this population of patients may pose a problem for the prompt initiation of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) due to a potential negative feedback of these hormones on folliculogenesis; however, it is not feasible to wait for negativization of serum beta-hCG levels before starting controlled ovarian stimulation. In literature, very few cases have been reported regarding the preservation of fertility in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer. We performed an extended revision of the literature to evaluate the current knowledge of the management of fertility preservation in women with cancer and we examined two cases closely. The first case study involved a cancer patient who underwent surgical abortion at 6.5 weeks of gestation followed by administration of mifepristone to detach any minimal residual trophoblast and consequently to decrease serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels before starting COS. In the second case study, the cancer patient underwent surgical abortion at 7.1 weeks of gestation and simultaneous unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to a limited time for COS. By analyzing the results of these studies, it could be hypothesized that mifepristone administration may favor the decrease of serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels in order to permit rapid initiation of COS. In cases where COS is not feasible, ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be considered as an alternative fertility preservation technique.
Polycaprolactone/graphene oxide/acellular matrix nanofibrous scaffolds with antioxidant and promyelinating features for the treatment of peripheral demyelinating diseases
Authors: Nagarajan Aishwarya , Rizwana Nasera , Abraham Michelle , Bhat Mahima , Vetekar Aakanksha , Thakur Goutam , Chakraborty Uttara , Agarwal Vipul , Nune Manasa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPeripheral demyelinating diseases entail damage to axons and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Because of poor prognosis and lack of a cure, this group of diseases has a global impact. The primary underlying cause of these diseases involves the inability of Schwann cells to remyelinate the damaged insulating myelin around axons, resulting in neuronal death over time. In the past decade, extensive research has been directed in the direction of Schwann cells focusing on their physiological and neuroprotective effects on the neurons in the peripheral nervous system. One cause of dysregulation in the remyelinating function of Schwann cells has been associated with oxidative stress. Tissue-engineered biodegradable scaffolds that can stimulate remyelination response in Schwann cells have been proposed as a potential treatment strategy for peripheral demyelinating diseases. However, strategies developed to date primarily focussed on either remyelination or oxidative stress in isolation. Here, we have developed a multifunctional nanofibrous scaffold with material and biochemical cues to tackle both remyelination and oxidative stress in one matrix. We developed a nanofibrous scaffold using polycaprolactone (PCL) as a foundation loaded with antioxidant graphene oxide (GO) and coated this bioscaffold with Schwann cell acellular matrix. In vitro studies revealed both antioxidant and remyelination properties of the developed bioscaffold. Based on the results, the developed multifunctional bioscaffold approach can be a promising biomaterial approach for treating demyelinating diseases.
Graphical Abstract
Direct Estimation of Parameters in ODE Models Using WENDy: Weak-Form Estimation of Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Bortz David M. , Messenger Daniel A. , Dukic Vanja 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe introduce the Weak-form Estimation of Nonlinear Dynamics (WENDy) method for estimating model parameters for non-linear systems of ODEs. Without relying on any numerical differential equation solvers, WENDy computes accurate estimates and is robust to large (biologically relevant) levels of measurement noise. For low dimensional systems with modest amounts of data, WENDy is competitive with conventional forward solver-based nonlinear least squares methods in terms of speed and accuracy. For both higher dimensional systems and stiff systems, WENDy is typically both faster (often by orders of magnitude) and more accurate than forward solver-based approaches. The core mathematical idea involves an efficient conversion of the strong form representation of a model to its weak form, and then solving a regression problem to perform parameter inference. The core statistical idea rests on the Errors-In-Variables framework, which necessitates the use of the iteratively reweighted least squares algorithm. Further improvements are obtained by using orthonormal test functions, created from a set of$$C^{\infty }$$C∞bump functions of varying support sizes.We demonstrate the high robustness and computational efficiency by applying WENDy to estimate parameters in some common models from population biology, neuroscience, and biochemistry, including logistic growth, Lotka-Volterra, FitzHugh-Nagumo, Hindmarsh-Rose, and a Protein Transduction Benchmark model. Software and code for reproducing the examples is available athttps://github.com/MathBioCU/WENDy.