bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing physical activity monitoring and digital biomarkers of frailty from pendant based wearables to predict chemotherapy resilience in veterans with cancer
Authors: Cay Gozde , Sada Yvonne H. , Dehghan Rouzi Mohammad , Uddin Atique Md Moin , Rodriguez Naima , Azarian Mehrnaz , Finco M. G. , Yellapragada Sarvari , Najafi Bijan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the use of pendant-based wearables for monitoring digital biomarkers of frailty in predicting chemotherapy resilience among 27 veteran cancer patients (average age: 64.6 ± 13.4 years), undergoing bi-weekly chemotherapy. Immediately following their first day of chemotherapy cycle, participants wore a water-resistant pendant sensor for 14 days. This device tracked frailty markers like cadence (slowness), daily steps (inactivity), postural transitions (weakness), and metrics such as longest walk duration and energy expenditure (exhaustion). Participants were divided into resilient and non-resilient groups based on adverse events within 6 months post-chemotherapy, including dose reduction, treatment discontinuation, unplanned hospitalization, or death. A Chemotherapy-Resilience-Index (CRI) ranging from 0 to 1, where higher values indicate poorer resilience, was developed using regression analysis. It combined physical activity data with baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) assessments. The protocol showed a 97% feasibility rate, with sensor metrics effectively differentiating between groups as early as day 6 post-therapy. The CRI, calculated using data up to day 6 and baseline ECOG, significantly distinguished resilient (CRI = 0.2 ± 0.27) from non-resilient (CRI = 0.7 ± 0.26) groups (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.67). This confirms the potential of remote monitoring systems in tracking post-chemotherapy functional capacity changes and aiding early non-resilience detection, subject to validation in larger studies.
Inactivation of phosphodiesterase-4B gene in rat nucleus accumbens shell by CRISPR/Cas9 or positive allosteric modulation of the protein affects the motivation to chronically self-administer nicotine
Authors: Sharp Burt M. , Jiang Qin , Kim Panjun , Chen Hao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLarge scale human genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a growing pool of genes associated with cigarette smoking. One of the most prominent, phosphodiesterase-4B (PDE4B), has been associated with multiple smoking phenotypes. Although PDE4B modulates the half-life of neuronal cAMP, its precise role in smoking behaviors is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we used a reverse translational approach. We inactivated PDE4B in bilateral medial nucleus accumbens shell (NAcs) neurons by injecting AAV containing a specific gRNA in female transgenic Cas9+ Long Evans rats. These rats then were given 23-h chronic access to nicotine intravenous self-administration (IVSA) under a schedule of increasing fixed ratios (FR). With the increased effort required at FR7, nicotine SA (i.e. active presses and drug infusions) declined significantly in controls, whereas it was maintained in the mutagenized group. A progressive ratio (PR) study also showed significantly greater cumulative nicotine infusions in the PDE4B-edited group. Hence, we hypothesized that enhanced PDE4B protein activity would reduce nicotine IVSA. A positive allosteric modulator, 2-(3-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-5-ethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-N-(3,5-dichlorobenzyl)acetamide (MR-L2), was microinfused into NAcs bilaterally at FR3 or FR5; in both cohorts, MR-L2 acutely reduced nicotine IVSA. In summary, these studies show that the activity of PDE4B regulates the capacity of NAcs to maintain nicotine IVSA in face of the cost of increasing work. This finding and the results of the PR study indicate that PDE4B affects the motivation to obtain nicotine. These reverse translational studies in rats provide insight into the motivational effects of NAcs PDE4B that advance our understanding of the smoking behaviors mapped in human GWAS.
Molecular modelling of fullerene C60 functionalized by nitric oxide for use in biological environment
Authors: Moztarzadeh Omid , Jamshidi Morteza , Taherpour Avat Arman , Babuska Vaclav 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe unique potential of fullerene C60 for various biological applications has ignited significant interest. However, its inherent non-polarity poses a critical challenge for its effective integration within biological systems. This study delves into the intricate physicochemical characteristics of the innovative [C60 + NO] complex using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The computational analyses encompass molecular charge, surface electrostatic potential, and dipole moment evaluations. Impressively, the dipole moment of the [C60 + NO] complex significantly increases to 12.92 D. Meticulous surface analysis reveals a subtle interplay between molecular structures, indicating weak interactions. The analysis of the absorption spectrum unveils a noteworthy red-shift of 200 nm subsequent to complex formation. To elucidate the electron transfer mechanisms, we explore photo-induced electron transfer through CAM-B3LYP. This exploration elucidates intricate pathways governing electron transfer, with complementary insights gleaned from Marcus theory's outputs, especially the Gibbs free energy of electron transfer. Changes in the physicochemical properties of approaching C60 and NO molecules reveal interesting results compared to separate molecules. These findings resonate profoundly in the context of potential biological and pharmaceutical utilization. With implications for the biomedical area, the outcomes linked to the [C60 + NO] complex kindle optimism for pioneering biomedical applications.
CD38 genetic variation is associated with increased personal distress to an emotional stimulus
Authors: Procyshyn Tanya L. , Leclerc Bédard Laury-Ann , Crespi Bernard J. , Bartz Jennifer A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGenetic variation in CD38—a putative oxytocin pathway gene—has been linked to higher oxytocin levels, empathy, and sensitive parenting, but also to more negative interpersonal outcomes (e.g., alienation from friends and family, poorer romantic relationship quality). To reconcile these seemingly contradictory findings, we drew upon the idea that CD38 variation may heighten social-emotional sensitivity and, consequently, make individuals prone to negative emotions in distressing interpersonal situations. To test this hypothesis, we performed a secondary analysis of a dataset including participants’ (n = 171; 94 females) empathic concern (“sympathetic”) and distress-related (“anxious”) responses to an emotional video. Distress responses were higher for the CD38 rs3796863 AA/AC group vs. the CC group (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.027); however, there was no significant effect of genotype for empathic concern responses to the video or for indices of trait empathy. These findings provide preliminary evidence that, in the face of an interpersonal stressor, CD38 genetic variation may predict more self-focused, aversive emotional reactions. More broadly, this finding highlights the need to adopt a more nuanced perspective in which the influence of oxytocin system variation (assessed by oxytocin-related genetic variation) should be considered in light of the social context.
The Hopf whole-brain model and its linear approximation
Authors: Ponce-Alvarez Adrián , Deco Gustavo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhole-brain models have proven to be useful to understand the emergence of collective activity among neural populations or brain regions. These models combine connectivity matrices, or connectomes, with local node dynamics, noise, and, eventually, transmission delays. Multiple choices for the local dynamics have been proposed. Among them, nonlinear oscillators corresponding to a supercritical Hopf bifurcation have been used to link brain connectivity and collective phase and amplitude dynamics in different brain states. Here, we studied the linear fluctuations of this model to estimate its stationary statistics, i.e., the instantaneous and lagged covariances and the power spectral densities. This linear approximation—that holds in the case of heterogeneous parameters and time-delays—allows analytical estimation of the statistics and it can be used for fast parameter explorations to study changes in brain state, changes in brain activity due to alterations in structural connectivity, and modulations of parameter due to non-equilibrium dynamics.
Proton pump inhibitors and potassium competitive acid blockers decrease pembrolizumab efficacy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Iida Keitaro , Naiki Taku , Etani Toshiki , Nagai Takashi , Sugiyama Yosuke , Isobe Teruki , Aoki Maria , Nozaki Satoshi , Noda Yusuke , Shimizu Nobuhiko , Tomiyama Nami , Gonda Masakazu , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Kubota Hiroki , Nakane Akihiro , Ando Ryosuke , Kawai Noriyasu , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe elucidated the efficacy of gut microbiome–altering drugs on pembrolizumab efficacy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively from 133 patients with mUC who received second-line pembrolizumab therapy between January 2018 and January 2021, following failed platinum-based chemotherapy. We evaluated the effects of gut microbiome–altering drugs (proton pump inhibitors [PPI]/potassium-competitive acid blockers [P-CAB], H2 blockers, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], metformin, antipsychotics, steroids, and opioids), taken by patients within 30 days before/after pembrolizumab treatment, on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Fifty-one patients received PPI/P-CAB (37/14, respectively); H2 blockers, 7; antibiotics, 35; NSAIDs, 22; antipsychotics, 8; metformin, 3; steroids, 11; and opioids, 29. Kaplan–Meier curves revealed PPI or P-CAB users showed shorter PFS than non-PPI-P-CAB users (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis highlighted PPI/P-CAB use as the only independent prognostic factor for disease progression (hazards ratio: 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.07, p = 0.010) but not death (p = 0.177). Proton pump inhibitors/potassium-competitive acid blockers may decrease the efficacy of pembrolizumab therapy for mUC, possibly via gut microbiome modulation.
Mass spectrometry in IgG4-related disease diagnosis
Authors: Onwuka Daniel C. , Chen Luke Y. C. , Zhan Shing H. , Seidman Michael A. , Cartagena Liliana , Killow Veronika , Abou-tak Hosam , Mattman Andre , Carruthers Mollie N. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe compared liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) against Binding Site immunonephelometry (BSIN) with regards to these methods’ abilities to diagnose IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). IgG subclasses were gathered from laboratory from December 2011 to December 2020. The IgG4-RD positive and negative patients were diagnosed according to the ACR/EULAR classification criteria by extensive chart review. Both methods’ results were compared in terms of test characteristics. For BSIN, there were 43 IgG4-RD positive cases and 174 disease negative cases, while for LC–MS/MS, there were 102 IgG4-RD positive cases and 562 disease negative cases. The majority of IgG4-RD patients by BSIN and LC–MS/MS had an elevated IgG4 level, 81% and 86%, respectively. For BSIN, the ROC curve, cut-off value of 1.25 g/L, had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84%. For LC–MS/MS, the ROC curve, cut-off value of 1.25 g/L, had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 84%. The responder index score to IgG4 level r-correlation value for BSIN and LC–MS/MS was 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. In our center, LC–MS/MS and BSIN are equivalent test methods in IgG4-RD diagnosis. IgG4 level does correlate with disease activity by the responder index. LC–MS/MS is a valid and equally reliable alternative to BSIN in the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease.
Larval precompetency and settlement behaviour in 25 Indo-Pacific coral species
Authors: Randall Carly J. , Giuliano Christine , Stephenson Briony , Whitman Taylor N. , Page Cathie A. , Treml Eric A. , Logan Murray , Negri Andrew P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractKnowledge of coral larval precompetency periods and maximum competency windows is fundamental to understanding coral population dynamics, informing biogeography and connectivity patterns, and predicting reef recovery following disturbances. Yet for many species, estimates of these early-life history metrics are scarce and vary widely. Furthermore, settlement cues for many taxa are not known despite consequences to habitat selection. Here we performed a comprehensive experimental time-series investigation of larval settlement behaviour, for 25 Indo-Pacific broadcast-spawning species. To investigate the duration of precompetency, improve predictions of the competency windows, and compare settlement responses within and amongst species, we completed replicated and repeated 24-hour assays that exposed larvae to five common settlement cues. Our study revealed that larval competency in some broadcast-spawning species begins as early as two days post fertilization, but that the precompetency period varies within and between species from about two to six days, with consequences for local retention and population connectivity. We also found that larvae of some species are competent to settle beyond 70 days old and display complex temporal settlement behaviour, challenging the assumption that competency gradually wanes over time and adding to the evidence that larval longevity can support genetic connectivity and long-distance dispersal. Using these data, we grouped coral taxa by short, mid and long precompetency periods, and identified their preferred settlement cues. Taken together, these results inform our understanding of larval dynamics across a broad range of coral species and can be applied to investigations of population dynamics, connectivity, and reef recovery.
Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes use communal cues to manage population density at breeding sites
Authors: Costa-da-Silva Andre Luis , Cabal Silvia , Lopez Kristian , Boloix Jean , Rodriguez Brian Garcia , Marrero Kaylee M. , Bellantuono Anthony J. , DeGennaro Matthew 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhere a female mosquito lays her eggs creates the conditions for reproductive success. Here we identify a communal behavior among ovipositing female mosquitoes. When choosing equal breeding sites, gravid Aedes aegypti aggregate more often than expected. This aggregation occurs when water contact is restricted and does not require the presence of eggs. Instead, the aggregation is regulated by the number of females present at the breeding site. Using assays with both occupied and empty oviposition sites, we show that the Orco olfactory co-receptor and a carbon dioxide receptor, Gr3, detect the presence of mosquitoes. orco mutants aggregate more often in empty sites, suggesting attractive olfactory cues influence females to associate with one another. Gr3 mutant females do not prefer either site, suggesting that the CO2 receptor is necessary to evaluate mosquito population density at breeding sites. Further, raising CO2 levels is sufficient to cause wild-type mosquitoes to avoid empty oviposition sites. Our results demonstrate that female mosquitoes can regulate their own population density at breeding sites using attractive and repellent communal cues.
Shifting reef restoration focus from coral survivorship to biodiversity using Reef Carpets
Authors: Horoszowski-Fridman Yael B. , Izhaki Ido , Katz Sefano M. , Barkan Ronen , Rinkevich Baruch 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo enhance the practice of farmed-coral transplantation, we conducted a trial of an approach called “Reef Carpets” (RC), which draws inspiration from the commercial turf-grass sod in land-based lawn gardening. Three 8.4m2 RCs were established on a sandy seabed, containing preselected combinations of branching corals (Acropora cf. variabilis, Pocillopora damicornis, Stylophora pistillata) with nursery recruited dwellers, and were monitored for 17-months. Corals within RCs grew, supported coral recruitment and offered ecological habitats for coral-associated organisms. While the unstable sediment underneath the RCs increased corals’ partial mortalities, corals managed to grow and propagate. The extent of fish and gastropods corallivory varied among the coral species and planulation of Stylophora transplants was significantly higher than same-size natal-colonies. The RCs provided conducive environments for fish/invertebrate communities (183 taxa), and each coral species influenced specifically species-diversity and reef-associated communities. Even dead corals played crucial roles as habitats for reef biota, sustaining >80% of the RCs diversity; hence, they should not be considered automatically as indicators of failure. RCs scaled-up reef restoration and generated, in short periods, new reefs in denuded zones with enhanced biodiversity. Yet, RCs employment on soft-beds could be improved by using more structured artificial frameworks, requiring further research efforts.
Swiss agriculture can become more sustainable and self-sufficient by shifting from forage to grain legume production
Authors: Keller Beat , Oppliger Corina , Chassot Mirjam , Ammann Jeanine , Hund Andreas , Walter Achim 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSwitzerland’s livestock production causes high environmental costs and depends strongly on feed imports. While plant-based protein demand increases, the local grain legume production is negligible ( ~ 9000 hectares). Here, we investigated the potential of sustainable legume protein production based on an expert survey followed by a quantitative analysis based on yield, soil, terrain and climate data.Pea, soybean and faba bean showed high potential for Swiss agriculture given adaptions in policy, pricing and breeding. The potential grain legume production area was 107,734 hectares on suitable arable land (Scenario I). Switzerland’s self-sufficiency could be increased by cutting imports and maximizing legume production on 181,479 hectares (Scenario II) in expense of grassland and fodder maize. This would replace approximately 41% of animal protein consumption with plant-based protein, preserving 32% of milk and 24% of meat protein. In conclusion, domestic legume production could be substantially increased while improving human and environmental health.
Feasibility and Safety of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Advanced Navigation to Optimize Intra-arterial Chemotherapy Infusion of Skull Base Tumors
Authors: Cornelis Francois H. , Lis Eric , Tabar Viviane , Lin Andrew 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose To assess the feasibility and safety of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) advanced navigation for optimizing intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion (IACI) in patients with skull base tumors.
Materials and Methods Retrospective review on 10 consecutive IACI procedures performed in five patients (four women, 1 man) over a 1-year period. The median age of the patients was 71 years (interquartile range: 34–74). During the procedures, a CBCT-based navigation software was employed to evaluate tumor perfusion and guide the infusion methods. Catheterization of the primary tumor feeding vessel was performed in seven cases when it originated from the external carotid artery, whereas a temporary balloon-assisted occlusion technique was utilized in the remaining three cases where the tumor was primarily fed by the internal carotid artery. Carboplatin, topotecan, and melphalan were injected over a 10-minute period. Fluoroscopy time, reference dose, and Kerma area product, which estimates effective dose, were analyzed.
Results The technical success rate was 100%, with a median procedure length of 82 minutes (79–90). The median fluoroscopy time was 11.3 minutes (9.4–16.9), reference dose was 93.5 mGy (62–256.5), and Kerma area product was 11.6 Gy.cm2 (9.5–25.4). The median effective dose was 3.8 mSv (1.5–5.1). The median follow-up duration was 233.5 days (186.3–432). One severe adverse event was reported, involving a right brachial hematoma and brachiocephalic artery dissection related to catheterization through a type III aortic arch. Three patients exhibited disease progression, but two patients showed stable disease.
Conclusion IACI for skull base tumors guided by CBCT navigation is both feasible and safe.
Prevalence of Oral Normal Variances in Cigarette Factory Workers in Lamongan, Indonesia
Authors: Femilian Afryla , Radithia Desiana , Surboyo Meircurius Dwi Condro , Pertiwi Aulya Setyo , Marsetyo Riyan Iman 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective This study aims to observe the distribution of oral normal variances in cigarette factory workers. An essential aspect of diagnosing oral mucosal lesions is differentiating between abnormalities and normal oral variances. Workers from cigarette factories tend to neglect their oral health because of their occupational environment. Lack of awareness in identifying oral mucosal conditions led to poor oral health of cigarette factory worker.
Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study; the sample population included 101 cigarette factory workers who participated in oral screening. The predictor variables in this study included all oral normal variances.
Results The prevalence of oral normal variances in this study was as the following: torus palatinus (62.38%), crenated tongue (51.49%), coated tongue (46.53%), linea alba buccalis (37.62%), fissured tongue (25.74%), prominent Stensen's duct (17.82%), lingual varix (9.90%), ankyloglossia (4.95%), torus mandibularis (3.96%), Fordyce's spots (1.98%), frictional keratosis (1.98%), and macroglossia (0.99%).
Conclusion Top three common normal oral variances among cigarette factory workers are torus palatinus followed by crenated tongue and coated tongue.
The Relationship between Patient Load and Nursing Staffing Strength in Various Shifts of the Day in Emergency Department of a Major Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Mehra Manisha , Robin Metilda , Agrawal Deepak 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction A hospital has to function 24 hours a day, which makes shift duties almost inescapable for the nurses. However, shift wise staffing of nursing in emergency departments (EDs) of most hospitals continues to parallel that of other clinical departments.
Objective The aim of this study was to see the adequacy of staffing in reference to patient load in the different shifts of the day in the ED of a major tertiary care hospital in India.
Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional study. The number of patients entering the ED in each shift as well as the number of nurses assigned in each shift were taken from the rotation over a period of 1 week. A single point questionnaire was also administered to all five nurses in each shift over the study period to assess staff perception of patient load in the shift. Ethics approval was taken from institutional ethics committee.
Results For calculating the differential patient load in different shifts. We have calculated the average number of registered patients entering the emergency in over 1 week was 24 in the morning shift, 24 in the evening shift, and 81 in the night shift. The average nursing strength was 11 in morning shift, 11 in the evening shift, and 10 in the night shift. The average response from 15 nurses after interviewing them was 1 (overstaffed) in the morning, 2 (properly staffed) in the evening shift (properly staffed), and 4 in the night shift.
Conclusion The ratio of registered patients entering the emergency and the number of nurses deployed in each shift does not match, which gives an important view to revise roster in such a way that will not compromise the patient care.