bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared spectroscopy as an alternative tool for predicting soil erodibility in a watershed under desertification
Authors: Teixeira Marcos Paulo Rodrigues , da Silva Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra , Barbosa Ronny Sobreira , Nascimento Rennan Cabral , Lopes José Wellington Batista , Galdino de Sousa Júlio César , de Sousa Ribeiro Leite Gustavo , Silva Cinthia Maria Cordeiro Atanázio Cruz , Singh Vijay P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNear‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) has become an alternative to conventional techniques for assessing soil properties that are difficult to measure, especially at sites under intense erosion. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess near‐infrared spectroscopy as an alternative tool for predicting soil erodibility in a watershed under desertification. Two hundred and fourteen composite soil samples were collected, where 100 samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties to obtain K (soil erodibility), Ki (interrill erodibility), and Kr (rill erodibility) values and the remaining 114 composite soil samples were only used to obtain spectral signatures in the NIR range. Then, such database was used to predict the erodibility parameters and soil physicochemical properties. Partial least squares regression was used for modeling the K, Ki, Kr indices and other soil properties. The highest erodibility indices were observed in Acrisols and Luvisols (K = 33.59 × 10−3 t h MJ−1 mm−1, R2 = 0.61, square root of the mean error (RMSE) = 2.62 and residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 1.62; Ki = 5.45 × 10−6 kg s m−4, R2 = 0.49, RMSE = 0.21 and RPD = 1.47; Kr = 21.78 × 10−3 s m−1, R2 = 0.54, RMSE = 0.66 and RPD = 1.68). Erodibility prediction using spectral data was found to be an acceptable alternative and can be applied in other areas struggling with the same phenomena to acquire new robust databases and to improve the understanding of soil erosion and desertification process. Also, our results can extend studies with universal soil‐loss equation and revised universal soil‐loss equation, since erodibility is one of the most important and expensive parameters of these equations, mainly in developing countries where financial support is scarce.
Nitrogen availability regulates the effects of a simulated marine heatwave on carbon sequestration and phycosphere bacteria of a marine crop
Authors: Jiang Meijia , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Gao Lin , Ma Zengling , Gao Guang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGreat hope has been pinned on seaweed cultivation as being a potent way of removing CO2 to reduce rates of sea surface warming and acidification. Marine heatwaves and nitrogen pollution in coastal ecosystems are serious current issues that need to be better understood to inform decision making and policy. Here, we investigated the effects of a simulated heatwave and nitrogen pollution on carbon sequestration by an important seaweed crop species and its phycosphere bacteria. Gracilaria lemaneiformis was grown in ambient and high nitrogen conditions (14 and 200 μM L−1). Photosynthetic rate, seaweed biomass and particulate organic carbon accumulation were significantly increased in “high nitrogen‐no heatwave” conditions. In “ambient nitrogen heatwave” conditions, the expression of genes related to photosynthesis was down regulated and the seaweeds lost more dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to the surrounding water, resulting in more refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC). In “high nitrogen heatwave” conditions, photosynthetic gene expression was upregulated; bacterial abundance was also increased that can explain the reduced DOC and RDOC accumulation. The simulated heatwave reduced bacterial diversity while high nitrogen alleviated this effect. These findings suggest that the economically important alga G. lemaneiformis may lose more DOC and RDOC to nearshore waters during marine heatwave events, enhancing carbon sequestration, while nitrogen enrichment has a counteractive effect.
Baseline Large‐Scale Network Dynamics Associated with Disease Progression in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Aracil‐Bolaños Ignacio , Pérez‐Pérez Jesús , Martínez‐Horta Saül , Horta‐Barba Andrea , Puig‐Davi Arnau , García‐Cornet Júlia , Olmedo‐Saura Gonzalo , Campolongo Antonia , Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) is a genetically determined disease with motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the links between clinical progression and disruptions to dynamics in motor and cognitive large‐scale networks are not well established.ObjectiveTo investigate changes in dynamic and static large‐scale networks using an established tool of disease progression in Huntington's disease, the composite Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (cUHDRS).MethodsSixty‐four mutation carriers were included. Static and dynamic baseline functional connectivity as well as topological features were correlated to 2‐year follow‐up clinical assessments using the cUHDRS.ResultsDecline in cUHDRS scores was associated with higher connectivity between frontal default‐mode and motor networks, whereas higher connectivity in posterior, mainly visuospatial regions was associated with a smaller decline in cUHDRS scores.ConclusionsStructural disruptions in HD were evident both in posterior parietal/occipital and frontal motor regions, with reciprocal increases in functional connectivity. However, although higher visuospatial network connectivity was tied to a smaller cUHDRS decline, increased motor and frontal default‐mode connections were linked to a larger cUHDRS decreases. Therefore, divergent functional compensation mechanisms might be at play in the clinical evolution of HD.
Optimising plant form and function for controlled environment agriculture in space and on earth
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Auroux Lucas , Johnson Kim , Lewsey Mathew G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPlanned missions to Mars and the moon stress the urgency of developing self‐sustaining food production systems for crewed, long‐term, space exploration. Here we discuss space agriculture (SpaceAg) as a sustainable complete life support system for prolonged space travel and surface missions. The unique challenges and considerations for cultivating crops in space, where radiation, gravity, atmosphere and temperature differ from Earth, are presented. We discuss the selection of suitable crops and approaches to optimise growth traits for the ideal plant form, including the potential of genetic engineering to enhance yield and nutritional content. Plants can serve multiple roles, from providing nutritious foods and wellbeing to acting as biofactories for essential pharmaceuticals. The need for robust and efficient controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems that are integral to life support is explored. Finally, we discuss promising solutions for sustainable agriculture in controlled environments on Earth, based on SpaceAg research and innovation.
Is the time right for a new initiative in mathematical modeling of the lower urinary tract? ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Damaser Margot S. , Valentini Françoise A. , Clavica Francesco , Giarenis Ilias 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionA session at the 2023 International Consultation on Incontinence – Research Society (ICI‐RS) held in Bristol, UK, focused on the question: Is the time right for a new initiative in mathematical modeling of the lower urinary tract (LUT)? The LUT is a complex system, comprising various synergetic components (i.e., bladder, urethra, neural control), each with its own dynamic functioning and high interindividual variability. This has led to a variety of different types of models for different purposes, each with advantages and disadvantages.MethodsWhen addressing the LUT, the modeling approach should be selected and sized according to the specific purpose, the targeted level of detail, and the available computational resources. Four areas were selected as examples to discuss: utility of nomograms in clinical use, value of fluid mechanical modeling, applications of models to simplify urodynamics, and utility of statistical models.ResultsA brief literature review is provided along with discussion of the merits of different types of models for different applications. Remaining research questions are provided.ConclusionsInadequacies in current (outdated) models of the LUT as well as recent advances in computing power (e.g., quantum computing) and methods (e.g., artificial intelligence/machine learning), would dictate that the answer is an emphatic “Yes, the time is right for a new initiative in mathematical modeling of the LUT.”
Single‐shot diffusion trace‐weighted MR spectroscopy: Comparison with unipolar and bipolar diffusion‐weighted point‐resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Saucedo Andres , Sayre James , Thomas M. Albert 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study demonstrates the feasibility and performance of the point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS)‐based, single‐shot diffusion trace‐weighted sequence in quantifying the trace apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in phantom and in vivo using a 3‐T MRI/MRS scanner. The single‐shot diffusion trace‐weighted PRESS sequence was implemented and compared with conventional diffusion‐weighted (DW)‐PRESS variants using bipolar and unipolar diffusion‐sensitizing gradients. Nine phantom datasets were acquired using each sequence, and seven volunteers were scanned in three different brain regions to determine the range and variability of trace ADC values, and to allow a comparison of trace ADCs among the sequences. This sequence results in a comparatively stable range of trace ADC values that are statistically significantly higher than those produced from unipolar and bipolar DW‐PRESS sequences. Only total n‐acetylaspartate, total creatine, and total choline were reliably estimated in all sequences with Cramér–Rao lower bounds of, at most, 20%. The larger trace ADCs from the single‐shot sequences are probably attributable to the shorter diffusion time relative to the other sequences. Overall, this study presents the first demonstration of the single‐shot diffusion trace‐weighted sequence in a clinical scanner at 3 T. The results show excellent agreement of phantom trace ADCs computed with all sequences, and in vivo ADCs agree well with the expected differences between gray and white matter. The diffusion trace‐weighted sequence could provide an estimate of the trace ADC in a shorter scan time (by nearly a factor of 3) compared with conventional DW‐PRESS approaches that require three separate orthogonal directions.
Narrowing of Low‐Frequency Air‐Bone Gap and Its Association with Symptom Resolution Following Superior Canal Dehiscence Repair
Authors: Yang Hong‐Ho , Yang Isaac , Gopen Quinton S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveLow‐frequency air‐bone gap (LABG) on pure tone audiometry is an expected clinical finding of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome. We investigate how narrowing of LABG following SCD repairs translates to symptom resolution.Study DesignCohort study.SettingTertiary Care Center.MethodsWe analyzed consecutive SCD repairs at an institution between 2012 and 2022. Pure tone audiometry and symptom questionnaires were administered pre‐ and post‐operatively. The independent variable assessed whether the LABG narrowed (≥5 dB) following surgery. Outcome measures were rates of Overall Symptom Improvement (OSI, net resolution of ≥1 symptom) and Symptom Resolution Score (SRS, % symptoms resolved). We conducted multivariable regression analyses with LABG narrowing as the primary predictor. All models controlled for demographics, bilateral disease, prior ear surgery, and follow‐up.ResultsAmong total of 217 repairs analyzed, 161 (74%) reached OSI, and mean SRS was 39 (out of 100). LABG narrowing at 250 Hz (65%), 500 Hz (52%), and 1000 Hz (47%) was associated with a 41‐point (β 95% confidence interval [CI] 5‐77) increase in auditory, 15‐point (β 95% CI 1‐30) increase in auditory, and 23‐point (β 95% CI 2‐45) increase in vestibular SRS, respectively. However, LABG narrowing was not significantly associated with the rates of auditory and vestibular OSI at all frequencies assessed.ConclusionLack of LABG narrowing following repair was associated with the persistence of a greater proportion of preoperative symptoms but similar likelihood of OSI. This relationship was more prominent for auditory symptoms at 250 to 500 Hz and for vestibular symptoms at 1000 Hz. Additional research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism through which symptoms resolve despite LABG persistence.
NUT carcinoma in pediatric patients: Characteristics, therapeutic regimens, and outcomes of 11 cases registered with the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP)
Authors: Flaadt Tim , Wild Hannah , Abele Michael , Frühwald Michael , Dirksen Uta , Classen Carl F. , Seitz Christian , Redlich Antje , Lauer Ulrich M. , Kloker Linus , Kratz Christian , Schneider Dominik T. , Brecht Ines B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and aimsNuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor defined by the presence of a somatic NUTM1 rearrangement, occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. We analyzed the clinical and biological features of German pediatric patients (≤18 years) with NC.MethodsThis study describes the characteristics and outcome of 11 children with NC registered in the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP).ResultsEleven patients with a median age of 13.2 years (range 6.6–17.8) were analyzed. Malignant misdiagnoses were made in three patients. Thoracic/mediastinal tumors were found to be the primary in six patients, head/neck in four cases; one patient had multifocal tumor with an unknown primary. All patients presented with regional lymph node involvement, eight patients (72.7%) with distant metastases. Seven patients underwent surgery, eight radiotherapy with curative intent; polychemotherapy was administered in all patients. Novel treatment strategies including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and virotherapy were applied in three patients. Median event‐free survival and overall survival were 1.5 and 6.5 months, respectively.ConclusionsEvery undifferentiated or poorly differentiated carcinoma should undergo testing for the specific rearrangement of NUTM1, in order to initiate an intense therapeutic regimen as early as possible. As in adults, only few pediatric patients with NC achieve prolonged survival. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies should be included and tested in clinical trials.
A prospective, randomized, open‐label, parallel trial comparing the efficacy of α‐blocker or 5α‐reductase inhibitor withdrawal to continued combination therapy on the maintenance of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Lee Kwang Suk , Yoo Jeong Woo , Kim Dae Ho , Jeon Soyoung , Yang Juyeon , Chung Byung Ha , Koo Kyo Chul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt is uncertain how long combination therapy should be continued in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We investigated the withdrawal effects of α1‐adrenergic receptor blocker (AB) or 5α‐reductase inhibitor (5ARI) following successful combination therapy.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, open‐label, parallel trial enrolled 222 patients with BPH/LUTS who showed at least a seven‐point improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score‐total (IPSS‐T) and a ≥ 20% reduction in prostate volume (PV) following the initiation of combination therapy. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into continued‐combination, AB‐withdrawal, and 5ARI‐withdrawal groups. IPSS, overactive bladder symptom score, EuroQol‐five‐dimensional questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐5L), EuroQol‐visual analog scale (EQ‐VAS), prostate volume (PV), maximal flow rate, postvoid residual urine (PVR), and prostate‐specific antigen level were assessed every 6 months for 24 months. The predictors of IPSS‐T deterioration were evaluated.ResultsAt Month 24, IPSS‐T deterioration (≥2 point) was observed in 20/72 (27.8%) and 19/72 (26.4%) patients in the AB‐ and 5ARI‐withdrawal groups, respectively. Among them, 4/72 (5.6%) and 4/70 (5.7%) patients required readdition of the withdrawn drug (p = 0.868). In the continued combination group, EQ‐VAS improved at Month 24 compared to baseline (p = 0.028). At Month 24, the AB‐withdrawal group showed improvements in EQ‐5D‐5L, EQ‐VAS, and PVR (all p < 0.005), while the 5ARI‐withdrawal group showed improvement in IPSS‐S (p = 0.011). Diabetes mellitus was associated with IPSS‐T deterioration at Month 24 (p = 0.020).ConclusionsIn patients with BPH/LUTS who are reluctant to continue combination therapy, AB or 5ARI withdrawal may be offered in men with improvement in IPSS‐T by at least seven points and reduction in PV by at least 20%.
Effects of carbon dioxide concentration in modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf life and quality criteria of whole wheat bread during storage
Authors: Naserifar Farnaz , Sahiner Asli , Kizilirmak Esmer Ozlem 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effects of carbon dioxide concentration in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality criteria and shelf life of whole wheat flour bread. Four different concentrations of CO2 and N2 gases (30% CO2 + 70% N2, 50% CO2 + 50% N2, 70% CO2:30% N2 and 100% CO2) were applied to the bread samples, which were packaged with PA/EVOH/LDPE (polyamide/ethylene vinyl alcohol/low‐density polyethylene). The samples were stored at room temperature (25°C ± 1°C) for 13 days. The control group was packaged using BOPP (bi‐oriented polypropylene) under atmospheric air as in traditional current use. The effects of MAP on headspace gas analysis, pH, moisture content, water activity, water‐holding capacity, blue value, hardness, total mould and yeast count and sensory evaluation were analysed on days 0, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 13. The results showed that the most effective gas combination in extending the shelf life of whole wheat bread was 100% CO2, and its shelf life was 10 days, whereas it was only 3 days for the control group. Increasing concentrations of CO2 significantly affected mould and yeast growth. As the CO2 concentration increased, the bread exhibited higher water‐holding capacity and blue values, which are important indicators for bread staling. An improved preservation of sensory properties was observed in proportion to increasing CO2 concentrations. However, the CO2 gas concentration did not affect the hardness of the bread. Overall, the study suggests that MAP technology, particularly using 100% CO2, can effectively extend the shelf life of whole wheat flour bread without the need for preservatives, not only extending the microbiological shelf life but also increasing the sensory shelf life. The species that grew in air‐packaged samples were suppressed under modified atmosphere conditions and chalk mould fungi were the dominant and shelf life‐impacting species in the MAP samples. These findings could be beneficial in reducing bread wastage, which is a critical issue in today's society due to the limited shelf life of bread caused by rapid microbiological deterioration or staling.
Photodynamic therapy for arthritis: A promising therapeutic strategy
Authors: Mi Liangyu , Gao Jinfang , Liu Ying , Zhang Na , Zhao Miaomiao , Wang Sheng , Xu Ke 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel therapy that combines photosensitizers, light, and oxygen molecules to treat diseases such as joint lesions and microbial infections through photodynamic reactions. The photosensitizers are activated under specific wavelengths of laser radiation to generate reactive oxygen species, which alter the microenvironment of the diseased tissue, cause ischemia and target cell death, and thus effectively treat cancer. Now that there is growing evidence that nonlethal doses of PDT reduce inflammation and treat infections in multiple animal models of arthritis, PDT should be considered as a new option for the treatment of arthritis. This article presents a literature review of published original articles and review articles concerning photodynamic therapy and arthritis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, excluding duplicated and irrelevant studies. In cases of duplicated research, we selected articles with higher impact factors for the review. In this review, we summarize the application and progress of PDT in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and infectious arthritis, and clarify the advantages and limitations of PDT for arthritis. PDT offers therapeutic value for patients with inflammatory and infectious arthritis through promoting vascular occlusion, cell death, and antibacterial therapy.
Structural confirmation of position isomers 2‐(2‐methylaminoprolyl)benzofuran and 5‐(2‐methylaminopropyl)benzofuran: a combined mass spectrometric and computational study
Authors: Xu Yu , Lin Xin , Chen Xianxin , Ke Xing , Wu Hao , Fan Yi Lei , Zhou Jing , Xu Jiawei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRationalePhenylethylamines are one of the most common types of new psychoactive substances, following synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. They are regulated in many countries because of their strong hallucinogenic effects, which can cause serious nerve damage. There is a wide variety of phenylethylamines, exhibiting rapid renewal and extremely similar structures, therefore accurate qualitative analysis of isomers is a difficult problem in current drug analysis.MethodsThe dissociation pathways of the position isomers 2‐(2‐methylaminoprolyl)benzofuran (2‐MAPB) and 5‐(2‐methylaminopropyl)benzofuran (5‐MAPB) were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution quadrupole Orbitrap MS. The dissociation patterns of the phenethylamine‐based designer drugs 2‐MAPB and 5‐MAPB were explored and extended in this work based on MS combined with density functional theory studies.ResultsFor electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI‐MS) analysis, the dissociation patterns of 2‐MAPB were similar to those of 5‐MAPB. For electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn) analysis, the hydrogen atom on amino group was facile to form a intramolecular hydrogen bond with the oxygen atom on the parent nucleus of benzofuran in the structure of 2‐MAPB, leading to higher abundance of the product ion at m/z 58. However, there was a conjugated system between the positive charge formed by the cleavage of the 5‐MAPB side chain and the benzofuran ring, enabling the 5‐MAPB to generate a product ion at m/z 131. Computational study showed that energy barrier and spin density difference distribution jointly control the selective dissociation in EI‐MS, while different types of orbital interaction induced by intramolecular hydrogen bond led to different dissociation results in ESI‐MSn.ConclusionsThese different dissociation patterns could be used to distinguish 2‐MAPB from 5‐MAPB. This could assist forensic laboratories in the differentiation and characterization of potential isomers in these kinds of compounds, especially in mixtures.