bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between retinal thickness and disease characteristics in adult epilepsy: A cross‐sectional OCT evaluation
Authors: Delazer Luisa , Bao Han , Lauseker Michael , Stauner Livia , Nübling Georg , Conrad Julian , Noachtar Soheyl , Havla Joachim , Kaufmann Elisabeth 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThinning of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p‐RNFL), as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), was recently introduced as a promising marker for cerebral neuronal loss in people with epilepsy (PwE). However, its clinical implication remains to be elucidated. We thus aimed to (1) systematically characterize the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss in a broad spectrum of unselected PwE and (2) to evaluate the main clinical determinants.MethodsIn this prospective study, a spectral‐domain OCT evaluation was performed on 98 well‐characterized PwE and 85 healthy controls (HCs) (18–55 years of age). All inner retinal layers and the total macula volume were assessed. Group comparisons and linear regression analyses with stepwise backward selection were performed to identify relevant clinical and demographic modulators of the retinal neuroaxonal integrity.ResultsPwE (age: 33.7 ± 10.6 years; 58.2% female) revealed a significant neuroaxonal loss across all assessed retinal layers (global pRNFL, P = 0.001, Δ = 4.24 μm; macular RNFL, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.05 mm3; ganglion cell inner plexiform layer, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.11 mm3; inner nuclear layer, INL, P = 0.03, Δ = 0.02 mm3) as well as significantly reduced total macula volumes (TMV, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.18 mm3) compared to HCs (age: 31.2 ± 9.0 years; 57.6% female). The extent of retinal neuroaxonal loss was associated with the occurrence and frequency of tonic–clonic seizures and the number of antiseizure medications, and was most pronounced in male patients.SignificancePwE presented an extensive retinal neuroaxonal loss, affecting not only the peripapillary but also macular structures. The noninvasive and economic measurement via OCT bears the potential to establish as a practical tool to inform patient management, as the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss reflects aspects of disease severity and sex‐specific vulnerability.Plain Language SummaryThe retina is an extension of the brain and closely connected to it. Thus, cerebral alterations like atrophy reflect also on the retinal level. This is advantageous, as the retina is easily accessible and measureable with help of the optical coherence tomography. Here we report that adults with epilepsy have a significantly thinner retina than healthy persons. Especially people with many big seizures and a lot of medications have a thinner retina. We propose that measurement of the retina can be useful as a marker of disease severity and to inform patient management.
Artificial intelligence and validity
Authors: Azzam Tarek 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article explores the interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and validity and identifies areas where AI can help build validity arguments, and where AI might not be ready to contribute to our work in establishing validity. The validity of claims made in an evaluation is critical to the field, since it highlights the strengths and limitations of findings and can contribute to the utilization of the evaluation. Within this article, validity will be discussed within two broad categories: quantitative validity and qualitative trustworthiness. Within these categories, there are multiple types of validity, including internal validity, measurement validity, establishing trustworthiness, and credibility, to name a few. Each validity type will be discussed within the context of AI, examining if and how AI can be leveraged (or not) to help establish a specific validity type, or where it might not be possible for AI (in its current form) to contribute to the development of a validity argument. Multiple examples will be provided throughout the article to highlight the concepts introduced.
Dealing with haemorrhagic diarrhoea in dogs
Authors: Hall Ed 
Published: November 2023

Background:Canine acute diarrhoea is a common presentation in small animal practice, but most cases are self‐limiting and require no treatment except correction of any dehydration. However, the presence of bloody diarrhoea indicates the condition is more severe and may require diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The syndrome haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) has been renamed as acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS), but its cause is still debated, and indeed there are numerous potential causes of haemorrhagic diarrhoea other than the idiopathic HGE/AHDS syndrome.Aim of the article:This article will explore the potential causes and the treatment of haemorrhagic diarrhoea and the emerging evidence that antimicrobials are not necessarily indicated.
Adolescent coping and social media use moderated anxiety change during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Myruski Sarah , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly , Buss Kristin A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionAdolescence is a sensitive period during which stressors and social disruptions uniquely contribute to anxiety symptoms. Adolescent's coping strategies (i.e., avoidance and approach) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may be differentially related to anxiety symptom changes. Further, social media use (SMU) is ubiquitous and may serve as an avenue to deploy avoidant and/or approach coping.MethodParticipants included 265 adolescents (ages 12–20 years; 55.8% female, 43.8% male) and one parent per adolescent. At two time points separated by ~6 months, adolescents reported on SMU and coping strategies, and parents and adolescents reported demographic information and adolescents’ anxiety symptoms. Data were collected online in the United States, from summer 2020 through spring 2021.ResultsIncreases in avoidant coping predicted increasing anxiety, particularly when approach coping decreased. Decreases in both avoidant coping and SMU coincided with decreasing anxiety. Older adolescents showed decreasing anxiety when avoidant coping declined and SMU increased.ConclusionCoping strategies and SMU predicted patterns of adolescent anxiety symptom change across 6 months during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results highlight that coping and SMU should be contextualized within the time course of stressors.
Tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing CXCL1 expression
Authors: Wu Huijie , Jiang Nan , Li Jiajia , Jin Quanshan , Jin Jiayu , Guo Jieyu , Wei Xiangxiang , Wang Xinhong , Yao Liangqing , Meng Dan , Zhi Xiuling 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the M2‐type TAMs can promote tumor growth, invasion and angiogenesis, and suppress antitumor immune responses. It has been reported that spectrin beta, non‐erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) may inhibit the infiltration of macrophages in Sptbn1+/− mouse liver, but whether tumor SPTBN1 affects TAMs polarization remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of tumor cell SPTBN1 on polarization and migration of TAMs in hepatoma and breast cancer. By analyzing tumor immune databases, we found a negative correlation between SPTBN1 and abundance of macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. By reverse transcription–quantitative real‐time PCR assays and cell migration assays, the migration and M2 polarization of macrophages were enhanced by the culture medium from hepatocellular carcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 with SPTBN1 suppression, which could be reversed by CXCL1 neutralizing antibody MAB275. Meanwhile, the ability of migration and colony formation of PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and MDA‐MB‐231 cells were promoted when coculture with M2 macrophages. We also found that SPTBN1 regulated CXCL1 through p65 by cytoplasmic‐nuclear protein isolation experiments and ChIP‐qPCR. Our data suggest that tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits migration and M2‐type polarization of TAMs by reducing the expression and secretion of CXCL1 via inhibiting p65 nuclear localization.
Drought variability, changes and hot spots across the African continent during the historical period (1928–2017)
Authors: Tall Moustapha , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Dajuma Alima , Almazroui Mansour , Houteta Djan'na Koubodana , Klutse Nana Ama Browne , Dosio Alessandro , Lennard Christopher , Driouech Fatima , Diedhiou Arona , Giorgi Filippo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe spatiotemporal variability of meteorological droughts, its changes and hot spots location across Africa are analysed for the period spanning 1928–2017 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) applied to the precipitation products from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU), University of Delaware (UDEL) and Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC). Spatially, an analysis based on rotational empirical orthogonal function identifies five regions of similar drought variability, namely the Sahel, East Africa, East Southern Africa, West Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Temporally, the most common periods of drought occurrence are the 1970s, the 1980s and, to a lesser extent, the 1990s. Changes in drought characteristics for the intermediate past (1958–1987) and recent past (1988–2017) compared to the far past (1928–1957) indicate robust increases of drought duration, frequency and severity in the Sahel, and to a lower extent in the Gulf of Guinea, some areas of Central Africa, part of Southern Africa and over Madagascar. These changes are stronger (weaker) along the Sahel during the intermediate past (recent past) and stronger (weaker) over Central and Southern Africa and Madagascar during the recent past (intermediate past). As a consequence, drought hot spots, mostly driven by severity during the regions' wet season, are identified in areas confined in the Sahel during the intermediate past and in regions mainly over Central and Southern Africa and Madagascar during the recent past. Our results are useful for drought disaster risk management across Africa and provide a valuable reference for future drought analysis under global warming conditions.
Machine learning methods applied to combined Raman and LIBS spectra: Implications for mineral discrimination in planetary missions
Authors: Julve‐Gonzalez Sofía , Manrique Jose A. , Veneranda Marco , Reyes‐Rodríguez Iván , Pascual‐Sanchez Elena , Sanz‐Arranz Aurelio , Konstantinidis Menelaos , Lalla Emmanuel A. , Charro María E. , Rodriguez‐Gutiez Eduardo , Lopez‐Rodríguez José M. , Sanz‐Requena José F. , Delgado‐Iglesias Jaime , Gonzalez Manuel A. , Rull Fernando , Lopez‐Reyes Guillermo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe combined analysis of geological targets by complementary spectroscopic techniques could enhance the characterization of the mineral phases found on Mars. This is indeed the case with the SuperCam instrument onboard the Perseverance rover. In this framework, the present study seeks to evaluate and compare multiple machine learning techniques for the characterization of carbonate minerals based on Raman‐LIBS (Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) spectroscopic data. To do so, a Ca‐Mg prediction curve was created by mixing hydromagnesite and calcite at different concentration ratios. After their characterization by Raman and LIBS spectroscopy, different multivariable machine learning (Gaussian process regression, support vector machines, ensembles of trees, and artificial neural networks) were used to predict the concentration ratio of each sample from their respective datasets. The results obtained by separately analyzing Raman and LIBS data were then compared to those obtained by combining them. By comparing their performance, this work demonstrates that mineral discrimination based on Gaussian and ensemble methods optimized the combine of Raman‐LIBS dataset outperformed those ensured by Raman and LIBS data alone. This demonstrated that the fusion of data combination and machine learning is a promising approach to optimize the analysis of spectroscopic data returned from Mars.
PLEK2 mediates metastasis and invasion via α5‐nAChR activation in nicotine‐induced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Jingtan , Wang Jingting , Wang Jing , Lu Tong , Jia Yanfei , Sun Haiji , Ma Xiaoli 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEvidence has shown a strong relationship between smoking and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). α5‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α5‐nAChR) contributes to nicotine‐induced lung cancer cell EMT. The cytoskeleton‐associated protein PLEK2 is mainly involved in cytoskeletal protein recombination and cell stretch migration regulation, which is closely related to EMT. However, little is known about the link between nicotine/α5‐nAChR and PLEK2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we identified a link between α5‐nAChR and PLEK2 in LUAD. α5‐nAChR expression was correlated with PLEK2 expression, smoking status and lower survival in vivo. α5‐nAChR mediated nicotine‐induced PLEK2 expression via STAT3. α5‐nAChR/PLEK2 signaling is involved in LUAD cell migration, invasion and stemness. Moreover, PLEK2 was found to interact with CFL1 in nicotine‐induced EMT in LUAD cells. Furthermore, the functional link among α5‐nAChR, PLEK2 and CFL1 was confirmed in mouse xenograft tissues and human LUAD tissues. These findings reveal a novel α5‐nAChR/PLEK2/CFL1 pathway involved in nicotine‐induced LUAD progression.
Femtosecond‐laser micromachining fork gratings in LN crystal with different mechanisms
Authors: Liu Jixin , Zhang Hangjiang , Ai Siwen , Yang Quanxin , Liu Hongliang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this work, we used femtosecond‐laser direct writing to fabricate two kinds of modified structures with opposite refractive‐index changes to build fork‐grating configurations in z‐cut LiNbO3 (LN) crystals. Experimental and simulation results indicate that the fork grating combined with the modified area of the refractive index increased and refractive index decreased produces a more effective diffraction effect at 532 nm. The diffraction results of these fork gratings have been investigated. Compared with the fork grating only with the refractive‐index‐decreased filaments, when the incident beam is at transverse magnetic, transverse electric, and circular polarizations, the diffraction efficiency is improved by 5.3%, 4.3%, and 9.6%, respectively. Our work provides a new perspective for improving the diffraction efficiency of fork gratings in LN crystals.
Can we use machine learning to improve the interpretation and application of urodynamic data?: ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Arlandis Salvador , Couri Bruna M. , Drinnan Michael , Carolina Ochoa D. , Rantell Angie , de Rijk Mathijs , van Steenbergen Thomas , Damaser Margot 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionA “Think Tank” at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting held in Bristol, United Kingdom in June 2023 considered the progress and promise of machine learning (ML) applied to urodynamic data.MethodsExamples of the use of ML applied to data from uroflowmetry, pressure flow studies and imaging were presented. The advantages and limitations of ML were considered. Recommendations made during the subsequent debate for research studies were recorded.ResultsML analysis holds great promise for the kind of data generated in urodynamic studies. To date, ML techniques have not yet achieved sufficient accuracy for routine diagnostic application. Potential approaches that can improve the use of ML were agreed and research questions were proposed.ConclusionsML is well suited to the analysis of urodynamic data, but results to date have not achieved clinical utility. It is considered likely that further research can improve the analysis of the large, multifactorial data sets generated by urodynamic clinics, and improve to some extent data pattern recognition that is currently subject to observer error and artefactual noise.
The impact of metabolic disorders on management of periodontal health in children
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , He Tong‐Chuan , Zhang Hongmei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by plaque biofilm which shares risk factors with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Many studies have found increased prevalence and rate of progression of periodontal disease in children with common metabolic disorders. Although the causal relationship and specific mechanism between them has not been determined yet. The aim of this paper is to progress on the impact of metabolic disorders on periodontal health in children and the underlying mechanisms, which provides new evidences for the prevention and intervention of metabolic disorders and periodontitis in children.
Renewable thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blends and their oxygen barrier application
Authors: Xu Hong‐juan , Mei Han‐fang , Chen Wei‐xing , Ma Ning , Yeh Jen‐taut 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFully renewable oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch (TPS)/sugar alcohol blown films were innovatively prepared by blending proper loadings of Erythritol (ET), Sorbitol (ST), and Lactitol (LT) and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) assistance. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values of the properly prepared scCO2TPSxETy, scCO2TPSxSTy, and scCO2TPSxLTy films reduced to 4.3, 6.6, and 12.5 cm3/m2∙day∙atm, which are about 5–28 times smaller than those of the conventional TPS films reported in the literature. The free‐volume‐cavity characteristics (FVCC) and OTR detected for TPSxETy (or scCO2TPSxETy), TPSxSTy (or scCO2TPSxSTy), and TPSxLTy (or scCO2TPSxLTy) films diminished to a minimum, as their ET, ST and LT loadings came near an optimal value. Slightly smaller OTR and FVCC values were detected for scCO2TPSxETy, scCO2TPSxSTy, and scCO2TPSxLTy films than those of corresponding TPSxETy, TPSxSTy, and TPSxLTy films prepared without scCO2‐assistance. The smallest OTR and FVCC detected for the properly prepared TPSxETy (or scCO2TPSxETy), TPSxSTy (or scCO2TPSxSTy), and TPSxLTy (or scCO2TPSxLTy) films diminished with decreasing sugar alcohol's molecular weight. An essential result is that the OTR of the properly prepared scCO2TPSxETy film was merely 4.3 cm3/m2∙day∙atm, which is small enough to meet the demand of high oxygen barrier packaging application. Dynamic molecular relaxations detected for these films disclosed that ET, ST, and LT were compatible with TPS, as their loads were ≤ the optimum value. The distinctly reduced OTR and FVCC for these properly prepared films are partially attributed to the reinforced molecular interactions between sugar alcohol and TPS's hydroxyl groups when they were prepared with scCO2‐assistance, optimal sugar alcohol loading, and/or smaller sugar alcohol's molecular weight.Highlights
High oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blown films were prepared.
The lowest oxygen transmission rate of the renewable film was 4.3 cm3/m2∙day∙atm.
This oxygen transmission rate is qualified for high oxygen barrier application.
Boosted oxygen barrier property was ascribed to the reduced free volume values.
Synthesis and degradation of the cyclic dinucleotide messenger c‐di‐AMP in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus yayanosii
Authors: Jin Zheng , Song Dong , Wang Wei‐Wei , Feng Lei , Li Zheng‐Xin , Chen Hai‐Feng , Xiao Xiang , Liu Xi‐Peng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCyclic di‐adenosine monophosphate (c‐di‐AMP) is a newly identified prokaryotic cyclic dinucleotide second messenger well elucidated in bacteria, while less studied in archaea. Here, we describe the enzymes involved in c‐di‐AMP metabolism in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus yayanosii. Our results demonstrate that c‐di‐AMP is synthesized from two molecules of ATP by diadenylate cyclase (DAC) and degraded into pApA and then to AMP by a DHH family phosphodiesterase (PDE). DAC can be activated by a wider variety of ions, using two conserved residues, D188 and E244, to coordinate divalent metal ions, which is different from bacterial CdaA and DisA. PDE possesses a broad substrate spectrum like bacterial DHH family PDEs but shows a stricter base selection between A and G in cyclic dinucleotides hydrolysis. PDE shows differences in substrate binding patches from bacterial counterparts. C‐di‐AMP was confirmed to exist in Thermococcus kodakarensis cells, and the deletion of the dac or pde gene supports that the synthesis and degradation of c‐di‐AMP are catalyzed by DAC and PDE, respectively. Our results provide a further understanding of the metabolism of c‐di‐AMP in archaea.
Berberine ameliorates contrast‐induced acute kidney injury by regulating HDAC4‐FoxO3a axis‐induced autophagy: In vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zuo Zhi , Li Qingju , Zhou Suqin , Yu Ran , Wu Caixia , Chen Jiajia , Xiao Yao , Chen Haoyu , Song Jian , Pan Yan , Wang Wanpeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn hospitals, contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a major cause of renal failure. This study evaluates berberine's (BBR) renal protection and its potential HDAC4 mechanism. CI‐AKI in rats was induced with 10 mL kg−1 ioversol. Rats were divided into five groups: Ctrl, BBR, CI‐AKI, CI‐AKI + BBR, and CI‐AKI + Tasq. The renal function of CI‐AKI rats was determined by measuring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Histopathological changes and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells were observed by HE and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdTase)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagic structures. In vitro, a CI‐AKI cell model was created with ioversol‐treated HK‐2 cells. Treatments included BBR, Rapa, HCQ, and Tasq. Analyses focused on proteins and genes associated with kidney injury, apoptosis, autophagy, and the HDAC4‐FoxO3a axis. BBR showed significant protective effects against CI‐AKI both in vivo and in vitro. It inhibited apoptosis by increasing Bcl‐2 protein levels and decreasing Bax levels. BBR also activated autophagy, as indicated by changes in autophagy‐related proteins and autophagic flux. The study further revealed that the contrast agent ioversol increased the expression of HDAC4, which led to elevated levels of phosphorylated FoxO3a (p‐FoxO3a) and acetylated FoxO3a (Ac‐FoxO3a). However, BBR inhibited HDAC4 expression, resulting in decreased levels of p‐FoxO3a and Ac‐FoxO3a. This activation of autophagy‐related genes, regulated by the transcription factor FoxO3a, played a role in BBR's protective effects. BBR, a traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise against CI‐AKI. It may counteract CI‐AKI by modulating HDAC4 and FoxO3a, enhancing autophagy, and limiting apoptosis.