bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphology and metabolic changes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae during its growth as a biofilm
Authors: Zhang Qiuhong , Peng Lu , Han Weiyao , Chen Hongyu , Tang Hao , Chen Xiabing , Langford Paul R. , Huang Qi , Zhou Rui , Li Lu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is an important swine respiratory pathogen. Previous studies have suggested that growth as a biofilm is a natural state of A. pleuropneumoniae infection. To understand the survival features involved in the biofilm state, the growth features, morphology and gene expression profiles of planktonic and biofilm A. pleuropneumoniae were compared. A. pleuropneumoniae in biofilms showed reduced viability but maintained the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) after late log-phase. Under the microscope, bacteria in biofilms formed dense aggregated structures that were connected by abundant EPS, with reduced condensed chromatin. By construction of Δpga and ΔdspB mutants, polymeric β-1,6-linked N-acetylglucosamine and dispersin B were confirmed to be critical for normal biofilm formation. RNA-seq analysis indicated that, compared to their planktonic counterparts, A. pleuropneumoniae in biofilms had an extensively altered transcriptome. Carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism and translation were significantly repressed, while fermentation and genes contributing to EPS synthesis and translocation were up-regulated. The regulators Fnr (HlyX) and Fis were found to be up-regulated and their binding motifs were identified in the majority of the differentially expressed genes, suggesting their coordinated global role in regulating biofilm metabolism. By comparing the transcriptome of wild-type biofilm and Δpga, the utilization of oligosaccharides, iron and sulfur and fermentation were found to be important in adhesion and aggregation during biofilm formation. Additionally, when used as inocula, biofilm bacteria showed reduced virulence in mouse, compared with planktonic grown cells. Thus, these results have identified new facets of A. pleuropneumoniae biofilm maintenance and regulation.
The pathophysiology of negative symptoms of schizophrenia: main hypotheses and open challenges
Authors: Galderisi Silvana , Kaiser Stefan 
Published: May 2023

SummaryImportant developments in the conceptualisation and classification of negative symptoms have contributed to refining hypotheses on their pathophysiology. The uptake of recent progress is still only partial and the whole field might make a leap forward once relevant studies fully make use of assessment tools based on current conceptualisations.
Impact of 18F-Labeled Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Versus Conventional Staging in Patients With Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Dayes Ian S. , Metser Ur , Hodgson Nicole , Parpia Sameer , Eisen Andrea F. , George Ralph , Blanchette Phillip , Cil Tulin D. , Arnaout Angel , Chan Adrien , Levine Mark N. 
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE Patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) typically undergo staging tests at presentation. If staging does not detect metastases, treatment consists of curative intent combined modality therapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and regional radiation). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) may detect more asymptomatic distant metastases, but the evidence is based on uncontrolled studies. METHODS For inclusion, patients had histological evidence of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and TNM stage III or IIb (T3N0, but not T2N1). Consenting patients from six regional cancer centers in Ontario were randomly assigned to 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT or conventional staging (bone scan, CT of the chest/abdomen and pelvis). The primary end point was upstaging to stage IV. A key secondary outcome was receiving curative intent combined modality therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02751710 ). RESULTS Between December 2016 and April 2022, 184 patients were randomly assigned to whole-body PET-CT and 185 patients to conventional staging. Forty-three (23%) PET-CT patients were upstaged to stage IV compared with 21 (11%) conventional staged patients (absolute difference, 12.3% [95% CI, 3.9 to 19.9]; P = .002). Consequently, treatment was changed in 35 (81.3%) of 43 upstaged PET-CT patients and 20 (95.2%) of the 21 upstaged conventional patients. Subsequently, 149 (81%) patients in the PET-CT group received combined modality treatment versus 165 (89.2%) patients in the conventional staging group (absolute difference, 8.2% [95% CI, 0.1 to 15.4]; P = .03). CONCLUSION In patients with LABC, PET-CT detected more distant metastases than conventional staging, and fewer PET-CT patients received combined modality therapy. Our randomized trial demonstrates the utility of the PET-CT staging strategy.
Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia in Patients With Malignancy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Bouraima Farouk , Sapin Vincent , Kahouadji Samy , Pickering Marie-Eva , Pereira Bruno , Bouvier Damien , Oris Charlotte 
Published: May 2023

AbstractContextTumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) due to fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) overexpression is becoming recognized in patients with malignancy. The condition may be underdiagnosed, with a scarce medical literature.ObjectiveTo perform a meta-analysis of case reports to allow a better understanding of malignant TIO and its clinical implications.MethodsFull texts were selected according to strict inclusion criteria. All case reports were included where patients had hypophosphatemia, malignant TIO, and FGF23 blood levels. Thirty-two of 275 eligible studies (n = 34 patients) met inclusion criteria. A list of desired data was extracted and graded for methodological quality.ResultsProstate adenocarcinoma (n = 9) were the most tumors reported. Twenty-five of 34 patients had a metastatic disease and a poor clinical outcome was reported for 15 of 28 patients. The median levels of blood phosphate and C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23) were 0.40 mmol/L and 788.5 RU/mL, respectively. For most of patients, blood PTH was elevated or within range, and calcitriol levels were inappropriately low or normal. Alkaline phosphatase concentrations were increased for 20 of 22 patients. The cFGF23 values were significantly higher for patients with a poor clinical outcome when compared to other patients (1685 vs 357.5 RU/mL). In case of prostate cancer, cFGF23 levels were significantly lower (429.4 RU/mL) than for other malignancies (1007.5 RU/mL).ConclusionWe report for the first time a detailed description of the clinical and biological characteristics of malignant TIO. In this context, FGF23 blood measurement would be of value for the diagnostic workup, prognostication, and follow-up of patients.
Zoledronate Increases Bone Mineral Density in Nonambulant Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Granild-Jensen Jakob Bie , Møller-Madsen Bjarne , Rackauskaite Gija , Farholt Stense , Søndergaard Charlotte , Sørensen Tine Høg , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Langdahl Bente Lomholt 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Context
Zoledronate appears to reduce fracture rates in children with cerebral palsy (CP), but no previous randomized, controlled trial has been performed to compare the effect of zoledronate to placebo in children with CP.

Objective
To investigate the effect of zoledronate on bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores in children with nonambulant CP in a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Methods
Nonambulant children with CP (5 to 16 years of age) were randomized 1:1 to receive 2 doses of zoledronate or placebo at a 6-month interval. BMD Z-score changes at the lumbar spine and the lateral distal femur (LDF) were calculated from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Monitoring included weight, bone age, pubertal staging, knee-heel length, adverse events, biochemical markers, and questionnaires.

Results
Twenty-four participants were randomized and all completed the study. Fourteen were assigned to zoledronate. The mean lumbar spine BMD Z-score increased 0.8 SD (95% CI: 0.4; 1.2) in the zoledronate group, which was significant when compared to 0.0 SD (95% CI: −0.3; 0.3) in the placebo group. Similarly, the LDF BMD Z-scores increased more in the zoledronate group. Severe acute phase symptoms affected 50% of the patients in the zoledronate group but were reported exclusively after the first dose. Growth parameters were similar in both groups.

Conclusion
Zoledronate for 12 months increased BMD Z-scores significantly without affecting growth, but first-dose side effects were common and considerable. Studies into lower first doses and long-term outcomes are needed.
Prolactin Regulates Testicular Gene Expression and Cell Cycle Processes Predominantly via JAK2/STAT5 Pathway in the Male Rat
Authors: Raut Sanketa , Khambata Kushaan , Goffin Vincent , Balasinor Nafisa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Hyperprolactinemia is prevalent in up to 16% of infertile males. Although the prolactin receptor (PRLR) is present on various testicular cells, the physiological role of this receptor in spermatogenesis remains elusive. The aim of this study is to delineate prolactin actions in rat testicular tissue. Serum prolactin, developmental expression of PRLR, signaling pathways associated, and gene transcription regulation in the testes were investigated. Serum prolactin and testicular PRLR expression was found to be significantly increased at pubertal and adult ages as compared to prepubertal. Further, PRLR activated the JAK2/STAT5 pathway, but not the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathway in the testicular cells. Gene expression profiling following prolactin treatment in seminiferous tubule culture resulted in a total of 692 differentially expressed genes, of which 405 were upregulated and 287 were downregulated. Enrichment map analysis showed that prolactin target genes are involved in processes such as cell cycle, male reproduction, chromatin remodeling, and cytoskeletal organization. Novel gene targets of prolactin whose role in testes is unexplored were obtained and validated by qPCR. Additionally, 10 genes involved in cell cycle process were also validated; 6 genes (Ccna1, Ccnb1, Ccnb2, Cdc25a, Cdc27, Plk1) were found to be significantly upregulated, whereas 4 genes (Ccar2, Nudc, Tuba1c, Tubb2a) were found to be significantly downregulated in testes after treatment with prolactin. Taken together, the findings from this study suggest a crucial role of prolactin in male reproduction and identified target genes regulated by prolactin in the testes.
Distinct Lipids Profiles and Associations With Clinical Indicators and Gut Microbiota in Children With Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Hou Yaping , Deng Fuli , Guo Jia , Lv Lijuan , Ouyang Haimei , Wang Xingwang , Luo Yasha , Chen Xiuwen , Wang Fanghua 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLipid metabolism is closely linked to adiposity. Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a typical genetic disorder causing obesity; however, the distinct lipidomic profiles in PWS children have not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, serum lipidomics analyses were simultaneously explored in PWS, simple obesity (SO), and normal children (Normal). Results indicated that the total concentration of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in the PWS group were significantly deceased compared with both the SO and the Normal group. In contrast, compared with the Normal group, there was an overall significant increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) levels in both the PWS and the SO groups, with the highest found in SO group. Thirty-nine and 50 differential lipid species were screened among 3 groups: between obesity (PWS and SO) and the Normal group. Correlation analysis revealed distinct profiles in PWS that was different from other 2 groups. Notably, PC (P16:0/18:1), PE (P18:0-20:3), PE (P18:0-20:4)) showed significant negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) only in the PWS group. PE (P16:0-18:2) showed a negative association with BMI and weight in the PWS group, but significant positive correlation in the SO group; no statistically significant association was found in the Normal group. We also found a significant negative correlation between Blautia genus abundance and several significantly changed lipids, including LPC (14:0), LPC (16:0), TAG (C50:2/C51:9), TAG (C52:2/C53:9), TAG (C52:3/C53:10), and TAG (C52:4/C53:11), but no significant correlation in the Normal group and the SO group. Similarly, in the PWS group, the Neisseria genus was significantly negatively associated with acylcarnitine (CAR) (14:1), CAR (18:0), PE (P18:0/20:3), and PE (P18:0/20:4), and extremely positively associated with TAG (C52:2/C53:9); no obvious correlations were observed in the Normal group and the SO group.
On the Psychic Work of Reading
Authors: Amoretti Valerio 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis essay argues that reading involves a form of unconscious psychic work that has the potential to deeply affect and transform the reader. Recent discussions about the practice of reading shunned psychoanalysis because of its alleged reliance on a suspicious epistemology rooted in the Freudian-Lacanian framework. But object-relations theory offers an alternative paradigm, as Eve Sedgwick knew when she proposed the concept of “reparative reading.” This essay looks to post-Kleinian developments in psychoanalysis, in particular the work of Wilfred Bion and the contemporary Bionians, to describe reading as a creative, quasi-intersubjective process, constituted by the unique match of the psychic demands made by a text and a reader's ability to work with those demands.
Towards a dialogical and progressive educational policy framework: Manoeuvring a middle way among the polarised constructs
Authors: David Solomon Arulraj 
Published: May 2023

Policy science and practice around the world, including educational policies, are dominated by popular, extreme approaches such as market-orientated approaches at one end and critical argumentative approaches at the other end. This study therefore aims to manoeuvre a middle way to propose a dialogical and progressive educational policy framework and explores the research question: ‘how could a middle way (a dialogical and progressive framework) be manoeuvred among the polarised policy constructs?’ The study embraces Lynham’s five phases of theory building as the basis for this research, which includes conceptual development, operationalisation, confirmation/disconfirmation, application, and continuous refinement. The study explores some of the known existing policy frameworks for conceptual mapping, investigates the underlying dynamics and discourses to operationalise, uses diverse arguments in the literature to confirm/disconfirm and proposes to mark the emerging patterns, trends, and gaps in policy research to apply and refine. The study contends that if it is possible to have a polarised market-oriented and critical argumentative policy frameworks, it is then possible to have a dialogical, progressive middle-way policy framework. The study had to limit to the most important and related theories, and models to focus. Future works could explore a wide range of other relevant theories and models to further investigate this framework. Furthermore, application of the proposed dialogical, progressive educational policy framework in specific context/case may help to refine it. The study contends that the proposed middle way is not a perfect space but a potential space in which a dialogical and progressive educational policy may thrive.
Investigating the optical translucency of Spectralon using BSSRDF measurements
Authors: Gevaux Lou , Saha Dipanjana , Obein Gaël 
Published: May 2023

Translucent materials have the property of reflecting light beyond the illumination point due to subsurface light propagation in the material. These reflectance properties can be characterized using the bidirectional scattering-surface reflectance distribution function (BSSRDF), a radiometric quantity that is a function of spatial, angular, spectral, and polarization parameters. At very small scales, we have observed that Spectralon, a commercial material widely used as a diffuse reflectance calibration standard, can be regarded as translucent. This can generate measurement errors and limit Spectralon’s reliability as a calibration artefact for instruments that measure optical quantities on very small surfaces. To characterize the translucent properties of Spectralon, we have measured its BSSRDF using an experimental setup based on a goniospectrophotometer with a spatial scanning system for detection. In the present study, we show that Spectralon cannot be considered an opaque material at small scales (below 1 mm). For instrument measuring on small areas, Spectralon can be used for calibration only when the illumination area and the observation area differ by more than 1 mm in radius.
Extending quantum key distribution through proxy re-encryption
Authors: Lemons Nathan , Gelfand Boris , Lawrence Nigel , Thresher Austin , Tripp Justin L. , Gammel William Pierre , Nadiga Aniruddha , Meier Kristina , Newell Raymond 
Published: May 2023

Modern quantum key distribution (QKD) network designs are based on
sending photons from one node to another and require free-space or
dedicated fiber optic cables between nodes. The purpose of this is to
co-generate secret key material on both sides of the quantum channel.
In addition to this quantum link, there are several insecure classical
channels that allow QKD algorithms to exchange book-keeping
information and send symmetrically encrypted data. The attenuation of
photons transmitted through fiber becomes too high to practically
generate key material over fiber at distances of more than
100 km. Free-space transmission through the atmosphere or the
vacuum of space can reduce attenuation, but at the cost of system
complexity and sensitivity to other impairments, such as weather. To
extend the effective range of QKD networks, we present a method that
combines QKD algorithms with post-quantum, homomorphic key-switching
to allow multiple parties to effectively share secret key material
over longer distances through semi-trusted relay nodes. We define how
such a system should work for arbitrary network topologies and provide
proofs that our scheme is both correct and secure. We assess the
feasibility of this solution by building and evaluating two
implementations based on lattice-based cryptography: learning with
errors.
Spatially disaggregated model for self-channel interference in mixed fiber optical network segments
Authors: Virgillito Emanuele , Castoldi Andrea , D’Amico Andrea , Straullu Stefano , Bovio Andrea , Pastorelli Rosanna , Curri Vittorio 
Published: May 2023

Coherent transmission technology is widely diffused in backbone optical uncompensated transmission (UT) network segments. In metro and access network segments instead, intensity-modulated direct detected channels at 10 Gbps requiring inline dispersion compensation units (DCUs) are still largely used. While the transition to coherent technology is foreseen in the dispersion managed (DM) network segment, in the meantime, it would be handy to route coherent channels through DM network segments to fully exploit deployed hardware and available spectrum and improve network flexibility. In this scenario, self-channel interference (SCI) exhibits strongly coherent accumulation due to the presence of DCUs, which is not well modeled by traditional analytical models for non-linear interference estimation used for path feasibility assessment. In this paper, we propose a semi-analytical model able to fill this gap. We show that our proposed model is able to provide a quick, conservative estimation of the SCI noise on both UT and DM systems, including optical line system configurations with mixed fiber types.
The effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the management of upper limb spasticity in chronic-post stroke hemiplegia–A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Senarath Iresha Dilhari , Thalwathte Randika Dinesh , Pathirage Manoji , Kularatne Senanayake A. M. 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundTraditionally both rESWT and TENS are used in treating post-stroke upper limb spasticity over years and their effectiveness had been assessed disjointedly. However, these methods were not yet compared for superiority.ObjectivesTo compare rESWT vs TENS to assess their effectiveness in different parameters of stroke such as stroke type, gender, and the affected side.MethodsThe experimental group was treated with rESWT application to the middle of the muscle belly of Teres major, Brachialis, Flexor carpi ulnaris, and Flexor digitorum profundus muscles using 1500 shots per muscle, frequency of 5Hz, energy of 0.030 mJ/mm. The TENS was applied to the same muscles in the control group using 100 Hz for 15 minutes. Assessments were taken at the baseline (T0), immediately after first application (T1), and at the end of four-week protocol (T2).ResultsPatients 106 with a mean age of 63.87±7.052 years were equally divided into rESWT (53) and TENS (53) groups including 62 males, 44 females, 74 ischemic, 32 hemorrhagic, affecting 68 right, and 38 left. Statistical analysis has revealed significant differences at T1 and T2 in both groups. But at T2 compared to T0; the rESWT group has reduced spasticity 4.8 times (95% CI 1.956 to 2.195) while TENS reduced by 2.6 times (95% CI 1.351 to 1.668), improved voluntary control by 3.9 times (95% CI 2.314 to 2.667) and it was 3.2 times (95% CI 1.829 to 2.171) in TENS group. Improvement of the hand functions of the rESWT group was 3.8 times in FMA-UL (95% CI 19.549 to 22.602) and 5.5 times in ARAT (95% CI 22.453 to 24.792) while thrice (95% CI 14.587 to 17.488) and 4.1 times (95% CI 16.019 to 18.283) in TENS group respectively.ConclusionThe rESWT modality is superior compared to the TENS modality for treating chronic post-stroke spastic upper limb.
An experimental investigation into the radiation-shielding performance of newly developed polyester containing recycled waste marble and bismuth oxide
Authors: Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Yasmin Sabina , Abualsayed Mohammad Ibrahim , Elsafi Mohamed 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
To obtain better radiation shielding, a new polyester has been made by the combination of 40 wt% of polyester and 30 wt% of fine waste marble mixed along with PbO (30–0) wt% and Bi2O3 (0–30) wt%. A few significant shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z
eff) have been measured experimentally using an HPGe detector. Theoretical values have also been calculated using XCOM software. With the aim of validating the experimental setup, the measured shielding parameters, such as LAC and HVL, have been compared with their theoretical analogs. At 0.662 MeV energy, the prepared new polyester’s HVL and MFP exhibited that the sample PWPBi-10 composed of polyester (40 wt%), fine waste marble (30 wt%), PbO (20 wt%), and Bi2O3 (10 wt%) provides the best shielding ability among other studied polyesters herein. The MFP behavior indicates that the ratio of Bi2O3 and PbO on these new polyesters has a direct impact on their radiation-shielding properties. It is noteworthy that new polyester PWPBi-10 exposed the lowest value of MFP compared to the rest of the studied samples. In conclusion, considering all the measured shielding parameters, it can be stated that the sample PWPBi-10 has the ultimate radiation diffusion capability among the rest of the studied samples.