bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FTIR studies on interactions among components in PVdF-HFP:PC:MPII electrolytes
Authors: Arsyad A , Saaid F I , Najihah M Z , Tan W 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Liquid electrolytes are known to have high conductivities. However, they suffer from leakage, corrosion of electrodes and other stability issues. Solid polymer electrolytes eliminate the problems of liquid electrolytes at the cost of lower conductivity. Quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes (QSSPE) overcome the shortcomings of both liquid electrolytes and solid polymer electrolytes. In this work, QSSPE is prepared by incorporating poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) in a propylene carbonate (PC) and 1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide (MPII) liquid electrolyte. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies have been carried out to investigate the interactions among PVdF-HFP, PC and MPII. A comprehensive spectroscopic investigation on ion-solvent-polymer interactions helps to understand the mechanism of ionic conduction in the PVdF-HFP/PC/MPII electrolyte system. Interaction between MPII and PC has occurred from the changes in the ν(C=O), ν(C-O) + ω(C-H), ω(C-H) + δ(C-H) and τ of ring of PC as well as the C-N bond oscillation and of (N-C-H) of MPII. Interaction occurs via the coordination of MPIm+ cations with both oxygen atoms of PC. Complexation between PVdF-HFP and MPII has been noted. MPII suppresses the non-polar α-phase and induces the polar β and -phases of PVdF-HFP. Shift of peaks belong to the CF2 and CF3 groups of PVdF-HFP suggests the complexation occurs at the fluorine atoms in CF2 and CF3 groups. Evidence of interaction between PC and PVdF-HFP has been manifested through the change of the ν(C=O), τ(C-H) + δ(C-H) and ν of the CF2 group of PVdF-HFP. Disappearance of non-polar α-phase of PVdF-HFP is noted in the presence of PC. From this work, the authors hope to shed some light on understanding the conduction mechanism in PVdF-HFP:PC:MPII electrolytes. Understanding the conduction mechanism is important in order to find ways for conductivity improvement.
Serotonin regulation of intermittent and continuous alcohol drinking in male and female C57BL/6J mice with systemic SB242084 and buspirone
Authors: Ko Yeasong E , Hwa Lara S 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study aims to assess the therapeutic potentials of novel serotonergic compounds in treating alcohol use disorders by investigating the effects of SB242084 and buspirone on intermittent and continuous alcohol consumption in male and female mice. Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were given two-bottle choice to 20% ethanol and water on an intermittent or continuous availability schedule. Drug testing consisted of intraperitoneal injections of 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg SB242084 or 1, 3, 10 mg/kg buspirone, and subsequent alcohol and water consumption were measured. To monitor the drug effects on anxiety-like and locomotor behavior, the highest dose of each compound was administered before free activity in an open field. SB242084 dose-dependently attenuated alcohol drinking for intermittent alcohol drinking in male mice but did not significantly alter alcohol drinking in mice given continuous access. Two-hour and four-hour female drinking behavior was unaffected by SB242084. In comparison, buspirone not only suppressed intermittent and continuous alcohol drinking in both males and females but also reduced distance traveled in the open field test. Observed differences in responses to SB242084 between drinking groups may imply differing neural mechanisms between episodic and continuous drinking driven by serotonin. Reductions in drinking after buspirone treatment may be related to non-specific properties. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of compounds blocking the 5-HT2C receptor for alcohol use disorders.
Tailored inference for finite populations: conditional validity and transfer across distributions
Authors: Jin Ying , Rothenhäusler Dominik 
Published: March 2023

SummaryParameters of subpopulations can be more relevant than those of superpopulations. For example, a healthcare provider may be interested in the effect of a treatment plan for a specific subset of their patients; policymakers may be concerned with the impact of a policy in a particular state within a given population. In these cases, the focus is on a specific finite population, as opposed to an infinite superpopulation. Such a population can be characterized by fixing some attributes that are intrinsic to them, leaving unexplained variations like measurement error as random. Inference for a population with fixed attributes can then be modelled as inferring parameters of a conditional distribution. Accordingly, it is desirable that confidence intervals are conditionally valid for the realized population, instead of marginalizing over many possible draws of populations. We provide a statistical inference framework for parameters of finite populations with known attributes. Leveraging the attribute information, our estimators and confidence intervals closely target a specific finite population. When the data are from the population of interest, our confidence intervals attain asymptotic conditional validity, given the attributes, and are shorter than those for superpopulation inference. In addition, we develop procedures to infer parameters of new populations with differing covariate distributions; the confidence intervals are also conditionally valid for the new populations under mild conditions. Our methods extend to situations where the fixed information has a weaker structure or is only partially observed. We demonstrate the validity and applicability of our methods using simulated data and a real-word dataset for predicting car prices.
Progression of atypical parkinsonian syndromes: PROSPECT-M-UK study implications for clinical trials
Authors: Street Duncan , Jabbari Edwin , Costantini Alyssa , Jones P Simon , Holland Negin , Rittman Timothy , Jensen Marte T , Chelban Viorica , Goh Yen Y , Guo Tong , Heslegrave Amanda J , Roncaroli Federico , Klein Johannes C , Ansorge Olaf , Allinson Kieren S J , Jaunmuktane Zane , Revesz Tamas , Warner Thomas T , Lees Andrew J , Zetterberg Henrik , Russell Lucy L , Bocchetta Martina , Rohrer Jonathan D , Burn David J , Pavese Nicola , Gerhard Alexander , Kobylecki Christopher , Leigh P Nigel , Church Alistair , Hu Michele T M , Houlden Henry , Morris Huw , Rowe James B 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The advent of clinical trials of disease-modifying agents for neurodegenerative disease highlights the need for evidence-based end point selection. Here we report the longitudinal PROSPECT-M-UK study of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and related disorders, to compare candidate clinical trial end points.
In this multicentre UK study, participants were assessed with serial questionnaires, motor examination, neuropsychiatric and MRI assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Participants were classified by diagnosis at baseline and study end, into Richardson syndrome, PSP-subcortical (PSP-parkinsonism and progressive gait freezing subtypes), PSP-cortical (PSP-frontal, PSP-speech and language and PSP-CBS subtypes), MSA-parkinsonism, MSA-cerebellar, CBS with and without evidence of Alzheimer’s disease pathology and indeterminate syndromes. We calculated annual rate of change, with linear mixed modelling and sample sizes for clinical trials of disease-modifying agents, according to group and assessment type.
Two hundred forty-three people were recruited [117 PSP, 68 CBS, 42 MSA and 16 indeterminate; 138 (56.8%) male; age at recruitment 68.7 ± 8.61 years]. One hundred and fifty-nine completed the 6-month assessment (82 PSP, 27 CBS, 40 MSA and 10 indeterminate) and 153 completed the 12-month assessment (80 PSP, 29 CBS, 35 MSA and nine indeterminate). Questionnaire, motor examination, neuropsychiatric and neuroimaging measures declined in all groups, with differences in longitudinal change between groups. Neuroimaging metrics would enable lower sample sizes to achieve equivalent power for clinical trials than cognitive and functional measures, often achieving N &lt; 100 required for 1-year two-arm trials (with 80% power to detect 50% slowing). However, optimal outcome measures were disease-specific.
In conclusion, phenotypic variance within PSP, CBS and MSA is a major challenge to clinical trial design. Our findings provide an evidence base for selection of clinical trial end points, from potential functional, cognitive, clinical or neuroimaging measures of disease progression.
Chemosensation in anxiety: the trigeminal system matters
Authors: Fortier-Lebel Olivier , Hudon Émilie , Boller Benjamin , Frasnelli Johannes 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe presence of a perceptual bias due to anxiety is well demonstrated in cognitive and sensory task for the visual and auditory modality. Event-related potentials, by their specific measurement of neural processes, have strongly contributed to this evidence. There is still no consensus as to whether such a bias exists in the chemical senses; chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs) are an excellent tool to clarify the heterogeneous results, especially since the Late Positive Component (LPC) may be an indicator of emotional involvement after chemosensory stimulation. This research examined the association between state and trait anxiety and the amplitude and latency of pure olfactory and mixed olfactory–trigeminal LPC. In this study, 20 healthy participants (11 women) with a mean age of 24.6 years (SD = 2.6) completed a validated questionnaire to measure anxiety (STAI), and CSERP was recorded during 40 pure olfactory stimulations (phenyl ethanol) and 40 mixed olfactory–trigeminal stimulations (eucalyptol). LPC latency and amplitude were measured at Cz (electrode located at midline central) for each participant. We observed a significant negative correlation between LPC latencies and the state anxiety scores for the mixed olfactory–trigeminal condition (r(18) = −0.513; P = 0.021), but not for the pure olfactory condition. We did not observe any effect on LPC amplitudes. This study suggests that a higher level of state anxiety is related to a more rapid perceptual electrophysiological response for mixed olfactory–trigeminal stimuli but not for pure odors.
Body Composition Changes Over the Menopausal Transition in Women With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Abelman Rebecca A , Nguyen Thuy Trang J , Ma Yifei , Bacchetti Peter , Messerlian Geralyn , French Audrey L , Sharma Anjali , Minkoff Howard , Plankey Michael , Grunfeld Carl , Tien Phyllis C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Women are at risk for weight gain during the transition to menopause, but few have examined the contribution of menopause to weight gain in women with human immunodeficiency virus (WWH).

Methods
From 2000 to 2013, participants (621 WWH; 218 without HIV [WWOH]) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study were categorized by menopausal phase using serial measures of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Multivariable linear mixed models examined the association of menopausal phase with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) trajectory, stratified by HIV status.

Results
In models controlled for chronologic age, the estimated effects (95% confidence interval) of menopausal phase on annual rate of BMI change across early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and menopause, respectively, compared to premenopause were −0.55% (−.80 to −.30), −0.29% (−.61 to .03), and −0.67% (−1.12 to −.20) in WWH, whereas estimated effects were 0.43% (−.01 to .87) and 0.15% (−.42 to .71) across early and late perimenopause, respectively, and −0.40% (−1.24 to .45) across menopause in WWOH. The estimated effects on rate of WC change were negative across early perimenopause (−0.21% [−.44 to .03]) and menopause (−0.12% [−.5 to .26]) and positive across late perimenopause (0.18% [−.10 to .45]) in WWH, and positive across all 3 menopausal phases in WWOH, but these effects were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
In WWH, the menopausal transition was associated with BMI and WC trajectories that were mostly in a negative direction and opposite from WWOH after adjusting for age, suggesting that HIV blunts weight gain during the menopausal transition.
Contribution of Low CD4 Cell Counts and High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Load to the Efficacy of Preferred First-Line Antiretroviral Regimens for Treating HIV Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perez-Molina Jose A , Crespillo-Andújar Clara , Zamora Javier , Fernández-Félix Borja M , Gaetano-Gil Andrea , López-Bernaldo de Quirós Juan C , Serrano-Villar Sergio , Moreno Santiago , Álvarez-Díaz Noelia , Berenguer Juan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We assessed whether low CD4 count and high viral load (VL) affect the response to currently preferred ART. We performed a systematic review of randomized, controlled clinical trials that analyzed preferred first-line ART and a subgroup analysis by CD4 count (≤ or &gt;200 CD4/μL) or VL (≤ or &gt;100 000 copies/mL). We computed the odds ratio (OR) of treatment failure (TF) for each subgroup and individual treatment arm. Patients with ≤200 CD4 cells or VL ≥100 000 copies/mL showed an increased likelihood of TF at 48 weeks: OR, 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–2.61 and OR, 1.75; 95% CI: 1.30–2.35, respectively. A similar increase in the risk of TF was observed at 96 weeks. There was no significant heterogeneity regarding integrase strand transfer inhibitor or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone. Our results show that CD4 &lt;200 cells/μL and VL ≥100,000 copies/mL impair ART efficacy in all preferred regimens.
The PhysioVP-AF study, a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical benefit of physiological ventricular pacing vs. managed ventricular pacing for persistent atrial fibrillation prevention in patients with prolonged atrioventricular conduction: design and rationale
Authors: Pastore Gianni , Bertini Matteo , Bonanno Carlo , Coluccia Giovanni , Dell'Era Gabriele , De Mattia Luca , Grieco Domenico , Katsouras Grigorius , Maines Massimiliano , Marcantoni Lina , Marinaccio Leonardo , Paglino Gabriele , Palmisano Pietro , Ziacchi Matteo , Zoppo Franco , Noventa Franco 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims
In patients with prolonged atrioventricular (AV) conduction and pacemaker (PM) indication due to sinus node disease (SND) or intermittent AV-block who do not need continuous ventricular pacing (VP), it may be difficult to determine which strategy to adopt. Currently, the standard of care is to minimize unnecessary VP by specific VP avoidance (VPA) algorithms. The superiority of this strategy over standard DDD or DDD rate-responsive (DDD/DDDR) in improving clinical outcomes is controversial, probably owing to the prolongation of the atrialventricular conduction (PR interval) caused by the algorithms. Conduction system pacing (CSP) may offer the most physiological-VP approach, providing appropriate AV conduction and preventing pacing-induced dyssynchrony.

Methods and results
PhysioVP-AF is a prospective, controlled, randomized, single-blind trial designed to determine whether atrial-synchronized conduction system pacing (DDD-CSP) is superior to standard DDD-VPA pacing in terms of 3-year reduction of persistent-AF occurrence. Cardiovascular hospitalization, quality-of-life, and safety will be evaluated. Patients with indication for permanent DDD pacing for SND or intermittent AV-block and prolonged AV conduction (PR interval &gt; 180 ms) will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to DDD-VPA (VPA-algorithms ON, septal/apex position) or to DDD-CSP (His bundle or left bundle branch area pacing, AV-delay setting to control PR interval, VPA-algorithms OFF). Approximately 400 patients will be randomized in 24 months in 13 Italian centres.

Conclusion
The PhysioVP-AF study will provide an essential contribution to patient management with prolonged AV conduction and PM indication for sinus nodal disease or paroxysmal 2nd-degree AV-block by determining whether CSP combined with a controlled PR interval is superior to standard management that minimizes unnecessary VP in terms of reducing clinical outcomes.
Digest: Focus on chromosomes: how to understand angiosperm radiation
Authors: Casanova Chiclana Adrián 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
How can the karyotypic diversity across angiosperms explain the diversification of this group? Using karyotypic data from around 15% of extant species, Carta and Escudero (2023) showed that changes in the chromosome number is one of the explanatory variables for species diversification along with other studied drivers, such as ecological adaptations.
The Australasian dingo archetype: de novo chromosome-length genome assembly, DNA methylome, and cranial morphology
Authors: Ballard J William O , Field Matt A , Edwards Richard J , Wilson Laura A B , Koungoulos Loukas G , Rosen Benjamin D , Chernoff Barry , Dudchenko Olga , Omer Arina , Keilwagen Jens , Skvortsova Ksenia , Bogdanovic Ozren , Chan Eva , Zammit Robert , Hayes Vanessa , Aiden Erez Lieberman 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
One difficulty in testing the hypothesis that the Australasian dingo is a functional intermediate between wild wolves and domesticated breed dogs is that there is no reference specimen. Here we link a high-quality de novo long-read chromosomal assembly with epigenetic footprints and morphology to describe the Alpine dingo female named Cooinda. It was critical to establish an Alpine dingo reference because this ecotype occurs throughout coastal eastern Australia where the first drawings and descriptions were completed.

Findings
We generated a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly (Canfam_ADS) using a combination of Pacific Bioscience, Oxford Nanopore, 10X Genomics, Bionano, and Hi-C technologies. Compared to the previously published Desert dingo assembly, there are large structural rearrangements on chromosomes 11, 16, 25, and 26. Phylogenetic analyses of chromosomal data from Cooinda the Alpine dingo and 9 previously published de novo canine assemblies show dingoes are monophyletic and basal to domestic dogs. Network analyses show that the mitochondrial DNA genome clusters within the southeastern lineage, as expected for an Alpine dingo. Comparison of regulatory regions identified 2 differentially methylated regions within glucagon receptor GCGR and histone deacetylase HDAC4 genes that are unmethylated in the Alpine dingo genome but hypermethylated in the Desert dingo. Morphologic data, comprising geometric morphometric assessment of cranial morphology, place dingo Cooinda within population-level variation for Alpine dingoes. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain tissue shows she had a larger cranial capacity than a similar-sized domestic dog.

Conclusions
These combined data support the hypothesis that the dingo Cooinda fits the spectrum of genetic and morphologic characteristics typical of the Alpine ecotype. We propose that she be considered the archetype specimen for future research investigating the evolutionary history, morphology, physiology, and ecology of dingoes. The female has been taxidermically prepared and is now at the Australian Museum, Sydney.
Redox and Immune Signaling in Schizophrenia: New Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Dwir Daniella , Khadimallah Ines , Xin Lijing , Rahman Meredith , Du Fei , Öngür Dost , Do Kim Q 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Redox biology and immune signaling play major roles in the body, including in brain function. A rapidly growing literature also suggests that redox and immune abnormalities are implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder, autism, and epilepsy. In this article we review this literature, its implications for the pathophysiology of SZ, and the potential for development of novel treatment interventions targeting redox and immune signaling. Redox biology and immune signaling in the brain are complex and not fully understood; in addition, there are discrepancies in the literature, especially in patient-oriented studies. Nevertheless, it is clear that abnormalities arise in SZ from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors during sensitive periods of brain development, and these abnormalities disrupt local circuits and long-range connectivity. Interventions that correct these abnormalities may be effective in normalizing brain function in psychotic disorders, especially in early phases of illness.
Point prevalence audit surveys of respiratory tract infection consultations and antibiotic prescribing in primary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Shah M , Fleming A , Barbosa T M , van der Velden A W , Parveen S , Vellinga A 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics in general practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on antibiotic prescribing and delivery of primary care in Ireland.

Objectives
To assess the quality of antibiotic prescribing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Ireland.

Methods
Point prevalence audit surveys for RTI consultations were conducted as part of a European study at three time periods: January–February 2020, March–May 2020 and March–May 2021. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed and comparisons made between the three time periods.

Results
In total, 765 consultations were recorded, which were mainly face to face before the pandemic, but changed to predominantly remote consultations during the pandemic surveys in 2020 and 2021 (82% and 75%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 54% of RTI consultations before the pandemic. During pandemic surveys, this dropped to 23% in 2020 and 21% in 2021. There was a decrease in prescribing of Red (reserve) agents in 2021. Assessment against indication-specific quality indicators showed a high proportion of consultations for bronchitis and tonsillitis resulting in an antibiotic prescription (67% and 85%). Point-of-care testing (POCT) to aid diagnosis of RTIs were utilized in less than 1% of consultations.

Conclusions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reduction in antibiotic prescribing. Opportunities identified to support AMS in primary care in Ireland are targeted initiatives to reduce antibiotic prescribing for bronchitis and tonsillitis and introducing POCT to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing.