bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced Sputum: A Valuable Tool for Assessing Cellular and Microbiological Characteristics in Cystic Fibrosis Expectorating Teenagers
Authors: Guedes M. , Frankel D. , Baron S. A. , Berbis J. , Stremler‐Le Bel N. , Baravalle‐Einaudi M. , Roll P. , Kaspi E. , Dubus J. C. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionCellular characteristics of induced sputum (IS) are not investigated in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.ObjectivesThis pilot study, conducted on 17 expectorating CF adolescents, compared sputa obtained the same day, in a stable period, by autogenic drainage (expectorating sputum, ES) and 4 h later after inhaling hypertonic saline (IS).ResultsNo difference was noted concerning weight, volume, and percentage of dead cells between the two collection methods. Sample quality (< 50% of dead cells and < 20% squamous cells) was higher in the case of IS than ES (94.1% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.03), with a doubled cell count (p = 0.01), a higher proportion of alveolar macrophages (p = 0.03), and a lower proportion of squamous cells (p = 0.004). The detection of germs increased by 44% in IS samples, possibly modifying therapeutic management in 17.6% of the patients.ConclusionIS improves the quality and the microbiological detection of the sample, even among CF patients who spontaneously expectorate.
Differential activation of defense responses in cucumbers by adapted versus non‐adapted lineages of the cotton‐melon aphid
Authors: Yang Qinglan , Kang Hanwei , Ning Ganxi , Feng Jingjing , Xiao Xichen , Wan Zeyu , Hereward James P. , Wang Yongmo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe cotton‐melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a polyphagous pest damaging plants across over 100 families. It has multiple host‐specialized lineages, including one colonizing Malvaceae (MA) and one colonizing Cucurbitaceae (CU). The mechanisms underlying these host relationships remain unknown. Here, we compared defensive compounds, gene expressions and aphid susceptibility of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) that were infested with both lineages for up to 14 days.ResultsTotal jasmonic acid (JA) remained constant in CU‐infested cucumbers while increased to a maximum of 19.11 folds at 1 dpi (days post infestation) in MA‐infested cucumbers. Total salicylic acid (SA) increased to a maximum of 4.42 folds at 7 dpi in MA‐infested cucumbers while increased to a maximum of 2.83 folds at 14 dpi in CU‐infested cucumbers. Reactive oxygen species were constantly higher in MA‐infested cucumbers than CU‐infested cucumbers at each time point. Genes involved in defense signaling, for example, MAPKs, PR‐1s, and WRKY, and genes involved in JA and SA biosynthesis, were largely up‐regulated in MA‐infested cucumbers compared with CU‐infested ones. Both lineages exhibited more stylet probing, less phloem ingestion, higher mortality, and less reproduction on MA‐infested cucumbers compared with CU‐infested ones.ConclusionMA lineage aphids elicited stronger defenses in cucumbers than the CU lineage aphids. A lack of salivary effectors specific to cucumbers most likely prevents MA lineage aphids from using cucumbers. Identifying lineage‐specific elicitors or effectors is therefore expected to unveil the molecular mechanisms of host specificity of this aphid. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of Different Steaming Degrees of Panax quinquefolius L. Based on GC‐IMS Combined With Machine Learning
Authors: Mi Yuzhang , Dong Hongjing , Wang Xiao , Liu Shuang , Jiang Min , Liang Qi , Chen Jian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTRationalePanax quinquefolius L. (PQ), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine and a food, is usually processed into various products, including white PQ, red PQ (two‐ or three‐time steamed PQ), and black PQ (nine‐time steamed PQ). Previous studies demonstrated that volatile components (VOCs) were the important active substances of PQ, which had antibacterial, antiviral, and anti‐leukemia activities. However, most research had focused on ginsenosides, and few studies on the volatile components (VOCs) of PQ.MethodsThis study used gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry to analyze the variation of VOCs in PQ during steaming process. Further, machine learning algorithms were used to quickly identify the steaming degrees of PQ samples.ResultsA total of 58 VOCs were identified, and 20 featured components with significant changes in the content were screened, including 2‐methylundecanal, n‐propanol, and n‐octanol. Based on these 20 featured components, six machine learning algorithms were used to predict PQ samples with different steaming degrees. Among them, naive Bayes (NB) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) exhibited good predictive performance, demonstrating significant potential application. This study provided a reference for understanding the variation of VOCs in PQ during steaming and offered a simple, rapid, and low‐cost method for distinguishing the steaming degrees of PQ samples.
Persistent Classification: Understanding Adversarial Attacks by Studying Decision Boundary Dynamics
Authors: Bell Brian , Geyer Michael , Glickenstein David , Hamm Keaton , Scheidegger Carlos , Fernandez Amanda , Moore Juston 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThere are a number of hypotheses underlying the existence of adversarial examples for classification problems. These include the high‐dimensionality of the data, the high codimension in the ambient space of the data manifolds of interest, and that the structure of machine learning models may encourage classifiers to develop decision boundaries close to data points. This article proposes a new framework for studying adversarial examples that does not depend directly on the distance to the decision boundary. Similarly to the smoothed classifier literature, we define a (natural or adversarial) data point to be (γ, σ)‐stable if the probability of the same classification is at least for points sampled in a Gaussian neighborhood of the point with a given standard deviation . We focus on studying the differences between persistence metrics along interpolants of natural and adversarial points. We show that adversarial examples have significantly lower persistence than natural examples for large neural networks in the context of the MNIST and ImageNet datasets. We connect this lack of persistence with decision boundary geometry by measuring angles of interpolants with respect to decision boundaries. Finally, we connect this approach with robustness by developing a manifold alignment gradient metric and demonstrating the increase in robustness that can be achieved when training with the addition of this metric.
Unraveling the impact of blood RANKL and OPG levels on Alzheimer's disease: Independent of bone mineral density and inflammation
Authors: Guo Xingzhi , Shi Wenzhi , Lu Juanjuan , Tang Peng , Li Rui 
Published: January 2025

AbstractINTRODUCTIONObservational studies have revealed a close relationship between reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) system, pivotal in regulating bone metabolism, has been implicated in brain function, but the causal impact on AD risk remains unclear.METHODSWe employed bi‐directional Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) approaches to elucidate the effect of blood soluble RANKL (sRANKL) and OPG levels on AD, assessing whether this influence was independent of BMD and inflammation. Three distinct AD genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data sets from the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP), UK Biobank (UKB), and FinnGen were utilized. Summary‐level data on blood sRANKL and OPG were sourced from deCODE Genetics.RESULTSGenetically predicted per standard deviation (SD) increase in blood sRANKL levels was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AD across all three AD GWAS data sets (IGAP: odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72–0.94, p = 0.004; UKB: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.78–0.91, p < 0.001; FinnGen: OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73–0.94, p = 0.004). No significant causal relationship was observed between OPG levels and AD. In addition, there was no causal impact of AD on the blood levels of sRANKL and OPG. MVMR results showed that the inverse association between sRANKL and AD risk persisted after adjusting for BMD and interleukin‐1α and chemoattractant protein‐1.DISCUSSIONOur study provides evidence that elevated sRANKL levels are causally linked to a reduced risk of AD, independent of BMD and inflammation. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between bone metabolism and AD.Highlights
Blood soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (sRANKL) levels are linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
The association between sRANKL levels and AD is independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and inflammation.
No causal link exists between blood osteoprotegerin levels and AD.
AD does not affect blood levels of sRANKL or osteoprotegerin.
Density Functional Theory in Forensic Science: Applications and Challenges
Authors: Mariotto Lívia Salviano , Rodrigues Caio Henrique Pinke , Mason Nigel John , Bruni Aline Thaís , Fantuzzi Felipe 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTForensic science is evolving to tackle increasingly complex criminal investigations, where traditional methods may fall short. This review examines how computational chemistry enhances forensic techniques by providing detailed insights into molecular interactions, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopic properties. A particular focus is placed on density functional theory (DFT), which has emerged as a powerful, cost‐effective tool that balances computational efficiency and accuracy, making it ideal for studying a wide range of forensic compounds without the need for physical samples. Applications discussed include the analysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS), detection of food adulterants, development of chemical sensors, and forensic examination of luminol for blood detection, fingerprint visualization, and the analysis of explosives. Key advances in various DFT functionals are highlighted, along with prospects for integrating DFT with machine learning and sustainable practices to further expand its impact in forensic science.
Konstruktion
Authors: Sehmer Julian 
Published: January 2025

Zusammenfassung
Im Kapitel „Konstruktion“ werden die im vorangegangenen Kapitel identifizierten Analyseeinstellungen aus den untersuchten Forschungsprogrammen in eine stringente forschungsmethodologische Heuristik überführt. Die „Dekonstruktion“ im vorangegangenen Kapitel versprach hier lediglich über die Analyse der Programme Fluchtlinien zur Untersuchung von Bezugnahmen und sozialen Normen zu identifizieren, erreichte aber durch die unterschiedlichen forschungsmethodologischen und theoretischen Grundlagen noch keine Passung, die diese einer empirischen Analyse zuführen könnte. Über die Konstruktion wird eine theoretisch – und dann auch forschungsmethodologisch – stringente Rahmung erzeugt, die es vermag, die jeweiligen Fluchtlinien zu einer Heuristik zu verknüpfen. Die theoretische Gegenstandskonstruktion bietet so eine Form der Deutung und Verbindung der jeweils identifizierten Elemente an, die abgesichert über den zirkulären Prozess am Material wie an ähnlichen Programmen, eine insofern erprobte Variante der Deutung der Zusammenhänge darstellt, die möglichst präzise zum Verständnis sozialer Normen für die sozialpädagogische Praxis beitragen kann. Die Konstruktion ist entsprechend durch die theoretischen Studien und die empirische Rekonstruktion angeregt und so in den zirkulären Prozess integriert. Sie ist selbst also letztlich Ergebnis auch der Rekonstruktion und nicht nur Vorarbeit auf dem Weg zur empirischen Erkenntnis. Als Ergebnis wird so abschließend eine theoretisch-forschungsmethodologische Heuristik zur Analyse der Bedeutung sozialer Normen in sozialpädagogischen Praxen präsentiert.
Measurement of the Vaginal Pressure Profile with the Femfit® and Leakage Events Using a Newly Developed Pad Test during Selected Sports Activities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hagovská Magdaléna , Bukova Alena , Svihra Jan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis
Measuring changes in the vaginal pressure profile (VPP) with the Femfit® by JUNOFEM during various sports will help improve understanding of the magnitude of pressures generated during such activities and the pelvic floor’s response to those pressures. This could aid in selecting safe exercises for women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to measure intravaginal pressure changes using a novel pressure sensor array (Femfit®) during high-risk sports activities in elite female athletes with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The secondary aim was to quantify the amount of urine leakage during these activities using a newly developed innovative pad weighing test (iPWT).

Methods
We used the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) to assess participants and measured the VPP using the Femfit® device during ground jumps, trampoline jumps, weightlifting, slow running and fast running. Urine leakage was assessed using the iPWT during the five sports activities.

Results
The highest VPP (53.7 ± 21.6 mmHg) was recorded during ground jumps, followed by trampoline jumps. The second-highest values (24.7 ± 8.1 mmHg) were measured during fast and slow running, while the lowest values were observed during weightlifting (11.6 ± 4.0 mmHg). Measurements of VPP during sporting activities revealed lower pressure values in elite female athletes with SUI than in those without SUI. The overall mean urine leakage in the SUI group during the five activities was 6.6 ± 1.8 g.

Conclusion
On the basis of the VPP and the newly developed iPWT, sports involving jumps and lunges have been identified as revealing SUI and should therefore be included in testing female athletes. The iPWT may prove suitable for measuring SUI in elite female athletes but requires further testing and validation. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT06224335.
Adaptive Planning Approaches for Coastal Climate Adaptation: Process and Key-elements
Authors: Valente Sofia , Pinho Paulo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The paradigm of Adaptive Planning and Management provides several methodological approaches for designing robust adaptive plans to cope with uncertain future changes, namely the Adaptation Pathways’ method (APs). These approaches, particularly those containing APs, have captured increasing interest in the field of coastal climate adaptation as useful for guiding its planning and management. While these approaches have been tested in several research cases, there are still few real cases of application into coastal spatial planning instruments. Furthermore, the lack of implementation of coastal adaptation actions in urbanized coasts worldwide, so-called adaptation gaps, points to the need of investigating to what extent these Adaptive Planning approaches containing APs are being applied in coastal plans. A deeper analysis of cases of application of these approaches in coastal plans is required to understand how adaptive plans are being crafted. This article focusses on the two major cases of application of APs-based Adaptive Planning and Management approaches into planning and management instruments – the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan and the Delta Programme – to identify what elements were essential to design an adaptive plan and operationalize an Adaptive Planning and Management approach, including ingredients that the plan had to meet to be robust and adaptive. Our results suggest that at least five elements are required to craft and deliver a robust adaptive plan and accomplish a real Adaptive Planning and Management.
Associations of ventriculomegaly and white matter hyperintensities with glymphatic dysfunction in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Wu Qian , Chen Jiakuan , Yang Xiaolin , Zhang Xiejun , He Wenjie , Xia Jun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate glymphatic function in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) using the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method and to explore the associations of ALPS index with ventriculomegaly and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).

Materials and methods
This study included 41 patients with iNPH and 40 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NCs). All participants underwent brain MRI. Based on DTI, we then calculated the ALPS index to obtain the water diffusivity along the perivascular space. Ventricular volume and WMH were also determined. Differences in the diffusivities and ALPS indexes between the iNPH and NC groups were investigated; associations of the DTI-ALPS index with ventriculomegaly and WMH were analysed.

Results
Patients with iNPH had a lower ALPS index than NCs (p < 0.001). The ALPS index was significantly correlated with the normalised ventricular volume (r = −0.446, p = 0.004), but not with total WMH volume (r = −0.246, p = 0.126). Further regression analyses indicated that the reduced ALPS index was associated with increased ventricular volume (β = −7.158, p = 0.016), but not with normalised WMH volume (β = −2.796, p = 0.161). The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the ALPS index’s excellent diagnostic performance for iNPH (the optimal cut-off point = 1.322; sensitivity, 100.0%; specificity, 87.5%; AUC = 0.980).

Conclusions
Patients with iNPH had a lower ALPS index, which may suggest impaired glymphatic function. This study demonstrated an association of DTI-ALPS index with ventriculomegaly, but not WMH in patients with iNPH.

Key Points

Question

Glymphatic dysfunction is crucial in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) development, yet its associations with neuroimaging features remains unclear.

Findings

Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) revealed a reduced ALPS index in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, negatively correlating with ventricular volume.

Clinical relevance

DTI-ALPS enables non-invasive assessment of glymphatic function and its relationship with neuroimaging characteristics in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, facilitating the investigation of glymphatic dysfunction in iNPH pathophysiology.
Complete blood counts as potential risk factors of early dissemination to liver and lungs in resected colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Popęda Marta , Żok Jolanta , Tomasik Bartłomiej , Duchnowska Renata , Bieńkowski Michał 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Liver and lung metastases demonstrate distinct biological, particularly immunological, characteristics. We investigated whether preoperative complete blood count (CBC) parameters, which may reflect the immune system condition, predict early dissemination to the liver and lungs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods
In this retrospective single-centre study, we included 268 resected CRC cases with complete 2-year follow-up and analysed preoperative CBC for association with early liver or lung metastasis development. Next, selected CBC and clinicopathological parameters were analysed with uni- and multivariable Cox regression. Independent factors affecting liver or lung metastasis-free survival were incorporated into composite scores, which were further evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and dichotomised using a modified, specificity-focused, Youden approach to identify particularly high-risk patients.

Results
Compared to metastasis-free patients, early liver metastases were related to decreases in red blood cells, haematocrit, lymphocytes and elevated monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, while lung metastases to lower eosinophil counts. A composite score of independent factors (erythrocytopenia, lower lymphocyte count and pN) yielded HR of 8.01 (95% CI 3.45–18.57, p < 0.001) for liver-specific metastasis-free survival (MFS). For lung-specific MFS, the combination of eosinopenia, pN and primary tumour location showed HR of 13.69 (95% CI 4.34–43.20, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Early CRC metastases to the liver and lungs are associated with partially divergent clinicopathological and peripheral blood features. We propose simple, clinically implementable scores, based on routinely assessed parameters, to identify patients with an increased risk of early dissemination to the liver or lungs. After validation in independent cohorts, these scores may provide easily available prognostic information.
Left ventricular rigor mortis interferes with postmortem aortic root geometry
Authors: Federspiel Jan Michael , Abeln Karen B. , Ramsthaler Frank , Tschernig Thomas , Schmidt Peter H. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aortic regurgitation is a common valve disease and can be caused by delineated findings such as fenestrations or hardly discernible alterations of the aortic root geometry. Therefore, aortic regurgitation can be a challenging diagnosis during an autopsy. Cardiac surgeons, however, are confronted with comparable problems during surgery and have developed a refined knowledge of the anatomy of the aortic root including its geometry. Transferring this knowledge from the operating room to the dissection would further complement the panel of postmortem diagnostic tools. To foster translation of the clinical anatomy, the present study assessed the impact of postmortem peculiarities (i.e. myocardial rigor mortis, putrefaction) that might influence aortic root geometry. The aortic root geometry was described by aortic perimeters (basal, sinus, sino-tubular junction, and ascending aorta), effective height (distance from the cusp’s free margin to its nadir), geometric height (cusp height), commissural height (distance from the base of an interleaflet triangle to the end of a commissure), and length of the ascending aorta. Data from 140 cases were analyzed (linear regression, comparative testing). Myocardial rigor mortis was associated with smaller basal rings. Weak positive correlations between the duration of the postmortem interval and aortic root dimensions were observed. In summary, postmortem peculiarities, especially the myocardial cadaveric rigidity, influence postmortem aortic root geometry. Despite these circumstances, the current study demonstrates that aortic root geometric assessment, including effective height, is feasible in a postmortem setting. Further studies are needed to elaborate on aortic root geometry as a diagnostic tool in a necropsy setting.