bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and histologic factors associated with discordance between steatosis grade derived from histology vs. MRI‐PDFF in NAFLD
Authors: Kim Beom K. , Bernstein Nicole , Huang Daniel Q. , Tamaki Nobuharu , Imajo Kento , Yoneda Masato , Sutter Nancy , Jung Jinho , Nguyen Khang , Nguyen Leyna , Le Tracy , Madamba Egbert , Richards Lisa , Valasek Mark A. , Behling Cynthia , Sirlin Claude B. , Nakajima Atsushi , Loomba Rohit 
Published: June 2023

SummaryBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) is an excellent biomarker for the non‐invasive quantification of hepatic steatosis.AimTo examine clinical and histologic factors associated with discordance between steatosis grade determined by histology and MRI‐PDFF in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)MethodsWe included 728 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD from UC San Diego (n = 414) and Yokohama City University (n = 314) who underwent MRI‐PDFF and liver biopsy. Patients were stratified by steatosis, and matched with MRI‐PDFF cut‐points for each steatosis grade: 0 (MRI‐PDFF < 6.4%), 1 (MRI‐PDFF: 6.4%–17.4%), 2 (MRI‐PDFF: 17.4%–22.1%), 3 (MRI‐PDFF ≥ 22.1%). Primary outcome was major discordance defined as ≥2 steatosis grade difference determined by histology and MRI‐PDFF.ResultsMean (±SD) age and BMI were 55.3 (±13.8) years and 29.9 (±4.9) kg/m2, respectively. The distributions of histology and MRI‐PDFF‐determined steatosis were 5.5% grade 0 (n = 40), 44.8% 1 (n = 326, 44.8%), 33.9% 2 (n = 247), and 15.8% 3 (n = 115) vs. 23.5% grade 0 (n = 171), 49.7% 1 (n = 362), 12.9% 2 (n = 94), and 13.9% 3 (n = 101). Major discordance rate was 6.6% (n = 48). Most cases with major discordance had greater histology‐determined steatosis grade (n = 40, 88.3%), higher serum AST and liver stiffness, and greater likelihood of fibrosis ≥2, ballooning ≥1 and lobular inflammation ≥2 (all p < 0.05).ConclusionHistology overestimates steatosis grade compared to MRI‐PDFF. Patients with advanced NASH are likely to be upgraded on steatosis grade by histology. These data have important implications for steatosis estimation and reporting on histology in clinical practice and trials, especially in patients with stage 2 fibrosis.
The antianginal ranolazine fails to improve glycaemia in obese liver‐specific pyruvate dehydrogenase deficient male mice
Authors: Saed Christina T. , Tabatabaei Dakhili Seyed Amirhossein , Greenwell Amanda A. , Chan Jordan S. F. , Yang Kunyan , Gopal Keshav , Eaton Farah , Al Batran Rami , Ussher John R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsRecent studies have demonstrated that stimulating pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH, gene Pdha1), the rate‐limiting enzyme of glucose oxidation, can reverse obesity‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can be achieved via treatment with the antianginal ranolazine. Accordingly, our aim was to determine whether ranolazine's ability to mitigate obesity‐induced NAFLD and hyperglycaemia requires increases in hepatic PDH activity.MethodsWe generated liver‐specific PDH‐deficient (Pdha1Liver−/−) mice, which were provided a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Pdha1Liver−/− mice and their albumin‐Cre (AlbCre) littermates were randomized to treatment with either vehicle control or ranolazine (50 mg/kg) once daily via oral gavage during the final 5 weeks, following which we assessed glucose and pyruvate tolerance.ResultsPdha1Liver−/− mice exhibited no overt phenotypic differences (e.g. adiposity, glucose tolerance) when compared to their AlbCre littermates. Of interest, ranolazine treatment improved glucose tolerance and mildly reduced hepatic triacylglycerol content in obese AlbCre mice but not in obese Pdha1Liver−/− mice. The latter was independent of changes in hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in regulating lipogenesis.ConclusionsLiver‐specific PDH deficiency is insufficient to promote an NAFLD phenotype. Nonetheless, hepatic PDH activity partially contributes to how the antianginal ranolazine improves glucose tolerance and alleviates hepatic steatosis in obesity.
Dynamic time warp analysis of individual symptom trajectories in individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Mesbah R. , Koenders M. A. , Spijker A. T. , de Leeuw M. , van Hemert A. M. , Giltay E. J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundManic and depressive mood states in bipolar disorder (BD) may emerge from the non‐linear relations between constantly changing mood symptoms exhibited as a complex dynamic system. Dynamic Time Warp (DTW) is an algorithm that may capture symptom interactions from panel data with sparse observations over time.MethodsThe Young Mania Rating Scale and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology were repeatedly assessed in 141 individuals with BD, with on average 5.5 assessments per subject every 3–6 months. Dynamic Time Warp calculated the distance between each of the 27 × 27 pairs of standardized symptom scores. The changing profile of standardized symptom scores of BD participants was analyzed in individual subjects, yielding symptom dimensions in aggregated group‐level analyses. Using an asymmetric time‐window, symptom changes that preceded other symptom changes (i.e., Granger causality) yielded a directed network.ResultsThe mean age of the BD participants was 40.1 (SD 13.5) years old, and 60% were female participants. Idiographic symptom networks were highly variable between subjects. Yet, nomothetic analyses showed five symptom dimensions: core (hypo)mania (6 items), dysphoric mania (5 items), lethargy (7 items), somatic/suicidality (6 items), and sleep (3 items). Symptoms of the “Lethargy” dimension showed the highest out‐strength, and its changes preceded those of “somatic/suicidality,” while changes in “core (hypo)mania” preceded those of “dysphoric mania.”ConclusionDynamic Time Warp may help to capture meaningful BD symptom interactions from panel data with sparse observations. It may increase insight into the temporal dynamics of symptoms, as those with high out‐strength (rather than high in‐strength) could be promising targets for intervention.
Investigation of cognitive functions in children with bone tumours and lymphoma in treatment process
Authors: Önal Gözde , Davutoğlu Ceren , Şahin Sedef 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeurocognitive sequelae are among the most debilitating effects of cancer observed in children. Yet we know very little about the impact on neurocognitive functioning, especially cancer types that develop outside the central nervous system. This study aimed to assess and compare the cognitive functions (CoF) of children with bone tumours and lymphoma in the treatment process.MethodsThe CoF of children with bone tumours (n = 44), lymphoma (n = 42) and their non‐cancer peers (n = 55) were assessed with Dynamic Occupational Therapy Assessment for Children. The CoF of children with cancer were compared with their non‐cancer peers. Then, children with bone tumours and lymphoma were compared in binary.ResultsOne‐hundred forty‐one children aged 6–12 years with a mean age of 9.4 (SD = 1.5) were included in this study. The orientation and visuomotor construction functions of children with bone tumours and orientation, praxis and visuomotor construction functions of children with lymphoma performed worse than their non‐cancer peers (pk < 0.001). While orientation, spatial perception, visuomotor construction and thinking operations functions of children with bone tumours and lymphoma were similar (pk > 0.016), praxis functions of children with lymphoma were found to be worse than children with bone tumours (pk < 0.016).ConclusionsOur findings show that children with bone tumours and lymphoma in the process of treatment are at risk for impairment of their CoF. The findings highlight the importance of assessing CoF in children with bone tumours and lymphoma and considering specific differences between groups. It is essential to assess CoF and develop early intervention plans in these children.
Pregnane X receptor (PXR) deficiency protects against spinal cord injury by activating NRF2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Xuan Li‐Na , Hu Zhen‐Xin , Jiang Zhen‐Fu , Zhang Cong , Sun Xiao‐Wan , Ming Wen‐Hua , Liu Hui‐Tao , Qiao Rong‐Fang , Shen Lin‐Jie , Liu Shao‐Bo , Wang Guan‐Yu , Wen Lin , Luan Zhi‐Lin , Yin Jian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionAs a devastating neurological disease, spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe tissue loss and neurological dysfunction. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a ligand‐activated nuclear receptor with a major regulatory role in xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism and recently has been implicated in the central nervous system. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of PXR in SCI.MethodsThe clip‐compressive SCI model was performed in male wild‐type C57BL/6 (PXR+/+) and PXR‐knockout (PXR−/−) mice. The N2a H2O2‐induced injury model mimicked the pathological process of SCI in vitro. Pregnenolone 16α‐carbonitrile (PCN), a mouse‐specific PXR agonist, was used to activate PXR in vivo and in vitro. The siRNA was applied to knock down the PXR expression in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed to discover the relevant mechanism, and the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 was used to validate the involvement of PXR in influencing the NRF2/HO‐1 pathway in the SCI process.ResultsThe expression of PXR decreased after SCI and reached a minimum on the third day. In vivo, PXR knockout significantly improved the motor function of mice after SCI, meanwhile, inhibited apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress induced by SCI. On the contrary, activation of PXR by PCN negatively influenced the recovery of SCI. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that PXR activation downregulated the mRNA level of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) after SCI. We further verified that PXR deficiency activated the NRF2/HO‐1 pathway and PXR activation inhibited this pathway in vitro.ConclusionPXR is involved in the recovery of motor function after SCI by regulating NRF2/HO‐1 pathway.
Revisiting the meaning and the source of health‐related constructs and their applications in neurodisability
Authors: Ronen Gabriel M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe aim of this review is to revisit the meaning of common concepts and frameworks promoted to capture subjective outcomes of patients, the content of their corresponding measurements, and the preferred sources of the information of interest. This is important because conceptualizations of ‘health’ and the subject evaluations thereof continue to evolve. Related but distinct concepts like quality of life (QoL), health‐related QoL (HRQoL), functional status, health status, and well‐being are often used indiscriminately to assess clinical impacts of interventions and to influence decisions about patient care and policymaking. The discussion addresses and illustrates the following issues: (1) the required features of effective and valid health‐related concepts; (2) understanding underlying factors that often create confusion about QoL and HRQoL; and (3) how these concepts provide insight into, and promote, health in the context of populations with neurodisability. The hope is to illustrate how a combination of a clear research question, a hypothesis, conceptualization of the required outcomes, and operational definitions of the domains and items of interest, including item mapping, can help to achieve robust methodology and valid findings beyond the required psychometric properties.What this paper adds

The language, content, and the source of perceived health and life issues are clarified.
Using the same terms for different constructs, or different terms for the same constructs, creates confusion and hinders outcome research.
The challenges of using patient‐reported outcomes in neurodisability are addressed.
From individuals to populations: How homo‐ and heterospecific interactions influence habitat selection in a sit‐and‐wait predator
Authors: Klokočovnik Vesna , Bantan Tadeja , Devetak Dušan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSpecies have different requirements for the habitat in which they live, depending on various biotic and abiotic factors. For sedentary predators such as antlion larvae, both factors are essential. In this study, we examined the preferred habitat choice concerning two abiotic factors, i.e., substrate and illumination, in two pit‐building antlions, Euroleon nostras and Myrmeleon formicarius, to determine whether choice changes during con‐ or heterospecific interactions. Both species preferred medium sand grains, i.e., 230–540 μm but differed in their choice of illumination. E. nostras preferred shade, while M. formicarius chose the illuminated part of the container. However, the choice changed, especially for M. formicarius during interactions with another individual. Abiotic factors took precedence over biotic factors in the choice of E. nostras when interactions were involved. M. formicarius avoided interactions and built pits in less suitable conditions when suitable locations were already occupied. The results can be applied to the species' natural habitat and life traits. We can confirm that E. nostras is a more competitive species when it comes to providing the most suitable abiotic conditions in the habitat for pit construction.
An empirical evaluation of dynamic approaches for estimating firms’ expected cost of equity capital
Authors: Kempkes Jan A. , Suprano Francesco , Wömpener Andreas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe develop and empirically validate dynamic approaches of implied cost of equity capital (ICC), facilitating the estimation of firms’ expected cost of equity capital at any required estimation date. Using on average 246,090 monthly observations, we empirically validate conflicting approaches for dynamic ICC estimation by analyzing the inferred market risk premia and assessing correlations with common risk factors. While the adjustments suggested by Daske et al. (2006) yield important and systematic deviations in the course of the year, the dynamic residual income model of Kempkes and Wömpener (2019) is robust to the choice of the estimation period.
Exploring the performance of US international bond mutual funds
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan , Littlejohn Elizabeth , Marshall Andrew 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe use a Bayesian regime switching approach to examine the performance enhancement of adding US international bond funds to a domestic bond universe pre and post the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) during January 1999 and May 2022. We find that the international bond funds provide large significant performance enhancement pre the GFC, with an increase in Certainty Equivalent Return (CER) performance of 0.595% (monthly), but none post the GFC. The performance enhancement pre GFC is driven by Large Emerging Market bond funds, which is likely fueled by a substantial drop in the Emerging Market central bank policy rates pre GFC.
Temporal validation of a risk prediction model for breast cancer‐related lymphoedema in European population: A retrospective study
Authors: Martínez‐Jaimez Patricia , Fuster Linares Pilar , Masià Jaume , Jané Pau , Monforte‐Royo Cristina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsTo perform temporal validation of a risk prediction model for breast cancer‐related lymphoedema in the European population.DesignTemporal validation of a previously developed prediction model using a new retrospective cohort of women who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection between June 2018 and June 2020.MethodsWe reviewed clinical records to identify women who did and did not develop lymphoedema within 2 years of surgery and to gather data regarding the variables included in the prediction model. The model was calibrated by calculating Spearman's correlation between observed and expected cases. Its accuracy in discriminating between patients who did versus did not develop lymphoedema was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsThe validation cohort comprised 154 women, 41 of whom developed lymphoedema within 2 years of surgery. The value of Spearman's coefficient indicated a strong correlation between observed and expected cases. Sensitivity of the model was higher than in the derivation cohort, as was the value of the AUC.ConclusionThe model shows a good capacity to discriminate women at risk of lymphoedema and may therefore help in developing improved care pathways for individual patients.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareIdentifying risk factors for lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer treatment is vital given its impact on women's physical and emotional well‐being.ImpactWhat problem did the study address? Risk of BCRL. What were the main findings? The prediction model has a good capacity to discriminate women at risk of lymphoedema. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? In clinical practice with women at risk of BCRL.Reporting MethodSTROBE checklist.What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?It presents a validated risk prediction model for BCRL.No Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public contribution in the conduct of this study.
Functional substrate mapping characteristics during sinus rhythm predicts critical isthmus of reentrant atrial tachycardia
Authors: Yorgun Hikmet , Çöteli Cem , Kılıç Gül Sinem , Sezenöz Burak , Dural Muhammet , Ateş Ahmet Hakan , Aytemir Kudret 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtrial tachycardia (AT) is a commonly encountered rhythm disorder in patients with underlying atrial scar. The role of atrial late activation mapping during sinus rhythm to predict the critical isthmus (CI) of AT has yet to be systematically evaluated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the functional substrate mapping (FSM) characteristics and the CI of reentrant ATs in patients with underlying atrial low‐voltage areas.MethodsPatients with history of left AT who underwent catheter ablation with 3D mapping using high‐density mapping were enrolled. Voltage map and isochronal late activation mapping were created during sinus/paced rhythm to detect deceleration zones (DZ). Electrograms with continuous‐fragmented morphology were also tagged. After induction of AT, activation mapping was performed to detect CI of the tachycardia. Atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence was defined as detection of atrial fibrillation or AT (≥30 s) during the follow‐up.ResultsAmong 35 patients [mean age: 62 ± 9, gender: 25 (71.5%) female] with left AT, a total of 42 reentrant ATs induced. Voltage mapping during sinus rhythm revealed low‐voltage area of 37.1 ± 23.8% of the left atrium. The mean value of bipolar voltage, EGM duration, and conduction velocity during sinus rhythm corresponding to CI of ATs were 0.18 ± 0.12 mV, 133 ± 47 ms, and 0.12 ± 0.09 m/s, respectively. Total number of DZs per chamber was 1.5 ± 0.6, which were located in the low‐voltage zone (<0.5 mV) detected by high‐density mapping. All CIs of reentry were colocalized with DZs detected during FSM. The positive predictive value of DZs to detect CI of inducible ATs is 80.4%. Freedom from ATa after the index procedure was 74.3% during a mean follow‐up of 12.2 ± 7.5 months.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated the utility of FSM during sinus rhythm to predict the CI of AT. DZs displayed continuous‐fragmented signal morphology with slow conduction which may guide to tailor ablation strategy in case of underlying atrial scar.
Impact of high larval density on the performance of Anastrepha ludens: Competition or feeding facilitation?
Authors: Aceituno‐Medina Marysol , Hernández Emilio , Garcia‐Fajardo Luz Verónica , Diego‐Garcia Elia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA critical issue point in diet management is maximizing density as a strategy for reducing costs. Artificial diets elaborated with large particle sizes have increased volume, possess high porosity and aeration capacity, are more penetrable and facilitate the movement of larvae and increase the bioavailability of nutrients. We report on an experiment aimed at determining if the bulking agent in the diet facilitates feeding and could increase the capacity to support high larval densities with a minimal effect of competition on life‐history traits of Anastrepha ludens. The results indicate that density affected larval and pupal weight, but not pupation at 24 h, adult emergence and flier percentage, which remained unchanged. However, there was an increase in yield and bioconversion. Larvae in high‐density conditions aggregated to increase the effect of regurgitation of amylases and proteases as a strategy to metabolize the food prior to ingestion through enzymes secreted in the saliva, contributing thus to feeding facilitation and the uptake of ingested food, which decreased the negative impact of competition under high‐density conditions. High density leads to an increase in food consumption and a concomitant increase in digestive enzyme activity, contributing to the bioavailability of macronutrients—proteins, carbohydrates and lipids—in the diet. Identifying the properties of bulking agents and other ingredients and their interaction under high‐density conditions is essential to develop novel artificial diets and improve the mass‐rearing strategies for the SIT.
Made to measure: An introduction to quantifying microscopy data in the life sciences
Authors: Culley Siân , Caballero Alicia Cuber , Burden Jemima J , Uhlmann Virginie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractImages are at the core of most modern biological experiments and are used as a major source of quantitative information. Numerous algorithms are available to process images and make them more amenable to be measured. Yet the nature of the quantitative output that is useful for a given biological experiment is uniquely dependent upon the question being investigated. Here, we discuss the 3 main types of information that can be extracted from microscopy data: intensity, morphology, and object counts or categorical labels. For each, we describe where they come from, how they can be measured, and what may affect the relevance of these measurements in downstream data analysis. Acknowledging that what makes a measurement ‘good’ is ultimately down to the biological question being investigated, this review aims at providing readers with a toolkit to challenge how they quantify their own data and be critical of conclusions drawn from quantitative bioimage analysis experiments.
An aggressive pregnancy epulis with extensive alveolar bone resorption and tooth displacement
Authors: Chappuis Louis , Passemard Léa , Barthelemy Isabelle , Chevenet Carole , Devoize Laurent , Pham Dang Nathalie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPregnancy epulis is a common and benign vascular tumor that reaches 5% of pregnant women; it respects adjacent structures, such as bone, teeth, and sinus mucosa. This paper reports a rare case of extensive pregnancy epulis with alveolar bone lysis, tooth displacement, and sinusal floor lysis. A 23‐year‐old pregnant woman with 23 weeks of amenorrhea was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with a large maxillary mass and spontaneous bleeding, causing difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Due to the rapid development, the stage of pregnancy, and the need for a sure diagnosis of a benign lesion, a surgical excision was performed. After 1 month, the patient recovered from swallowing and speaking. Pregnancy epulis can be locally aggressive and involve alveolar bone. Biopsy allows to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery during pregnancy or birth waiting should be well ponderated in correlation with the size of the tumor and the delay to birth.