bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of disease modifying therapies on cognitive functions typically impaired in multiple sclerosis patients: a clinician’s review
Authors: Kania Karolina , Ambrosius Wojciech , Kozubski Wojciech , Kalinowska-Łyszczarz Alicja 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveOver the last few decades clinicians have become aware that cognitive impairment might be a major cause of disability, loss of employment and poor quality of life in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis [MS].The impact of disease modifying therapies [DMTs] on cognition is still a matter of debate. Theoretically, DMTs could exert a substantial beneficial effect by means of reducing neuroinflammation and brain atrophy, which are established correlates of cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the study was to review the evidence concerning the effect of DMTs on cognitive functions.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis [ECTRIMS] Library were searched for articles concerning the pediatric and adult populations of patients with multiple sclerosis, including clinical trials and RWD, where psychometric results were analyzed as secondary or exploratory endpoints.ResultsWe reviewed a total of 44 studies that were found by our search strategy, analyzed the psychological tests that were applied, the length of the follow-up, and possible limitations. We pointed out the difficulties associated with assessing of DMTs’ effects on cognitive functions, and pitfalls in cognitive tools used for evaluating of MS patients.ConclusionThere is a need to highlight this aspect of MS therapies, and to collect adequate data to make informed therapeutic decisions, to improve our understanding of MS-related cognitive dysfunction and provide new therapeutic targets.
In vitro assays reveal inherently insecticide-tolerant termite symbionts
Authors: Blanton Alison G. , Perkins Samontriona , Peterson Brittany F. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Termite symbionts are well known for conferring a myriad of benefits to their hosts. Bacterial symbionts are repeatedly associated with increased fitness, nutritional supplementation, pathogen protection, and proper development across insect taxa. In addition, several recent studies link bacterial symbionts to reduced insecticide efficacy. This has important implications both in pest control management and environmental bioremediation efforts. Insects’ guts may be a valuable resource for microbes with broad application given their unique niches and metabolic diversity. Though insecticide resistance in termites is considered unlikely due to their life history, the close association of termites with a multitude of bacteria raises the question: is there potential for symbiont-mediated pesticide tolerance in termites?Methods and results: We identified a candidate that could grow in minimal medium containing formulated pesticide. This bacterial isolate was then subjected to continuous culture and subsequently demonstrated improved performance in the presence of pesticide. Isolates subjected to continuous culture were then grown at a range of concentrations from 1–10X the formulation rate. After constant exposure for several generations, isolates grew significantly better.Conclusion: Here we demonstrate that naïve insect hosts can harbor symbionts with inherent insecticide tolerance capable of rapid adaptation to increasing insecticide concentrations overtime. This has broad implications for both pest control and environmental cleanup of residual pesticides.
Political polarization: a curse of knowledge?
Authors: Beattie Peter , Beattie Marguerite 
Published: July 2023

PurposeCould the curse of knowledge influence how antagonized we are towards political outgroups? Do we assume others know what we know but still disagree with us? This research investigates how the curse of knowledge may affect us politically, i.e., be a cause of political polarization.BackgroundResearch on the curse of knowledge has shown that even when people are incentivized to act as if others do not know what they know, they are still influenced by the knowledge they have.MethodsThis study consists of five studies consisting of both experimental and non-experimental and within- and between-subjects survey designs. Each study collected samples of 152–1,048.ResultsPartisans on both sides overestimate the extent to which stories from their news sources were familiar to contrapartisans. Introducing novel, unknown facts to support their political opinion made participants rate political outgroup members more negatively. In an experimental design, there was no difference in judging an opponent who did not know the same issue-relevant facts and someone who did know the same facts. However, when asked to compare those who know to those who do not, participants judged those who do not know more favorably, and their ratings of all issue-opponents were closer to those issue-opponents who shared the same knowledge. In a debiasing experiment, those who received an epistemological treatment judged someone who disagreed more favorably.ConclusionThis research provides evidence that the curse of knowledge may be a contributing cause of affective political polarization.
The impact of comorbid anxiety on quantitative EEG heterogeneity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Jang Changwon , Oh Soowhan , Lee Hyerin , Lee Junho , Song Inmok , Park Yerin , Lee Eunji , Joung Yoo-Sook 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare quantitative electroencephalography (Q-EEG) characteristics of children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), taking into account the presence of a comorbidity for anxiety disorder. It also sought to investigate the impact of comorbid anxiety on the Q-EEG heterogeneity of children with ADHD.MethodA total of 141 children with ADHD but without comorbid anxiety (ADHD-Only), 25 children with a comorbidity for anxiety disorder (ADHD-ANX) and 43 children in the control group were assessed. To compare Q-EEG characteristics between groups, we performed ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) on relative power and theta/beta ratio (TBR) controlling for covariates such as age, sex, and FSIQ. Relative power values from 19 electrodes were averaged for three regions (frontal, central and posterior). Furthermore, cluster analysis (Ward’s method) using the squared Euclidian distance was conducted on participants with ADHD to explore the impact of anxiety on the heterogeneity of Q-EEG characteristics in ADHD.ResultsThere were no significant group differences in cognitive and behavioral measures. However, significant differences between groups were observed in the theta values in the central region, and the beta values in the frontal, central and posterior regions. In post hoc analyses, It was found that the ADHD-ANX group has significantly higher beta power values than the ADHD-Only group in all regions. For the theta/beta ratio, the ADHD-Only group had significantly higher values than the ADHD-ANX group in frontal, central and posterior regions. However, the control group did not show significant differences compared to both the ADHD-Only and ADHD-ANX group. Through clustering analysis, the participants in the ADHD-Only and ADHD-ANX groups were classified into four clusters. The ratios of children with comorbidities for anxiety disorder within each cluster were significantly different (χ2 = 10.018, p = 0.019).ConclusionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children with comorbid anxiety disorder showed lower theta power in the central region, higher beta power in all regions and lower TBR in all regions compared to those without comorbid anxiety disorder. The ratios of children with comorbidities for anxiety disorder within each cluster were significantly different.
The potential effect of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia and antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Battini Vera , Cirnigliaro Giovanna , Leuzzi Rodolfo , Rissotto Eleonora , Mosini Giulia , Benatti Beatrice , Pozzi Marco , Nobile Maria , Radice Sonia , Carnovale Carla , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Clementi Emilio 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionMetformin has shown good efficacy in the management of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. Its ability to induce antidepressant behavioural effects and improve cognitive functions has also been investigated: yet information has not been systematized. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimension in schizophrenic patients treated with antipsychotics through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.Gov, Embase, PsycINFO, and WHO ICTRP database up to February 2022, Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) evaluating patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders, who were treated with metformin as add-on therapy to antipsychotics for the treatment of weight gain and in which changes in psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions were evaluated.ResultsA total of 19 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed on 12 eligible studies. We found a positive trend after 24 weeks of treatment in schizophrenic patients with stable conditions [SMD (95%CI) = -0.40 (−0.82;0.01), OR (95%CI) = 0.5 (−2.4;3.4)]. Better performance was detected in the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with low heterogeneity among studies. One study reported changes in BACS-verbal memory subdomain in favour of placebo [MD (95%CI) = -16.03 (-23.65;8.42)]. Gastrointestinal disorders, xerostomia, and extrapyramidal syndrome were the most reported adverse effects. Psychiatric adverse events were also described: in particular, symptoms attributable to a relapse of schizophrenia.ConclusionSome degree of efficacy was found for Metformin in improving cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with Schizophrenia. Given the clinical relevance of this potential pharmacological effect, longer specific studies using adequate psychometric scales are strongly recommended. Likewise, how metformin acts in this context needs to be evaluated in order to enhance its efficacy or find more efficacious drugs.
Non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma following surgery: long-term outcomes and development of an optimal follow-up strategy
Authors: Hussein Ziad , Grieve Joan , Dorward Neil , Miszkiel Katherine , Kosmin Michael , Fersht Naomi , Bouloux Pierre Marc , Jaunmuktane Zane , Baldeweg Stephanie E. , Marcus Hani J. 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesRecurrence and regrowth of non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMs) after surgery are common but remain unpredictable. Therefore, the optimal timing and frequency of follow-up imaging remain to be determined. We sought to determine the long-term surgical outcomes of NFPMs following surgery and develop an optimal follow-up strategy.MethodsPatients underwent surgery for NFPMs between 1987 and 2018, with a follow-up of 6 months or more, were identified. Demographics, presentation, management, histology, imaging, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively collected.ResultsIn total, 383 patients were included; 256 were men (256/383; 67%) with median follow-up of 8 years. Following primary surgery, 229 patients (229/383; 60%) achieved complete resection. Of those, 28 (28/229; 11%) developed recurrence, including six needed secondary surgery (6/229; 3%). The rate of complete resection improved over time; in the last quartile of cases, 77 achieved complete resection (77/95; 81%). Reoperation-free survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 99%, 94% and 94%, respectively. NFPMs were incompletely resected in 154 patients (154/383; 40%); of those, 106 (106/154; 69%) had regrowth, and 84 (84/154; 55%) required reoperation. Surgical reintervention-free survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 74%,49% and 35%, respectively. Young age and cavernous sinus invasion were risk factors for undergoing reoperation (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.0001, respectively) and radiotherapy (P = 0.003 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Patients with residual tumour required reoperation earlier than those underwent complete resection (P = 0.02). Radiotherapy to control tumour regrowth was delivered to 65 patients (65/383; 17%) after median time of 1 year following surgery. Radiotherapy was administered more in patients with regrowth of residual disease (61/106; 58%) than those who had NFPMs recurrence (4/28; 14%) (P ≤ 0.001) Following postoperative radiotherapy, one patient (1/65; 2%) had evidence of regrowth, seven (7/65; 11%) had tumour regression on imaging, and no patients underwent further surgery.ConclusionsNFPMs recurrence and regrowth are common, particularly in patients with residual disease post-operatively. We propose a follow-up strategy based on stratifying patients as “low risk” if there is no residual tumour, with increasing scan intervals, or “high risk” if there is a residual tumour, with annual scans for at least five years and extended lifelong surveillance after that.
A Comparative Study between Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE): Chemical and Biological Characterization of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts from Aglianico Grape Pomace
Authors: Crescente Giuseppina , Cascone Giovanni , Petruzziello Antonio , Bouymajane Aziz , Volpe Maria Grazia , Russo Gian Luigi , Moccia Stefania 
Published: July 2023

The wine industry produces large amounts of grape pomace (GP), a waste that needs to be disposed of properly. Bioactive compounds with high added value can be recovered from GP as an interesting strategy to reduce the environmental impact. Here, two different technologies were employed to recover polyphenol compounds from GP: microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The further purification of UAE and MHG extracts was carried out through solid-phase extraction (SPE) to obtain three fractions, F1, F2 and F3. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of sugar and polysaccharide components in F1, as well as non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin compounds in F2 and F3, respectively. Also, the chemical profile was determined by HPLC-UV-DAD, identifying the presence of catechin in F2, and malvidin-3-O-glucoside chloride and cyanidin chloride derivative as the main anthocyanin compounds in F3. The fractions and their parental extracts were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC) and scavenger activity by in vitro assays. We found that F2-MHG and F3-MHG contained phenol contents 6.5 and 8.5 times higher than those of the parental non-fractionated extracts. Finally, F3-MHG (100 μg/mL, w/v) was shown to reduce the proliferation of HT-29 cells.
Pedicularis rostratospicata subsp. marsica (P. Sect. Rostratae, Orobanchaceae), a New Subspecies from the Central Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Conti Fabio , Oberprieler Christoph , Dorfner Marco , Schabel Erik , Bartolucci Fabrizio 
Published: July 2023

The new subspecies Pedicularis rostratospicata subsp. marsica is here described based on morphological and molecular analyses. The new taxon is endemic to few localities of the Central Apennines within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (Central Italy). Pedicularis rostratospicata subsp. marsica can be distinguished from the other two currently accepted subspecies (subsp. rostratospicata and subsp. helvetica) by their taller stems, shorter petioles of basal and middle leaves, narrower blades of basal leaves, longer inflorescences with longer internodes and more flowers, and longer calyx lobes. Molecular analysis confirmed the autonomy of the new taxon. Furthermore, the conservation status assessment of the new subspecies according to IUCN categories and criteria is proposed and discussed, and an analytical key to the three subspecies of P. rostratospicata is presented.
Sur la structuration biochimique des formations végétales secondaires méditerranéennes
Authors: Lebreton Philippe , Nader Souhel , Barbero Marcel , Gallet Christiane , Hubert Bernard 
Published: July 2023

Chemical analysis (about 20 parameters) of the leaves of 37 plants representative of the Mediterranean mattoral reveals a clear biochemical and ecological structuration. This phytochemical organization could be dependent on the synecological relationships between plants and herbivores («T» and «a» tactics). Even if the tannin plant frequency is here relatively low (about half of the species), these defensive molecules are particularly effective owing to the development of the phenyl-trihydroxylation. Tanniferous plants are significantly richer in total phenols and cellulose, but reversely poorer in proteins, soluble sugars, potassium and magnesium. On an other defensive level, the most sclerophyllous plants are significantly poorer in proteins, potassium and phosphore and somewhat richer in lignin.
Multivariate analysis firstly opposes the plants rich in phenolic substances (Ericaceae) to those rich in nitrogen and potassium (Papilionaceae). Both sclerophylly and - with opposite signs - alimentary value are found on the same structuring axis, which confirms the synecological determinism of the recorded organization. Moreover, the classic C/N ratio appears as a common feature of this phytochemical gradient and links this part of the ecosystem to its pedological substrate. A short comparison is made with other phytocenosis, located in severe or not severe environments, initiating a more general approach of the structuration of the phytocenosis in the frame of the bioenergetic allocations.
Rôle des oiseaux sur la régénération du ligneux Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. en savane sahélienne au Nord Sénégal
Authors: Treca Bernard , Tamba Seynabou 
Published: July 2023

En savane sahélienne, Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. est l’espèce ligneuse qui se régénère le mieux, surtout sous le couvert des Acacia. Les oiseaux, mais pas les mammifères, consomment abondamment ses fruits et, sauf quand ils mangent la pulpe sur place, dispersent les graines soit par transport du fruit dans le bec soit par ingestion. Les graines sont alors régurgitées ou déféquées après digestion de la pulpe, sous le couvert des arbres où perchent les oiseaux, des Acacia dans 2/3 des cas, sites au préalable enrichis en fertilisants par les déjections de nombreux oiseaux.
Les expériences de germination en conditions contrôlées de différents lots de graines de Boscia senegalensis ont montré que le transit par le tractus digestif des oiseaux accroît la capacité et la vitesse de germination. Lamprotornis chalybaeus favorise plus la régénération de cette espèce que les autres oiseaux ayant consommé des fruits, en raison (1) d’un fort taux de consommation des fruits tout au long de la saison de fructification, (2) d’une dissémination des graines à plus grande distance, et (3) du fait que les graines régurgitées par cet oiseau bénéficient d’une plus grande augmentation de leurs capacité et vitesse de germination et d’un délai de germination plus court que celui des fruits consommés par les autres espèces d’oiseaux.
Parmi les autres espèces qui peuvent jouer un rôle important dans la régénération de Boscia, citons Spreo pulcher, Tockus erythrorhynchus et Colius macrourus.
Cardiac contractility modulation therapy in patients with implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy: results of the 2 year follow-up
Authors: Davtyan K. V. , Mironova N. A. , Chugunov I. A. , Gupalo E. M. , Topchyan A. G. 
Published: July 2023

Aim. Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a device therapy for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), most of the data on its programming are concerned patients with narrow QRS and of limited follow up. Our aim was to propose programming approach for Optimizer device in setting of wide QRS complex and fragmented ventricular local activation.Methods. We enrolled 11 patients with HFrEF (median age, 8 males, median NYHA class 3) and LBBB-related wide QRS complex, who underwent Optimizer™ device implantation. Three patients got Optimizer™ IV system and eight patients were implanted Optimizer™ Smart. Ten patients were previously implanted with CRT-D due to HFrEF and LBBB; one patient received CRT-D after Optimizer™ implantation.Results. During the implantation procedure ventricular local sense (LS) channel signal fragmentation was detected in all patients. In five patients signal detection was optimized by lead relocation. In six patients LS signal sensitivity limitations were resolved by programming. At two-year follow-up survival 4 patients died of noncardiac causes (1 intracranial hemorrhage, 1 gastrointestinal bleeding and 2 - terminal kidney failure). At 12-month follow-up we observed a non-significant improvement in 6-minute walking distance (300 vs 305, p=0.093), NYHA class (2.75 vs 2, p=0.085), MLHF score (53 vs 42, p=0.109) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (30 vs 33.5, p=0.212).Conclusion. CCM system implantation is feasible and safe in patients with HFrEF and LBBB-related wide QRS complex. Device programming maneuvers can resolve the challenges of ventricular local signal detection in these patients.
PENURUNAN KADAR COD dan TSS LIMBAH CAIR TAHU MENGGUNAKAN ELEKTRODA Al-C DENGAN METODE ELEKTROKIMIA
Authors: Ledoh Sherlly MF , Ola Pius Dore , Kadang Luther 
Published: July 2023

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang Penurunan kadar COD, dan TSS limbah cair tahu menggunakan elektroda Al-C dengan metode elektrokimia Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk membandingkan kadar COD dan TSS limbah cair tahu sebelum elektrolisis dengan SNI, untuk mengetahui pengaruh variasi tegangan listrik (6, 9, dan 12 volt) serta variasi waktu elektrolisis (60,90, dan 120 menit) terhadap perubahan kadar COD dan TSS pada pengolahan limbah cair tahu dengan menggunakan elektroda Al-C secara elektrkimia. Metode yang digunakan adalah elektrodegradasi yang merupakan metode penguraian limbah organic dan anorganik melalui proses degradasi kontinyu dengan cara elektrolisis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh waktu terbaik adalah 120 menit dengan kadar COD 8.600 mg/l (% removal 9,66%) serta kadar TSS adalah 200 mg/l (persentasi removal 95,83%). Voltase optimum adalah 12 volt dengan kadar COD 8.600 mg/l (persentasi removal 9,66%) serta kadar TSS adalah 200 mg/l (% removal 95,83%).