bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Dubowsky Megan , Theunissen Frances , Carr Jillian M. , Rogers Mary-Louise 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.
Graphical Abstract
Thriving Not Surviving: LGBTQ+ Students’, Staff, and Parents’ Experiences of Schools as Sites of Euphoria
Authors: Mann Trent , Jones Tiffany , Van Bergen Penny , Burns Emma 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction

Internationally, research has shown Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/gender diverse, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people experience multifaceted challenges within school contexts. However, there is only a small emergent body of research on how LGBTQ+ community members might also experience positive, joyful, or euphoric experiences in these same spaces. Using euphoria and minority stress models, this article aims to consider whether schools themselves can be supportive and protective environments for LGBTQ+ people, how features of the school environment and school community might enable experiences of LGBTQ+ -related euphoria, and how euphoric experiences may be similar for students, staff and parents, and cisgender and gender diverse (GD) members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Methods
The study employed elements of grounded theory to analyse survey responses of LGBTQ+ students (n = 706), school staff (n = 107), and parents (n = 57). The survey data was collected online from 2021 to 2022 and explored LGBTQ+ community members’ experiences in, and perceptions of, Australian schools.

Results
Euphoria was predominantly related to school social contexts (such as supportive social climates), followed by school practices (such as LGBTQ+ representation), and internal experiences (such as pride). These events were shared by students, staff, and parents similarly. Euphoric events were shared by cisgender and GD participants, although gender-affirming social contexts and school practices were valued particularly by GD students, parents, and staff.

Conclusions
Schools can act as supportive contexts for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents in terms of social characteristics and school practices using mostly similar methods. Implications for policy development include school-wide interventions that include and reflect all LGBTQ+ people in all education-based roles, via school curricula and activities, public education, and awareness-raising endeavours.

Policy Implications
Implications for policy development include school-wide interventions that include and reflect all LGBTQ+ people in all education-based roles, via school curricula and activities, public education and awareness-raising endeavours.
Discussion: A Fuzzy Classification Process for Swelling Soils [Transp. Infrastruct. Geotechnol. 10(3), 474–487]
Authors: Soltani Amin , Azimi Mahdieh , O’Kelly Brendan C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis communication article presents a discussion of various fundamental points pertaining to the Toksöz Hozatlıoğlu and Yılmaz (2023) (the Authors) investigation [published in Transp. Infrastruct. Geotechnol. 10(3), 474–487], specifically scrutinizing the practical ramifications of employing the liquid limit (LL) parameter (by itself) to infer soil expansivity. Based on previous experimental investigations and their own independent analyses presented in this article, the Discussers demonstrate that without proper consideration of soil mineralogical activity, the sole reliance on the LL parameter (as adopted in the Authors’ investigation) is often not a reliable basis for performing soil expansivity assessments. Accordingly, the LL-based fuzzy classification approach reported by the Authors, despite addressing potential uncertainties arising from LL determinations by the Casagrande percussion-cup method, would, in itself, not lead to significantly more reliable soil expansivity assessments. As a way forward, a practical and more realistic classification framework for expansive soils based on equilibrium sediment volume measurements is presented and compared to the LL-based scheme adopted in the Authors’ investigation. Through this endeavor, it is demonstrated that the sole reliance on the LL parameter generally produces overly conservative soil expansivity rankings.
Correlation of frailty assessment metrics in one-year follow-up of aged care residents: a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andrade A. Q. , Widagdo I. , Lim R. , Kelly T.-L. , Parfitt G. , Pratt N. , Bilton R. L. , Roughead E. E. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Frailty is increasingly recognised as a dynamic syndrome, with multiple causes, dimensions and consequences. There is little understanding of how those frailty assessment metrics interact over time. The aim of this study was to describe the longitudinal correlation between five frailty metrics, namely multimorbidity, muscular strength, mood alterations, cognitive capacity, and functional capacity in a cohort study of aged care (nursing home) residents.

Methods
248 aged care residents with Frailty Index at baseline of < 0.4 and no dementia were followed for 12 months. A multimorbidity score and an activity of daily living limitation score were created using individual items of the Frailty Index. Muscular strength was measured by grip strength. Cognitive capacity was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Mood alterations were measured using the anxiety/depression screening question from EQ-5D. We analysed the inter-individual correlation at baseline, association between baseline and future change, and within-individual correlation at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results
Population analysis shows that metrics were not associated at baseline. All of the studied metrics at baseline were associated with change in 12 months, with the exception of anxiety/depression scores. Pairwise within-individual correlation was strong between MoCA and grip strength (0.13, p = 0.02) and activity of daily living (− 0.48, p < 0.001), and between activities of daily living and multimorbidity index (0.28, p < 0.001). No within-individual correlation was found between anxiety depression score and other metrics.

Conclusion
The results suggest an interdependence between comorbidities, physical capacity, cognition and activities of daily living in aged care residents. Comprehensive measurement of frailty-related metrics may provide improved understanding of frailty progression at later life stages.
Commentary for the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education Special Issue on K-12 AI Education
Authors: Lane H. Chad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this commentary, I review the articles in the IJAIED Special Issue on K-12 AI Education. The articles offer compelling motivation for early AI education and cover an impressive range of approaches, grade levels, and perspectives. Despite the differences, there is coherence across the articles in terms of the goals to address AI awareness, knowledge, skills, and ethics. Deep consideration has gone into creating developmentally appropriate AI content, which is arguably the greatest challenge for a complex topic like AI. However, as we find in many emerging topics in education, the demand for curricula and lessons has outpaced the capacity of the field to do sufficient empirical research on how kids learn about AI. Evidence for many of the design choices reflected in the proposals put forth in this special issue is still emerging. The authors have done an admirable job of organizing their ideas around principles from the learning sciences and connecting their efforts to more general curriculum design efforts, such as the K12 CS Framework (2016). The next step, which is promoted by all of the authors in the special issue, is to define a research agenda to provide an empirical basis for the design of early AI learning experiences and inform future iterations of the curricula and frameworks proposed.
Ultrafine Vacancy-Rich Nb2O5 Semiconductors Confined in Carbon Nanosheets Boost Dielectric Polarization for High-Attenuation Microwave Absorption
Authors: Su Zhe , Yi Shan , Zhang Wanyu , Xu Xiaxi , Zhang Yayun , Zhou Shenghu , Niu Bo , Long Donghui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe integration of nano-semiconductors into electromagnetic wave absorption materials is a highly desirable strategy for intensifying dielectric polarization loss; achieving high-attenuation microwave absorption and realizing in-depth comprehension of dielectric loss mechanisms remain challenges. Herein, ultrafine oxygen vacancy-rich Nb2O5 semiconductors are confined in carbon nanosheets (ov-Nb2O5/CNS) to boost dielectric polarization and achieve high attenuation. The polarization relaxation, electromagnetic response, and impedance matching of the ov-Nb2O5/CNS are significantly facilitated by the Nb2O5 semiconductors with rich oxygen vacancies, which consequently realizes an extremely high attenuation performance of − 80.8 dB (> 99.999999% wave absorption) at 2.76 mm. As a dielectric polarization center, abundant Nb2O5–carbon heterointerfaces can intensify interfacial polarization loss to strengthen dielectric polarization, and the presence of oxygen vacancies endows Nb2O5 semiconductors with abundant charge separation sites to reinforce electric dipole polarization. Moreover, the three-dimensional reconstruction of the absorber using microcomputer tomography technology provides insight into the intensification of the unique lamellar morphology regarding multiple reflection and scattering dissipation characteristics. Additionally, ov-Nb2O5/CNS demonstrates excellent application potential by curing into a microwave-absorbing, machinable, and heat-dissipating plate. This work provides insight into the dielectric polarization loss mechanisms of nano-semiconductor/carbon composites and inspires the design of high-performance microwave absorption materials.
Long-Chain Gemini Surfactant-Assisted Blade Coating Enables Large-Area Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Modules with Record Performance
Authors: Ren Yumin , Zhang Kai , Lin Zedong , Wei Xiaozhen , Xu Man , Huang Xianzhen , Chen Haining , Yang Shihe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCarbon-based perovskite solar cells show great potential owing to their low-cost production and superior stability in ambient air. However, scaling up to high-efficiency carbon-based solar modules hinges on reliable deposition of uniform defect-free perovskite films over large areas, which is an unsettled but urgent issue. In this work, a long-chain gemini surfactant is introduced into perovskite precursor ink to enforce self-assembly into a network structure, considerably enhancing the coverage and smoothness of the perovskite films. The long gemini surfactant plays a distinctively synergistic role in perovskite film construction, crystallization kinetics modulation and defect passivation, leading to a certified record power conversion efficiency of 15.46% with Voc of 1.13 V and Jsc of 22.92 mA cm−2 for this type of modules. Importantly, all of the functional layers of the module are printed through a simple and high-speed (300 cm min−1) blade coating strategy in ambient atmosphere. These results mark a significant step toward the commercialization of all-printable carbon-based perovskite solar modules.
Association between pain intensity and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling adults: longitudinal findings from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Ogliari Giulia , Ryg Jesper , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Scheel-Hincke Lasse Lybecker , Collins Jemima T. , Cowley Alison , Di Lorito Claudio , Booth Vicky , Smit Roelof A. J. , Akyea Ralph K. , Qureshi Nadeem , Walsh David A. , Harwood Rowan H. , Masud Tahir 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the longitudinal associations between pain and depressive symptoms in adults.

Methods
Prospective cohort study on data from 28,515 community-dwelling adults ≥ 50 years, free from depression at baseline (Wave 5), with follow-up in Wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Significant depressive symptoms were defined by a EURO-D score ≥ 4. The longitudinal association between baseline pain intensity and significant depressive symptoms at follow-up was analysed using logistic regression models; odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical factors, physical inactivity, loneliness, mobility and functional impairments.

Results
Mean age was 65.4 years (standard deviation 9.0, range 50–99); 14,360 (50.4%) participants were women. Mean follow-up was 23.4 (standard deviation 3.4) months. At baseline, 2803 (9.8%) participants reported mild pain, 5253 (18.4%) moderate pain and 1431 (5.0%) severe pain. At follow-up, 3868 (13.6%) participants—1451 (10.3%) men and 2417 (16.8%) women—reported significant depressive symptoms. After adjustment, mild, moderate and severe baseline pain, versus no pain, were associated with an increased likelihood of significant depressive symptoms at follow-up: ORs (95% CI) were 1.20 (1.06–1.35), 1.32 (1.20–1.46) and 1.39 (1.19–1.63), respectively. These associations were more pronounced in men compared to women, and consistent in participants aged 50–64 years, those without mobility or functional impairment, and those without loneliness at baseline.

Conclusion
Higher baseline pain intensity was longitudinally associated with a greater risk of significant depressive symptoms at 2-year follow-up, in community-dwelling adults without baseline depression.
The Role of Genetics in Preterm Birth
Authors: Mead Elyse C. , Wang Carol A. , Phung Jason , Fu Joanna YX , Williams Scott M. , Merialdi Mario , Jacobsson Bo , Lye Stephen , Menon Ramkumar , Pennell Craig E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPreterm birth (PTB), defined as the birth of a child before 37 completed weeks gestation, affects approximately 11% of live births and is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years. PTB is a complex disease with multiple risk factors including genetic variation. Much research has aimed to establish the biological mechanisms underlying PTB often through identification of genetic markers for PTB risk. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive and updated summary of the published data relating to the field of PTB genetics. A literature search in PubMed was conducted and English studies related to PTB genetics were included. Genetic studies have identified genes within inflammatory, immunological, tissue remodeling, endocrine, metabolic, and vascular pathways that may be involved in PTB. However, a substantial proportion of published data have been largely inconclusive and multiple studies had limited power to detect associations. On the contrary, a few large hypothesis-free approaches have identified and replicated multiple novel variants associated with PTB in different cohorts. Overall, attempts to predict PTB using single “-omics” datasets including genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic biomarkers have been mostly unsuccessful and have failed to translate to the clinical setting. Integration of data from multiple “-omics” datasets has yielded the most promising results.
Prognostic Value of the Ratio of Hemoglobin to Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Hong , Luo Yao , Zhang Tangjuan , Lv Qing , Yang Liu , Jia Xinya , Zhou Yan , Li Renjie , Zhu Xingqiang , Lei Ruyi , Lan Chao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The ratio of hemoglobin to red blood cell distribution width (HRR) can reflect the degree of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response in the body, and is a potential indicator to predict the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients were grouped according to their survival status at discharge: 35 survived and 91 died. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of each independent factor for the prognosis of patients after CPR.

Results
The HRR in death group was lower than that in the survival group (P < 0.05), which was closely related to the prognosis of patients after CPR. The ROC curve showed that HRR < 8.555 (AUC = 0.733, sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 40.7%, P < 0.001) indicated poor prognosis after CPR.

Conclusions
The HRR is an independent risk factor for the prognosis in patients who underwent CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. After successful resuscitation, HRR lower than 8.555 indicates poor prognosis.
Asymptotic expansion of the expected Minkowski functional for isotropic central limit random fields
Authors: Kuriki Satoshi , Matsubara Takahiko 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Minkowski functionals, including the Euler characteristic statistics, are standard tools for morphological analysis in cosmology. Motivated by cosmic research, we examine the Minkowski functional of the excursion set for an isotropic central limit random field, whose k-point correlation functions (kth-order cumulants) have the same structure as that assumed in cosmic research. Using 3- and 4-point correlation functions, we derive the asymptotic expansions of the Euler characteristic density, which is the building block of the Minkowski functional. The resulting formula reveals the types of non-Gaussianity that cannot be captured by the Minkowski functionals. As an example, we consider an isotropic chi-squared random field and confirm that the asymptotic expansion accurately approximates the true Euler characteristic density.
Are European clinical trial funders policies on clinical trial registration and reporting improving? A cross-sectional study
Authors: O’Riordan Marguerite , Haslberger Martin , Cruz Carolina , Suljic Tarik , Ringsten Martin , Bruckner Till 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives:
Assess the extent to which the clinical trial registration and reporting policies of 25 of the world’s largest public and philanthropic medical research funders meet best practice benchmarks as stipulated by the 2017 WHO Joint Statement, and document changes in the policies and monitoring systems of 19 European funders over the past year.

Design, Setting, Participants:
Cross-sectional study, based on assessments of each funder’s publicly available documentation plus validation of results by funders. Our cohort includes 25 of the largest medical research funders in Europe, Oceania, South Asia, and Canada.

Interventions:
Scoring all 25 funders using an 11-item assessment tool based on WHO best practice benchmarks, grouped into three primary categories: trial registries, academic publication, and monitoring, plus validation of results by funders.

Main outcome measures:
How many of the 11 WHO best practice items each of the 25 funders has put into place, and changes in the performance of 19 previously assessed funders over the preceding year.

Results:
The 25 funders we assessed had put into place an average of 5/11 (49%) WHO best practices. Only 6/25 funders (24%) took the PI’s past reporting record into account during grant application reviews. Funders’ performance varied widely from 0/11 to 11/11 WHO best practices adopted. Of the 19 funders for which 2021(2) baseline data was available, 10/19 (53%) had strengthened their policies over the preceding year.

Conclusions:
Most medical research funders need to do more to curb research waste and publication bias by strengthening their clinical trial policies.
Selection of Rattus norvegicus cumulus–oocyte complex for vitrification by brilliant cresyl blue
Authors: Oliveira Iaskara , Fisch Joana , Gomes Juliana , Lopes Rui Fernando Felix , Oliveira Alexandre Tavares Duarte de 
Published: July 2023

SummaryThe influence of the method of evaluating developmentally competent oocytes on their viability after cryopreservation still needs to be better understood. The objective of this study was to determine the cleavage and embryo developmental rates after parthenogenetic activation of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) selected by different concentrations of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) and cryopreservation. In the first experiment, COCs were separated into groups and incubated for 1 h in medium containing BCB (13 μM, 16 μM, or 20 μM). The control group was not exposed to BCB staining. In the second experiment, COCs were divided into four groups: 13 μM BCB(+), 13 μM BCB(−), fresh control (selected by morphologic observation and immediately in vitro matured) and vitrified control (selected by morphologic evaluation, vitrified, and in vitro matured). In the first experiment, the 13 μM BCB group displayed greater development rates at the morula stage (65.45%, 36/55) when compared with the other groups. In the second experiment, cleavage (47.05%, 72/153) and morula development (33.55%, 51/153) of the control group of fresh COCs were increased compared with the other groups. However, when comparing morula rates between vitrified COC control and BCB(+) groups, the BCB(+) group had better results (19.23%, 5/26 and 64.7%, 11/17, respectively). Our best result in rat COC selection by BCB staining was obtained using a concentration of 13 μM. This selection could be a valuable tool to improve vitrification outcomes, as observed by the BCB(+) group that demonstrated better results compared with the vitrified COC control.