bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic prediction of subjective cognitive decline in major depressive disorder based on immune biomarkers: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Meiti , Wei Zheyi , Huang Qinte , Yang Weijie , Wu Chenglin , Cao Tongdan , Zhao Jie , Lyu Dongbin , Wang Fan , Zhou Ni , Huang Haijing , Zhang Mengke , Chen Yiming , Xu Yi , Ma Weiliang , Chen Zheng , Hong Wu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is highlighted in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which impairs objective cognitive performance and worsens the clinical outcomes. Immune dysregulation is supposed to be the potential mechanism of cognitive impairment. However, the peripheral immune biomarkers in patients troubled with MDD and SCD are not conventionally described.
Methods
A prospective-observational study was conducted for 8 weeks. Subjective cognitive function was measured using the Chinese version of the 20-item perceived deficits questionnaire-depression (PDQ-D) and depression symptoms were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17). Luminex assays were used to measure 48 immune cytokines in plasma at baseline. Integrating these results and clinicopathological features, a logistic regression model was used to develop a prognostic prediction.
Results
Totally, 114 patients were enrolled in this study. Among the patients who completed follow-up, 56% (N = 50) had residual subjective cognitive decline, and 44% (N = 50) did not. The plasma levels of FGF basic, INF-γ, IL-1β, MCP-1, M-CSF and SCF were increased and the levels of IL-9, RANTES and PDGF-BB were decreased in the SCD group. Additionally, Basic FGF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and SCF were positively correlated and IL-9, RANTES, and PDGF-BB were negatively correlated with the PDQ-D scores after treatment. Notably, combinations of cytokines (SCF and PDGF-BB) and PDQ-D scores at baseline showed good performance (The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.818) in the prediction of subjective cognitive decline.
Conclusion
A prognostic model based on protein concentrations of SCF, PDGF-BB, and scores of PDQ-D showed considerable accuracy in predicting residual subjective cognitive decline in depression.
Structural dynamics in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Calvaresi Valeria , Wrobel Antoni , Toporowska Joanna , Hammerschmid Dietmar , Doores Katie , Bradshaw Richard , Parsons Ricardo , Benton Donald , Roustan Chloe , Reading Eamonn , Malim Michael , Gamblin Steve , Politis Argyris 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein mediates receptor binding and subsequent membrane fusion. It exists in a range of conformations, including a closed state unable to bind the ACE2 receptor, and an open state that does so but displays more exposed antigenic surface. Spikes of variants of concern (VOCs) acquired amino acid changes linked to increased virulence and immune evasion. Here, using HDX-MS, we identified changes in spike dynamics that we associate with the transition from closed to open conformation, to ACE2 binding, and to specific mutations in VOCs. We show that the RBD-associated subdomain plays a role in spike opening, whereas the NTD acts as a hotspot of conformational divergence of VOC spikes driving immune evasion. Alpha, beta and delta spikes assume predominantly open conformations and ACE2 binding increases the dynamics of their core helices, priming spikes for fusion. Conversely, substitutions in omicron spike lead to predominantly closed conformations, presumably enabling it to escape antibodies. At the same time, its core helices show characteristics of being pre-primed for fusion even in the absence of ACE2. These data inform on SARS-CoV-2 evolution and omicron emergence.
[18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT in differentiated thyroid cancer: Diagnostic performance, uptake values and comparison with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT
Authors: MU XINGYU , Huang Xiaoxue , Jiang Zewen , Li Meng , Jia Lulu , Lv Zhongyuan , Fu Wei , Mao Jingsong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Preoperative Thalamus Volume is not associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)
Authors: Fislage Marinus , Feinkohl Insa , Borchers Friedrich , Pischon Tobias , Spies Claudia D. , Winterer Georg , Zacharias Norman , Consortium BioCog 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
A growing body of literature suggests an important role of the thalamus in cognition and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to elucidate whether the preoperative thalamic volume is associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) and predictive for postoperative cognitive dysfunction at 3 months (POCD). We also examined if postoperative changes in thalamic volume can be observed in patients with POCD.
Methods
We enrolled 301 patients aged 65 or older and without signs of dementia, who were undergoing elective surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted prior to surgery. Freesurfer (version 5.3.) was used to automatically segment the thalamus volume. A neuropsychological test battery was administered before surgery and at a 3 month follow up. It contained the computerized tests Paired Associate Learning (PAL), Verbal Recognition Memory (VRM), Spatial Span Length (SSP), Simple Reaction Time (SRT), the pen-and-paper Trail-Making-Test (TMT) and the manual Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). A reliable change index was used determine preCI and POCD. For statistical analyses, multivariable logistic regression models were applied. Age, sex and intracranial volume were inserted into the models as covariates.
Results
Of 301 patients who received a presurgical neuropsychological testing and MRI, 34 (11.3%) had preCI. 89 patients (29.5%) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 212 patients received a follow-up cognitive testing after 3 months, of whom 25 (8.3%) presented with POCD. Neither preCI (p = 0.14) nor in POCD (p = 0.87) were statistically significantly associated with patients’ preoperative thalamus volume.
Conclusions
Presurgical thalamus volume was not associated with preCI or POCD. In our cohort we could not show an association of thalamus volume as biomarker candidate with preCI or POCD.
Graph theoretical measures of fast ripple networks improve the accuracy of post-operative seizure outcome prediction
Authors: Weiss Shennan Aibel , Fried Itzhak , Wu Chengyuan , Sharan Ashwini , Rubinstein Daniel , Sperling Michael , Staba Richard 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Fast ripples (FR) are a biomarker of epileptogenic brain, but when larger portions of FR generating regions are resected seizure freedom is not always achieved. To evaluate and improve the diagnostic accuracy of FR resection for predicting seizure freedom we compared the FR resection ratio (RR) with FR network graph theoretical measures. In 23 patients FR were semi-automatically detected and quantified in stereo EEG recordings during sleep. MRI normalization and co-registration localized contacts and relation to resection margins. The number of FR, and graph theoretical measures, which were spatial (i.e., FR rate-distance radius) or temporal correlational (i.e., FR mutual information), were compared with the resection margins and with seizure outcome We found that the FR RR did not correlate with seizure-outcome (p > 0.05). In contrast, the FR rate-distance radius resected difference and the FR MI mean characteristic path length RR did correlate with seizure-outcome (p < 0.05). Reflex testing of positive FR RR patients using either FR rate-distance radius resected difference or the FR MI mean characteristic path length RR reduced seizure-free misclassifications from 44–22% and 17%, respectively. These results indicate that graph theoretical measures of FR networks can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the resection of FR events for predicting seizure freedom.
First examination of the influence of Y 3+ ions on the structural, physical and optical properties of strontium phosphate glasses
Authors: Bouabdalli El Mahdi , Jouad Mohamed El , Touhtouh Samira , Hajjaji Abdelowahed 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Yttrium-ions-doped strontium phosphate-based glasses were prepared by following the classical melt quenching method. This study focuses on discovering the influence of the yttrium dopant on the physical, optical, and structural characteristics of synthesized glasses. The structural analyzes were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR). All of the examined samples exhibit an amorphous character, according to XRD. FTIR absorption spectra revealed that the phosphate network depolymerized, which increased with the level of Y2O3 as the metaphosphate units decreased and the pyrophosphate species increased. The measured density values were used to evaluate the physical characteristics of the glasses samples. The density decreased from 2.108 to 2.099 g/cm3, while the molar volume values increased from 60.974 cm3/mol to 62.641 cm3/mol, when the yttrium concentration content increased from 0.0 mol. % to 1.5 mol. %. The optical measurement shows that the band gap for the energy values decreased from 6.528 to 5.754 eV, showing the alteration of the structure of strontium phosphate by an effect of the yttrium content. In addition, it was concluded that the refractive index of the samples rises with the yttrium oxide content and is inversely related to their optical band gap. Moreover, when the number of Y3+ ions is increased, the electronic polarizability increases. The improvement of electronic polarizability gives a good medium for non-linear optical applications. The amount of Y3+ ions present has a linear connection with the optical basicity of the materials studied. As a result, the studied glass materials could be useful in photonic applications.
Analysis and forecasting drought characterisation with using Markov chain model
Authors: Javadinejad Safieh , Dara Rebwar , Krause Stefan , Riyahi Majid , Mohammadi Abdoreza , nasseri mohsen 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Drought is one of the inseparable parts of climate fluctuations that cause a lot of damage every year. Considering the effects of drought on different parts of the environment, agriculture, natural resources, wildlife, etc., its prediction can be useful for managing the crisis and reducing the damages caused by it. In the current research, monthly drought was calculated based on the standard precipitation index in several stations in the south of Iran during the years 1980–2020; Then, using the Markov chain, monthly drought was predicted for the years 2020 to 2040. According to the results, most of the stations have normal, moderate and severe drought conditions. The transition probability matrix showed that in all stations, the probability of passing from a certain state to the same state and the probability of passing from wet to dry state is high; But the probability of transition from dry to wet is low. Also, the predictive results were measured at different stations with different levels of accuracy. In addition, the results showed that the highest probability of drought in the years 2020–2040 is related to normal, moderate and severe classes, and at the level of the studied area, from class one to seven, the 13.4, 26.81, 27,74, 37.11, 4.76, 2.88, and 0.70% of the predicted months drought will happen respectively.
From motor protein to toxin: Mutations in the zonula occludens toxin (Zot) of Vibrio cholerae phage CTXɸ suggest a loss of phage assembly function
Authors: Ma Long , Roux Simon , Hua Xiaoting , Wang Yong , Loh Belinda , Leptihn Sebastian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Prophages, i.e. dormant viruses residing in bacterial cells, are not just passive passengers in the bacterial host. Several prophage-encoded genes have been shown to be contributors to bacterial virulence by mediating antimicrobial resistance or by providing toxins. Other prophage genes exhibit beneficial effects on the host by modulating e.g. motility or biofilm formation. In this study, we used an in vivo phage assembly assay and tested an extensive array of single point mutations or their combinations found in Zot, the zonula occludens toxin encoded by the Vibrio cholerae phage CTXɸ. The assay makes use of the highly homologous Zot-like protein g1p of the filamentous Coliphage M13, a motor protein that mediates the trans-envelope assembly and secretion of filamentous phages. We also measured the in vitro ATP hydrolysis of purified proteins, and quantified virus production in V. cholerae mediated by Zot or the Zot-like protein of the two Vibrio phages CTXɸ and VFJɸ. In addition, we investigated sequence variations of the Walker motifs in Vibrio species using bioinformatics method, and revealed the molecular basis of ATP binding using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation based on the structure predicted by AlphaFold2. Our data indicates that g1p proteins in Vibrio can easily accumulate deleterious mutations and likely lose the ability to efficiently hydrolyse ATP, while the CTXɸ Zot was further exapted to now act as an auxiliary toxin during the infection by Vibrio cholerae.
Experimental evaluation of the performances of multi-sensors ultrasonic deployment geometries
Authors: EYEMBE Luc IHONOCK , Essiben Jean-François Dikoundou , Joe Yong Sun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this paper, a sensor spacing estimation model and a new deployment geometry are proposed to evaluate the performance of an ultrasonic sensor array according to the deployment geometry. The proposed spacing estimation model is based on the probability of false detection alarms, aperture angle and sensor range. We have proposed a design technique for the elliptical deployment geometry by giving expressions for its parameters. A practical method of calibrating the ultrasonic sensors was designed to reduce the measurement errors. An experiment was carried out, and the data collected was then analyzed statistically. An evaluation of the performance of an ultrasonic sensor array with linear and circular deployment geometry with and without our method was done and then compared to our proposed deployment geometry which was combined with the proposed method. The results show that the proposed geometry combined with the proposed method performs better than the circular and linear geometry with a correlation of 0.9997, RMSE of 2.8056, MAPE of 1.3966 and standard deviation of 0.2891. These results show the importance of the choice of deployment geometries for an application.
Definition of the symbiovar viciae in the species Rhizobium azibense and biogeographic implications
Authors: Shamseldin Abdelaal , Peix Alvaro , Velázquez Encarna 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Vicia faba L. (faba bean) is a legume cultivated worldwide which commonly establishes effective symbiosis with the symbiovar viciae of species from the Rhizobium leguminosarum phylogenetic group. However, on the basis of the rrs, recA and atpD gene phylogenies, in this work we identified a strain named EFBRI 42 nodulating V. faba as Rhizobium azibense. This is the first report on the nodulation of Vicia by R. azibense which commonly nodulates P. vulgaris and to date encompasses strains harbouring the nodC genes typical of the symbiovars gallicum and phaseoli. However, the strain EFBRI 42 carries a nodC gene typical of the symbiovar viciae for which we report here by the first time this symbiovar in R. azibense. This finding showed the existence of symbiotic genes horizontal transfer events during the coevolution of R. azibense with P. vulgaris and V. faba in their respective distribution centers of Mesoamerica and the Middle East.
Brain dynamics predictive of response to psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Vohryzek Jakub , Cabral Joana , Lord Louis-David , Fernandes Henrique , Roseman Leor , Nutt David , Carhart-Harris Robin , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Psilocybin therapy for depression has started to show promise, yet the underlying causal mechanisms are not currently known. Here we leveraged the differential outcome in responders and non-responders to psilocybin (10mg and 25mg, 7 days apart) therapy for depression - to gain new insights into regions and networks implicated in the restoration of healthy brain dynamics. We used whole-brain modelling to fit the spatiotemporal brain dynamics at rest in both responders and non-responders before treatment. Dynamic sensitivity analysis of systematic perturbation of these models enabled us to identify specific brain regions implicated in a transition from a depressive brain state to a heathy one. Binarizing the sample into treatment responders (> 50% reduction in depressive symptoms) versus non-responders enabled us to identify a subset of regions implicated in this change. Interestingly, these regions correlate with in vivo density maps of serotonin receptors 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A, which psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, has an appreciable affinity for, and where it acts as a full-to-partial agonist. Serotonergic transmission has long been associated with depression and our findings provide causal mechanistic evidence for the role of brain regions in the recovery from depression via psilocybin.
Exploring in a climbing task during a learning protocol: a complex sense-making process
Authors: Ganachaud Clément , Ganière Caroline , Hacques Guillaume , Rochat Nadège , Seifert Ludovic , Adé David 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
A large body of literature has highlighted the role of exploration in skill acquisition, with much of it showing that variable practice conditions encourage exploration. However, how learners make sense as they explore contrasting learning conditions remains unclear. Our study, rooted in the enactive approach tested a twofold hypothesis: (1) exploration takes different forms specified by the general dimensions of sense-making activity and (2) the specification of these general dimensions is related to the practice conditions. Our study focused on a climbing task over a 10-session learning protocol. Twelve sports sciences students participated under variable and constant practice conditions. First, two steps were drawn from the course-of-action research program: (1) documenting the climbers’ lived experience during previews and climbs with video recordings of their activity and self-confrontation interviews and (2) identifying the general dimensions of intentions, perceptions and actions using thematic analysis. On this basis, a quantitative analysis was then conducted to identify phenomenological clusters (PhC) through a hierarchical cluster analysis of the general dimensions. Last, the distributions of these PhC for the first and last sessions of the learning protocol were compared. Our results showed singular distributions of the four PhC identified in both previews and climbs between the first and last learning sessions. This supports our first hypothesis by highlighting the four PhC, two for the preview and two for the climb. Our results did not support the second hypothesis, however, of a link between PhC and practice conditions in that no condition-specific PhC were identified.
Enhanced biodegradation of polylactic acid and cellulose acetate nanocomposites in wastewater: Effect of TiO2 and β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Goñi-Ciaurriz Leire , Durán Adrián , Peñas Francisco J , Vélaz Itziar 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Currently, there is a global concern about the environmental problems related to plastic wastes. Cellulose acetate (CA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are the most frequently used biopolymers in the food packaging industry. In this work, TiO2 nanoparticles and β-cyclodextrin (βCD) have been incorporated into nanocomposite films made of PLA and CA and then evaluated under biodegradation assays in wastewater to assess the effects of both additives on the biodegradability of films. TiO2 nanoparticles clearly enhanced the biodegradability of CA and PLA; PLA-TiO2 nanocomposites disappeared after 60 days, whereas plain PLA remained present after 100 days. The presence of the additives provided an exponential growth to BOD profiles. FTIR spectra showed a much faster deacetylation of CA for the nanocomposites than for the bare CA, and XRD diffractograms showed that PLA nanocomposites became more amorphous than bare PLA. The thermal resistance of CA and PLA nanocomposites substantially decreased, while plain matrices remained fairly stable up to 60 days. SEM micrographs of CA and PLA nanocomposites presented voids and larger surface erosion than the plain matrices. βCD modification of TiO2 nanoparticles seems to have a protective effect on the biodegradation of the polymers with respect to the unmodified TiO2.
Corneal iatrogenicity of Belantamab Mafodotin (GSK2857916), Clinical and Morphological In Vivo Confocal Microscopy follow-up of a case series
Authors: Mostrel David , Marquant Kevin , Quinquenel Anne , Arndt Carl , Denoyer Alexandre 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective : To highlight the potential importance of confocal microscopy (IVCM) in the follow-up of patients with refractory multiple myeloma treated with Belantamab Mafodotin.
Methods : A retrospective case series of 8 patients with refractory multiple myeloma treated with belantamab mafodotin was reported. Ophthalmologic follow-up of these patients every 3 weeks before each new infusion included systematic corneal examination with IVCM. A complementary analysis of the morphological data collected in IVCM was performed to evaluate the density, the average size and the circularity of the lesions observed.
Results : In case 1, the iatrogenic damage was maximal at the 6th week of follow-up with an important damage of Bowman's layer, leading to the suspension of the treatment. After resumption of treatment at a reduced dosage, the morphological damage to the cornea was reduced. In case 2, the onset of iatrogenic damage related to the treatment was observed but the follow-up was interrupted early because of therapeutic escape of the disease. In case 3, a prolonged follow-up could be performed showing a good tolerance to the treatment. In case 4, a decrease in visual acuity was observed at the 6th week of follow-up in connection with the treatment-related toxicity well observed in IVCM. Follow-up was then interrupted due to therapeutic escape of the disease. In cases 5 and 6, a significant decrease in visual acuity was observed at the 6th week in relation to iatrogenic morphological anomalies of the central cornea. The resumption of treatment at a reduced dosage was accompanied by an improved tolerance. In cases 7 and 8, the patients did not develop specific damage.
Conclusion : Our study showed the interest of corneal morphological follow-up in IVCM in patients treated with belantamab mafodotin in order to detect early signs of corneal iatrogenicity and to guide the management accordingly, before the suspension of treatment.