bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging Locus Coeruleus abnormality in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment is associated with future progression to dementia
Authors: Galgani Alessandro , Lombardo Francesco , Martini Nicola , Vergallo Andrea , Bastiani Luca , Hampel Harald , Hlavata Hana , Baldacci Filippo , Tognoni Gloria , De Marchi Daniele , Ghicopulos Irene , De Cori Sara , Biagioni Francesca , Busceti Carla Letizia , Ceravolo Roberto , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Chiappino Dante , Siciliano Gabriele , Fornai Francesco , Pavese Nicola , Giorgi Filippo Sean 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeHuman neuropathological studies indicate that the pontine nucleus Locus Coeruleus (LC) undergoes significant and early degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. This line of evidence alongside experimental data suggests that the LC functional/structural decay may represent a critical factor for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiological and clinical progression. In the present prospective study, we used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with LC‐sensitive sequence (LC‐MRI) to investigate in vivo the LC involvement in Alzheimer's disease progression, and whether specific LC‐MRI features at baseline are associated with prognosis and cognitive performance in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.MethodsLC‐MRI parameters were measured at baseline by a template‐based method on 3.0‐T magnetic resonance images in 34 patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia, 73 patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and 53 cognitively intact individuals. A thorough neurological and neuropsychological assessment was performed at baseline and 2.5‐year follow‐up.ResultsIn subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment who converted to dementia (n = 32), the LC intensity and number of LC‐related voxels were significantly lower than in cognitively intact individuals, resembling those observed in demented patients. Such a reduction was not detected in Mild Cognitive Impairment individuals, who remained stable at follow‐up. In Mild Cognitive Impairment subjects converting to dementia, LC‐MRI parameter reduction was maximal in the rostral part of the left nucleus. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that LC‐MRI parameters positively correlate with cognitive performance.ConclusionsOur findings highlight a potential role of LC‐MRI for predicting clinical progression in Mild Cognitive Impairment and support the key role of LC degeneration in the Alzheimer clinical continuum.
Clinical presentation and neural correlates of stroke‐associated spatial delusions
Authors: Alves Pedro N. , Fonseca Ana C. , Pinho‐e‐Melo Teresa , Martins Isabel P. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeIncongruent beliefs about self‐localization in space markedly disturb patients' behavior. Spatial delusions, or reduplicative paramnesias, are characterized by a firm conviction of place reduplication, transformation, or mislocation. Evidence suggests they are frequent after right hemisphere lesions, but comprehensive information about their clinical features is lacking.MethodsWe prospectively screened 504 acute right‐hemisphere stroke patients for the presence of spatial delusions. Their behavioral and clinical features were systematically assessed. Then, we analyzed the correlation of their duration with the magnitude of structural disruption of belief‐associated functional networks. Finally, we described the syndrome subtypes and evaluated whether the clinical categorization would be predicted by the structural disruption of familiarity‐associated functional networks using an unsupervised k‐means clustering algorithm.ResultsSixty patients with spatial delusions were identified and fully characterized. Most (93%) localized the misidentified places closer to home than the hospital. The median time duration was 3 days (interquartile range = 1–7 days), and it was moderately correlated with the magnitude of structural–functional decoupling of belief‐associated functional networks (r = 0.39, p = 0.02; beta coefficient regressing for lesion volume = 3.18, p = 0.04). Each clinical subtype had characteristic response patterns, which were reported, and representative examples were provided. Clustering based on structural disruption of familiarity‐ and unfamiliarity‐associated functional networks poorly matched the clinical categorization (lesion: Rand index = 0.47; structural disconnection: Rand index = 0.51).ConclusionsThe systematic characterization of the peculiar clinical features of stroke‐associated spatial delusions may improve the syndrome diagnosis and clinical approaches. The novel evidence about their neural correlates fosters the clarification of the pathophysiology of delusional misidentifications.
Batoclimab as an add‐on therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with acute attacks
Authors: Wang Yuge , Zhong Xiaonan , Wang Honghao , Peng Yu , Shi Fudong , Jia Dongmei , Yang Huan , Zeng Qiuming , Quan Chao , ZhangBao Jingzi , Lee Michael , Qi Jun , Chen Xiaoxiang , Qiu Wei ,   Batoclimab NMOSD Study Group
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe neurological inflammatory disease mainly caused by pathogenic aquaporin‐4 antibodies (AQP4‐IgG). The safety and efficacy of the neonatal Fc receptor antagonist batoclimab addition to conventional intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (IVMP) therapy in patients with NMOSD acute attacks was assessed.MethodsIn an open‐label, dose‐escalation phase 1b study, NMOSD patients with acute myelitis and/or optic neuritis received four doses of weekly subcutaneous injections of either 340 mg or 680 mg batoclimab with concurrent IVMP and were followed up for 27 weeks. The primary end‐points were safety and tolerability. Secondary end‐points included pharmacodynamics and efficacy, with key efficacy assessment at week 4.ResultsIn total nine NMOSD patients were enrolled, including two and seven in the 340 and 680 mg groups. Five patients had acute myelitis, while the remaining four had unilateral optic neuritis. Batoclimab add‐on therapy had an overall good safety profile without serious adverse events. In the 680 mg group, mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) reached its maximum reduction at the last dose (day 22). In the meantime, AQP4‐IgG was undetectable in six of seven subjects whose baseline AQP4‐IgG titers ranged from 1:32 to 1:320. Expanded Disability Status Scale score was reduced by 1.3 ± 0.4 at week 4 (2.7 ± 1.3) compared with baseline (4.0 ± 1.0).ConclusionsBatoclimab add‐on therapy to IVMP is safe and tolerated in patients with NMOSD. Preliminary evidence suggests a beneficial neurological effect. A randomized controlled trial would be needed to prove the efficacy.
Small rivers, great importance: Refuge and growth sites of juvenile migratory fishes in the upper São Francisco Basin, Brazil
Authors: Moreira Marina Ferreira , Peressin Alexandre , Pompeu Paulo Santos 
Published: September 2022

AbstractStudies of migratory fish species in Neotropical Basins have generally focused on adult fishes, especially on their reproductive migration, whereas sites of growth and refuge of juveniles remain poorly investigated. We aimed to evaluate if smaller rivers play a role in the life cycle of these species. We used 13 rivers of different sizes in the upper São Francisco Basin, Brazil. We found that smaller rivers, especially when draining regions close to floodplains, were the first places where juveniles moved after leaving floodplain lakes. We also found that individuals moved downstream as they grew, and were found in increasingly larger rivers that were more distant from floodplains. Currently, the best‐known strategy for conservation of neotropical migratory fishes is the maintenance of free‐flowing stretches encompassing necessary habitats for life cycle completion. We conclude that small tributaries near floodplain regions are also needed in these protected free‐flowing river systems.
The development of a new crop growth model SwitchFor for yield mapping of switchgrass
Authors: Liu Yanmei , Hastings Astley , Chen Shaolin , Faaij Andre 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSwitchgrass is a promising energy crop has the potential to mitigate global warming and energy security, improve local ecology and generate profit. Its quantitative traits, such as biomass productivity and environmental adaptability, are determined by genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) or response of genotypes grown across different target environments. To simulate the yield of switchgrass outside its original habitat, a genotype‐specific growth model, SwitchFor that captures GEI was developed by parameterising the MiscanFor model. Input parameters were used to describe genotype‐specific characteristics under different soil and climate conditions, which enables the model to predict the yield in a wide range of environmental and climate conditions. The model was validated using global field trail data and applied to estimate the switchgrass yield potentials on the marginal land of the Loess Plateau in China. The results suggest that upland and lowland switchgrass have significant differences in the spatial distribution of the adaptation zone and site‐specific biomass yield. The area of the adaption zone of upland switchgrass was 4.5 times of the lowland ecotype's. The yield difference between upland and lowland ecotypes ranges from 0 to 34 Mg ha−1. The weighted average yield of the lowland ecotype (20 Mg ha−1) is significantly higher than the upland type (5 Mg ha−1). The optimal yield map, generated by comparing the yield of upland and lowland ecotypes based on 1 km2 grid locations, illustrates that the total yield potential of the optimal switchgrass is 61.6–106.4 Tg on the marginal land of the Loess Plateau, which is approximately twice that of the individual ecotypes. Compared with the existing models, the accuracy of the yield prediction of switchgrass is significantly improved by using the SwitchFor model. This spatially explicit and cultivar‐specific model provides valuable information on land management and crop breeding and a robust and extendable framework for yield mapping of other cultivars.
Multispectral image analysis detects differences in drought responses in novel seeded Miscanthus sinensis hybrids
Authors: Lazarević Boris , Kontek Mislav , Carović‐Stanko Klaudija , Clifton‐Brown John , Al Hassan Mohamad , Trindade Luisa M. , Jurišić Vanja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDrought tolerance in Miscanthus sinensis is a desirable trait because of its potential use to develop new varieties, namely intra‐specific hybrids, adapted to drought‐prone marginal lands. In this study, drought tolerance was evaluated on 8 M. sinensis intra‐specific hybrids (GRC1–GRC8). Plants were grown in the growth chamber (14/10 h, 25/20°C, 70% relative air humidity and 300 μmol m−2 s−1 irradiance). Drought was induced by withholding irrigation for 21 days (stress phase) and after re‐watering (recovery phase) for 7 days. Nondestructive multispectral 3D images for plant morphology, color, and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging were used to quantify drought‐induced changes on a weekly basis for the entire duration of the experiment. Total leaf area (TLA) and digital biomass (DB) responded most rapidly to water deficits (7–14 days), followed by leaf senescence (14–21 days), and finally, a drop in the maximum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm; 21 days). Traits measured on the last day of the drought treatment were used to calculate the phenotypic plasticity. Significant differences in drought susceptibility and phenotypic plasticity were found among the studied hybrids. Drought treatment (21 days) reduced DB and TLA on average by 50%, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) by 20% and Fv/Fm from 0.79 (in control) to 0.69 in the less drought‐susceptible hybrids (GRC4 and GRC5), whereas in drought‐sensitive hybrids (GRC2 and GRC3), 21 days of drought reduced DB and TLA on average by 80%, NDVI by 45% and Fv/Fm dropped from 0.79 (in control) to 0.35. The more drought‐resilient hybrids showed lower phenotypic plasticity than their more sensitive counterparts, a stay‐green strategy enabled through lower biomass accumulation and by extension, reduced water usage. Multispectral imaging and image analysis enabled fast and nondestructive quantification of plant morphological and physiological responses under drought conditions and could be used as an effective screening tool for drought susceptibility.
Complex validation of novel mullite‐based ceramic filters for microfiltration purposes
Authors: Pittruff Peter , Młocek Witold , Jurków Dominik 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to investigate a complex validation, developed by Rauschert in Poland, of casted ceramic filters for microfiltration. For disc manufacturing, a self‐developed material RaFo‐MF‐401e with a filtration membrane was used. The presented experiment was conducted on component, subsystem, and system levels. Component level analysis consisted of the investigation of mechanical strength, hardness, rough lifetime, and resistance against acids and alkalis. Annealing at high temperature and humidity was used to test the subsystem. The final system test was executed on the real filtration system. The final aim of the tests was to verify the filtration efficiency of a complete module (core and membrane) in a real filtration device. The filtration quality of the whole setup was very good and the particles in the permeate (filtrated solution) were smaller than 10 μm (defined as D99). Thus, the developed discs provide the expected filtration quality in the range of microfiltration.
High prevalence of IgE sensitization to inactivated influenza vaccines, yet robust IgG4 responses, in a healthy pediatric population
Authors: Tonto Prince Baffour , Nagao Mizuho , Suga Shigeru , Taniguchi Kiyosu , Hirayama Masahiro , Nakayama Tetsuo , Kumagai Takuji , Fujisawa Takao ,   the Influenza Vaccine Study Group
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnaphylaxis following influenza vaccination is a rare but serious problem. The underlying immune responses are not well understood. This study elucidated the IgE and IgG antibody responses in healthy children and adolescents following inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs).MethodsThe efficacy and safety of quadrivalent IIV (QIV) and trivalent IIV (TIV) were compared in healthy subjects aged 0–18 years. Serum IIV‐specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 levels (sIgE, sIgG, and sIgG4) were measured with ImmunoCAP. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay was performed for each influenza virus subtype. Sera from earlier patients who developed anaphylaxis to different IIVs were similarly tested.ResultsA total of 393 subjects were enrolled: 96 were 6 months−2 years old, 100 were 3–5 years old, 100 were 6–12 years old, and 97 were 13–18 years old. No anaphylaxis was observed. Generally, QIV and TIV induced similar antibody responses. IIV‐sIgE levels rose significantly after vaccination in the 6 months–2 years old and 3–5 years old groups, did not change in the 6–12 years old group, and decreased in the 13–18 years old group. In contrast, the IIV‐sIgG4/sIgE ratio increased significantly after vaccination in all age groups. Sensitized subjects had significantly higher HI titers and IIV‐sIgG levels in the youngest age group and higher IIV‐sIgG4 levels in all age groups compared with the non‐sensitized. The IIV‐sIgG4/sIgE ratio in five patients with anaphylaxis was significantly lower than in age‐matched healthy subjects.ConclusionIIVs induce IgE sensitization in healthy children but also robust IgG4 responses that may protect them from anaphylaxis.
South Texas Water Resource Mental Models: A Systems Thinking, Multi‐stakeholder Case Study
Authors: Flores‐Lopez Chris , Turner Benjamin L. , Hanagriff Roger , Bhandari Ammar , Sinha Tushar 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe Coastal Bend (CB), Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), and Wintergarden (WG) subregions of south Texas co‐exist in similar socio‐economic contexts but rely on markedly different water sources (CB: precipitation; LRGV: surface water; WG: groundwater). This has led to unique agricultural practices and municipal policies and reinforced mental models adapted specifically to each subregion, both of which are critical to understanding structural causes behind current water use and future water sustainability. To better stakeholder mental models in each subregion, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals with a significant stake in water resource use and management. Results indicated near unanimous consensus among farmers and other stakeholders that water supply is limited and will be increasingly stressed under continued urban population growth. Farmers expressed concern that it will become more difficult to continue farming if additional water resources are not available, while each subregion expressed their own unique concerns: growing bureaucratic oversight and growing population problems (CB), lack of inflows, poor water quality, and international disputes with Mexico (LRGV), and political subdivision, declining groundwater levels, and information technology costs (WG). Mental models were synthesized based on dominant themes expressed by respondents; we synthesized these into two systems thinking archetypes: Tragedy of the Commons and Success to the Successful. Though it is unreasonable to create blanket region‐wide policies, the adoption of under‐utilized conservation practices coupled to stakeholder outreach remains unexplored leverage points, given most stakeholders are unaware of the feedback processes continuing to threaten south Texas water resources.
Larval study revealed diversity and life‐history traits of crypto‐benthic eel gobies
Authors: Maeda Ken , Hanahara Nozomi , Uehara Masato , Tachihara Katsunori 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBecause adult and juvenile eel gobies usually hide within the burrows of muddy substrates, their diversity and life history have not yet been fully elucidated. We investigated larval specimens of the eel gobies collected on Okinawa Island in southern Japan. The genus Trypauchenopsis was previously thought to consist of only one species, but our larval collection identified two species, Trypauchenopsis limicola and Trypauchenopsis intermedia, distinguished by their species‐specific melanophore arrangements and differences in their fin‐ray counts. Taenioides kentalleni were previously known from only two specimens worldwide. A third specimen of this species has now been added from the larval collection. In addition to the three species above, Taenioides gracilis and Caragobius urolepis were identified and the larval morphologies of the five species were described for the first time. All the larvae collected in the present study were at late postflexion stage. T. limicola, T. intermedia and T. gracilis were presumably collected in the estuaries and beaches when approaching their adult habitats at the end of pelagic life. They were 8.5–10.3 mm in standard length, and otolith analysis suggests that their pelagic larval durations are a little longer than 1 month (average 34–37 days). The larval occurrence suggested that the spawning season of T. limicola is May–December, when the water temperature is warmer than approximately 20°C. Our work reveals that studying the larval stage can provide new information on the taxonomy and life history of the elusive cryptobenthic fish.
Shelf life extension of bread using ethanol emitters with different packaging materials
Authors: Vanmathi Mugasundari Arumugam , Anandakumar Sugumar 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEthanol emitters (EEs) in packaging is one of the innovative active packaging concepts. This study aimed to develop various concentrations of EEs and study their packaging effects on the shelf life extension of bread packed in different packaging materials, such as bioplastic (BP) and polypropylene (PP). The study revealed a significant increase in the total color changes of bread packed with different EE treatments, during storage. The moisture content of bread during storage varied from 12.41% to 27.54% for BP packaging material and 27.54%–24.15% for PP packaging material. During the storage period, the water activity of the bread samples gradually decreased from 0.96 to 0.61. The highest firmness was obtained in T3 BP packaging material (14.79 g), followed by T2 BP (14.09 g), T1 BP (13.56 g), T3 PP (13.10 g), T2 PP (12.06 g), and T1 PP (11.75 g), respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) were observed in all the parameters among the bread samples with respect to storage period, packing material, and EEs.Practical applicationsActive packaging is a concept in the field of food packaging that has been developed to extend the shelf life of a product. Bakery products are perishable, and active systems (ethanol emitters) can help to improve their food quality and extend the shelf life.
A method to identify, dissect and stain equine neuromuscular junctions for morphological analysis
Authors: Cahalan Stephen D. , Perkins Justin D. , Boehm Ines , Jones Ross A. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Piercy Richard J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMorphological study of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a specialised peripheral synapse formed between a lower motor neuron and skeletal muscle fibre, has significantly contributed to the understanding of synaptic biology and neuromuscular disease pathogenesis. Rodent NMJs are readily accessible, and research into conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has relied heavily on experimental work in these small mammals. However, given that nerve length dependency is an important feature of many peripheral neuropathies, these rodent models have clear shortcomings; large animal models might be preferable, but their size presents novel anatomical challenges. Overcoming these constraints to study the NMJ morphology of large mammalian distal limb muscles is of prime importance to increase cross‐species translational neuromuscular research potential, particularly in the study of long motor units. In the past, NMJ phenotype analysis of large muscle bodies within the equine distal pelvic limb, such as the tibialis cranialis, or within muscles of high fibrous content, such as the soleus, has posed a distinct experimental hurdle. We optimised a technique for NMJ location and dissection from equine pelvic limb muscles. Using a quantification method validated in smaller species, we demonstrate their morphology and show that equine NMJs can be reliably dissected, stained and analysed. We reveal that the NMJs within the equine soleus have distinctly different morphologies when compared to the extensor digitorum longus and tibialis cranialis muscles. Overall, we demonstrate that equine distal pelvic limb muscles can be regionally dissected, with samples whole‐mounted and their innervation patterns visualised. These methods will allow the localisation and analysis of neuromuscular junctions within the muscle bodies of large mammals to identify neuroanatomical and neuropathological features.