bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classification of montane grasslands in central Argentina
Authors: Zeballos Sebastián R. , Cantero Juan José , Giorgis Melisa A. , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Núñez César O. , Palchetti M. Virginia , Argibay Daihana S. , Cabido Marcelo R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractQuestionWe address the following questions: (1) which are the main plant communities in montane grasslands in central Argentina; (2) do those communities differ in terms of floristic composition, endemisms, chorotypes and life forms; and (3) which are the major environmental variables (climatic, topographic and edaphic) associated with the heterogeneity of the vegetation?LocationPampean Mountains (Sierras Pampeanas), Córdoba Province, central Argentina, an area of ca. 37,000 km2.MethodsThe survey was based on a data set comprising 746 relevés and 822 vascular plant species, collected in accordance with the Braun‐Blanquet sampling method. The data were classified using the hierarchical ISOmetric feature mapping and Partitioning Around Medoids, and ordinated through isometric feature mapping (ISOPAM). The environmental variables were related to the ISOPAM ordination.ResultsThe ISOPAM classification identified two clusters, five vegetation types and 17 plant communities, which were distributed across different elevations. There were notable differences in the diagnostic species, average percentages of endemic species, chorotypes and life forms among the various vegetation types and plant communities. The primary gradient in grassland vegetation was found to be associated with elevation and related climatic variables.ConclusionsThe study provides valuable insights into the montane grasslands of the Sierras Pampeanas in central Argentina. It presents a comprehensive classification of the region's grasslands, including tall tussock grasslands, humid grasslands, stony grasslands, and grasslands with scattered shrubs and trees. Each recognized unit is distinguished by diagnostic species and a distinct floristic composition. Our findings emphasize a significant division between grasslands at higher elevation, abundant in Andean species, and Piedmont and shrubby grasslands at lower elevations, characterized by a higher prevalence of Chacoan and other Neotropical species. Grassland vegetation in other regions of the Sierras Pampeanas remains poorly studied, requiring additional research to determine the syntaxonomic position of this vegetation.
Exploring the Effect of Gomisin A on Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer With Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, In Vitro and In Vivo Assays
Authors: Liu Mei , Yang Kai , Qiu Huibing 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTGomisin A is an active ingredient of Schisandra chinensis. Pre‐clinical studies suggest Gomisin A has good anti‐cancer activities against a variety of cancers, but its mechanism of action in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. This study aims to explore the potential mechanism of Gomisin A in treating NSCLC. The SwissTargetPrediction, CTD, HERB and PharmMapper databases were used to collect related targets of Gomisin A. NSCLC‐related genes were obtained using the GEO, CTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, GeneCards, NCBI, and PharmGKB databases. The central targets and potential mechanisms of Gomisin A against NSCLC were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, the therapeutic activity of Gomisin A on NSCLC was verified by experiments. A total of 161 potential targets of Gomisin A against NSCLC were identified. TNF, AKT1, STAT3, and IL6 were identified as the central targets of Gomisin A. The binding energy of Gomisin A and the central targets was less than −5 kcal/mol. Gomisin A could inhibit NSCLC cell viability, migration and invasion and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Gomisin A also inhibited in vivo metastasis of NSCLC cells. In addition, Gomisin A could also reduce the expression level of the central targets and inhibit the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. In summary, Gomisin A may be a candidate drug for the treatment of NSCLC, and TNF, AKT1, STAT3, and IL6 are potential targets for Gomisin A in NSCLC treatment, and its therapeutic mechanism may be related to the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway.
Postoperative Nodal Efficiency of the Lesional‐Hemispheric Hand Motor Area Increasing Potentially Facilitated Motor Recovery for SMA Syndrome
Authors: Weng Shimeng , Meng Zhaoting , Li Lianwang , Li Jinshi , Fan Xing , Zhang Zhong , Wang Yinyan , Jiang Tao , Fang Shengyu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSupplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome commonly occurs after glioma resection and requires weeks to months of recovery.MethodsThirty‐four glioma patients with SMA syndrome were reviewed and assigned to recovered and non‐recovered groups based on whether their motor function recovered on postoperative day 7. To validate the association between variations in nodal properties and recovery time, neuro‐navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) was applied to stimulate potential nodes. Nine other patients (five nrTMS therapy and four sham‐nrTMS treatments) with SMA syndrome with unrecovered motor functions on postoperation day 7 were prospectively enrolled.ResultsThe potential nodes of the sensorimotor network related to recovery time were investigated using preoperative and postoperative resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, graph theoretical analysis, and dynamic functional connectome analysis. Nodal efficiency of the lesional‐hemispheric upper limb region of BA 4 (A4ul_L) increased in the recovered group (preoperative, 0.472 ± 0.027; postoperative, 0.535 ± 0.020; p = 0.0006). The patients in the nrTMS therapy group quickly recovered (12.0 ± 1.6 days) compared to the sham‐nrTMS group (29.5 ± 3.8 days, p = 0.0024). Variations in A4ul_L nodal efficiency was negatively correlated with recovery time (r = −0.841; p = 0.0046).ConclusionA4ul_L demonstrates enhanced postoperative nodal efficiency and shows therapeutic potential in SMA syndrome recovery, suggesting its viability as a therapeutic target.
Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Does Not Differentiate Between Bacterial and Fungal Skull Base Osteomyelitis
Authors: Karthat Arun G. , Regi Soumya , Thomas Habie , Sara Katti B. , Beula Subashini P. , Sundaresan Rajan , Thomas Regi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveApparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value helps in differentiating infections from neoplasms on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigate the diffusion‐weighted images in skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) to evaluate if ADC values can differentiate fungal and bacterial SBO and to analyse the microbiology of all SBO patients.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingQuaternary care referral centre.ParticipantsA retrospective review of 142 patients diagnosed and treated for SBO patients from January 2010 to May 2023 was done.Main Outcome MeasureChi‐square or Fisher's exact test was used to compare ADC values of bacterial and fungal SBO.ResultsThe most common pathogens isolated were Pseudomonas (42.2%), Aspergillus (30.98%), and
S. aureus
(23.94%). The average ADC value of affected soft tissues among patients was 1.13 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s compared to the average ADC value of normal soft tissue, 1.34 ± 0.31 × 10−3 mm2/s. There was no statistical significance when comparing the average ADC values of bacterial and fungal SBO patients (p value = 0.142).ConclusionThis study suggests that though infection due to Pseudomonas was the commonest, it was detected only in 42.2% of patients. More than half of the cases had organisms other than Pseudomonas, demanding the clinician to obtain deeper biopsies early in the course of the disease for microbiological analysis. DWI does not help differentiate bacterial and fungal SBO, again emphasising the need for deeper tissue biopsies in all these patients to assist in the early identification of the pathogen.
Microencapsulation of Caucasian blueberries (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) anthocyanins: Colour stability in varying storage conditions
Authors: Girgin Serpil , Üçüncü Osman , Baltacı Cemalettin , Muslu Aykoç Ayşe 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the extraction of anthocyanins from the fruits of Caucasian blueberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) and examine the colour stability of anthocyanins encapsulated through spray drying in model systems. The trials were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for anthocyanin extraction using an ultrasonic water bath at temperatures of 25, 50 and 75°C. The ideal anthocyanin extraction occurred at 25°C using 100% acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min at 35 kHz. Anthocyanin concentrations were evaluated using the pH differential method. The extracted anthocyanins were encapsulated through spray drying with maltodextrin as the encapsulating material. The encapsulation efficiency was 80.4 ± 0.20%, and the anthocyanin retention rate was 83.0 ± 0.76%. The coloured capsules were added to model systems with pH values of 4.50, 5.00, 5.50 and 6.00. The colour values (L* 50.16 ± 0.05, a* 4.08 ± 0.04, b* −9.35 ± 0.01, H° 293.57 ± 0.15, C* 10.20 ± 0.03) were measured during varying storage conditions. The results showed, that colour loss began on the fifth day and this was accelerated with higher temperatures and pH values. It was found that encapsulation significantly preserved the stability of the blue colour and the loss of the blue colour followed first‐order reaction kinetics. The study showed that the blue colour of microcapsules was best preserved at pH 5.00 at 25°C. In this case, the measured total colour change (∆E) was 5.86, the activation energy (Ea) was 37.64 kJ/mol, and the half‐life (t1/2) was determined to be 19.08 days.
Correlation between antihypertensive drugs and cerebral hemodynamic parameters: insights from observational findings using transcranial Doppler
Authors: Machado Michel Ferreira , Muela Henrique Cotchi Simbo , Costa‐Hong Valeria Aparecida , Moraes Natalia Cristina , Memória Claudia Maia , Bor‐Seng‐Shu Edson , Nitrini Ricardo , Bortolotto Luiz Aparecido , Nogueira Ricardo de Carvalho 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAntihypertensives (AHD) can influence cerebral autoregulation (CA) and attenuate hypertrophic concentric remodelling of arterioles. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between AHD, CA and structural and functional properties of cerebral arteries.MethodsIn this observational, cross‐sectional study 115 volunteers were divided in group 1 (non‐hypertensive) [n = 30]; group 2 (hypertensive with systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 140 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] < 90 mmHg) [n = 54]; group 3 (hypertensive with SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) [n = 31] and simultaneous measurements of systemic blood pressure (BP) and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV) were obtained from digital plethysmography and transcranial Doppler. Beat‐to‐beat, critical closing pressure (CrCP), resistance‐area product (RAP) and autoregulation index (ARI) values were extracted by linear regression analysis of instantaneous BP and CBFV waveforms using computerised analysis. Pulsatility index (PI) was calculated and CO2 reactivity was assessed by the breath‐holding test.ResultsDespite their higher RAP (1.7 [±0.7], p < 0.001) compared to groups 1 and 2, uncontrolled hypertensive using diuretics (p = 0.047) and α2‐agonists (p = 0.009) had significantly lower PI. Impaired CO2 reactivity was common between the two hypertensive groups (p = 0.008), however ARI, CrCP and CBFV did not differ between them and non‐hypertensive individuals and also did not correlate with any AHD used.ConclusionsUnlike the RAP, PI does not seem to reflect the real cerebrovascular resistence resulting from chronic arterial remodelling. Despite impaired CO2 reactivity, hypertensive have arterial tonus and CA comparable to non‐hypertensive. Experimental studies involving an untreated hypertensive control group are required to robustly make definitive conclusions about these questions.
De‐intensification of basal‐bolus therapy by replacing prandial insulin with once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in individuals with well‐controlled type 2 diabetes: A single‐centre, open‐label randomised trial (TRANSITION‐T2D)
Authors: Rodriguez Paloma , Breslaw Nikki , Xiao Huijun , Bena Jim , Jenkins Kimberly , Isaacs Diana , Zhou Keren , Griebeler Marcio L. , Burguera Bartolome , Pantalone Kevin M. ,   for the TRANSITION‐T2D Investigators
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsThe study aims to examine the outcome of replacement of prandial insulin with once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes reasonably controlled on multiple daily insulin injections (MDI).Materials and MethodsThis single‐centre, randomised, open‐label trial enrolled a statistically predetermined sample of 60 adults with HbA1c ≤7.5% (58 mmol/mol) receiving MDI, with a total daily dose (TDD) ≤120 units/day. Participants were assigned 2:1 to subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg plus insulin degludec, or to continue MDI. The primary outcome was percentage of subjects maintaining HbA1c ≤7.5% (58 mmol/mol) at Week 26.ResultsAt Week 26, 90% of semaglutide and 75% of MDI subjects maintained HbA1c ≤7.5% (≤58 mmol/mol) (p = 0.18). Mean changes (95% CI) in HbA1c, weight and percentage body weight for semaglutide versus MDI, respectively, were −0.5% (−0.7, −0.3) versus 0.0% (−0.3, 0.3; p = 0.009); −8.9 kg (−9.9, −7.8) versus 1.5 kg (−0.1, 3.1; p < 0.001); and −8.6% (−9.6, −7.6) versus 1.4% (0.0, 2.8; p < 0.001). Insulin TDD decreased 56.0% (−62.3, −49.7) with semaglutide and increased 6.7% (−2.5, 16.0) with MDI (p < 0.001). Among semaglutide subjects, 58% reduced insulin TDD > 50%, 97.5% stopped prandial insulin and 45% lost >10% body weight. Participant treatment satisfaction scores trended higher with semaglutide. Hypoglycaemia frequency was similar between groups.ConclusionsIn people with type 2 diabetes well controlled (HbA1c ≤7.5% [≤58 mmol/mol]) on MDI ≤120 units/day, replacing multiple daily injections of prandial insulin with once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide can maintain and even improve HbA1c, lower body weight and lessen the burden of management.
Host location of gall parasitoids—A case study using the Quadrastichus mendeli–Leptocybe invasa system
Authors: Huang Zong‐You , Tang Liu‐Hang , Wang Xiao‐Yun , Lu Wen , Zheng Xia‐Lin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGalls are thought to be induced by insects for protection, yet many gall‐forming insects experience heavy parasitization. Little is known about how parasitoids locate gall‐forming insects. Quadrastichus mendeli Kim & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an obligate ectoparasitoid of the larvae of Leptocybe invasa Fisher et La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which is an invasive gall‐forming pest in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp., Myrtaceae) plantations. In this study, Q. mendeli and L. invasa were used to explore parasitoid behavior when locating gall‐forming insects. Our results revealed that host location by Q. mendeli involved five discrete steps: walking, resting or grooming, antennating, probing and stinging. Antennation was the most frequent behavior, accounting for about half of the total time. Host location behavior of Q. mendeli occurred in the photophase. Female Q. mendeli exhibited a clear circadian rhythm: Almost all behaviors occurred during the photophase, and behavior peaked at the sixth hour of the light phase. The olfactory response rates of Q. mendeli to volatiles from galls decreased significantly after their antennae were detached. However, there was no significant difference in the host location behavior of Q. mendeli after their eyes were obscured. Our results provide essential information to explore the host location mechanisms in gall parasitoids.
Unveiling Digital Transformation and Teaching Prowess in English Education During COVID‐19 With Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Dong Yan , Zhao Guoqing , Menhas Rashid , Luan Lin , Noor Uzma 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe present research looks at the reputation of digital platforms in online pedagogical English education in Pakistan, and the use of digital technology in virtual classrooms during public health emergencies. It explores how faculty members use digital technology in their pedagogical English teaching approaches by analysing their technological skill level. To achieve the study's objectives, an online survey was undertaken to gather primary data. University teachers delivering online courses during COVID‐19 in several cities throughout Punjab Province answered an online questionnaire survey. Smart‐PLS 3.3.9 and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to investigate the recommended research framework. SEM analysis results showed that all proposed hypotheses were confirmed. This research presents an overview of faculty members' online pedagogical teaching abilities and digital technology during COVID‐19. The research findings are critical for determining how to incorporate technology during the pandemic period and to integrate technology into higher education during the new normal.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT‐4) and Social Media Impact on Academic Performance and Psychological Well‐Being in China's Higher Education
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Farrukh , Xu Shuo , Liu Huizheng , Zahid Hira 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and the extensive use of social media have transformed how students engage with educational materials and interact with their peers. Collaborative learning (CL) platforms, empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, have gained popularity due to their potential to enhance learning outcomes and provide personalised educational experiences. This research examines the effects of generative AI (ChatGPT‐4) and social media use on young students' academic performance and psychological well‐being, focusing on CL. The study conceptual framework was examined based on a sample of 441 Chinese university students. The statistical technique PLS‐SEM is put into practice to measure the structural framework of academic performance and psychological well‐being. The findings of this study show that generative AI (ChatGPT‐4) and social media positively influence young students' academic performance and psychological well‐being. Additionally, the results of this research study show that CL positively mediates between social media, academic performance and psychological well‐being. Conversely, it negatively mediates the association between generative AI (ChatGPT‐4), academic performance (AP), and psychological well‐being. The findings can facilitate a better understanding of the implications of technologies in the educational context and subsequently aid in formulating evidence‐based strategies to optimise their impact on students's academic success and well‐being.
Safety of Crovalimab Versus Eculizumab in Patients With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH): Pooled Results From the Phase 3 COMMODORE Studies
Authors: Röth Alexander , Fu Rong , He Guangsheng , Alzahrani Hazzaa , Chou Sheng‐Chieh , Hicheri Yosr , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Recova Viviane Lacorte , Uchiyama Michihiro , Vladareanu Ana‐Maria , Beveridge Leigh , Buatois Simon , Buri Muriel , Compagno Nicolo , Shi Dayu , Balachandran Nadiesh , Sreckovic Sasha , Scheinberg Phillip 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the tolerability of crovalimab versus eculizumab in C5 inhibitor (C5i)‐naive and ‐experienced patients with PNH from COMMODORE 2, 3 and 1 (NCT04434092, NCT04654468 and NCT04432584).MethodsPooled safety data were assessed in the total crovalimab and eculizumab populations and by C5i‐naive versus C5i‐switched status in patients receiving crovalimab. Analyses include 6.5 months of additional follow‐up from the COMMODORE 2 and 1 primary analyses.ResultsCOMMODORE safety data (crovalimab, 393 patients [naive, 192 patients; switched, 201 patients]; eculizumab, 111 patients) were analysed. The total patient years (PY) were 503.9 and 51.1 in the total crovalimab and eculizumab populations, respectively, with 471 and 581 adverse events (AEs) per 100 PY. Serious infection rates were 8.9 and 13.7 AEs per 100 PY, respectively; no meningococcal infections were reported. Fatal AEs occurred in eight (2%) patients receiving crovalimab (naive, six patients; switched, two patients) and one (1%) receiving eculizumab, all treatment unrelated. In C5i‐switched patients, 39 (19%) had transient immune complex reactions (risk when switching between C5i and crovalimab); the majority were Grades 1–2 arthralgia and rash, and 16 (8%) had Grade 3 events.ConclusionsCrovalimab's safety profile was consistent with eculizumab's and was generally comparable between C5i‐naive and C5i‐switched patients.
Investigating heading representation in the zebrafish interpeduncular nucleus (2024 FENS‐Kavli network of excellence PhD thesis prize)
Authors: Petrucco Luigi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe brain's ability to integrate sensory and motor information allows us to maintain a sense of orientation in space, a process in which head‐direction cells play a key role. While these neurons have been studied extensively in mammals, their presence and function in non‐mammalian species remain less understood. Here, I summarize the research work for my PhD thesis, where we explore the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) in zebrafish, a lesser known brain region, using whole‐brain electron microscopy and calcium imaging techniques. We identified a novel population of unipolar neurons, with their activity exhibiting a dynamic, rotational pattern during head movements, even in the absence of sensory cues. This population mirrors the functionality of head‐direction cells observed in mammals, suggesting a conserved mechanism for spatial orientation across vertebrates. Our findings reveal the potential of the zebrafish IPN as a vertebrate model for studying ring attractor networks, a theoretical framework previously used to explain head‐direction cell activity. These results pave the way for future research on how motor and sensory signals converge in the vertebrate brain to maintain spatial orientation.
Comparison of different surgical strategies for cervical dystonia: Evidence from Bayesian network analysis
Authors: Qiu Youjia , Xue Tao , Bai Yutong , Han Chunlei , Xie Minjia , Teng Haiyin , Yin Ziqian , Chen Zhouqing , Zhang Jianguo , Wang Zhong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeSeveral surgical techniques have been used to treat cervical dystonia (CD), however, to date, the optimal surgical technique for CD remains controversial. We therefore conducted the first network meta‐analysis to compare different surgical strategies for CD to inform clinical practice.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for surgical strategies for treating CD. The primary outcome was improvement in total Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) score. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare short‐term (< 1 year) and long‐term (≥ 1 year) outcomes. Safety outcomes included surgery‐related adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 55 trials with 2032 patients employing five surgical strategies were identified, including globus pallidus internus (GPi)/subthalamic nucleus (STN)‐deep brain stimulation (DBS), selective peripheral denervation (SPD), microvascular decompression (MVD) and pallidotomy. All strategies led to significant improvement in total TWSTRS score (mean improvement range 18.65–28.22). GPi‐DBS showed significantly greater enhancement than SPD for the whole dataset (mean difference [MD] 7.03, 95% credible interval [Crl] 1.53–12.56), while both GPi‐DBS (MD 8.05, 95% Crl 2.35–13.80) and STN‐DBS (MD 10.71, 95% Crl 2.22–19.20) exhibited more long‐term improvement than SPD. Regarding safety outcomes, GPi/STN‐DBS and MVD were associated with fewer surgery‐related AEs than SPD (ln odds ratio range −1.68 to −1.41).ConclusionWe conclude that DBS should be the preferred surgical option for CD, and the STN is a promising alternative target choice due to its comparable efficacy with the GPi. However, more direct evidence is still required.