bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed rain as a propagule source for restoration of semi‐arid floodplain old fields
Authors: Zivec Peta , Johnston‐Bates Jaiden 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsRevegetation of the world's abandoned agricultural land (old fields) is vital to promote biodiversity and restore ecosystem services. Natural regeneration, whereby vegetation regrows on its own via the propagules already within the landscape, is a cost‐effective restoration approach for old fields. It is vital that we understand how different seed sources contribute to the regenerative capacity of old fields to make informed management decisions. Little is known about seed rain as a propagule source for restoration within semi‐arid floodplains of eastern Australia.LocationWithin this study, we examined seed rain and extant vegetation in old fields and paired remnant sites across four regions in the northern Murray–Darling Basin, eastern Australia.MethodsSeed rain was surveyed using seed traps that were then subjected to a seedling emergence experiment.ResultsMinimal differences in seed rain composition, species richness, abundance, and plant functional groups were observed between old‐field and remnant sites, indicating similarities in seed dispersal within both land use histories. Larger distances to remnant patches and mean annual rainfall were found to drive the composition of old field's seed rain. The study found few emerged Eucalyptus seedlings despite seed traps being placed during peak seed release periods, which may be due to poor tree conditions from drought, interference with seed traps and the episodic germination requirements of Eucalyptus coolabah.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that seed rain can contribute to the natural regeneration of understorey vegetation, with low abundances of exotic species, unlike other seed bank types. However, seed rain composition resembled little of the extant vegetation, suggesting a species pool facing barriers to germination and establishment, but likely linked to bet‐hedging strategies. Moving forward to promote natural regeneration via seed rain in old fields, protecting existing patches of vegetation within the landscape is vital to enable biotic connectivity.
Checkpoint inhibition in macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Kapoor Prashant 
Published: November 2024

Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a unique, cluster of differentiation (CD) 20+ B‐cell malignancy, with a characteristic immunoglobulin M‐secreting lymphoplasmacytic bone marrow infiltrate that is bolstered by a highly supportive microenvironment, including upregulated programmed death 1 expression. However, the impact of checkpoint inhibition in WM is unclear.Commentary on: Kothari et al. PembroWM: A phase II trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of rituximab and pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2273‐2281.
The Excess of Carriers in Rare Disorders Suggests a Nonpathogenic Effect for Most Variants of Uncertain Significance
Authors: Medaglia Stefano , Reig‐Palou Jaume , Bellés Ariadna , Moreno‐Ruiz Nerea , Rodríguez Jairo , Armengol Xavier , Aróstegui Juan Ignacio , Armengol Lluís , Guillén Juan José , Laayouni Hafid , Casals Ferran 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFunctional annotation and interpretation of genetic variants are a critical step in genetic diagnosis, as it may lead to personalized therapeutic options and genetic counseling. While the number of confirmed pathogenic genetic variants in an individual is relatively low, the number of variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) can be considerably higher, increasing the number of potential carriers of genetic disorders. Thus, reducing uncertainty and assessing the real effect of VOUS are crucial for clinical and medical genetics. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of genetic screening technologies in accurately predicting pathogenic variants and their corresponding disease prevalence in a cohort of over 6000 healthy individuals involved in assisted reproduction programs. Using data from 305 genes associated with recessive disorders, we determined the frequency of carriers of pathogenic variants and VOUS in our dataset and compared the predicted prevalence based on this information with reported population prevalence data. The higher predicted prevalence in some disorders when considering VOUS suggests a mostly benign effect.
SIRT3 Inhibits Cell Proliferation of Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma by Inducing ROS Production
Authors: Yu Ze , Liao Hongtao , Wu Guanhuai , Liu Ying , Zhang Guoqiang , Xiao Liang , Yang Shuibo , Liu Jia , Yang Guocai 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is located in the mitochondrial matrix, regulating acetylation levels of metabolic enzymes. As an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene, SIRT3 plays an important role in the commencement and progression of certain cancers. In this research, we investigated the role of SIRT3 in the progression of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).MethodsIn this study, bioinformatics was used to analyze the differential expression of SIRT3 in NSCLC tissue and normal tissues, prognosis, single‐cell analysis, and related signaling pathways. The Lentiviral overexpressing SIRT3 was constructed, and CCK8 and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the NSCLC cells proliferation, ROS production was detected by flow cytometry, and the sea‐horse test was used to measure cellular oxygen consumption (OCR).ResultsSIRT3 expression was significantly decreased in NSCLC, and low expression of SIRT3 was closely related to the poor prognosis. Besides, on the whole, upregulation of SIRT3 suppressed cell proliferation in A549 and SK‐MES‐1 cells via increasing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ROS production.ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggested that SIRT3 functions as a tumor suppressor that can suppress the progression of NSCLC via stimulating ROS production.
Gene Expression Patterns in a Congenital Neurocristic Hamartoma With Multiple Proliferative Nodules
Authors: Terry Jefferson 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCutaneous neurocristic hamartoma (CNH) is a rare lesion composed of neural crest derivatives, thought to arise from aberrant migration and differentiation of neural crest cells. Recognition of CNH may be difficult, as they may resemble giant congenital nevus, and development of proliferative nodules (PNs) may raise concern for malignant transformation. Assessment of gene expression in CNH and PNs derived from CNH may offer insight into pathogenesis and suggest clinically useful biomarkers to identify these entities. This study investigates gene expression patterns in a congenital CNH and three separate PNs derived from that CNH with giant congenital nevus and malignant melanoma as comparator groups. Comparison of PN to CNH demonstrates downregulation of WIF1, which encodes as a tumor suppressor, and loss of WIF1 expression might explain the progression from CNH to PN. Comparison of gene expression in PN and CNH with giant congenital nevus and malignant melanoma shows relative overexpression of IGF2 and H19 in CNH and PN, suggesting that abnormal imprinting and IGF2 overexpression may have integral functions in the foundation of CNH.
Navigating the Diagnostic Challenges in Lymph Node Cytology: The Case of Reactive Hyperplasia
Authors: Vigliar Elena , Acanfora Gennaro , Buono Mauro , Bellevicine Claudio , Picardi Marco , Troncone Giancarlo 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTFine needle cytology (FNC) is a pivotal diagnostic tool for distinguishing between benign and malignant lymphadenopathies mainly because of its minimal invasiveness, cost‐effectiveness and accuracy. A major requirement for maximising diagnostic accuracy is proper sample management of aspirated cellular material. In this diagnostic process, the morphological evaluation of adequate smears is paramount, guiding cytopathologists in the selection of appropriate ancillary tests through the recognition of cell size and patterns of distribution. Here, we describe a peculiar ‘concentric ovals distribution pattern’, frequently observed in the FNC of benign reactive lymph nodes, which may represent an aid in the cytological diagnosis of reactive hyperplasia.
Type 1 Diabetes in care homes: A practical guide on management
Authors: Sinclair A. J. , Bellary S. , Middleton A. , Morris A. , Walker R. , Winkley Bryant K. , Dashora U. , Karamat M. , Rayner J. , Tomlinson S. , Maltese G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe primary purpose of the original NAPCHD project was to develop a national Strategic Document of Diabetes Care for Care Homes which has now been completed and well received as a worthwhile, sustainable, and effective guidance for delivering quality diabetes care in the UK. A Working Group of NAPCHD was established to produce a Position Statement on type 1 diabetes in care homes since this area was recommended as a topic to further develop. There are currently limited data on the prevalence and clinical outcomes associated with type 1 diabetes in care homes and management policies have been non‐existent in the UK. Communication among all key stakeholders involved in direct care of residents with type 1 diabetes is generally fragmented and lacks coordination. This is compounded by a slowly growing utilisation of diabetes technology and the absence of a standard/agreed community‐based model of interdisciplinary collaboration. The Rationale and Objectives were defined prior to commencing the work and a work plan with individual tasks was initially set out. After multiple correspondences and Team calls over a period of 9 months, the Group successfully generated a first draft in October 2023. This draft was then finalised the following month and circulated among stakeholders for feedback. Nine chapters have been provided including minimum standards of diabetes care, insulin regimens, avoiding hospitalisation and discharge planning. A scheme for a community‐based model of care for type 1 diabetes has been included. Eight key messages were developed. In addition, an Appendix has been created which includes key assessments such as nutritional assessment, detection of frailty, sick day rules and foot risk stratification (available online).
Follow‐Up Study of Percutaneous Intramyocardial Septal Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy With HFpEF
Authors: Wang Chang , Guo Weitao , Duan Huican , Qin Junchang , Wang Fangming , He Tianyu , Gao Lu , Han Zhengyang , Zhang Ruifang , Wu Lina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the changes of left ventricular diastolic function and the improvement of clinical symptoms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) after percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation (PIMSRA).MethodsThis study enrolled 31 adult HCM patients with HFpEF who underwent PIMSRA treatment. Electrocardiogram, imaging, and blood biochemical examinations were performed on these patients during a 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsCompared with the baseline, at 6 months after PIMSRA, patients showed significant reductions in peak left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradients (resting gradient: from a mean of 83.24 to 23.40 mmHg, p < 0.001; postexercise gradient: from a mean of 109.70 to 33.39 mmHg, p< 0.001). The interventricular septal thickness reduced from a mean of 22.90 to 17.48 mm, p < 0.001. The E/e’ decreased from a median of 18.67 to 11.54, p < 0.001. The 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) increased from a mean of 359.03 to 435.81 m, p < 0.001. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (KCCQ OS) increased from a mean of 57.57 to 71.93, p < 0.001. The number of HFpEF patients diagnosed according to the European Society of Cardiology's Heart Failure Association HFA‐PEFF score decreased from 31 to 23. None of the patients had new‐onset bundle branch block or complete heart block after PIMSRA.ConclusionPIMSRA is a safe and effective treatment. It can improve left ventricular diastolic function and quality of life in HCM patients.
In Situ Videography Quantifies Temporal and Spatial Variation in Prey Consumption and Energy Intake by Stream‐Dwelling Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Authors: Stephenson Zane C. , Keeley Ernest R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn stream ecosystems, invertebrates are a principal source of prey for many fishes, but their abundance as a food source depends on the predator's ability to exploit them in time and space. Although salmonid fishes are commonly thought of as daytime drift‐feeding predators of invertebrates in streams, they exhibit great flexibility in foraging behaviour and may also consume prey from the benthos and at night. Char species, (Salvelinus sp.), in particular, may be better adapted to forage under low light conditions due to greater scotopic sensitivity than other salmonids. In this study, we used in situ or in place videography to quantify the foraging behaviour of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and determine when and where they capture prey. We found that bull trout were primarily daytime predators of invertebrates drifting in the water column, and that they rarely captured prey from the benthos or foraged at night. We did observe size‐related differences and seasonal declines in foraging rate from summer to fall months. A modelled estimate of energy intake indicates that daytime drift‐feeding by small size classes of bull trout was above that needed for a maximum daily ration under a range of assumptions about prey size and prey retention rates. Energy intake rates for larger fish were more dependent on assumptions of preferred prey size and prey retention rates. Our data indicate that daytime measures of invertebrate drift abundance and size are the most inclusive measure of food abundance for stream‐dwelling bull trout.
Quantitative characterization of bidirectional reflectance distribution of mine soil using physical models
Authors: Lei Haimei , Bao Nisha , Peng Sihan , Yang Xiaoyan , Lu Zhiwei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe non‐Lambertian surface features varying particle size and discrete distribution, resulting in reflectance to be unevenly distributed in different directions. Mine soil with a high content of coarse particles and non‐uniform particle distribution exhibits significant non‐Lambertian properties on its surface. Consequently, not only vertical observation of the reflectance spectra but also multi‐angle reflectance spectra are related to the physical and chemical properties (e.g. soil organic carbon, moisture content and particle size) of mine soil. Understanding the bidirectional reflectance distribution of mine soil with various particle sizes is essential for accurately estimating soil properties using spectroscopy. Current estimations of soil properties using spectroscopy mainly focus on vertical observations, overlooking the bidirectional reflectance characteristics. This study reports the bidirectional reflectance distribution of mine soil with various particle sizes. Furthermore, the performance of different bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models in simulating the bidirectional reflectance of mine soil with various particle sizes was evaluated. Soil samples from three typical mine areas were collected and sieved into seven particle sizes ranging from 25 to 3500 μm. The bidirectional reflectance in the Vis–NIR wavelength region was measured in a laboratory using the Northeastern University bidirectional reflectance measurement system. The performance of five BRDF models (isotropic multiple scattering approximation, anisotropic multiple scattering approximation, H2008, H2012 and SOILSPECT) in modelling the bidirectional reflectance distribution of mine soil with different particle sizes was compared. Sobol's sensitivity indices were used to quantify the contributions of the parameters in the BRDF models. The results showed that (1) small mine soil particles (25 μm) exhibited greater reflectance than large particles (3500 μm). Large particles (3500 μm) exhibited backward scattering, whereas small particles (25 μm) exhibited extremely forward scattering characteristics because of the high silicon dioxide content; (2) the SOILSPECT model outperformed the other BRDF models in simulating the bidirectional reflectance of mine soil and had the smallest root mean square error (0.004–0.04); (3) the single‐scattering albedo (ɷ) parameter had the greatest contribution in the SOILSPECT model. Four parameters in the phase function (b, b′, c and c′) effectively indicated the scattering behaviour of mine soil with different particle sizes. These findings improve our understanding of the scattering characteristics of mine soil with various particle sizes and can be used to improve the accuracy of extracting particle size and other soil properties from mine soil.
Prolonged use of chlormadinone acetate and risk of intracranial meningioma: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Roland Noémie , Nguyen Pierre , Neumann Anke , Hoisnard Léa , Passeri Thibault , Duranteau Lise , Coste Joël , Froelich Sébastien , Zureik Mahmoud , Weill Alain 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeChlormadinone acetate (CMA) is a synthetic progestin for which cases of intracranial meningioma have been reported following prolonged exposure.MethodAn observational cohort study was conducted based on the French national health data system. Women aged 10‐70 years and who started CMA between 2007 and 2017 were included. Participants were considered to be exposed if they had received a cumulative dose >360 mg of CMA during the first 6 months and very slightly exposed (control group) when they had received a cumulative dose ≤360 mg. The outcome was surgery or radiotherapy for one or more intracranial meningioma(s). Poisson models assessed the relative risk (RR) of meningioma.ResultsIn total, 828,499 women were included: 469,976 in the exposed group (mean age 39.1 years, SD 10.1) and 358,523 in the control group (38.3 years, SD 11.0). Surgery or radiotherapy for intracranial meningioma between 2007 and 2017 was recorded for 164 and 104 women in the exposed and control groups, respectively. The incidence of meningioma was 18.5 and 6.8 per 100,000 person‐years for the exposed and control groups respectively (crude RR = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–3.5; age‐adjusted RR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.4–4.0). Meningioma incidence reached almost 47 cases/100,000 person‐years in the most exposed group (>8.64 g), giving an age‐adjusted RR of 6.9, 95% CI 5.1–9.2, relative to the control group.ConclusionsA strong dose–effect relationship was observed between prolonged use of CMA and risk of meningiomas. As with other progestogens, meningiomas associated with CMA are more likely to be found at the base of the skull.
Histopathological substrate of increased T2 signal in the anterior temporal lobe white matter in temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Wainberg Ricardo C. , Martins William Alves , de Oliveira Francine H. , Paglioli Eliseu , Paganin Ricardo , Soder Ricardo , Paglioli Rafael , Frigeri Thomas M. , Baldisseroto Matteo , Palmini André 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to analyze the histology underlying increased T2 signal intensity (iT2SI) in anterior temporal lobe white matter (aTLWM) epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis (TLE/HS).MethodsTwenty‐three patients were included: 16 with increased T2 signal in the aTLWM and seven with HS only. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent across two neuroradiologists (kappa = .89, p < .001). Quantification of neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and vacuolization in the white matter of temporal lobe specimens was performed by immunohistochemistry (neuronal nuclear antigen, glial fibrillary acidic protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor, and basic myelin protein, respectively). Surgical specimens from TLE/HS patients with and without iT2SI in the aTLWM were compared. Samples of aTLWM were divided into three groups, according to MRI features: G1 = samples of iT2SI, G2 = samples with normal T2 signal intensity from patients without white matter imaging abnormalities, and G3 = samples with normal T2 signal intensity adjacent to areas with iT2SI.ResultsPatients with increased T2 signal had a significantly younger age at epilepsy onset (p < .035). Histological analysis revealed a higher percentage of vacuolar area in these patients (p < .004) along with a lower number of ectopic neurons (p = .042). No significant differences were found in astrocyte or oligodendrocyte counts among groups.SignificanceA higher proportion of vacuoles in regions with iT2SI may be the histopathologic substrate of this signal alteration in the white matter of the temporal lobe in patients with TLE/HS. This method of quantifying vacuoles using digital image analysis proved reliable and cost‐effective.
Brand capital and corporate investment efficiency
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Li Kevin , Li Tongxia , Zhang Weining 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUsing a sample of US firms from 1975 to 2021, we show that brand capital improves investment efficiency, which is robust to various measures of brand capital and investment efficiency. To mitigate endogeneity concerns, we exploit the passage of the Federal Trademark Dilution Act as an exogenous shock to brand capital and find that it strengthens the positive effect of brand capital. Our cross‐sectional analyses show that this positive relationship is more pronounced for firms with greater financial constraints and higher information asymmetry. These results suggest that brand capital reduces over‐ and under‐investment through alleviating financial constraints and information asymmetry.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Patients With Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Demographics, Comorbidities and Healthcare Outcomes
Authors: Kodali Nilesh , Terrany Audrey , Kumar Keshav D. , Chambers Shae , Amara Shivkar , Schwartz Robert A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNeurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is the most common neurocutaneous disorder in the United States. Due to a nonfunctional mutation in the NF1 gene, the disorder may initially present with café‐au‐lait spots and later numerous neurofibromas across the body. Epilepsy is a rare comorbidity of NF1, with an incidence of just 4%–7%. While abnormal electroencephalograms have been seen in up to 25% of NF1 patients, very few studies have investigated the association between epilepsy and the NF1 patient profile. This study was aimed at evaluating the associations between epilepsy and demographics, comorbidities and healthcare outcomes in NF1 patients. The 2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was retrospectively queried for patients with NF1 using ICD‐10 PCS codes. Chi‐square tests were used in univariable analysis to compare patients within this cohort with and without epilepsy. Regression analysis was used in multivariable analysis to identify comorbidities that were predictors of epilepsy and the effect of comorbidities on outcomes. 4635 patients with NF1 were identified, of which 655 (14.1%) had epilepsy and 3980 (85.9%) did not. The NF1 patient population with epilepsy was largely comprised of White males of lower household income in larger urban/teaching hospitals and who used Medicare or Medicaid. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that malignant brain neoplasms, paralytic ileus, scoliosis, pregnancy complications, paralysis, other neurological disorders, metastatic cancer, coagulopathy, drug abuse and hypertension were predictors of developing epilepsy in NF1 patients. Additionally, epilepsy in NF1 patients was associated with a shorter length of stay, lower total charges and fewer total procedures.