bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ficophagus fengi n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), an associate of Ficus concinna in China
Authors: Zeng Yongsan , Zhang Dayuan , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Roberts Joseph A. 
Published: November 2024

Summary
A new nematode species was recovered from the figs of Ficus concinna from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, P.R. China. It is described herein as Ficophagus fengi n. sp. and is characterised by possessing the combined characters of a short post-uterine sac (6.4-9.7 μm or 0.4-0.5 VBD long), an excretory pore located near head, amoeboid sperm, three pairs of subventral papillae on the male tail, rounded male tail tip without mucron, presence of gubernaculum (apophysis)-like structure, a rose-thorn-shaped spicule without a terminal cucullus, a rostrum with a slightly pointed tip, a conoid female tail with a small finger-like tip, and absence of crustaformeria. Ficophagus fengi n. sp. was separated from other sequenced species by differences in the partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis with LSU D2-D3 expansion segment sequences suggested that F. fengi n. sp. is clustered in a single highly supported monophyletic clade with F. virens and is sister to F. virens.
Included but Not Inclusive
Authors: Coombs Emily C. , Maroney Meredith R. , Brown Heather M. , McMorris Carly A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Recent research has highlighted increased gender diversity among Autistic individuals, particularly those raised as girls. Femme theory challenges traditional femininity, offering an inclusive, intersectional lens on identity. This study uses femme theory to critique literature on the sexual and gender experiences of Autistic individuals feminized by their sex assigned at birth or gender (women, girls, females) and feminine others, examining the association between gender norms and feminine Autistic experiences. Researchers conducted a critical content analysis of qualitative articles published on the experiences of Autistic individuals on the feminine spectrum from three prominent Autism journals (2019–2022), using femme theory to analyze dominant narratives and themes. Findings revealed two overarching themes: divergenceand alignment with femme theory. Key themes included inadequate examination of femininity, limitations in discussing gender diversity, and recognition of intersectionality. The study calls for more inclusive language, challenging stereotypes, and incorporating diverse perspectives. Future research should adopt broader, intersectional approaches to better represent feminine Autistic experiences.
Long-Term Reoperation Rates Following Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chi , Lu Lauren , Hanson Kristine , Sultan Ahmer , Starlinger Patrick , Smoot Rory , Kendrick Michael L. , Truty Mark , Warner Susanne G. , Thiels Cornelius 
Published: November 2024

Background Short-term outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are well-studied, but long-term reoperation rates and their indications remain poorly characterized. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1/2011 and 12/2021. Reoperations occurring >90 days after PD were dichotomized to being related or unrelated to the index PD or pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the incidence of long-term reoperation at 1 and 5 years postoperatively. Results Six-hundred twenty-eight patients were included. The 5-year incidence of any additional operation >90 days after PD was 30.0% (95% CI 23.2-36.2%), and the 5-year incidence of any long-term related reoperation was 21.2% (95% CI 15.0-26.8%). The most common indications for reoperations by 5-year incidence were cancer recurrence (12.8%, 95% CI 7.6-17.7%), incisional hernia (6.2%, 95% CI 2.6-9.7%), small bowel obstruction (1.3%, 95% CI 0.2-2.4%), and leak, fistula, or infection (1.0%, 95% CI 0.1-2.0%). Of the examined risk factors, only 90-day reoperation was found to be predictive of long-term related reoperations ( P = 0.02). Additionally, the 5-year incidence of endoscopic or interventional radiology procedures was 20.2% (95% CI 14.5-25.4%). However, 40.9% (95% CI 33.6-47.3%) of patients required additional surgery or procedures of any kind between 90 days and 5 years after PD. Discussion Within 5 years of PD, one in three patients required additional surgery, and one in five had operations for related indications. Related reoperative indications included recurrence, hernia, PD-specific complications, and small bowel obstruction. However, the rates of each of these reoperations were relatively low.
Psychedelic risks and benefits: A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Goldy Sean P , Du Benjamin A , Rohde Julia S , Nayak Sandeep M , Strickland Justin C , Ehrenkranz Rebecca , Levine Michael , Barrett Frederick S , Yaden David B 
Published: November 2024

Background: As classic psychedelics’ therapeutic potential is studied and their popularity continues to rise, it is important to establish their relative risks and benefits. Previous surveys have tended to use convenience sampling on social media, select participants who have had either extremely positive or negative effects, and have not compared the risk/benefit profile of psychedelics to other substances. Aims: To address these limitations, we gathered samples from an opt-in panel service using quota-based sampling to approximate demographics representing US Census data, did not pre-specify positive or negative experiences, and compared experiences with psychedelics to those with cannabis. Methods: We conducted two studies, one using a between-subjects design ( n = 743) and one using a within-subjects design ( n = 514), in which participants recruited from an opt-in panel service reflected on prior experience with psychedelics or cannabis and indicated self-reported risks and benefits associated with their experience. Results: Results indicated that first or most memorable psychedelic experiences were associated with greater acute challenging effects and persisting negative effects than first or most memorable cannabis experiences, but psychedelic experiences were also associated with greater positive acute and persisting effects. Common predictors of negative and positive acute and persisting effects with psychedelics included various experience qualities (e.g., dose level, presence of others) and individual differences (e.g., religiosity, personality), though only to a small degree. Conclusions: These findings on psychedelic experiences provide a more nuanced characterization of risks and benefits and their predictors.
Prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among patients receiving hemodialysis in a tertiary level hospital in Mauritius
Authors: Fagoonee Kevin , Chinien Ganessen , Munnohur Neelesh 
Published: November 2024

Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated risk factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in a tertiary hospital in Mauritius. Methods We enrolled 250 participants in this cross-sectional single-center study. A modified Malnutrition–Inflammation Score (MIS) questionnaire was used. We collected and analyzed data pertaining to patients’ medical and hemodialysis details. Results Among the 250 enrolled participants, 136 (54.4%) were male patients. Participants had been undergoing hemodialysis for a mean duration of 5.67 ± 4.66 years. Malnutrition was present in 108 (43.2%) participants, and 176 patients (70.4%) had diabetes mellitus, which was found to be a significant predictor of malnutrition. There was a significant correlation between malnutrition and the number of years a participant had been under hemodialysis, as well as female sex. A significant variation in MIS values was found among different age groups. Participants with malnutrition had lower body mass index and hyponatremia. Conclusions Malnutrition is an important issue, particularly among women, patients who have been on hemodialysis for an extended period, those with older age, and patients with diabetes mellitus.
Characterizing chest pain in patients with acute coronary syndrome at Vietnam National Heart Institute: a case-control study
Authors: Nguyen Lan Anh , Pham Nhat Minh , Pham Manh Hung , Thi Hong Nhung Nguyen , Thi Hoai Nguyen , Huu Tuan Nguyen 
Published: November 2024

Objective This study aimed to distinguish chest pain characteristics between patients with and without acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at Vietnam National Heart Institute. Methods A case-control study using a structured chest pain assessment questionnaire was performed to examine pain characteristics. Results Smoking, a history of heart attack, and a family history of cardiovascular disease were associated with increased ACS-related chest pain risk. Patients without ACS more frequently reported left or central chest pain, mild discomfort, pain triggered by activity, and relief with rest or nitroglycerin. ACS-related chest pain was more often characterized by pain radiating to the back, a sensation of tightness or severe discomfort, gradual intensity increase, occurrence at rest or with minimal exertion, and accompanying sweating. No significant sex differences were found in ACS-related chest pain symptoms. Conclusions Targeted assessment of chest pain features—such as pain radiation, pressure sensation, symptom escalation, duration, activity triggers, and relief factors—could improve public awareness and support the development of educational resources on ACS and non-ACS symptoms.
Biglycan promotes tumour proliferation and invasion in human colon cancers
Authors: Lu Biyan , Zhu Ying , Li Guangliu , Xu Yongqiang , Wen Chuangyu , Ye Weibiao 
Published: November 2024

Objective To investigate the role of biglycan (BGN) in colon cancer progression. Methods The association between BGN mRNA levels and the survival time of patients with colon cancer was analysed by referencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore gene sets and pathways associated with BGN. In vitro analyses were undertaken in HCT116 cells to analyse cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle control and apoptosis. GSEA, Western blot analysis and small interfering RNAs were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of BGN in colon cancer cells. Results Analysis of the pairs of tissues from colon cancer patients showed that BGN protein levels were higher in colon cancer tissues compared with adjacent non-tumour tissues. High BGN levels were significantly associated with shorter survival times. BGN knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion; and induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and promoted apoptosis in HCT116 cells. GSEA found that BGN might affect tumour progression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. Conclusion BGN might promote colon cancer progression via the MAPK signalling pathway and could be a potential target for future novel therapeutic strategies.
Factors Affecting Consumption Patterns of Neglected and Underutilized Species in Atacora, Northern Benin
Authors: Bankole Bissola Malikath , Bodjrenou Sam , Bodecker Julia , Termote Celine , Chadare Flora Josiane , Hounkpatin Waliou Amoussa 
Published: November 2024

Background Many recent efforts focus on promoting neglected and underutilized species (NUS) for improved nutrition, but consumption depends on various factors. Objective With this in mind, this study aims to understand the factors associated with the consumption patterns of Adansonia digitata, Ocimum gratissimum, Vigna radiata, and Moringa oleifera by households in Atacora, northern Benin. Methods To achieve this, a food consumption survey was carried out in 3 communes. Two villages per commune were randomly selected to carry out the food consumption frequencies of households through a 7-day recall for periods of abundance and scarcity. A multinomial regression model was used to explain the consumption frequency of species depending on socio-demographic factors and seasonality. Results Different parts of these different species targeted were used in various forms to prepare sauces, porridges, juices, etc. Baobab- and moringa-based foods appeared to be the most widely consumed foods, regardless of the season. Even though fresh moringa leaves sauce and baobab seeds sauce were consumed mostly in periods of scarcity. The probability of rarely consuming foods made from these species was lower for households living in Toucoutouna and Tanguiéta compared to Natitingou. Furthermore, the consumption of these foods was usually higher for mothers who were students, hairdressers or seamstresses compared to housewives ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The consumption patterns then vary from species to species and are influenced by demographic factors such as household location and mother's occupation. Promoting NUS among the population is essential to increase awareness of their nutritional importance and improve their consumption. Plain language title Factors Affecting Consumption of Neglected and Underutilized Species in Atacora, Northern Benin
Les sondages sont-ils tous égaux ? Modes d’administration et bases de sondage dans l’élection présidentielle américaine de 2020
Authors: Durand Claire 
Published: November 2024

Résumé À l’aube de l’élection présidentielle américaine de 2024, il est essentiel de se pencher sur ce qui s’est passé en 2020. Cinquante-et-un instituts ou organisations ont conduit 222 sondages indépendants du 1er septembre jusqu’à la veille du vote, le 3 novembre 2020. Ces sondages ont présenté les plus grands écarts avec le vote depuis 1996 et la plus importante disparité entre les différents modes d'administration depuis 2008. Nous avons classé les sondages en trois catégories en fonction de leur mode d’administration et de leur base de sondage : mixtes, combinant plus d’un mode d’administration (16%), à mode unique utilisant une base aléatoire ou quasi-aléatoire (25%) et web utilisant un access panel (59%). L'analyse utilise des régressions locales pour visualiser l’évolution des appuis durant la campagne, puis des analyses multiniveaux pour valider statistiquement comment les diverses combinaisons de mode et de base de sondage influencent l’estimation de l’évolution des intentions de vote durant la campagne et du vote final. Les analyses révèlent que les sondages à sources d'échantillonnage aléatoires ou quasi-aléatoires (modes mixtes ou uniques) indiquaient une hausse initiale puis une baisse des intentions de vote pour Joe Biden alors que les panels web estimaient que l’intention de vote était stable. Par ailleurs, les sondages mixtes ont mené à une prédiction exacte du vote. Les analyses des dix derniers jours de campagne confirment globalement ces résultats. Les sondages mixtes et à mode unique quasi-aléatoire sont les plus précis. De plus, l'utilisation de multiples sources d'échantillonnage ou la pondération par scores de propension amènent également de meilleures estimations. Cette étude suggère que différents modes et sources d'échantillonnage rejoignent des segments variés de la population, et que leur combinaison mène à une meilleure estimation de la dynamique électorale. Les sondages web sur invitation, dominants dans l’espace médiatique, ont pu fausser la perception des électeurs. L'article appelle à une surveillance des méthodologies de sondage émergentes pour mieux comprendre leur impact et informer adéquatement la population de l’état de l’opinion publique.
The Effect of Apigenin on Renal Damage Induced by Aristolochic Acid I and the Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Ma Leyi , Quan Zijiao , Zheng Nan , Lin Ming 
Published: November 2024

Background Aristolochic acid is naturally found in plants of the Aristolochiaceae family and possesses antitumor, anti-infection, and anti-inflammatory properties. Purpose This study investigated the protective effect of apigenin (API) on aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced renal damage in mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the control group, model group, and API low, medium, and high-dose groups (10, 20, 40 mg/kg). On the 5th day, 2 h after administration, except for the control group, all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with AAI (10 mg/kg). Following final administration, 24-h urinary protein levels, serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assessed along with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining of kidneys and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, as well as analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Results When compared with the model group, mice in API treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced 24-h urinary protein levels and serum levels of Scr and BUN ( p < 0.05) with an improvement in renal tissue histopathological changes and cell apoptosis as well as decreased MDA and increased SOD and GSH-Px ( p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor alpha protein (TNF-α)/interleukin (IL)-1β/IL-6 levels showed a reduction ( p < 0.05). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were upregulated, while NF-κB/Cleaved Caspase-3 were downregulated ( p < 0.01). Conclusion API protects against renal damage induced by AAI possibly through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which in turn inhibits oxidative stress damage, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis.
Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Multi-Echelon Inventory Management
Authors: Liu Xiaotian , Hu Ming , Peng Yijie , Yang Yaodong 
Published: November 2024

We apply heterogeneous-agent proximal policy optimization (HAPPO), a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) algorithm, to the decentralized multi-echelon inventory management problems in both a serial supply chain and a supply chain network. We also examine whether the upfront-only information-sharing mechanism used in MADRL helps alleviate the bullwhip effect. Our results show that policies constructed by HAPPO achieve lower overall costs than policies constructed by single-agent deep reinforcement learning and other heuristic policies. Also, the application of HAPPO results in a less significant bullwhip effect than policies constructed by single-agent deep reinforcement learning where information is not shared among actors. Somewhat surprisingly, compared to using the overall costs of the system as a minimization target for each actor, HAPPO achieves lower overall costs when the minimization target for each actor is a combination of its own costs and the overall costs of the system. Our results provide a new perspective on the benefit of information sharing inside the supply chain that helps alleviate the bullwhip effect and improve the overall performance of the system. Upfront information sharing and action coordination in model training among actors is essential, with the former even more essential, for improving a supply chain’s overall performance when applying MADRL. Neither actors being fully self-interested nor actors being fully system-focused leads to the best practical performance of policies learned and constructed by MADRL. Our results also verify MADRL’s potential in solving various multi-echelon inventory management problems with complex supply chain structures and in non-stationary market environments.
Air arthrography: a safe technique for intra-articular hip injections
Authors: Tse Shannon , Chut Ashley K , Hutt Jonathan 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Diagnosing the specific causes of young adult hip pain remains challenging due to non-specific symptoms. Fluoroscopy-guided injections are useful for confirming intra-articular hip pain and differentiating it from extra-articular pathology. When performing injections, accurate needle placement into the hip joint is critical. Traditionally, a contrast agent is used to confirm intra-articular positioning. Air arthrograms are an alternative technique that avoids adverse reactions to contrast, which may compromise interpretation of results, as well as being more cost-effective. This study presents the air arthrography technique for intra-articular hip injections, and assesses outcomes and complications in a consecutive patient cohort. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent an air arthrography guided intra-articular hip injection at a single institution between April 2019 and September 2022. We identified 352 hips in 294 patients. Patient records were evaluated for complications from the injection or any subsequent hip surgery. Results: Mean age at time of injection was 38 years (±14.7 SD) for 216 females and 78 males. Mean follow-up time post injection was 138 days (IQR = 46–186). Results showed a 2.56% complication rate, primarily attributed to steroid flares, all of which resolved without further intervention. 102 patients proceeded to subsequent hip surgery; the mean time from injection to procedure was 341 days (IQR = 194–456) and the mean follow-up post subsequent procedure was 346 days (IQR = 87–531). There were no infective complications following the injections or any subsequent procedures. Conclusions: This is the first study that evaluates longer-term patient outcomes following air arthrography guided injections with or without subsequent surgery. Our results demonstrate that the use of air arthrograms is a reliable, safe, and cost-effective method for intra-articular hip injections, without the additional risks posed by contrast media.
Spatial and planar profiling of Rac1/Cdc42 signaling in Alzheimer's disease brain
Authors: Akhtar Shayan Nik , Tran Tuan D , Chen Yan-Hua , Lu Qun 
Published: November 2024

Background A neuropathogenic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is loss of neuronal synapses in selective brain regions. Small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42, critical modulators of synaptic architecture and remodeling, are dysregulated in AD brains and are potential AD therapeutic targets. However, the exact contribution of their signaling to AD is still not clear. Objective We intend to investigate the hypothesis that Rac1/Cdc42 activity changes in a spatial and planar dependent manner in relation to AD. Methods We applied anti-pRac/Cdc42 (Serine 71 phosphorylation), which recognizes an inactive form of Rac1/Cdc42, and anti-pPAK (Threonine 423 phosphorylation), which detects the active PAK, a positive downstream effector of Rac1/Cdc42 signaling. For this study, triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg-AD) brain and human AD brain samples were used. Results pRac/Cdc42 expression was decreased in 3xTg-AD mouse cortex while pPAK expression increased compared to wild-type mouse cortex. Immunostaining of mouse brain serial sections revealed increased pRac/Cdc42 expression in the rostral region, decreased expression in the caudal region, and pPAK showed an overall opposite trend of pRac/Cdc42. There was also a brain plane specific nuclear to cytoplasmic redistribution of pRac/Cdc42. Human non-dementia and AD cortex and cerebellum showed differential expressions for pRac/Cdc42, Rac1, and Cdc42. Mouse whole transcriptome analysis demonstrated spatial dependent expression of Rac1/Cdc42 signaling-associated genes in neuronal and non-neuronal (astrocyte) populations of 3xTg-AD hippocampi. Conclusions Rac1/Cdc42 signaling is dysregulated in both 3xTg-AD mouse and AD human brain and Rac1/Cdc42 activity level changes along the spatial and planar dimensions.