bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring intermediate richness peak: Contrasting local and regional patterns of vascular epiphytes in the Brazilian tropical montane cloud forests
Authors: Furtado Samyra Gomes , Barbosa Daniel Elias Ferreira , Menini Neto Luiz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAltitudinal gradients can provide valuable insights into the distribution patterns of species richness at both local and regional scales. Typically, species richness peaks at intermediate elevations. This pattern can be attributed to factors such as climatic conditions, the mid‐domain effect, and historical‐evolutionary processes. Our research aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of vascular epiphytes along the regional elevation gradient in dwarf cloud forests of Serra da Mantiqueira (SM), Brazil. We hypothesised that species richness would peak at intermediate elevations correlating with the availability of water. To test this hypothesis, we sampled 18 plots, each measuring 20 × 20 m, in seven protected areas with varying elevation gradients. The lowest plot was at 1270 m, and the highest was at 2350 m. In each plot, we surveyed trees (phorophytes) with a circumference at breast height of 30 cm. Rarefaction analysis was conducted to compare species richness among plots, while beta diversity analysis was used to assess species composition changes along the elevation gradient and across the SM range. We employed a generalised linear model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution to examine the relationships between environmental variables and plant richness. Our findings suggest that there is no intermediate peak in species richness in any of the localities. However, regionally, the elevation range of 1500‐1700 m exhibited the highest richness, particularly when compared to the higher plots, which are subject to low temperatures that act as environmental filters, limiting species richness despite higher precipitation. Furthermore, plots above 1980 m showed low turnover, indicating that these filters contribute to a more homogeneous composition. Species composition across the SM was influenced by climatic differences, and overall, geographical distance was not significant, as within the same locality exhibited low turnover. This study provides a foundation for understanding patterns of species richness and composition along altitudinal gradients in the context of global climate change.
Understorey vegetation response to post‐tornado salvage logging
Authors: Bosley‐Smith Colby , D'Amato Anthony W. , Rogers Nicole S. , Tabak Nava , Fraver Shawn 
Published: December 2024

AbstractQuestionsHow does salvage logging alter understorey vegetation composition? To what extent does abundance of recalcitrant understorey species influence conifer tree regeneration? How does salvage logging influence microclimate conditions?LocationScientific Forest Management Area, Baxter State Park, Maine, USA.MethodsIn 2013, a rare tornado and subsequent salvage operation created three clear “treatments” for evaluation of post‐disturbance understorey community response: blowdown, blowdown followed by salvage logging and an undisturbed forested control. Ten years post tornado, we inventoried understorey vegetation at 10 sampling points within each of these treatments. We installed automated sensors to track temperature and soil moisture throughout a growing season and used hemispherical photographs to characterize canopy openness.ResultsNon‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination based on species importance values indicated distinct species groupings according to treatment, with the salvage treatment supporting a higher abundance of the recalcitrant species, Rubus idaeus and Pteridium aquilinum. Abundance of conifer regeneration was notably lower in areas with high abundance of Rubus idaeus or Pteridium aquilinum. Daily soil surface temperature fluctuations and canopy openness (both factors that influence seed germination) decreased in the order salvage > blowdown > control. Ordination results suggest that these two factors were the primary drivers of the observed compositional differences.ConclusionsThis study furthers our understanding of the interactions among disturbance, microclimate, and understorey communities, highlighting the need for increased consideration of long‐term effects on vegetation development following salvage logging. Our findings support recommendations to intermingle salvage patches within blowdown areas to promote landscape heterogeneity and species diversity.
Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of Native Aortic Regurgitation With Insights on Mixed and Multiple Valvular Heart Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Vinco Giulia , Porto Marta Dal , Demattè Cristina , Giovanelli Cristiana , Caruso Fabio , Marinetti Alessandro , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo , Greco Maurizio Del , D'Onofrio Mirko 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has received extensive validation for the assessment of valvular heart disease (VHD) and offers an accurate and direct method for the quantification of aortic regurgitation (AR). According to the current guidelines, CMR represents a useful second‐line investigation in patients with poor acoustic windows or when echocardiography is inconclusive, for example, in cases of multiple or eccentric aortic jets. Without ionizing radiation exposure, CMR provides in‐depth information not only on the severity degree of AR, providing a precise quantification of regurgitant volume and fraction, but also on cardiac structure and function, being recognized as the gold standard for the assessment of heart chamber size and systolic function. CMR allows a free choice of cardiac imaging planes and provides further information on the myocardium, thanks to the tissue characterization ability offered by several sequences, such as the late gadolinium enhancement technique. The possibilities offered by CMR become even more interesting in the context of mixed and multiple VHD, where the echocardiographic assessments often encounter difficulties in the quantification of each single valve lesion. The current scientific data support a greater expansion of CMR in this field, thanks to its additional advantages for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and to guide treatment. This review investigates the current CMR techniques and protocols in AR, with special insights into the evaluation of mixed aortic valve disease and multiple VHD including AR.
Left Ventricular False Tendons: A Morphological Study by Echocardiography
Authors: Chen Aizhuo , Chen Jinqing 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeThis is a prospective study aimed to investigate the morphology of left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) using echocardiography and explore its associations with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), congenital heart structural abnormalities, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).Methods and ResultsWe analyzed data from 889 individuals who underwent consecutive echocardiograms at our ultrasound department between December 2023 and February 2024. Routine echocardiograms were performed to detect congenital structural abnormalities, with a focus on identifying LVFT. We examined the prevalence, number, and distribution of LVFTs, as well as their correlation with age, sex, BMI, and congenital heart structural abnormalities. LVFTs were detected in 460 of 889 cases (51.74%), totaling 672 LVFTs. LVFT prevalence significantly differed not only between sexes but also between ages. LVFT prevalence was higher in individuals with lower BMI. There was no significant difference in congenital heart structural abnormalities between the groups, but the composition of distinct types of structural abnormalities differed between the groups. The incidence of PVCs in the LVFT‐positive group was significantly higher than in the LVFT‐negative group.ConclusionsThe prevalence of LVFTs is notably higher in males than females and tends to decrease with advancing age and increasing BMI. LVFTs display diverse morphological features and may interact synergistically with certain congenital heart structural abnormalities. LVFTs can easily lead to PVCs in healthy people, but the risk of leading to malignant PVCs does not seem to be high. Correctly recognizing the morphological characteristics of LVFTs helps to distinguish similar ultrasonic images of different diseases, thus avoiding missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses in ultrasound work and clinical practice.
Lack of host‐associated differentiation in Ixodes scapularis using population genetics
Authors: Tietjen Mackenzie , Esteve‐Gasent Maria D. , Castro‐Arellano Ivan , Li Andrew Y. , Medina Raul F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), is a vector of pathogens that cause diseases including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. It is a generalist vector feeding on a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. The transmission cycles of these pathogens are affected by the tick's host selection because host species differ in their ability to clear, maintain, or amplify these pathogens. Several generalist parasites exhibit host‐associated differentiation (HAD), a process that results in genetically distinct populations associated with different host species. Knowing whether I. scapularis exhibits HAD is important to better understand the ecology of these diseases. To test for HAD in I. scapularis, whole‐genome resequencing was performed on ticks collected directly from six hosts in the southern United States (i.e., cotton mice [Cricetidae: Peromyscus gossypinus Le Conte], opossum [Didelphidae: Didelphis virginiana Kerr], raccoon [Procyonidae: Procyon lotor L.], gray fox [Canidae: Urocyon cinereoargenteus Schreber], wild boar or feral hog [Suidae: Sus scrofa L.], and white‐tailed deer [Cervidae: Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann]). For the hosts tested, HAD was not found. However, it could not be ruled out if HAD is occurring for ticks associated with lizards in this study. The results of this study contrast with findings from another host generalist, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), that does exhibit HAD. Our results suggest that these two tick species differ in their propensity for HAD. One explanation could be that I. scapularis can mate off‐host, maintaining panmixia, whereas D. variabilis mate only on the host. The lack of HAD in I. scapularis should be confirmed by sampling ticks from lizard and rodent hosts. These results will inform control efforts and the use of area‐wide tick control strategies.
Blockchain Empowerment: Unveiling Managerial Choices in Carbon Finance Investment Across Supply Chains
Authors: Zhu Qingyun , Duan Yanji , Sarkis Joseph 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe examine the potential of blockchain technology for carbon financing by organizations and within supply chains. Blockchain can provide transparent, trustworthy, secure, and efficient carbon‐related transactions. Signaling and attribution theories inform the study that uses choice‐based conjoint (CBC) experimentation to evaluate offsetting and insetting carbon finance investment scenarios. Factors on project attributes—including price, the scope of carbon finance project, blockchain adoption level, and stakeholder involvement—relationships to managerial investment decisions are investigated. We also investigate an important question on whether managerial ecological value propensity affects investment decisions and blockchain adoption preferences. The findings show that contrary to original suppositions, price was not as influential as presumed. Of greater concern to managerial decisions is the nature of carbon initiatives—the decision on whether to pursue carbon offsetting and/or insetting investments. Managerial environmental values significantly influenced decisions on carbon finance investments–with a preference for carbon reduction projects within their own supply chains. There is also an inclination for greater blockchain technology usage in carbon investment projects. Managers with greater ecological values were also more open to involving external parties favoring the adoption more extensive blockchain solutions. These results highlight blockchain's importance in making carbon finance projects more credible and trustworthy. Practically, the study highlights the importance of carbon finance project scope, nature, and blockchain technology in promoting sustainability initiatives. There are insights into a nuanced approach to addressing complexities of carbon finance within organizations and their supply chains.
Integrated Single‐Cell and Spatial Transcriptome Reveal Metabolic Gene SLC16A3 as a Key Regulator of Immune Suppression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Qianlong , Yin Xiaomeng , Wu Zhenru , Zheng Aiping , Feng Lusi , Ma Xuelei , Li Li 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Metabolic reprogramming plays a significant role in HCC progression, probably related to immune evasion, yet the key gene is unclear. In this study, six metabolism‐related genes with prognostic implications were screened. Correlation analysis between the key genes and immune cell subtypes was conducted, and a prominent gene strongly associated with immunosuppression, SLC16A3, was identified. Overexpression of SLC16A3 is associated with the loss of T‐cell function and might lead to the upregulation of several immunosuppressive proteins. Gene function enrichment analysis showed genes correlated with SLC16A3 primarily involved in cell adhesion. Single‐cell analysis showed that the SLC16A3 gene was mainly expressed in macrophages, especially some tumour‐promoting macrophages. Further analysis of spatial transcriptome data indicated that SLC16A3 was enriched at the tumour invasion front. The mIHC revealed that patients with high SLC16A3 expression exhibited significantly reduced infiltration of GZMB+ cells. And SLC16A3 inhibitors significantly suppressed the proliferation of HCC, while simultaneously enhancing T‐cell cytotoxicity and reducing exhaustion. These results reveal the phenomenon of immune escape mediated by metabolic reprogramming and suggest that SLC16A3 may serve as a novel target for intervention.
CD312 Promotes Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Through GNA15‐Mediated Non‐Classical GPCR Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yaping , Wang Jiali , Ma Xiaopeng , Li Huimin , Sun Xiaoyan , Kang Meiyun , Zhang Heng , Xue Yao , Fang Yongjun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe bone marrow‐infiltrated immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in blood system diseases, such as leukaemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the critical role of the immune microenvironment in the onset and progression of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Through high‐throughput detection and screening of the GPCR database in the childhood ALL immune microenvironment, we identified CD312 as a candidate target. CD312 is associated with the distribution of Treg and CTL cells within the bone marrow immune microenvironment of ALL children. After CD312 knockdown, the proportion of the Treg subgroup in immune cells was significantly reduced, whereas the proportion of CTL subgroup cells was increased. CD312 exhibited good affinity with GNA15 in the transmembrane intracellular segment, and it could interact with GNA15. The BrdU staining assay revealed that the proliferation of leukaemia cells was enhanced in the CD312‐overexpressed CD3+ T cells group via the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38, whereas it was decreased by GNA15 knockdown in the co‐culture system. In conclusion, our study suggests that CD312 fosters a suppressive immune microenvironment in the onset and progression of paediatric ALL through a GNA15‐mediated non‐classical GPCR signalling pathway.
Advanced Practice Nurses in Primary Care and Their Impact on Health Service Utilisation, Costs and Access Globally: A Scoping Review
Authors: Horton Madison , Dixon Justinna , Turi Eleanor , Balusu Chinmayi , Paikoff Rachel , Maier Claudia B. , Poghosyan Lusine 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimSynthesise evidence on advanced practice nurses' impact on health services utilisation, healthcare costs, access and quality of care globally.DesignScoping review.MethodsA scoping review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the PRISMA‐ScR checklist.Data SourcesPubMed, CINHAL and Embase for articles between 2016 and 2023.ResultsEighteen studies were included (14 from the United States, two from the Netherlands and one from Australia and New Zealand each). Outcomes included health services utilisation, healthcare costs, access, and quality of care. Most studies reported advanced practice nursing patients had fewer emergency department (9 of 11 studies), fewer hospital (re‐)admissions (9 of 10 studies) and primary care visits (3 of 3 studies). Seven (of eight) studies found advanced practice nursing care was associated with significantly lower healthcare costs. For access and quality of care, advanced practice nursing care was associated with lower consultation rates, similar mean number of patients seen, higher protocol adherence, more rural patient care and lower‐to‐similar quality delivery of chronic disease management.ConclusionMajority of the studies reported that advanced practice nursing care was associated with lower emergency department visits, hospital readmissions and costs. Access to care outcomes varied under advanced practice nursing care.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareAdvanced practice nursing care can improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and impact access and quality of care. Practices need supportive work environments for advanced practice nurses to deliver high‐quality, effective care.ImpactAddressing the need for a synthesis of up‐to‐date evidence, this review highlights the importance of advanced practice nurses in primary care. Findings can inform global workforce development strategies to address health inequalities through effective advanced practice nursing integration.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution is required for this study.
The Ritual of Homebuying in Desert Cities: A Visual Ethnography
Authors: O'Neill Brian F. , Benites‐Gambirazio Eliza 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe process of home‐buying is commonly discussed and understood in terms of both asset acquisition and its connection to speculative financial practices utilized to attempt to correct for structural market crises. These dimensions further the possibilities for potential wealth accumulation that assist individuals, families, and corporate actors. This visual essay, emerging out of a decade‐long investigation of the housing market in the American state of Arizona, USA, is the result of a collaboration between a visual ethnographer and a sociologist, which aimed to nuance an understanding of housing markets along social, spatial, and historical axes. The essay reveals connections between interpersonal dynamics of taste‐making and, contrary to dominant liberal economic logic, the sometimes‐limited horizons of choices for families attempting to engage in what we describe as “the ritual of homebuying.” Socially and historically, we discuss how the practice involves the enlistment of a number of peripheral actors attempting to facilitate the home‐buying process who use tactics to draw families into the housing market. Spatially, families with aspiring middle‐class values are, often enough, driven to peripheral urban and suburban zones to try to align their budgets and their ideals. Ultimately then, what turns out to be decisive is the narrow set of parameters as defined by the web of actors inside the real estate market, rather than, as some agents within the real estate industry abstractly argue, “what the market will bear.” Put differently, what the market will bear is narrowly defined choices that intersect with cultural values.
Nerve cross‐sectional area in vincristine‐induced polyneuropathy: A nerve ultrasound pilot study
Authors: Philipps Jörg , Knaup Mark , Katz Maria , Axton Konrad , Mork Hannah , Treichel Jasmin , Lüling Benjamin , Klimas Rafael , Wille Kai , Schellinger Peter Dieter , Pitarokoili Kalliopi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe role of high‐resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) in the diagnosis of chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy is unclear. The present prospective longitudinal controlled study evaluates the utility of HRUS in vincristine‐induced polyneuropathy (VIPN).MethodsTwelve patients receiving vincristine and 12 healthy age‐matched controls were included. Visits before and 3 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months after the start of vincristine treatment included clinical examination, the total neuropathy score (TNS), nerve conduction studies (NCSs), and HRUS of the bilateral median, ulnar, radial, tibial, peroneal, and sural nerve cross‐sectional areas (CSAs).ResultsMedian TNS increased from 0 points (interquartile range [IQR] 0) to 0.5 points (IQR 1, p = .26) at Week 3 and to 4 points (IQR 2.5, p < .001) at Week 8. At 6 months, there was a nonsignificant decrease to 2 points (IQR 2, p = .66). HRUS of individual nerve sites showed no significant changes in CSA and intranerve variability. The total CSA of all entrapment sites increased significantly (p = .007) at Week 8. Sensory nerve action potentials decreased significantly after 6 months (sural nerve, p = .001; radial nerve, p = .004; ulnar and median nerve, p < .001). The tibial nerve compound muscle action potential (p = .006) and nerve conduction velocity (p < .001) were reduced.ConclusionsAt mid‐treatment, there is an increase in the total CSA at entrapment sites parallel to an increase in clinical symptoms. In individual nerve sites, HRUS does not detect significant signs of VIPN. NCSs exhibit signs of a predominantly sensory axonal polyneuropathy. The clinical examination remains the most sensitive tool in the early detection of VIPN.
Dietary and habitat use (non)specializations contribute to shaping the craniomandibular variation and developmental instability in a rodent community
Authors: Martínez J. J. , Millien V. , Coda J. A. , Priotto J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe evolution and ecomorphology of rodent craniomandibular apparatus have been extensively studied at a broad spatial scale. However, the question of how phenotypes and developmental instability interact with ecological pressures in human‐modified landscapes has been less explored. In this study, we test the influence of evolutionary history, diet, and habitat use on skull and mandible shape variation within a rodent community composed of eight cricetid species from an agroecosystem in central Argentina. We used geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological specializations in diet and habitat use to test the interplay between these factors. Our results indicated a strong phylogenetic signal for the symmetric components of the skull shape, but not for the mandible or asymmetric shapes. The strict insectivorous Oxymycterus rufus was the most phenotypically diverged within the rodent community. In general, more generalist species, both in terms of diet and habitat use, presented more phenotypic disparity (diversity) than specialists (e.g., strict insectivorous and natural and semi‐natural specialists) in craniomandibular shape variation. Dietary generalists and non‐strict granivores presented a tendency to show more skull asymmetric variation than non‐strict insectivores. These results suggest that generalist species exhibit higher levels of variation compared to specialist species, likely due to their wider range of responses to environmental stress. In cricetid species with similar ecological preferences, coexistence may thus be facilitated by morphological partitioning and developmental instability canalization based on dietary differences.