bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peri‐Carpathian Forest‐Steppe Grasslands: Distribution, Indicator Species and Extreme Species Richness
Authors: Roleček Jan , Dřevojan Pavel , Hájková Petra , Willner Wolfgang , Janišová Monika , Lengyel Attila , Chorney Illya , Kuzemko Anna , Goia Irina , Vassilev Kiril , Hájek Michal 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimWe aim to refine the definition of peri‐Carpathian forest‐steppe grasslands, provide an updated distribution map, identify consensus indicator species and summarise data on their extreme species richness.LocationEast‐Central Europe (Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine).TaxonVascular plants.MethodsA total of 127 vegetation plots from large vegetation databases and field sampling were classified as the Brachypodio‐Molinietum association based on two criteria: (1) the existing formal definition and (2) a threshold of consensus indicator species derived from a literature review. The plots were mapped, and their basic habitat conditions were characterised. Habitat affiliations of consensus indicator species were expressed using the diagnostic species lists in the EuroVegChecklist. Maximum species richness values were extracted from the plot data and summarised.ResultsPeri‐Carpathian forest‐steppe grasslands of the Brachypodio‐Molinietum association have been recorded across a large area of East‐Central Europe, particularly in the lower to middle altitudes of the Western and Eastern Carpathians and their foothills and adjacent regions. These grasslands typically occur in moderately warm, relatively precipitation‐rich regions with deep soils, primarily on plateaus and gentle slopes of up to 10°, developed predominantly over less consolidated Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary rocks. We identified 60 consensus indicator species, mostly species of forest‐steppe habitats, with species of mesic grasslands also well represented. The current maxima of vascular plant species richness exceed 110 species per 10–16 m2. These maxima have been recorded in three regions: the Prut‐Siret Interfluve in western Ukraine, the NW Transylvanian Basin in Romania and the White Carpathian Mts in the Czech Republic.Main ConclusionsThe extremely species‐rich peri‐Carpathian forest‐steppe grasslands are confined to a geographically well‐defined area of East‐Central Europe. The observed fine‐scale species richness of vascular plants is currently the highest known in the world. In addition to similar habitat conditions, the presence of an ancient forest‐steppe species pool appears to be a prerequisite for such extreme species richness. Recent paleoecological evidence supports this hypothesis.
Incidence and Predictors of Adverse Events Among Patients Awaiting Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Pieper Justin , Bhuta Sapan , Poliner Michael , Hansen Brian J. , Ward Chad C. , Savona Salvatore J. , Augostini Ralph S. , Kalbfleisch Steven J. , Afzal Muhammad R. , Houmsse Mahmoud , Daoud Emile G. , Hummel John D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is a paucity of data regarding the optimal timing of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and whether scheduling delays increase the risk for adverse outcomes.ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the incidence and predictors of adverse events among patients awaiting LAAC.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study assessed all patients who underwent LAAC from January 2017 to March 2020. The primary study endpoints were the rate and characteristics of adverse events occurring from the time of initial shared decision to pursue LAAC until the time of LAAC. Adverse events were defined as clinically significant bleeding or anemia, thromboembolic complications, or death. Patients were censored after successful closure or the first adverse event.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐five patients underwent LAAC with demographics notable for age 73.5 ± 8.1 years, 98 (37%) females, left ventricular ejection fraction 52.3% ± 10.4%, CHA2DS2‐VASc 4.8 ± 1.4, and HAS‐BLED 3.2 ± 1.2. Median time from shared decision to insurance approval and insurance approval to LAAC were 18 (IQR 28) and 44 (IQR 40) days, respectively. Seventeen (6%) patients suffered an adverse event, including 15 (88%) cases of bleeding or anemia and 2 (12%) cases of thromboembolism. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increased time to LAAC (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.15, 1.50], p < 0.001) and higher HAS‐BLED score (OR 1.67, CI [1.11, 2.59], p = 0.017) were associated with significantly increased risk for adverse events.ConclusionProlonged time to LAAC and higher HAS‐BLED score portend an increased risk for adverse events while awaiting LAAC. Expedited closure is warranted in high‐risk patients.
Peripheral myelin: From development to maintenance
Authors: Schumacher Nathalie , Vandenbosch Renaud , Franzen Rachelle 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPeripheral myelin is synthesized by glial cells called Schwann cells (SCs). SC development and differentiation must be tightly regulated to avoid any pathological consequence affecting peripheral nerve function. Neuropathic symptoms can arise from developmental issues in SCs, as well as in adult life through processes affecting mature SCs. In this review we focus on SC differentiation from the immature towards the myelinating and non‐myelinating SC stages, defining molecular mechanisms outlining radial sorting, a multi‐stepped event essential for immature SC differentiation and myelination. We also describe mechanisms regulating myelin sheath maintenance and SC homeostasis during aging. Finally, we will conclude with some remaining questions in the field of SC biology.image
Data Measurement, Instruments and Sampling
Authors: Slater Paul , Hasson Felicity 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTData measurement, instrument selection, and sampling are fundamental elements in quantitative research and data collection. Data measurement is the systematic assignment of numeric values or categories to variables to permit measurement with precision and accuracy. Instrument selection involves selecting the right tool or method to collect data effectively and accurately and ensure the reliability and validity of the data. Sampling is the process of selecting a subset of individuals or items from a larger population to best represent that population, free of bias and generalizable. Understanding these key terms ensures that data collected is valid, reliable, and appropriate for future statistical analysis and interpretation.
Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and short‐term outcome in French bulldogs with presumptive spinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin: 15 cases (2016‐2023)
Authors: Boudou R. , Troupel T. , Bedu A. S. , Dussaux A. , Dutil G. , Frankar H. , Giraud L. , Papageorgiou S. , van Caenegem N. , Jeandel A. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo describe clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and outcome of presumptive spinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in French bulldogs, and to compare clinical presentation between intervertebral disc herniation and spinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in this breed.Material and MethodsMedical records of French bulldogs diagnosed with presumptive spinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in seven referral centres were reviewed. Clinical presentation was compared to a group of French bulldogs with intervertebral disc herniation.ResultsFifteen French bulldogs were included. Median age at presentation was 31 months. Most dogs were presented with a chronic onset (54%), and the median duration of clinical signs before diagnosis was 21 days. The most common presentation was ambulatory paresis and proprioceptive ataxia (80%). Spinal pain was uncommon (20%). There was no preferential location between the cervical and thoracolumbar segments. In all but one case, magnetic resonance imaging revealed broad focal or multifocal, poorly defined, intramedullary lesions that typically appeared hyperintense on T2W images and isointense on T1W images with parenchymal and/or meningeal contrast enhancement in 12 dogs (80%). Median total nucleated cell count in cerebrospinal fluid was 15 cells/mm3 with predominance of mononuclear cells in all cases. Follow‐up (available for 12 dogs, ranging from 1 month to 1 year) indicated initial positive response to various immunosuppressive treatments in all but one case, with subsequent suspected relapse in three cases. Dogs with spinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin had longer clinical sign duration compared to intervertebral disc herniation cases (60 dogs) (21 days compared to 3 days, respectively) and less frequent spinal pain during examination (20% compared to 75%, respectively).Clinical SignificanceSpinal only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin is an uncommon cause of myelopathy in French bulldogs that should be particularly considered in young adults with non‐acute and non‐painful presentation.
Objective sleep monitoring at home in older adults: A scoping review
Authors: Ghazi Sarah Nauman , Behrens Anders , Berner Jessica , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Anderberg Peter 
Published: December 2024

SummaryInadequate sleep in older adults is linked to health issues such as frailty, cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disorders. Maintaining regular sleep patterns is important for healthy aging, making effective sleep monitoring essential. While polysomnography is the gold‐standard for diagnosing sleep disorders, its regular use in home settings is limited. Alternative objective monitoring methods in the home can offer insights into natural sleep patterns and factors affecting them without the limitations of polysomnography. This scoping review aims to examine current technologies, sensors and sleep parameters used for home‐based sleep monitoring in older adults. It also aims to explore various predictors and outcomes associated with sleep to understand the factors of sleep monitoring at home. We identified 54 relevant articles using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and an AI tool (Research Rabbit), with 48 studies using wearable technologies and eight studies using non‐wearable technologies. Further, six types of sensors were utilized. The most common technology employed was actigraphy wearables, while ballistocardiography and electroencephalography were less common. The most frequent objective parameters of sleep measured were total sleep time, wakeup after sleep onset and sleep efficiency, with only six studies evaluating sleep architecture in terms of sleep stages. Additionally, six categories of predictors and outcomes associated with sleep were analysed, including Health‐related, Environmental, Interventional, Behavioural, Time and Place, and Social associations. These associations correlate with total sleep time, wakeup after sleep onset and sleep efficiency, and include in‐bed behaviours, exterior housing conditions, aerobic exercise, living place, relationship status, and seasonal thermal environments.
Unsuccessful Direct Acting Antiviral Hepatitis C Treatment Among People With HIV: Findings From an International Cohort
Authors: Harney Brendan L. , Sacks‐Davis Rachel , van Santen Daniela K. , Stewart Ashleigh C. , Matthews Gail V. , Carson Joanne M. , Klein Marina B. , Lacombe Karine , Wittkop Linda , Salmon Dominque , Leleux Olivier , Merchadou Laurence , van der Valk Marc , Smit Colette , Prins Maria , Boyd Anders , Berenguer Juan , Jarrin Inmaculada , Rauch Andri , Hellard Margaret E. , Doyle Joseph S. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHistorically, hepatitis C virus (HCV) was difficult to treat among people with HIV. However, treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) results in 90%–95% of people being cured. There is a need to understand why a proportion of people are not cured. We aimed to examine characteristics that may indicate an increased probability of unsuccessful DAA HCV treatment.MethodsData were from the International Collaboration on Hepatitis C Elimination in HIV Cohorts. People who commenced DAA HCV treatment between 2014 and 2019 were included. Unsuccessful treatment was defined as a positive HCV RNA test at a person's first RNA test at least 4 weeks (SVR4+) following the end of treatment. Multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression was used to examine characteristics associated with unsuccessful treatment.ResultsOf 4468 people who commenced DAA treatment, 4098 (91.7%) had an SVR test 4+ weeks following the end of treatment, 207 (5%) of whom were unsuccessfully treated. Compared to a CD4+ cell count > 500 cells/mm3, cell counts < 200 (aOR 1.81, 95%CI 1.00–3.29) and between 200 and 349 (aOR 1.95, 95%CI 1.30–2.93) were associated with increased odds of unsuccessful treatment. Among 1921 people with data on injection drug use in the 12 months prior to treatment, there was some evidence that recent injection drug use was associated with increased odds of unsuccessful treatment; however, this was not statistically significant (aOR 1.67, 95%CI 0.99–2.82).ConclusionsThe overwhelming majority of people were successfully treated for HCV. Overall, 5% of those with an SVR4+ test were unsuccessfully treated; this was more likely among people with evidence of immunodeficiency and those who reported recently injecting drugs.
Genetic Variants Influence the Severity of Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Zieger Renata de Almeida , Botton Mariana Rodrigues , Curra Marina , Gabriel Amanda de Farias , Thieme Stefanie , Jardim Luisa Comerlato , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Matte Ursula da Silveira , Brunetto André Tesainer , Gregianin Lauro José , Roesler Rafael , Sonis Stephen T. , Siebert Marina , Martins Manoela Domingues 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe variability in patients' risk of oral mucositis (OM) has been, in part, attributed to differences in host genomics. The aim better define the role of genomics as an OM risk by investigating the association between genetic variants and the presence and severity of OM in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma (OS) undergoing chemotherapy (CT).MethodsA longitudinal observational retrospective study was conducted. Severity of OM was assessed daily using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Blood samples were collected, and DNA was extracted. 54 coding regions were analyzed for 17 candidate genes using next‐generation sequencing.ResultsA total of 164 CT cycles were evaluated in 14 pediatric patients being treated for OS with HDMTX (66.9%) and doxorubicin + cisplatin (34.1%). OM was diagnosed in 129 cycles (78.7%). Whereas the presence of OM was associated with ABCA3 (rs13332514) in HDMTX cycles, OM severity was associated with ABCC2 (rs2273697) in multivariate analysis. In doxorubicin + cisplatin, genetic variants of ABC family genes (ABCC2 and ABCC6) were associated with OM in multivariate analysis.ConclusionOral mucositis risk and severity in a pediatric population being treated for OS with HDMTX, doxorubicin, and cisplatin were associated with genes in the ABC family (ABCA3, ABCC2, and ABCC6 genes).
Characterization of Myocardial Recovery in Patients With Tachycardiomyopathy
Authors: Bachani Neeta , Shah Harshad , Bansal Raghav , Soorampally Vijay , Panicker Gopi Krishna , Lokhandwala Yash 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe degree and time course of improvement in left ventricular (LV) function with treatment in patients with tachycardiomyopathy (TCMP) is highly variable. This study aims to clinically characterize the recovery of TCMP based on the extent and course of improvement in LV function and identify predictors of complete myocardial recovery.MethodsIn this prospective, single‐center, observational study, patients with suspected TCMP who underwent successful tachyarrhythmia termination/control were included. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment of LV function was done at baseline, within 1 h after tachyarrhythmia termination, 24 h later, and at 12 weeks follow‐up.ResultsNinety‐nine patients were enrolled in the study. Six patients had immediate normalization of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) with reversion to sinus rhythm and were labeled as “pseudo‐TCMP”; the remaining 93 patients were included in the analysis. Based on complete versus partial normalization of LVEF at 12‐week follow‐up, 50 patients (53.8%) were labeled as completely recovered TCMP and 43 (46.2%) as partially recovered TCMP respectively. Causative arrhythmias included atrial fibrillation (38%), focal atrial tachycardia (28%), atrial flutter (22%), ventricular arrhythmias (11%), and orthodromic re‐entrant tachycardia (2%). The LVEF at presentation was 0.25 ± 0.05 which improved to 0.36 ± 0.11 within 1 h after tachycardia termination (p < 0.0001), 0.41 ± 0.14 24 h later (p = 0.009) and to 0.52 ± 0.12 at 12 weeks follow‐up (p < 0.0001). Male gender was the only differentiating statistically significant variable between completely recovered and partially recovered TCMP, 24 (48%) versus 30 (69.7%) respectively (p = 0.0339).ConclusionNearly half of the TCMP patients have complete recovery of LV function at 12 weeks follow‐up, while the other half have a partial recovery only. There was no robust predictor of complete myocardial recovery.
Computational Analysis of the Temperature Profile Developed for a Hot Zone of 2500°C in an Induction Furnace
Authors: Herrera Juan , Sandoval Laura , Kumar Piyush , Shantha Kumar Sanjay , Rodriguez Arturo , Kumar Vinod , Bronson Arturo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Temperature gradients developed at ultra-high temperatures create a challenge for temperature measurements that are required for material processing. At ultra-high temperatures, the components of the system can react and change phases depending on their thermodynamic stability. These reactions change the physical properties of the system such as thermal conductivity and fluidity. This phenomenon complicates the extrapolation of temperature measurements, as they depend on the thermal conductivity of multiple insulating layers. The proposed model is an induction furnace employing an electromagnetic field to generate heat reaching 2500°C. A heat transfer simulation applying the finite element method determined temperatures and verified experimentally at key locations on the surface of the experimental setup within the furnace. The computed temperature profile of cylindrical graphite crucibles embedded in a larger cylindrical graphite body surrounded by zirconia grog is determined. When compared to experimental results, the simulation showed a percentage error of approximately 3.4% confirming its accuracy.
Enhancing Sports Coaching Education Through a Community of Practice Approach: Coach Developers’ Reflections From the CoachEd6 Project
Authors: Küttel Andreas , Şenel Ender , Rafnsson Daði , Petrovic Ladislav , Venzel Nicklas S. , Storm Louise K. , Kerr-Cumbo Renzo 
Published: December 2024

Despite the recognized benefits of cross-cultural learning in the globalized world of sports, transnational sports coaching education programs remain scarce and have yet to be widely implemented in Higher Education across Europe. In this practical advance paper, we present how Coach Developers from Malta, Denmark, Iceland, and Turkey, in cooperation with the International Council for Coaching Excellence, collaboratively designed and delivered CoachEd6, a coaching education program at the bachelor’s degree level. Utilizing the six phases of Wenger-Trayner et al.’s community of practice framework, we delve into the identity and dynamics of the group members and the community. We also examine the challenges encountered and how cross-cultural collaboration facilitated overcoming these obstacles, ultimately leading to the successful delivery of the program. We propose that forthcoming cross-national sports coaching programs should view the leading group as a communities of practice and consciously leverage the social dynamics inherent in both developing and delivering coach education to optimize outcomes. This becomes especially critical in the context of Higher Education Institutions within Europe. Moreover, fostering the growth of a communities of practice should be guided by a culturally sensitive leading partner, adopting a flat hierarchy and an ethos of “everyone contributes.”
Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among healthcare workers in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Younis Joma , Wang Lina , Zhang Kejing , Jebril Majed , Jiang Hong , Fan Yahui , Li Zhaofang , Ma Mei , Ma Le , Hui Zhaozhao , Ma Mao , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

Background and objectivesHypertension (HTN) is one of the leading risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HTN and its associated factors among healthcare workers (HCWs) at the Gaza Strip’s governmental hospitals and primary healthcare centres (PHCs).DesignCross-sectional study.Settings, participants and methodsThe study with multistage stratified random sampling was conducted in 10 hospitals and 15 PHCs of the Ministry of Health in Palestine from February to May 2020. Self-administered face-to-face interview questionnaires were used to collect information on sociodemographics, lifestyles, health profiles and health-related risk factors. The anthropometric parameters were measured, including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. HTN was diagnosed by taking any antihypertensive medication, or the mean blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg. The SPSS V.26.0 software was used for data analyses.ResultsA total of 1850 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 36.6 (7.9) years, including 12.2% physicians, 65.3% nurses, 18.1% paramedics and 4.4% non-medical personnel, were included in this study. The prevalence of HTN among HCWs was 8.4%. The associated modifiable factors of HTN were body mass index (BMI), smoking, coffee intake and physical activity (p<0.05). The anthropometric parameters were considerably higher in HTN than in non-HTN (p<0.05). In adjusted models, age, BMI, WC, HC, type of work, workplace, working experience, smoking, coffee intake, physical activity and family history of HTN showed statistically significant associations with HTN (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe modifiable factors, including smoking, coffee intake, physical activity and BMI, were associated with the risk of HTN. These findings indicate that effective efforts in maintaining a healthy lifestyle are needed to prevent HTN among HCWs.