bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal determinism by plant host identity in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community assembly
Authors: Frew Adam , Zheng Yuxiong , Wang Zhenyu , Fu Yanrong , Aguilar‐Trigueros Carlos A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

An assumption in ecology is that plant identity plays a central role in the assembly of root‐colonising arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities. While numerous correlational studies support this notion, with evidence of host selectivity among fungal taxa and host‐specific responses to different AM fungi, empirical demonstrations of host‐driven AM fungal community assembly remain surprisingly limited.

We conducted a factorial experiment growing two globally significant crop species, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), with a common pool of AM fungal species, or without AM fungi. We hypothesised strong differences in AM fungal community structure between the two species driven by strong habitat filtering. Plants were harvested at two time points in which we analysed the community structure of AM fungi in the roots, the phylogenetic diversity, and interactions with plant physiological responses.

As we expected, there were distinct trajectories in both the composition and phylogenetic diversity of AM fungal communities between the two host plants through time. However, the effect of habitat filtering during community assembly differed between the two species. In sorghum roots, AM fungal communities exhibited increased richness and became more phylogenetically clustered over time. This shift suggests that community assembly was primarily driven by habitat filtering, or selectivity, imposed by the host which was accompanied by significant increases in plant mycorrhizal growth (from 11.83% to 43.67%) and phosphorus responses (from −0.6% to 43.3%). In contrast, AM fungal communities in wheat displayed little change in diversity, remained phylogenetically unstructured, and provided minimal benefits to the host, indicating a more stochastic assembly process with a stronger influence of competitive interactions.

As the field looks to understand what determines the distribution of AM fungi and their community composition while simultaneously seeking to utilise AM fungi for ecosystem benefits, it is important to know the extent to which host identity can influence fungal assembly within plant roots. Our results provide empirical support of host‐determinism in AM fungal community assembly and suggest that this determinism is associated with the growth and nutrient benefits provided by the symbiosis to plants.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Microclimatic variation regulates seed germination phenology in alpine plant communities
Authors: Espinosa del Alba C. , Fernández‐Pascual E. , Jiménez‐Alfaro B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

For most terrestrial plants, regeneration depends on the ability of seeds to germinate in the most favourable climatic conditions. Understanding seed germination phenology is thus crucial for predicting plant responses to environmental changes. However, a substantial gap persists regarding how microclimatic conditions influence germination in seasonal ecosystems.

Here, we investigate the germination phenology of alpine plants in snow‐related microclimates as a tool for predicting the resilience of plant communities to climate change. We conducted a continuous seasonal experiment with fresh seeds to investigate germination phenology in 54 co‐occurring species from temperate and Mediterranean alpine communities. Using long‐term field microclimatic data series, we precisely mimicked two contrasting microclimatic regimes in growth chambers: (1) windy exposed edges with a snow‐free period in winter and warmer temperatures in summer (‘fellfield’) and (2) sheltered areas with lengthy snow cover and cooler temperatures (‘snowbed’). We validated the laboratory results with field sowing experiments to provide a complete picture of germination phenology.

The analysis of phenology traits demonstrated that both communities displayed similar responses to microclimatic variation. Small microclimatic differences of 2–3°C a week, accumulated across a whole year in the laboratory, resulted in a quantifiable germination phenology delay in snowbed regime, with an average of 60 and 45 days for temperate and Mediterranean alpine respectively. The results from climatic chambers under realistic microclimatic regimes were consistent with the germination phenology registered from field experiments. We also observed macroclimatic effects manifested as reduced dormancy and increased autumn germination in Mediterranean alpine species.

Synthesis. This study combines novel laboratory and field experimentation to tackle the understudied topic of germination phenology in habitats with sharp microclimatic gradients. Specifically, our findings suggest a predictable phenological shift in the germination of alpine plants along microclimatic gradients. In warmer conditions with reduced snow cover, alpine species are expected to advance germination 52 days on average, with potential disrupting effects on cold‐adapted species with strict germination requirements. This highlights the role of germination phenology to determine plant‐environmental relationships in mid‐latitude ecosystems, with strong impact on plant establishment and extinction risks under local microclimatic gradients.
STATES OF COMPULSION: Reassessing ‘State‐Led’ Neighborhood Change in Hong Kong
Authors: Gerlofs Ben A. , Poon Kylie Yuet Ning 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article provides a critical reassessment of the role of the state in processes of neighborhood change in Hong Kong, based on mixed‐methods research conducted in the rapidly changing Sai Ying Pun neighborhood. We argue that common narratives of ‘state‐led’ processes of neighborhood change often overstate, oversimplify or unduly assume the influence of state agencies, especially the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and other ‘usual suspects’, obscuring the complex ways that states facilitate and compel the actions and agendas of other actors. By elaborating implications of several specific forms of state action, especially a 2010 amendment to Hong Kong's Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance, we demonstrate that the state in Hong Kong plays many different roles in facilitating neighborhood transformation, creating an uneven geography of state intervention dependent on locally specific factors such as the particularities of architecture, housing types and residential density in different urban areas as well as existing configurations of policy, legislation and infrastructure. These many articulations of the state are of strategic value to a variety of elite interests, from property developers to wealthy residents and international consumers, whose distinct and competing agendas could hardly be so well served by a less dynamic state.
Venous aneurysm leading to fatal pulmonary thromboembolism with a history of a remote stab wound of the extremity
Authors: Helmrich Emily , Risotto‐Urbanowicz Erin , Massie Pierce , Clark Ross 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVenous aneurysms are rare, and their incidence is unknown. External iliac vein aneurysms are even more rare with only 50 case reports published from 1950 to 2018. We present a case of an individual who died suddenly from a pulmonary thromboembolic event due to an external iliac vein aneurysm formed by a remote penetrating injury. A 32‐year‐old male was in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody when he died suddenly. It was discovered during his autopsy that he had an occlusive pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) within the left main pulmonary artery and distal branches of the right pulmonary artery. On additional investigation and postmortem computed tomography, a large saccular aneurysm arising from the external iliac vein was discovered. This aneurysm contained clotted blood, and was determined to be the cause of his PE and subsequent death. Although rarely a source for a fatal PE, venous aneurysms should be considered as a possible source for thromboembolism; their presence may alter the manner of death, given their underlying etiology. This is especially true for young adults with a remote history of trauma near a major venous tributary, as traumatic arteriovenous fistula is a common cause of secondary venous aneurysm. For this case, the manner of death was classified as homicide.
Exploring GPT‐4.0's efficiency in handling paediatric appendicitis questions
Authors: Zeng Defeng , Chen Guoqiang , Wang Guoyong , Zhou Hai , Guo Chunbao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the potential and accuracy of the generative dialogue artificial intelligence tool GPT‐4.0 in answering questions related to paediatric emergency appendicitis.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study design was used. We collected 134 appendicitis‐related questions from authoritative websites, such as Mayo Medical and APSA, covering all aspects of appendicitis, including simple and complex questions. These questions were answered by GPT‐4.0, and then evaluated by three paediatric surgical experts using a quality score ranging from 0 to 5. The answers were generated by GPT‐4.0 and then similarly evaluated by three experts for accuracy.ResultsWe found that GPT‐4.0 could achieve a high accuracy rate on simple questions with a quality score of 4.65 (standard deviation 0.51). For complex questions, the average score was 3.77 (standard deviation 0.68), and there was a significant difference between the two (P < .05). On clinical questions, the accuracy score of GPT‐4.0 was 4.00 (standard deviation 0.21). When answering actual questions from families of children with appendicitis, the accuracy score was 4.12 (standard deviation 0.59). Its accuracy lies between simple questions and complex questions, and it can basically meet the accuracy requirements of clinical questions. It's worth noting that GPT‐4.0 demonstrated empathy in answering some questions, which might further enhance patient satisfaction.ConclusionGPT‐4.0 showed its potential and accuracy in handling paediatric appendicitis questions, especially in simple and clinical questions. However, improvements are still needed in handling complex questions and updating information. Despite the limitations, this model is expected to improve the quality of medical services and enhance patient satisfaction.
Association Between the Ionized‐to‐Total Calcium Ratio and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Severe Autoimmune Diseases: A Retrospective Analysis From the MIMIC‐IV Database
Authors: Wang Qinxue , Liu Jun , Ma Yuanze , Han Yi , Huang Haobin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate the relationship between the ionized‐to‐total calcium ratio and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients with autoimmune diseases.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted utilizing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. In‐hospital AKI was the primary outcome. Patients were classified into four distinct categories depending on the calcium ratio. Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were applied to assess the association between the calcium ratio and AKI risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the consistency of this association across various patient characteristics.ResultsA total of 1054 critically ill patients with autoimmune diseases were enrolled and stratified by calcium ratio quartiles into four groups (< 0.515; 0.515–0.546; 0.546–0.576; > 0.576). Cumulative incidence curves showed significant difference in AKI risk among the four groups. Patients in the highest calcium ratio quartile experienced a markedly reduced likelihood of AKI versus those in the lowest, especially in the fully adjusted model (HR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.51–0.84, p < 0.001). RCS analysis demonstrated an obvious nonlinear relationship, showing a steep decline in AKI risk with increasing calcium ratio, which eventually plateaued. This protective effect of higher calcium ratios against AKI was consistent across subgroups, except in those with chronic kidney disease at baseline.ConclusionThe ionized‐to‐total calcium ratio proves to be significantly associated with the development of AKI in critically ill patients with autoimmune diseases, with its elevation indicating a reduced AKI risk.
Rooting for Success: The Role of Microorganisms in Promoting Growth and Resilience in Black Alder Seedlings
Authors: Striganavičiūtė Greta , Vaitiekūnaitė Dorotėja , Šilanskienė Milana , Sirgedaitė‐Šėžienė Vaida 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a global environmental risk, impacting human health. Enhancing phytoremediation with microbial‐plant interactions could help mitigate these pollutants. However, tree responses to PAHs are unclear, necessitating controlled studies before field experiments. This study examined how PAH‐degrading microbes affect black alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) seedlings grown hydroponically, hypothesizing that specific microbes improve growth and stress tolerance. Two half‐sib families (41–65–7 K, 13–99–1 K) were inoculated with Rhodotorula sphaerocarpa (R.s.), Pseudomonas putida (P.p.), and Sphingobium yanoikuyae (S.y.). Results showed family‐dependent and microbe‐specific effects, with family 41–65–7 K showing enhanced shoot growth (threefold increase by R.s.) and higher carotenoid levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities varied: R.s. elevated superoxide dismutase activity by 4.8‐fold in 13–99–1 K, while catalase activity increased but decreased in 41–65–7 K. Principal component analysis revealed distinct phytochemical clustering based on microbial treatment, highlighting genotype‐specific modulations. Each microorganism had unique plant growth‐promoting traits, with P.p. producing the most phytohormone and S.y. fixing nitrogen. These findings support targeted microbial inoculation for effective remediation of PAH‐contaminated environments.
A systematic review of the efficacy of TYK2 inhibitors in patients with dermatological disease
Authors: Haggett Malindi Georgia , Lee Sangho , Lai Francis Yi Xing 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study systematically reviews existing data on the efficacy of Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitors in comparison to placebo or standard treatments for therapeutic benefit and improving quality of life in dermatological diseases. Seventeen records representing 13 clinical trials, one matching‐adjusted indirect comparison, and one case study were included. Results indicate that Deucravacitinib is superior to placebo, Apremilast and Adalimumab in treating adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and superior to placebo in the treatment of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. Comparative investigations on Brepocitinib and Ropsacitinib were more limited. Oral Brepocitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in managing alopecia areata, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Topical Brepocitinib exhibited superiority over placebo in treating atopic dermatitis, but not plaque psoriasis. Ropsacitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in the management of plaque psoriasis. Brepocitinib and Ropsacitinib had more side effects than Deucravacitinib.
Endotyping in Chronic Rhinosinusitis—An EAACI Task Force Report
Authors: Toppila‐Salmi Sanna , Reitsma Sietze , Hox Valérie , Gane Simon , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Shamji Mohamed , Maza‐Solano Juan , Jääskeläinen Benjamin , Väärä Risto , Escribese Maria M. , Chaker Adam , Karavelia Aspasia , Rudenko Michael , Gevaert Philippe , Klimek Ludger 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a clinical syndrome defined by typical sinonasal symptoms persisting for at least 12 weeks. CRS is divided into two distinct phenotypes, CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP). The aim of the review is to provide an update on the current knowledge in CRS endotypes. The prevailing hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of CRS suggests that dysfunctional interactions between the host and environmental stressors at the mucosal surface drive the diverse inflammatory mechanisms. Genetic and epigenetic variations in the mucosal immune system are believed to play a significant role in the pathomechanisms of CRS. Various environmental agents (such as microbes and irritants) have been implicated in CRS. In a healthy state, the sinonasal mucosa acts as a barrier, modulating environmental stimulation and mounting appropriate immune responses against pathogens with minimal tissue damage. Different endotypes may exist based on the specific mechanistic pathways driving the chronic tissue inflammation of CRS. There is a need to understand endotypes in order to better predict, diagnose, and treat CRS. This literature review provides an update on the role of the endotypes in CRS and the limitations of endotyping CRS in clinical practice. Understanding of the pathogenesis and optimal management of CRS has progressed significantly in the last decades; however, there still are several unmet needs in endotype research.
Association of anaesthesia‐directed sedation with unplanned discharge to a nursing home following non‐ambulatory interventional radiology and endoscopic procedures: a retrospective cohort study*
Authors: Eyth Annika , Borngaesser Felix , Zmily Osamah M. , Rudolph Maíra I. , Zhang Ling , Joseph Vilma A. , Evgenov Oleg V. , Oliveira Jason , Kolmel Nicholas , Dehkharghani Seena , Osborn Irene , Kiyatkin Michael E. , Racine Andrew D. , Semczuk Peter P. , Garg Shweta , Wongtangman Karuna , Eikermann Matthias , Karaye Ibraheem M. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryIntroductionInterventional radiology procedures and endoscopies are performed commonly worldwide, often necessitating pharmacological sedation to optimise patient comfort. It is unclear to what extent non‐anaesthetists should provide procedural sedation.MethodsWe studied adult patients who previously lived independently and underwent a non‐ambulatory interventional radiology or gastroenterology procedure under anaesthetist‐directed or non‐anaesthetist‐directed sedation at a large healthcare network. The primary outcomes were postprocedural adverse discharge to a nursing home and postprocedural duration of hospital stay.ResultsAmong 22,868 patients included, 15,168 (66.3%) and 7700 (33.7%) underwent anaesthetist‐directed sedation and non‐anaesthetist‐directed sedation, respectively. Of all patients receiving anaesthetist‐directed sedation, 9.2% experienced adverse discharge to a nursing home compared with 21.3% undergoing non‐anaesthetist‐directed sedation. Anaesthetist‐directed sedation was associated with reduced risk of adverse discharge to a nursing home (adjusted relative risk 0.54, 95%CI 0.45–0.63, p < 0.001, adjusted risk difference ‐4.6%, 95%CI ‐5.8 to ‐3.4, p < 0.001) and a shorter postprocedural duration of hospital stay (median (IQR [range]) 2 (1–6 [0–315]) days vs. 5 (2–12 [0–268]) days; adjusted model estimate 0.84, 95%CI 0.79–0.89, p < 0.001). The lower risk of adverse discharge to a nursing home and shorter duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing anaesthetist‐directed sedation was reproduced in an instrumental variable analysis (adjusted risk difference ‐4.3%, 95%CI ‐8.4 to ‐0.1, p = 0.043; and ‐1.41 days, 95%CI ‐1.43 to ‐1.41 days, p < 0.001, respectively). Among patients undergoing anaesthetist‐directed sedation the mean (SD) proportion of missing blood pressure measurements was lower (0.7 (4.9) % vs. 8.0 (14.6) %, p < 0.001), which mediated the effect of anaesthetist‐directed sedation on adverse discharge.DiscussionAmong patients undergoing a non‐ambulatory interventional radiology procedure or a gastrointestinal endoscopy, anaesthetist‐directed sedation is associated with a reduced risk of adverse discharge to a nursing home and a shorter duration of hospital stay.
Individual differences in the evolution of causal illusions
Authors: García‐Arch J. , Rodríguez‐Ferreiro J. , Barberia I. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this research, we investigated individual differences in the formation and persistence of causal illusions. In a re‐analysis of existing data, we identified two clusters of participants – persistent and adjusting – based on their trajectories in learning from repeated exposure to null contingencies. The persistent cluster maintained stable causal illusions, while the adjusting cluster demonstrated a reduction over time. This re‐analysis provided a nuanced understanding of individual differences in causal learning, emphasizing the differential role of probability estimations in predicting causal judgements. These findings were replicated in a subsequent study, highlighting the robustness of the identified effects. In a pre‐registered study, we extended the paradigm to include a second phase (active phase) to assess how individual differences in causal illusion trajectories in the passive phase would manifest when participants had agency in the information gathering process. The results were consistent with those of the two previous studies and confirmed our primary hypothesis that the adjusting cluster would exhibit a lower tendency to introduce the candidate cause on learning trials, and would, therefore, observe a higher frequency of cause–absent trials. Together, these studies provide comprehensive insights into the underpinnings of causal illusion development and persistence, potentially informing de‐biasing interventions.
Infant Vulnerability to Court Decision‐Making Processes Regarding OOHC: Perspectives of Frontline Workers
Authors: Gregory‐Wilson Rachel , Spencer Liesel , Handsley Elizabeth , Raeburn Toby 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis empirical study in the jurisdiction of New South Wales, Australia, explores the complex and unenviable processes legal actors undertake when making decisions about removing infants from their birth parents. Professionals from legal, statutory child protection and health contexts were interviewed regarding their experiences and perspectives about legal decision‐making practices when placing infants in out‐of‐home care (OOHC). Informed by vulnerability theory, analysis of the interview data found that government apparatuses designed to protect vulnerable infants can sometimes have the paradoxical effect of increasing overall infant vulnerability. Findings suggest a need for wider‐ranging research regarding how international and domestic law might be improved to better recognize the unique developmental status and vulnerabilities of infants in the child protection system.
The Role and Applied Value of Mitochondria in Glioma‐Related Research
Authors: Chen Liwen , Zhang Hui , Shang Chao , Hong Yang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMitochondria, known as the “energy factory” of cells, are essential organelles with a double membrane structure and genetic material found in most eukaryotic cells. They play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development, with alterations in mitochondrial structure and function in tumor cells leading to characteristics such as rapid proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. Glioma, the most common brain tumor with a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options, has been linked to changes in mitochondrial structure and function. This review focuses on the bioenergetics, dynamics, metastasis, and autophagy of mitochondria in relation to glioma proliferation, as well as the potential use of mitochondria‐targeting drugs in glioma treatment.