bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal circadian rhythms exacerbate dilated cardiomyopathy by reducing the ventricular mechanical strength
Authors: Jia Hao , Cui Hao , Zhao Zijie , Mo Han , Zhang Ningning , Zhang Yu , Huang Siyuan , Zhang Yue , Xu Mengda , Han Lei , Chen Yulin , Chang Yuan , Hua Xiumeng , Shentu Zhibo , Xia Tie , Chen Xiao , Song Jiangping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has etiological and pathophysiological heterogeneity. Abnormal circadian rhythm (ACR) is related to the development of DCM in animal models, but exploration based on clinical samples is lacking. Sleep apnea (SA) is the most common disease related to ACR, and we chose SA as the study object to explore ACR-DCM.

Methods and results
We included a derivation cohort (n = 105) and a validation cohort (n = 65). DCM patients were divided into SA and without SA group. RT-qPCR was used to determine the change of rhythm gene expression pattern of heart samples from different timepoints. We used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to explore the abnormal transcriptional patterns in the ACR group, and we verified the findings by pathological staining, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Rev-erbα/β knockout (KO) mice analysis. DCM patients with SA showed decreased amplitude of rhythm gene expression. SA group showed more severe dilation of left heart chambers. From snRNA-seq, ACR-DCM lost the morning transcriptional patterns, detailly, actin cytoskeleton organization of cardiomyocytes (CMs) disrupted and hypertrophy aggravated, and the proportion of activated fibroblasts (Fibs) decreased with the reduction of fibrotic area ratio. The results of pathological staining, mechanical experiments, and transcriptional feature of Rev-erbα/β KO mice supported the above findings.

Conclusion
Compared with the non-SA group, left ventricular (LV) wall dilation was more severe and the structural strength was lower in DCM patients with SA, and phenotypic changes in CM and Fib were involved in this process. ACR-DCM was histopathologically characterized by a structurally weak ventricular wall.
Long-term effect of inbreeding in the yellow steppe lemming, Eolagurus luteus, captive colony
Authors: Streltsov Vladimir V , Ilchenko Olga G , Kotenkova Elena V 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the current research, we investigated the impact of gradually increasing inbreeding on the life span and reproductive rate of yellow steppe lemmings, Eolagurus luteus, that reproduced in the Moscow Zoo. The focal captive colony existed from 2017 to 2021. The studied animals belonged to the second to tenth generations. The founders of the colony were 5 females and 5 males originating from 3 females and 4 males livetrapped in the Zaisan basin (Kazakhstan). The degree of their descendant relatedness progressively increased. The animals intended to be used for reproduction were distributed to pairs with unfamiliar partners. We constructed the pedigree of 177 individuals and calculated their inbreeding coefficients. This parameter varied from 0 to 0.29, and the maximum values were registered in the lemmings of the seventh to tenth generations. We measured the life span of 61 individuals and used information about the reproduction or its absence in 45 pairs. A substantial decline in individual life span and reproductive parameters in the breeding pairs, along with a progressive increase in the inbreeding coefficients, was registered. The number of delivered litters, born pups, and young lived up to the age of puberty significantly depended on the level of mother inbreeding. The noticeable traits of inbreeding depression in the colony appeared in 2019–2020 when the offspring inbreeding coefficients reached approximately 0.2. Therefore, we assume that if the E. luteus population originates from a relatively small number of noninbred and unfamiliar individuals, then successful reproduction without significant inbreeding depression will continue for several generations of offspring.
Prevalence, Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Difficult-to-Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Parigi Tommaso Lorenzo , Massimino Luca , Carini Alfredo , Gabbiadini Roberto , Bertoli Peter , Allocca Mariangela , Bezzio Cristina , Dal Buono Arianna , D’Amico Ferdinando , Furfaro Federica , Loy Laura , Zilli Alessandra , Ungaro Federica , Jairath Vipul , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Armuzzi Alessandro , Danese Silvio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Criteria for “difficult-to-treat” inflammatory bowel disease (DTT-IBD) have recently been proposed to standardize terminology. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, management, and outcomes of DTT-IBD.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study in 2 tertiary centers in Italy.

Results
Among 1736 IBD patients treated with biologics/advanced small molecules, 430 (24.8%) met at least 1 DTT-IBD criterion, of which 331 (77%) failed at least 2 mechanisms of action. In ulcerative colitis (UC), left-sided and extended colitis were risk factors for DTT compared to proctitis (odds ratio [OR] 6.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-40.98; p = 0.011 and OR 10.12; 95% CI, 3.01-63.14; p = 0.002, respectively). In Crohn’s disease (CD), multiple localizations (L3+L4) (OR 3.04; 95% CI, 1.09-8.34; p = 0.03), stricturing (OR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.52-3.34; p &lt; 0.001), and penetrating (OR 2.33; 95% CI, 1.55-3.53; p &lt; 0.001) behaviors, and perianal disease (OR 2.49; 95% CI, 1.75-3.53; p &lt; 0.001) were the main risk factors for DTT. Delay in advanced treatment initiation was positively associated with DTT-CD (OR 1.74; 95% CI, 1.27-2.41; p = 0.001) but protective in UC (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.93; p = 0.019). The rates of symptomatic, biochemical, and endoscopic remission were lower in DTT-IBD compared to non-DTT-IBD. The difference was most evident for endoscopic remission (25% vs 62%). Drug persistency in each following line of treatment progressively decreased in CD and UC. All advanced drugs used in DTT-IBD had similar persistence.

Conclusions
DTT-IBD was prevalent in approximately one-quarter of patients with IBD in a tertiary care setting. Certain IBD phenotypes and the delay in initiating treatment in CD were risk factors for DTT. Drug persistency decreased progressively with every subsequent line of therapy.
Cardiac metastatic melanoma presenting with ventricular tachycardia: a multimodality imaging evaluation case report
Authors: Khalid Hussain Mirza , Jimenez Yomary , Wang Wei , Hochhegger Bruno , Al-Ani Mohammad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiac tumours are rare; secondary, metastatic cardiac tumours are 22–132 times more common than primary cardiac tumours. Multimodality imaging can elucidate the mass anatomy, composition, haemodynamic consequences, and guide management plan.

Case summary
We present a case of large left ventricular mass presenting with unstable ventricular tachycardia. We describe the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, transthoracic echocardiography, and computed tomography findings used to assist in characterizing the left ventricular mass. We describe the multidisciplinary discussion involved in diagnosis, surgical biopsy, and treatment, and follow-up of cardiac metastatic melanoma.

Discussion
Metastatic melanoma should be within the differential for cardiac masses. Any patient presenting with a cardiac mass should be asked about history of skin malignancy. Multimodality imaging is crucial to diagnosis, staging, haemodynamic assessment, interventional and surgical planning, and assessment of response to therapy.
Greenness exposure and mortality risk in a cardio-oncologic population
Authors: Ashri Saar , Cohen Gali , Itzhaki Ben Zadok Osnat , Moran Mika , Broday David M , Steinberg David M , Keinan-Boker Lital , Witberg Guy , Bental Tamir , Golan Lihi , Shafran Itamar , Kornowski Ran , Gerber Yariv 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Knowledge is lacking on the relationship between greenness and mortality in cancer survivors who experience coronary artery disease, a cardio-oncologic population. We aimed to investigate the association between residential greenness exposure and all-cause mortality in a cardio-oncologic population.

Methods and results
Cancer survivors undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel between 2004 and 2014 were included in the study. Clinical data were collected from medical records during index hospitalization and from the Israeli National Cancer Registry. Residential greenness was estimated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a satellite-based index derived from Landsat imagery at a 30-m spatial resolution, with larger values indicating higher levels of vegetative density (ranging between −1 and 1). Mortality follow-up data were obtained through the end of 2021. Cox models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality per 1SD increase in NDVI. Among 1331 patients analysed [mean (SD) age, 75.6 (10.2) years, 373 (28%) females], the mean (SD) NDVI within a 300-m radius was 0.12 (0.03). During a median follow-up period of 12.0 (IQR 9.2–14.7) years, 883 (66%) participants died. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, including residential socioeconomic status, air pollution, and smoking, NDVI was inversely associated with mortality hazard [HR (95% CI) = 0.93 (0.86, 0.99); P = 0.042]. The association was stronger among individuals with more recently (&lt;10 years) diagnosed cancer [HR (95% CI) = 0.89 (0.81, 0.98); P = 0.019].

Conclusion
In a cohort of cardio-oncologic patients, greenness was independently associated with lower mortality.
Genetic and environmental contributions to the development of soft tissue facial profile: a twin study
Authors: Giri Jamal , Bockmann Michelle , Brook Alan , Gurr Angela , Hughes Toby 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the phenotypic variation of the soft tissue facial profile during the mixed dentition and the permanent dentition stages.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, standardized facial profile photographs of 139 twin pairs (55 monozygotic and 84 dizygotic) were obtained from archival records at the Adelaide Dental School. Photographic analysis used 12 angular and 14 linear facial profile measurements from the mixed dentition (7–11 years) to the permanent dentition (12–17 years) stages. A genetic analysis was performed using a univariate structural equation model adhering to the normal assumptions of a twin model.

Results
In the mixed dentition stage, the additive genetic (A) and unique environment (E) model, AE model, was the most parsimonious in explaining the observed phenotypic variance for all 26 facial traits with the narrow-sense heritability estimates ranging between 0.38 and 0.79. In the permanent dentition, the AE model was the most parsimonious for 20 out of 26 traits, however, the variance of six traits, particularly those in the lower third of the face, was best explained by the shared environmental and unique environmental factors.

Limitations
This study exclusively included twins of European ancestry.

Conclusions
The soft tissue facial profile demonstrated dynamic genetic and environmental influences with a greater additive genetic influence during the mixed dentition and the early stages of the permanent dentition. However, there was evidence of increasing environmental influence in the lower third of the face during the early stages of the permanent dentition.
Adult Herbst-multibracket appliance treatment—how stable are the results very long term?
Authors: Bock Niko Christian , von Bremen Julia , Ruf Sabine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the post-treatment (Tx) changes (≥ 15 years) in adult Class II patients treated with Herbst appliance and subsequently a multibracket appliance (MBA).

Subjects and Methods
Of 51 potential patients 31 could be located and participated (19 II:1 and 12 II:2). At a mean age of 21.8 ± 7.3 years (T0), Herbst-MBA Tx had been started. The mean post-Tx observation period was 19.8 ± 3.6 years. Study models from before and after Tx (T1, mean age: 23.6 ± 7.4 years), after 3.0 ± 2.8 years of retention (T2, mean age: 26.8 ± 8.3 years) as well as after recall (T3, mean age: 43.4 ± 7.5 years) were evaluated using the PAR index as well as standard occlusal variables.

Results
Pre-Tx, the mean values of the 31 participants were: PAR score = 26.1 ± 9.6 points, Class II molar relationship (MR) = 0.7 ± 0.2 cusp widths (CW), overjet = 6.9 ± 2.3 mm and overbite = 4.8 ± 2.6 mm. After Tx, the mean PAR score was 5.3 ± 2.8. A Class I MR (0.0 ± 0.1 CW) was present while overjet and overbite had decreased to 2.1 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. At recall (19.8 ± 3.6 years post-Tx), a slight PAR score increase (+ 3.1 points) had occurred (final value: 8.4 ± 3.7); this was mainly due to mild increases in overjet, overbite (final values: 3.3 ± 1.4 mm and 2.5 ± 1.7 mm) and changes in sagittal MR (0.2 ± 0.2 CW).

Limitations
The sample size and the participation rate as well as the unavailability of a comparable control group can be considered as limitations. In addition, no long-term radiographic data could be obtained, and the retention protocol was not uniform. The majority of these issues, however, should be acceptable to due to the duration of the observation period and the uniqueness of the data.

Conclusion
In the present sample, Herbst-MBA Tx enabled Class II correction in adults with very good occlusal long-term stability.
Communicating research findings to ELT practitioners in Sri Lanka
Authors: Indrarathne Bimali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Whether or not ELT practitioners have access to research findings, their understanding of them and the perceived relevance to their own contexts are important debates in the language education field. This paper discusses an initiative that attempted to disseminate research findings relating to teaching/learning grammar to a group of ELT teachers in Sri Lanka. Participant feedback analysis highlights that research findings do not reach teachers in an effective manner, and they need exemplar-based training to understand them. Although research findings may be relevant to their contexts, teachers may still not be able to adapt them because of time constraints and lack of expertise. Therefore, more effort should be taken to disseminate research findings through initiatives such as incorporating them into teacher training programmes and providing examples showing how to apply those findings in practice.
Low haemoglobin in arduous seasons is associated with reduced chance of ovulation among women living in the Bolivian altiplano
Authors: Stevens Rose , Alvergne Alexandra , Vitzthum Virginia J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives
Female reproductive function flexibly responds to ecological variation in energy availability, but the roles of other ecologically limited resources, such as iron, remain poorly understood. This analysis investigates whether haemoglobin associates with investment in reproductive function in a rural natural fertility population living in the Bolivian altiplano.

Methodology
We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of prospectively collected biomarker and sociodemographic data, comprising 152 menstrual cycles from 96 non-contracepting women living at 3800 m altitude. Multivariable multilevel models were used to investigate (i) whether haemoglobin concentration is associated with ecological variation in subsistence strategy and seasonal conditions, and (ii) whether haemoglobin concentration is associated with the occurrence of ovulation and/or the concentration of luteal progesterone, two biomarkers of current investment in reproduction.

Results
Haemoglobin concentrations were lower in arduous seasons among those women more dependent on traditional agropastoral subsistence strategies (β = −0.42, 95% CI: −0.80 to −0.04, P = 0.032). During more arduous seasons, a 1 standard deviation increase in haemoglobin was associated with an over 3-fold increase in the odds of ovulation after adjusting for body fat, breastfeeding status, and age (adjusted odds ratio = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.10 to 9.27, P = 0.033).

Conclusions and implications
When conditions are relatively harsh and may be expected to improve, low haemoglobin levels are associated with lower current investment in reproduction and reduced fecundity. These results support the role of iron, independent of energy stores, as a limiting resource in modulating reproductive trade-offs.
Intensity or volume: the role of physical activity in longevity
Authors: Schwendinger Fabian , Infanger Denis , Lichtenstein Eric , Hinrichs Timo , Knaier Raphael , Rowlands Alex V , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
To investigate how physical activity (PA) volume, intensity, duration, and fragmentation are associated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. To produce centile curves for PA volume and intensity representative of US adults.

Methods and results
This study is based on the observational 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Adults (age, ≥20) with valid accelerometer, covariate, and mortality data were included. Average acceleration (AvAcc), intensity gradient (IG), and total PA served as proxies for volume, intensity, and duration of PA, respectively. Weighted Cox proportional hazard models estimated associations between outcome and PA metrics. In 7518 participants (52.0% women, weighted median age of 49), there were curvilinear inverse dose–response relationships of all-cause mortality risk (81-month follow-up) with both AvAcc [−14.4% (95% CI, −8.3 to −20.1%) risk reduction from 25th to 50th percentile] and IG [−37.1% (95% CI, −30.0 to −43.4%) risk reduction from 25th to 50th percentile], but for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk (n = 7016, 82-month follow-up) only with IG [−41.0% (95% CI, −26.7 to −52.4%) risk reduction from the 25th to 50th percentile]. These relationships plateau at AvAcc: ∼35–45 mg and IG: −2.7 to −2.5. Associations of PA with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality are primarily driven by intensity and secondary by volume. Centile curves for volume and intensity were generated.

Conclusion
Intensity is a main driver of reduced mortality risk suggesting that the intensity of PA rather than the quantity matters for longevity. The centile curves offer guidance for achieving desirable PA levels for longevity.
Variance partitioning of nest provisioning rates in blue tits: individual repeatability, heritability, and partner interactions
Authors: Santema Peter , Forstmeier Wolfgang , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In many animal species, including most birds, parental care is performed by both parents, which has important implications for mate choice (good parent hypothesis) and parental investment strategies. Partitioning the variance in measures of parental care into heritable and nonheritable components is important to understand the evolvability of parental investment and its potential role in mate choice. We employed an automated system to monitor provisioning behavior at 817 blue tit nests over 10 years (totaling ~3 million visits). Daily provisioning rates of males and females were moderately repeatable between years (Radj = 0.16 and 0.15, respectively), which was almost entirely explained by additive genetic effects. While this degree of heritability is sufficient for parental investment to respond to selection, we argue that the modest level of repeatability provides limited potential for a “provisioning phenotype” to be used as a criterion in mate choice. Daily visit rates were positively correlated between pair members, but after accounting for shared environmental factors, this relationship became clearly negative, thereby providing support for models of partial compensation. Visit rates also differed substantially between years, and between days within a year. Thus, it is important to account for these variables when comparing the parental investment between individuals. Our results highlight the interplay between genetic, social, and environmental influences on provisioning behavior.
Terrestrialization of sediment bacterial assemblages when temporary rivers run dry
Authors: Freixa Anna , González-Trujillo Juan David , Sacristán-Soriano Oriol , Borrego Carles M , Sabater Sergi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Bacterial communities in river sediments are shaped by a trade-off between dispersal from upstream or nearby land and selection by the local environmental conditions. In temporary rivers (i.e. those characterized by long drying periods and subsequent rewetting) seasonal hydrological dynamics shape bacterial communities by connecting or disconnecting different river habitats. In this study, we tracked and compared the temporal and spatial changes in the composition of bacterial communities in streambed sediments and floodplain habitats across both permanent and intermittent river segments. Our findings revealed that environmental selection played a key role in assembling bacterial communities in both segments. We argue that distinct environmental features act as filters at the local scale, favoring specific bacterial taxa in isolated pools and promoting some typically terrestrial taxa in dry areas. Considering the prospective extension of drying intervals due to climate change, our results suggest an emerging trend wherein bacterial assemblages in temporary streams progressively incorporate microorganisms of terrestrial origin, well-adapted to tolerate desiccation phases. This phenomenon may constitute an integral facet of the broader adaptive dynamics of temporary river ecosystems in response to the impacts of climate change.
Regulation of Drosophila brain development and organ growth by the Minibrain/Rala signaling network
Authors: Brown Melissa , Sciascia Erika , Ning Ken , Adam Wesam , Veraksa Alexey 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The human dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is implicated in the pathology of Down syndrome, microcephaly, and cancer; however the exact mechanism through which it functions is unknown. Here, we have studied the role of the Drosophila ortholog of DYRK1A, Minibrain (Mnb), in brain development and organ growth. The neuroblasts (neural stem cells) that eventually give rise to differentiated neurons in the adult brain are formed from a specialized tissue in the larval optic lobe called the neuroepithelium, in a tightly regulated process. Molecular marker analysis of mnb mutants revealed alterations in the neuroepithelium and neuroblast regions of developing larval brains. Using affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS), we identified the novel Mnb binding partners Ral interacting protein (Rlip) and RALBP1 associated Eps domain containing (Reps). Rlip and Reps physically and genetically interact with Mnb, and the three proteins may form a ternary complex. Mnb phosphorylates Reps, and human DYRK1A binds to the Reps orthologs REPS1 and REPS2. Mnb also promotes re-localization of Rlip from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in cultured cells. Furthermore, Mnb engages the small GTPase Ras-like protein A (Rala) to regulate brain and wing development. This work uncovers a previously unrecognized role of Mnb in the neuroepithelium and defines the functions of the Mnb/Reps/Rlip/Rala signaling network in organ growth and neurodevelopment.