bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sediment Core DNA‐Metabarcoding and Chitinous Remain Identification: Integrating Complementary Methods to Characterise Chironomidae Biodiversity in Lake Sediment Archives
Authors: Blattner Lucas André , Lapellegerie Pierre , Courtney‐Mustaphi Colin , Heiri Oliver 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTChironomidae, so‐called non‐biting midges, are considered key bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem variability. Data derived from morphologically identifying their chitinous remains in sediments document chironomid larvae assemblages, which are studied to reconstruct ecosystem changes over time. Recent developments in sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) research have demonstrated that molecular techniques are suitable for determining past and present occurrences of organisms. Nevertheless, sedDNA records documenting alterations in chironomid assemblages remain largely unexplored. To close this gap, we examined the applicability of sedDNA metabarcoding to identify Chironomidae assemblages in lake sediments by sampling and processing three 21–35 cm long sediment cores from Lake Sempach in Switzerland. With a focus on developing analytical approaches, we compared an invertebrate‐universal (FWH) and a newly designed Chironomidae‐specific metabarcoding primer set (CH) to assess their performance in detecting Chironomidae DNA. We isolated and identified chitinous larval remains and compared the morphotype assemblages with the data derived from sedDNA metabarcoding. Results showed a good overall agreement of the morphotype assemblage‐specific clustering among the chitinous remains and the metabarcoding datasets. Both methods indicated higher chironomid assemblage similarity between the two littoral cores in contrast to the deep lake core. Moreover, we observed a pronounced primer bias effect resulting in more Chironomidae detections with the CH primer combination compared to the FWH combination. Overall, we conclude that sedDNA metabarcoding can supplement traditional remain identifications and potentially provide independent reconstructions of past chironomid assemblage changes. Furthermore, it has the potential of more efficient workflows, better sample standardisation and species‐level resolution datasets.
First‐line chemoimmunotherapy for patients with small‐cell lung cancer and interstitial lung abnormality: CIP risk and prognostic analysis
Authors: Li Yu , Jiang Yuxin , Pan Luyun , Yao Jun , Liang Shuo , Du Yanjun , Wang Dong , Liu Hongbing , Zhang Fang , Wang Qin , Lv Tangfeng , Zhan Ping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving immunotherapy face a potential risk of developing checkpoint inhibitor‐related pneumonitis (CIP). However, there is no clear understanding of the specific link between interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) and CIP in patients with small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). In addition, the prognosis of SCLC patients with ILA who receive chemoimmunotherapy is uncertain. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of ILA on the occurrence of CIP in SCLC patients receiving first‐line chemoimmunotherapy and to assess its relationship with prognosis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of SCLC patients who received chemoimmunotherapy as a first‐line treatment between January 2018 and April 2024. The diagnosis of ILA was assessed by two experienced pulmonologists based on pretreatment chest computed tomography images. We investigated independent risk factors for CIP using logistic regression analysis and factors affecting PFS and OS using Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 128 patients with SCLC were included in the study. ILA was present in 41 patients (32.03%), and CIP occurred in 16 patients (12.50%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, previous ILA (OR, 5.419; 95% CI, 1.574–18.652; p = 0.007) and thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) (OR, 5.259; 95% CI, 1.506–18.365; p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for CIP. ILA (HR, 2.083; 95% CI, 1.179–3.681; p = 0.012) and LDH (HR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001–1.002; p < 0.001) were statistically significant for increased mortality risk in multivariate Cox regression analysis.ConclusionsIn SCLC patients receiving first‐line chemoimmunotherapy, baseline ILA is a risk factor for CIP and is associated with poorer prognosis.
Forest and Biodiversity 2: A tree diversity experiment to understand the consequences of multiple dimensions of diversity and composition for long‐term ecosystem function and resilience
Authors: Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Grossman Jake J. , Guzmán Q. J. Antonio , Hobbie Sarah E. , Kaproth Matthew A. , Kothari Shan , Lapadat Cathleen N. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Park Maria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We introduce a new “ecosystem‐scale” experiment at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in central Minnesota, USA to test long‐term ecosystem consequences of tree diversity and composition. The experiment—the largest of its kind in North America—was designed to provide guidance on forest restoration efforts that will advance carbon sequestration goals and contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

The new Forest and Biodiversity (FAB2) experiment uses native tree species in varying levels of species richness, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity planted in 100 m2 and 400 m2 plots at 1 m spacing, appropriate for testing long‐term ecosystem consequences. FAB2 was designed and established in conjunction with a prior experiment (FAB1) in which the same set of 12 species was planted in 16 m2 plots at 0.5 m spacing. Both are adjacent to the BioDIV prairie‐grassland diversity experiment, enabling comparative investigations of diversity and ecosystem function relationships between experimental grasslands and forests at different planting densities and plot sizes.

Within the first 6 years, mortality in 400 m2 monoculture plots was higher than in 100 m2 plots. The highest mortality occurred in Tilia americana and Acer negundo monocultures, but mortality for both species decreased with increasing plot diversity. These results demonstrate the importance of forest diversity in reducing mortality in some species and point to potential mechanisms, including light and drought stress, that cause tree mortality in vulnerable monocultures. The experiment highlights challenges to maintaining monoculture and low‐diversity treatments in tree mixture experiments of large extent.

FAB2 provides a long‐term platform to test the mechanisms and processes that contribute to forest stability and ecosystem productivity in changing environments. Its ecosystem‐scale design, and accompanying R package, are designed to discern species and lineage effects and multiple dimensions of diversity to inform restoration of ecosystem functions and services from forests. It also provides a platform for improving remote sensing approaches, including Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with LiDAR, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, to complement ground‐based monitoring. We aim for the experiment to contribute to international efforts to monitor and manage forests in the face of global change.
Vascular inflammaging: Endothelial CEACAM1 expression is upregulated by TNF‐α via independent activation of NF‐κB and β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Götz Lisa , Rueckschloss Uwe , Reimer Andreas , Bömmel Heike , Beilhack Andreas , Ergün Süleyman , Kleefeldt Florian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic inflammation with progressive age, called inflammaging, contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown increased vascular expression of the Carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in aged mice and humans, presumably via mutual upregulation with the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. CEACAM1 is critical for aging‐associated vascular alterations like endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and sustained inflammation and can be regarded as a main contributor to vascular inflammaging. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying endothelial CEACAM1 upregulation by TNF‐α in detail. Using wildtype (WT) and TNF‐α knockout (Tnf−/−) mice, we confirmed that the aging‐related upregulation of endothelial CEACAM1 critically depends on TNF‐α. The underlying mechanisms were analyzed in an endothelial cell culture model. TNF‐α time‐dependently upregulated CEACAM1 in vitro. In pharmacological experiments, we identified an early NF‐κB‐ and a delayed β‐catenin‐mediated response. Involvement of β‐catenin was further substantiated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the β‐catenin‐targeted transcription factor TCF4. Both signaling pathways acted independent from each other. Elucidating the delayed response, co‐immunoprecipitation analysis revealed release of β‐catenin from adherens junctions by TNF‐α. Finally, TNF‐α activated Akt kinase by increasing its Ser473 phosphorylation. Consequently, Akt kinase facilitated β‐catenin signaling by inhibiting its degradation via phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and by increased phosphorylation of β‐catenin at Ser552 that augments its transcriptional activity. Taken together, our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the aging‐related, inflammation‐mediated endothelial upregulation of CEACAM1. Beyond the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, these findings may be significant to all fields of inflammaging.
The politics of teachers' union endorsements
Authors: Hartney Michael T. , Kogan Vladimir 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSchool board candidates supported by local teachers' unions overwhelmingly win, and we examine the causes and consequences of the “teachers' union premium” in these elections. First, we show that union endorsement information increases voter support. Although the magnitude of this effect varies across ideological and partisan subgroups, an endorsement rarely hurts a candidate's prospects with the electorate. Second, we benchmark the size of the endorsement premium to other well‐known determinants of vote choice in local elections. Perhaps surprisingly, we show the effect can be as large as the impact of shared partisanship, and substantially larger than the boost from endorsements provided by other stakeholders. Finally, examining real‐world endorsement decisions, we find that union support for incumbents hinges on self‐interested pecuniary considerations and is unaffected by performance in improving student academic outcomes. The divergence between what endorsements mean and how voters interpret them has troubling normative democratic implications.
Diversity in old age: Stereotyping of subgroups of older people across cultures
Authors: Vauclair Christin‐Melanie , Esteves Carla Sofia , Eyssel Friederike , Harb Charles 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAn ageing population is increasingly recognised as a critical concern in the social sciences, especially in regard to the issue of ageism. The literature suggests that older people are subject to ambivalent and paternalistic judgements. However, this does not consider diversity within the older population and that cultures may differ in how they perceive and evaluate diverse groups of older people. To address these gaps, a pre‐study was conducted employing a freelisting task to identify old age subgroups. In the main study, participants from the United States and Germany (individualistic‐loose cultures) and Japan, Lebanon and Portugal (collectivistic‐tight cultures) were asked to evaluate 19 distinct subgroups of older people by using stereotype content measures. The results suggest that subgroups' clusters were generally perceived as low, medium, or high on both the competence and warmth dimensions providing no support for clearly ambivalent old age subgroup stereotypes. As expected, competence and warmth were consistently associated with the socio‐structural variables perceived status and threat. Overall, the results point to similar patterns across cultures with different subgroups being evaluated in a similar fashion on stereotype content measures. This highlights the importance of promoting a more nuanced understanding of older people when addressing ageism in different cultures.
Us or them: How COVID‐19 vaccine priority influences perceptions of local‐migrant worker relations
Authors: Huang Tengjiao , Zhou Haochen , Jones Liz , Cong Chin Wen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic laid bare pre‐existing societal fault lines, placing immense strain on intergroup relations and giving rise to xenophobic sentiments. Drawing on Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) and Social Identity Approach (SIA), our study examined how the public allocation of COVID‐19 variant vaccines could influence the dynamics between local citizens and migrant workers, and under what conditions. One key idea is that valued resource distribution that favour migrant workers may produce increased perceptions of realistic threats among local citizens which could lead to exacerbated negative attitudes and behaviours of high‐status local citizens towards low‐status migrants, whereas higher fairness perceptions of such resource distributions could potentially mitigate these negative attitudes and behaviours. To investigate these predictions, we employed a cross‐cultural approach and conducted an experiment in both an Asian country (Malaysia; N = 197) and a Western country (Australia; N = 210). We manipulated vaccine prioritisation, assessed local citizens' perceptions of the realistic threat and fairness of vaccine prioritisation, and measured their attitudinal responses towards migrant workers. Our results showed that the perceived unfairness in migrant‐favouring vaccine prioritisation, rather than realistic threat, negatively affected local citizens' perceptions of the migrant workers. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of intergroup relations.
The active ingredient of Evodia rutaecarpa reduces inflammation in knee osteoarthritis rats through blocking calcium influx and NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Sixiang , Gao Yuehong , Yang Li 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic inflammation significantly contributes to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), and an anti‐inflammatory small molecule derived from medicinal herbs could be a potential drug candidate for OA. Herein, we investigated the function and mechanism of Evodiamine (EAE), the active ingredient from Evodia rutaecarpa, in chondrocytes and macrophages in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity of EAE was determined using an MTT assay. And the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation effects of EAE were investigated using qRT‐PCR, western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF). Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP‐AES), Fluo‐4 AM, IF and AutoDock were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways of the reducing‐inflammatory properties of EAE on chondrocytes in vitro. Moreover, the effect of EAE on macrophage polarization was detected by IF and flow cytometry (FC). Ultimately, we explored the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of EAE in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)‐induced OA model. The finding demonstrated that EAE blocked the phosphorylation of IKBα and Ca2+ influx, thereby curbing inflammation and ECM degradation. Additionally, EAE can prevent the polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Thus, our findings suggest that EAE has great potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of OA.
Comparative effectiveness of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion vs open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Gabriel Pierre‐Etienne , Pinar Ugo , Lenfant Louis , Parra Jérôme , Vaessen Christophe , Mozer Pierre , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Rouprêt Morgan , Seisen Thomas 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the comparative effectiveness of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer (BC).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a real‐life monocentric study including all consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD or ORC for BC at our institution from 2014 to 2023. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to compare perioperative, oncological and stricture outcomes between both groups by calculating odds (ORs) and hazard (HRs) ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively.ResultsOverall, 316 patients underwent either RARC with ICUD (n = 228 [72.2%]) or ORC (n = 88 [27.8%]). The perioperative benefits of RARC vs ORC included decreased risks of major blood loss (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04–0.23; P < 0.001), perioperative transfusion (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.57; P < 0.001), 90‐day major complications (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29–0.99; P = 0.04), and prolonged initial length of hospital stay (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.35; P < 0.001), as well as more days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.46–4.6; P < 0.01). In addition, the use of RARC vs ORC was associated with a higher lymph node (LN) count (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.83–6.30; P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in recurrence‐free (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49–1.07; P = 0.1), cancer‐specific (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43–1.10; P = 0.1), overall (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.47–1.20; P = 0.3) and uretero‐ileal stricture‐free (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.62–2.25; P = 0.6) survival between both groups after a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 42.3 (16.4–73.8) months.ConclusionOur real‐world study supports the effectiveness of RARC with ICUD vs ORC for BC. We generally observed better perioperative outcomes, as well as similar oncological—except for higher LN count—and uretero‐ileal stricture outcomes after RARC with ICUD vs ORC.
IMPACT organizational survey highlighting provision of services for patients with locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Harji Deena , Vallance Abigail , Ibitoye Temi , Wilkin Richard , Boyle Jemma , Clifford Rachael , Convie Liam , Duff Michael , Elavia Ken , Evans Martyn , Fleming Christina , Griffiths Ben , Jenkins John T , Mohan Helen , Morris E. J. , Taylor Clare , Thorpe Gabrielle , Tiernan Jim , Fearnhead Nicola ,   ACPGBI IMPACT
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimLocally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer represents a complex clinical entity, which requires multidisciplinary decision‐making and management. The aim of this work is to understand the provision of clinical services in this cohort of patients across Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) as a key essential step to help facilitate future service development and improvement.MethodA cross‐sectional, organizational survey was sent to all colorectal cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) across GB&I. It consisted of 12 key questions addressing the provision of specialist services and advanced surgical techniques. Results are reported in line with the CHERRIES guideline.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐five MDTs across GB&I participated, with 142 English, 13 Welsh, 14 Scottish, 3 Northern Irish and 3 Irish MDTs. The overall response rate was 93.5% (175/187). Ninety (51.4%) hospital sites reported having a specialist dedicated or subsection MDT. Specialist advanced nursing support was available in 46 (26.2%) hospitals, with a dedicated advanced colorectal cancer outpatient clinic available in 31 (17.7%) hospitals. One hundred and thirteen MDTs (64.5%) offered surgery for advanced colonic cancer, 82 (46.8%) for recurrent colonic cancer, 58 (33.1%) for advanced rectal cancer and 39 (22.2%) for recurrent rectal cancer. A variable number of MDTs offered specialist surgical techniques, including distal sacrectomy [33 (18.9%)], high sacrectomy [16 (9.1%)], complex vascular resection ± reconstruction [33 (18.9%)] and extended lymphadenectomy (pelvic sidewall or para‐aortic) [44 (25.1%)].ConclusionThe IMPACT organizational survey highlights the current variation in the delivery and provision of clinical services for patients with advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer across Great Britain and Ireland.
Using eDNA Sampling to Identify Correlates of Species Occupancy Across Broad Spatial Scales
Authors: McColl‐Gausden Emily F. , Griffiths Josh , Weeks Andrew R. , Tingley Reid 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimSpecies presence–absence data can be time‐consuming and logistically difficult to obtain across large spatial extents. Yet these data are important for ensuring changes in species distributions are accurately monitored and are vital for ensuring appropriate conservation actions are undertaken. Here, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling can be used to systematically collect species occupancy data rapidly and efficiently across vast spatial domains to improve understanding of factors influencing species distributions.LocationSouth‐eastern Australia.MethodsWe use a widely distributed, but near‐threatened species, the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), as a test case and undertake an environmentally stratified systematic survey to assess the presence–absence of platypus eDNA at 504 sites across 584,292 km2 of south‐eastern Australia, representing ~37% of the species' extensive distribution. Site occupancy‐detection models were used to analyse how landscape‐ and site‐level factors affect platypus occupancy, enabling us to incorporate uncertainty at the different levels inherent in eDNA sampling (site, water sample replicate and qPCR replicate).ResultsPlatypus eDNA was detected at 272 sites (~54%) with platypuses more likely to occupy sites in catchments with increased runoff and less zero‐flow days, and sites with access to banks suitable for burrowing. Platypuses were less likely to occupy sites in catchments with a high proportion of shrubs and grasslands, or agricultural land use.Main ConclusionsThese data provide an important large‐scale validation of the landscape‐ and site‐level factors influencing platypus occupancy that can be used to inform future conservation efforts. Our case study shows that systematically designed, stratified eDNA surveys provide an efficient means to understand how environmental characteristics affect species occupancy across broad environmental gradients. The methods employed here can be applied to aquatic and semi‐aquatic species globally, providing unprecedented opportunities to understand biodiversity status and change and provide insights for current and future conservation actions.
The effect of sarcopenic obesity on glycaemic status based on fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lou Yiling , Xie Yulin , Jiang Qingqing , Huang Shen , Wang Xiaohan , Wang Linlin , Wang Hengchang , Cao Shiyi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of sarcopenic obesity on the progression of glycaemic status in middle‐aged and older adults without diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis research involved 4637 participants without diabetes from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2015. Sarcopenic obesity at baseline was evaluated based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, we used fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin to define glycaemic status. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to obtain adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe mean age of included participants was 58.98 ± 8.82 years, and 45.35% were men. During 18,497 person‐years of follow‐up, 1743 (37.59%) cases with glycaemic status progression were identified. Compared with participants without sarcopenia and obesity, participants with sarcopenic obesity, but not sarcopenia only or obesity only, exhibited a higher risk of progression from normoglycaemia to diabetes (HR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.10–4.04). Moreover, participants with sarcopenic obesity (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.63), sarcopenia only (HR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.11–2.86), or obesity only (HR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.29–3.12) had increased the risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes.ConclusionsThe effect of sarcopenic obesity on the progression of glycaemic status based on fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin may be more pronounced than that of sarcopenia only or obesity only.