bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Transmembrane protein 184b leads to retina degeneration in mice
Authors: Liu Guo , Liu Tiannan , Tan Junkai , Jiang Xiaoyan , Fan Yudi , Sun Kuanxiang , Liu Wenjing , Liu Xuyang , Yang Yeming , Zhu Xianjun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTransmembrane protein 184b (Tmem184b) has been implicated in axon degeneration and neuromuscular junction dysfunction. Notably, Tmem184b exhibits high expression levels in the retina; however, its specific function within this tissue remains poorly understood. To elucidate the role of Tmem184b in the mammalian visual system, we developed a Tmem184b knockout (KO) model for further investigation. Loss of Tmem184b led to significant decreases in both a and b wave amplitudes of scotopic electroretinogram (ERG) and reduced b wave amplitudes of photopic ERG, respectively, reflecting damage to both the photoreceptors and secondary neuronal cells of the retina. Histologic analyses showed a progressive retinal thinning accompanied by the significantly loss of retinal cells including cone, rod, bipolar, horizontal and retinal ganglion cells. The expression levels of photo‐transduction‐related proteins were down‐regulated in KO retina. TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated biotinylated Uridine‐5'‐triphosphate [UTP] nick end labelling) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐labelling results suggested the increased cell death and inflammation in the KO mice. RNA‐sequencing analysis and GO enrichment analysis revealed that Tmem184b deletion resulted in down‐regulated genes involved in various biological processes such as visual perception, response to hypoxia, regulation of transmembrane transporter activity. Taken together, our study revealed essential roles of Tmem184b in the mammalian retina and confirmed the underlying mechanisms including cell death, inflammation and hypoxia pathway in the absence of Tmem184b, providing a potential target for therapeutic and diagnostic development.
Global Variability of Degree Distribution in Marine Food Webs
Authors: Xu Yan , Jordán Ferenc , Zhou Mingliang , Huo Xumeng , Cai Yanpeng , Ur Rehman Syed Aziz , Sun Jun 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimIn complex networks, the degree distribution varies and provides an insight into the general structure of the system. For example, it may show scale‐free characteristics of the network, indicating higher vulnerability against non‐random disturbances. However, investigating its spatio‐temporal variability, degree distribution in marine food webs remains an unresolved issue. In this paper, we focus on describing the global variability of degree distribution in marine food webs.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe studied 105 marine food webs. By Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and kernel density estimation, we determined the degree distribution of each food web, described its spatio‐temporal pattern and quantified the correlation between relevant parameters as a function of the scale‐free property of the degree distribution.ResultsMarine food webs around the globe did not strictly exhibit scale‐free characteristics in most regions, and only below 5% of the food webs entered the “strongest fit” level of the scale‐free network. We also find food webs in the polar regions indicate relatively high goodness‐of‐fit to scale‐free networks. The upwelling ecosystem related to ocean currents is prone to form a scale‐free web, which exhibits periodic scale‐free characteristics. The ecosystem types with relatively ‘low fit’ levels were mainly concentrated in the ecosystems heavily influenced by human activities.Main ConclusionsThis research will enhance the research in terms of (a) classifying degree distribution in marine food webs; (b) revealing the variability in the spatial pattern of particular distributions, for example, the scale‐free characteristics and (c) exploring the distribution of in‐degree in space, quantifying the proportion of generalist and specialist species, as a potential indicator of adaptive potential of ecosystems. This research contributes to our understanding of the scale‐free features of marine food webs globally. It also offers a real systems‐based conservation approach to assess the spatial heterogeneity of the structural vulnerability of marine ecosystems.
Semaglutide in patients with kidney failure and obesity undergoing dialysis and wishing to be transplanted: A prospective, observational, open‐label study
Authors: Vanek Lenka , Kurnikowski Amelie , Krenn Simon , Mussnig Sebastian , Hecking Manfred 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimsChronic kidney disease (CKD) and obesity are major global health challenges, eventually leading to kidney replacement therapy (KRT), but body mass index (BMI) thresholds hinder kidney transplantation. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists induce weight loss, thereby offering attractive treatment options; however, their safety and efficacy have not been systematically investigated in patients undergoing dialysis.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a prospective 12‐week, open‐label trial with 13 patients who had a BMI ≥ 30.00 kg/m2, were undergoing dialysis (12 haemodialysis and 1 peritoneal dialysis) and had not been listed for transplantation due to their weight. Semaglutide was administered once weekly subcutaneously, and the dose was increased from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg and then to 1 mg. Study endpoints included change in body weight and BMI (primary – statistically evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]), side effects, adverse events, blood parameters and patient‐reported outcomes (secondary).ResultsAt baseline, the mean age ± standard deviation of patients was 64.0 ± 6.4 years, the mean weight was 113.9 ± 16.6 kg, and the mean BMI was 37.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2. At week 12, average weight reduction under semaglutide treatment was 4.6 ± 2.4 kg and ranged from 2.0 to 9.7 kg (p < 0.001 for weight and BMI reduction across the study period). One patient discontinued treatment due to nausea/vomiting, two patients died of unrelated causes and six patients reported side effects. Approximately 9 months after the treatment started, three patients were able to seriously reconsider being listed for transplantation.ConclusionsSemaglutide treatment resulted in significant reduction in weight and BMI in patients with obesity undergoing dialysis, while maintaining an acceptable side effect profile comparable to that of the non‐dialysis population.
Staff engagement, co‐workers' complementarity and employee retention: evidence from English NHS hospitals
Authors: Moscelli Giuseppe , Sayli Melisa , Mello Marco , Vesperoni Alberto 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRetention of skilled workers is essential for labour‐intensive organizations like hospitals, where an excessive turnover of doctors and nurses can reduce the quality and quantity of services provided to patients. Exploiting a unique and rich panel dataset based on employee‐level payroll and staff survey records from the universe of English NHS hospitals, we investigate empirically the role played by two non‐pecuniary job factors, staff engagement and the retention of complementary co‐workers, in affecting employee retention within the public hospital sector. We estimate dynamic panel data models to deal with reverse causality bias, and validate these estimates through unconditional quantile regressions with hospital‐level fixed effects. Our findings show that a one standard deviation increase in nurse engagement is associated with a 16% standard deviation increase in their retention; and also that a 10% increase in nurse retention is associated with a 1.6% increase in doctor retention, with this co‐workers' complementarity spillover effect driven by the retention of more experienced nurses. Nurse and doctor engagement is positively associated with managers who have effective communication, involve staff in the decision‐making process, and act on staff feedback; in particular, older nurse engagement is responsive to managers caring for staff health and wellbeing.
Functional role of area 8A in the posterior dorsolateral frontal region of the human brain: A single case study
Authors: Tomaiuolo Francesco , Mollaioli Daniele , Foti Cristina , Vicario Carmelo Mario , Germanò Antonino , Petrides Michael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractArea 8A has traditionally been considered to be the frontal eye field (FEF), i.e. the area for the motor production of eye movements. However, recent research has shown that the FEF lies posteriorly in premotor area 6. Research in macaque monkeys has demonstrated that, in contrast to premotor area 6, which is involved in the production of motor actions, area 8A is implicated in the cognitive allocation of attention to stimuli based on instruction cues. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the specific cognitive role of area 8A by examining a unique patient with a lesion restricted to area 8A, i.e. sparing the premotor cortex. This right‐handed male patient underwent neuropsychological assessment and testing on two conditional associative‐learning tasks: the motor hand conditional associative‐learning task (MCALT) assessing the selection of motor actions based on instruction cues and the visual conditional associative‐learning task (VCALT) assessing the selection of visual stimuli based on instruction cues. The patient's performance on the VCALT was significantly impaired compared to control subjects, but performance on the MCALT and on an Eye Movement Control Task was preserved. The present study provides evidence that area 8A is critical for the cognitive process regulating the allocation of attention to different stimuli in the environment, but not in the production of eye movements. These findings enhance understanding of the functional organization of the posterior dorsolateral frontal region in the human brain and suggest a specialized role of area 8A in high‐level cognitive processes.
Tracing of fire‐induced soil phosphorus transformations using phosphate oxygen isotope ratio
Authors: Ishida Takuya , Hirota Isao , Yokoyama Satoshi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study demonstrates that phosphate oxygen isotope (δ18OPO4) analysis effectively detects and monitors fire‐induced transformation in soil phosphorus (P). Fires increase bioavailable P, potentially limiting primary production in terrestrial ecosystems. However, understanding the effects of fire on soil P dynamics in the field remains challenging due to the interaction between fire spread and soil properties with high spatial heterogeneity. Soil burning experiments were conducted using a surface soil sample collected in central Japan. The soil was burned in an electric furnace from 50 to 550°C for 3 h, and P concentrations and δ18OPO4 values were determined. The results revealed that high temperatures (>350°C) depleted the soil of organic P (Po) and increased labile and stable inorganic P (Pi) concentrations while significantly decreasing δ18OPO4 values. By contrast, low temperatures (150°C) increased labile Pi and Po concentrations without isotopic shift, indicating that low‐intensity fires could increase bioavailable P while conserving soil organic matter. These findings indicate that δ18OPO4 analysis can provide insight into the relationship between P transformations and fire intensity and track subsequent changes in P dynamics over time. Our research highlights the potential of δ18OPO4 in predicting and managing postfire ecological and agricultural impacts.
Phase field numerical strategies for positive volumetric strain energy fractures
Authors: Yang Xiaofa , Zhang Jianye , Chang Dongdong , Huang Zekai , Dong Yingxuan , Zuo Hong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA reasonable crack driving force is the key to preventing compression cracks and eliminating unrealistic crack propagation in phase field fracture analysis. Thus, examining the roles of volumetric strain energy (VSE) and deviatoric strain energy (DSE) in influencing crack propagation is necessary. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the following four different approaches to energy decomposition‐driven crack propagation: the positive volumetric strain energy method (VSEM), deviatoric strain energy method (DSEM), volumetric‐deviatoric strain energy method (VDSEM), and no decomposition method (NM). All of the strain energy is involved in the development of the crack propagation. The following four examples are investigated: two benchmark single‐side notched examples, a complex crack containing a hole example, and a crack coalescence in an asymmetric double notch example. The VSEM's numerical findings align with literature and experimental observations, confirming that positive VSE rather than DSE promotes crack propagation.
A GWAS for grip strength in cohorts of children—Advantages of analysing young participants for this trait
Authors: Abbondanza Filippo , Wang Carol A. , Schmitz Judith , Marianski Krzysztof , Pennell Craig E. , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Paracchini Silvia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGrip strength (GS) is a proxy measure for muscular strength and a predictor for bone fracture risk among other diseases. Previous genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have been conducted in large cohorts of adults focusing on scores collected for the dominant hand, therefore increasing the likelihood of confounding effects by environmental factors. Here, we perform the first GWAS meta‐analyses on maximal GS with the dominant (GSD) and non‐dominant (GSND) hand in two cohorts of children (ALSPAC, N = 5450; age range = 10.65–13.61; Raine Study, N = 1162, age range: 9.42–12.38 years). We identified a novel significant association for GSND (rs9546244, LINC02465, p = 3.43e−08) and replicated associations previously reported in adults including with a HOXB3 gene marker that shows an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) effect. Despite a much smaller sample (~3%) compared with the UK Biobank we replicated correlation analyses previously reported in this much larger adult cohort, such as a negative correlation with coronary artery disease. Although the results from the polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses did not survive multiple testing correction, we observed nominally significant associations between GS and risk of overall fracture, as previously reported, as well ADHD which will require further investigations. Finally, we observed a higher SNP‐heritability (24%–41%) compared with previous studies (4%–24%) in adults. Overall, our results suggest that cohorts of children might be better suited for genetic studies of grip strength, possibly due to the shorter exposure to confounding environmental factors compared with adults.
Lobbying global venues: Sitting in or speaking out?
Authors: Antoine Elise 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUnderstanding interest groups' participation in global policy processes is critical not least because of an increasing shift in policy‐making powers to global institutions. This paper contributes to existing research by examining advocacy efforts at the global level and proposing a novel argument linking the degree of policy complexity and the amount of groups' resources to lobbying strategies. Specifically, it argues that interest groups invest in both inside (“sitting in”) and outside (“speaking up”) lobbying strategies when the policy at stake is complex and they have more resources. This theory is tested using extensive and novel data spanning interest groups' lobbying efforts on global Internet privacy regulation.
Increasing rate of moth species establishment over 120 years shows no deceleration
Authors: Hordley Lisbeth A. , Dennis Emily B. , Fox Richard , Parsons Mark S. , Davis Tony M. , Bourn Nigel A. D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Around the world, the number of species establishing outside of their native range has and continues to increase rapidly. Some of these non‐native species are invasive and can cause negative environmental, economic, and social impacts, including declines in native biodiversity. Species can become established either through natural dispersal or with intentional or inadvertent human assistance, but the relative importance of these two modes over time has been little studied.
We compiled data on 116 moth species that became established in Great Britain (GB) between 1900 and 2019. We classed each species as either an immigrant, which had colonised naturally, or an adventive, which had colonised through human assistance, and categorised species as feeding on either native or non‐native larval host plants.
We found that the rate of moth species establishment has accelerated steadily, at 21% increase per decade, showing no signs of saturation. Immigrant species showed a steady rate of establishment between 1900 and 1935, followed by a significant acceleration of 11% per decade thereafter, which most closely matches the rate of immigrants that feed on native host plants. Immigrants that feed on non‐native host plants show a slower increase across the whole time period compared to all species, of 13% per decade.
Adventive species show a similar rate of increase in establishment to all moth species, at a rate of 26% per decade. Adventives on non‐native host plants show a similar trend, but we find evidence for a post‐1980s increase in the rate of establishment for adventives that feed on native host plants.
Our results indicate that the global case for enhanced biosecurity, around both the monitoring of natural colonisations and for the horticultural trade, remains very strong as non‐native colonisations are showing no signs of saturation with ongoing environmental and economic change.
Thermomechanical behavior of alumina–magnesia castables and numerical modeling of the steel ladle thermal process
Authors: Dai Yajie , Wang Zexian , Chen Qilong , Meng Dehao , Wang Fei , Liao Ning , Yan Wen , Li Yawei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBy experimental characterization and numerical modeling, the dependence of thermophysical properties on time and temperature as well as its influence on the thermomechanical behavior of alumina–magnesia castables has been studied in this work. The thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and Young's modulus are the most important parameters, which evolve with temperature and piecewise change with the thermal processes of drying, preheating, and service. It is mainly related to the sintering degree and amount of formed calcium aluminate and spinel phases. The sensitivity analysis of parallel simulations for multilayer steel ladle with different numbers of temperature‐dependent thermophysical parameters demonstrates that the thermal conductivity is the most influential parameter, as it dominates the temperature distribution and affects the succeeding thermal expansion as well as deformation. The increase of thermal expansion coefficient and decrease of Young's modulus with temperature counterbalance the deformation of linings under thermal process. Meanwhile, compared with the simulation using temperature‐independent parameters, the model with temperature‐dependent thermophysical parameters exhibits more severe damage in outer surface of both the working lining and the permanent lining. This gives new insight into the adoption of temperature‐dependent parameters for actual thermomechanical behavior evaluation of refractories.
Intensive care nurses' knowledge and practices regarding medical device‐related pressure injuries: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kurtgöz Aslı , Kızıltepe Selin Keskin , Keskin Hülya , Sönmez Münevver , Aşatır İsmail 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study aims to determine the levels of knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses regarding medical device‐related pressure injuries (MDRPIs). This descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out between September 2023 and February 2024, involving 143 nurses working in intensive care units across three hospitals in Türkiye. The data were collected using the demographic form and the Medical Device‐related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool (MDPI‐ASSET). Of the nurses, 74.1% have encountered MDRPIs in their unit, 63.6% feel that their knowledge about MDRPIs is insufficient and 90.2% express a desire to receive training about MDRPIs. The participants' total mean MDPI‐ASSET score was 11.12 (out of 21). The nurses achieved the highest mean score on the Aetiology/risk factors sub‐scale and the lowest mean score on the Staging sub‐scale. The analysis revealed significant differences in the mean MDPI‐ASSET total scores among nurses based on the status of previous encounters with MDRPIs (t = 2.342; p = 0.021) and their feelings of responsibility for the development of MDRPIs (t = −2.746; p = 0.007). In this study, the knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses regarding medical device‐induced pressure injuries were found to be inadequate. Given the frequent occurrence of MDRPIs in intensive care units, it is necessary to support nurses with continuous organizational‐level training to improve the quality of care for critically ill patients.
Costs, efficiency, and patient‐reported outcomes associated with suture‐mediated percutaneous closure for atrial fibrillation ablation: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Eggebeen Joel , Al‐Gibbawi Mounir , Smith Paige , Preiser Thomas , Kundu Suprateek , Zheng Ziduo , Bhatia Neal K. , Shah Anand D. , Westerman Stacy B. , De Lurgio David B. , Tompkins Christine M. , Patel Anshul M. , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Merchant Faisal M. , Lloyd Michael S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the cost and efficiency of suture‐mediated percutaneous closure (SMC) compared to manual compression (MC) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.SMC has been demonstrated to be efficacious in reducing hemostasis and bedrest times after AF ablation. To date, randomized data comparing the direct and indirect cost between the two techniques have not been described.MethodsWe conducted a 1:1 randomized trial comparing SMC to MC following AF ablation. The primary endpoints have been previously published. However, secondary endpoints pertinent to indirect cost including complication rates, hospital utilization (i.e., delays in discharge, additional patient encounters, nursing utilization), pain, patient reported outcomes, as well as the direct costs of care associated with AF ablation were collected. We also performed secondary analysis of the primary endpoint to evaluate for a learning curve, and subgroups analysis comparing efficacy across different numbers of access sites and compared to those in the MC group with a figure‐of‐eight suture (Fo8), that could potentially have impacted the relative efficiency of the procedure.ResultsA total of 107 patients were randomized and included: 53 in the SMC group and 54 in MC. A learning curve was observed in the SMC group between the first and second half of the study group (p = 0.037), with no such difference in the MC group. After accounting for the number of access sites, time to hemostasis remained shorter in the SMC Group (p = 0.002). Compared to those in the Fo8 arm (n = 37), the time to hemostasis remained shorter in the SMC group (p = 0.001). Among those planned for same‐day discharge, there were more delays in the MC group (31.5% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.0144). Rates of major and minor complications were similar between SMC and MC groups at discharge (p = 0.243) and 30 days (p = 1.00), as were nursing utilization, self‐reported pain, and overall patient reported outcomes. The overall cost of care related to the procedure was similar between the MC and SMC groups ($56 533.65 [$45 699.47, $66 987.64] vs. $57 050.44 [$47 251.40, $66 426.34], p = 0.601).ConclusionSMC has been shown to decrease time to hemostasis and ambulation and facilitate earlier same‐day discharge after AF ablation without an increase in direct or indirect costs.