bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between statin use and dry eye disease in patients with hyperlipidemia: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yong‐Wei , Liu Sian‐De , Lin Guan‐Ling , Huang Evelyn‐Jou‐Chen , Keller Joseph Jordan , Wang Li‐Hsuan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHigher serum cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease (DED). The relationship between statin (HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor) use and DED in patients with hyperlipidemia remains unclear. To investigate the association between statin use and the risk of DED in patients with hyperlipidemia, we conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study utilizing data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database. Patients were categorized into statin users and nonusers, with a 5‐year follow‐up period. The study identified patients with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, excluding those with prior DED diagnoses. Matching and adjustments for covariates resulted in 41,931 individuals in each group. Patients receiving statin therapy were compared with those unexposed. Cumulative exposure doses were also evaluated to assess dose–response relationships. The primary outcome was the incidence of DED diagnosed during the follow‐up period. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the risk of DED, and conditional logistic regression analyzed the dose–response effect of statin exposure. Among 41,931 matched pairs, statin users exhibited a slightly increased risk of developing DED compared with nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11; p < 0.01). However, no dose–response relationship was observed between statin exposure and DED risk. Statin use among patients with hyperlipidemia is associated with a marginally higher risk of DED. These findings underscore the importance of regular eye examinations in this patient population to facilitate early detection and management of DED.
1112. Pittosporum beecheyi Tuyama
Authors: Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Yamanaka Masumi , Komaki Yoshiteru , Kawakita Atsushi 
Published: October 2024

SummaryPittosporum beecheyi Tuyama, endemic to the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands is described and illustrated; the species is known only from the Hahajima Island group. Key characters for the recognition of this species include the hairy ovary, the solitary flowers with curved pedicels, and the pendulous globose fruits that dehisce into three valves.
Leaf Shelters Facilitate the Colonisation of Arthropods and Enhance Microbial Diversity on Plants
Authors: dos Santos Danilo F. B. , Herschberger Jacob E. , Subedi Bijay , Pocius Victoria M. , Neely Wesley J. , Greenspan Sasha E. , Becker C. Guilherme , Romero Gustavo Q. , Kersch‐Becker Mônica F. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTShelter‐building insects are important ecosystem engineers, playing critical roles in structuring arthropod communities. Nonetheless, the influence of leaf shelters and arthropods on plant–associated microbiota remains largely unexplored. Arthropods that visit or inhabit plants can contribute to the leaf microbial community, resulting in significant changes in plant–microbe interactions. By artificially constructing leaf shelters, we provide evidence that shelter‐building insects influence not only the arthropod community structure but also impact the phyllosphere microbiota. Leaf shelters exhibited higher abundance and richness of arthropods, changing the associated arthropod community composition. These shelters also altered the composition and community structure of phyllosphere microbiota, promoting greater richness and diversity of bacteria at the phyllosphere. In leaf shelters, microbial diversity positively correlated with the richness and diversity of herbivores. These findings demonstrate the critical role of leaf shelters in structuring both arthropod and microbial communities through altered microhabitats and species interactions.
The Effect of Temperature Variability on Biological Responses of Ectothermic Animals—A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Stocker Clayton W. , Bamford Stephanie M. , Jahn Miki , Mazué Geoffrey P. F. , Pettersen Amanda K. , Ritchie Daniel , Rubin Alexander M. , Noble Daniel W. A. , Seebacher Frank 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTClimate change is altering temperature means and variation, and both need to be considered in predictions underpinning conservation. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the effects of temperature fluctuations on biological functions. Fluctuations may affect biological responses because of inequalities from non‐linear responses, endocrine regulation or exposure to damaging temperatures. Here we establish the current state of knowledge of how temperature fluctuations impact biological responses within individuals and populations compared to constant temperatures with the same mean. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 143 studies on ectothermic animals (1492 effect sizes, 118 species). In this study, 89% of effect sizes were derived from diel cycles, but there were no significant differences between diel cycles and shorter (<8 h) or longer (>48 h) cycles in their effect on biological responses. We show that temperature fluctuations have little effect overall on trait mean and variance. Nonetheless, temperature fluctuations can be stressful: fluctuations increased ‘gene expression’ in aquatic animals, which was driven mainly by increased hsp70. Fluctuating temperatures also decreased longevity, and increased amplitudes had negative effects on population responses in aquatic organisms. We conclude that mean temperatures and extreme events such as heat waves are important to consider, but regular (particularly diel) temperature fluctuations are less so.
Pieces of an Inter‐Disciplinary Puzzle: Connecting Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Disaster Studies
Authors: Mulvihill Peter R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe field of environmental studies has great, but largely under‐realized, potential to play an integral role in confronting its raison d'etre—the ecological and climate crisis. Realization of this potential depends on the prospect of stronger connections being made across the wide and eclectic spectrum of its sub‐fields. This article explores two sub‐fields and streams of literature that have remained mostly unconnected—environmental impact assessment and environmental disaster studies—and identifies cross‐cutting concepts and themes. It is argued that greater integration of the two sub‐fields may help generate new insights and approaches in the complicated challenge of preventing of environmental disasters.
Physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical grass and legume pastures grazed by lambs
Authors: Hampel Viviane da Silva , Poli Cesar Henrique Espírito Candal , Tontini Jalise Fabíola , Joy Margalida , Nabinger Carlos , Devincenzi Thais , Rodrigues Eliseu , Manfroi Vitor , Fajardo Neuza Maria 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLarge areas of tropical grass pastures are not grazed by lambs because of the difficulties in managing high growth rate swards with high selective animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical pastures offered to lambs in continuous grazing. An upright grass and a shrub legume were set out in three pasture types and grazed by lambs: (1) aruana grass monoculture (AG—Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IZ‐5), (2) pigeon pea monoculture (PP—Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp. cv. Anão) and (3) contiguous swards (CS), half of the paddock with AG (CSAG) and half with PP (CSPP). The pastures were evaluated for structural characteristics, production, nutritional composition and antioxidant concentrations in four periods over 92 days of continuous grazing by lambs. Hand plucking samples, similar to animal diet, were collected for chemical analysis. Regarding height, the PP legume monoculture after 42 days of grazing had uncontrollable growth by the lambs, reaching 1.2 m in height. This same legume but as a CS beside AG (CSPP) was maintained at a lower and similar height throughout the experimental periods. In general, the leaf:stem ratio of the different pastures decreased over the experimental periods from 0.7 to 0.2. In most periods, the CS showed intermediary nutritional quality compared to AG and PP. The alpha‐tocopherol content was similar among swards, with an average of 137.2 ± 13.67 mg/kg of green matter (p > .05). Pigeon pea showed the highest levels of total tannin and condensed tannin at 63 and 92 days (p < .05). The use of tropical grass together with a legume provides a better physical structure of the pigeon pea for grazing lambs than when monoculture of this species.
Helios—Illuminating the way for lymphocyte self‐control
Authors: Hetemäki Iivo , Arstila T. Petteri , Kekäläinen Eliisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTranscription factor Helios, encoded by the IKZF2 gene, has an important role in regulatory T cells by stabilizing their suppressive phenotype. While Helios is prominently expressed in regulatory T cells, its expression extends beyond to include effector T cells, follicular regulatory T cells, B cells, and innate‐like lymphocyte populations. Recent characterizations of patients with inborn error of immunity due to damaging IKZF2 variants coupled with translational research on lymphocytes from healthy individuals, have increased our understanding on Helios' multifaceted role in controlling the human adaptive immune system. A less studied role for Helios beyond the stabilizing of regulatory T cells has emerged in directing effector T cell maturation. In the absence of functional Helios, effector T cells acquire more inflammatory phenotype and are prone to senescence. Loss of Helios expression disrupts the regulation of the germinal centre reaction, often resulting in either hypogammaglobulinemia or B cell autoimmunity. This review summarizes findings from studies in both mice and men offering a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the transcription factor Helios on the adaptive immune system.
The prevalence of lifetime trauma and association with physical and psychosocial health among adults at the end of life
Authors: Duchowny Kate A. , Smith Alexander K. , Cenzer Irena , Brown Chelsea , Noppert Grace , Yaffe Kristine , Byers Amy L. , Perissinotto Carla , Kotwal Ashwin A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundNational guidelines recognize lifetime trauma as relevant to clinical care for adults nearing the end of life. We determined the prevalence of early life and cumulative trauma among persons at the end of life by gender and birth cohort, and the association of lifetime trauma with end‐of‐life physical, mental, and social well‐being.MethodsWe used nationally representative Health and Retirement Study data (2006–2020), including adults age > 50 who died while enrolled (N = 6495). Early life and cumulative traumatic events were measured using an 11‐item traumatic events scale (cumulative trauma: 0–5+ events over the lifespan). We included six birth cohorts (born <1924; children of depression [1924–1930]; HRS cohort [1931–1941]; war babies [1942–1947]; early baby‐boomers [1948–1953]; mid‐baby boomers [1954–1959]). End‐of‐life outcomes included validated measures of physical (pain, fatigue, dyspnea), mental (depression, life satisfaction), and social (loneliness, social isolation) needs. We report the prevalence of lifetime trauma by gender and birth cohort and the adjusted probability of each end‐of‐life outcome by trauma using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age at death was 78 years (SD = 11.1) and 52% were female. Lifetime trauma was common (0 events: 19%; 1–2: 47%; 3–4: 25%; 5+: 9%), with variation in individual events (e.g., death of a child, weapons in combat) by gender and birth cohort. After adjustment, increasing cumulative trauma was significantly associated (p‐value<0.001) with higher reports of end‐of‐life moderate‐to‐severe pain (0 events: 46%; 1–2 events: 50%; 3–4 events: 57%; 5+ events: 60%), fatigue (58%; 60%; 66%; 69%), dyspnea (46%; 51%; 56%; 58%), depression (24%; 33%; 37%; 40%), loneliness (12%; 17%; 19%; 22%), and lower life satisfaction (73%; 63%; 58%; 54%).ConclusionOlder adults in the last years of life report a high prevalence of lifetime traumatic events which are associated with worse end‐of‐life physical and psychosocial health. A trauma‐informed approach to end‐of‐life care and management of physical and psychosocial needs may improve a patient's quality of life.
Evaluation of the Performance and Safety of a New Micro‐Needle Technology in Comparison With the Classic Needle on the Antiaging Effects of a Biorevitalizing Solution: A Randomized Split Face/Neck Study
Authors: Boca Andreea , Fanian Ferial , Smit Riekie , Redaelli Alessio , Goorochurn Ranesha , Issa Hanane , Sukmanskaya Natalia , Philippon Valérie , Dell’ Avanzato Roberto 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSkin biorevitalization involves multiple intradermal injections to enhance skin quality, but precise dermal targeting can be challenging due to variations in skin thickness smaller, less painful needles with fewer skin reactions are attractive options.AimsThis study evaluates a new Micro‐Needle device's performance and safety in comparison with the classic needle used in skin biorevitalization.Patients/MethodsSubjects with facial and neck skin aging were enrolled. Safety outcomes, including immediate and local tolerability, were assessed. Performance outcomes measured skin radiance, wrinkles and photoaging grade, hydration, subepidermal low echogenic band, dermis thickness, and skin elasticity. Both subjects and investigators recorded Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores.ResultsMicro‐Needle injections demonstrated superior performance compared to the classic needle, influenced by the specific skin zones and thickness. Micro‐Needle was superior for skin wrinkles at D49 for periorbital zone and nasolabial folds by −14.5% (p = 0.01) and −15% (p = 0.004), respectively, and for neck by 9.6% (p = 0.0008). The Nanosoft device showed a faster improvement for skin hydration at D42 for the cheek zone (p = 0.04) and at D75 for the neck area (p = 0.01); and for skin radiance at D75 (p = 0.03) and at D120 (p = 0.0098). Ex vivo studies confirmed the Micro‐Needle's accuracy in product placement in the dermis. Adverse events were milder with Micro‐Needle and no serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsBoth needles significantly improved skin quality, but Micro‐Needle enhanced the outcomes of skin biorevitalization procedures, particularly in terms of skin wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and overall skin hydration.
FINGERPRINTS ON FIGURINES FROM THONIS‐HERACLEION
Authors: Hoff Leonie 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThis paper studies ancient fingerprints to produce an estimate of the age and sex of the makers of several terracotta figurines found at Thonis‐Heracleion in Egypt, dated to the Late and Ptolemaic periods (seventh–second centuries BC). This is only the second study of its kind to discuss the use of ancient fingerprint impressions from Ancient Egypt and the first to apply this method to Late Period/Ptolemaic material using RTI (reflectance transformation imaging) to obtain measurements. Albeit at a preliminary stage, the findings suggest the involvement of men, women, and children in figurine production, both for locally produced wares and imported Greek figurines, contrary to the image of figurine‐makers presented in ancient Greek literary sources, which portray figurine production as a predominantly male profession. The results also allow insight into questions of training and apprenticeship of ancient figurine production, with various stages of training being represented in the data.
Efficacy of Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation for Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: A Propensity‐Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Qi Junbo , Hu Yuanyu , Niu Xiaoyan , Dong Yanlei , Zhang Xin , Xu Nanfang , Chen Zhongqiang , Li Weishi , Tian Yun , Sun Chuiguo 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) surgeries necessitate a substantial amount of allogeneic blood resources. However, the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in TSS surgery has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PABD for TSS surgery.MethodsThis study is a retrospective study. Totally 397 patients who underwent TSS surgeries at our institution from January 2019 to June 2023 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make the PABD and Non‐PABD groups comparable at baseline. Regarding outcome measures, the incidence and amount of allogeneic blood transfusion, changes in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, occurrence of postoperative complications, medical costs, drainage time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative neurological function were analyzed. The outcomes were compared between the matched PABD (n = 79) and Non‐PABD (n = 79) groups. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including independent samples t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and chi‐square test.ResultsThe incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (8.9% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.006) and volume of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (10.12 ± 54.52 vs. 122.78 ± 275.00 mL, p < 0.001) in the PABD group were significantly lower than those in the Non‐PABD group. The PABD group had significantly higher average postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the Non‐PABD group at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the PABD group exhibited a smaller reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared with the Non‐PABD group on 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of transfusion‐related complications, medical expenses, neurological function, length of hospital stay, or drainage time. Notably, PABD was an independent protective factor of allogeneic transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.334, 95%CI = 0.051–0.966).ConclusionsPABD can effectively reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and amount of allogeneic blood in TSS surgeries with safety. It also significantly improved the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Under the premise of clear indications, PABD is worth promoting for the surgical treatment of TSS.
The Effectiveness of Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis for Non‐idiopathic Coronal Angular Deformity of the Knee in Children: A Comparison of Hinge Eight‐Plate and Traditional Eight‐Plate
Authors: Dai Zhen‐Zhen , Li Tai‐Chun , Zhou Han , Zhang Qin , Li Hai 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTemporary hemiepiphysiodesis (TH) is a very common technique for coronal angular deformity of the knee in children, especially non‐idiopathic. However, there is currently a dearth of comparative research on the hinge eight‐plate (HEP) and traditional eight‐plate (TEP). This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and implant‐related complication rates of TH using TEP and HEP for non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformity, as well as to identify clinical factors affecting correction velocity.MethodsWe retrospectively observed a consecutive series of patients with non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformity of the knee who underwent TH using HEP or TEP and completed the deformity correction process from July 2016 to July 2022. According to the kind of eight plates, we divided those patients into the HEP group and the TEP treatment group. Relevant clinical factors, including the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), screw divergence angle (SDA), angle of plate and screw (APS), hinge angle of HEP (HA), and the knee zone location of the lower extremity mechanical axis, were documented. Additionally, deformity correction velocity, complications, and clinical efficacy were assessed. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi‐squared test, Fisher exact test, or Wilcoxon test, while continuous variables were evaluated using the t‐test or analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThere were 29 patients in the HEP treatment group (seven girls and 22 boys) and 33 patients (12 girls and 21 boys) in the TEP treatment group. In all, 91.86% (79/86 knees) of the genu angular deformities were completely corrected, 6.98% (6/86 knees) had the overcorrection condition, and 10.47% (9/86 knees) had screw loosening. The swayback HEP rate was 11.29% (7/62 HEPs), which was related to the screw loosening in the HEP group (p < 0.001). The overall correction velocities and screw divergence angle change speeds in the HEP group were all significantly faster than those in the TEP group (p < 0.05). The initial APS of the HEP implanted was higher than that of TEP (p < 0.01), and multisite changes of APS during deformity correction of the HEP group were smaller than that of the TEP group.ConclusionHEP proved to be an appropriate device for TH for non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformities of the knee with high correction velocity in children. Avoiding the occurrence of the swayback phenomenon may reduce the complications of HEP.
Biocontrol mechanisms of poplar leaf blight due to Nigrospora oryzae
Authors: Han Jin , Lu Zhantong , Zhang Huifang , Ji Shida , Liu Bin , Kong Ning , Yang Yongfeng , Xing Baoyue , Liu Zhihua 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNigrospora oryzae, a newly identified pathogen, is responsible for poplar leaf blight, causing significant harm to poplar growth. Here, we describe, for the first time, a biological control method for the control of poplar leaf blight via the applications of 3 dominant Trichoderma strains/species. In this study, dominant Trichoderma species/strains with the potential for biocontrol were identified and then further characterised via dual culture assays, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and culture filtrates. The biocontrol efficacy of these strains against N. oryzae was found to exceed 60%. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap) leaves pretreated with these Trichoderma strains significantly decreased. Furthermore, pretreatment of PdPap with a combination of these Trichoderma (Tcom) resulted in 9.71‐fold and 1.95‐fold increases in peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, respectively, and 3.87‐fold decrease in the MDA content compared to controls. Moreover, Tcom pretreatment activated the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathway‐dependent defence responses of poplar, upregulating pathogenesis‐related protein (PR) and MYC proto‐oncogene (MYC‐R) by more than 12‐fold and 17.32‐fold, respectively. In addition, Trichoderma treatments significantly increased the number of lateral roots, aboveground biomass, and stomata number and density of PdPap, and Tcom was superior to the single pretreatments. The soil pH also became weakly acidic in these pretreatments, which is beneficial for the growth of PdPap seedlings. These findings indicate that these dominant Trichoderma strains can effectively increase biocontrol and poplar growth promotion.