bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating key evidence and formulating regulatory alternatives regarding the UK's Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
Authors: Challender Daniel W. S. , 't Sas‐Rolfes Michael , Dickman Amy , Hare Darragh , Hart Adam G. , Hoffmann Michael , Mallon David , Mandisodza‐Chikerema Roseline L. , Roe Dilys 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPublic policy addressing biodiversity loss is most likely to be effective when it is informed by appropriate evidence and considers potential unintended consequences. We evaluate key evidence relating to the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill that was discussed in the UK Parliament between 2022 and 2024. We characterize the UK's role in international hunting trophy trade by analyzing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade data for 2000–2021 and 2015–2021. For CITES‐listed species imported to/exported from the UK as hunting trophies in these periods we use data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species to determine whether hunting designated as “trophy hunting” is (i) likely a major threat contributing to species being of elevated conservation concern, (ii) likely or possibly causing localized declines, or (iii) not a threat. We then use the Red List to determine whether such hunting provides, or potentially provides, benefits for species and/or people. Finally, we evaluate the UK Government's impact assessment of the bill. In 2000–2021 an estimated 3494 hunting trophies from 73 CITES‐listed species and subspecies were exported to the UK involving an estimated 2549 whole organism equivalents (WOEs), that is, individual animals. Imports involved 158.86 ± 66.53 (mean ± SD) trophies/year (115.83 ± 32.27 WOEs/year). In 2015–2021, 79% of imports were from countries where populations of the hunted species are stable, increasing, or abundant. Legal hunting for trophies is not a major threat to any of the species or subspecies imported to the UK, but likely or possibly represents a local threat to some populations of eight species. This hunting does, or could potentially, benefit 20 species and subspecies, and people. Among other concerns, the impact assessment failed to adequately consider the costs and benefits to local communities in countries where such hunting occurs. Informed by these analyses we discuss alternative regulatory options.
Neurophysiological response to social feedback in stressful situations
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura , Rovelli Katia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe relationship between external feedback and cognitive and neurophysiological performance has been extensively investigated in social neuroscience. However, few studies have considered the role of positive and negative external social feedback on electroencephalographic (EEG) and moderate stress response. Twenty‐six healthy adults underwent a moderately stressful job interview consisting of a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test. After each preparation, feedback was provided by an external committee, ranging from positive to negative with increasing impact on subjects. Stress response was measured by analysing response times (RTs) during the speech phase, while cognitive performance was assessed using a Stroop‐like task before and after the test. Results indicate that RTs used to deliver the final speeches with negative feedback were significantly lower compared with those used for the initial speech with positive feedback. Moreover, a generalized improvement in Stroop‐like task performance was observed in the post‐SST compared with the pre‐SST. Consistent with behavioural results, EEG data indicated greater delta, theta, and alpha band responses in right prefrontal and left central areas, and for delta and theta bands, also in parietal areas in response to positive feedback compared with aversive‐neutral feedback, highlighting greater cognitive effort required by the former. Conversely, an increase in these bands in right and left temporal and left occipital areas was observed following negative and aversive feedback, indicative of an adaptive response to stress and emotion‐regulatory processes. These findings suggest that negative social feedback in moderately stressful and noncritical conditions could contribute to improving individual cognitive performance.
Global, regional, and national epidemiology of ischemic stroke from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Hou Shuai , Zhang Yifeng , Xia Yulei , Liu Yong , Deng Xia , Wang Weihua , Wang Yanqiang , Wang Chunping , Wang Gang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThis study aims to examine the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic stroke from 1990 to 2021.MethodWe used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to comprehensively assess ischemic stroke indicators globally, regionally, and in 204 countries, including incidence, deaths, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and Joinpoint regression analysis.ResultsIn 2021, there were a total of 7,804,449 cases of ischemic stroke globally (95% uncertainty interval = 6,719,760–8,943,692), with an age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 92.39. This represents a declining trend compared to 1990, with an EAPC of −0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.76 to −0.58). Mortality and DALY rates also showed a downward trend (EAPC in age‐standardized mortality rate: −1.83, 95% CI = −1.92 to −1.74; EAPC in age‐standardized DALY rate = −1.59, 95% CI = −1.68 to −1.50). The burden of ischemic stroke was inversely correlated with gross domestic product. Regionally, from 2014 to 2021, the Caribbean experienced the fastest increase in ASIR (annual percent change = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.18). Among 204 countries, North Macedonia had the highest incidence, mortality, and DALY rates. In addition to metabolic risks, particulate matter pollution and low temperatures were significant environmental and occupational risk factors for ischemic stroke. Smoking and a diet high in sodium were identified as key behavioral risk factors.ConclusionsIschemic stroke remains a serious global health challenge, and our results from this cross‐sectional study suggest that the burden of disease remains high in Eastern Europe, East Asia, Central Asia, and Sub‐Saharan Africa.
SzCORE: Seizure Community Open‐Source Research Evaluation framework for the validation of electroencephalography‐based automated seizure detection algorithms
Authors: Dan Jonathan , Pale Una , Amirshahi Alireza , Cappelletti William , Ingolfsson Thorir Mar , Wang Xiaying , Cossettini Andrea , Bernini Adriano , Benini Luca , Beniczky Sándor , Atienza David , Ryvlin Philippe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe need for high‐quality automated seizure detection algorithms based on electroencephalography (EEG) becomes ever more pressing with the increasing use of ambulatory and long‐term EEG monitoring. Heterogeneity in validation methods of these algorithms influences the reported results and makes comprehensive evaluation and comparison challenging. This heterogeneity concerns in particular the choice of datasets, evaluation methodologies, and performance metrics. In this paper, we propose a unified framework designed to establish standardization in the validation of EEG‐based seizure detection algorithms. Based on existing guidelines and recommendations, the framework introduces a set of recommendations and standards related to datasets, file formats, EEG data input content, seizure annotation input and output, cross‐validation strategies, and performance metrics. We also propose the EEG 10–20 seizure detection benchmark, a machine‐learning benchmark based on public datasets converted to a standardized format. This benchmark defines the machine‐learning task as well as reporting metrics. We illustrate the use of the benchmark by evaluating a set of existing seizure detection algorithms. The SzCORE (Seizure Community Open‐Source Research Evaluation) framework and benchmark are made publicly available along with an open‐source software library to facilitate research use, while enabling rigorous evaluation of the clinical significance of the algorithms, fostering a collective effort to more optimally detect seizures to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Outcomes of a patient support programme for subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Crispin Philip , Henderson Robert , Yun James , Crosbie Christina , Tognarini David , Youssef Sherif , Barrese Giulio , Fleischmann Simone 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundSubcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy is important in the treatment of primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Patient support programmes (PSPs) help patients self‐administer medication regimens and play a more active role in the self‐management of their medical conditions.AimTo describe the effectiveness of the CSL Behring CARES PSP in optimising the quality use of SCIg in a hospital‐free environment.DesignThis retrospective, observational study analysed records of patients enroled in the CSL Behring CARES PSP. Key outcomes were accessibility and effectiveness. Data were extracted from the patient database and analysed using descriptive methods.ResultsSeven hundred eighty‐nine patients with PID (30.8%), SID (53.4%) and CIDP (15.8%) were enroled in the CARES PSP, 92.8% of whom were referred from public hospitals and the remaining from private hospitals. Of the total patient population, 697 (88.3%) received the nurse‐led SCIg self‐administration training and education (COACH), out of which 656 (94.1%) completed training and achieved competency after an average of 2.3 training sessions. The proportions of patients who achieved competency were similar across age groups and prior SCIg hospital education status.ConclusionThis is the largest real‐world evidence study that describes the effectiveness of SCIg PSPs across three therapeutic disease states. These PSPs can optimise hospital resources such as infusion nurse time and allocation of infusion chairs that were once used for intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, improve patient access to SCIg therapy and enable patients self‐administer SCIg outside a hospital environment.
Utilization of publicly available data to summarize spatio‐temporal patterns of fish health events of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reported by marine finfish industries in British Columbia (BC), Canada
Authors: Jyoti Sumit , Jia Beibei , Saksida Sonja , Stryhn Henrik , Price Derek , Thakur Krishna Kumar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAtlantic salmon aquaculture companies in British Columbia (BC) must report fish health events to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as part of their licensing conditions. Our study aimed to summarize these fish health events reported by Atlantic salmon sites in BC to identify spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters. We conducted descriptive, retrospective global, and local cluster analyses using Moran's I and scan statistics. Between 2016 and 2022, 265 fish health events were reported. The annual incidence ranged from 5.60 (95% CI: 3.90–7.80) to 6.86 (95% CI: 4.70–9.60) health events per 100 active site‐months. The most common events were yellow mouth (60.75%; 161/265) and salmonid rickettsial septicaemia (SRS) (15.47%; 41/265). The Moran's I index was positive and significant for yellow mouth, SRS, and overall fish health events at different distance bands. Most of the spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters were identified in the west‐central and southwestern parts of Vancouver Island. Our study hypothesizes that management practices, environmental conditions, and water quality parameters may have influenced the increased reporting of fish health events in these regions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of publicly available data for practical risk mapping in understanding the patterns of farmed Atlantic salmon diseases in BC.
The quality of home‐based primary care delivered by nurse practitioners: A national Medicare claims analysis
Authors: Perloff Jennifer , Hoyt Alex , Srinivasan Meera , Alvarez Michelle , Sobul Sam , O'Reilly‐Jacob Monica 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAs the US population ages, there is an increasing demand for home‐based primary care (HBPC) by those with Alzheimer's/dementia, multiple chronic conditions, severe physical limitations, or those facing end‐of life. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly providing HBPC, yet little is known about their quality of care in this unique setting.MethodsThis observational study uses Medicare claims data from 2018 to assess the quality of care for high‐intensity HBPC users (5 or more visits/year) based on provider type (NP‐only, physician (MD)‐only, or both NP and MDs). We employ 12 quality measures from 3 care domains: access and prevention, acute care utilization, and end‐of‐life. Analysis includes bivariate comparisons and logistic regression models that adjust for demographic, clinical, and geographic characteristics.ResultsAmong the 574,567 beneficiaries with 5 or more HBPC visits, 37% saw an NP, 37% saw a MD, and 27% saw both NPs and MDs. In multivariate models, those receiving HBPC from an NP or both NP‐MD are significantly more likely to receive a flu shot than the MD‐only group, but less likely to access preventive care. NP‐only care is associated with more acute care hospitalizations, avoidable ED visits, and fall‐related injuries, but significantly fewer avoidable admissions. For end‐of‐life care, those with NP‐only or both NP‐MD care are significantly more likely to have an advanced directive, be in hospice in the last 3 days of life, and more likely to die in hospice. The NP group is also more likely to die in the next year.ConclusionsHBPC patients are complex, with both palliative and curative needs. NPs provide almost half of HBPC in the Medicare program, to patients who are possibly sicker than those treated by physicians, with similar quality to MDs.
Exosomal miR‐142‐3p from M1‐polarized macrophages suppresses cell growth and immune escape in glioblastoma through regulating HMGB1‐mediated PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint
Authors: Wei Yigong , Zhou Kun , Wang Cheng , Du Xiaolin , Wang Zhengdi , Chen Guangtang , Zhang Huan , Hui Xuhui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most prevalent cancerous brain tumors. Former studies have reported that exosomes derived from M1‐polarized macrophages (M1 exosomes) inhibit tumor occurrence and development through delivery of tumor suppressor genes. Also, microRNA‐142‐3p (miR‐142‐3p) has been verified to function as a tumor suppressor. GBM cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay; cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mechanism investigations were conducted for analyzing the molecular mechanism by which miR‐142‐3p and M1 exosomes affect GBM progression. Upregulation of miR‐142‐3p expression was detected in M1‐polarized macrophages and M1 exosomes. M1 exosomes inhibit GBM cell proliferation and trigger cell apoptosis. Functionally, miR‐142‐3p silencing promotes the proliferation and inhibits the apoptosis of GBM cells treated with M1 exosomes. As for molecular mechanism, miR‐142‐3p inhibits GBM cell growth via targeting high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In addition, miR‐142‐3p/HMGB1 axis affects GBM cell immune escape through modulation of programmed death‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) checkpoint. Our study demonstrated that exosomal miR‐142‐3p from M1‐polarized macrophages suppresses cell growth and immune escape in GBM through regulating HMGB1‐mediated PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint.
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Sex‐dependent differences in the ability of nicotine to modulate discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility in mice
Authors: Aomine Yoshiatsu , Shimo Yuto , Sakurai Koki , Abe Mayuka , Macpherson Tom , Ozawa Takaaki , Hikida Takatoshi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNicotine, an addictive compound found in tobacco, functions as an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. Interestingly, nicotine has been reported to act as a cognitive enhancer in both human subjects and experimental animals. However, its effects in animal studies have not always been consistent, and sex differences have been identified in the effects of nicotine on several behaviors. Specifically, the role that sex plays in modulating the effects of nicotine on discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility in rodents is still unclear. Here, we evaluated sex‐dependent differences in the effect of daily nicotine intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration at various doses (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) on visual discrimination (VD) learning and reversal (VDR) learning in mice. In male mice, 0.5 mg/kg nicotine significantly improved performance in the VDR, but not the VD, task, while 0.5 mg/kg nicotine significantly worsened performance in the VD, but not VDR task in female mice. Furthermore, 0.25 mg/kg nicotine significantly worsened performance in the VD and VDR task only in female mice. Next, to investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie the sex difference in the effects of nicotine on cognition, transcriptomic analyses were performed focusing on the medial prefrontal cortex tissue samples from male and female mice that had received continuous administration of nicotine for 3 or 18 days. As a result of pathway enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis using gene sets of differentially expressed genes, decreased expression of postsynaptic‐related genes in males and increased expression of innate immunity‐related genes in females were identified as possible molecular mechanisms related to sex differences in the effects of nicotine on cognition in discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility. Our result suggests that nicotine modulates cognitive function in a sex‐dependent manner by alternating the expression of specific gene sets in the medial prefrontal cortex.
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Increased food crop diversification and gathering of wild plants associated with women's dietary diversity in Chad
Authors: Mascareñas‐García Marta , Custodio Estefania , Issa Mahamat Garba , Bechir M. , Kayitakire Francois 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWomen of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to low‐quality diets due to their higher micronutrients needs. The minimum dietary diversity for women (MDDW) is a proxy for micronutrient adequacy in this group of women. Its relationship with other aspects that lead to malnutrition is not fully elucidated and depends on the context. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of MDDW among women of a rural area in Chad and its association with socioeconomical, agricultural, dietary and food security data. A cross‐sectional study was conducted. Following a multistage cluster sampling, 984 women of reproductive age were randomly selected and interviewed in March 2019. We obtained food consumption data through unquantified 24 h recalls and computed MDDW as consuming at least five out of 10 predefined food groups. We constructed a Food Production Diversity Score (FPDS) with crop and livestock information. We obtained multivariable logistic regression models including different covariates. MDDW was achieved by only 33% of women in the sample. In our final model, we identified a significant association of MDDW with the FPDS and gathering of wild plants. Women in households with the highest FPDS had 70% more chances of achieving MDDW than those with the lowest FPDS. Gathering wild plants doubled these chances. Areas of cultivated land, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene resources, and a high level of food security, measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, were also significantly related to the achievement of MDDW. This illustrates the importance of nutrition‐sensitive policies, also considering biodiversity and food production diversification.
Automated quantification of crack length and width in asphalt pavements
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Tuo , Miao Yi , Zhang Jiupeng , Torbaghan Mehran Eskandari , He Yinzhang , Dai Jiasheng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRapid, accurate, and fully automated estimation of both length and width of asphalt pavement cracks, essential for achieving a proactive asset management, presents a significant challenge, primarily due to limitations in the effectiveness of automatic image segmentation and the accuracy of crack width and length estimation algorithms. To address this challenge, this paper introduces the Branch Growing (BG) algorithm, specifically designed for crack length estimation in asphalt pavements, along with an optimized OrthoBoundary algorithm tailored for crack width estimation. Leveraging four widely adopted deep learning models for asphalt pavement crack segmentation, four distinct sets of image segmentation results have been produced. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of both crack dimensions estimation algorithms. The findings demonstrate that the integration of the BG algorithm, the optimized OrthoBoundary algorithm, and the fully convolutional network with the HRNet backbone achieve a prediction accuracy of 80.21% for crack length estimation and 84.32% for average width estimation. Moreover, the image processing speed, at a resolution of 3024 × 3024, can be maintained at approximately 5 s, with average width estimation observed to be up to 9.1‐fold faster than the unoptimized OrthoBoundary algorithm. These results signify advancements in automated crack quantification methodologies, with implications for enhancing civil infrastructure maintenance practices.
Specificity of Membrane‐Associated J‐Domain Protein, Caj1, in Amphotericin B Tolerance in Budding Yeast
Authors: Sagarika Preeti , Dobriyal Neha , Deepsika Pakirisamy , Vairagkar Avanti , Das Ankita , Sahi Chandan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTHsp70:J‐domain protein (JDP) machineries play pivotal roles in maintaining cellular proteostasis and governing various aspects of fungal physiology. While Hsp70 is known for its involvement in conferring tolerance to diverse antifungal drugs, the specific contribution of JDPs remains unclear. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of cytosolic JDP deletion strains of budding yeast to amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene antifungal agent widely utilized in fungal disease treatment due to its ability to disrupt the fungal plasma membrane (PM). Deleting Caj1, a PM‐associated class II JDP, heightened susceptibility to AmB, and the protection conferred by Caj1 against AmB necessitated both its N‐terminal J‐domain and C‐terminal lipid binding domain. Moreover, Caj1 deficiency compromised PM integrity as evidenced by increased phosphate efflux and exacerbated AmB sensitivity, particularly at elevated temperatures. Notably, phytosphingosine (PHS) addition as well as overexpression of PMP3, a positive PM integrity regulator, significantly rescued AmB sensitivity of caj1Δ cells. Our results align with the notion that Caj1 associates with the PM and cooperates with Hsp70 to regulate PM proteostasis, thereby influencing PM integrity in budding yeast. Loss of Caj1 function at the PM compromises PM protein quality control, thereby rendering yeast cells more susceptible to AmB.