bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelled Vegetation Structure and Abundance Confirms African Savannah Elephant‐Induced Damage Across Space in a Dry Protected Area With Diverse Vegetation
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven , Ngorima Patmore 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is an ecosystem engineer essential in determining the structure and vegetation abundance in mesic dry protected areas such as the Mana Pools National Park (MNP) in Zimbabwe. Understanding the interactions between elephants and vegetation structure is essential for effective conservation and management of savannah ecosystems. Conservation efforts often aim to balance elephant populations with the carrying capacity of their habitats to ensure the sustainability of both flora and fauna within protected areas. Therefore understanding how African savannah elephants influence vegetation structure, abundance and damage is critical for adaptive ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in mesic savannah ecosystems. This study assessed: (i) vegetation structure, (ii) abundance and (iii) evidence of elephant‐induced vegetation damage near a distance gradient to water points in MNP. A generalised linear model (GLM) was used to investigate the relationship between vegetation aspects that is structure, abundance and evidence of damage with distance from water sources. In the mesic protected MNP where African savannah elephants predominate, the modelled vegetation shape, abundance and damage exhibit spatial differences on a distant gradient towards water sources (χ2, p < 0.05). There is need for implementation of comparably, less costly, homogenous conservation measures for African savannah elephants across the artificial water pans in the MNP.
Effect of antidepressants on ejaculation dysfunction in patients with depression and anxiety: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qihua , Xu Zhunan , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionAntidepressants may lead to a series of sexual adverse effects (SAEs), among which ejaculation dysfunction (EjD) is often overlooked by clinicians. The purpose of the present network meta‐analysis was to assist drug adjustment by comparing and ranking the incidence of EjD among various antidepressants.MethodsRelevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other additional records. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the rate of EjD in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder after taking anti‐depressants. The incidences of EjD, erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased libido (DL), adverse events (AE), withdrawal due to adverse events (WDAE) and withdrawal due to lack of efficacy (WDLE) were pooled using odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The values of surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) helped to rank the risk of each outcome in different antidepressants.ResultsThirty RCTs comprising 18,157 patients were included. Results of all node‐splitting analysis demonstrated no statistical inconsistency (all P > 0.05). Clomipramine (OR 42.11, 95% CI [9.90, 179.08]), WS5570 (OR 28.99, 95% CI [1.48, 568.97]) and paroxetine (OR 18.63, 95% CI [9.33, 37.23]) had significant risk of EjD comparing to placebo. Additionally, duloxetine (OR 7.37, 95% CI [2.61, 20.78]), clomipramine (OR 5.29, 95% CI [1.72, 16.25]), paroxetine (OR 3.75, 95% CI [1.37, 10.26]) and escitalopram (OR 3.04, 95% CI [1.20, 7.71]) presented higher risk of ED comparing to placebo. Agomelatine, levomilnacipran, vortioxetine, trazodone, vilazodone, fluvoxamine and imipramine exhibited similar incidence of EjD with placebo (all P > 0.05). Besides, trazodone, vilazodone and vortioxetine had the top‐five SUCRA values in each of SAEs (EjD, ED and DL), and agomelatine might be alternative in EjD and DL. Considering about AE, WDAE and WDLE, vilazodone appeared to offer more satisfactory performance across all these aspects.ConclusionsFor patients undergoing SAEs following the administration of antidepressants, trazodone, vortioxetine, vilazodone and agomelatine are alternative antidepressants.
What If You Mobilize Effectively and Still Do Not Win? Reclaiming a Relational Understanding of Strike Outcomes and Employer Power Resources
Authors: Kallas John 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, the author draws on a comparison of two strikes by US healthcare workers to examine power resources and strike effectiveness. Unions mobilized a range of power resources in each case yet achieved different outcomes. The author argues that variation in bargaining power, particularly employer power resources, rather than union strategy, explains divergent strike outcomes. The author advances a relational understanding of power resources by explaining how employer resources and strategies shape labour's resources and strategies to produce outcomes for workers and their organizations.
Human monocyte‐derived microglia‐like (iMG) cells: A tool to explore microglial dynamics
Authors: Kyuragi Sota , Inamine Shogo , Ohgidani Masahiro , Kato Takahiro A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRecent studies have highlighted the importance of microglia as key immunomodulators in a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases. Postmortem brain analysis and positron emission tomography are representative research approaches to assess microglial activation in human patients and this research has revealed microglial activation in the brains of patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, only limited aspects of microglial activation can be assessed with these methods. To overcome the technical and ethical limitations of collecting human‐derived microglia in brain biopsies, we first developed a method to generate directly induced microglia‐like (iMG) cells from fresh human peripheral blood monocytes in 2014. These iMG cells can be used to perform dynamic morphological and molecular analyses regarding phagocytic capacity and cytokine release following stress stimulation at the cellular level. Patient‐derived iMG cells can potentially serve as an important surrogate marker for estimating microglial activation in the human brain, and may provide previously unknown insights into the dynamic pathophysiology of microglia in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, the iMG‐based technology could be used as a valuable reverse translational tool and provide new insights into the dynamic molecular pathophysiology of microglia in a wide variety of psychiatric and physical disorders.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist‐based agents and weight loss composition: Filling the gaps
Authors: Dubin Robert L. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Ravussin Eric , Greenway Frank L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractExcess adiposity is at the root of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) have emerged as first‐line treatments for T2D based on significant weight loss results. The composition of weight loss using most diets consists of <25% fat‐free mass (FFM) loss, with the remainder from fat stores. Higher amounts of weight loss (achieved with metabolic bariatric surgery) result in greater reductions in FFM. Our aim was to assess the impact that GLP‐1RA‐based treatments have on FFM. We analysed studies that reported changes in FFM with the following agents: exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, and the dual incretin receptor agonist tirzepatide. We performed an analysis of various weight loss interventions to provide a reference for expected changes in FFM. We evaluated studies using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for measuring FFM (a crude surrogate for skeletal muscle). In evaluating the composition of weight loss, the percentage lost as fat‐free mass (%FFML) was equal to ΔFFM/total weight change. The %FFML using GLP‐1RA‐based agents was between 20% and 40%. In the 28 clinical trials evaluated, the proportion of FFM loss was highly variable, but the majority reported %FFML exceeding 25%. Our review was limited to small substudies and the use of DXA, which does not measure skeletal muscle mass directly. Since FFM contains a variable amount of muscle (approximately 55%), this indirect measure may explain the heterogeneity in the data. Assessing quantity and quality of skeletal muscle using advanced imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) with functional testing will help fill the gaps in our current understanding.
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on glycated haemoglobin and continuous glucose monitoring metrics as adjunctive therapy to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Karakasis Paschalis , Koufakis Theocharis , Patoulias Dimitrios , Barkas Fotios , Klisic Aleksandra , Mitrovic Milena , Doumas Michael , Papanas Nikolaos , Popovic Djordje S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsTo conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted through Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to 27 May 2024. Dual‐independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Results were summarized using random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsSix RCTs were identified, involving a total of 378 individuals with T1D. The use of GLP‐1RAs in addition to standard insulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean difference [MD] −0.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.36 to −0.06; p = 0.007) and a similar time in range (TIR) compared to placebo (MD −0.22%, 95% CI −2.39 to 1.95; p = 0.84). GLP‐1RA therapy resulted in a significantly higher time below range (MD 1.13%, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.76; p < 0.001) and a lower time above range compared with placebo (MD −1.83%, 95% CI −2.51 to −1.15; p < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were noted for the secondary outcomes, including the mean amplitude of glucose excursion, continuous overall net glycaemic action for 60 min, mean daily glucose, coefficient of variation, and mean standard deviation of weekly glucose levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest that, in individuals with T1D, add‐on therapy with GLP‐1RAs does not confer significant benefits in terms of CGM metrics and is associated with a longer time below the target glycaemic range.
Left Ventricular Geometric Pattern Impacts QT Dispersion in Males Athletes and Sedentary Men
Authors: Stojanović Emilija , Scanlan Aaron , Jakovljević Vladimir , Stoičkov Viktor , Radovanović Dragan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo (1) compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic features between athletes with concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy, and sedentary controls with a normal LV geometric pattern and (2) quantify associations between QTd and echocardiographic features within these groups.MethodsMale athletes competing in different sports and sedentary men were stratified into groups according to their LV geometric pattern. These groups included eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, relative wall thickness [RWT] < 0.42) consisting of 38 athletes, concentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, RWT > 0.42) consisting of 40 athletes, and normal LV geometric pattern (LV index < 115 g/m2, RWT < 0.42) consisting of 40 sedentary controls. Following a cross‐sectional design, participants underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic screening. Data were compared between groups using one‐way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Associations between corrected QTd and echocardiographic variables were quantified using Pearson correlations.ResultsAlongside structural disparities between groups, corrected QTd was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy compared to athletes with concentric LV hypertrophy and sedentary controls. Significant, moderate‐to‐very‐large correlations were found between corrected QTd and interventricular septal wall thickness in athletes with concentric (r = 0.416, p = 0.008) or eccentric LV hypertrophy (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and sedentary controls (r = 0.464, p = 0.003).ConclusionThe provided comparative and relationship data may inform the development of more precise approaches for ECG and echocardiographic screening in athletes, particularly in those with concentric LV hypertrophy who may be at greater risk for developing prolonged QTd.
Lung damage in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients: An autopsy study in the era of vaccination
Authors: Bussani Rossana , Porcari Aldostefano , Pinamonti Maurizio , Iacobucci Anthea , Belladonna Eleonora , Tomasini Ariella , Zanconati Fabrizio , Collesi Chiara , Giacca Mauro , Berlot Giorgio , Sinagra Gianfranco , Silvestri Furio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsThe contribution of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on lung damage and the effect of vaccination on either containing the number of deaths or mitigating lung damage has not been systematically investigated.MethodsPost‐mortem analysis was performed among consecutive in‐patients with COVID‐19 deceased in the Province of Trieste (2020–2022). The outcomes of the study were (i) rates of in‐hospital mortality, (ii) contribution of COVID‐19 to death, (iii) histological extent of lung injury and (iv) impact of vaccination.ResultsA total of 1038 consecutive hospitalized patients who died with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were autopsied and deep histological analysis of the lungs was performed in a randomly selected sample of 508 cases. Among them, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was (a) the cause of death (n = 90), (b) contributing to death (n = 304) and (c) an accompanying feature (n = 114). The incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as the primary cause of mortality decreased over time (23.8% in 2020, 20.9% in 2021 and 7.9% in 2022). On multivariable analysis, vaccination (any dose) was independently associated with lower rates of death related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (HR .15, p < .001), after adjusting for other independent predictors. A total of 172 patients were vaccinated at least with two doses at the time of death: 93% triple‐vaccinated, 7% double‐vaccinated. On histological analysis, vaccinated patients had a greater frequency of pneumonia severity score 0 and 1 (20.3% vs. 5.4% and 20.9% vs. 7.7%, p < .001, respectively), and a substantially lower proportion of pneumonia severity score 3 (26.2% vs. 55.1%, p < .001) compared to unvaccinated patients.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 vaccination has substantially reduced rates of death related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection over time and may have the ability to mitigate lung damage.
33P‐isotope labelling ammonium phosphate fertilizers reveals majority of early growth maize phosphorus is soil‐derived
Authors: Chatterjee Neha , Li Chongyang , Margenot Andrew J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn soils managed to have adequate to high Mehlich‐3 phosphorus (P) concentrations throughout the US Maize Belt, the majority of crop P is soil‐derived. Struvite, a low water solubility ammonium phosphate fertilizer, may be therefore substituted for relatively high water‐soluble monoammonium phosphate (MAP) without adversely impacting maize (Zea mays L.) P uptake and growth, while minimizing fertilizer P loss risk. We determined the relative contribution of struvite and MAP to maize P uptake and soil solution P in soils representative of the US Maize Belt by radiolabelling fertilizers with 33P. We found 8% (struvite) to 22% (MAP) of early‐to‐mid vegetative growth stage (V7) maize P was fertilizer‐derived, and thus, 78%–92% was soil‐derived. Despite similar aboveground P uptake and maize growth, maize P use efficiency (PUE) determined directly by 33P was <5% for MAP (4.9%) and struvite (1.9%) indicating that in soils with adequate to high crop‐available P, early season fertilizer PUE is relatively low. If prorated to harvest stage, in‐season PUE was estimated to be 8% for struvite and 20% for MAP. MAP and struvite did not differ in relative contributions to water‐extractable P, a proxy for P loss risk, potentially reflecting lag effects in struvite P dissolution and/or the relatively fine particle size of synthesized fertilizers (<0.1 mm diameter). Since maize aboveground biomass and P uptake were similar for both struvite and MAP, struvite could be an effective P fertilizer for soils with adequate to high Mehlich‐3 P concentrations common across the US Maize Belt.
Association between atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Pi Yunze , Xu Jiwei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) and prurigo nodularis (PN) are chronic dermatological conditions marked by severe itching and the presence of eczematous lesions such as papules and nodules. Both diseases can pose significant physical and psychological harm, leading to poor quality of life. Notably, AD and PN were clinically linked in the past, with suggestions by researchers that PN might be a distinct clinical phenotype of AD. However, the extent of their relationship had not been fully quantified until our recent investigations. Through a meticulous systematic review and meta‐analysis adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we extensively searched databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, up to February 18, 2024. Our random effects meta‐analysis presented a strikingly increased risk of AD in patients suffering from PN as opposed to control groups (pooled unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 16.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.13–46.31; I2 = 100%). Correspondingly, an elevated prevalence of PN was identified in subjects with AD (2.00%; 95% CI, 1.62–2.37%). These findings underscore the close association between AD and PN, suggesting a multifaceted overlap and potential bi‐directionality in developing these skin conditions. However, further comprehensive studies are essential to validate these associations and understand their precise clinical implications, with the ultimate goal of refining patient management strategies.
Social insurance for gig workers: Insights from a discrete choice experiment in Malaysia
Authors: Ghorpade Yashodhan , Rahman Amanina Abdur , Jasmin Alyssa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe rise of “gig” work globally has led to both enthusiasm for its potential to create lucrative employment for a large number of workers, as well as concerns about its implications for social protection. Even where social insurance systems allow for voluntary coverage, take‐up among gig workers has remained low, leaving them unprotected against a range of risks. Looking at the Malaysian labour market, this article investigates whether the low take‐up of social security coverage among gig workers can be explained by the inability or unwillingness of these workers to make the necessary social insurance contributions? We deploy a novel vignette‐based experiment to ascertain gig workers’ willingness to pay for social insurance coverage. We find a large unmet need for social insurance among gig workers, as well as a high level of willingness to pay for unemployment insurance, retirement savings, and work‐related injury insurance. Our analysis suggests that gig workers could benefit more from better tailored, more flexible, and more easily accessible instruments for social insurance, rather than from subsidies or matching contributions alone. We also find evidence of substitution between distinct insurance instruments; those gig workers with access to retirement savings are less willing to pay for unemployment insurance, and those with private medical insurance are less likely to contribute to the public work‐related injury insurance programme. This underlines the need to consider a wider range of insurance instruments for gig workers, including those offered by the private sector.
Reforming the Dutch pension system to ensure sustainability
Authors: Westerhout Ed , Ponds Eduard , Zwaneveld Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Netherlands is on the brink of reforming its system of occupational pensions as part of a more general reform of its three‐pillar pension system. This reform features important changes to first pillar pension benefits. The focus of this article is however on the coming reform of occupational pensions, the second pillar of the system, which concerns both pension contributions and benefits. This reform is related to a series of reforms that have gradually transformed the pension contract that was dominant 20 years ago, a final salary defined benefit contract, into a collective defined contribution contract. We argue that these reforms are a response to changes in the external environment, such as population ageing and a secular decline of interest rates. The coming reform responds to the call for a pension scheme that is more individualistic, more closely connected to the labour market, and which does not share interest rate risks between generations. The New Pension Contract remains in part collective, since the assets of participants are invested collectively, and a mandatory solidarity fund can be used for intergenerational risk sharing.
Bacterial mediastinitis following heart transplantation. Successful treatment in three cases by open debridement, closed irrigation and drainage
Authors: Geiran Odd , Lindberg Harald , Øvrum Elvind , Freysaker Tor 
Published: September 2024

Following heart transplantation, 3 out of 43 patients developed bacterial mediastinitis. Resternotomy with debridement, primary closure and postoperative irrigation and drainage were performed in these cases. Drainage was continued until bacterial growth from the drainage fluid subsided 8‐10 d after surgery. Additional systemic antibiotics were given intravenously and later orally, until all signs of infection had cleared. No further major surgery was necessary in spite of continued routine immunosuppression with cyclosporin A, azathioprine and low dose prednisolone. Endomyocardial transvenous biopsies and treatment of acute rejection were performed according to the protocol. The patients are alive and well 8‐17 months after cardiac transplantation.
Effect of sensitization on primary cadaveric renal allograft survival following deliberate unrelated blood transfusions
Authors: Martin Susan , Dyer Philip A. , Manos John , Gokal Ram , Mallick Netar P. , Bakran All , Johnson Robert W. G. 
Published: September 2024

One‐hundred‐and‐forty‐seven patients entered a program of planned transfusions prior to renal transplantation. Panel reactive lymphocytotoxic antibodies (PRA) were produced by 28 (19%) of the patients but in only 7 (4.8%) did the antibodies react with more than 10% of the panel cells (n = 40). Eighty‐seven patients were transplanted, of whom 20.7% had been sensitized following their transfusions. Of those not yet transplanted, 16.7% are sensitized. The mean waiting time for those patients who have been transplanted was 9.9 months and for those still waiting is 16.6 months. Waiting times were not influenced by sensitization. Actuarial graft survival is the same in the groups that did and did not have PRA pretransplant (77.8% and 76.4% at 1 year, respectively). Of the 64 patients who were unsensitized pretransplant, 16 (25%) did and 48 (75%) did not produce PRA posttransplant: their actuarial graft survivals at 1 yr are 62.5% and 85%, respectively (p = 0.04). We conclude that good graft survival is achieved following planned transfusions; posttransfusion sensitization is low and does not prevent patients from receiving a transplant nor adversely affect subsequent graft survival. Conversely, the production of PRA posttransplant is related to significantly poorer graft outcome.