bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of heuweltjie patch isolation, size, and quality for arthropods in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa
Authors: Davids Liaam , Pryke James S. , Seymour Colleen L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA characteristic feature of Earth's drylands is the patchy nature of the vegetation, often referred to as a two‐phase mosaic landscape, comprised of a homogenous matrix containing distinctive vegetated patches. The latter are considered vital for ecosystem functioning as they provide refuge to biota from unsuitable conditions. Ground‐living (epigeic) and foliage arthropods contribute to dryland biodiversity patterns and processes, but little is known of how their richness, abundance, and composition varies between patches and the matrix in these systems. Throughout the Succulent Karoo, South Africa, such patches (earthen mounds referred to as heuweltjies) are hotspots for both floral and faunal diversity. We investigate how epigeic and foliage‐dwelling arthropod species richness, abundance, and community composition respond to heuweltjie patch characteristics, particularly isolation (distance to nearest neighbor, average distance to nearest neighbor, patch density), size (area), and quality (average plant height, dead plant cover, leaf litter cover, termite frass) during a severe drought. Patch isolation and quality were significantly correlated with arthropod richness, abundance, and community composition. More specifically, average proximity of sampled heuweltjies to other neighboring heuweltjies, termite frass, and vegetation structure (height, leaf litter and dead plant cover) were key determinants for epigeic and foliage‐dwelling arthropods' species richness, abundance, and community composition. The uniqueness of these mounds as landscape features increases niche and microhabitat availability for arthropods. This emphasizes their importance as promoters of landscape heterogeneity and highlight heuweltjies as key to the spatial distribution of arthropod assemblages in the Succulent Karoo.
Utility of Adrenal Vein Sampling With and Without Ultra‐Low Dose ACTH Infusion in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Preston Christopher A. , Yong Eric X. Z. , Marginson Benjamin , Farrell Stephen G. , Sawyer Matthew P. , Hashimura Hikaru , Derbyshire Maresa M. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Sachithanandan Nirupa 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdrenal vein sampling (AVS), integral to identifying surgically remediable unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA), is technically challenging and subject to fluctuations in cortisol and aldosterone secretion. Intra‐procedural adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), conventionally administered as a 250‐μg bolus and/or 50 μg per hour infusion, increases cortisol and aldosterone secretion and can improve AVS success, but may cause discordant lateralisation compared to unstimulated AVS.AimsTo assess if AVS performed with ultra‐low dose ACTH infusion causes discordant lateralisation.MethodsHere, we describe our preliminary experience using an ultra‐low dose ACTH infusion AVS protocol. We retrospectively reviewed the results of consecutive AVS procedures (n = 37) performed with and without ultra‐low dose ACTH (1‐μg bolus followed by 1.25 μg per hour infusion).ResultsBilateral AV cannulation was successful in 70% of procedures pre‐ACTH and 89% post‐ACTH (p < 0.01). Sixty‐nine percent of studies lateralised pre‐ACTH and 55% post‐ACTH, improving to 79% when both groups were combined. Lateralisation was discordant in 11 cases, including eight in which lateralisation was present only on basal sampling, and three in which lateralisation occurred only with ACTH stimulation.DiscussionOverall, the decrease in lateralisation rates with ACTH was higher than previously reported for some protocols utilising conventional doses of ACTH. Our results suggest that AVS performed with ultra‐low dose ACTH can cause discordant lateralisation similar to AVS performed with conventional doses of ACTH.ConclusionProspective studies directly comparing low and conventional dose ACTH AVS protocols and long‐term patient outcomes are needed to help define the optimal ACTH dose for accurate PA subtyping.
Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in opium users by strain echocardiography
Authors: Mohammadi Khadije , Habibi‐Khorasani Shirin , Nasri Hamidreza , Toudeshki Kimia Karimi , Mirtajaddini Marzieh , Davari Nazanin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsHeart failure is known as a health problem in the world due to its mortality and burdens on the health care system. Studies remain controversial about the effect of opium usage on systolic heart function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare systolic left ventricular function in opium users with non‐addict people by strain echocardiography and its association with serum apelin level.MethodsThis case–control study was conducted in 2022 at Shafa Hospital in Kerman, Iran, on 50 opium users who referred to the addiction treatment centres and had no history of other substance usage. The addiction is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) and a history of opium consumption for at least 3 years. Fifty healthy people (non‐opium users) who were matched in terms of age and sex were enrolled as a control group. Demographic information of the participants, including age, gender and amount of opium usage, was recorded by questionnaire. Citrated blood samples were taken from all participants in the study, and serum apelin was measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. They underwent transthoracic echocardiography by an expert cardiologist using the same device (Philips Affiniti 50). Echocardiographic systolic parameters have been recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsIn this study, 100 participants, including 50 opium users and 50 non‐opium users (as a control group), were investigated. The mean age was 36.4 ± 5.08 in the opium users' group and 34.14 ± 7.2 in the control group. As both groups were matched, there were 8 (16%) women and 42 (84%) men in each of the two groups. The mean amount of ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were significantly lower in opium users than in the control group (P < 0.001). The results also demonstrated that the serum level of apelin in the addicted persons was lower when compared with the non‐addicted persons (3.4 vs. 9.7; P < 0.001).ConclusionsEvaluation of systolic left ventricular function in opium users by strain echocardiography showed that opium affects the systolic function of the heart, as observed by a significant reduction in EF and GLS. So opium usage can be considered a risk factor for heart failure and needs more attention in preventive cardiology.
Association between caseload volume and outcomes in left ventricular assist device implantations – a EUROMACS analysis
Authors: Mihalj Maks , Reineke David , Just Isabell A. , Mulzer Johanna , Cholevas Nikolaos , Hoermandinger Christoph , Veen Kevin , Luedi Markus M , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Potapov Evgenij , Gummert Jan F. , Mohacsi Paul , Hagl Christian , Faerber Gloria , Zimpfer Daniel , de By Theo M.M.H. , Meyns Bart , Gustafsson Finn , Hunziker Lukas , Siepe Matthias , Schober Patrick , Schoenrath Felix 
Published: August 2024

AimsThis EUROMACS study was conducted with the primary aim of investigating the association between a centre's annual caseload and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.Methods and resultsA total of 4802 patients identified between 2011 and 2020 from 35 participating centres were dichotomized based on the annual caseload of the treating centre at the time of device implant (≤30 vs. >30 LVAD implantations/year). The primary endpoint was 1‐year survival. Secondary outcomes included overall survival analysis, device‐related adverse events and readmissions. Cumulative follow‐up was 10 003 patient‐years, with a median follow‐up of 1.54 years (interquartile range 0.52–3.15). Patients from higher volume centres more frequently presented in INTERMACS levels 1 and 2, suffered from right heart dysfunction and needed inotropic support. No difference was observed in adjusted 1‐year survival. Adjusted overall survival probability was lower in higher volume centres (p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis of HeartMate 3 devices only, higher volume centres were associated with decreased odds of 1‐year survival (adjusted odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.97, p = 0.041). Similar findings were observed in the cumulative (i.e. learning curve) caseload analyses.ConclusionIn patients undergoing LVAD implantation, centre volume was not associated with 1‐year survival, but was related to device‐related adverse events. Patient profiles differed with respect to centre size. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing quality improvement initiatives in all centres, regardless of their annual caseload. Efforts are needed to standardize patient selection and preconditioning to further improve patient outcome.
AI‐smartphone markerless motion capturing of hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics during countermovement jumps
Authors: Barzyk Philipp , Zimmermann Philip , Stein Manuel , Keim Daniel , Gruber Markus 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRecently, AI‐driven skeleton reconstruction tools that use multistage computer vision pipelines were designed to estimate 3D kinematics from 2D video sequences. In the present study, we validated a novel markerless, smartphone video‐based artificial intelligence (AI) motion capture system for hip, knee, and ankle angles during countermovement jumps (CMJs). Eleven participants performed six CMJs. We used 2D videos created by a smartphone (Apple iPhone X, 4K, 60 fps) to create 24 different keypoints, which together built a full skeleton including joints and their connections. Body parts and skeletal keypoints were localized by calculating confidence maps using a multilevel convolutional neural network that integrated both spatial and temporal features. We calculated hip, knee, and ankle angles in the sagittal plane and compared it with the angles measured by a VICON system. We calculated the correlation between both method's angular progressions, mean squared error (MSE), mean average error (MAE), and the maximum and minimum angular error and run statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for hip, knee, and ankle angular progressions in the sagittal plane during the entire movement were 0.96, 0.99, and 0.87, respectively. SPM group‐analysis revealed some significant differences only for ankle angular progression. MSE was below 5.7°, MAE was below 4.5°, and error for maximum amplitudes was below 3.2°. The smartphone AI motion capture system with the trained multistage computer vision pipeline was able to detect, especially hip and knee angles in the sagittal plane during CMJs with high precision from a frontal view only.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticle‐Based Polymer (Acrylamide‐N‐Vinyl imidazole)/Nafion Film Modified Screen‐Printed Electrode System for Rapid Determination of Hemoglobin
Authors: Özçelik Hilal , Yaşar Esra , Güner Timuçin , Dokuzparmak Emre , Şarkaya Koray , Akgöl Sinan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn medical diagnostics, variations in hemoglobin levels can reveal a variety of prevalent health conditions. Abnormal hemoglobin is known to be connected with diseases like anemia, diabetes, hematemesis, hematuria, and hemoglobinuria. Consequently, there is a significant demand for advanced detection technologies and precise methodologies to accurately track and assess hemoglobin levels. This study demonstrates the potential of a novel molecularly imprinted nanoparticle‐based sensor system to rapidly analyze hemoglobin levels without the need for a laboratory environment. Hemoglobin imprinted‐poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl imidazole) [Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)] nanoparticles with high affinity and selectivity for hemoglobin were synthesized and loaded onto the surface of a screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with a nafion nanofilm. Nafion has selective ion exchange properties and allows for the enhancement of the electrochemical signal. An increase in signal was observed in the presence of 0.5% Nafion. The Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system was employed as the sensor surface for the detection of hemoglobin levels in blood. The Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. The linear working range for hemoglobin was observed to be 0.73–15.54 μM (R2: 0.9934), with a calculated limit of detection (LoD) value of 0.24 μM (3.3 S/N). The sensor system exhibited high efficiency at the biological pH value of 7.4. Furthermore, percent recovery values for hemoglobin in blood samples were observed to be between 90.34% and 103.68%. To determine the selectivity of the Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE electrode system, the current values of the system were investigated in the presence of ascorbic acid, cysteine, glucose, and IgG. The system exhibited high selectivity. Based on the data obtained, it is evident that the Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system can detect hemoglobin in biological environments and has the potential for use in disease monitoring systems.
Investigating palaeodune orientations and contemporary wind regimes in Southeast Kazakhstan using a semi‐automated mapping framework
Authors: Nowatzki Maike , Fitzsimmons Kathryn E. , Harder Hartwig , Rosner Hans‐Joachim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Ili‐Balkhash region in southeastern Kazakhstan hosts morphologically diverse dormant desert dune fields and presents an interesting opportunity for geomorphological and palaeoenvironmental studies. Because the morphology of aeolian dunes is primarily driven by wind dynamics, the dormant dunes in the study area may reflect past wind conditions. We assess their concurrence with modern ERA5 wind data to test whether there has been a change in wind regime since the dunes' last phase of activity. Our approach includes dune mapping, the quantification of dune orientations, the modelling of modern bedform orientations, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating for temporal context. The centrepiece of our methodological contribution is a novel semi‐automated mapping workflow using geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) and machine learning (ML) on Sentinel‐2 satellite imagery. Within the scope of a case study, we map dune fields in the Ili‐Balkhash region and quantify dune orientations. We further apply the maximum gross bedform‐normal transport (MGBNT) concept to model bedform orientations matching modern wind regimes for each of the sites. We find that strong winds show better alignment with observed dune orientations than wind regimes comprising all wind speeds. Furthermore, bedform orientations in some of our study sites, namely those that are located in the open plain southeast of Lake Balkhash, do not reflect modern winds. The divergence between dune orientations and wind regime suggests changes in local wind dynamics since the dune fields' last phase of activity.
The effect of psyllium consumption on blood pressure: Systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gholami Zeinab , Paknahad Zamzam 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBased on available evidence, psyllium has been found to play a role in preventing and improving hypertension. In light of this, the objective of this investigation is to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effect of psyllium intake on blood pressure. In order to identify suitable publications, we conduct searches using Scopus, ISI Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed, and from 15 March 2022 to 15 July 2022. This study aims to evaluate the impact of psyllium consumption on blood pressure in adults through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used the fixed‐effects model which are expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In this article, 14 RCT studies and 802 participants were included. Psyllium consumption significantly decreases systolic blood pressure (SBP): (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −2.24; 95% CI: −3.13, −1.35; p < .05), and non‐significantly increases diastolic blood pressure (DBP): (WMD: 0.04; 95% CI: −0.52, 0.61; p > .05). Psyllium dosage and duration of consumption had a remarkable linear effect on SBP and DBP. Results showed a significant decrease in SBP and a non‐significant increase in DBP following psyllium consumption.
Visual pathology reports for improved collaboration at multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board
Authors: Fassler Carly , Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Aweeda Marina , Rezk Julie , Murphy Barbara , Lockney Natalie A. , Whitaker Ryan , Rigsby Ryan , Aulino Joseph , Hosokawa Emily , Mehrad Mitra , Ely Kim , Lewis James S. , Derman Evan , LaHood Ed , Rohde Sarah L. , Sinard Robert J. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Topf Michael C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurposeMultidisciplinary tumor boards (TB) are the standard for discussing complex head and neck cancer cases. During TB, imaging and microscopic pathology is reviewed, but there is typically no visualization of the resected cancer.MethodsA pilot study was conducted to investigate the utility of visual pathology reports at weekly TB for 10 consecutive weeks. Faculty‐level participants completed a pre‐survey and post‐survey to assess understanding of resected cancer specimens.ResultsProviders (n = 25) across seven medical specialties completed pre‐survey and post‐survey. Following intervention, providers reported significant improvement in understanding of anatomic orientation of the specimen and sites of margin sampling (mean 47.4–96.1, p < 0.001), ability to locate the site of a positive margin (mean 69.5–91.1, p < 0.001), and confidence in treatment plans created (mean 69.5–89.2, p < 0.001) with the addition of visual pathology reports.ConclusionsVisual pathology reports improve provider understanding of resected cancer specimens at multidisciplinary TB.
Mental disorders during pregnancy and postpartum in Bangladesh: A narrative review
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yasir , Rajkumar Ravi Philip 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsBangladesh has made significant progress in declining maternal mortality in recent decades. However, the available evidence on the various maternal mental disorders in the country has not been comprehensively and critically reviewed to date. This narrative review aimed to assess the mental disorders and associated factors during pregnancy and postpartum in Bangladesh.MethodsA thorough search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google, Google Scholar, and BanglaJOL with search terms at the end of January 2024 to identify the original articles published on psychiatric morbidities during pregnancy and postpartum.ResultsThis review included 28 empirical studies published between 2007 and 2023 with a sample size ranging from 100 to 39,434. Two studies were published before 2010, 16 studies were published between 2011 and 2020, and 10 studies were published between 2021 and 2023. No countrywide study was noted, the Bangla Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS‐B) was used in 57% of studies, suicidal behavior was assessed in three studies, postpartum depression (PPD) was featured in 16 studies, and three qualitative studies were noted. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 9% to 51.7%. About 46% of mothers had positive scores for common mental disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders was 14.2%; among them mood disorders were present at 6.1% and psychoses were noted at 4.5%.ConclusionsThere are wide variations in the prevalence of maternal mental disorders in Bangladesh from study to study; a lower prevalence was noted when diagnostic tools were used even though no nationwide study with confirmatory diagnostic tools was noted. Studies with nationwide distribution and diagnostic tools are warranted to understand the problem precisely.
Effects of Photobiomodulation Application on Glutathione‐Related Antioxidant Defense System in Rabbit Eye Tissues
Authors: Ozcan Mehmet , Burus Ayse , Boynuyogun Etkin , Calis Mert , Ozgur Figen , Bayazit Yasemin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhotobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a potentially effective therapeutic approach to modulate cellular functions. This study aimed to examine the impact of PBM on reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and glutathione‐related antioxidant defense systems in rabbit eye tissues. A polychromatic light source with an intensity of 2.6 J/cm2/min was used for PBM treatment in New Zealand White rabbits for 12 min. The PBM group (n = 8) received treatments every 2 days for a total of 12 sessions, whereas the control group (n = 8) did not undergo any PBM light exposure during the same period. The application of PBM significantly elevated ROS‐mediated glutathione levels, along with increased activities of glutathione peroxidase and reductase, particularly in corneal tissue (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, PBM treatment effectively enhances antioxidant defense mechanisms in the eye, particularly in corneal tissue, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for managing oxidative stress‐related ocular conditions.
The trajectory of vesicular proteomic signatures from HBV‐HCC by chitosan‐magnetic bead‐based separation and DIA‐proteomic analysis
Authors: Cao Lin , Zhou Yue , Lin Shuai , Yang Chunyan , Guan Zixuan , Li Xiaofan , Yang Shujie , Gao Tong , Zhao Jiazhen , Fan Ning , Song Yanan , Li Dongmin , Li Xiang , Li Zhuo , Guan Feng , Tan Zengqi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary liver cancer often associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB) and liver cirrhosis (LC), underscoring the critical need for biomarker discovery to improve patient outcomes. Emerging as a promising avenue for biomarker development, proteomic technology leveraging liquid biopsy from small extracellular vesicles (sEV) offers new insights. Here, we evaluated various methods for sEV isolation and identified polysaccharide chitosan (CS) as an optimal approach. Subsequently, we employed optimized CS‐based magnetic beads (Mag‐CS) for sEV separation from serum samples of healthy controls, CHB, LC, and HBV‐HCC patients. Leveraging data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometry coupled with machine learning, we uncovered potential vesicular protein biomarker signatures (KNG1, F11, KLKB1, CAPNS1, CDH1, CPN2, NME2) capable of distinguishing HBV‐HCC from CHB, LC, and non‐HCC conditions. Collectively, our findings highlight the utility of Mag‐CS‐based sEV isolation for identifying early detection biomarkers in HBV‐HCC.