bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pine trees structure plant biodiversity patterns in savannas
Authors: Crandall Raelene M. , Chew Yingen M. , Fill Jennifer M. , Kreye Jesse K. , Varner J. Morgan , Kobziar Leda N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOverstory trees serve multiple functions in grassy savannas. Past research has shown that understory species can vary along gradients of canopy cover and basal area in savannas. This variation is frequently associated with light availability but could also be related to other mechanisms, such as heterogeneity in soil and litter depth and fire intensity. Several savanna studies have found differences in understory plant functional groups within the local environment near trees versus away from them in canopy openings. Although small‐scale variation is known to be high in southeastern U.S. pine savannas, patterns in understory species diversity have not been examined at the scale of individual overstory pine trees in this system. We conducted an observational study of the relationship between understory plant communities and proximity to individual pine trees in xeric and mesic pine savannas in frequently burned sites (1–3 year intervals). We recorded the plant community composition in plots adjacent to tree boles (basal) or outside crown driplines (open). Within each environment, raw species richness was significantly greater in open locations, where light transmittance was greater. In contrast, rarified species richness did not differ. Multivariate analyses showed that community composition differed significantly between basal and open plots. One native, woody species in each environment, Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small in mesic and Diospyros virginiana L. in xeric, was more abundant in basal plots. In mesic environments, eight species had greater occurrence in open plots. In xeric environments, four understory forbs were more abundant in open plots. Our results support previous research indicating that individual pine trees are associated with significant variation in understory vegetation in pine savannas.
Trade‐offs in habitat use and occupancy of bats across the gradient of urbanization and seasons
Authors: Dwyer Jessie M. , Moore Marianne S. , Lewis Jesse S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUrbanization that occurs across a gradient from low‐ to high‐density development, is a primary driver of landscape change that can affect biodiversity. Animals balance trade‐offs in obtaining resources and avoiding anthropogenic disturbances across the gradient of urbanization to maximize their fitness. However, additional research is necessary to understand seasonal variations in how animals respond to urbanization, particularly in arid regions, where resource availability shifts drastically across seasons. Our objective was to evaluate the response of a suite of bat species to urbanization and whether species shift their response to urbanization across seasons. We predicted that the response of bats to urbanization would differ among species, with some species being more sensitive to urbanization than others. We also predicted that bat species would increase the use of moderate and highly urbanized areas in the summer season where food and water resources were assumed to be greater compared with wildland areas. To evaluate these predictions, we used a stratified random sampling design to sample 50 sites with stationary acoustic bat monitors across the gradient of urbanization in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, USA during four seasons. We identified a total of 14 bat species during 1000 survey nights. Consistent with predictions, bat species exhibited different responses to urbanization, with most species exhibiting a negative relationship with urbanization, and some species exhibiting a quadratic or positive relationship with urbanization. Counter to predictions, most species did not appear to shift their response to urbanization across seasons. Consistent with predictions, plant productivity and water were important for some species in the summer season. Differences in the response of bat species to urbanization was likely related to species traits (e.g., wing morphology and echolocation call characteristics) and behavioral strategies that influence a species' sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbances and ability to access available resources in urbanized areas. Ultimately, to promote the management and conservation of bats, it is likely important to maintain resources in urbanized areas for bats that are more tolerant of urbanization and to conserve areas of undeveloped high‐quality habitat with low anthropogenic disturbance in wildland areas for bats that are sensitive to urbanization.
Obesity paradox in patients with reduced ejection fraction eligible for device implantation – an observational study
Authors: Merkel Eperke D. , Behon Anett , Masszi Richard , Schwertner Walter R. , Kuthi Luca , Veres Boglárka , Osztheimer István , Papp Roland , Molnár Levente , Zima Endre , Gellér László , Kosztin Annamária , Merkely Béla 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsPatients with obesity have an overall higher cardiovascular risk, at the same time obesity could be associated with a better outcome in a certain subgroup of patients, a phenomenon known as the obesity paradox. Data are scarce in candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and all‐cause mortality in patients eligible for CRT.MethodsAltogether 1,585 patients underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2000–2020 and were categorized based on their BMI, 459 (29%) patients with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), 641 (40%) patients with overweight (BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2) and 485 (31%) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality, heart transplantation, and left ventricular assist device implantation. We assessed periprocedural complications and 6‐month echocardiographic response.ResultsNormal‐weight patients were older compared to patients with overweight or obesity (70 years vs. 69 years vs. 68 years; P ‹0.001), respectively. Sex distribution, ischaemic aetiology, and CRT‐D implantation rates were similar in the three patient groups. Diabetes mellitus (BMI < 25 kg/m2 26% vs. BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 37% vs. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 48%; P ‹0.001) and hypertension (BMI < 25 kg/m2 71% vs. BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 74% vs. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 82%; P ‹0.001) were more frequent in patients with overweight and obesity.During the mean follow‐up time of 5.1 years, 973 (61%) reached the primary endpoint, 66% in the BMI < 25 kg/m2 group, 61% in the BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 group and 58% in the BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 group (log‐rank P‹0.05). Patients with obesity showed mortality benefit over normal‐weight patients (HR 0.78; 95%CI 0.66–0.92; P = 0.003). The obesity paradox was present in patients free from diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic events. Periprocedural complication rates did not differ in the three groups (BMI < 25 kg/m2 25% vs. BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 28% vs. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 26%; P = 0.48). Left ventricular ejection fraction improved significantly in all patient groups (BMI < 25 kg/m2 median
‐LVEF 7% vs. BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 median
‐LVEF 7.5% vs. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 median
‐LVEF 6%; P < 0.0001) with a similar proportion of developing reverse remodeling (BMI < 25 kg/m2 58% vs. BMI 25‐ < 30 kg/m2 61% vs. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 57%; P = 0.48); P = 0.75).ConclusionsThe obesity paradox was present in our HF cohort at long‐term, patients underwent CRT implantation with obesity and free of comorbidities showed mortality benefit compared to normal weight patients. Patients with obesity showed similar echocardiographic response and safety outcomes compared to normal weight patients.
Pulmonary artery banding for cardiomyopathy in young children: First trial in China
Authors: Dou Zheng , He Qiyu , Ma Kai , Wang Xu , Zeng Min , Pang Kunjing , Zhang Benqing , Rui Lu , Mao Fengqun , Yuan Jianhui , Wu Dongdong , Liu Yuze , Schranz Dietmar , Li Shoujun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsHeritable dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or DCM associated with congenital or acquired left ventricular diseases carries a significant mortality risk. Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has been proposed as an alternative to heart transplantation. This study aimed to delineate the clinical development, ventricular reverse remodelling, and functional regeneration of the dilated left ventricle, presenting as a pioneering approach in China.Methods and resultsThis prospective study was initiated in November 2021, involving paediatric patients with a significant dilated left ventricle and preserved right ventricle who underwent surgical PAB. The baseline characteristics and clinical information during follow‐up were collected. Seven patients (five boys) with a median age of 240 (148, 1028) days have been included thus far. No procedural or follow‐up mortality was observed. The modified Ross functional class improved from treatment to follow‐up of 348 (200, 629) days, and the median left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 27.0 (15.0, 34.0) % before surgery to 61.0 (52.0, 68.0) % (P < 0.05); the median left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter and corresponding Z‐scores decreased from 43.0 (40.0, 55.0) mm [+9.4 (+7.7, +11.7)] to 33.0 (29.0, 39.0) mm [+1.8 (+1.3, +3.8)] (P < 0.05). Functional regeneration of the left ventricle was observed in five patients. Three of them underwent balloon dilation of the PAB to relieve excessively elevated right ventricular pressures.ConclusionsThe application of PAB should adhere to strict criteria. Initial results are promising for infants and even toddlers with a dilated left ventricle and limited probability of spontaneous recovery. PAB can be an alternative when there is a shortage of donor transplants and assist devices, especially for low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Tridecylcyclohexane in incomplete Freund's adjuvant is a critical component in inducing experimental autoimmune diseases
Authors: Iijima Norifumi , Hayashi Tomoya , Niino Masaaki , Miyamoto Yoichi , Oka Masahiro , Ishii Ken J 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIncomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) has been used for many years to induce autoimmune diseases in animal models, including experimental autoimmune encephalitis and collagen‐induced arthritis. However, it remains unclear why it is necessary to emulsify autoantigen and heat‐killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (HKMtb) with IFA to induce experimental autoimmune diseases. Here, we found that immunization with self‐antigen and HKMtb was insufficient to induce autoimmune diseases in mice. Furthermore, IFA or one of its components, mineral oil, but not mannide monooleate, was required for the development of experimental autoimmune disease. Immunization with autoantigen and HKMtb emulsified in mineral oil facilitated innate immune activation and promoted the differentiation of pathogenic CD4+ T cells, followed by their accumulation in neuronal tissues. Several water‐soluble hydrocarbon compounds were identified in mineral oil. Of these, immunization with HKMtb and autoantigen emulsified with the same amount of hexadecane or tridecylcyclohexane as mineral oil induced the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis. In contrast, immunization with HKMtb and autoantigen emulsified with tridecylcyclohexane, but not hexadecane, at doses equivalent to those found in mineral oil, resulted in neuronal dysfunction. These data indicate that tridecylcyclohexane in mineral oil is a critical component in the induction of experimental autoimmune disease.
In vitro evaluation of milk incorporated with Eryngium billardieri Delar alcoholic extract for antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials
Authors: Haghani Mohadeseh , Fadaei Vajiheh , Salehifar Mania 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present study evaluates the effect of Eryngium billardieri alcoholic extract (EBAE) at weight/volume levels of 0.5% and 1% on some physicochemical, sensory, and microbial properties of cow milk. Results showed that adding EBAE reduced the samples' pH, lightness index (L*), and whitening index (WI). Besides, it increased the levels of acidity, dry matter, viscosity, color indices a* and b*, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (AA), and enzyme inhibitory activity (EIA) of the fortified milk samples than the control sample (p < .05). During the storage period, a decrease in TPC, TFC, AA, and EIA was observed in all samples (p < .05). There was a positive direct relationship between the health activity of EBAE and its concentration. Moreover, EBAE was able to reduce the total microbial count (TMC) in the milk samples (p < .05). The sample containing 1% w/v of EBAE had the highest TPC, TFC, AA, and EIA but the lowest TMC, and it was highly acceptable in terms of sensory evaluation. Therefore, this sample was selected as the best treatment in this study. The results of this study confirm that EBAE may be used to improve antioxidant activity and beneficial effects in milk.
The Variable Genomic Landscape During Osteosarcoma Progression: Insights From a Longitudinal WGS Analysis
Authors: Meijer Debora M. , Ruano Dina , Briaire‐de Bruijn Inge H. , Wijers‐Koster Pauline M. , van de Sande Michiel A. J. , Gelderblom Hans , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie , de Miranda Noel F. C. C. , Kuijjer Marieke L. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTOsteosarcoma is a primary bone tumor that exhibits a complex genomic landscape characterized by gross chromosomal abnormalities. Osteosarcoma patients often develop metastatic disease, resulting in limited therapeutic options and poor survival rates. To gain knowledge on the mechanisms underlying osteosarcoma heterogeneity and metastatic process, it is important to obtain a detailed profile of the genomic alterations that accompany osteosarcoma progression. We performed WGS on multiple tissue samples from six patients with osteosarcoma, including the treatment naïve biopsy of the primary tumor, resection of the primary tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, local recurrence, and distant metastases. A comprehensive analysis of single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), structural variants, copy number alterations (CNAs), and chromothripsis events revealed the genomic heterogeneity during osteosarcoma progression. SNVs and structural variants were found to accumulate over time, contributing to an increased complexity of the genome of osteosarcoma during disease progression. Phylogenetic trees based on SNVs and structural variants reveal distinct evolutionary patterns between patients, including linear, neutral, and branched patterns. The majority of osteosarcomas showed variable copy number profiles or gained whole‐genome doubling in later occurrences. Large proportions of the genome were affected by loss of heterozygosity (LOH), although these regions remain stable during progression. Additionally, chromothripsis is not confined to a single early event, as multiple other chromothripsis events may appear in later occurrences. Together, we provide a detailed analysis of the complex genome of osteosarcomas and show that five of six osteosarcoma genomes are highly dynamic and variable during progression.
Loss of Chromosome Y in Neuroblastoma Is Associated With High‐Risk Disease, 11q‐Deletion, and Telomere Maintenance
Authors: Djos Anna , Svensson Johanna , Gaarder Jennie , Umapathy Ganesh , Nilsson Staffan , Ek Torben , Vogt Hartmut , Georgantzi Kleopatra , Öra Ingrid , Träger Catarina , Kogner Per , Martinsson Tommy , Fransson Susanne 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTNeuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous childhood cancer with a slightly higher incidence in boys than girls, with the reason for this gender disparity unknown. Given the growing evidence for the involvement of loss of the Y chromosome (LoY) in male diseases including cancer, we investigated Y chromosome status in NB. Male NB tumor samples from a Swedish cohort, analyzed using Cytoscan HD SNP‐microarray, were selected. Seventy NB tumors were analyzed for aneuploidy of the Y chromosome, and these data were correlated with other genetic, biological, and clinical parameters. LoY was found in 21% of the male NB tumors and it was almost exclusively found in those with high‐risk genomic profiles. Furthermore, LoY was associated with increased age at diagnosis and enriched in tumors with 11q‐deletion and activated telomere maintenance mechanisms. In contrast, tumors with an MYCN‐amplified genomic profile retained their Y chromosome. The understanding of LoY in cancer is limited, making it difficult to conclude whether LoY is a driving event in NB or function of increased genomic instability. Gene expression analysis of Y chromosome genes in male NB tumors showed low expression of certain genes correlating with worse overall survival. KDM5D, encoding a histone demethylase stands out as an interesting candidate for further studies. LoY has been shown to impact the epigenomic layer of autosomal loci in nonreproductive tissues, and KDM5D has been reported as downregulated and/or associated with poor survival in different malignancies. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and functional consequences of LoY in NB.
Costs of diagnosing early Alzheimer's disease in three European memory clinic settings: Results from the precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease project
Authors: Wimo Anders , Kirsebom Bjørn‐Eivind , Timón‐Reina Santiago , Vromen Ellen , Selnes Per , Bon Jaka , Emersic Andreja , Kramberger Milica Gregoric , Speh Andreja , Visser Pieter Jelle , Winblad Bengt , Fladby Tormod 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe implementation of disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) will require cost‐effective diagnostic processes. As part of The Precision Medicine In AD consortium (PMI‐AD) project, the aim is to analyze the baseline costs of diagnosing early AD at memory clinics in Norway, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.MethodsThe costs of cognitive testing and a clinical examination, apolipoprotein E, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), positron emission tomography and blood‐based biomarkers (BBM), which are used in different combinations in the three countries, were analyzed. Standardized unit costs, adjusted for GDP per capita and based on Swedish conditions were applied. The costs were expressed in euros (€) as of 2019. A diagnostic set comprising clinical examination, cognitive testing, MRI and CSF was defined as the gold standard, with MRI mainly used as an exclusion filter.ResultsCost data were available for 994 persons in Norway, 169 in Slovenia and 1015 in the Netherlands. The mean diagnostic costs were 1478 (95% confidence interval 1433–1523) € in Norway, 851 (731–970) € in Slovenia and 1184 (1135–1232) € in the Netherlands. Norway had the highest unit costs but also the greatest use of tests. With a uniform diagnostic test set applied, the diagnostic costs were 1264 (1238–1291) €, in Norway, 843 (771–914) € in Slovenia and 1184 (1156–1213) € in the Netherlands. There were no major cost differences between the final set of diagnoses.ConclusionsThe total costs for setting a diagnosis of AD varied somewhat in the three countries, depending on unit costs and use of tests. These costs are relatively low in comparison to the societal costs of AD.
Neural correlates of static and dynamic social decision‐making in real‐time sibling interactions
Authors: Hernandez‐Pena Lucia , Koch Julia , Bilek Edda , Schräder Julia , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andreas , Waller Rebecca , Habel Ute , Sijben Rik , Wagels Lisa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn traditional game theory tasks, social decision‐making is centered on the prediction of the intentions (i.e., mentalizing) of strangers or manipulated responses. In contrast, real‐life scenarios often involve familiar individuals in dynamic environments. Further research is needed to explore neural correlates of social decision‐making with changes in the available information and environmental settings. This study collected fMRI hyperscanning data (N = 100, 46 same‐sex pairs were analyzed) to investigate sibling pairs engaging in an iterated Chicken Game task within a competitive context, including two decision‐making phases. In the static phase, participants chose between turning (cooperate) and continuing (defect) in a fixed time window. Participants could estimate the probability of different events based on their priors (previous outcomes and representation of other's intentions) and report their decision plan. The dynamic phase mirrored real‐world interactions in which information is continuously changing (replicated within a virtual environment). Individuals had to simultaneously update their beliefs, monitor the actions of the other, and adjust their decisions. Our findings revealed substantial choice consistency between the two phases and evidence for shared neural correlates in mentalizing‐related brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and precuneus. Specific neural correlates were associated with each phase; increased activation of areas associated with action planning and outcome evaluation were found in the static compared with the dynamic phase. Using the opposite contrast, dynamic decision‐making showed higher activation in regions related to predicting and monitoring other's actions, including the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. Cooperation (turning), compared with defection (continuing), showed increased activation in mentalizing‐related regions only in the static phase, while defection, relative to cooperation, exhibited higher activation in areas associated with conflict monitoring and risk processing in the dynamic phase. Men were less cooperative and had greater TPJ activation. Sibling competitive relationship did not predict competitive behavior but showed a tendency to predict brain activity during dynamic decision‐making. Only individual brain activation results are included here, and no interbrain analyses are reported. These neural correlates emphasize the significance of considering varying levels of information available and environmental settings when delving into the intricacies of mentalizing during social decision‐making among familiar individuals.
Comparative pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine—A literature review
Authors: Kämmerer Wolfgang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the pharmacology and abuse potential of oral dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine (LDX).MethodsA search of Medline and Embase was conducted to identify relevant articles for this literature review.ResultsDexamphetamine and LDX, a prodrug of dexamphetamine, are indicated for the treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It has been suggested that LDX may have a reduced potential for oral abuse compared to immediate‐release dexamphetamine. As a prodrug, LDX has the same pharmacodynamic properties as dexamphetamine. A study in healthy adults showed that the pharmacokinetic profile of dexamphetamine following oral administration of LDX is essentially identical to that of an equimolar dose of dexamphetamine administered 1 h later. In addition, dexamphetamine produced subjective drug liking effects comparable to those produced by LDX. LDX showed linear dose proportional pharmacokinetics up to a dose of 250 mg, indicating a lack of overdose protection at supratherapeutic doses. Furthermore, the exposure to dexamphetamine released from LDX may be prolonged by the consumption of alkalizing agents.ConclusionsThe available evidence from pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and abuse liability studies suggests a comparable potential for oral abuse of dexamphetamine and LDX.