bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The joint effects of local, climatic, and spatial variables determine soil oribatid mite community assembly along a temperate forest elevational gradient
Authors: Liu Dandan , Wu Haitao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNumerous factors influence mountain biodiversity variation across elevational gradients and recognizing the relative importance is vital for understanding species distribution mechanisms. We examined oribatid mites at nine elevations (from 600 to 2200 m a.s.l) and four vegetation types from mixed coniferous and broad‐leaved forests to alpine tundra on Changbai Mountain. We assessed the contribution of environmental factors (climatic and local factors) and spatial processes (geographic or elevation distances) to oribatid mite community assembly and identified 59 oribatid mite species from 38 families and 51 genera. With increasing elevation, species richness and the Shannon index declined significantly, whereas abundance followed a hump‐shaped trend. Soil TP, NH4+‐N, MAT, MAP, and elevation were the critical variables shaping oribatid mite communities based on random forest analysis. Moreover, environmental and spatial factors, and oribatid mite communities were significantly correlated based on Mantel and partial Mantel tests. Local characteristics (3.9%), climatic factors (1.9%), and spatial filtering (8.8%) played crucial roles in determining oribatid mite communities across nine elevational bands (based on variation partitioning analyses of abundance data). Within the same vegetation types, spatial processes had relatively little effects, with local characteristics the dominant drivers of oribatid mite community variation. Environmental and spatial filters together shape oribatid mite community assembly and their relative roles varied with elevation and vegetation type. These findings are crucial for the conservation, restoration, and management of Changbai mountain ecosystems in the context of climate change, along with the prediction of future vertical biotic gradient pattern evolution.
Cadmium exposure induces changes in gut microbial composition and metabolic function in long‐tailed dwarf hamsters, Cricetulus longicaudatus
Authors: Tao Mengfan , Cao Kanglin , Pu Xinsheng , Hou Yu , He Lei , Liu Wei , Ren Yue , Yang Xin'gen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNumerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to cadmium disrupts the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota, resulting in damage to organ tissue. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the broader ecological reality associated with this phenomenon. In this study, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the effects of different concentrations of Cd (6, 12, 24, and 48 mg/L) over a period of 35 consecutive days on the organ viscera and the gut microbiota of long‐tailed dwarf hamsters, Cricetulus longicaudatus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), using histopathological analysis, 16S rDNA, and metagenome sequencing. Our findings revealed that the results suggest that Cd exposure induced liver, spleen, and kidney damage, potentially leading to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation. These alterations were accompanied by significant perturbations in the gut microbiota composition, particularly affecting potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Prevotella and Treponema within the gut ecosystem. Consequently, host susceptibility to underlying diseases was heightened due to these changes. Notably though, Cd exposure did not significantly impact the overall structure of the gut microbiota itself. Additionally, Cd exposure induced significant changes in the metabolic functions, with the pathways related to disease and environmental information processing notably enhanced, possibly indicating stronger innate defense mechanisms against external injuries among wild mammals exposed to Cd. This study offers a novel approach to comprehensively evaluate the significant impact of Cd pollution on ecosystems by investigating both structural and functional alterations in the digestive system, as well as disruptions in intestinal flora among wild mammals.
Iron deficiency and supplementation in patients with heart failure: Results from the IRON‐HF international survey
Authors: Camilli Massimiliano , Ballacci Federico , Rossi Valentina Alice , Cannatà Antonio , Monzo Luca , Mewton Nathan , Girerd Nicolas , Gentile Piero , Marini Marco , Mapelli Massimo , Flammer Andreas J. , Aspromonte Nadia , Montone Rocco Antonio , Lombardo Antonella , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Savarese Gianluigi , Ruschitzka Frank , Crea Filippo 
Published: July 2024

AimsIron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor outcomes, regardless of anaemia status. Iron supplementation has been demonstrated to improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with HF with an ejection fraction <50% and ID. This survey aimed to provide data on real‐world practices related to ID screening and management.Methods and resultsWe designed and distributed an online survey (23 questions) regarding ID screening and management in the HF setting. Overall, 256 cardiologists completed the survey (59.8% male, mostly between 30 and 50 years). The majority of physicians defined ID according to the most recent HF recommendations (98.4%) and reported screening for ID in more than half of their patients (68.4%). However, only 54.3% of the respondents performed periodic screening (every 6 months to 1 year). A total of 93.0% of participants prescribed and/or administered iron supplementation, using intravenous iron as the preferred method of administration (86.3%). After iron supplementation, 96.1% of the respondents reassessed ID, most frequently at 3–6 months (67.6%). Most physicians (93.8%) perceived ID as an underestimated comorbidity in HF. Cardiologists' age, training status, subspecialty and work setting (academic vs. non‐academic hospitals) were associated with heterogeneity in the answers.ConclusionsThe results of this survey highlight the need for more consistent strategies of ID screening and treatment for patients with HF.
Structures and Luminescent Properties of Platinum(II) Dihalide Complexes with Bridged Triphenylarsine Derivatives
Authors: Yukiyasu Junya , Sumida Akifumi , Shimoji Haruki , Urushizaki Aya , Yanagihara Takumi , Ogoshi Hikari , Nakamura Masashi , Ito Shunichiro , Tanaka Kazuo , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLuminescent complexes with arsane ligands have garnered considerable interest due to their uncomplicated structure and effective luminescence. Particularly, rigid monodentate arsane ligands, wherein the substituents of the arsenic atom are bridged, have proven advantageous in enhancing emission intensity. In this study, we synthesized non‐bridged, O‐bridged, S‐bridged, and O,O‐bridged triphenylarsine derivatives using the safe and efficient protocols developed in our previous work. We then created platinum dihalide (PtX2, X=Cl, Br, I) complexes with these arsane ligands. Their structures were determined through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, revealing significant influences on geometry by the counter anion and the arsane/phosphane ligand. Additionally, we elucidated the correlation between the ligand structure and the solid‐state emission properties
Asymmetric Synthesis of the Indolo[2,3‐α]quinolizine Alkaloid (+)‐Cuscutamine via a Diastereoselective Intramolecular Pictet‐Spengler Reaction
Authors: St. Pierre Max , McNulty James 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA concise total synthesis of Cuscutamine was achieved involving a diastereoselective intramolecular acyl iminium ion mediated Pictet‐Spengler reaction. This synthetic strategy provided a direct route to (11S, 13R)‐Cuscutamine (2) in only 3 steps with an overall yield of 56 % and an enantiomeric ratio of 88 %. The diastereoselectivity of the reaction is consistent with previous studies that proceed via more highly puckered transition states and the present results thus reveal the importance of the steric contributions to the observed diastereoselectivity.
Moisture patterns and fluxes in evolving tafoni developed in arkosic sandstone in temperate climate
Authors: Mareš Jakub , Bruthans Jiří , Studencová Alžběta , Filippi Michal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCavernous weathering forms have long been studied and discussed as enigmas in geomorphology. Recently, their evolution has been shown to be controlled by moisture patterns, which are still poorly understood. For the first time, capillary water and vapor fluxes were characterized in detail at tafone in a temperate climate of central Europe using a wide range of methods adapted from soil hydrology. Time domain reflectometry showed that moisture flows from the rock interior to the evaporation front in the shallow subsurface of both — the backwalls and the outer surface. When overland flow occurs on the outer surfaces (after heavy rains), 10 mm/day can infiltrate and flow toward the backwalls. The main sources of water for tafone are the influx of water from the rock interior and the infiltration of overland flow after heavy rains, while condensation of air humidity is a minor source. Influx from the rock interior is coupled to the evaporation rate, which varies between 100 and 300 kg/m2/year in summer and less than 15 kg/m2/year in winter. More water evaporates from the backwall of the tafone than from the outer surface, and more salt is deposited in the backwalls, resulting in predominant salt weathering in the backwalls. The tafoni studied thus evolve, and the cavities deepen. Tafoni in arid and semi‐arid environments generally show a much higher contrast between evaporation rates from backwalls and outer surfaces than tafoni and honeycombs in temperate and coastal environments. Tafoni in temperate settings are therefore more susceptible to degradation when evaporation decreases or inflow to the tafone increases. This study also shows that microtensiometers can be used to determine moisture content with high spatial resolution, while time domain reflectometry allows accurate characterization of moisture patterns with depth.
Aroma of citral repels mice and exerts antioxidant effects as a functional food
Authors: Ohnishi Masatoshi , Banshoya Kengo , Machida Aoi , Kikuchi Nozomi , Yamaguchi Sawa , Akagi Marina , Fujimoto Sachiko , Yamaguchi Isamu , Kirimura Takuya , Maehara Shoji , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMolecular modelling suggests that citral, one of the main components of lemongrass, interacts with Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1, which is involved in the transcription of the antioxidant enzyme haeme oxygenase (HO)‐1. A citral treatment of the pheochromocytoma (PC)12D cell line, an in vitro model of neurons, up‐regulated the expression of HO‐1 (mRNA: 28.7 ± 22.6, protein: 3.3 ± 0.8). The inhalation of lemongrass or citral aroma by mice decreased HO‐1 mRNA levels in the ventral striatum (VSt) (0.68 ± 0.14, 0.72 ± 0.18, respectively), but not in the lateral hypothalamus or ventral tegmental area, which play important roles in appetite. Dopamine levels, which positively correlated with HO‐1 mRNA expression levels in PC12D, were decreased in the murine brain by the inhalation of citral (0.79 ± 0.23). This reduction was cancelled by an injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine, a selective inducer of dopaminergic neuron degeneration, into the nucleus accumbens, which is involved in pleasure, in VSt. Mice displayed aversion behaviour to the odour of citral, but no changes in their body weight. However, the oral administration of citral increased HO‐1 protein levels in the murine VSt (1.25 ± 0.16). Subjects completed a questionnaire on the aroma of lemongrass essential oil, which revealed that most found it to be pleasant and it did not affect their appetite. Collectively, the present results demonstrated that humans perceive the aroma of lemongrass differently from mice, indicating its utility as a vermin repellent and antioxidant food.
A New Index of Option Implied Absolute Deviation
Authors: Dotsis George 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new index of forward looking absolute deviation extracted from option prices. The new index, named absolute deviation index (ADIX), is model‐free and easy to compute using at‐the‐money call and put option prices. It is shown that the spread between volatility index (VIX) and ADIX captures departures from normality in the risk‐neutral distribution and an empirical analysis using S&P 500 options data for the time period 1996–2021 reveals that the spread carries significant forecasting ability with respect to future equity returns at short to medium horizons. Portfolio strategies that use the spread as a predictor of S&P 500 returns outperform buy‐and‐hold strategies in an out‐of‐sample mean‐variance asset allocation exercise.
Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation: Current Advances in Materials and Operando Characterization
Authors: Zabara Mohammed Ahmed , Ölmez Burak , Buldu‐Akturk Merve , Yarar Kaplan Begüm , Kırlıoğlu Ahmet Can , Alkan Gürsel Selmiye , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz Sinan , Yürüm Alp 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation is a promising technology for green hydrogen production yet faces difficulties in achieving stability and efficiency. The scientific community is pushing toward the development of new electrode materials and a better understanding of the underlying reactions and degradation mechanisms. Advances in photocatalytic materials are being pursued through the development of heterojunctions, tailored crystal nanostructures, doping, and modification of solid‐solid and solid‐electrolyte interfaces. Operando and in situ techniques are utilized to deconvolute the charge transfer mechanisms and degradation pathways. In this review, both materials development and Operando characterization are covered for advancing PEC technologies. The recent advances made in the PEC materials are first reviewed including the applied improvement strategies for transition metal oxides, nitrites, chalcogenides, Si, and group III‐V semiconductor materials. The efficiency, stability, scalability, and electrical conductivity of the aforementioned materials along with the improvement strategies are compared. Next, the Operando characterization methods and cite selected studies applied for PEC electrodes are described. Operando studies are very successful in elucidating the reaction mechanisms, degradation pathways, and charge transfer phenomena in PEC electrodes. Finally, the standing challenges and the potential opportunities are discussed by providing recommendations for designing more efficient and electrochemically stable PEC electrodes.
Pancreatic Schwann cell reprogramming supports cancer‐associated neuronal remodeling
Authors: Rangel‐Sosa Martha M. , Mann Fanny , Chauvet Sophie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe peripheral nervous system is a key regulator of cancer progression. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system inhibits cancer development. This inhibition is associated with extensive sympathetic nerve sprouting in early pancreatic cancer precursor lesions. However, the underlying mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of pancreatic Schwann cells in the structural plasticity of sympathetic neurons. We examined the changes in the number and distribution of Schwann cells in a transgenic mouse model of PDAC and in a model of metaplastic pancreatic lesions induced by chronic inflammation. Schwann cells proliferated and expanded simultaneously with new sympathetic nerve sprouts in metaplastic/neoplastic pancreatic lesions. Sparse genetic labeling showed that individual Schwann cells in these lesions had a more elongated and branched structure than those under physiological conditions. Schwann cells overexpressed neurotrophic factors, including glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Sympathetic neurons upregulated the GDNF receptors and exhibited enhanced neurite growth in response to GDNF in vitro. Selective genetic deletion of Gdnf in Schwann cells completely blocked sympathetic nerve sprouting in metaplastic pancreatic lesions in vivo. This study demonstrated that pancreatic Schwann cells underwent adaptive reprogramming during early cancer development, supporting a protective antitumor neuronal response. These finding could help to develop new strategies to modulate cancer associated neural plasticity.
Impact of oral care intervention on quality of life of patients with oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy in Sri Lanka: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Kosgallana Shamini , Jayasekara Prasanna , Abeysinghe Prasad , Lalloo Ratilal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiotherapy is used to treat oral cancer, yet it negatively affects patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim was to evaluate the impact of an oral healthcare intervention on HRQOL of patients with oral cancer who receive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.MethodsAn oral healthcare intervention was provided to 41 patients with oral cancer before radiotherapy (fluoride varnish application, scaling, permanent restorations, adjustment of sharp teeth, and extraction of teeth with questionable prognosis, oral hygiene instructions), during, and 3 months after radiotherapy (baking soda mouthwash, artificial saliva spray). EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 was used to compare the HRQOL of the intervention and control groups, with the latter having received routine oral healthcare.ResultsThe intervention group showed lesser values for HRQOL domains and items indicating fewer side effects during the last week of radiotherapy and 3 months after, compared to the control group. Most of the changes in HRQOL were significantly less in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe oral healthcare intervention effectively reduced the effect of radiotherapy and positively impacted on HRQOL of patients with oral cancer.
A lean approach for improving medicines management in Australia's first cardiac hospital inventory system
Authors: Khalil Viviane , Foo Siang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMedicines are the cornerstone of healthcare. Lean methodology approach such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is being used in healthcare to manage resources wisely to ensure sustainability of medicines and resources. The aim of this quality improvement study was to evaluate and improve the medication management and hospital imprest supply processes in Australia's first dedicated cardiology hospital using VSM.MethodWe conducted a review of our medicine supply processes at a 180‐bed cardiology hospital in Australia. We followed a lean methodology approach over a 4‐month period from February to May 2023 and evaluated the outcome of our improvements for another 4 months from July to October 2023. We used VSM to identify non‐value adding activities. Cost of medicines holding was calculated, as well as time taken to complete supply processes, pre and post.ResultsPharmacy department stockholdings reduced by 51%; p = 0.000121 (from $539,662 to $275,406). Time taken to manage the inventory system also reduced by 42%; p = 0.025762 (from 148 h/month to 62 h/month). Lean methodology such as VSM can facilitate cost‐effective and sustainable system improvements for pharmacy procurement systems.
Addictive behavior and mental health of adolescents aged 11–17 years in Bangladesh in 2014: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hossain Sorif , Chowdhury Promit Barua , Mohsin Md. , Biswas Raaj Kishore 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with addictive behavior and mental health in adolescents aged 11–17 years in Bangladesh.MethodsThis study analyzed data from the Bangladesh Global School‐based Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in 2014. Adolescents aged 11–17 years studying government schools were considered as respondents for this survey. A two‐phase group sample design was utilized to deliver illustrative information of all understudies in grades (classes) 7–10 in Bangladesh. Bivariate analyses followed by a weight‐adjusted multiple logistic regression was fitted to a sample of size 2989 adolescents.ResultsOne in ten and one in four adolescents had different substance addictions and some forms of mental health conditions, respectively. Sex of participants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.49; confidence interval [CI]:2.28–8.84), being bullied (AOR: 3.08; CI:1.46–6.49), use of tobacco among parents (AOR: 5.82; CI:3.16–10.75), parental understanding of adolescents' problems (AOR: 0.45; CI:0.23–0.82), and food affordability (AOR: 1.24; CI:1.09–1.42) were associated with addictive behaviors of adolescents. Bullied males with nonempathetic parents were found to be more vulnerable to addictive behaviors and bullied females showed higher tendencies to mental health issues.ConclusionConsidering the elevated prevalence of reported mental health concerns, identifying vulnerable groups and formulating intervention‐oriented policies engaging youths can pave the way towards achieving robust health and well‐being for them in Bangladesh.
Comparative study of the prevalence of organ injury in placenta accreta spectrum disorder between posterior colpotomy and conventional peripartum hysterectomies at a single referral center in southern Thailand
Authors: Pichatechaiyoot Aroontorn , Suphasynth Yuthasak , Sae‐Sue Thitaporn , Atjimakul Thiti , Rattanaburi Athithan , Nanthamongkolkul Kulisara , Jiamset Ingporn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of adjacent organ injury in placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) between the posterior colpotomy approach and conventional peripartum hysterectomy.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the data of pregnant women diagnosed with PAS who underwent peripartum hysterectomy at Songklanagarind Hospital between January 2006 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: posterior colpotomy and conventional approaches. The characteristics and surgical and obstetric outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors and risk of organ injury.ResultsAmong 174 patients, 64 underwent conventional peripartum hysterectomy, and 110 underwent the posterior colpotomy approach. The overall incidence of adjacent organ injury was 17.82%. Organ injury prevalence was lower in the posterior colpotomy group (10%) than in the conventional group (31.25%), with no difference in operative time. Multivariate analysis showed that posterior colpotomy reduced adjacent organ injury (odds ratio [OR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.54, P = 0.002). Placenta percreta was associated with increased injury risk (OR 6.83, 95% CI 2.53–18.44, P < 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that the posterior approach reduced bladder injury in placenta increta (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.57, P = 0.003) and percreta (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.77, P = 0.017).ConclusionCompared with conventional peripartum hysterectomy, the posterior colpotomy approach in patients with PAS reduced the risk of adjacent organ injury, particularly for placenta increta and percreta. This technique should be considered in PAS cases, but further investigations with a prospective study design are needed.