bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mathematics of the ecological footprint revisited: An axiomatic approach
Authors: Kuhn Thomas , Pestow Radomir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we take an axiomatic approach to the design of ecological footprint indices. Our focus is put on the heterogeneity of land with respect to types and regions, at the core of an inherent aggregation problem. We propose an axiomatic characterization of the ecological footprint index with two fundamentally new axioms, symmetry and independence, which can resolve the problem of land heterogeneity. It is shown that a unique index, up to an affine transformation, exists meeting the axiom system. This index simplifies the aggregation procedure considerably and avoids the need for a synthetic unit of measurement, like global hectares, as well as complex transformations of variables by means of weighting schemes. Our findings reveal differences with the Global Footprint Network (GFN) index, in particular with regard to the treatment of land heterogeneity. Finally, the axiomatic methodology employed may open up perspectives for the development of ecological measures in general, and especially of measures for sustainability and tipping points.
Harnessing myelin water fraction as an imaging biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination: A review
Authors: Faulkner Mary E. , Gong Zhaoyuan , Guo Alex , Laporte John P. , Bae Jonghyun , Bouhrara Mustapha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMyelin water fraction (MWF) imaging has emerged as a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for investigating brain function and composition. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on MWF as a biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination. The databases used include Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed. We begin with a brief discussion of the theoretical foundations of MWF imaging, including its basis in MR physics and the mathematical modeling underlying its calculation, with an overview of the most adopted MRI methods of MWF imaging. Next, we delve into the clinical and research applications that have been explored to date, highlighting its advantages and limitations. Finally, we explore the potential of MWF to serve as a predictive biomarker for neurological disorders and identify future research directions for optimizing MWF imaging protocols and interpreting MWF in various contexts. By harnessing the power of MWF imaging, we may gain new insights into brain health and disease across the human lifespan, ultimately informing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.image
Informing knowledge translation for selective dorsal rhizotomy: A survey of Australian clinicians and people with lived experience of cerebral palsy
Authors: Lewis Jennifer A , Paget Simon P , Wimalasundera Neil , Wynter Meredith , Campbell Lani , Lee Olivia S , Stewart Kirsty , Shah R , McKay Marnee J ,   the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Knowledge Translation Advisory Team
Published: July 2024

AimSelective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical intervention used to reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). There is minimal relevant, evidence‐based information available for Australian families and clinicians. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of people with lived experience and clinicians regarding SDR, including how they currently access information and what information they seek.MethodsAdults with CP, carers of children with CP and clinicians treating children with CP were invited to complete an online survey. Data regarding participant demographics, current knowledge and confidence in knowledge about CP and SDR, information source/s used and participants level of trust in these sources are presented as counts and percentages. Comparisons in knowledge between groups were analysed.ResultsA total of 114 surveys were completed: 63 clinicians, 48 carers, and 3 adults with CP. Eighty percent of clinicians were allied health professionals. People with lived experience were less confident in their knowledge about SDR compared to knowledge of CP (P < 0.001). Clinicians rated scientific research literature and the hospital team as the most useful and trustworthy information source. People with lived experience used a wider range of information sources including the internet, rating their community therapy team and other people with lived experience as the most useful.ConclusionThis study identified a lack of confidence in knowledge of SDR for people with lived experience, likely due to a gap in accessible and readable evidence‐based information. While both groups differed in how they access information, there was agreement that greater information about SDR is needed.
Neuronal network controlling REM sleep
Authors: Luppi Pierre‐Hervé , Malcey Justin , Chancel Amarine , Duval Blandine , Cabrera Sébastien , Fort Patrice 
Published: July 2024

SummaryRapid eye movement sleep is a state characterized by concomitant occurrence of rapid eye movements, electroencephalographic activation and muscle atonia. In this review, we provide up to date knowledge on the neuronal network controlling its onset and maintenance. It is now accepted that muscle atonia during rapid eye movement sleep is due to activation of glutamatergic neurons localized in the pontine sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus. These neurons directly project and excite glycinergic/γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ergic pre‐motoneurons localized in the ventromedial medulla. The sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus rapid eye movement‐on neurons are inactivated during wakefulness and non‐rapid eye movement by rapid eye movement‐off γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ergic neurons localized in the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey and the adjacent dorsal deep mesencephalic reticular nucleus. Melanin‐concentrating hormone and γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ergic rapid eye movement sleep‐on neurons localized in the lateral hypothalamus would inhibit these rapid eye movement sleep‐off neurons initiating the state. Finally, the activation of a few limbic cortical structures during rapid eye movement sleep by the claustrum and the supramammillary nucleus as well as that of the basolateral amygdala would be involved in the function(s) of rapid eye movement sleep. In summary, rapid eye movement sleep is generated by a brainstem generator controlled by forebrain structures involved in autonomic control.
A perpetual process of abjection: An examination of nurses' experiences in caring COVID‐19 patients in Wuhan
Authors: Zhang Shaoying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, I try to document the lived experiences of nurses who were sent to Wuhan to work in the COVID‐19 wards and consider the impact of such experiences on their psychological well‐being. I show the contextual factors in Wuhan, the inherent nature of nursing during the pandemic and the transition from the immediate reactions of nurses to long‐term impacts on their personalities, formed through the whole process of abjection. Therefore, I argue that we need to consider how nursing experiences, before, during and after their professional work in the wards, would instigate abjection within nurses. The abjection of nurses does not start only from the ward, nor does it not end in the ward. Rather, the abjection of nurses, as a reaction to lived experiences, is nuanced and the study of it can reveal rich details of nurses' life both inside and outside of the ward.
Macroevolutionary dynamics of ecosystem‐engineering and niche construction
Authors: Erwin Douglas H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThat the activities of organisms influence their surrounding ecological communities, and the environment, has long been appreciated by palaeontologists, as has the role of these activities on both ecological and evolutionary processes. Spillover effects extend the range of ecosystem‐engineering through ecological networks, generating network effects that because of their non‐trophic nature can be challenging to track. Moreover, the cumulative effect of organismal activities can persist far beyond the lifespan of individual organisms, producing ecological inheritances that influence macroecological and macroevolutionary dynamics. This contribution surveys macroevolutionary patterns arising from ecosystem engineering, their potential contribution to evolutionary radiations, and the significance of ecosystem engineering as a public good in the success of evolutionary innovations. Anecdotally, such activities appear to have made important contributions, but considerable work is required for more rigorous understanding. I describe two challenges: the need for palaeontologists to collect abundance data in a way that facilitates comparative study, and the importance of more robust models of ecological (not just trophic) networks involving multigraphs and hypergraphs.
Bt corn and cotton planting may benefit peanut growers by reducing aflatoxin risk
Authors: Yu Jina , Hennessy David A. , Wu Felicia 
Published: July 2024

SummaryDecades of studies have shown that Bt corn, by reducing insect damage, has lower levels of mycotoxins (fungal toxins), such as aflatoxin and fumonisin, than conventional corn. We used crop insurance data to infer that this benefit from Bt crops extends to reducing aflatoxin risk in peanuts: a non‐Bt crop. In consequence, we suggest that any benefit–cost assessment of how transgenic Bt crops affect food safety should not be limited to assessing those crops alone; because the insect pest control offered by Bt crops affects the food safety profile of other crops grown nearby. Specifically, we found that higher Bt corn and Bt cotton planting rates in peanut‐growing areas of the United States were associated with lower aflatoxin risk in peanuts as measured by aflatoxin‐related insurance claims filed by peanut growers. Drought‐related insurance claims were also lower: possibly due to Bt crops' suppression of insects that would otherwise feed on roots, rendering peanut plants more vulnerable to drought. These findings have implications for countries worldwide where policies allow Bt cotton but not Bt food crops to be grown: simply planting a Bt crop may reduce aflatoxin and drought stress in nearby food crops, resulting in a safer food supply through an inter‐crop “halo effect.”
Bacillus licheniformis Jrh14‐10 enhances alkaline tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by regulating crosstalk between ethylene and polyamine pathways
Authors: Guo Lifeng , Zhao Junwei , Zhang Xuchen , Liu Yaning , Zhang Aiqin , Sun Jingzheng , Fan Xiaoya , Yan Xiufeng , Pang Qiuying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known for their role in ameliorating plant stress, including alkaline stress, yet the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study investigates the impact of various inoculum doses of Bacillus licheniformis Jrh14‐10 on Arabidopsis growth under alkaline stress and explores the underlying mechanisms of tolerance enhancement. We found that all tested doses improved the growth of NaHCO3‐treated seedlings, with 109 cfu/mL being the most effective. Transcriptome analysis indicated downregulation of ethylene‐related genes and an upregulation of polyamine biosynthesis genes following Jrh14‐10 treatment under alkaline conditions. Further qRT‐PCR analysis confirmed the suppression of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling genes, alongside the activation of polyamine biosynthesis genes in NaHCO3‐stressed seedlings treated with Jrh14‐10. Genetic analysis showed that ethylene signaling‐deficient mutants (etr1‐3 and ein3‐1) exhibited greater tolerance to NaHCO3 than the wild type, and the growth‐promoting effect of Jrh14‐10 was significantly diminished in these mutants. Additionally, Jrh14‐10 was found unable to produce 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, indicating it does not reduce the ethylene precursor ACC in Arabidopsis. However, Jrh14‐10 treatment increased the levels of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) in stressed seedlings, with spermidine particularly effective in reducing H2O2 levels and enhancing Fv/Fm under NaHCO3 stress. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of PGPR‐induced alkaline tolerance, highlighting the crosstalk between ethylene and polyamine pathways, and suggest a strategic redirection of S‐adenosylmethionine towards polyamine biosynthesis to combat alkaline stress.
The role of strigolactones in resistance to environmental stress in plants
Authors: Qi Jin , Mao Yuanzhi , Cui Jing , Lu Xuefang , Xu Junrong , Liu Yunzhi , Zhong Haini , Yu Wenjin , Li Changxia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAbiotic stress impairs plant growth and development, thereby causing low yield and inferior quality of crops. Increasing studies reported that strigolactones (SL) are plant hormones that enhance plant stress resistance by regulating plant physiological processes and gene expressions. In this review, we introduce the response and regulatory role of SL in salt, drought, light, heat, cold and cadmium stresses in plants. This review also discusses how SL alleviate the damage of abiotic stress in plants, furthermore, introducing the mechanisms of SL enhancing plant stress resistance at the genetic level. Under abiotic stress, the exogenous SL analog GR24 can induce the biosynthesis of SL in plants, and endogenous SL can alleviate the damage caused by abiotic stress. SL enhanced the stress resistance of plants by protecting photosynthesis, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of plants and promoting the symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). SL interact with abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), auxin, cytokinin (CK), jasmonic acid (JA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and other signal molecules to jointly regulate plant stress resistance. Lastly, both the importance of SL and their challenges for future work are outlined in order to further elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the roles of SL in plant responses to abiotic stress.
Uterotubal junction of the bovine (Bos taurus) versus the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): Histology and histomorphometry
Authors: Abdoon Ahmed Sabry S. , Soliman Seham S. , Nagy Ahmed M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the uterotubal junction in two distinct mammalian species, the bovine (Bos taurus) and the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), focusing on histological and histomorphometric parameters. Uterotubal junction (UTJ) was dissected from 8 cows and 12 camels with dominant follicles, and processed for H&E staining for histology, and histomorphometry examination. The results showed that the camel uterotubal junction papillae (UTJP) existed only in camels and was completely absent in cattle. Histologically, the cow UTJ appears with a star‐shaped lumen, and the mucosa is lined by a simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and non‐ciliated cells. Superficial (SG) and deep glands (DG) were abundant in the submucosa. Camel UTJP is a conical structure, it has a pale yellowish colour, 0.5 ± 0.2 cm height, and 0.3 ± 0.1 cm width, and it has a distinct sphincter at the tip towards the uterine lumen. In the camel UTJP, the lumen is wider, and the mucosa showed large multiple folds lined with ciliated and non‐ciliated cells in a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The submucosa showed no mucosal glands. Lumen area, lumen epithelial height, luminal epithelial density, the thickness of the muscular layer, number of folds, fold height, epithelial height, fold area and epithelial perimeter were higher in camel UTJP (p < .001) than cow UTJ, while the total endosalpinx area and glandular epithelial density were lower in camel UTJP (p < .001) than in cow UTJ. In conclusion, this study elucidates potential variations in the uterotubal junction between bovines and dromedary camels, providing valuable insights into their reproductive adaptations. The epithelial lining, absence of glands and the thick layer of tunica muscularis might indicate that camel UTJP could play a mechanical role in selecting spermatozoa and assisting the hatching of blastocysts during their passage into the uterus.
Endurance Training Improves Leg Proton Release and Decreases Potassium Release During High‐Intensity Exercise in Normoxia and Hypobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Skattebo Øyvind , Capelli Carlo , Calbet Jose A. L. , Hallén Jostein 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo assess the impact of endurance training on skeletal muscle release of H+ and K+.MethodsNine participants performed one‐legged knee extension endurance training at moderate and high intensities (70%–85% of Wpeak), three to four sessions·week−1 for 6 weeks. Post‐training, the trained and untrained (control) leg performed two‐legged knee extension at low, moderate, and high intensities (40%, 62%, and 83% of Wpeak) in normoxia and hypoxia (~4000 m). The legs were exercised simultaneously to ensure identical arterial inflow concentrations of ions and metabolites, and identical power output was controlled by visual feedback. Leg blood flow was measured (ultrasound Doppler), and acid–base variables, lactate‐ and K+ concentrations were assessed in arterial and femoral venous blood to study K+ and H+ release. Ion transporter abundances were assessed in muscle biopsies.ResultsLactate‐dependent H+ release was similar in hypoxia to normoxia (p = 0.168) and was lower in the trained than the control leg at low–moderate intensities (p = 0.060–0.006) but similar during high‐intensity exercise. Lactate‐independent and total H+ releases were higher in hypoxia (p < 0.05) and increased more with power output in the trained leg (leg‐by‐power output interactions: p = 0.02). K+ release was similar at low intensity but lower in the trained leg during high‐intensity exercise in normoxia (p = 0.024) and hypoxia (p = 0.007). The trained leg had higher abundances of Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (p = 0.047) and Na+/K+ pump subunit α (p = 0.036).ConclusionModerate‐ to high‐intensity endurance training increases lactate‐independent H+ release and reduces K+ release during high‐intensity exercise, coinciding with increased Na+/H+ exchanger 1 and Na+/K+ pump subunit α muscle abundances.
Long‐term impact of an integrated HIV/non‐communicable disease care intervention on patient retention in care and clinical outcomes in East Africa
Authors: Namakoola Ivan , Moyo Faith , Birungi Josephine , Kivuyo Sokoine , Karoli Peter , Mfinanga Sayoki , Nyirenda Moffat , Jaffar Shabbar , Garrib Anupam 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe rates of retention in care and control of hypertension, diabetes and HIV among participants receiving integrated care services for a period of up to 24 months in East Africa.MethodsBetween 5 October 2018 and 23 June 2019 participants enrolled into a prospective cohort study evaluating the feasibility of integrated care delivery for HIV, diabetes and hypertension from a single point of care in Tanzania and Uganda (MOCCA study). Integrated care clinics were established in 10 primary healthcare facilities and care was provided routinely according to national guidelines. Initial follow‐up was 12 months. Outcomes were rates of retention in care, proportions of participants with controlled hypertension (blood pressure <140/90 mmHg), diabetes (fasting blood glucose <7.0 mmol/L) and HIV (plasma viral load <1000 copies/ml). The study coincided with the COVID‐19 pandemic response. Afterwards, all participants were approached for extended follow‐up by a further 12 months in the same clinics. We evaluated outcomes of the cohort at the end of long‐term follow‐up.ResultsThe MOCCA study enrolled 2273 participants of whom 1911 (84.5%) were retained in care after a median follow‐up of 8 months (Interquartile range: 6.8–10.7). Among these, 1283/1911 (67.1%) enrolled for a further year of follow‐up, 458 (24.0%) were unreachable, 71 (3.7%) reverted to vertical clinics (clinics providing services dedicated to study conditions), 31 (1.6%) died and 68 (3.6%) refused participation. Among participants who enrolled for longer follow‐up, mean age was 51.4 ± 11.7 years, 930 (72.5%) were female and 509 (39.7%) had multiple chronic conditions. Overall, 1236 (96.3%) [95% confidence interval 95.2%–97.3%] participants were retained in care, representing 1236/2273 (54.3%) [52.3%–56.4%] of participants ever enrolled in the study. Controlled hypertension, diabetes and HIV at the end of follow‐up was, 331/618 (53.6%) [49.5%–57.5%], 112/354 (31.6%) [26.8%–36.8%] and 332/343 (96.7%) [94.3%–98.4%] respectively.ConclusionIntegrated care can achieve high rates of retention in care long term, but control of blood pressure and blood sugar remains low.
Plasma as endothelial rescue in septic shock: A randomized, phase 2a pilot trial
Authors: Clausen Niels E. , Meyhoff Christian S. , Henriksen Hanne H. , Lindhardt Anne , Pott Frank C. , Lunen Thomas Bech , Gybel‐Brask Mikkel , Lange Theis , Johansson Pär I. , Stensballe Jakob 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeptic shock is associated with high morbidity and mortality, the endothelium plays an important role. Crystalloids is standard of care to maintain intravascular volume. Plasma is associated with improved endothelial integrity and restoration of the glycocalyx layer. We evaluated the efficacy and safety aspects of cell‐free and pathogen inactivated pooled plasma (OctaplasLG®) as resuscitation in septic shock patients.Study Design and MethodsThis randomized, investigator‐initiated phase IIa trial ran at a Danish single center intensive care unit, from 2017 to 2019. Patients were 18 years of age or older with septic shock and randomized to fluid optimization with OctaplasLG® or Ringer‐acetate in the first 24 h. The primary endpoints were changes in biomarkers indicative of endothelial activation, damage, and microvascular perfusion from baseline to 24 h. Safety events and mortality were assessed during 90 days.ResultsForty‐four patients were randomized, 20 to OctaplasLG versus 24 to Ringer‐acetate. The median age was 69, and 55% were men. Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 13. Baseline differences favoring the Ringer‐acetate group were observed. The OctaplasLG® group was resuscitated with 740 mL plasma and the Ringer‐acetate group with 841 mL crystalloids. There was no significant change in the microvascular perfusion or five biomarkers except VEGFR1 change, which was higher in patients receiving OctaplasLG® 0.12(SD 0.37) versus Ringer‐acetate −0.24 (SD 0.39), with mean difference 0.36 (95% CI, 0.13–0.59, p = .003) in favor of Ringer‐acetate.DiscussionThis study found that fluid resuscitation with OctaplasLG® in critically ill septic shock patients is feasible. Baseline confounding prevented assessment of the potential effect of OctaplasLG®.