bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternating electric fields transform the intricate network of tumour vasculature into orderly parallel capillaries and enhance the anti‐angiogenesis effect of bevacizumab
Authors: Shen Lin , Li Shuai , Wang Yalin , Yin Yi , Liu Yiting , Zhang Yunlei , Zheng Xuesheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe search for effective strategies to target tumour angiogenesis remains a critical goal of cancer research. We present a pioneering approach using alternating electric fields to inhibit tumour angiogenesis and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of bevacizumab. Chicken chorioallantoic membrane, cell viability and in vitro endothelial tube formation assays revealed that electric fields with a frequency of 1000 kHz and an electric intensity of 0.6 V/cm inhibited the growth of vascular endothelial cells and suppressed tumour‐induced angiogenesis. In an animal U87MG glioma model, 1000 kHz electric fields inhibited tumour angiogenesis and suppressed tumour growth. As demonstrated by 3D vessel analysis, tumour vasculature in the control group was a stout, interwoven network. However, electric fields transformed it into slim, parallel capillaries that were strictly perpendicular to the electric field direction. This architectural transformation was accompanied by apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and a notable reduction in tumour vessel number. Additionally, we found that the anti‐angiogenesis and tumour‐suppression effects of electric fields synergised with bevacizumab. The anti‐angiogenic mechanisms of electric fields include disrupting spindle formation during endothelial cell division and downregulating environmental angiogenesis‐related cytokines, such as interleukin‐6, CXCL‐1, 2, 3, 5 and 8, and matrix metalloproteinases. In summary, our findings demonstrate the potential of alternating electric fields (AEFs) as a therapeutic modality to impede angiogenesis and restrain cancer growth.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapy on Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lyu Tianyi , Sun Bo , Yang Daowen , Zhao Xirui , Wang Ruoshui , Shu Xinyang , Li Demin , Chen Hong 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that immunotherapy has a positive effect on non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases (BMs). However, it remains unclear which type of immunotherapy is more efficient. The aim of this network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy and safety of different immunotherapy types and determine the optimal option.MethodFour databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library databases, Embase, and Web of Science) and ClinicalTrial.gov were searched from inception until January 26, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective nonrandomized trials, or observational studies investigating NSCLC patients with BMs treated by immunotherapy were included. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). The efficacy of immunotherapy on NSCLC patients with BMs was evaluated using frequentist random‐effects NMA.ResultEleven studies from 1560 citations, encompassing 1437 participants, were included in this NMA. Statistical analysis showed that pembrolizumab (SMD = 4.35, 95% CI [2.21, 6.60]) and nivolumab+ipilimumab (SMD = 3.81, 95% CI [1.21, 6.40]) could improve overall survival (OS). Pembrolizumab (SMD = 3.32, 95% CI [2.75, 3.90]) demonstrated better effects in improving the overall response rate (ORR). No significant difference in adverse event (AE) was observed between immunotherapy and chemotherapy.ConclusionOur findings indicated that pembrolizumab was the most promising immunotherapy for NSCLC patients with BMs. Nivolumab+ipilimumab might be an alternative choice to improve OS.LimitationInconsistency tests were not performed because of the scarcity of direct comparison. Besides, high heterogeneity was observed in our NMA.
Novel harm reduction measures at music festivals in Australia: Pilot implementation of the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia–Victoria toxicosurveillance methodology
Authors: Syrjanen Rebekka , Dutch Martin , Greene Shaun L. , Lyons Tom , McKinnon Ginny , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Schumann Jennifer L. ,   the EDNAV Project Research Group
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionHarm reduction strategies at music festivals seek to create a safer environment for patrons. The Emerging Drugs Network of Australia–Victoria (EDNAV) project is a state‐wide toxicosurveillance network that derives drug intelligence from a sample of patients presenting to hospital with illicit drug‐related toxicity. This publication describes the preliminary outcomes of conducting toxicosurveillance for critically unwell festival patrons within on‐site medical facilities.MethodsBlood samples were collected from patrons who presented with severe illicit drug‐related toxicity across three festivals (2022/2023). Blood samples were analysed via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for over 700 pharmaceutical and illicit drugs.ResultsThere were 1603 individual medical encounters across the festivals, 228 of which were illicit drug related. A blood sample was collected for 24 patients, with a median age of 22 years (range 18–39 years). A median of two drugs (range 1–5 drugs) were reported and four drugs (range 0–8 drugs) were analytically confirmed per patient. The most frequently reported exposures were congruent with analytical results, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (reported n = 17, detected n = 20), ketamine (reported n = 9, detected n = 13) and cocaine (reported n = 9, detected n = 12). An unreported illicit drug and/or new psychoactive substance (NPS) was detected in 18 patients, including methylamphetamine (n = 10), a cathinone (n = 7), benzodiazepine‐type NPS (n = 6), N‐ethylamphetamine (n = 1), 3‐hydroxyphencyclidine (n = 1) and/or 4‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐isopropyltryptamine (n = 1).Discussion and ConclusionsEDNAV toxicosurveillance serves as an additional tool within a multi‐faceted approach to harm reduction at festivals. Continued data collection will allow for the characterisation of high‐risk drug use patterns to provide evidence‐based messaging to festival patrons and key stakeholders.
Ten‐year progression of obesity‐related complications in a population with overweight and obesity in the UK: A retrospective open cohort study
Authors: Pearson‐Stuttard Jonathan , Holloway Sara , Sommer Matthiessen Kasper , Thompson Andrew , Capucci Silvia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the prevalence of individual obesity‐related complications (ORCs) and multimorbidity (≥ 1, ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 ORCs), and multimorbidity‐associated healthcare costs, over 10 years.MethodsThis retrospective open cohort study used Discover, a UK database of linked primary and secondary electronic health records. Adults were stratified by body mass index (BMI; overweight: 25‐< 30 kg/m2; obesity class I: 30‐< 35 kg/m2; obesity class II: 35‐< 40 kg/m2; obesity class III: ≥ 40 kg/m2). Outcomes by year since baseline were assessed for serial cross sections across the study period (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2019; the index date was the date of first eligible BMI measurement).ResultsAcross 1 410 146 individuals (overweight: 1 008 101; obesity class I: 278 782; obesity class II: 80 621; obesity class III: 42 642), ORC prevalence was higher in successive BMI groups, and increases over time were generally greater for obesity relative to overweight. In those with ORC multimorbidity, both higher BMI and the presence of more ORCs were associated with higher annual per‐person healthcare costs. Costs increased over time in those individuals with obesity and one or more ORC, as well as in those with obesity and two or more ORCs.ConclusionsHigher BMI was associated with higher baseline ORC prevalence and a greater increase in ORC prevalence over time, and with higher healthcare costs in those with multimorbidity. To reduce the burden of overweight and obesity on patients and healthcare systems, the presence, number and type of ORCs should be considered in developing effective, targeted prevention and management care pathways.
Sweetened beverages and atrial fibrillation in people with prediabetes or diabetes
Authors: Gan Xiaoqin , Ye Ziliang , Zhang Yuanyuan , He Panpan , Liu Mengyi , Zhou Chun , Zhang Yanjun , Yang Sisi , Huang Yu , Xiang Hao , Qin Xianhui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo assess the association of intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) and natural juices (NJs) with new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in people with prediabetes or diabetes.MethodsA total of 31 433 participants with prediabetes and diabetes from the UK Biobank were included. Information on the intake of SSBs, ASBs and NJs was accessed by 24‐hour dietary recalls from 2009 to 2012. The study outcome was new‐onset AF.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 12.0 years, 2470 (7.9%) AF cases were documented. Both the intake of SSBs (per 1 unit/day increment; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04‐1.18) and ASBs (per 1 unit/day increment; adjusted HR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.14) were linearly and positively associated with new‐onset AF, while NJ intake was not significantly associated with new‐onset AF (per 1 unit/day increment; adjusted HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93‐1.08). Accordingly, compared with non‐consumers, participants who consumed more than one unit per day of SSBs (adjusted HR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.11‐1.53) or ASBs (adjusted HR = 1.21; 95% CI:1.05‐1.40) had an increased risk of AF. Substituting 1 unit/day of NJs for SSBs was associated with a 9% (adjusted HR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.83‐0.99) lower risk of new‐onset AF, while replacing SSBs with ASBs was not significantly associated with new‐onset AF (adjusted HR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.89‐1.06).ConclusionsBoth the intake of SSBs and ASBs were linearly and positively associated with new‐onset AF, while NJ intake did not show a significant association with AF in people with prediabetes or diabetes. Replacing an equivalent amount of SSB intake with NJs, but not ASBs, was associated with a lower risk of AF.
Peripheral immune profile and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in progressive supranuclear palsy: Case–control study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Muñoz‐Delgado Laura , Luque‐Ambrosiani Antonio , Zamora Belén Benítez , Macías‐García Daniel , Jesús Silvia , Adarmes‐Gómez Astrid , Ojeda‐Lepe Elena , Carrillo Fátima , Mir Pablo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and purposePeripheral inflammation is probably involved in the pathogenesis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and it may be a common feature with Parkinson's disease (PD). The peripheral immune profile in PSP remains unclear, as well as whether the inflammatory pathways differ from those in PD. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proven to be a well‐established biomarker of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the peripheral immune profile in PSP compared with PD.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted including patients with PSP and PD and healthy controls (HCs). Leukocyte subpopulations and the NLR were measured in peripheral blood. Multivariate linear regression and post hoc tests were applied. Electronic databases were searched in November 2023 to perform meta‐analyses to clarify the peripheral immune profile in PSP.ResultsOur cohort included 121 patients with PSP, 127 patients with PD and 266 HCs. The NLR was higher in PSP and PD compared with HCs. PSP had a higher neutrophil count compared with HCs. Whilst a lower lymphocyte count was found in PD compared with HCs, the lymphocyte count did not differ between PSP and HCs. The meta‐analyses supported this immune profile.ConclusionsPSP and PD show an increased peripheral inflammation and a higher NLR compared with HCs. Different pathogenic inflammatory mechanisms are probably involved in PSP and PD, since in PSP this altered peripheral immune profile is mainly driven by neutrophils. Understanding the neutrophils' role in PSP may allow for the development of targeted therapies.
Strangles vaccination: A current European perspective
Authors: Rendle David , Bowen Mark , Cavalleri Jessika , De Brauwere Nicolas , Grondahl Gittan , van Maanen K. , Newton J. Richard 
Published: August 2024

SummaryDevelopment of a subunit vaccine (Strangvac) from fusion of recombinant Streptococcus equi proteins offers a new tool in the management of infection with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Experience to date indicates that the vaccine is effective in limiting disease spread, and through inclusion of only the desired proteins needed for induction of an effective immune response, the safety profile appears far better than with previous vaccines. Published reports of the use of the vaccine are limited, and to date, vets have had limited information upon which to make informed decisions on the potential benefits of this novel vaccine. This article was developed to share the collective experience of the authors in using Strangvac and to highlight potential benefits of integrating vaccination alongside biosecurity measures in controlling ‘strangles’. This article reviews the use of vaccination prior to movement, in the face of outbreaks and also discusses use in mares and foals. Safety and the benefits of differentiating vaccinated from infected animals are also discussed. The reader should consider the level of evidence upon which the recommendations are based as it is frequently weak and limited to anecdotal reports or interpretation of unpublished data. The recommendations made are certain to be revised or replaced as new evidence comes forward but provide a basis for practitioners to implement vaccination strategies based on what is known currently. At times, the authors' recommendations deviate from those that were initially put down in the summary of product characteristics. This comes as a result of clinical experience that has been gained since the initial experimental studies were performed prior to registration. Veterinary surgeons using the vaccine outside of the regimen set down in the summary of product characteristics should be cognisant of their local legal framework and should ensure that they have informed consent to do so.
Computed tomographic findings of a nasal neuroendocrine neoplasm with intracranial extension in a horse
Authors: Giorio Maria Elisabetta , Mitchell Jordan L. , Priestnall Simon L. , Dunkel Bettina , Dash Rupert F. , Berner Dagmar 
Published: August 2024

SummaryA 20‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse gelding was presented to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital for investigation of left‐sided epistaxis, depression and gait abnormalities of approximately 1 month duration. Physical examination and cranial nerve evaluation were unremarkable. A small amount of haemorrhagic discharge was noted from the left nostril. Gait evaluation was suggestive of proprioceptive deficits. Computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion within the left conchofrontal and sphenopalatine sinuses extending through the cribriform plate into the calvarium. Histopathology of the mass revealed a neuroendocrine neoplasm, for which a diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma was favoured. This case highlights the usefulness of CT for the identification and extent of an intracranial mass and therefore its prognosis, however, histopathological examination was necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Artificial electric field algorithm with repulsion mechanism
Authors: Zhang Gengfei , Cheng Jiatang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDue to its outstanding performance in addressing optimization problems, artificial electric field (AEF) algorithm has garnered increasing notice in recent years. Nevertheless, numerous studies indicate that AEF is susceptible to premature convergence when the region influenced by the global optimum constitutes a small fraction of the entire solution space. By conducting micro‐level research on the particles during the evolution process of AEF, it is revealed that the primary factors influencing optimization performance are the Coulomb's electrostatic force mechanism and the fixed attenuation factor. Inspired by this observation, we propose an improved version named artificial electric field algorithm with repulsion mechanism (RMAEF). Specifically, in RMAEF, a repulsion mechanism is incorporated to make particles escape from local optima. Furthermore, an adaptive attenuation factor is employed to update dynamically Coulomb's constant. RMAEF is compared with AEF and its state‐of‐art variants under 44 test functions from CEC 2005 and CEC 2014 test suites. From the experiment results, it is obvious that among 14 benchmark functions from CEC 2005 on 30D and 50D optimization, the RMAEF algorithm exhibits superior performance on 8 and 9 functions compared with advanced variants of AEF. For CEC 2014 on 30D and 50D optimization, the RMAEF algorithm produces the best results on 11 and 12 functions, respectively. In addition, three real‐world problems are also used to verify the versatility and robustness. The results demonstrate that RMAEF outperforms its competitors in terms of overall performance.
River flow intermittence influence biodiversity–stability relationships across spatial scales: Implications for an uncertain future
Authors: Gianuca Andros T. , di Cavalcanti Victor R. , Cruz Leonardo , Floury Mathieu , Crabot Julie , Valette Laurent , Piffady Jeremy , Datry Thibault 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change is increasing the proportion of river networks experiencing flow intermittence, which in turn reduces local diversity (i.e., α‐diversity) but enhances variation in species composition among sites (i.e., β‐diversity), with potential consequences on ecosystem stability. Indeed, the multiscale theory of stability proposes that regional stability can be attained not only by local processes but also by spatial asynchrony among sites. However, it is still unknown whether and how scale‐dependent changes in biodiversity associated with river flow intermittence influence stability across spatial scales. To elucidate this, we here focus on multiple metacommunities of French rivers experiencing contrasting levels of flow intermittence. We clearly show that the relative contribution of spatial asynchrony to regional stability was higher for metacommunities of intermittent than perennial rivers. Surprisingly, spatial asynchrony was mainly linked to asynchronous population dynamics among sites, but not to β‐diversity. This finding was robust for both truly aquatic macroinvertebrates and for taxa that disperse aerially during their adult stages, implying the need to conserve multiple sites across the landscape to attain regional stability in intermittent rivers. By contrast, metacommunities of truly aquatic macroinvertebrates inhabiting perennial rivers were mainly stabilized by local processes. Our study provides novel evidence that metacommunities of perennial and intermittent rivers are stabilized by contrasting processes operating at different spatial scales. We demonstrate that flow intermittence enhances spatial asynchrony among sites, thus resulting in a regional stabilizing effect on intermittent river networks. Considering that climate change is increasing the proportion of intermittent rivers worldwide, our results suggest that managers need to focus on the spatial dynamics of metacommunities more than on local‐scale processes to monitor, restore, and conserve freshwater biodiversity.
Optimistic growth of marginal region plantations under climate warming: Assessing divergent drought resilience
Authors: Li Jitang , Xie Yuyang , Camarero Jesús Julio , Gazol Antonio , González de Andrés Ester , Ying Lingxiao , Shen Zehao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGiven the context of significant global warming and the intensification of extreme climate events in the last century, large‐scale reforestation and afforestation have been recognized as effective strategies to mitigate the climate crisis. Since the 1970s, China has launched several afforestation programs aimed at regional ecological protection, playing an important role in reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. This study provided a detailed analysis of the growth suitability of the main planted conifers (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and Pinus tabulaeformis) and broadleaves (Populus spp., Robinia pseudoacacia) in the semi‐arid northern China. We compared the radial growth trends of plantations and their responses to extreme droughts from 1980 to 2018. Growth of most plantations has significantly increased over time, but broadleaves showed recent growth reductions in the past decade, which may be related to tree age and reduced soil moisture. Nevertheless, under warmer climate scenarios, the growth of plantations is forecasted to continue increasing. Broadleaves showed a better post‐drought recovery, probably linked to their anisohydric behavior, than conifers, which presented a better resistance to drought. Growth of conifers depended more on warmer temperature and better precipitation conditions during the growing season, whereas broadleaves mainly reacted to warm temperature. Additionally, pre‐drought growth levels weakened resilience components, while post‐drought precipitation compensated for drought‐induced growth deficit. Growth and resilience were negatively related to tree age, while higher stand density reduced growth. This assessment and projections of growth and drought resilience indicate the sustainability of most plantations in semi‐arid regions, but future warmer and drier conditions may lead to an uncertain future regarding forest health and reduce their carbon sink potential.
Environment and microbiome drive different microbial traits and functions in the macroscale soil organic carbon cycle
Authors: Wasner Daniel , Schnecker Joerg , Han Xingguo , Sun Yifei , Frossard Aline , Zagal Venegas Erick , Boeckx Pascal , Doetterl Sebastian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSoil microbial traits and functions play a central role in soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. However, at the macroscale (regional to global) it is still unresolved whether (i) specific environmental attributes (e.g., climate, geology, soil types) or (ii) microbial community composition drive key microbial traits and functions directly. To address this knowledge gap, we used 33 grassland topsoils (0–10 cm) from a geoclimatic gradient in Chile. First, we incubated the soils for 1 week in favorable standardized conditions and quantified a wide range of soil microbial traits and functions such as microbial biomass carbon (MBC), enzyme kinetics, microbial respiration, growth rates as well as carbon use efficiency (CUE). Second, we characterized climatic and physicochemical properties as well as bacterial and fungal community composition of the soils. We then applied regression analysis to investigate how strongly the measured microbial traits and functions were linked with the environmental setting versus microbial community composition. We show that environmental attributes (predominantly the amount of soil organic matter) determined patterns of MBC along the gradient, which in turn explained microbial respiration and growth rates. However, respiration and growth normalized for MBC (i.e., specific respiration and growth) were more linked to microbial community composition than environmental attributes. Notably, both specific respiration and growth followed distinct trends and were related to different parts of the microbial community, which in turn resulted in strong effects on microbial CUE. We conclude that even at the macroscale, CUE is the result of physiologically decoupled aspects of microbial metabolism, which in turn is partially determined by microbial community composition. The environmental setting and microbial community composition affect different microbial traits and functions, and therefore both factors need to be considered in the context of macroscale SOC dynamics.