bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does climate shape geographical morphological variation of spines in Neotropical spiny rats (Rodentia, Echimyidae, Trinomys)?
Authors: Barbosa André Luiz Liberato , Pessôa Leila Maria , Tavares William Corrêa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Flattened and flexible spiny hairs, the aristiforms, evolved independently in some lineages of rodents, but unlikely capable of causing severe damage to predators. Their biological roles are not yet clearly known and some different thermoregulatory functions have been proposed, often associated with severe climatic conditions but not yet tested. In this study we investigated whether climate may be a major factor shaping geographic variation of length and width of aristiform hairs of 2 species of Neotropical spiny rats of the genus Trinomys (Echimyidae) occurring in eastern Brazil: T. albispinus and T. setosus. Results revealed clinal variation in these hairs. While bioclimatic factors and geographic distance together accounted for up to a third of the morphometric variation, the exclusive impact of climate was limited, explaining only up to 3% of the observed variation. However, considering the close association between climate and geographic distance, the role of climate in shaping aristiform hair cannot be discounted. While our results did not fully support the hypothesis that well-developed, wide spiny hairs are selected for greater protection against rain for underhairs, they marginally supported their role in facilitating heat loss in warm environments by facilitating water condensation. More consistently, results show that narrow spiny hairs tended to evolve in cold environments, likely enhancing thermal insulation. The length of aristiform hair in T. albispinus also appeared to respond to this function, becoming longer in cold and high-altitude regions. However, we cannot rule out the possibility of an evolutionary response correlated with selection on underhairs. Future experimental studies should test the thermoregulatory function of flexible spiny hairs and investigate the geographic variation of these structures in other rodent species.
The role of the major chemosensory organs in the host-seeking activity of Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Popkin-Hall Zachary R , Slotman Michel A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anopheles coluzzii (Coetzee & Wilkerson) and its sibling species Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Giles) are highly anthropophilic and among the major malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. Mosquitoes use various senses to find hosts, but rely primarily on olfaction. Therefore, the mosquito olfactory system has been studied extensively, including a variety of studies comparing chemosensory gene expression between An. coluzzii and its zoophilic sibling species Anopheles quadriannulatus (Theobald). These studies revealed species-specific chemosensory gene expression in the antennae and maxillary palps, which raised the question of a potential role for the palps in determining species-specific host preferences. To answer this question, we mechanically ablated the antennae, maxillary palps, and labella, and ran both control and ablated mosquitoes through a dual-port olfactometer. While we aimed to identify the organs responsible for vertebrate host choice, the ablated mosquitoes exclusively responded to human odor, so we were unable to do so. However, we were able to refine our understanding of the roles of these organs in host-seeking activation (leaving the release cage) as well as odor response (entering an odor port). As expected, the antennae are the most important organs to both behaviors: activation was roughly halved and vertebrate odor response was abolished in antennae-ablated mosquitoes. Maxillary palp ablation had little impact on activation, but reduced odor response to a similar degree as the exclusion of CO2. Finally, while labellar ablation dramatically reduced activation (probably associated with the inability to feed), it had little impact on odor response, suggesting that any labellar role in host choice is likely not olfactory.
Explorational analysis of the abundance and prevalence of chigger and gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals in Vietnam
Authors: Antonovskaia Anastasia A , Altshuler Evgeny P , Balakirev Alexander E , Lopatina Yuliya V 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We studied chigger and gamasid mite loads on small mammals during the dry season in Vietnam and used both our field data and museum collections to estimate the influence of environmental factors on mite abundance and prevalence. Generalized linear (mixed effect) models were used to analyze the data. We examined 1,239 small mammal individuals, which were obtained from field expeditions and museum collections belonging to 59 species. In different localities, Rattus Fischer (Rodentia: Muridae), Niviventer Marshall (Rodentia: Muridae), and Maxomys Sody (Rodentia: Muridae) were the most common animals captured. The prevalence of chigger and gamasid mites in our expedition data was high: 72% and 62%, respectively. We found differences in the abundance of chigger mites between different populations of the same species of small mammals. Season and locality were the main factors that influenced chigger mite abundance and prevalence. The best model that predicted the abundance and prevalence of chigger mites included geography (province) as a predictor and host species and season as random effects. For the first time, we analyzed factors connected with climate and weather affecting chigger mites of small mammals in Vietnam.
Phase I trial of single-photon emission computed tomography–guided liver-directed radiotherapy for patients with low functional liver volume
Authors: Chang Enoch , Wong Franklin C L , Chasen Beth A , Erwin William D , Das Prajnan , Holliday Emma B , Koong Albert C , Ludmir Ethan B , Minsky Bruce D , Noticewala Sonal S , Smith Grace L , Taniguchi Cullen M , Rodriguez Maria J , Beddar Sam , Martin-Paulpeter Rachael M , Niedzielski Joshua S , Sawakuchi Gabriel O , Schueler Emil , Perles Luis A , Xiao Lianchun , Szklaruk Janio , Park Peter C , Dasari Arvind N , Kaseb Ahmed O , Kee Bryan K , Lee Sunyoung S , Overman Michael J , Willis Jason A , Wolff Robert A , Tzeng Ching-Wei D , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Koay Eugene J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Traditional constraints specify that 700 cc of liver should be spared a hepatotoxic dose when delivering liver-directed radiotherapy to reduce the risk of inducing liver failure. We investigated the role of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to identify and preferentially avoid functional liver during liver-directed radiation treatment planning in patients with preserved liver function but limited functional liver volume after receiving prior hepatotoxic chemotherapy or surgical resection.

Methods
This phase I trial with a 3 + 3 design evaluated the safety of liver-directed radiotherapy using escalating functional liver radiation dose constraints in patients with liver metastases. Dose-limiting toxicities were assessed 6-8 weeks and 6 months after completing radiotherapy.

Results
All 12 patients had colorectal liver metastases and received prior hepatotoxic chemotherapy; 8 patients underwent prior liver resection. Median computed tomography anatomical nontumor liver volume was 1584 cc (range = 764-2699 cc). Median SPECT functional liver volume was 1117 cc (range = 570-1928 cc). Median nontarget computed tomography and SPECT liver volumes below the volumetric dose constraint were 997 cc (range = 544-1576 cc) and 684 cc (range = 429-1244 cc), respectively. The prescription dose was 67.5-75 Gy in 15 fractions or 75-100 Gy in 25 fractions. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed during follow-up. One-year in-field control was 57%. One-year overall survival was 73%.

Conclusion
Liver-directed radiotherapy can be safely delivered to high doses when incorporating functional SPECT into the radiation treatment planning process, which may enable sparing of lower volumes of liver than traditionally accepted in patients with preserved liver function.

Trial registration
NCT02626312.
Comparison of BMI changes in Japanese adults receiving face-to-face versus online counseling for specific health guidance: a noninferiority prospective observational study
Authors: Kanamori Satoru , Tomiyama Kiyomi , Haruyama Yasuo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the noninferiority of online counseling over face-to-face counseling for specific health guidance (SHG).

Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted using specific health checkup (SHC) and SHG data of individuals with health insurance in Japan. We analyzed data from 1431 participants who met the inclusion criteria, including those who underwent online or face-to-face counseling between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, and received an SHC in the following year but no earlier than 90 days after their first counseling session. Assessed variables comprised demographics, counseling methods, and SHC results, including baseline questionnaire findings and body mass index (BMI) at follow-up. We performed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using propensity scores, with changes in BMI as the objective variable and the counseling method as the explanatory variable. We set the noninferiority margin to 0.175, based on a previous study.

Results
The online and face-to-face counseling groups comprised 455 (31.8%) and 976 (68.2%) participants, respectively. The number of men and mean age were 214 (47.0%) and 49.9 years (SD: 6.9 years), respectively, in the online counseling group, and 491 (50.3%) and 51.1 years (SD: 7.6 years), respectively, in the face-to-face counseling group. IPTW using propensity scores revealed a regression coefficient of −0.014 (95% CI: −0.157 to 0.129) for the online group compared with the face-to-face group (P = .847). The CI was within the noninferiority margin.

Conclusions
The effects of online counseling on BMI are likely noninferior to those of face-to-face counseling.
The natural polyphenol fisetin in atherosclerosis prevention: a mechanistic review
Authors: Yu Wei , Zhao Yaping , Ilyas Iqra , Wang Li , Little Peter J , Xu Suowen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The incidence and mortality rate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is increasing yearly worldwide. Recently, a growing body of evidence has unveiled the anti-atherosclerotic properties of fisetin, a natural polyphenol compound. In this article, we reviewed the pharmacologic actions of fisetin on experimental atherosclerosis and its protective effects on disease-relevant cell types such as endothelial cells, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and platelets. Based on its profound cardiovascular actions, fisetin holds potential for clinical translation and could be developed as a potential therapeutic option for atherosclerosis and its related complications. Large-scale randomized clinical trials are warranted to ascertain the safety and efficacy of fisetin in patients with or high risk for ASCVD.
OzDES Reverberation Mapping Program: Stacking analysis with Hβ, Mg ii, and C iv
Authors: Malik U , Sharp R , Penton A , Yu Z , Martini P , Tucker B E , Davis T M , Lewis G F , Lidman C , Aguena M , Alves O , Annis J , Asorey J , Bacon D , Brooks D , Carnero Rosell A , Carretero J , Cheng T -Y , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , De Vicente J , Doel P , Ferrero I , Frieman J , Giannini G , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , James D J , Kuehn K , Marshall J L , Mena-Fernández J , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Palmese A , Pieres A , Plazas Malagón A A , Reil K , Romer A K , Sanchez E , Schubnell M , Smith M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , To C , Weaverdyck N , Wiseman P 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Reverberation mapping is the leading technique used to measure direct black hole masses outside of the local Universe. Additionally, reverberation measurements calibrate secondary mass-scaling relations used to estimate single-epoch virial black hole masses. The Australian Dark Energy Survey (OzDES) conducted one of the first multi-object reverberation mapping surveys, monitoring 735 AGN up to z ∼ 4, over 6 years. The limited temporal coverage of the OzDES data has hindered recovery of individual measurements for some classes of sources, particularly those with shorter reverberation lags or lags that fall within campaign season gaps. To alleviate this limitation, we perform a stacking analysis of the cross-correlation functions of sources with similar intrinsic properties to recover average composite reverberation lags. This analysis leads to the recovery of average lags in each redshift-luminosity bin across our sample. We present the average lags recovered for the Hβ, Mg ii, and C iv samples, as well as multiline measurements for redshift bins where two lines are accessible. The stacking analysis is consistent with the Radius–Luminosity relations for each line. Our results for the Hβ sample demonstrate that stacking has the potential to improve upon constraints on the R–L relation, which have been derived only from individual source measurements until now.
Quantitative modelling of type Ia supernovae spectral time series: constraining the explosion physics
Authors: Magee M R , Siebenaler L , Maguire K , Ackley K , Killestein T 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Multiple explosion mechanisms have been proposed to explain type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Empirical modelling tools have also been developed that allow for fast, customized modelling of individual SNe and direct comparisons between observations and explosion model predictions. Such tools have provided useful insights, but the subjective nature with which empirical modelling is performed makes it difficult to obtain robust constraints on the explosion physics or expand studies to large populations of objects. Machine learning accelerated tools have therefore begun to gain traction. In this paper, we present riddler, a framework for automated fitting of SNe Ia spectral sequences up to shortly after maximum light. We train a series of neural networks on realistic ejecta profiles predicted by the W7 and N100 explosion models to emulate full radiative transfer simulations and apply nested sampling to determine the best-fitting model parameters for multiple spectra of a given SN simultaneously. We show that riddler is able to accurately recover the parameters of input spectra and use it to fit observations of two well-studied SNe Ia. We also investigate the impact of different weighting schemes when performing quantitative spectral fitting and show that best-fitting models and parameters are highly dependent on the assumed weighting schemes and priors. As spectroscopic samples of SNe Ia continue to grow, automated spectral fitting tools such as riddler will become increasingly important to maximise the physical constraints that can be gained in a quantitative and consistent manner.
The long-term effects of dapagliflozin in chronic kidney disease: a time-to-event analysis
Authors: McEwan Phil , Gabb Peter D , Davis Jason A , Garcia Sanchez Juan Jose , Sjöström C David , Barone Salvatore , Kashioulis Pavlos , Ouwens Mario , Cassimaty Syd , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Rossing Peter , Wheeler David C , Heerspink Hiddo J L 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant clinical and economic burden to healthcare systems worldwide, which increases considerably with progression towards kidney failure. The Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) trial demonstrated that patients with or without type 2 diabetes who were treated with dapagliflozin experienced slower progression of CKD versus those receiving placebo. Understanding the effect of long-term treatment with dapagliflozin on the timing of kidney failure beyond trial follow-up can assist informed decision-making by healthcare providers and patients. The study objective was therefore to extrapolate the outcome-based clinical benefits of treatment with dapagliflozin in patients with CKD via a time-to-event analysis using trial data.

Methods
Patient-level data from the DAPA-CKD trial were used to parameterize a closed cohort-level partitioned survival model that predicted time-to-event for key trial endpoints (kidney failure, all-cause mortality, sustained decline in kidney function and hospitalization for heart failure). Data were pooled with a subpopulation of the Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events – Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58) trial to create a combined CKD population spanning a range of CKD stages; a parallel survival analysis was conducted in this population.

Results
In the DAPA-CKD and pooled CKD populations, treatment with dapagliflozin delayed time to first event for kidney failure, all-cause mortality, sustained decline in kidney function and hospitalization for heart failure. Attenuation of CKD progression was predicted to slow the time to kidney failure by 6.6 years [dapagliflozin: 25.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 19.0–31.5; standard therapy: 18.5, 95% CI 14.7–23.4] in the DAPA-CKD population. A similar result was observed in the pooled CKD population with an estimated delay of 6.3 years (dapagliflozin: 36.0, 95% CI 31.9–38.3; standard therapy: 29.6, 95% CI 25.5–34.7).

Conclusion
Treatment with dapagliflozin over a lifetime time horizon may considerably delay the mean time to adverse clinical outcomes for patients who would go on to experience them, including those at modest risk of progression.
Economic income and survival in patients affected by glioblastoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Di Nunno Vincenzo , Gatto Lidia , Aprile Marta , Bartolini Stefania , Tosoni Alicia , Franceschi Enrico 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Within socioeconomic variables, economic income has been associated with the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. However, studies investigating this issue provided conflicting results.

Methods
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the correlation between economic income and survival in patients with glioblastoma. The inverse variance technique for hazard ratio (HR) assessment has been employed in reporting the random effect model.

Results
We included 12 studies for a total of 143 303 GBM patients (67 463 with high economic income, and 25 679 with low economic income). In the overall analysis, lower economic income resulted in poorer survival (pooled HR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, I2 = 64%). Variables like the type of Health Care System (public, private, or mixed) and the time in which patients have been treated (pre or post-EORTC-NCIC trial 22981/26981, CE.3 protocol advent) did not modify survival on pooled analysis.

Conclusions
Economic conditions and income influence the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. A better understanding of the modifiable barriers leading to treatment disparities in more disadvantaged patients is warranted to make equal oncological care.
Perspective: Improving police recruitment outcomes for women through physical fitness support programs
Authors: Roman Ivonne , McGough Maureen Q 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This perspective paper is anchored in the authors’ direct experiences with enhancing women’s recruitment in law enforcement through physical fitness programs and mentoring in Newark, NJ. The paper draws insights from a successful approach that boosted women’s performance in physical fitness tests (PFTs). The paper underscores the importance of gender inclusivity in police recruitment, detailing the implementation of the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) and its evolution into the nationwide 30x30 initiative. Key findings reveal that tailored physical training, effective mentoring, and support can significantly lower attrition and enhance gender diversity in policing. Recommendations for law enforcement agencies include adopting equitable PFT standards, establishing mentoring programs for women, and revising recruitment policies to align with current research and best practices. This paper also advocates for a paradigm shift towards comprehensive strategies that build an organizational culture of diversity and equality, specifically through initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s representation in policing with focussed physical fitness training and acclimatization.
Alzheimer’s disease: insights into pathology, molecular mechanisms, and therapy
Authors: Zheng Qiuyang , Wang Xin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This condition casts a significant shadow on global health due to its complex and multifactorial nature. In addition to genetic predispositions, the development of AD is influenced by a myriad of risk factors, including aging, systemic inflammation, chronic health conditions, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. Recent advancements in understanding the complex pathophysiology of AD are paving the way for enhanced diagnostic techniques, improved risk assessment, and potentially effective prevention strategies. These discoveries are crucial in the quest to unravel the complexities of AD, offering a beacon of hope for improved management and treatment options for the millions affected by this debilitating disease.
Exercise as an anti-inflammatory Therapy in Axial Spondyloarthritis Therapeutic Intervention (EXTASI) study: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roberts Matthew J , Hamrouni Malik , Linsley Victoria , Moorthy Arumugam , Bishop Nicolette C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Axial SpA (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, yet despite known anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, the effect of exercise on inflammatory immune cell populations and associated inflammatory profiles in axSpA is unknown. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of 12 weeks of walking on symptom severity, cardiometabolic health, inflammatory biomarkers and immune cell populations.

Methods
Twenty people (60% male) living with axSpA who were on a stable dose of NSAIDs participated. Participants were randomly assigned to control or exercise (30 min of walking five times per week). Participants were invited back every 4 weeks for assessment.

Results
There was a 0% dropout rate and no adverse events in the exercise group, showing walking exercise was well tolerated. Home-based walking for 12 weeks lowered the proportion of pro-inflammatory monocytes, whereas they increased in the control group. Changes were associated with lower IL-6 and CRP concentrations, lower spinal pain and lower systolic blood pressure in the exercise group, whereas these markers increased in the control group. Reductions in IL-6 and pro-inflammatory monocytes with exercise were independent of lower body fat percentage.

Conclusions
Supplementing NSAID therapy with walking exercise can improve inflammatory immune profiles in people with axSpA, coinciding with reductions in spinal pain. Importantly, the exercise was well tolerated, suggesting walking exercise can be used as an adjuvant anti-inflammatory therapy for NSAID treatments. This should now be explored in people living with axSpA who have had high enough disease activity to necessitate the prescription of biologic or synthetic DMARD treatments.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT04368494.