bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent history and future trends in the study of insect behavior in North America
Authors: Evenden Maya L , Konopka Joanna K 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We examine the recent history and future trends in the field of insect behavior in North America. This project stemmed from participation in a section symposium at a Joint Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America (ESA), Canada (ESC), and British Columbia (ESBC) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2022. Each participating team in the symposium was asked to address 3 questions about their subdiscipline: (i) How has your subdiscipline changed in the last 15 yr? (ii) How will your subdiscipline change as a discipline over the next 15 yr? (iii) What can ESA and the Plant-Insect Ecosystem section (P-IE) do to help members who study your subdiscipline and improve the understanding of the subdiscipline? To address the first question, we used data from 2008 to 2022 on presentations given at ESA meetings, literature searches, and funding databases. To predict changes in the discipline of insect behavior in the future, we examined data pertaining to student participation in the field and educational opportunities in insect behavior. Our main findings are that insect behavior is an integral part of entomological research with an important future role to play in understanding insect biology under climate change. We provide multiple lines of evidence illustrating the importance of insect behavior in multidisciplinary research across a variety of scientific fields. We conclude by answering the third question with suggestions for the promotion of insect behavior research at annual ESA meetings and for gathering more information to further understand the importance of the subdiscipline of insect behavior.
Feminizing Gender Affirming Breast Surgery: Procedural Outcomes at a Single Academic Institution
Authors: Sanchez Figueroa Nicole , Kuruoglu Doga , Fahradyan Vahe , Tran Nho , Sharaf Basel , Martínez-Jorge Jorys 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Implant-based breast augmentation is a gold standard procedure for transfeminine patients to create a more feminine-appearing chest. In many cases, ancillary procedures are performed simultaneously to achieve an optimal aesthetic result.

Objectives
To determine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing feminizing gender-affirming breast surgery in a single academic institution.

Methods
A retrospective electronic chart review of feminizing gender-affirming breast surgery patients at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from 2017 to 2022 was conducted. Patients demographics and surgical outcomes were gathered. A survival analysis was performed to obtain the time-to-event complication rate.

Results
Over 5 years, 46 patients (92 breasts) were included. The mean age was 39 years (SD ±15), and most had an above-normal Body Mass Index (58.7%). Thirty (65%) had previous gender-affirming surgeries. The mean implant volume was 289 ml (SD ±95; 140 - 520). Most implants were placed in a subglandular plane (81%) with an inframammary fold incision (91.3%). All implants used were smooth round cohesive silicone gel implants. Ancillary procedures were performed in thirty-two patients (69.57%). Eight patients presented complications (4 major vs 4 minor) in a median postoperative follow-up of 372 vs 392 days; at 1-month follow-up, the probability of a complication to have occurred is 2.17% (95% CI: 0–6.3%) vs 5% (95% CI: 0–11.5%) and at 1 year is 10.21% (95% CI: 0–20.9%) vs 12.5% (95% CI: 0–23.4%) ​which remain the same up to 4 years.

Conclusions
Breast augmentation with implants is a safe procedure to achieve feminization of the breast with a low rate of complications.
Re-discovery of MS-347a as a fungicide candidate through a new drug discovery platform with a multidrug-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae screening system and the introduction of a global secondary metabolism regulator, laeA gene
Authors: Honma Sota , Kimishima Aoi , Kimishima Atsushi , Honsho Masako , Kojima Hiroki , Tokiwa Toshiyuki , Nishitomi Atsuka , Kato Satoshi , Kondo Naozumi , Araki Yasuko , Takahashi Tadashi , Chinen Takumi , Usui Takeo , Fuji Shin-ichi , Ito Kotaro , Asami Yukihiro 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
We found that the culture broth of fungi showed anti-fungal activity against multidrug-sensitive budding yeast. However, we could not identify the anti-fungal compound due to the small quantity. Therefore, we attempted to increase the productivity of the target compound by the introduction of a global secondary metabolism regulator, laeA to the strain, which led to the successful isolation of 10-folds greater amount of MS-347a (1) than Aspergillus sp. FKI-5362. Compound 1 was not effective against Candida albicans and the detailed anti-fungal activity of 1 remains unverified. After our anti-fungal activity screening, 1 was found to inhibit the growth of broad plant pathogenic fungal species belonging to the Ascomycota. It is noteworthy that 1 showed little insecticidal activity against silkworms, suggesting its selective biological activity against plant pathogenic fungi. Our study implies that the combination strategy of multidrug-sensitive yeast and the introduction of laeA is useful for new anti-fungal drug discovery.
Macro-based collagen quantification and segmentation in picrosirius red-stained heart sections using light microscopy
Authors: Kammerer Julian , Cirnu Alexandra , Williams Tatjana , Hasselmeier Melanie , Nörpel Mike , Chen Ruping , Gerull Brenda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Picrosirius red staining constitutes an important and broadly used tool to visualize collagen and fibrosis in various tissues. Although multiple qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to evaluate fibrosis are available, many require specialized devices and software or lack objectivity and scalability. Here, we aimed to develop a versatile and powerful “QuantSeg” macro in the FIJI image processing software capable of automated, robust, and quick collagen quantification in cardiac tissue from light micrographs. To examine different patterns of fibrosis, an optional segmentation algorithm was implemented. To ensure the method’s validity, we quantified the collagen content in a set of wild-type versus plakoglobin-knockout murine hearts exhibiting extensive fibrosis using both the macro and an established, fluorescence microscopy-based method, and compared results. To demonstrate the capabilities of the segmentation feature, rat hearts were examined post-myocardial infarction. We found the QuantSeg macro to robustly detect the differences in fibrosis between knockout and control hearts. In sections with low collagen content, the macro yielded more consistent results than using the fluorescence microscopy-based technique. With its wide range of output parameters, ease of use, cost effectiveness, and objectivity, the QuantSeg macro has the potential to become an established method for analysis of PSR-stained tissue. The novel segmentation feature allows for automated evaluation of different patterns of cardiac fibrosis for the first time.
A Validated Chiral Chromatography Method for Enantiomeric Separation of Pomalidomide in Human Plasma
Authors: Vardhan Gyan , Kumar Vikas , Sahu Puran Lal , Prakash Anuj , Prasad Ramasare , Handu Shailendra , Nath Uttam Kumar , Dhamija Puneet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the present work, new chiral stationary phase high-performance liquid chromatography (CSP-HPLC) method was established and validated for the quantification of pomalidomide (PMD) enantiomers in human plasma. The chromatographic enantiomeric separation was achieved on a Daicel-CSP, Chiralpack IA 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm; because of its advantages of high degree of retention, high resolution capacity, better reproducibility, ability to produce lower back pressure and low degree of tailing. The mobile phase was maintained as methanol: glacial acetic acid (499.50 ml:50 μL). Ultraviolet wavelength for detection was 220 nm. PMD enantiomer-I and enantiomer-II were separated at 8.83 and 15.34 min, respectively. Limit of detection and limit of quantification for each enantiomer and the calibration curve of standard PMD was linear in range between 10–5,000 ng mL−1. The method was validated according to The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH(Q2R1)) specific guidelines. We found no interference peak with PMD chromatogram obtained. This is a simple, reliable and specific method for detection and quantification of enantiomer of PMD in human plasma sample.
The association between hydrochlorothiazide use and non-melanoma skin cancer in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Rahamimov Ruth , Telem Shay , Davidovichi Batia , Bielopolski Dana , Steinmetz Tali , Nesher Eviatar , Lichtenberg Shelly , Rozen-Zvi Benaya 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) diuretics were correlated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma in the general population. Information is a scarce regarding this effect in kidney transplant recipients who are at increased risk of skin malignancies under immunosuppression.

Methods
Single-center retrospective analysis of adult kidney transplant recipients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. The primary outcome of the study was the first diagnosis of skin cancer that was removed and pathologically analyzed. Exposure to thiazides was defined as HCTZ use daily for at least one year at a dose of 12.5 mg.

Results
Among 520 kidney transplant recipients, 50 (9.4%) were treated with HCTZ. During a median follow-up of 9.8 years, 67 patients underwent surgical removal and pathological analysis of at least one skin cancer. Exposure to HCTZ during the 3 years following transplantation was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer (P = 0.004). In a multivariate model, there was a significant association between HCTZ exposure and NMSC (HR 2.54, 95%CI 1.26–5.15, P = 0.007). There was a higher rate of basal cell carcinoma with HCTZ exposure, according to both univariate and multivariate analyses (HR 2.61, 95%CI 1.06–6.43, P = 0.037) and (HR 3.03, 95%CI 1.22–7.55, P = 0.017, respectively). However, no significant association was observed between HCTZ exposure and squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions
These findings suggest a benefit of increased frequency of dermatologist inspection in kidney transplant recipients receiving HCTZ especially in increased ultraviolet exposure area.
Differential sex-dependent susceptibility to diastolic dysfunction and arrhythmia in cardiomyocytes from obese diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction model
Authors: Mira Hernandez Juliana , Shen Erin Y , Ko Christopher Y , Hourani Zaynab , Spencer Emily R , Smoliarchuk Daria , Bossuyt Julie , Granzier Henk , Bers Donald M , Hegyi Bence 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Sex differences in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are important, but key mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. While animal models can inform about sex-dependent cellular and molecular changes, many previous pre-clinical HFpEF models have failed to recapitulate sex-dependent characteristics of human HFpEF. We tested for sex differences in HFpEF using a two-hit mouse model (leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice plus aldosterone infusion for 4 weeks; db/db + Aldo).

Methods and results
We performed echocardiography, electrophysiology, intracellular Ca2+ imaging, and protein analysis. Female HFpEF mice exhibited more severe diastolic dysfunction in line with increased titin N2B isoform expression and PEVK element phosphorylation and reduced troponin-I phosphorylation. Female HFpEF mice had lower BNP levels than males despite similar comorbidity burden (obesity, diabetes) and cardiac hypertrophy in both sexes. Male HFpEF mice were more susceptible to cardiac alternans. Male HFpEF cardiomyocytes (vs. female) exhibited higher diastolic [Ca2+], slower Ca2+ transient decay, reduced L-type Ca2+ current, more pronounced enhancement of the late Na+ current, and increased short-term variability of action potential duration (APD). However, male and female HFpEF myocytes showed similar downregulation of inward rectifier and transient outward K+ currents, APD prolongation, and frequency of delayed afterdepolarizations. Inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) reversed all pathological APD changes in HFpEF in both sexes, and empagliflozin pre-treatment mimicked these effects of CaMKII inhibition. Vericiguat had only slight benefits, and these effects were larger in HFpEF females.

Conclusion
We conclude that the db/db + Aldo pre-clinical HFpEF murine model recapitulates key sex-specific mechanisms in HFpEF and provides mechanistic insights into impaired excitation–contraction coupling and sex-dependent differential arrhythmia susceptibility in HFpEF with potential therapeutic implications. In male HFpEF myocytes, altered Ca2+ handling and electrophysiology aligned with diastolic dysfunction and arrhythmias, while worse diastolic dysfunction in females may depend more on altered myofilament properties.
The influence of the post-autotomy regeneration of a sexual trait and mating tactics in a fiddler crab
Authors: Ribeiro Pablo D , Farías Nahuel E , Ocampo Emiliano H , Nuñez Jesús D , Luppi Tomás A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Male fiddler crabs own an enlarged claw which is a weapon and an ornament. The enlargement of this claw begins from the juvenile stage and continues throughout life. Males may voluntarily lose (i.e., autotomize) this claw. After several molts males may regenerate a new claw, called leptochelous, which acquires a similar length but a lower muscle mass area than the original one, called brachychelous. In some species, regenerated claws develop permanently as leptochelous, the population having 2 discrete claw morphologies. Other species present morphological variations with leptochelous and brachychelous being 2 ends of a continuum. In the species Leptuca uruguayensis, we studied the morphological variation of this enlarged claw, whether it may be caused by its regeneration at different male sizes, and its consequences on mating success. We found that claws could not be discriminated as discrete morphs, suggesting a morphological continuum from brachychelous to leptochelous. Regenerated claws in the laboratory were initially small and proportional to body size, although a field experiment confirmed that claw size is recovered after several molts. Morphological variation may be caused by energetic limitations where males of different sizes must differently trade-off between restitution of claw length (ornament function) or claw muscle area (weapon function). Fiddler crabs use 2 mating tactics with different levels of female choice. However, regardless of the mating tactic, leptochelous males were at a disadvantage at high densities, although not at low densities, suggesting that the consequences of autotomy and regeneration on mating success may depend on the social context.
Association between lipoprotein(a) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Xu , Zhang Nan , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Sun Yihong , Liu Tong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level has been demonstrated as an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) amongst the older populations, whereas its effects in the younger population remain unclear. This study evaluated the associations between Lp(a) and the risk of premature ASCVD.

Method and results
PubMed and Embase were searched for related studies until 12 November 2023. Fifty-one studies including 100 540 participants were included. Mean age of patients ranged from 35.3 to 62.3 years. The proportion of male participants ranged from 0% to 100%. The mean follow-up was provided in five studies ranging from 1 year to 40 years. The definition of elevated Lp(a) varied among studies, such as &gt;30 mg/dL, &gt;50 mg/dL, the top tertiles, the top quartiles, the top quintiles, and so on. Higher Lp(a) was significantly associated with the composite ASCVD [odds ratio (OR): 2.15, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.53–3.02, P &lt; 0.001], especially for coronary artery disease (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 2.06–2.90, P &lt; 0.001) and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.56–4.21, P &lt; 0.001). This association remained significant in familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.63–5.96, P &lt; 0.001) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.54–3.23, P &lt; 0.001).Significant results were observed in South Asians (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.31–5.96, P &lt; 0.001), Caucasians (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 2.22–4.52, P &lt; 0.001), and patients with baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) level ≥ 2.6 mmol/L.

Conclusion
Elevated Lp(a) predicts the risk of the composite or individual ASCVD in young, regardless of study design, gender, population characteristics (community or hospitalized), different premature definitions, and various Lp(a) measurement approaches. This association was important in South Asians, Caucasians, FH patients, T2DM patients, and patients with baseline LDL-c level ≥ 2.6 mmol/L.
Frequency of misdiagnosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nielsen Søren K , Rasmussen Torsten B , Hey Thomas M , Zaremba Tomas , Lassen Jens F , Mogensen Jens 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) ≥15 mm. The condition is often hereditary, and family screening is recommended to reduce the risk of adverse disease complications and premature death among relatives. Correct diagnosis of index patients is important to ensure that only relatives at risk of disease development are invited for family screening. To investigate whether patients with International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes for HCM (DI421) or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) (DI422) fulfilled recognized diagnostic criteria.

Methods
All patients with ICD-10 codes for HCM or HOCM at a Department of Cardiology were identified and had their diagnosis validated by a cardiac investigation or a review of their medical records and previous investigations.

Results
A total of 240 patients had ICD-10 codes for HCM/HOCM, of whom 202 (84%, 202/240) underwent re-examination, while 38 (16%, 38/240) had their hospital notes reviewed. A total of 76 patients (32%, n = 76/240) did not fulfil diagnostic criteria, of whom 39 (51%, n = 39/76) had normal (10 mm) or modest LV wall thickness (11–14 mm). The remaining 37 patients (49%, n = 37/76) had LVH ≥15 mm, which was well explained by uncontrolled hypertension (32%, n = 24/76), aortic valve stenosis (19%, n = 7/76), or wild-type amyloidosis (16%, n = 6/76).

Conclusion
One-third of patients with ICD-10 codes for HCM or HOCM did not fulfil recognized diagnostic criteria. Incorrect diagnosis of HCM may cause unnecessary family investigations, which may be associated with anxiety, and a waste of healthcare resources. This highlights the need for specialized cardiomyopathy services to ensure correct diagnosis and management of HCM.
Celiac artery mesenteric fat measurement with endosonography (CAMEUS) reliably correlates with obesity and related comorbidities
Authors: Bazerbachi Fateh , Baroud Serge , Levy Michael J , Maselli Daniel B , Vargas Eric J , Bofill-Garcia Aliana , Law Ryan J , Chandrasekhara Vinay , Storm Andrew C , Gleeson Ferga C , Rajan Elizabeth , Iyer Prasad G , Watt Kymberly D , Abu Dayyeh Barham K 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Visceral fat represents a metabolically active entity linked to adverse metabolic sequelae of obesity. We aimed to determine if celiac artery mesenteric fat thickness can be reliably measured during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and if these measurements correlate with metabolic disease burden.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent celiac artery mesenteric fat measurement with endosonography (CAMEUS) measurement at a tertiary referral center, and a validation prospective trial of patients with obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who received paired EUS exams with CAMEUS measurement before and after six months of treatment with an intragastric balloon.

Results
CAMEUS was measured in 154 patients [56.5% females, mean age 56.5 ± 18.0 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.8 ± 8.0 kg/m2] and was estimated at 14.7 ± 6.5 mm. CAMEUS better correlated with the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (R2 = 0.248, P &lt; 0.001) than BMI (R2 = 0.153, P &lt; 0.001), and significantly correlated with metabolic parameters and diseases. After six months of intragastric balloon placement, the prospective cohort experienced 11.7% total body weight loss, 1.3 points improvement in hemoglobin A1c (P = 0.001), and a 29.4% average decrease in CAMEUS (−6.4 ± 5.2 mm, P &lt; 0.001). CAMEUS correlated with improvements in weight (R2 = 0.368), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (R2 = 0.138), and NAFLD activity score (R2 = 0.156) (all P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
CAMEUS is a novel measure that is significantly correlated with critical metabolic indices and can be easily captured during routine EUS to risk-stratify susceptible patients. This station could allow for EUS access to sampling and therapeutics of this metabolic region.
Females Present Reduced Minimum Toe Clearance During Walking As Compared to Males in Active Older Adults
Authors: Faria Aurélio , Sousa Tiago , Vaz João R , Gabriel Ronaldo , Gama Jorge , Stergiou Nikolaos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical decline due to aging has been associated with the risk of falls. Minimum toe clearance (MTC) is a gait parameter that might play a role in the mechanism of tripping and falling. However, it is unclear if there are any sex-related effects regarding MTC as people age. The present study investigated if there are sex-related differences in MTC in older active adults.

Methods
Twenty-three females and 23 males (F: 65.5 ± 4.8 years; M: 61.9 ± 5.2 years) walked on a treadmill at a preferred walking speed, while kinematic data were obtained at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz and up-sampled to 120 and 240 Hz. MTC was calculated from the kinematics data and evaluated concerning its magnitude (ie, MTC and MTC/leg length), the time between left/right MTC (ie, T-MTC), amount of variability (ie, coefficient of variation [CV] and coefficient of variation modified [CVm]), and temporal structure of variability, that is, the complexity of the time series (ie, MTC α, T-MTC α).

Results
No sex effects were found for MTC/leg length, for the amount of variability (ie, CV and CVm), and for the complexity of the time series (MTC α, T-MTC α). However, females exhibited significantly lower MTC and T-MTC after adjusting for walking speed, mass, and age as covariates.

Conclusions
The reduced MTC in females suggests a potential sex-related disparity in the risk of tripping and falling among active older adults.