bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leafcutter ants enhance microbial drought resilience in tropical forest soil
Authors: Shulman Hannah B. , Aronson Emma L. , Dierick Diego , Pinto‐Tomás Andrian A. , Botthoff Jon K. , Artavia‐León Allan , Allen Michael F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe conducted a research campaign in a neotropical rainforest in Costa Rica throughout the drought phase of an El‐Nino Southern Oscillation event to determine microbial community dynamics and soil C fluxes. Our study included nests of the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes, as soil disturbances made by these ecosystem engineers may influence microbial drought response. Drought decreased the diversity of microbes and the abundance of core microbiome taxa, including Verrucomicrobial bacteria and Sordariomycete fungi. Despite initial responses of decreasing diversity and altered composition, 6 months post‐drought the microbiomes were similar to pre‐drought conditions, demonstrating the resilience of soil microbial communities to drought events. A. cephalotes nests altered fungal composition in the surrounding soil, and reduced both fungal mortality and growth of Acidobacteria post‐drought. Drought increased CH4 consumption in soils due to lower soil moisture, and A. cephalotes nests decrease the variability of CH4 emissions in some soil types. CH4 emissions were tracked by the abundance of methanotrophic bacteria and fungal composition. These results characterize the microbiome of tropical soils across both time and space during drought and provide evidence for the importance of leafcutter ant nests in shaping soil microbiomes and enhancing microbial resilience during climatic perturbations.
Examination of upper respiratory tracts of Siirt‐coloured mohair goats by scanning electron microscopy before and after plastination
Authors: Güzel Barış Can , Baygeldi Saime Betül , Özkan Zait Ender 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPresent study was conducted to determine the changes in the surface structure of the upper respiratory tract of Siirt‐coloured mohair goats by the silicone plastination method. Accordingly, the heads of 10 Siirt‐coloured mohair goats procured from slaughterhouses were divided into two halves. Half of each head was plastinated. After macro‐comparisons were made, the deformations of silicone plastination on the surface were examined by comparing the scanning electron microscope (SEM) findings of both upper respiratory tract tissue samples collected from plastinates and fresh material. When the data from scanning electron microscopy were analysed, cilia, cobblestone patterns, goblet cells and gland ducts on the epithelial surface were identified in areas on the upper respiratory tract. The SEM images of the plastinated tissues showed that the surface structures were degenerated due to the deformation of the surface epithelium. The plastination technique damaged the structures on the surface epithelium. Since the plastination technique and scanning electron microscopy have been studied together for the first time, we believe this would contribute to the scientific literature.
Screening of substance use in pregnancy: A Danish cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rausgaard Nete Lundager Klokker , Ibsen Inge Olga , Fruekilde Palle Bach Nielsen , Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Damkier Per , Ravn Pernille 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is a paucity of objectively verified data on substance use among Danish pregnant women. We estimated the prevalence of substance use including alcohol and nicotine among the general population of Danish pregnant women.Material and MethodsIn this anonymous, national, cross‐sectional, descriptive study, pregnant women were invited when attending an ultrasound scan between November 2019 and December 2020 at nine Danish hospitals. Women submitted a urine sample and filled out a questionnaire. Urine samples were screened on‐site with a qualitative urine dipstick for 15 substances including alcohol, nicotine, opioids, amphetamines, cannabis, and benzodiazepines. All screen‐positive urine samples underwent secondary quantitative analyses with gold standard, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. Results were compared to questionnaire information to analyze the validity of self‐reporting and to examine possible cross‐reactions.ResultsA total of 1903 of 2154 invited pregnant women participated (88.3%). The prevalence of dipstick‐positive urine samples was 25.0%. 44.0% of these were confirmed positive, resulting in a total confirmed prevalence of 10.8%. The prevalence of nicotine use was 10.1%—and for all other substances, <0.5%. Nicotine use was more prevalent among younger pregnant women, while other substance use appeared evenly distributed over age groups. Self‐reporting of use of nicotine products was high (71.1%), but low for cannabis and alcohol intake (0% and 33.3%, respectively). Prescription medication explained almost all cases of oxycodone, methylphenidate, and benzodiazepine use.ConclusionsSubstance use among pregnant women consisted mainly of nicotine. Dipstick screening involved risks of false negatives and false positives. Except for alcohol intake and cannabis use, dipstick analyses did not seem to provide further information than self‐reporting. LC–MS/MS analyses remain gold standard, and future role of dipstick screenings should be discussed.
Restoring adiponectin via rosiglitazone ameliorates tissue wasting in mice with lung cancer
Authors: Langer Henning Tim , Ramsamooj Shakti , Dantas Ezequiel , Murthy Anirudh , Ahmed Mujmmail , Ahmed Tanvir , Hwang Seo‐Kyoung , Grover Rahul , Pozovskiy Rita , Liang Roger J. , Queiroz Andre Lima , Brown Justin C. , White Eileen P. , Janowitz Tobias , Goncalves Marcus D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate systemic regulators of the cancer‐associated cachexia syndrome (CACS) in a pre‐clinical model for lung cancer with the goal to identify therapeutic targets for tissue wasting.MethodsUsing the Kras/Lkb1 (KL) mouse model, we found that CACS is associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction that directly affects skeletal muscle homeostasis. WAT transcriptomes showed evidence of reduced adipogenesis, and, in agreement, we found low levels of circulating adiponectin. To preserve adipogenesis and restore adiponectin levels, we treated mice with the PPAR‐γ agonist, rosiglitazone.ResultsRosiglitazone treatment increased serum adiponectin levels, delayed weight loss, and preserved skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass, as compared to vehicle‐treated mice. The preservation of muscle mass with rosiglitazone was associated with increases in AMPK and AKT activity. Similarly, activation of the adiponectin receptors in muscle cells increased AMPK activity, anabolic signaling, and protein synthesis.ConclusionOur data suggest that PPAR‐γ agonists may be a useful adjuvant therapy to preserve tissue mass in lung cancer.
Caring citizens: Refugee families, welfare, and affective equality
Authors: Carroll Pilapa Esara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe United States resettles refugees as humanitarian‐aid recipients and authorizes them to work so that they may achieve immediate self‐sufficiency. Current and former refugees, who utilize public assistance, must engage in a work activity or risk losing their benefits eligibility. Is employment the right activity for them? Workfare poses challenges for families with young children. When primary caregivers (typically mothers) transition into the formal labor force, they face constraints on their capacity to determine their child's care and on the timing of their physical separations from that child. The employment focus of both workfare and resettlement policies reflects a neoliberal ideal of citizens as workers, unencumbered by partners or dependents. I utilize the concept of affective equality from Kathleen Lynch's Care and Capitalism to consider the institutional disregard of people's relational and moral needs in refugee resettlement programs. Based on research in western New York among Karen and Karenni refugees from Myanmar, this article examines how families contend with resettlement and workfare constraints on their capacity to care. I describe how interlocutors' families manage affective inequalities by constructing and utilizing family networks who nurture a care ethic focused on familial needs like the provision of kin‐based care.
Midwifery continuity of care for women with perinatal mental health conditions: A cohort study from Australia
Authors: Cummins Allison , Gibberd Alison , McLaughlin Karen , Foureur Maralyn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPerinatal mental health (PMH) conditions are associated with adverse outcomes such as maternal suicide, preterm birth and longer‐term childhood sequelae. Midwifery continuity of care (one midwife or a small group of midwives) has demonstrated benefits for women and newborns, including a reduction in preterm birth and improvements in maternal anxiety/worry and depression.AimTo determine if midwifery care provided through a Midwifery Group Caseload Practice model is associated with improved perinatal outcomes for women who have anxiety and depression and/or other perinatal mental health conditions. An EPDS ≥ 13, and/or answered the thought of harming myself has occurred to me and/or women who self‐reported a history compared to standard models of care (mixed midwife/obstetric fragmented care).MethodsA retrospective cohort study using data routinely collected via an electronic database between 1 January 2018 31st of January 2021. The population were women with current/history of PMH, who received Midwifery Caseload Group Practice (MCP), or standard care (SC). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for maternal characteristics and logistic regression for birth outcomes. One‐to‐one matching of the MCP group with the SC group was based on propensity scores.Results7,359 births were included MCP 12% and SC 88%. Anxiety was the most common PMH with the same proportion affected in MCP and SC. Adjusted odds of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes were lower in the MCP group than the SC group (aOR (95%CI): 0.77 (0.55, 1.08) and 0.81 (0.68, 0.97), respectively) and higher for vaginal birth and full breastfeeding (aOR (95% CI): 1.87 (1.60, 2.18) and 2.06 (1.61, 2.63), respectively). In the matched sample the estimate of a relationship between MCP and preterm birth (aOR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.56, 1.42), adverse perinatal outcomes (aOR (95% CI): 0.83 (0.67, 1.05)) and breastfeeding at discharge (aOR (95% CI): 1.82 (1.30, 2.51)), stronger for vaginal birth (aOR (95% CI): 2.22 (1.77, 2.71)).ConclusionThis study supports positive associations between MCP and breastfeeding and vaginal birth. MCP was also associated with lower risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, though in the matched sample with a smaller sample size, the confidence interval included 1. The direction of the association MCP and preterm birth was negative (protective). However, in the matched sample analysis, the confidence interval was wide, and the finding was also consistent with no benefit from MCP. Randomised controlled trials are required to answer questions around preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes and further research is being planned.
Sevoflurane acts as an antidepressant by suppression of GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors on interneurons
Authors: Guo Fei , Zhang Bing , Shen Fuyi , Li Qian , Song Yingcai , Li Tianyu , Zhang Yongmei , Du Weijia , Li Yuanxi , Liu Wei , Cao Hang , Zhou Xianjin , Zheng Yinli , Zhu Shujia , Li Yang , Liu Zhiqiang 
Published: May 2024

Background and PurposeSevoflurane, a commonly used inhaled anaesthetic known for its favourable safety profile and rapid onset and offset, has not been thoroughly investigated as a potential treatment for depression. In this study, we reveal the mechanism through which sevoflurane delivers enduring antidepressant effects.Experimental ApproachTo assess the antidepressant effects of sevoflurane, behavioural tests were conducted, along with in vitro and ex vivo whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, to examine the effects on GluN1–GluN2 incorporated N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) and neuronal circuitry in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Multiple‐channel electrophysiology in freely moving mice was performed to evaluate sevoflurane's effects on neuronal activity, and GluN2D knockout (grin2d−/−) mice were used to confirm the requirement of GluN2D for the antidepressant effects.Key ResultsRepeated exposure to subanaesthetic doses of sevoflurane produced sustained antidepressant effects lasting up to 2 weeks. Sevoflurane preferentially inhibited GluN2C‐ and GluN2D‐containing NMDARs, causing a reduction in interneuron activity. In contrast, sevoflurane increased action potentials (AP) firing and decreased spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) in mPFC pyramidal neurons, demonstrating a disinhibitory effect. These effects were absent in grin2d−/− mice, and both pharmacological blockade and genetic knockout of GluN2D abolished sevoflurane's antidepressant actions, suggesting that GluN2D is essential for its antidepressant effect.Conclusion and ImplicationsSevoflurane directly targets GluN2D, leading to a specific decrease in interneuron activity and subsequent disinhibition of pyramidal neurons, which may underpin its antidepressant effects. Targeting the GluN2D subunit could hold promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression.
Copy number variants at 4q31.3 affecting the regulatory region of FBXW7 associated with neurodevelopmental delay
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Chunli , Fu Luhan , Shi Wei , Zhang Aihua , Jia Zhanjun , Zhao Xiaoke , Fu Dalin , Zheng Bixia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEmerging research has demonstrated that genomic alterations disrupting topologically associated domains (TADs) and chromatin interactions underlie the pathogenic mechanisms of specific copy number variants (CNVs) in neurodevelopmental disorders. We report two patients with a de novo deletion and a duplication in chromosome 4q31, potentially causing FBX‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome by affecting the regulatory region of FBXW7. High‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C) analysis using available capture data in neural progenitor cells revealed the rewiring of the TAD boundary close to FBXW7. Both patients exhibited facial dysmorphisms, cardiac and limb abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental delays, showing significant clinical overlap with previously reported FBXW7‐related features. We also included an additional 10 patients with CNVs in the 4q31 region from the literature and the DECIPHER database for Hi‐C analysis, which confirmed that disruption of the regulatory region of FBXW7 likely contributes to the developmental defects observed in these patients.
Exogenous surfactant for lung contusion causing ARDS: A systematic review of clinical and experimental reports
Authors: Merkl Tomáš , Astapenko David , Štichhauer Radek , Šafus Antonín , Dušek Tomáš , Kotek Jiří , Řehák David , Lochman Petr 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to summarize the available data on the treatment of pulmonary contusions with exogenous surfactants, determine whether this treatment benefits patients with severe pulmonary contusions, and evaluate the optimal type of surfactant, method of administration, and drug concentration. Three databases (MEDline, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using the following keywords: pulmonary surfactant, surface‐active agents, exogenous surfactant, pulmonary contusion, and lung contusion for articles published between 1945 and February 2023, with no language restrictions. Four reviewers independently rated the studies for inclusion, and the other four reviewers resolved conflicts. Of the 100 articles screened, six articles were included in the review. Owing to the limited number of papers on this topic, various types of studies were included (two clinical studies, two experiments, and two case reports). In all the studies, surfactant administration improved the selected ventilation parameters. The most frequently used type of surfactant was Curosurf® in the concentration of 25 mg/kg of ideal body weight. In most studies, the administration of a surfactant by bronchoscopy into the segmental bronchi was the preferable way of administration. In both clinical studies, patients who received surfactants required shorter ventilation times. The administration of exogenous surfactants improved ventilatory parameters and, thus, reduced the need for less aggressive artificial lung ventilation and ventilation days. The animal‐derived surfactant Curosurf® seems to be the most suitable substance; however, the ideal concentration remains unclear. The ideal route of administration involves a bronchoscope in the segmental bronchi.
E‐cigarette use in pregnancy in Australia: A cross‐sectional survey of public antenatal clinic attendees
Authors: Rice Alice , Kingsland Melanie , Doherty Emma , Licata Milly , Tully Belinda , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke , Foster Michelle , Lecathelinais Christophe , Daly Justine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionE‐cigarette use has rapidly increased amongst young people in Australia, however the prevalence of use amongst pregnant people is not known. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of e‐cigarette use and dual use of e‐cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes, characteristics associated with use and reasons for use amongst a sample of pregnant Australian people attending public antenatal clinics.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 4024 pregnant people attending antenatal appointments, between July 2021 and December 2022, in one local health district in New South Wales, Australia. Main outcome measures were current use of e‐cigarettes, dual use with tobacco cigarettes, participant characteristics associated with use and reasons for use.Results1.24% of pregnant people used e‐cigarettes, 34% of these were dual smokers. Being a current smoker (OR 39.49; 95% CI 9.99–156.21) or ex‐smoker (OR 29.86; 95% CI 8.75–101.95) were associated with e‐cigarette use. Quitting smoking was the most reported reason for use (52%).Discussion and ConclusionsThis study is the first to report on the prevalence of e‐cigarette use amongst pregnant people in Australia. We found that a small proportion of pregnant people use e‐cigarettes and that many are dual users or ex‐smokers. E‐cigarette use and rates of dual use in pregnancy in Australia appear lower than internationally, however they are similarly being used as a smoking‐cessation aid by many. As regulatory environments relating to e‐cigarette access change in Australia, large‐scale studies are required to continue to monitor e‐cigarette use and dual use in pregnancy.
Beliefs about social mobility in young American children
Authors: Tian Yuchen , González Gorana T. , Mandalaywala Tara M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough actual experiences of upward social mobility are historically low, many adolescents and adults express a belief in social mobility (e.g., that social status can change). Although a belief in upward mobility (e.g., that status can improve) can be helpful for economically disadvantaged adolescents and adults, a belief in upward social mobility in adults is also associated with greater acceptance of societal inequality. While this belief might have similar benefits or consequences in children, no previous work has examined whether children are even capable of reasoning about social mobility. This is surprising, given that elementary‐aged children exhibit sophisticated reasoning about both social status, as well as about the fixedness or malleability of properties and group membership. Across an economically advantaged group of 5‐ to 12‐year‐old American children (N = 151, Mage = 8.91, 63% racial majority, 25% racially marginalized; Mhousehold income = $133,064), we found evidence that children can reason about social mobility for their own families and for others. Similar to research in adults, children believe that others are more likely to experience upward than downward mobility. However, in contrast to adult's typical beliefs—but in line with economic realities—between 7‐ and 9‐years‐old, children become less likely to expect upward mobility for economically disadvantaged, versus advantaged, families. In sum, children are capable of reasoning about social mobility in nuanced ways; future work should explore the implications of these beliefs.Research Highlights
Despite harsh economic realities, a belief in upward social mobility and the American Dream is alive and well.
Between 7 and 9 years of age, economically advantaged, American children begin to expect economically disadvantaged families to experience less upward mobility than economically advantaged families.
Children's beliefs about social mobility better accord with reality than adults’ do.
Comparative safety and cardiovascular effectiveness of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in nursing homes
Authors: Riester Melissa R. , Zullo Andrew R. , Joshi Richa , Daiello Lori A. , Hayes Kaleen N. , Ko Darae , Kim Dae Hyun , Munshi Medha , Berry Sarah D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimStudies examining the safety and effectiveness of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) among community‐dwelling adults may not generalize to nursing home (NH) residents, who are typically older and more multimorbid. We compared the safety and cardiovascular effectiveness of SGLT2is and GLP‐1RAs among US NH residents.Materials and MethodsEligible individuals were aged ≥66 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and initiated an SGLT2i or GLP‐1RA in an NH between 2013 and 2018. Safety outcomes included fall‐related injuries, hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urinary tract infection or genital infection, and acute kidney injury in the year following treatment initiation. Cardiovascular effectiveness outcomes included death, major adverse cardiovascular events and hospitalization for heart failure. Per‐protocol adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using stabilized inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighted cause‐specific hazard regression models accounting for 127 covariates.ResultsThe study population included 7710 residents (31.08% SGLT2i, 68.92% GLP‐1RA). Compared with GLP‐1RA initiators, SGLT2i initiators had higher rates of DKA (HR 1.95, 95% confidence limits 1.27, 2.99) and death (HR 1.18, 95% confidence limits 1.02, 1.36). Rates of urinary tract infection or genital infection, acute kidney injury, major adverse cardiovascular events, and heart failure were also elevated, while rates of fall‐related injuries and hypoglycaemia were reduced, but all estimates were imprecise and highly compatible with no difference.ConclusionsSGLT2is do not have superior, and may have inferior, effectiveness compared with GLP‐1RAs for cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in NH residents. Residents initiating SGLT2is should be monitored closely for DKA.