bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Swedish crisis preparedness planners' understanding and sense‐making of preparedness work in a public organisation: Implications for future development
Authors: Leth Eva , Borell Jonas , Ek Åsa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe sometimes rapid development of (new) threats and extraordinary events calls for a robust, flexible, and well‐equipped civil crisis preparedness system to respond and limit the damage of crisis events. To achieve this, Swedish municipalities and regions are required by law to regularly perform and report risk and vulnerability analysis ‘bottom up’ to governmental agencies. When performed in large and complex public organisations, crisis preparedness planning activities require negotiation, coordination, and cooperation among large numbers of people. Crisis preparedness planners facilitate and produce this proactive crisis preparedness work. However, research has revealed that preparedness planners face organisational and practical challenges when performing their work.This study aims at increasing the knowledge of crisis preparedness planners' understandings and sense‐making of their work in one Swedish region when fulfilling the requirements set by the Swedish national regulations. The objectives of this paper are to present findings on (1) how the preparedness planners understand and make sense of their crisis preparedness work; (2) which major enablers and barriers that affect their work; and, based on the results, (3) forward possibilities for improvement.Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the 10 crisis preparedness planners. A narrative stepwise analysis approach was applied. The analysis results revealed challenges in the crisis preparedness work due to uncommitted managers, unclear goalsetting, and the planners' sometimes limited skills in crisis preparedness work. It also report on managers' autonomy and varying focus on crisis preparedness, planners' unclear individual work space, and many different and sometimes strong voices about the work performance and content. This raises the question whose interest that in practice sets the agenda for crisis preparedness planning in the organisation.The study demonstrates needs for increased organisational sense‐making on the concept of crisis preparedness and how it should be performed, and for conceptual and technical skills to perform the preparedness work. To increase sense‐making and strengthen generic subjectivity on crisis preparedness work, further discussions are needed about enablers and barriers in preparedness work and an increased joint focus on possible internal and external threats. There are also needs for increased manager‐coworker‐planner cooperation when developing the preparedness work, and strategic changes in the organisational development involving goalsetting for crisis preparedness ‘top‐down’ as well as ‘bottom‐up’.
Activation of M4 muscarinic receptors in the striatum reduces tic‐like behaviours in two distinct murine models of Tourette syndrome
Authors: Cadeddu Roberto , Braccagni Giulia , Branca Caterina , van Luik Easton R. , Pittenger Christopher , Thomsen Morten Skøtt , Bortolato Marco 
Published: May 2024

Background and PurposeCurrent pharmacotherapies for Tourette syndrome (TS) are often unsatisfactory and poorly tolerated, underscoring the need for novel treatments. Insufficient striatal acetylcholine has been suggested to contribute to tic ontogeny. Thus, we tested whether activating M1 and/or M4 receptors—the two most abundant muscarinic receptors in the striatum—reduced tic‐related behaviours in mouse models of TS.Experimental ApproachStudies were conducted using CIN‐d and D1CT‐7 mice, two TS models characterized by early‐life depletion of striatal cholinergic interneurons and cortical neuropotentiation, respectively. First, we tested the effects of systemic and intrastriatal xanomeline, a selective M1/M4 receptor agonist, on tic‐like and other TS‐related responses. Then, we examined whether xanomeline effects were reduced by either M1 or M4 antagonists or mimicked by the M1/M3 agonist cevimeline or the M4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) VU0467154. Finally, we measured striatal levels of M1 and M4 receptors and assessed the impact of VU0461754 on the striatal expression of the neural marker activity c‐Fos.Key ResultsSystemic and intrastriatal xanomeline reduced TS‐related behaviours in CIN‐d and D1CT‐7 mice. Most effects were blocked by M4, but not M1, receptor antagonists. VU0467154, but not cevimeline, elicited xanomeline‐like ameliorative effects in both models. M4, but not M1, receptors were down‐regulated in the striatum of CIN‐d mice. Additionally, VU0467154 reduced striatal c‐Fos levels in these animals.Conclusion and ImplicationsActivation of striatal M4, but not M1, receptors reduced tic‐like manifestations in mouse models, pointing to xanomeline and M4 PAMs as novel putative therapeutic strategies for TS.
Targeting IL‐11 to reduce fibrocyte circulation and lung accumulation in animal models of pulmonary hypertension‐associated lung fibrosis
Authors: Milara Javier , Roger Inés , Montero Paula , Artigues Enrique , Escrivá Juan , Del Río Raquel , Cortijo Julio 
Published: April 2024

Background and PurposeIL‐11 is a member of the IL‐6 family of cytokine initially considered as haematopoietic and cytoprotective factor. Recent evidence indicates that IL‐11 promotes lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension in animal models and is elevated in lung tissue of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Fibrocytes are bone marrow‐derived circulating cells that participate in lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, but the role of IL‐11 on fibrocytes is unknown. We investigated the role of IL‐11 system on fibrocyte activation in different in vitro and in vivo models of lung fibrosis associated with pulmonary hypertension.Experimental ApproachHuman fibrocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of six healthy donors. Recombinant human (rh)‐IL‐11 and soluble rh‐IL‐11 receptor, α subunit (IL‐11Rα) were used to stimulated fibrocytes in vitro to measure:‐ cell migration in a chemotactic migration chamber, fibrocyte to endothelial cell adhesion in a microscope‐flow chamber and fibrocyte to myofibroblast transition. Mouse lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension was induced using either IL‐11 (s.c.) or bleomycin (intra‐tracheal), while in the rat monocrotaline (intra‐tracheal) was used. In vivo siRNA‐IL‐11 was administered to suppress IL‐11 in vivo.Key ResultsRhIL‐11 and soluble rhIL‐11Rα promote fibrocyte migration, endothelial cell adhesion and myofibroblast transition. Subcutaneous (s.c.) IL‐11 infusion elevates blood, bronchoalveolar and lung tissue fibrocytes. SiRNA‐IL‐11 transfection in bleomycin and monocrotaline animal models reduces blood and lung tissue fibrocytes and reduces serum CXCL12 and CXCL12/CXCR4 lung expression.Conclusion and ImplicationsTargeting IL‐11 reduces fibrocyte circulation and lung accumulation in animal models of pulmonary hypertension‐associated lung fibrosis.
Normal baseline cardiac autonomic function and increased pupillary parasympathetic tone in patients with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi , Barak‐Lanciano Sapir , Shavit Itay , Avivi Ishay , Haber‐Kaptsenel Ella , Palacci Hagar , Chaiat Chen , Rubinshtein Ronen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is controversial whether people with vasovagal syncope (VVS) have abnormal autonomic responses at baseline and whether specific diagnostic manoeuvres have a diagnostic value. We investigated whether the pupillary light reflex and cardiac autonomic tests can be used to identify autonomic dysfunction in volunteers with a medical history of VVS. The study groups included 128 healthy volunteers, of whom 31 reported a history of typical VVS. The right pupil was evaluated using an automated, commercial infra‐red pupillometer under strict conditions. In addition to miosis and mydriasis kinetics, pupil diameters were measured. Heart rate variability at rest and heart rate changes to standing were quantified with high‐resolution electrocardiography and designated software. The demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were statistically similar. Average constriction velocity (ACV) was significantly higher in VVS patients following a univariate analysis (3.83 ± 0.59 vs. 3.56 ± 0.73 mm/s, p = 0.042) and after correcting for potential confounders (p = 0.049). All other pupillometric and heart rate indices were comparable between groups. Patients with a history of VVS depict pupillary parasympathetic overactivity in response to light stimuli, manifested as increased ACV. The prognostic implications of this finding and the significance of using this simple clinical tool to identify patients who are at risk for developing frequent episodes of VVS or physical injuries following a syncope merits further study.
Primary cardiac angiosarcoma: Imaging characterization
Authors: Liu Lian‐di , Ren Run‐run , Zheng Shuang , Cao Jing‐fang , Deng Mao , Peng Fang , Chen Ran 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis case report describes a 35‐year‐old female patient who presented with palpitations and shortness of breath. Imaging findings suggested a cardiac tumor, histopathology confirmed primary cardiac angiosarcoma. This tumor is highly aggressive, usually occurs in the right atrium, lacks specificity in clinical presentation, is prone to early metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Echocardiography is the method of choice for early detection and is important in assessing tumor size, location, mode of attachment and whether cardiac function is impaired.
Connexin‐36‐positive gap junctions in ventral tegmental area GABA neurons sustain opiate dependence
Authors: Maal‐Bared Geith , Yee Mandy , Harding Erika K. , Ghebreselassie Martha , Bergamini Michael , Choy Roxanne , Kim Ethan , Di Vito Stephanie , Patel Maryam , Amirzadeh Mohammadreza , Grieder Taryn E. , Coles Brenda L. , Nagy James I. , Bonin Robert P. , Steenland Hendrik W. , van der Kooy Derek 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDrug dependence is characterized by a switch in motivation wherein a positively reinforcing substance can become negatively reinforcing. Put differently, drug use can transform from a form of pleasure‐seeking to a form of relief‐seeking. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons form an anatomical point of divergence between two double dissociable pathways that have been shown to be functionally implicated and necessary for these respective motivations to seek drugs. The tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) is necessary for opiate conditioned place preferences (CPP) in previously drug‐naïve rats and mice, whereas dopaminergic (DA) transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is necessary for opiate CPP in opiate‐dependent and withdrawn (ODW) rats and mice. Here, we show that this switch in functional anatomy is contingent upon the gap junction‐forming protein, connexin‐36 (Cx36), in VTA GABA neurons. Intra‐VTA infusions of the Cx36 blocker, mefloquine, in ODW rats resulted in a reversion to a drug‐naïve‐like state wherein the TPP was necessary for opiate CPP and where opiate withdrawal aversions were lost. Consistent with these data, conditional knockout mice lacking Cx36 in GABA neurons (GAD65‐Cre;Cx36 fl(CFP)/fl(CFP)) exhibited a perpetual drug‐naïve‐like state wherein opiate CPP was always DA independent, and opiate withdrawal aversions were absent even in mice subjected to an opiate dependence and withdrawal induction protocol. Further, viral‐mediated rescue of Cx36 in VTA GABA neurons was sufficient to restore their susceptibility to an ODW state wherein opiate CPP was DA dependent. Our findings reveal a functional role for VTA gap junctions that has eluded prevailing circuit models of addiction.
The speaking proficiency outcomes of face‐to‐face and online intensive summer LCTL programs
Authors: Murphy Dianna , Sedivy Sonya K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article is the first large‐scale study to document the speaking proficiency outcomes of intensive programs in less commonly taught languages in US higher education. Speaking proficiency was measured by pre‐ and postprogram ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interviews (N = 484) in 14 languages: Arabic, Bengali, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Indonesian, Kazakh, Persian, Tamil, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish, Urdu, Uyghur, and Uzbek. The intensive programs are usually taught face‐to‐face but were offered fully online during the COVID‐19 pandemic. No significant difference in speaking proficiency outcomes, as measured by the ACTFL OPI, was found between the face‐to‐face and online formats. Students at all levels of instruction made significant gains in speaking proficiency, with greater gains made by students in Level 1 than at Levels 2‐3, and with wide variation within instructional levels. The average speaking proficiency outcomes were Advanced Low (Level 3), Intermediate High (Level 2), and between Intermediate Low and Intermediate Mid (Level 1).
Porewater microbiomes in buried wetland soils: Synergic effects of water chemistry and redox gradients associated with hydrological processes
Authors: Kan Jinjun , Lazareva Olesya , Oviedo‐Vargas Diana , McAllister Sean M. , Chan Clara S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Interstitial water or pore water occupies the space between soil particles and provides “hotspots” and “fluvial networks” for microbial activities in floodplain soil. However, to date, we know very little about the microorganisms living in pore water and how they respond to environmental changes. This study aimed to understand microbial distribution and assemblage in riparian pore waters, and how they respond to water chemistry and redox gradients associated with hydrological processes.

We analysed the annual changes of porewater microbial communities from the east and west banks of the White Clay Creek, a site at the Christina River Basin – Critical Zone Observatory, Pennsylvania, USA. Microbial abundances were quantified by epifluorescence microscopy and detailed community structures were characterised by high‐throughput sequencing. Water chemistry and redox gradients were also monitored and recorded, and their interactions with porewater microbiomes were analysed using correlations and multivariate analyses.

Abundance of microbial cells increased during summer and late autumn. Wetland porewater microbiomes mainly contained Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Nitrospirae and Proteobacteria, and microbiome structures were easily distinguishable from those in the underlying hyporheic gravel layer. Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community structure in the east and west wetlands were distinct, responding to floodplain topography and associated hydrological/geochemical processes. Iron (Fe)‐cycling bacteria (mainly Gallionellaceae and Rhodoferax spp.) dominated the porewater microbiome, and their relative abundance was significantly higher in the east than the west wetland. Furthermore, Fe‐oxidising bacteria (Gallionellaceae) were negatively correlated with Fe‐reducing bacteria (Rhodoferax spp.) at the east wetland.

Microbial abundances (cell density) in pore waters showed similar seasonal patterns across stream banks, but microbial community structure did not. Microbiome assembly in pore water is correlated with water chemistry and redox gradients primarily associated with local hydrological processes.

As a consequence of their significance for carbon (C) mineralisation and Fe reduction at terrestrial–aquatic interfaces, microbiomes in riparian pore waters and associated microbial activity play an essential role in C and mineral dynamics. These findings will inform future studies of the response of freshwater ecosystems to hydrological dynamics influenced by global climate change.
DNA methyltransferases‐associated long non‐coding RNA PRKCQ‐AS1 regulate DNA methylation in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Wen Jian , Wu Yongbin , Luo Quanfang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionMyelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders. DNA hypermethylation is considered to be the key mechanism of pathogenesis for MDS. Studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation can be regulated by the co‐effect between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). The aim of this study was to identify DNMTs‐associated differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, which may be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for MDS.MethodsTwo gene expression profile datasets (GSE4619 and GSE19429) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Systematic bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Then we verified the expression of PRKCQ‐AS1 in MDS patients and features in SKM‐1 cells.ResultsBioinformatics analysis revealed that the DNMT‐associated DE‐lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 was functionally related to DNA methylation. The target genes of PRKCQ‐AS1 associated with DNA methylation are mainly methionine synthetase (MTR) and ten‐eleven‐translocation 1 (TET1). Moreover, the high expression of PRKCQ‐AS1 was verified in real MDS cases. Further cellular analysis in SKM‐1 cells revealed that overexpressed PRKCQ‐AS1 promoted methylation levels of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE‐1) and cell proliferation, and apparently elevated both mRNA and protein levels of MTR and TET1, while knockdown of PRKCQ‐AS1 showed opposite trend in SKM‐1 cells.ConclusionDNMT‐associated DE‐lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 may affects DNA methylation levels by regulating MTR and TET1.
Hyperlipidemia Prevention and Management Utilizing Lifestyle Changes
Authors: Giles L. Amy 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHyperlipidemia incidence is on the rise and lifestyle behavior change is the first‐line therapy. Left untreated, hyperlipidemia can result in cardiovascular disease leading to increased morbidity and mortality in persons worldwide. Evidence has demonstrated behavioral changes such as increased exercise, healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, alcohol abstinence, and other lifestyle modification interventions significantly decrease the incidence and severity of hyperlipidemia. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence of lifestyle interventions in preventing and managing hyperlipidemia and to suggest innovative ways to integrate those techniques into clinical practice. Recommendations on hyperlipidemia specific to pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, and estrogen deficiency are also discussed.
Phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses of Chinese endemic genus Dipelta (Caprifoliaceae) based on nuclear RAD‐Seq and chloroplast genome data
Authors: Cao Ya‐Nan , Wang Meng‐Hao , Ran Hang , Tian Bin , Liu Lu‐Xian , Wu Qing‐Nan , Liu Yan‐Yan , Wang Hong‐Wei , Zhu Shan‐Shan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDipelta Maxim. (Caprifoliaceae) is a Tertiary relic genus endemic to China, which includes three extant species, Dipelta floribunda, Dipelta yunnanensis, and Dipelta elegans. Recent progress in the systematics and phylogeographics of Dipelta has greatly broadened our knowledge about its origin and evolution, however, conflicted phylogenetic relationships and divergence times have been reported and warrant further investigation. Here, we utilized chloroplast genomes and population‐level genomic data restriction site‐associated DNA‐single nucleotide polymorphisms (RAD‐SNPs) to evaluate the interspecific relationships, population genetic structure and demographic histories of this genus. Our results confirmed the sister relationship between D. elegans and the D. yunnanensis–D. floribunda group, but with cyto‐nuclear phylogenetic discordance observed in the latter. Coalescent simulations suggested that this discordance might be attributed to asymmetric “chloroplast capture” through introgressive hybridization between the two parapatric species. Our fossil‐calibrated plastid chronogram of Dipsacales and the coalescent modeling based on nuclear RAD‐SNPs simultaneously suggested that the three species of Dipelta diversified at the late Miocene, which may be related to the uplift of the eastern part of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and adjacent southwest China, and increasing Asian interior aridification since the late Miocene; while in the mid‐Pleistocene, the climatic transition and continuous uplift of the QTP, triggered allopatric speciation via geographical isolation for D. floribunda and D. yunnanensis regardless of bidirectional gene flow. Based on both plastid and nuclear genome‐scale data, our findings provide the most comprehensive and reliable phylogeny and evolutionary histories for Dipelta and enable further understanding of the origin and evolution of floristic endemisms of China.
Environmentally sustainable design guide for haemodialysis facilities: An Australian and New Zealand society of Nephrology initiative
Authors: Barraclough Katherine A. , Ashley Gavin , Krishnan Anoushka , Sypek Matthew , White Anthea , Ford Sharon , Wei Jason , Johnson David W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHaemodialysis facilities have a large environmental impact due to high energy, water and consumable usage by haemodialysis equipment. As climate change and natural resource scarcity escalate, all the while the number of people requiring dialysis increases, there is an urgent need for dialysis facilities that meet care needs while minimising environmental impact. To address this, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology engaged an environmental sustainability consulting practise to develop a best practise guide for the environmentally sustainable design and operation of haemodialysis facilities. Four opportunity areas were considered, namely energy, water, waste and resource recovery, and additional sustainability. A total of 28 environmental improvement initiatives were identified. The majority (n = 23) were general measures that could be applied across all healthcare settings, while five were specific to haemodialysis facilities. Recommendations were made regarding specific measures that should be undertaken and/or standards that must be met to achieve the intent of each initiative. These were stratified to enable their application to both existing dialysis facilities and new builds. The lifecycle stage of a haemodialysis facility to which each initiative applied was highlighted, as was its potential impact. This guide provides a tailored and comprehensive resource for the kidney care community to enable the integration of best practise sustainability considerations into both existing and new facilities. If broadly implemented, it has the potential to markedly improve the environmental impact of haemodialysis provision.
A systematic review of the effects of maternal obesity on neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Weir Tessa L. , Majumder Monica , Glastras Sarah J. 
Published: April 2024

SummaryMaternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevalence are increasing, with both conditions associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. This review aimed to determine the risk of adverse outcomes in women with obesity and GDM, compared with women with obesity alone. A systematic search identified 28 eligible articles. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random effects model, to generate pooled estimates (odds ratios, OR, or mean difference, MD). Compared with normal‐weight controls, women with obesity had increased risks of large for gestational age (LGA, OR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.56, 2.52) and macrosomia (OR 2.93, 95% CI: 1.71, 5.03); the latter's risk almost double in women with obesity than GDM. Birth weight (MD 113 g, 95% CI: 69, 156) and shoulder dystocia (OR 1.23, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.78) risk was also higher. GDM significantly amplified neonatal risk in women with obesity, with a three‐ to four‐fold risk of LGA (OR 3.22, 95% CI: 2.17, 4.79) and macrosomia (OR 3.71, 95% CI: 2.76, 4.98), as well as higher birth weights (MD 176 g, 95% CI: 89, 263), preterm delivery (OR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.77), and shoulder dystocia (OR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.03), when compared with normal‐weight controls. Our findings demonstrate that maternal obesity increases serious neonatal adverse risk, magnified by the presence of GDM. Effective strategies are needed to safeguard against neonatal complications associated with maternal obesity, regardless of GDM status.