bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Development of the Corpus Callosum in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An MRI Study
Authors: Badhe Suvarna , Nivins Samson , Kulkarni Pooja , Jose Alitta , Manek Divesh , Badhe Satyendra , Sane Hemangi , Gokulchandran Nandini , Badhe Prerna , Sharma Alok 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Altered size in the corpus callosum (CC) has been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but few studies have investigated younger children. Moreover, knowledge about the age-related changes in CC size in individuals with ASD is limited.

Objectives:
Our objective was to investigate the age-related size of the CC and compare them with age-matched healthy controls between the ages of 2 and 18 years.

Methods:
Structural-weighted images were acquired in 97 male patients diagnosed with ASD; published data were used for the control group. The CC was segmented into 7 distinct subregions (rostrum, genu, rostral body, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus, and splenium) as per Witelson's technique using ITK-SNAP software. We calculated both the total length and volume of the CC as well as the length and height of its 7 subregions. The length of the CC measures was studied as both continuous and categorical forms. For the continuous form, Pearson's correlation was used, while categorical forms were based on age ranges reflecting brain expansion during early postnatal years. Differences in CC measures between adjacent age groups in individuals with ASD were assessed using a Student t-test. Mean and standard deviation scores were compared between ASD and control groups using the Welch t-test.

Results:
Age showed a moderate positive association with the total length of the CC (r = 0.43; P
adj = 0.003) among individuals with ASD. Among the subregions, a positive association was observed only in the anterior midbody of the CC (r = 0.41; P
adj = 0.01). No association was found between the age and the height of individual subregions or with the total volume of the CC. In comparison with healthy controls, individuals with ASD exhibited shorter lengths and heights of the genu and splenium of the CC across wide age ranges.

Conclusion:
Overall, our results highlight a distinct abnormal developmental trajectory of CC in ASD, particularly in the genu and splenium structures, potentially reflecting underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that warrant further investigation.
The genetic origins and impacts of historical Papuan migrations into Wallacea
Authors: Purnomo Gludhug A. , Kealy Shimona , O’Connor Sue , Schapper Antoinette , Shaw Ben , Llamas Bastien , Teixeira Joao C. , Sudoyo Herawati , Tobler Raymond 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe tropical archipelago of Wallacea was first settled by anatomically modern humans (AMH) by 50 thousand years ago (kya), with descendent populations thought to have remained genetically isolated prior to the arrival of Austronesian seafarers around 3.5 kya. Modern Wallaceans exhibit a longitudinal countergradient of Papuan- and Asian-related ancestries widely considered as evidence for mixing between local populations and Austronesian seafarers, though converging multidisciplinary evidence suggests that the Papuan-related component instead comes primarily from back-migrations from New Guinea. Here, we reconstruct Wallacean population genetic history using more than 250 newly reported genomes from 12 Wallacean and three West Papuan populations and confirm that the vast majority of Papuan-related ancestry in Wallacea (∼75–100%) comes from prehistoric migrations originating in New Guinea and only a minor fraction is attributable to the founding AMH settlers. Mixing between Papuan and local Wallacean lineages appear to have been confined to the western and central parts of the archipelago and likely occurred contemporaneously with the widespread introduction of genes from Austronesian seafarers—which now comprise between ∼40–85% of modern Wallacean ancestry—though dating historical admixture events remains challenging due to mixing continuing into the Historical Period. In conjunction with archaeological and linguistic records, our findings point to a dynamic Wallacean population history that was profoundly reshaped by the spread of Papuan genes, languages, and culture in the past 3,500 years.
Tracking the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Nicaragua throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alemán Gerald Vásquez , Cerpas Cristhiam , Juarez Jose G. , Moreira Hanny , Arguello Sonia , Coloma Josefina , Harris Eva , Gordon Aubree , Bennett Shannon N. , Balmaseda Ángel 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe global circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has been extensively documented, yet the dynamics within Central America, particularly Nicaragua, remain underexplored. This study characterizes the genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Nicaragua from March 2020 through December 2022, utilizing 1064 genomes obtained via next-generation sequencing. These sequences were selected nationwide and analyzed for variant classification, lineage predominance, and phylogenetic diversity. We employed both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies for all sequencing procedures. Results indicated a temporal and spatial shift in dominant lineages, initially from B.1 and A.2 in early 2020 to various Omicron subvariants towards the study’s end. Significant lineage shifts correlated with changes in COVID-19 positivity rates, underscoring the epidemiological impact of variant dissemination. The comparative analysis with regional data underscored the low diversity of circulating lineages in Nicaragua and their delayed introduction compared to other countries in the Central American region. The study also linked specific viral mutations with hospitalization rates, emphasizing the clinical relevance of genomic surveillance. This research advances the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Nicaragua and provide valuable information regarding its genetic diversity for public health officials in Central America. We highlight the critical role of ongoing genomic surveillance in identifying emergent lineages and informing public health strategies.
Participatory science methods to monitor water quality and ground truth remote sensing of the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Neale Patrick , Brown Shelby , Sill Tara , Cawood Alison , Tzortziou Maria , Park Jieun , Lee Min-Sun , Paquette Beth 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMeasurements by volunteer scientists using participatory science methods in combination with high resolution remote sensing can improve our ability to monitor water quality changes in highly vulnerable and economically valuable nearshore and estuarine habitats. In the Chesapeake Bay (USA), tidal tributaries are a focus of watershed and shoreline management efforts to improve water quality. The Chesapeake Water Watch program seeks to enhance the monitoring of tributaries by developing and testing methods for volunteer scientists to easily measure chlorophyll, turbidity, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) to inform Bay stakeholders and improve algorithms for analogous remote sensing (RS) products. In the program, trained volunteers have measured surface turbidity using a smartphone app, HydroColor, calibrated with a photographer’s gray card. In vivo chlorophyll and CDOM fluorescence were assessed in surface samples with hand-held fluorometers (Aquafluor) located at sample processing “hubs” where volunteers drop-off samples for same day processing. In validation samples, HydroColor turbidity and Aquafluor in vivo chlorophyll and CDOM fluorescence were linearly related to standard analytical measures of turbidity, chlorophyll and CDOM, respectively, with R2values ranging from 0.65 to 0.85. These methods are being used for both repeat sampling at fixed sites of interest and ad-hoc “blitzes” to synoptically sample tributaries all around the Bay in coordination with satellite overpasses. All data is accessible on a public database (serc.fieldscope.org) and can be a resource to monitor long-term trends in the tidal tributaries as well as detect and diagnose causes of events of concern such as algal blooms and storm-induced reductions in water clarity.
Evaluating Biodiversity Credits Using Metacommunity Modelling
Authors: Maczik Dominik M , Jansen Vincent A.A. , Rossberg Axel G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnhancing global biodiversity is one of the key pillars of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, widely acknowledged as necessary to mitigate climate change. Nevertheless, an annual additional of US$ 700 billions of funding is required to reach the ‘30 by 30’ target set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The proposed voluntary biodiversity credit market aims to bridge this funding gap via a market-based mechanism by assigning financial value to biodiversity and ecosystem services. To capitalise on this nascent market, several voluntary biodiversity credits are emerging from independent start-ups, internationally respected NGOs, and established carbon credit companies. Projects which are primary funded by credit sales must align their objectives with their credit issuance methodology to avoid underdelivering on their commitments. In this pioneering study, the diderences in behaviour between six diderent well-established credits were investigated, to highlight the impact of methodology choice and evaluate their accuracy on representing ecosystem level changes. Our results indicate that all six credits are suitable for tracking basic restoration edorts, however there are significant diderences in their methodologies and thus their responsiveness to interventions. Furthermore, not one credit was suitable to successfully track all six distinct nature-positive or nature-loss experiments simulated, suggesting that a universal biodiversity credit remains unattainable.
Evolution and paradigm shift in forest health research: A review on global trends and knowledge gaps
Authors: Acosta-Muñoz Cristina , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M. , Bonet-García Francisco J. , Ruiz-Gómez Francisco J. , González-Moreno Pablo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractForests provide key ecosystem services to human society, and the ability to provide these services depends on their overall health. Forest health is an attractive and interesting concept in forestry research, which environmental, social and political interests have shaped. Assessing forest health is crucial, but finding a single definition of the concept is complex. It is determined by the aim of the forest study, different areas of knowledge, scales of work, technology, methodologies, historical moment or source of funding, among others. With almost a century of scientific evidence, the aim is to identify and contextualise temporal changes in the relevance of this key concept. Trends are analysed through the construction of three main descriptors (state variables, drivers and methods) and the main conceptual subdomains (themes). This review reveals the significant geographical bias in the research, which the Global North predominantly conducts. We observe the evolution of forest health research driven by diverse needs and interests, ranging from air pollution to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Methodologies applied in this field have also evolved from traditional crown condition inventories to the use of advanced tools such as remote sensing or ecophysiology, improving the characterisation of forest health patterns at both global and individual scales. Forest health research has evolved towards more holistic and multidisciplinary approaches, reflected in the broadening and integration of methodologies and technologies, influenced by historical context, which influence what is being researched today and future scenarios. We identified key knowledge gaps in the scientific literature, in particular the concepts of ecosystem services, Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and the concept of ‘One Health’. These findings highlight the need for future research to incorporate these critical but often overlooked areas, potentially reshaping future directions and scenarios for forest health research.
Unraveling the role of plasma proteins in dementia: insights from two cohort studies in the UK, with causal evidence from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Gong Jessica , Williams Dylan M. , Scholes Shaun , Assaad Sarah , Bu Feifei , Hayat Shabina , Zaninotto Paola , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTPopulation-based proteomics offer a groundbreaking avenue to predict dementia onset. This study employed a proteome-wide, data-driven approach to investigate protein-dementia associations in 229 incident all-cause dementia (ACD) among 3,249 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) over a median 9.8-year follow-up, then validated in 1,506 incident ACD among 52,745 individuals from the UK Biobank (UKB) over median 13.7 years. NEFL and RPS6KB1 were robustly associated with incident ACD; MMP12 was associated with vascular dementia in ELSA. Additional markers EDA2R and KIM1 (HAVCR1) were identified from sensitivity analyses. Combining NEFL and RPS6KB1 with other factors yielded high predictive accuracy (area under the curve (AUC)=0.871) for incident ACD. Replication in the UKB confirmed associations between identified proteins with various dementia subtypes. Results from reverse Mendelian Randomization also supported the role of several proteins as early dementia biomarkers. These findings underscore proteomics’ potential in identifying novel risk screening targets for dementia.
Meal Protein Quality Score: A novel tool to evaluate protein quantity and quality of meals
Authors: Grootswagers Pol , Christensen Sine Højlund , Timmer Marielle , Riley William , de Groot Lisette , Tetens Inge 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe recent shift towards increased plant-based protein consumption has necessitated the development of new tools to evaluate the quality and quantity of protein in meals, especially given the changing dietary guidelines and the adoption of plant-centric menus in healthcare and other settings.ObjectiveTo develop and test the feasibility of the Meal Protein Quality Score (MPQS), a novel metric that assesses the protein quality and quantity in meals based on essential amino acid (EAA) content, digestibility and requirements, with a focus on optimizing protein intake for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults.MethodsThe MPQS integrates digestibility-adjusted EAA intake with total protein consumed in a meal, that together with the EAA requirements provide a score from 0 to 100 to reflect EAA coverage adequacy. The score was tested for feasibility by applying it to recipe data from real life hospital meals, and to dietary data from the NU-AGE trial, involving detailed seven-day food records from 252 non-vegan participants analyzed over multiple meal moments.ResultsThe analyses revealed that the higher the content of plant-protein in a meal, the lower the meal protein quality. Also, breakfast meals scored lowest on protein quality, mainly due to low contents of protein overall, and of lysine and methionine. The MPQS effectively highlighted the difference in protein quality between plant-based and animal-based meals, and across different meal types.ConclusionThe MPQS appears to be a practical tool that facilitates the assessment of meal-based protein quality. The MPQS can be used to guide dietary transitions towards plant-rich diets, ensuring that such shifts do not compromise protein adequacy for at-risk populations. The score allows for guidance in meal-planning, leading to improvements in plant-rich meal formulation to meet both individual and public health nutritional needs.
Radical Pericardiectomy and Use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Koprivanac Marijan , Bauza Karolis , Smedira Nicholas , Pettersson Gosta , Unai Shinya , Barrios Paola , Oh Nicholas , Stembal Filip , Lara-Erazo Valentina , Soltesz Edward G. , Bakaeen Faisal G. , Elgharably Haytham , Desai Milind , Wang Tom K. , Houghtaling Penny L , Svensson Lars G. , Gillinov Marc , McCurry Kenneth , Johnston Douglas R. , Blackstone Eugene H. , Klein Allan , Tong Michael Z. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPericardiectomy is definitive treatment for constrictive pericarditis. However, extent of resection (radical versus partial) and use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are debated.ObjectivesTo determine the association of extent of pericardial resection and use of CPB with outcomes.MethodsFrom January 2000 to January 2022, 565 patients with constrictive pericarditis underwent radical (n=445, 314 [71%] on CPB) or partial (n=120, 67 [56%] on CPB) pericardiectomy at Cleveland Clinic. Outcomes stratified by extent of pericardial resection and use of CPB were compared after propensity-score matching.ResultsBoth radical pericardiectomy and CPB use (67% [381/565]) increased over time. Among 88 propensity-matched pairs (73% of possible matches), immediate postoperative cardiac index increased (P<0.001) in both groups by a median of 1.0 L•min-1•m-2. There were no significant differences between radical versus partial resection groups in occurrence of reoperation for bleeding (2.3%, [2/88] vs. 0,P=.50). Median postoperative hospital length of stay was 10 versus 8.5 days (P=.02). Operative mortality was 9.1% (8/88) versus 6.8% (6/88) (P=.58). 10-year survival was 54% versus 41%, with a higher propensity-adjusted hazard ratio after partial resection (1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1).ConclusionsWhen surgical intervention is deemed necessary, radical — rather than partial — resection for constrictive pericarditis can be performed with low surgical mortality and morbidity. Radical pericardiectomy can be accomplished on CPB and results in better long-term survival.CLINICAL PERSPECTIVESPatients with constrictive pericarditis require a multidisciplinary approach involving primarily a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon, and other disciplines like gastroenterology since liver cirrhosis from increased central venous pressure and congestion is common, or immunology for evaluation of possible autoimmune etiology.Communication is critical in managing patient expectations after pericardiectomy, especially linking etiology to short- and long-term outcomes in this complex patient population.Radical pericardiectomy should be the gold standard for treating patients with constrictive pericarditis.Routine use of cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and enables the radical pericardiectomy surgery and should be recommended in the guidelines.
Disability inclusion in the Brazilian health system: results of a health system assessment
Authors: Polack Sarah , Ramos Vinicius Delgado , Köptcke Luciana Sepúlveda , de Araujo Morais Indyara , Reichenberger Veronika , Scherer Nathaniel , do Socorro Veloso de Albuquerque Maria , Kuper Hannah , Lyra Tereza Maciel , de Brito Christina May Moran 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople with disabilities face more barriers accessing healthcare and, on average, experience worse health outcomes. Strengthening health access for people with disabilities requires coordinated action across the health system. The Missing Billion Inclusive Health System Framework is a new tool to support policy makers assess levels of disability inclusion within health systems. In this study we use the framework within the Unified Health System in Brazil. We consider the relevance and feasibility of the indicators, as part of further testing and refining the framework.MethodsInformation sources, used to complete the assessment, included Brazilian laws and policies, publically available data, published literature and interviews with people with disabilities and service providers. A workshop with stakeholders was held to co-develop key recommendations.FindingsOverall, the framework was comprehensive and feasible to complete. It highlighted key strengths in terms of disability inclusion in the Brazilian health system as well as gaps and leverage points for action.InterpretationThe Missing Billions framework can identify progress and opportunities to strengthen disability inclusion in health systems. In Brazil, key promotive factors include supportive policies, leadership and financing structures. There are also opportunities for strengthening data and evidence, healthcare worker training on disability and health service accessibility. Actions must be centered on, and informed by, people with disabilities.FundingThis work was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation, Brazilian National Council for Scientific Technological Development, Federate District Research Foundation and the Medical Research Council. Hannah Kuper is supported by a NIHR Global Research Professorship.
Effectiveness of Updated 2023–2024 (Monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB and BA.2.86/JN.1 Lineage Hospitalization and a Comparison of Clinical Severity — IVY Network, 26 Hospitals, October 18, 2023–March 9, 2024
Authors: Ma Kevin C. , Surie Diya , Lauring Adam S. , Martin Emily T. , Leis Aleda M. , Papalambros Leigh , Gaglani Manjusha , Columbus Christie , Gottlieb Robert L. , Ghamande Shekhar , Peltan Ithan D. , Brown Samuel M. , Ginde Adit A. , Mohr Nicholas M. , Gibbs Kevin W. , Hager David N. , Saeed Safa , Prekker Matthew E. , Gong Michelle Ng , Mohamed Amira , Johnson Nicholas J. , Srinivasan Vasisht , Steingrub Jay S. , Khan Akram , Hough Catherine L. , Duggal Abhijit , Wilson Jennifer G. , Qadir Nida , Chang Steven Y. , Mallow Christopher , Kwon Jennie H. , Parikh Bijal , Exline Matthew C. , Vaughn Ivana A. , Ramesh Mayur , Safdar Basmah , Mosier Jarrod , Harris Estelle S. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Felzer Jamie , Zhu Yuwei , Grijalva Carlos G. , Halasa Natasha , Chappell James D. , Womack Kelsey N. , Rhoads Jillian P. , Baughman Adrienne , Swan Sydney A. , Johnson Cassandra A. , Rice Todd W. , Casey Jonathan D. , Blair Paul W. , Han Jin H. , Ellington Sascha , Lewis Nathaniel M. , Thornburg Natalie , Paden Clinton R. , Atherton Lydia J. , Self Wesley H. , Dawood Fatimah S. , DeCuir Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssessing COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) and severity of SARS-CoV-2 variants can inform public health risk assessments and decisions about vaccine composition. BA.2.86 and its descendants, including JN.1 (referred to collectively as “JN lineages”), emerged in late 2023 and exhibited substantial genomic divergence from co-circulating XBB lineages.MethodsWe analyzed patients hospitalized with COVID-19–like illness at 26 hospitals in 20 U.S. states admitted October 18, 2023–March 9, 2024. Using a test-negative, case-control design, we estimated the effectiveness of an updated 2023–2024 (Monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccine dose against sequence-confirmed XBB and JN lineage hospitalization using logistic regression. Odds of severe outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or death, were compared for JN versus XBB lineage hospitalizations using logistic regression.Results585 case-patients with XBB lineages, 397 case-patients with JN lineages, and 4,580 control-patients were included. VE in the first 7–89 days after receipt of an updated dose was 54.2% (95% CI = 36.1%–67.1%) against XBB lineage hospitalization and 32.7% (95% CI = 1.9%–53.8%) against JN lineage hospitalization. Odds of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.80; 95% CI = 0.46–1.38) and IMV or death (aOR 0.69; 95% CI = 0.34–1.40) were not significantly different among JN compared to XBB lineage hospitalizations.ConclusionsUpdated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccination provided protection against both XBB and JN lineage hospitalization, but protection against the latter may be attenuated by immune escape. Clinical severity of JN lineage hospitalizations was not higher relative to XBB lineage hospitalizations.