bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hemodialysis on left atrial function in patients with end‐stage renal failure evaluated by two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging
Authors: Miao Yunxiang , Wang Li , Yin Ying , Zhou Bingyuan , Liao Yuping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the left atrial (LA) strain parameters of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients before and after dialysis by two dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D‐STI), and to explore the effect of volume load change on LA function.MethodsSeventy‐six patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) were enrolled in the study protocol. The median duration of dialysis was 24.0 (7.5, 59.5) months. In addition, 30 healthy subjects were selected as control group. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed immediately before and after hemodialysis to compare the changes in left atrial function.ResultsRegarding LA strain parameters in patients of pre‐HD, the median (25th, 75th) LA reservoir, LA conduit, and LA contractile reserve were 28.0 (23.0, 34.5), −15.5 (−10.0, −21.5), −12.0 (−9.0, −16.0) respectively; the post‐HD were 26.0 (21.0, 29.0), −12.0 (−9, −15.5), −12.5 (−9, −15.5) respectively; and controls were 43.0 (36.0, 48.0), −24.0 (−18.0, −32.0), −17.0 (−15.0, −22.0) respectively. The left atrial strain parameters before HD were lower than controls, the differences were statistically significant, the p‐value were .000, .025, and .000, respectively. The reservoir function and conduit function of LA strain decreased after hemodialysis, the differences were statistically significant, the p‐value were .003 and .006, respectively. Regarding the contraction of LA, the differences between pre‐ and post‐HD were not statistically significant (p = .965).ConclusionHemodialysis removes excess water in human body, while LVGLS and Doppler parameters are greatly affected by reduced preload. New echocardiographic parameters, such as left atrial strain, can quantitatively evaluate the changes in left atrial function before and after hemodialysis in ESRD patients, which can provide valuable information for the overall cardiac evaluation in this specific population.
Increased prevalence of high‐risk coronary plaques in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: De Filippo Ovidio , Di Pietro Gianluca , Nebiolo Marco , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Gatti Marco , Bruno Francesco , Gallone Guglielmo , Armandi Angelo , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Zullino Veronica , Mennini Gianluca , Corradini Stefano Ginanni , Mancone Massimo , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Iannaccone Mario , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) can assess both the extent and the features of coronary plaques. We aimed to gather evidence about the prevalence and features of coronary plaques among MASLD patients.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies assessing the prevalence and features of coronary plaques by means of CTCA in MASLD patients as compared with a control group. The prevalence of coronary stenosis (defined as >30% and >50% diameter of stenosis), of increasing coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and of high‐risk features (namely low‐attenuation plaques, napkin ring sign, spotty calcification and positive remodelling) in MASLD patients were the endpoints of interest.ResultsTwenty‐four observational studies were included. MASLD was associated with an increased prevalence of critical coronary stenosis compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95%CI 1.23–1.93). Increased values of CAC score were observed in MASLD patients (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.02–1.78 and OR 2.26, 95%CI 1.57–3.23 for CAC score 0–100 and >100, respectively). An increased risk of ‘high‐risk’ coronary plaques was observed in MASLD patients (OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.42–3.19). As high‐risk features plaques, a higher prevalence of positive remodelling and spotty calcification characterize MASLD patients (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.79–4.77 and OR 2.96, 95%CI 1.22–7.20).ConclusionsPatients with MASLD are at increased risk of developing critical coronary stenosis and coronary plaques characterized by high‐risk features as detected by CTCA.
Evaluation of phytochemical responses and paclitaxel content of yew (Taxus baccata) seedlings subjected to the systemic fungicides
Authors: Ashnavar Mahboubeh , Ghasemnezhad Azim , Rahnama Kamran , Sarmast Mostafa Khoshhal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEndophytic fungi pass all or at least a part of their life cycle inside or between host cells in living plant tissues. These fungi are not capable of causing disease in the host plants, however, they are deemed to be associated with the production of some secondary metabolites in plants. Therefore, this study was laid out to shed light on how fungicides are involved in the formation of key metabolites of yew (Taxus baccata L.), especially taxol. Through the symbiotic fungal endophyte activities and population changes an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized block design using two foliar application treatments of Rovral‐TS and Fosetyl aluminium fungicides. Plants sprayed with distilled water were used as a control. The findings revealed that the diversity of endophytic fungi declined with the application of systemic fungicides, leading to a decrease in the production of certain secondary metabolites. Specifically, the levels of paclitaxel decreased by 35%, while the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll‐a, chlorophyll‐b and total chlorophyll decreased by 26%, 20.6% and 19.6%, respectively. Additionally, the levels of carotenoids, total phenol and total flavonoids decreased by 18%, 15% and 21.8%, respectively. The highest amount of these compounds was observed in the control treatment. An increase in antioxidant activity, soluble sugars and proline content was observed soon after fungicides application. The variation in the content of soluble sugars, proline and antioxidant activity was fungicide‐dependent. Compared to Fosetyl aluminium fungicide, the numerical value of the above parameters in plants treated with Rovral‐TS was 14.4%, 11.7% and 25.4% higher, respectively. The fungicide‐mediated induction of Taxol production—key secondary metabolites in yew—was to a great extent associated with the change in endophytic fungi. This further establishes the role of fungal endophytes in the stimulation of secondary metabolite formation in yew plants.
The global value of freshwater lakes
Authors: Li Xingming , Tsigaris Panagiotis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLakes face threats from human activities like unsustainable development, population growth and industrial technologies. These challenges impact the ecosystem services of lakes. Research has assessed the monetary value of services from freshwater biomes annually. This article reviews these values, estimating lakes' global ecosystem services to be within the region of USD 1.3–5.1 trillion annually. Their natural asset value is estimated at USD 87–340 trillion, comparable to the monetary value of global real estate, assuming a relatively high social discount rate to account for future increased standards of living. Considering environmental degradation, future generations may experience a lower living standard. Using a 0.1% discount rate, recognizing potential harm and aligning with indigenous values raises the lakes' value to USD 1300–5100 trillion, which is at least equal to the global monetary value of wealth created. This valuation is shared by all as a collective asset, unlike the skewed distribution of created wealth.
Seasonal migration alters energetic trade‐off optimization and shapes life history
Authors: Pierce Allison K. , Yanco Scott W. , Wunder Michael B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTrade‐offs between current and future reproduction manifest as a set of co‐varying life history and metabolic traits, collectively referred to as ‘pace of life’ (POL). Seasonal migration modulates environmental dynamics and putatively affects POL, however, the mechanisms by which migratory behaviour shapes POL remain unclear. We explored how migratory behaviour interacts with environmental and metabolic dynamics to shape POL. Using an individual‐based model of movement and metabolism, we compared fitness‐optimized trade‐offs among migration strategies. We found annual experienced seasonality modulated by migratory movements and distance between end‐points primarily drove POL differentiation through developmental and migration phenology trade‐offs. Similarly, our analysis of empirically estimated metabolic data from 265 bird species suggested seasonal niche tracking and migration distance interact to drive POL. We show multiple viable life‐history strategies are conducive to a migratory lifestyle. Overall, our findings suggest metabolism mediates complex interactions between behaviour, environment and life history.
Testing the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic‐like behaviours in youth with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Martino Davide , Pringsheim Tamara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to test the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic‐like behaviours (FTLBs). The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) criteria for the diagnosis of FTLBs include three major criteria: age at symptom onset ≥12 years, rapid evolution of symptoms and specific phenomenology.MethodsChildren and adolescents with primary tic disorders have been included in a Registry in Calgary, Canada, since 2017. Using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, the proportion of youth with primary tic disorders who met specific phenomenological criteria for FTLBs at first visit was assessed: (1) having ≥1 specific complex motor tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including complex arm/hand movements, self‐injurious behaviour, blocking, copropraxia; (2) having ≥1 specific complex phonic tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including saying words, phrases, disinhibited speech, coprolalia; (3) having a greater number of complex tics than simple tics. Children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 were analysed separately.ResultsOf 156 participants included between 2017 and 2019, high specificity (94.2%) of the age at onset criterion (≥12 years) and of having at least two complex motor behaviours and one complex phonic behaviour at first visit (96.2%) was observed. Some of the complex motor tics had lower specificity. The specificity of the FTLB diagnostic criterion of having more complex tics than simple tics was 89.7%. There was no significant difference in specificity of the criteria for children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 (n = 149).ConclusionThis information supports the use of the ESSTS criteria for FTLBs in clinical practice.
Pharmacokinetics of Staccato® alprazolam in healthy adult participants in two phase 1 studies: An open‐label smoker study and a randomized, placebo‐controlled ethnobridging study
Authors: Hayakawa Yoshinobu , Rospo Chiara , Bartmann Ana Paula , King Aliceson , Roebling Robert , Chanteux Hugues 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveStaccato® alprazolam is a single‐use, drug–device combination delivering alprazolam to the deep lung that is being evaluated as treatment for rapid and early seizure termination. This article reports pharmacokinetic (PK) data from two phase 1 studies of Staccato alprazolam in healthy adult participants.MethodsThe smoker study (EPK‐002/NCT03516305) was an open‐label, nonrandomized, single‐dose, PK study in smokers and nonsmokers aged 21–50 years, administered a single inhaled dose of 1 mg Staccato alprazolam. The ethnobridging study (UP0101/NCT04782388) was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in Japanese, Chinese, and Caucasian participants aged 18–55 years randomized 4:1 to a single inhaled dose of Staccato alprazolam 2 mg or Staccato placebo.ResultsIn the smoker study, 36 participants (18 smokers, 18 nonsmokers) were enrolled and received Staccato alprazolam. Following Staccato administration, alprazolam was rapidly absorbed, with a median time to peak drug plasma concentration (Tmax) of 2 min in both smokers (range = 2–30 min) and nonsmokers (range = 2–60 min). Staccato alprazolam was rapidly absorbed to a similar extent in both smokers and nonsmokers. The most commonly reported treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were somnolence and dizziness. In the ethnobridging study, 10 participants each of Japanese, Chinese, and Caucasian ethnicities were randomized 4:1 to Staccato alprazolam or Staccato placebo. Following Staccato administration, alprazolam was rapidly absorbed and distributed, with a median Tmax of 1.5–2 min in Japanese (range = 1–2 min), Chinese (range = 1–34 min), and Caucasian (range = 1–120 min) participants. Somnolence and sedation were the most commonly reported TEAEs. In both studies, there were no deaths, and no participants reported serious or severe TEAEs, or discontinued due to TEAEs.SignificanceAlprazolam was rapidly absorbed, and therapeutic drug levels were achieved within 2 min postdose when administered to the lung with the Staccato device. Staccato alprazolam was generally well tolerated and displayed a safety profile consistent with that known from other alprazolam applications. No new safety signals were identified.
Nomads, thresholds, and leaves: Queer entanglements within the AcademicConferenceMachine
Authors: Benozzo Angelo , Bizjak Davide , Pianezzi Daniela , Sicca Luigi Maria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents the mise en espace of an anti‐drama‐liturgy written for the Conference “Salute e Benessere delle Persone Transgender e Gender Diverse: Buone Prassi e Nuove Prospettive [Wellbeing of Transgender and Gender Diverse People: Good Practices and New Perspectives]”. By providing an example of conferencing differently, the paper depicts an elliptical (round)table that questions normative assumptions on gender and sexuality and established practices of academic knowledge production and dissemination. It does so, along the edge of anti‐binarism, in three ways. Firstly, there is the choice of an elliptical (round)table that is polycentric: it broadens the point of view from the margins. Secondly, our writing sought to favor embodied questioning and dialog over the structured speech report typical of conferences, and the third way is inherent to the genre of theatrical writing related to the mise en espace format, which enables us to ask questions about the relationship between our bodies, broader materiality, and the dominant norms of academic and gendered practices. The intertwining of these elements makes our queering the AcademicConferenceMachine, which is an invitation to recognize the political performativity and imaginative possibilities of any (academic) encounter.
Glycemic control target for liver and cardiovascular events risk in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Wakabayashi Shun‐Ichi , Kimura Takefumi , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Huang Daniel Q. , Umemura Takeji , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsOptimizing glycemic control may prevent liver‐related events and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the optimal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) threshold associated with a lower risk of complications, particularly liver‐related events as well as MACE is unknown.MethodsWe investigated a nationwide population‐based cohort and identified 633 279 patients with MASLD, with a mean follow‐up of 4.2 years. Hemoglobin A1c levels were measured annually. The primary endpoint was the risk of liver‐related events and MACE and to determine the optimal HbA1c level associated with the risk of complications.ResultsMean HbA1c (per 1%) was associated with liver‐related events (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.42) as well as MACE (sHR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.32–1.41) after adjustment for confounders. Multivariable sHR (95% CI) for HbA1c of <5.0%, 6.0%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9%, 8.0%–8.9%, and ≥9.0% (reference, 5.0%–5.9%) were 14 (9.1–22), 1.70 (1.2–2.3), 3.32 (2.3–4.8), 3.81 (2.1–6.8), and 4.83 (2.4–9.6) for liver‐related events, and 1.24 (0.8–1.8), 1.27 (1.2–1.4), 1.70 (1.5–2.0), 2.36 (1.9–2.9), and 4.17 (3.5–5.0) for MACE. An HbA1c level of 7% was selected as the optimal threshold for predicting complications (sHR 2.40 [1.8–3.2] for liver‐related events and 1.98 [1.8–2.2] for MACE).ConclusionThe risk of liver‐related events as well as MACE increased in a dose‐dependent fashion with an increase in HbA1c levels, except for patients with HbA1c <5.0% for liver‐related events. An HbA1c level of 7% was the optimal threshold associated with a lower risk of complications and may be utilized as a target for glycemic control in patients with MASLD.
Clarifying practical aspects of posterior tibial nerve stimulation for neurogenic overactive bladder: A scoping review
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Ferrara Paolo , Di Schiena Marianna , Mora Cristina , Parozzi Mauro , Pinna Barbara , Villa Giulia , Rocco Bernardo , Sighinolfi Chiara , Gaia Giorgia , Maruccia Serena , Afonina Margarita , Destrebecq Anne Lucie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPatients with neurological diseases often suffer from overactive bladder. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation is mentioned in guidelines as a treatment when antimuscarinics fail or cannot be tolerated by patients, but the evidence is scant. This article summarizes the evidence on the practical aspects of tibial nerve stimulation for neurogenic overactive bladder (NOAB), such as electrical parameters and treatment duration, and identifies areas requiring further investigation. Scoping review. Literature search on PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library, including studies from 2010 to 2024 regarding tibial nerve stimulation for NOAB. Sixteen papers were considered: seven on transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), seven on percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and two protocols. Most studies enrolled neurological and non‐neurological patients or studied non‐randomized samples of a few patients. Clinical outcomes, treatment duration, number of sessions, and follow‐up times showed considerable heterogeneity, but some practical recommendations could be drawn. For PTNS, most authors suggest using 20 Hz and 200 μs, but the amplitude is highly variable among studies. For TTNS, 10 Hz and 200 μs are suggested, with considerable variability in the number of sessions and overall treatment duration. Most papers propose similar criteria regarding the frequency and duration of the stimulation, and all of them support the efficacy of tibial nerve stimulation, except for one. The areas requiring research include long‐term results, allowing for shaping adequate maintenance programmes to avoid losing the results achieved.
Versatile r.f. magnetron sputtering doping method to produce aluminum‐doped zinc oxide films
Authors: de Oliveira Gabriel Henrique Inácio , Escote Márcia T. , Nantes Iseli L. , Criado Denise 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAluminum‐doped zinc oxide Al:ZnO (AZO) is a non‐toxic material applied as a transparent conductive oxide film. In this study, we report on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of AZO films obtained by thermally oxidizing aluminum‐doped Zn films produced by a versatile and low‐cost method of doping using the magnetron sputtering technique deposition. We use aluminum wire above the zinc target to produce Al:Zn films. The influence of r.f. power and different Al wire lengths on the AZO film properties were studied. The resulting AZO films exhibited Al concentrations of up to 2.85% and an optical gap between 3.22 and 3.29 eV. The transmittance was greater than 80% for all samples, and the electrical resistivity decreased by two orders of magnitude with Al doping. As a result, the sample with an aluminum concentration of approximately 1% had the lowest resistivity. In this work, it was possible to relate the lower resistivity with larger grain size and smaller concentrations of defects or vacancies.
High‐performance bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15) for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang En‐Meng , Wang Chun‐Ming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvancing the development of high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors requires high‐performance piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperatures, wherein the charge signals can be efficiently collected at elevated temperatures. The bismuth layer‐structured ferroelectric (BLSF) bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15, BTF) has recently attracted considerable attention because of its high Curie temperature (TC) of ∼761°C. However, the piezoelectric properties of BTF‐based compounds have not been extensively investigated because of their extremely poor piezoelectric performances and low electrical resistivities at elevated temperatures. Herein, tungsten‐substituted BTF (BTF‐100xW) ceramics were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction refinement results confirmed the lattice distortion of the BO6 octahedron, while piezoelectric force microscopy images verified an increase in the domain wall density with tungsten modification, both of which contribute to significant enhancement of the piezoelectric properties of BTF‐100xW as intrinsic and extrinsic contributions, respectively. Remarkably, BTF‐3W exhibits a high TC of 793°C and a large piezoelectric constant (d33) of 24.3 pC/N, which is over three times that of BTF (7.1 pC/N). Importantly, the substitution of tungsten decreases the concentration of oxygen vacancies, increases the direct current electrical resistivity, and improves the electrical homogeneity at high temperatures, resulting in extremely stable piezoelectric and electromechanical properties at high temperatures, with a high in‐situ relative d33 of >90% at 400°C and a small variation in the electromechanical coupling factor (kp) of <8% at temperatures up to 450°C. These results suggest that the tungsten‐substituted BTF is a potential candidate for high‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics, and is a promising material for applications in high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors.