bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth response of dune‐building grasses to precipitation
Authors: Homberger Jan‐Markus , Lynch Aaron , Riksen Michel , Limpens Juul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe formation and development of coastal dunes are influenced by the growth of dune‐building grasses. Concurrently, the development of coastal dunes has been positively related to growing season precipitation, which might be due to precipitation promoting the growth of dune‐building grasses. However, a direct response relationship between precipitation and dune‐building grasses has yet to be identified. We explored the impact of precipitation on dune‐building grass species using a three‐step approach. (1) We assessed how plant‐available soil moisture changed with precipitation along an elevation profile from embryo dune to foredune. (2) We quantified the growth response of European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria [L.] Link) and sand couch (Elytrigia juncea [L.] Nevski) in a controlled pot experiment with water treatments derived from long‐term precipitation records. (3) We explored the impact of different precipitation scenarios on the growth of dune‐building grasses. Our field monitoring results showed that changes in soil moisture of the upper soil profile (0–50 cm) closely followed precipitation dynamics for all topographic positions. In our controlled pot experiment, soil moisture significantly increased plant growth in plant attributes associated with dune‐building, irrespective of species. Our scenario analyses indicated that prolonged periods with deviations from average growing season precipitation significantly affect plant growth, with extremely dry years reducing plant growth up to 23% and extremely wet years increasing plant growth up to 32%. Hence, in precipitation‐dependent coastal dune ecosystems, future extreme climatic events might have considerable consequences for dune development by notably influencing the growth of dune‐building vegetation.
An Integrated Metabolomics-Based Model, and Identification of Potential Biomarkers, of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Annunziato Mark , Bashirova Narmin , Eeza Muhamed N.H. , Lawson Ariel , Fernandez-Lima Francisco , Tose Lilian V. , Matysik Jörg , Alia A. , Berry John P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Known for their high stability and surfactant properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in a range of manufactured products. Despite being largely phased out due to concerns regarding their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, legacy PFAS such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid continue to persist at high levels in the environment, posing risks to aquatic organisms. We used high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in intact zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to investigate the metabolic pathways altered by PFOS both before and after hatching (i.e., 24 and 72 h post fertilization [hpf], respectively). Assessment of embryotoxicity found embryo lethality in the parts-per-million range with no significant difference in mortality between the 24- and 72-hpf exposure groups. Metabolic profiling revealed mostly consistent changes between the two exposure groups, with altered metabolites generally associated with oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, energy production, and mitochondrial function, as well as specific targeting of the liver and central nervous system as key systems. These metabolic changes were further supported by analyses of tissue-specific production of reactive oxygen species, as well as nontargeted mass spectrometric lipid profiling. Our findings suggest that PFOS-induced metabolic changes in zebrafish embryos may be mediated through previously described interactions with regulatory and transcription factors leading to disruption of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. The present study proposes a systems-level model of PFOS toxicity in early life stages of zebrafish, and also identifies potential biomarkers of effect and exposure for improved environmental biomonitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:896–914. © 2024 SETAC
Dexmedetomidine activates the PKA/CREB pathway and inhibits proinflammatory factor expression through β2 adrenergic receptors
Authors: Zhang Baocheng , Shen Jie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionDexmedetomidine (DEX) is primarily utilized for sedation in the context of general anesthesia or intensive care. However, the exact regulatory mechanism by which DEX affects cytokines remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism by which DEX inhibits proinflammatory factors through activation of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2 AR).MethodsThe inflammatory cell model of human mononuclear macrophage (THP‐1) cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established to study the effect of DEX on the expression of cell‐related inflammatory factors. ADRA2A gene knockout THP‐1 cells (THP‐1KO) were constructed by CRISPR technology, and the effect of DEX on the expression of inflammatory factors of THP‐1KO cells was detected. The target sites of DEX on β2 AR were screened by molecular docking. Reversion experiments were performed using ADRB2‐siRNA. Western blot was used to detect the activation of β2 AR/PKA/CREB pathway and NF‐κB, and ELISA was used to detect the release level of inflammatory factors.ResultsThe results demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression levels of MCP‐1, interleukin‐06, and IL‐8 in both THP‐1 and THP‐1KO cells when induced by LPS following treatment with DEX. Additionally, DEX treatment led to an increase in IL‐10 expression. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an upregulation of β2 AR expression after DEX treatment. Western blot results indicated that DEX notably enhanced the activation of the β2 AR and PKA/CREB pathways, while concurrently suppressing the activation of NF‐κB. Notably, the use of ADRB2 siRNA reversed the effects of DEX treatment and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionDEX initiates the activation of the PKA/CREB pathway through the activation of β2 AR. Simultaneously, it exerts an inhibitory effect on the activation of NF‐κB, consequently reducing the transcription of proinflammatory factors while increasing the transcription of anti‐inflammatory factors.
Looking in the rear‐view mirror: Evidence from artificial intelligence investment, labour market conditions and firm growth
Authors: Tingbani Ishmael , Salia Samuel , Hartwell Christopher A. , Yahaya Alhassan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents evidence of the impact of AI investment on firm growth and how the relationship is sensitive to labour market conditions. Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation on 1950 unique American firms over 1996–2016, we show that a 10% increase in AI investment leads to an increase in firm growth by 0.04%. However, this result is highly sensitive to labour market conditions, as labour productivity can positively impact firm growth, but labour cost and labour share negatively influence firm growth. These results offer original insights into an essential channel via which investment in AI may mediate firm growth.
Empirical evidence on the Euler equation for investment in the US
Authors: Ascari Guido , Haque Qazi , Magnusson Leandro M. , Mavroeidis Sophocles 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIs the typical specification of the Euler equation for investment employed in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models consistent with aggregate macro data? The answer is yes using state‐of‐the‐art econometric methods that are robust to weak instruments and exploit information in possible structural changes. Unfortunately, however, there is very little information about the values of the parameters in aggregate data because investment is unresponsive to changes in capital utilization and the real interest rate. Bayesian estimation using fully specified DSGE models is more accurate due to both informative priors and cross‐equation restrictions.
Status of abortion curriculum in genetic counseling: Survey of graduate programs and recent graduates in the United States
Authors: Sanchez Gina , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Bednar Erica , Horvath Sarah , Kumar Bhavik , Sagaser Katelynn , Singletary Claire N. , Ramdaney Aarti 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGenetic counselors (GCs) are trained to help individuals navigate the medical and psychological implications of genetic test results, familial conditions, and ultrasound anomalies. Therefore, familiarity with reproductive options, including abortion, is vital. However, previous studies have found gaps in GCs' knowledge regarding abortion care and there are currently no recommendations regarding abortion curriculum. This study aimed to assess the state of abortion curriculum in genetic counseling graduate programs in the United States and to examine and compare the satisfaction levels of program representatives and recent graduates. Program representatives and recent graduates were invited to complete an anonymous survey evaluating the abortion curriculum, satisfaction with said curriculum, and perceived preparedness to counsel on abortion. Quantitative data from 46 program representatives and 123 recent graduates were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical analyses, including the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Large variability existed in the amount and types of abortion training. Results showed greater satisfaction and feelings of preparation to counsel on abortion in graduates whose program provided a dedicated abortion curriculum (p < 0.001, p = 0.005). In addition, graduates with abortion counseling experience felt less prepared to counsel on abortion than their programs believed them to be (p = 0.04). Graduates perceived procedural timing, facilitation of genetic testing, and resources/support desired by patients before, during, or after an abortion, to be the most important topics, although these were not included in all programs' curriculum. Program representatives and recent graduates alike noted that variability in clinical training is a barrier to abortion education. Our results demonstrate a need for curricular reform to reduce variability in training and ensure that all graduates receive the same foundational abortion education. Further research is needed to determine the scope of GCs in abortion care, as well as which topics and education formats are most helpful in graduate education.
The majority of parents of children undergoing genetic testing report preference for earlier genetic counseling appointments
Authors: Cochrane Cami , Wetherill Leah , Delk Paula , Neidlinger Trisha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the Indiana University Health (IUH) Medical Genetics clinic, certified genetic counselors disclose genetic test results to patients by telephone. The wait‐time between a result call‐out and a follow‐up appointment can vary from weeks to months depending on the medical geneticist's availability. Understanding the experiences that families face during these waiting periods can inform the field regarding what clinical improvements can be made to enhance patients' experiences. Our study explored three topics: the effects of wait‐times on parents or patients between a result disclosure and medical genetics follow‐up appointment, their anxiety levels during those wait‐times, and suggestions for improving parents' and patients' experiences with genetics clinics. Patients or parents who were over 18 years old, who received an initial result call‐out between May 2020 and September 2022 prior to a medical genetics follow‐up appointment, and who had a diagnostic or a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) genetic test result were recruited for study participation. Individuals were surveyed on their diagnosis, wait‐time following result disclosure, feelings during the wait‐time, and preferences for result disclosures. The results showed that length of wait‐time after a result call‐out was not associated with increased anxiety; however, a background in genetics and support group involvement were associated with increased anxiety. The majority of respondents reported that if a genetic counseling‐only appointment could occur closer to the time of results call‐out, they would prefer to have a genetic counseling‐only appointment with a second appointment for medical management with a geneticist later (58.1%). Based on these results, medical genetics clinics should consider implementing genetic counseling‐only appointments to reduce wait‐times for follow‐up appointments.
Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and atopy increase the risk of eosinophilic esophagitis in children with esophageal atresia
Authors: Tang Tiffany C. , Leach Steven T. , Krishnan Usha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children with esophageal atresia (EA).Study DesignA retrospective chart review of children with EA from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2020 was undertaken at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick. Children with EA and EoE (cases) were matched (1:2) to children with only EA (controls) to compare PPI exposure. Other early‐life factors such as infantile antibiotic exposure and personal or family history of atopy were also analyzed using simple and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf 184 children with EA, 46 (25%) developed EoE during this period. Thirty‐eight EoE participants were matched to 76 controls. Children with EoE and EA received PPI for significantly higher durations (p = .018) and at significantly higher cumulative doses (p = .017) than controls. Food allergy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.317; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.244–23.742), family history of atopy (aOR, 3.504; 95% CI, 1.268–9.682), and infantile antibiotic exposure (aOR, 1.040; 95% CI, 1.006–1.075) were also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing EoE in the EA cohort.ConclusionsProlonged duration and high cumulative dose of PPI exposure were significantly associated with subsequent EoE development in children with EA. Food allergy, family history of atopy, and infantile antibiotic exposure in EA were also significantly associated with an increased risk of EoE development.
Surgical management of spiral oblique fractures of the fifth metatarsal leads to faster return to play in athletes: A systematic review
Authors: Jimenez Mosquea Thelma R. , Butler James J. , Samsonov Alan P. , Ubillus Hugo A. , Kennedy John G. , Walls Raymond J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate outcomes following both operative and nonoperative management of spiral oblique fractures of the fifth metatarsal.MethodsDuring November 2023, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies examining outcomes following operative and nonoperative management of dancer's fractures. Data regarding subjective clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes, complications and failure rates were extracted and analysed.ResultsTen studies were included in this review. In total, 125 patients underwent operative treatment for dancer's fractures and 365 patients underwent nonoperative treatment for dancer's fractures. The weighted mean follow‐up in the operative cohort was 15.3 ± 32.7 months and the weighted mean follow‐up in the nonoperative cohort was 30.6 ± 24.3 months. The overall union rate in the operative cohort was 99.2% and the overall union rate in the nonoperative cohort was 98.6%. The weighted mean time to return to sport was 15.4 ± 6.7 and 22.4 ± 4.4 weeks in the operative cohort and nonoperative cohort, respectively. The complication rate in the operative cohort and nonoperative cohort was 12.0% and 15.1%, respectively.ConclusionThis current systematic review demonstrated comparable radiographic outcomes together with low failure rate and low complication rate following both operative and nonoperative management of dancer's fracture at short‐term follow‐up. However, faster return to sport rates was observed in the operative cohort, suggesting that surgical management of displaced spiral oblique fractures of the fifth metatarsal should be the mainstay treatment option. However, the under‐reporting of data, marked heterogeneity between studies and paucity of comparative studies limits the generation of any robust conclusions; thus, further high‐quality comparative studies are warranted.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
No clinical outcome difference between varus phenotypes after medial opening‐wedge high tibial osteotomy at 2 years follow‐up
Authors: Van Genechten Wouter , Vanneste Yannick , van Beek Nathalie , Michielsen Jozef , Claes Steven , Verdonk Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeClinical studies regarding medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) often analyse a large group of mechanical varus knees rather than differentiating for its primary varus‐inducing component. This study aims to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of the most prevalent varus malalignment phenotypes using the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification.MethodsMOWHTO cases with minimal 2‐year clinical follow‐up were retrospectively selected from a knee osteotomy database (2016–2020). Based on the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), subjects were allocated to the correct CPAK phenotype pre‐ and postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were the numeric rating scale (NRS), the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the therapeutic response rate (TRR) at 2‐year follow‐up. Inter‐observer correlation coefficient (ICC) and unpaired student t test were performed for cross‐phenotype comparison.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐five (135) subjects were found eligible (53.0 years old ±9.6 [19–77], 72% male, 53% left‐sided). The most prevalent preoperative phenotype was CPAK 1 (n = 70 (52%)) and the postoperative phenotype was CPAK 6 (n = 66 (49%)). All CPAK phenotypes improved significantly relative to baseline but cross‐phenotype comparison yielded no significant differences in clinical outcome. The TRR at 2 years was 67% for CPAK 1, 69% for CPAK 2 and 87% for CPAK 4. The TRR for CPAK 6 was 64% compared with 80% for CPAK 9, which was not significantly different.ConclusionAt 2‐year follow‐up, no clinically significant differences are observed between different CPAK phenotypes. Accurate MOWHTO corrections provide significant clinical improvement even in the femoral‐driven varus knee and the constitutional varus knee dominated by intra‐articular wear. The clinical indication for MOWHTO performance should not be reduced to the medial arthritic varus knee with underlying tibial varus alone.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, retrospective comparative study.
Prescribing Practices and Barriers of Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Amongst Otolaryngologists
Authors: Bell Christopher M. , Thamboo Andrew V. , Monteiro Eric , Yip Jonathan 
Published: February 2024

Objective(s)Biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) are an evolving therapeutic option, but there are limited data on physician experiences in prescribing them. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of these experiences including prescribing practices, patient factors which guide prescriber decision, and physician and patient‐reported issues which might limit cost‐effectiveness of these therapies.MethodsA survey was distributed to attending otolaryngologists using the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology (CSOHNS) email distribution and eSurvey program. Responses were tabulated for the entire cohort and compared between rhinologists and non‐rhinologists where appropriate. Frequencies and proportions were expressed as a percentage of total respondents. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis between groups.ResultsSeventy‐nine total survey responses were recorded representing a response rate of 43%. Significantly more rhinologists reported prescribing biologic medications on their own (100% vs. 50%; p < 0.001) and a higher proportion (1 to 10% vs. <1%) of their patients were on biologics compared with non‐rhinologists (p = 0.023). Rhinologists were more likely to consider poor response to medical therapies, need for rescue steroids, and comorbid type 2 conditions in their decision to pursue biologics than non‐rhinologists, but they also experienced poorer assistance from patient support programs and less availability to medications.ConclusionRhinologists are more comfortable with prescribing and managing biologics for CRSwNP compared with non‐rhinologist colleagues. Clinicians prescribing biologic medications for CRSwNP should be familiar with guidelines, indications, and potential adverse events.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:3493–3498, 2024
NSUN2 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression through stabilizing PIK3R2 mRNA in an m5C‐dependent manner
Authors: Du Xuan , Cheng Cheng , Yang Yi , Fan Bowen , Wang Peiwen , Xia Haibo , Ni Xinye , Liu Qizhan , Lu Lu , Wei Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt is well known that 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) is involved in variety of crucial biological processes in cancers. However, its biological roles in lung adenocarcinoma (LAUD) remain to be determined. The LUAD samples were used to assess the clinical value of NOP2/Sun RNA Methyltransferase 2 (NSUN2). Dot blot was used to determine global m5C levels. ChIP and dual‐luciferase assays were performed to investigate the MYC‐associated zinc finger protein (MAZ)‐binding sites in NSUN2 promoter. RNA‐seq was used to explore the downstream molecular mechanisms of NSUN2. Dual luciferase reporter assay, m5C‐RIP‐qPCR, and mRNA stability assay were conducted to explore the effect of NSUN2‐depletion on target genes. Cell viability, transwell, and xenograft mouse model were designed to demonstrate the characteristic of NSUN2 in promoting LUAD progression. The m5C methyltransferase NSUN2 was highly expressed and caused elevated m5C methylation in LUAD samples. Mechanistically, MAZ positively regulated the transcription of NSUN2 and was related to poor survival of LUAD patients. Silencing NSUN2 decreased the global m5C levels, suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibited activation of PI3K‐AKT signaling in A549 and SPAC‐1 cells. Phosphoinositide‐3‐Kinase Regulatory Subunit 2 (PIK3R2) was upregulated by NSUN2‐mediated m5C methylation by enhancing its mRNA stabilization and activated the phosphorylation of the PI3K‐AKT signaling. The present study explored the underlying mechanism and biological function of NSUN2‐meditated m5C RNA methylation in LUAD. NSUN2 was discovered to facilitate the malignancy progression of LUAD through regulating m5C modifications to stabilize PIK3R2 activating the PI3K‐AKT signaling, suggesting that NSUN2 could be a novel biomarker and promising therapeutic target for LUAD patients.