bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The scope of empowerment for conservation and communities
Authors: Petriello Michael A. , Redmore Lauren , Sène Aby L. , Katju Dhananjaya , Barraclough Lilian , Boyd Sara , Madge Carly , Papadopoulos Anastasia , Yalamala Reddi S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConservationists increasingly position conservation that is mutually beneficial to people and biodiversity on the promise of empowerment of people through participatory discourse, metrics, processes, and outcomes. Empowerment represents multidimensional concepts and theories that permeate the interlinking levels of power, from the psychological to the political, and social scales in which conservation operates. The multifaceted nature of empowerment makes it challenging to understand, pursue, and evaluate as a central philosophical commitment and goal‐oriented practice in conservation. Moreover, definitional and methodological uncertainty may disempower interested and affected groups because they can foster conceptual assumptions that reinforce institutionalized barriers to systemic changes. Despite these complexities, there are no targeted reviews of empowerment in conservation. We conducted a scoping review of the conservation literature to synthesize the meanings and uses of empowerment in the field. We reviewed 121 of the most cited conservation articles that invoked or assessed empowerment from 1992 to 2017 to document geographic, conceptual, and methodological trends in the scales and theories of empowerment deployed by conservationists. Research claiming or assessing empowerment through conservation often focused on communities in the Global South. Most studies relied on qualitative and mixed methods (78%) collected largely from male or non‐Indigenous participants. Few studies (30%) defined the 20 types of empowerment they referenced. Fewer studies (3%) applied empowerment theories in their work. Our findings show that empowerment discourse of local and Indigenous communities permeates the discourse of people‐centered conservation. Yet, overreliance on empowerment's rhetorical promise and minimal engagement with theory (e.g., postcolonial theory) risks disempowering people by obscuring empowerment's foundational value to conservation and communities and oversimplifying the complex realities of people‐centered conservation. Lasting change could come from more meaningful engagement with empowerment, including coproducing definitions and measures with and for disempowered social groups to tackle widespread power disparities in conservation today.
Lipidomic changes in a novel sepsis outcome‐based analysis reveals potent pro‐inflammatory and pro‐resolving signaling lipids
Authors: Sulaiman Dawoud , Wu Dongyuan , Black Lauren Page , Williams Kevin J. , Graim Kiley , Datta Susmita , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Guirgis Faheem W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the lipidome of patients with sepsis to identify signaling lipids associated with poor outcomes that could be linked to future therapies. Adult patients with sepsis were enrolled within 24h of sepsis recognition. Patients meeting Sepsis‐3 criteria were enrolled from the emergency department or intensive care unit and blood samples were obtained. Clinical data were collected and outcomes of rapid recovery, chronic critical illness (CCI), or early death were adjudicated by clinicians. Lipidomic analysis was performed on two platforms, the Sciex™ 5500 device to perform a lipidomic screen of 1450 lipid species and a targeted signaling lipid panel using liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. For the lipidomic screen, there were 274 patients with sepsis: 192 with rapid recovery, 47 with CCI, and 35 with early deaths. CCI and early death patients were grouped together for analysis. Fatty acid (FA) 12:0 was decreased in CCI/early death, whereas FA 17:0 and 20:1 were elevated in CCI/early death, compared to rapid recovery patients. For the signaling lipid panel analysis, there were 262 patients with sepsis: 189 with rapid recovery, 45 with CCI, and 28 with early death. Pro‐inflammatory signaling lipids from ω‐6 poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE), 12‐HETE, and 11‐HETE (oxidation products of arachidonic acid [AA]) were elevated in CCI/early death patients compared to rapid recovery. The pro‐resolving lipid mediator from ω‐3 PUFAs, 14(S)‐hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid (14S‐HDHA), was also elevated in CCI/early death compared to rapid recovery. Signaling lipids of the AA pathway were elevated in poor‐outcome patients with sepsis and may serve as targets for future therapies.
Evaluating optimal bilateral biliary stenting in endoscopic reintervention after initial plastic stent dysfunction for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: Retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Okuno Mitsuru , Iwata Keisuke , Iwashita Takuji , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Shimojo Kota , Ohashi Yosuke , Iwasa Yuhei , Senju Akihiko , Iwata Shota , Tezuka Ryuichi , Ichikawa Hironao , Mita Naoki , Uemura Shinya , Yoshida Kensaku , Maruta Akinori , Tomita Eiichi , Yasuda Ichiro , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesThe placement of plastic stents (PS), including intraductal PS (IS), is useful in patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO) because of patency and ease of endoscopic reintervention (ERI). However, the optimal stent replacement method for PS remains unclear.MethodsThis retrospective study included 322 patients with UMHBO. Among them, 146 received PS placement as initial drainage (across‐the‐papilla PS [aPS], 54; IS, 92), whereas 75 required ERI. Eight bilateral aPS, 21 bilateral IS, and 17 bilateral self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placements met the inclusion criteria. Rates of technical and clinical success, adverse events, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), overall survival, and secondary ERI were compared.ResultsThere were no significant intergroup differences in rates of technical or clinical success, adverse events, RBO occurrence, or overall survival. The median TRBO was significantly shorter in the aPS group (47 days) than IS (91 days; P = 0.0196) and SEMS (143 days; P < 0.01) groups. Median TRBO did not differ significantly between the IS and SEMS groups (P = 0.44). On Cox multivariate analysis, the aPS group had the shortest stent patency (hazard ratio 2.67 [95% confidence interval 1.05–6.76], P = 0.038). For secondary ERI, the median endoscopic procedure time was significantly shorter in the IS (22 min) vs. SEMS (40 min) group (P = 0.034).ConclusionsBilateral IS and SEMS placement featured prolonged patency after first ERI. Because bilateral IS placement is faster than SEMS placement and IS can be removed during secondary ERI, it may be a good option for first ERI.
Clinical features and outcomes in children with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Madani Jihan , Yea Carmen , Mahjoub Areej , Brna Paula , Jones Kevin , Longoni Giulia , Nouri Maryam Nabavi , Rizk Tamer , Stewart Wendy A. , Wilbur Colin , Yeh E. Ann 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo characterize the presenting features and outcomes in children with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis, and to evaluate whether scores at nadir for the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Clinical Assessment Scale for Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE) or its paediatric‐specific modification (ped‐CASE) are predictive of outcomes.MethodThis observational study included children younger than 18 years of age with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis. Demographics and clinical data were collected. The mRS and CASE/ped‐CASE scores were used to evaluate disease severity. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis and to evaluate associations between scale scores and outcomes.ResultsSixty‐three children were included (39 [62%] females, median age 7 years, interquartile range [IQR] 4 years 1 months–11 years 6 months), with follow‐up available for 56 out of 63 patients (median follow‐up 12.2 months, IQR 13.4–17.8). The most frequent presenting neurological manifestation was encephalopathy (81%). Median CASE/ped‐CASE and mRS scores at nadir were 12.0 (IQR 7.0–17.0) and 1.0 (IQR 0–2.0) respectively. Thirty‐three patients (59%) had persistent neurological deficits at follow‐up. Both scoring systems suggested good functional recovery (mRS score ≤2, 95%; CASE/ped‐CASE score <5, 91%). CASE/ped‐CASE score was more likely than mRS to distinguish children with worse outcomes.InterpretationChildren with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis are likely to have neurological deficits at follow‐up. CASE/ped‐CASE is more likely to distinguish children with worse outcomes than MRS.What this paper adds

Encephalopathy was the most common reason for presentation in children with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis.
Children with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis are likely to have neurological deficits at follow‐up.
The Clinical Assessment Scale for Autoimmune Encephalitis or its paeditric version at nadir was better at distinguishing children with poor outcomes than the Modified Rankin Scale.
Common data elements for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: An international framework
Authors: Nematollahi Shahrzad , Dieterich Klaus , Filges Isabel , De Vries Johanna I. P. , Van Bosse Harold , Natera de Benito Daniel , Hall Judith G. , Sawatzky Bonita , Bedard Tanya , Sanchez Victoria Castillo , Navalon‐Martinez Carolina , Pan Tony , Hilton Coleman , Dahan‐Oliel Noémi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo facilitate multisite studies and international clinical research, this study aimed to identify consensus‐based, standardized common data elements (CDEs) for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC).MethodA mixed‐methods study comprising of several focus group discussions and three rounds of modified Delphi surveys to achieve consensus using two tiered‐rating scales were conducted.ResultsOverall, 45 clinical experts and adults with lived experience (including 12 members of an AMC consortium) participated in this study from 11 countries in North America, Europe, and Australia. The CDEs include 321 data elements and 19 standardized measures across various domains from fetal development to adulthood. Data elements pertaining to AMC phenotypic traits were mapped according to the Human Phenotype Ontology. A universal governance structure, local operating protocols, and sustainability plans were identified as the main facilitators, whereas limited capacity for data sharing and the need for a federated informatics infrastructure were the main barriers.InterpretationCollection of systematic data on AMC using CDEs will allow investigations on etiological pathways, describe epidemiological profile, and establish genotype–phenotype correlations in a standardized manner. The proposed CDEs will facilitate international multidisciplinary collaborations by improving large‐scale studies and opportunities for data sharing, knowledge translation, and dissemination.What this paper adds

The common data elements (CDEs) for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita include 321 data elements from perinatal period to adulthood.
A universal governance structure, partner‐specific operating protocols, and sustainability plans will facilitate multi‐institutional implementation of CDEs.
Inconsistent electronic infrastructure, different terminologies for databases, and feasibility issues are the main barriers for international implementation of CDEs.
Structural variation of ant nests mediates the local distribution and abundance of an associate
Authors: Parmentier T. , Braem S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSymbionts form intricate associations with their hosts. They can only establish when potential hosts are present, but in addition, their distribution is often influenced by microhabitat preferences, which may not overlap those of their hosts. This leads to a patchy local distribution of the symbiont, being present with some hosts and absent with others. We studied this effect of microhabitat preferences on symbiont distribution by examining the occurrence and density of the obligately ant‐associated springtail Cyphoderus albinus Nicolet (Collembola: Paronellidae) across a mosaic of ant nests. Nest structure strongly varied both within and between ant species and included sand, dead wood, arboreal and thatch mound nests. We hypothesized that the symbiotic springtail would show the strongest preference for thermoregulated and organic‐rich nests such as thatch mounds. The springtail was found in all thatch mound nests of red wood ants and in all arboreal nests of Lasius fuliginosus (Latreille). A high occurrence (75%) was recorded in the smaller thatch nests of Formica sanguinea Latreille. Lasius, Myrmica and Formica species exhibited variation in nest structures on the ground, establishing nests in both sand and wood. For each of these three host taxa, encountering the springtail was more likely in their wood nests (medium‐to‐high occurrence), than in their sand nests where the occurrence was low. Nest structure did not only impact springtail occurrence, but their densities as well. The densities within thatch nests were much higher than those in other nest types, achieving the highest densities (1148 individuals per litre of nest material) observed for a social insect symbiont. Our findings emphasize that host nests with wood structures and thatch material provide a more favourable habitat for the springtail compared with soil nests. Overall, this study underscores the role of microhabitat variation in the spatial distribution and density of a symbiotic species.
Involvement of microglia‐expressed MS4A6A in the onset of glioblastoma
Authors: Lv Wenhao , Lin Shengyan , Zuo Zhenxing , Huang Zhihui , Wang Yongjie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the deadliest form of brain tumour, characterized by its low survival rate and grim prognosis. Cytokines released from glioma‐associated microglia/macrophages are involved in establishing the tumour microenvironment, thereby crucially promoting GBM progression. MS4A6A polymorphism was confirmed to be associated with neurodegenerative and polymorphism disease pathobiology, but whether it participates in the regulation of GBM and the underlying mechanisms is still not elucidated. Here, we found that MS4A6A was significantly upregulated in GBM patient samples. The results from the single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) database and immunostaining demonstrated the specific expression of MS4A6A in microglial cells. In vitro, microglial overexpression of MS4A6A stimulated the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma cells. Moreover, high MS4A6A mRNA expression was related to poor prognosis in GBM patients. Our study highlights the potential of MS4A6A as a promising biomarker for GBM, which may provide novel strategies for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Mammalian Diaphanous1 signalling in neurovascular complications of diabetes
Authors: Jarosławska Julia , Kordas Bernard , Miłowski Tadeusz , Juranek Judyta K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOver the past few decades, diabetes gradually has become one of the top non‐communicable disorders, affecting 476.0 million in 2017 and is predicted to reach 570.9 million people in 2025. It is estimated that 70 to 100% of all diabetic patients will develop some if not all, diabetic complications over the course of the disease. Despite different symptoms, mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic complications are similar, likely stemming from deficits in both neuronal and vascular components supplying hyperglycaemia‐susceptible tissues and organs. Diaph1, protein diaphanous homolog 1, although mainly known for its regulatory role in structural modification of actin and related cytoskeleton proteins, in recent years attracted research attention as a cytoplasmic partner of the receptor of advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) a signal transduction receptor, whose activation triggers an increase in proinflammatory molecules, oxidative stressors and cytokines in diabetes and its related complications. Both Diaph1 and RAGE are also a part of the RhoA signalling cascade, playing a significant role in the development of neurovascular disturbances underlying diabetes‐related complications. In this review, based on the existing knowledge as well as compelling findings from our past and present studies, we address the role of Diaph1 signalling in metabolic stress and neurovascular degeneration in diabetic complications. In light of the most recent developments in biochemical, genomic and transcriptomic research, we describe current theories on the aetiology of diabetes complications, highlighting the function of the Diaph1 signalling system and its role in diabetes pathophysiology.
Characterization and prediction of soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters using a random forest model
Authors: Ju Xinni , She Dongli , Huang Xuan , Xia Yongqiu , Gao Lei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo effectively control nonpoint source pollution and predict its transport and load, understanding water and solute transport processes, patterns and mechanisms is essential. However, the measurement of water movement and solute transport parameters is usually a laborious and time‐consuming task. It is important to predict water movement and solute transport parameters from more readily available soil physical and chemical properties. In this study, a database of soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters containing information retrieved from 83 published studies on soil properties, land use, management measures, etc. was established to characterize and simulate soil water movement and solute transport processes. Our results showed that the soil particle composition was closely related to all soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters. As the soil texture changed from sand to clay, the soil residual water content (θr) obviously increased. The soil porosity was significantly positively correlated with θr, saturated water content (θs), van Genuchten parameter α, dispersity (λ) and retardation factor (R) and negatively correlated with van Genuchten parameter n (p < 0.01). The use of random forest models allowed the prediction of soil hydraulic and solute transport parameters by inputting common or even incomplete soil property parameters. The bulk density and particle composition jointly contributed 66% to the prediction of the soil hydraulic parameters and 44% to the prediction of the solute transport parameters. The pH exerted a notable impact on the solute transport parameters, especially dispersion coefficient (D), λ and R. The results may be useful in providing data support and facilitating the development of watershed nonpoint source pollution models.
Range expansion is both slower and more variable with rapid evolution across a spatial gradient in temperature
Authors: Usui Takuji , Angert Amy L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRapid evolution in colonising populations can alter our ability to predict future range expansions. Recent theory suggests that the dynamics of replicate range expansions are less variable, and hence more predictable, with increased selection at the expanding range front. Here, we test whether selection from environmental gradients across space produces more consistent range expansion speeds, using the experimental evolution of replicate duckweed populations colonising landscapes with and without a temperature gradient. We found that the range expansion across a temperature gradient was slower on average, with range‐front populations displaying higher population densities, and genetic signatures and trait changes consistent with directional selection. Despite this, we found that with a spatial gradient range expansion speed became more variable and less consistent among replicates over time. Our results therefore challenge current theory, highlighting that chance can still shape the genetic response to selection to influence our ability to predict range expansion speeds.
Diet composition and sterilization modifies intestinal microbiome diversity and burden of Theiler's virus infection–induced acute seizures
Authors: Zierath Dannielle K. , Davidson Stephanie , Manoukian Jonathan , Knox Kevin M. , White H. Steve , Meeker Stacey , Ericsson Aaron , Barker‐Haliski Melissa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveBrain infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in C57BL/6J mice can induce acquired epileptogenesis. Diet alters acute seizure incidence in TMEV‐infected mice; yet it is unclear whether intestinal dysbiosis may also impact acute or chronic behavioral comorbidities. This study thus assessed the impact of diet formulation and sterilization on acute seizure presentation, gut microbiome composition, and epilepsy‐related chronic behavioral comorbidities.MethodsBaseline fecal samples were collected from male C57BL/6J mice (4‐ to 5‐weeks‐old; Jackson Labs) upon facility arrival. Mice were randomized to either autoclaved (AC) or irradiated diet (IR) (Prolab RMH 3000) or IR (Picolab 5053). Three days later, mice underwent intracerebral TMEV or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) injection. Fecal samples were collected from a subset of mice at infection (Day 0) and Day 7 post‐infection. Epilepsy‐related working memory deficits and seizure threshold were assessed 6 weeks post‐infection. Gut microbiome diversity was determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of fecal samples.ResultsTMEV‐infected mice displayed acute handling‐induced seizures, regardless of diet: 28 of 57 IR Picolab 5053 (49.1%), 30 of 41 IR Prolab RMH 3000 (73.2%), and 47 of 77 AC Prolab RMH 3000 (61%) mice displayed seizures. The number of observed seizures differed significantly by diet: IR Picolab 5053 diet‐fed mice had 2.2 ± 2.8 seizures (mean ± standard deviation), IR Prolab RMH 3000 diet‐fed mice had 3.5 ± 2.9 seizures, and AC Prolab RMH 3000 diet‐fed mice had 4.4 ± 3.8 seizures during the 7‐day monitoring period. Gut microbiome composition differed significantly in TMEV‐infected mice fed the AC Prolab RMH 3000 diet, with measured differences in gram‐positive bacteria. These mice also displayed worsened long‐term working memory deficits.SignificanceDiet‐induced differences in intestinal dysbiosis in the TMEV model are associated with marked changes in acute seizure presentation, symptomatic recovery, and onset of chronic behavioral comorbidities of epilepsy. Our study reveals a novel disease‐modifying impact of dietary manipulation on intestinal bacterial species after TMEV‐induced acute seizures.