bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of nucleus accumbens SERCA2b in methamphetamine‐induced conditioned place preference
Authors: Wang Yujing , Duan Fan , Li Junda , Li Xiangyu , Xia Lingling , Zhao Wei , Wang Ze , Song Xun , Chen Juan , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yue , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiaochu , Jiao Dongliang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psycho‐stimulant that induces addictive behaviour by stimulating increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion transport ATPases (SERCA or ATP2A) is a calcium ion (Ca2+) pump in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. SERCA2b is a SERCA subtype mainly distributed in the central nervous system. This study used conditioned place preference (CPP), a translational drug reward model, to observe the effects of SERCA and SERCA2b on METH‐CPP in mice. Result suggested that the activity of SERCA was significantly decreased in NAc after METH‐CPP. Intraperitoneal SERCA agonist CDN1163 injection or bilateral CDN1163 microinjection in the NAc inhibited METH‐CPP formation. SERCA2b overexpression by the Adeno‐associated virus can reduce the DA release of NAc and inhibit METH‐CPP formation. Although microinjection of SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin in the bilateral NAc did not significantly aggravate METH‐CPP, interference with SERCA2b expression in NAc by adeno‐associated virus increased DA release and promoted METH‐CPP formation. METH reduced the SERCA ability to transport Ca2+ into the ER in SHSY5Y cells in vitro, which was reversed by CDN1163. This study revealed that METH dysregulates intracellular calcium balance by downregulating SERCA2b function, increasing DA release in NAc and inducing METH‐CPP formation. Drugs that target SERCA2b may have the potential to treat METH addiction.
Influence of soil properties on woody vegetation structure, diversity and seasonality in Neotropical savannas
Authors: Veríssimo Arthur Aires , Silvério Divino Vicente , Abadia Ana Clara , Carrijo Daielle , da Silveira‐Filho Ricardo Rodrigues , Santos‐Silva Domingos Lucas , Vergara Fagundes Marina , Martins Jhany , Gonçalves Lorrayne Aparecida , Lenza Eddie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how savanna soil properties influence vegetation diversity and function is a major challenge in ecological studies. We investigated the effects of soil properties on woody species density, richness, composition, and vegetative phenology (inferred by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) in two alluvial and two interfluvial savanna sites (1 block of 10 plots of 20 × 50 m in each site), in the Brazilian Cerrado. We showed that plots in alluvial savannas present less fertile soils and have lower plant densities and species richness and higher seasonality of NDVI than plots in the interfluvial savannas. The species composition of the sites was associated with the P, Fe, K, and Mn content of the soil. Soil K, Fe, and Ca contents were the main variables associated with plant density in a linear mixed model (LMM) that explained 79% of data variability (r2c = 0.79%), and K, Fe, and Al were the main predictors to explain species richness (r2c = 0.81%). Soil K, pH, and Silt were the best predictors of the seasonality in NDVI (r2c = 0.14%). We highlight the all‐encompassing effect of K soil content on species density, richness, composition, and NDVI and argue that this macronutrient and a few other soil properties (e.g., P, Fe, Al, and Silt) are the main factors mediating plant responses to water and nutrient stress in woody savanna communities occurring in the Cerrado–Amazônia transition.
Revision of the Neotropical tribe Alvarengiini Frey, 1975 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Bento Matheus , Jameson Mary Liz , Grossi Paschoal , da Fonseca Claudio Ruy Vasconcelos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe leaf chafer tribe Alvarengiini Frey, a long‐neglected taxon that has been overlooked in the biodiversity literature from its inception, is revised for the first time. As a result of this research, the tribe is composed of two species in two genera distributed from Bahia, Brazil (in the north), to Paraná, Brazil (in the south), and Paraguay. Two synonyms are proposed: Alvarengius silphoides Frey, syn. nov. for Ottokelleria dispar (Burmeister) and Alvarengius Frey, syn. nov. for Ottokelleria D'Andretta & Martínez. A new genus is described, Carinochilus, gen. nov., and includes one species: Carinochilus marginatus (Burmeister), comb. nov. The lectotype for O. dispar and a neotype for C. marginatus are designated. We provide an identification key to the tribes of Rutelinae (in English and Portuguese) and incorporate classification changes in the subfamily. A key for the identification of Alvarengiini genera and species is also provided. All taxa are circumscribed and illustrated, and distributional data are synthesised in maps.
TRACK_9: Testosterone replacement assessment: Classical vs. functional hypogonadism‐knowledge from a 9‐year study
Authors: Zitzmann Michael , Cremers Jann‐Frederik , Krallmann Claudia , Soave Armin , Kliesch Sabine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe longitudinal efficacy and clinical utility of Testosterone Therapy (TTh) in ameliorating functional hypogonadism (FH) remain contentious, with long‐term data being scarce. To address this lacuna, a comprehensive long‐term registry study, stratifying patients across a spectrum of hypogonadal etiologies, offers a robust investigative paradigm.Materials and methodsThis 9‐year registry, encompassing 650 patients (equivalent to 4,362 cumulative years of treatment), included 188 patients diagnosed with FH (mean age 42.3 ± 11.3 years) and 462 individuals with classical hypogonadism (CH). The cohort segregated into 266 men with primary hypogonadism (PH, mean age 34.0 ± 11.7 years) and 196 with secondary hypogonadism (SH, mean age 31.9 ± 12.0 years). Uniform treatment across the cohort involved intramuscular administration of testosterone undecanoate (1,000 mg). A comparative analysis was conducted focusing on anthropometric, metabolic, and safety parameters.ResultsSerum testosterone levels increased from 6.6 ± 2.4 to 19.3 ± 2.9 nmol/L (p < 0.001). TTh was linked with weight reduction and decreased waist circumference (WC) in both CH and FH cohorts (both p < 0.001). Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses delineated disparities: men with FH demonstrated a higher propensity for losing > 10% body weight and > 5% WC compared to CH (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3 [1.1–1.4], p = 0.008 and HR 1.4 [1.3–1.5], p = 0.001). Increases in hematocrit > 50% were uniform across groups, albeit amelioration of anemia was more pronounced in FH versus CH (p = 0.002). Increments of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were more likely to occur in FH (HR 1.3 [1.1–1.6], p = 0.003). FH patients exhibited pronounced improvements in metabolic parameters and in aging male symptom score (AMS) and IIEF‐EF questionnaire scores. These effects were markedly modulated by age and initial weight. Subgroup analysis of age‐matched obese patients revealed an accentuated impact of TTh in CH compared to FH.Discussion and conclusionThe therapeutic outcomes of TTh across distinct hypogonadal populations demonstrate heterogeneous responses, significantly influenced by diagnostic categorization, age, and baseline risk factor profiles.
Enhanced recovery after surgery for oncological breast surgery reduces length of stay in a resource limited setting
Authors: Mui Jasmine , Cheng Ernest , Salindera Shehnarz 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in breast surgery optimizes resources and reduces healthcare costs by facilitating early discharges. These protocols are well established in tertiary centres, but not commonly adopted in regional centres. ERAS implementation potentially impacts smaller hospitals significantly, where resources are limited and persistent bed shortages with mounting waitlist pressures exist. Our study evaluates the feasibility of early discharge with the application of our ERAS protocol to mastectomies in a resource‐constrained and rural setting.MethodsBreast cancer patients who underwent mastectomies with or without reconstruction between January 2017 and July 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. From January 2022, we implemented a standardized ERAS protocol for patients undergoing mastectomy. This incorporated a combination of pre‐, intra‐ and post‐operative elements to enhance patient readiness for discharge. Our study compared these patients (post‐ERAS group) with the outcomes of mastectomies performed prior to January 2022 (pre‐ERAS group).Results104 patients were identified. In the post‐ERAS group, 74.4% were discharged within 24 h compared to 23.1% in the pre‐ERAS group. Length of stay was reduced from 2.26 to 1.42 days. There were no differences in unplanned clinician reviews or early representation to the emergency department between the two groups.ConclusionReducing the length of stay without increased complications can be achieved in a resource‐limited environment with our protocolized ERAS principals. Our protocol has been instrumental in allowing safe discharges within 24 h. Other regional centres may benefit in adopting strategies implemented by us for their own ERAS protocols in breast cancer surgery.
3D visualization systems improve operator efficiency during difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective blinded review of surgical videos
Authors: Patel Meet , Tranter‐Entwistle Isaac , Sirimanna Pramudith , Hugh Thomas J 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground3D visualization systems in laparoscopic surgery have been proposed to improve manual task handling compared to 2D, however, few studies have compared the intra‐operative efficacy in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this study is to determine if there is a benefit in intra‐operative efficiency when using a 3D visualization system in difficult LC compared to traditional 2D visualization systems.MethodsRetrospective analysis of ‘difficult’ LCs (Grades 3 or 4) was completed. The assessor was blinded as all cases were recorded and viewed in 2D only. Variables collected included time to complete steps, missed hook diathermy attempts, failed grasp attempts, missed clip attempts and preparation steps for intra‐operative cholangiogram (IOC). Multiple linear regression was undertaken for time variables, Poisson regression or negative binomial regression was completed for continuous variables.ResultsFifty‐two operative videos of ‘difficult’ LC were reviewed. 3D systems were associated with reduced operative times, although this was not statistically significant (CI: −2.93–14.93, P‐value = 0.183). Dissection of the anterior fold to achieve the critical view of safety was significantly faster by 3.55 min (CI: 1.215–9.206, P‐value = 0.002), and with considerably fewer errors when using 3D systems. Fewer IOC preparation errors were observed with a 3D system compared with a 2D system.Conclusions3D systems appear to enhance operator efficiency, allowing faster completion of critical steps with fewer errors. This pilot study underscores the utility of video annotation for intra‐operative assessment and suggests that, in larger multi‐centre studies, 3D systems may demonstrate superior intra‐operative efficiency over 2D systems during a ‘difficult’ LC.
Use of medication in pregnancy on the rise: Study on 1.4 million Danish pregnancies from 1998 to 2018
Authors: Thunbo Mette Østergaard , Vendelbo Julie Hauer , Witte Daniel R. , Larsen Agnete , Pedersen Lars Henning 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionMaternal demographics have evolved, and more women than ever enter pregnancy with preexisting comorbidity and with potentially complex medication exposure, including polypharmacy (concomitant intake of multiple medications). This study aims to describe the evolution of medication use in pregnancy in Denmark from 1998 to 2018 with special focus on polypharmacy, patterns of use, and underlying demographics.Material and methodsA Danish nationwide historical registry study based on all clinically recognized pregnancies with a gestation ≥10 weeks between 1998 and 2018. Medication use was estimated by redemption of prescriptions during pregnancy.ResultsAmong a total of 1 402 327 clinically recognized pregnancies, redemption of at least one prescription medication during pregnancy increased from 56.9% in 1998 to 63.3% in 2018, coinciding with an increased use of polypharmacy (from 24.8% in 1998 to 35.2% in 2018). The prevalence of pregnant women who used medications for chronic conditions increased more than the prevalence of women treated for occasional or short‐time conditions. Redemption of one or multiple prescription medications during pregnancy was mostly seen among pregnant women ≥35 years of age. However, pregnant women <25 years old exhibited the largest increase in medication use during the study period.ConclusionsMedication use in general, and polypharmacy in particular, increased from 1998 to 2008, possibly as the result of an increased prevalence of pregnant women with chronic conditions requiring pharmacological treatment. Notably, a marked maternal age‐based discrepancy in usage pattern was observed, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The rise in the prevalence of polypharmacy during pregnancy underscores the need for pharmacovigilance to monitor adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the patterns of polypharmacy and the accompanying maternal and fetal risks.
Unraveling the crosstalk between renin‐angiotensin system receptors
Authors: Gironacci Mariela M. , Bruna‐Haupt Ezequiel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. The RAS is a complex interconnected system composed of two axes with opposite effects. The pressor arm, represented by angiotensin (Ang) II and the AT1 receptor (AT1R), mediates the vasoconstrictor, proliferative, hypertensive, oxidative, and pro‐inflammatory effects of the RAS, while the depressor/protective arm, represented by Ang‐(1–7), its Mas receptor (MasR) and the AT2 receptor (AT2R), opposes the actions elicited by the pressor arm. The AT1R, AT2R, and MasR belong to the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family. GPCRs operate not only as monomers, but they can also function in dimeric (homo and hetero) or higher‐order oligomeric states. Due to the interaction with other receptors, GPCR properties may change: receptor affinity, trafficking, signaling, and its biological function may be altered. Thus, heteromerization provides a newly recognized means of modulation of receptor function, as well as crosstalk between GPCRs. This review is focused on angiotensin receptors, and how their properties are influenced by crosstalk with other receptors, adding more complexity to an already complex system and potentially opening up new therapeutic approaches.
Caring for the river‐border: Struggles and opportunities along the Salween River‐border
Authors: Lamb Vanessa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGeographers have shown how borders rely on the enactment of state power and violence to reinforce territorial integrity and sovereign authority, or even perpetuate the destruction of nature. Moving away from an emphasis on violence, in this paper, I take an approach to borders and bordering that emphasises the opportunities of the border when it is also a river to understand borders as a resource and site of engagement with the state by a range of actors, including variants of care. To illustrate this, I draw on longstanding research along the Salween River, the 120 km stretch where the river forms the Thai–Myanmar (Burma) border, to reveal the ways in which borders as rivers can provide new insights into socio‐natural bordering processes. In particular, I illustrate a range of ways local residents are caring for a river‐border, and how even an ‘exploding’ or ‘hungry’ river‐border can be a fragile space for care and for non‐state actors to enact the border ‘differently’ in everyday life.
Men's experience in masculine contest cultures
Authors: Detjen Jodi , MacLean Tammy , Webber Sheila Simsarian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResearch clearly shows that increasing the number of women in leadership positions yields financial benefits for the organization. Despite this, there has been limited upward movement in the percentage of women in senior leadership positions. Few studies have examined the linkage between masculine culture and the implications for men. Using a mixed methods approach with two studies, this research focused on four aspects of masculine contest cultural norms and how they impact male identity and perceptions of career advancement. Study 1 used a qualitative interview study of 10 male executives and found that masculine contest culture norms were evident but were being perpetuated and reinforced by organizational culture instead of individual masculine identities. In addition, Study 1 demonstrated a shift in masculine contest culture norms reducing the emphasis on the strong male archetype. Study 2 examines the relationship between masculine contest culture attributes impacting perceived opportunities for career development and promotion. We evaluated these relationships through a large‐scale survey study and found that at higher levels of masculine contest culture norms, men's perceptions of procedural justice for career development and promotion were lower compared with women. Broadly, the findings suggest that masculine archetypes of leadership negatively affect men and women.
Assessment and evaluation of prescribing competences: A systematic review and recommendations
Authors: McLachlan John C. , Auta Asa , Ajiboye Aderonke 
Published: March 2024

AimsSince assessment of prescribing competence is a key promoter of student learning and achievement, we aim to summarize existing national‐level approaches, provide a systematic review of current literature, indicate the frequency of various methodologies, and make recommendations to promote and extend existing practice.MethodsRegulatory body websites were accessed for details of national examinations. PubMed, Embase, the Allied and Complementary Medicine, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched in August 2023 for studies in English from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand reporting assessment of prescribing competencies among students/practitioners. Additional articles were identified through citation tracking.ResultsNational approaches are described for several jurisdictions. A total of 20 514 articles were retrieved, of which 54 met the inclusion criteria. Most articles came from the UK, with medical students and qualified doctors most frequently featured. Multiple choice formats were most common, with short answer questions, calculations and scenario‐based skills tests also featured. Direct observations of skills through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and similar methods were less commonly described. Test reliability generally employed Classical Test Theory. Costs of developing and delivering assessments, differential attainment by demographics, and predictive validity were not indicated.ConclusionWe recommend measurement of the predictive validity of prescribing competence assessments, the routine inclusion of performance by demographic characteristics, extension of competence assessments to professions other than medicine, and structured reporting of methods and findings, including costs and cost‐effectiveness. Situational judgement tests would be a valuable addition to assessment practices.
Real‐time field‐programmable gate array‐based closed‐loop deep brain stimulation platform targeting cerebellar circuitry rescues motor deficits in a mouse model of cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Kumar Gajendra , Zhou Zhanhong , Wang Zhihua , Kwan Kin Ming , Tin Chung , Ma Chi Him Eddie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsThe open‐loop nature of conventional deep brain stimulation (DBS) produces continuous and excessive stimulation to patients which contributes largely to increased prevalence of adverse side effects. Cerebellar ataxia is characterized by abnormal Purkinje cells (PCs) dendritic arborization, loss of PCs and motor coordination, and muscle weakness with no effective treatment. We aim to develop a real‐time field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) prototype targeting the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) to close the loop for ataxia using conditional double knockout mice with deletion of PC‐specific LIM homeobox (Lhx)1 and Lhx5, resulting in abnormal dendritic arborization and motor deficits.MethodsWe implanted multielectrode array in the DCN and muscles of ataxia mice. The beneficial effect of open‐loop DCN‐DBS or closed‐loop DCN‐DBS was compared by motor behavioral assessments, electromyography (EMG), and neural activities (neurospike and electroencephalogram) in freely moving mice. FPGA board, which performed complex real‐time computation, was used for closed‐loop DCN‐DBS system.ResultsClosed‐loop DCN‐DBS was triggered only when symptomatic muscle EMG was detected in a real‐time manner, which restored motor activities, electroencephalogram activities and neurospike properties completely in ataxia mice. Closed‐loop DCN‐DBS was more effective than an open‐loop paradigm as it reduced the frequency of DBS.ConclusionOur real‐time FPGA‐based DCN‐DBS system could be a potential clinical strategy for alleviating cerebellar ataxia and other movement disorders.
Erythropoietin‐derived peptide ARA290 mediates brain tissue protection through the β‐common receptor in mice with cerebral ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Rong‐Liang , Yang Zhen‐Hong , Huang Yu‐You , Hu Yue , Wang Yi‐Lin , Yan Feng , Zheng Yang‐Min , Han Zi‐Ping , Fan Jun‐Fen , Tao Zhen , Zhao Hai‐Ping , Li Si‐Jie , Luo Yu‐Min 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo explore the neuroprotective effects of ARA290 and the role of β‐common receptor (βCR) in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).MethodsThis study included male C57BL/6J mice that underwent MCAO and reperfusion. The neuroprotective effect of ARA290 on MCAO‐induced brain injury was investigated using neurological function tests (Longa and modified neurological severity score). Cerebral infarction was examined by 2, 3, 5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, neuronal apoptosis was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, blood parameters were measured using a flow cytometry‐based automated hematology analyzer, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the serum metabolomics signature, inflammatory cytokines and liver index were detected by commercially available kits, and the protein levels of the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor and βCR were measured by western blot.ResultsARA290 exerted a qualitatively similar neuroprotective effect after MCAO as EPO. ARA290 significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis and the level of inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue. However, ARA290's neuroprotective effect was significantly suppressed following the injection of siRNA against βCR.ConclusionARA290 provided a neuroprotective effect via βCR in cerebral ischemic mice without causing erythropoiesis. This study provides novel insights into the role of ARA290 in ischemic stroke intervention.