bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenological evolution in annual plants under light competition, changes in the growth season and mass loss
Authors: Silva Willian T. A. F. , Hansson Mats , Johansson Jacob 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFlowering time is an important phenological trait in plants and a critical determinant of the success of pollination and fruit or seed development, with immense significance for agriculture as it directly affects crop yield and overall food production. Shifts in the growth season, changes in the growth season duration and changes in the production rate are environmental processes (potentially linked to climate change) that can lead to changes in flowering time in the long‐term due to selection. In contrast, biomass loss (due to, for example, herbivory or diseases) can have profound consequences for plant mass production and food security. We model the effects of these environmental processes on the flowering time evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) of annual plants and the potential consequences for reproductive output. Our model recapitulates previous theoretical results linked to climate change and light competition and makes novel predictions about the effects of biomass loss on the evolution of flowering time. Our analysis elucidates how both the magnitude and direction of the evolutionary response can depend on whether biomass loss occurs during the earlier vegetative phase or during the later reproductive phase and on whether or not plants are adapted to grow in dense, competitive environments. Specifically, light competition generates an asymetric effect of mass loss on flowering time even when loss is indiscriminate (equal rates), with vegetative mass loss having a stronger effect on flowering time (resulting in greater ESS change) and final reproductive output.
Missed opportunities in heart failure diagnosis and management: study of an urban UK population
Authors: Migas Sylwia , Ellis Michelle Louise , Wrona Bozydar , Rivero Sanz Elena , Brownrigg Jack , Strauss Otto , Ahmed Fozia Zahir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to examine the diagnostic pathways and outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF), stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and to highlight deficiencies in real‐world HF diagnosis and management.Methods and resultsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in Salford, United Kingdom, utilizing linked primary and secondary care data for HF patients diagnosed between January 2010 and November 2019. We evaluated characteristics, diagnostic patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and outcomes. Patients were categorized according to baseline (the latest measure prior to or within 90 days post‐diagnosis) as having HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), or preserved EF (HFpEF). The data encompassed a 2 year period before diagnosis and up to 5 years post‐diagnosis. A total of 3227 patients were diagnosed with HF between January 2010 and November 2019. The mean follow‐up time was 2.6 [±1.9 standard deviation (SD)] years. The mean age at diagnosis was 74.8 (±12.7 SD) years, and 1469 (45.5%) were female. HFpEF was the largest cohort (46.6%, npEF = 1505), HFmrEF constituted 16.1% (nmrEF = 520), and HFrEF 18.5% (nrEF = 596) of the population, while 18.8% (nu = 606) of patients remained unassigned due to insufficient evidence to support categorization. At baseline, measurement of natriuretic peptide (NP; brain NP and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type NP) and echocardiographic report data were available for 592 (18.3%) and 2621 (81.2%) patients, respectively. A total of 2099 (65.0%) of the HF cohort had access to a cardiology‐led outpatient clinic prior to the HF diagnosis, and 602 (18.7%) attended cardiac rehabilitation post‐diagnosis. The 5 year crude survival rate was 37.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) (35.2–40.7%)], 42.3% [95% CI (38.0–47.2%)], and 45.5% [95% CI (41.0–50.4%)] for HFpEF, HFrEF, and HFmrEF, respectively.ConclusionsLow survival rates were observed across all HF groups, along with suboptimal rates of NP testing and specialist assessments. These findings suggest missed opportunities for timely and accurate HF diagnosis, a pivotal first step in improving outcomes for HF patients. Addressing these gaps in diagnosis and management is urgently needed.
Age‐stratified profiles and outcomes of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Yamanaka Shinsuke , Nochioka Kotaro , Hayashi Hideka , Shiroto Takashi , Takahashi Jun , Miyata Satoshi , Yasuda Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki ,   the CHART‐2 Investigators
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to elucidate age‐stratified clinical profiles and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFpEF).Methods and resultsThe Chronic Heart Failure Registry and Analysis in the Tohoku District‐2 (CHART‐2) Study included 2824 consecutive HFpEF patients with LVEF ≥ 50% (mean age 69.0 ± 12.3 years; 67.7% male) with a median follow‐up of 9.8 years. We stratified them into five age groups: ≤54 (N = 349, 12.4%), 55–64 (N = 529, 18.7%), 65–74 (N = 891, 31.6%), 75–84 (N = 853, 30.2%), and ≥85 years (N = 202, 7.2%), and we categorized these age groups into younger (≤64 years) and older (≥65 years) groups. We compared the clinical profiles and outcomes of HFpEF patients across age groups. Younger HFpEF groups exhibited a male predominance, elevated body mass index (BMI), and poorly controlled diabetes (haemoglobin A1c > 7.0%). Older HFpEF groups were more likely to be female with multiple comorbidities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, renal impairment, and atrial fibrillation. The positive association between elevated BMI and HFpEF was more pronounced with lower classes of age from ≥85 to ≤54 years, especially in males. With higher classes of age from ≤54 to ≥85 years, mortality rates increased, and HF death became proportionally more prevalent (Ptrend < 0.001), whereas sudden cardiac death (SCD) exhibited the opposite trend (Ptrend = 0.002). Poorly controlled diabetes emerged as the only predictor of SCD in the younger groups (adjusted hazard ratio 4.26; 95% confidence interval 1.45–12.5; P = 0.008). Multiple comorbidities were significantly associated with an increased risk of HF‐related mortality in the older groups.ConclusionsYounger HFpEF patients (≤64 years) exhibit a male predominance, elevated BMI, and poorly controlled diabetes, highlighting the importance of glycaemic control in reducing SCD risk. Older HFpEF patients (≥65 years) are more likely to be female, with multiple comorbidities linked to an increased risk of HF‐related mortality. These findings underscore the need for physicians to recognize age‐related, distinct HFpEF phenotypes for personalized patient management.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of tailored immunosuppressive therapy in immune‐mediated biopsy‐proven myocarditis: A propensity‐weighted study
Authors: Caforio Alida Linda Patrizia , Giordani Andrea Silvio , Baritussio Anna , Marcolongo Davide , Vicenzetto Cristina , Tarantini Giuseppe , Napodano Massimo , Toscano Giuseppe , Gregori Dario , Brigiari Gloria , Bartolotta Patrizia , Carturan Elisa , De Gaspari Monica , Rizzo Stefania , Basso Cristina , Iliceto Sabino , Marcolongo Renzo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimsStandardized immunosuppressive therapy (IS) had been previously investigated in biopsy‐proven (BP) lymphocytic myocarditis with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated efficacy and safety of tailored IS in BP immune‐mediated myocarditis, irrespective of histology and clinical presentation.Methods and resultsConsecutive BP myocarditis patients treated with long‐term tailored IS on top of optimal medical therapy (OMT), were compared with OMT non‐IS controls using propensity‐score weighting. The primary outcome was a composite of death or heart transplant, the secondary outcome was a composite of biventricular function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class variation, and relapse. IS was managed by a multidisciplinary Cardioimmunology Team, involved a safety checklist and active patients' education. Ninety‐one IS patients were compared with 267 non‐IS patients. IS patients more frequently had systemic immune‐mediated diseases (35% vs. 9.7%), lower baseline echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (35% vs. 43%), lower right ventricular fractional area change (34% vs. 41%) and higher frequency of active lymphocytic, eosinophilic and giant cell myocarditis (71% vs. 58%, 12% vs. 1.1%, and 6.6% vs. 1.5%, respectively). At 5‐year follow up, no difference was observed in the primary outcome (survival rate 93% in IS vs. 87% in non‐IS), but IS patients had a higher relapse rate. Thus, IS patients, with a lower biventricular function and a higher risk profile at baseline, presented similar biventricular function and NYHA class to non‐IS patients at follow‐up. Minor adverse drug reactions occurred in 13% of patients, all resolved with therapy switch.ConclusionsProlonged tailored IS is effective and safe in BP immune‐mediated myocarditis irrespective of histology and clinical presentation.
Ouratea sp. and Virola surinamensis seed fats as new sources of lipids: Composition, physicochemical characterization, bioactive potential, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Holanda Tatiana M. V. , de Oliveira Judson C. A. , Moreira Susana M. G. , Rodrigues Victor M. , Dantas Marina R. do Nascimento , Xavier Júnior Francisco H. , Gomes Ana P. B. , Ferreira Leandro de S. , de Assis Cristiane F. , de Sousa Júnior Francisco C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe fats extracted from bati (Ouratea sp.) and ucuuba (Virola surinamensis) fruit seeds are consumed by the local population. However, important characteristics for its use as food or cosmetic/pharmaceutical raw material are poorly studied. This study describes the fatty acid profile, physicochemical characteristics, bioactive properties, and cytotoxicity of these materials. The results demonstrated that bati fat presents a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid (66.06%), with 45.36% of linoleic acid. In contrast, ucuuba fat presented a higher saturated fatty acid percentage (85.75%), especially lauric acid (37.80%). The methanolic fractions of fats show a total phenolic content of 76 mg GAE g−1. The bati and ucuuba fats presented antioxidant activity in vitro by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging and inhibition of α‐amylase activity. In addition, the samples showed no toxicity against cell lines of Chinese hamster ovary and human hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings provide relevant and appropriate conditions for applying bati and ucuuba seed fats in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.Practical Application: The knowledge gained in the present study will open a new approach for exploiting Ouratea sp. and Virola surinamensis seed fat lipid sources with promising applications in formulating functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, thereby benefiting a sustainable industry.
Estimating structural response to bidirectional seismic excitation using spectrum compatible motions: Performance of a pair of companion spectra
Authors: Acharjya Arijit , Santra Atanu , Roy Rana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBidirectional analyses covering a range of incidence angles for several records are essential yet challenging for routine design. Recent studies have shown that the response to bidirectional shaking may be estimated per straightforward unidirectional analysis in the most preferred orientation in conjunction with the orthogonal combination rules, and this can also remove the need for various incidence angles. Further, it is well known that the mean response can be estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer spectrum‐compatible records. Combining the advantages of both, a pair of companion spectra independent of period and orientation has recently been developed. While the basis of the companion spectra is established therein from a sound mathematical perspective, the applicability of the proposed spectra to real structures may be revisited, especially to structures sensitive to bidirectional interaction, before recommending the companion spectra for practical design. To achieve this end, following a brief scrutiny of the companion spectra, the performance of the same is critically examined for idealized SDoF analogues and real structures such as bridge piers representative of SDoF systems and buildings with asymmetry using single storey and multistorey models (MDoF systems). The results show that the response of the real structures to bidirectional seismic loading can be reasonably estimated with reduced dispersion using fewer records compatible with the pair of the companion spectra. As such, the critical response parameters may be computed by actual bidirectional analyses or by combining responses to unidirectional analyses under fewer spectrum compatible records. Hence, the pair of companion spectra that can be used as “target” to independently match two components of a chosen record is useful for practical design.
Assessing the Combined Effects of Host and Parasite Exposure to Forever Chemicals in an Amphibian–Echinostome System
Authors: Lech Melissa E. , Choi Youn J. , Lee Linda S. , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Hoverman Jason T. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants of growing concern due to their potential negative effects on wildlife and human health. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been shown to alter immune function in various taxa, which could influence the outcomes of host–parasite interactions. To date, studies have focused on the effects of PFAS on host susceptibility to parasites, but no studies have addressed the effects of PFAS on parasites. To address this knowledge gap, we independently manipulated exposure of larval northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and parasites (flatworms) via their snail intermediate host to environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations and then conducted trials to assess host susceptibility to infection, parasite infectivity, and parasite longevity after emergence from the host. We found that PFAS exposure to only the host led to no significant change in parasite load, whereas exposure of parasites to a 10-µg/L mixture of PFAS led to a significant reduction in parasite load in hosts that were not exposed to PFAS. We found that when both host and parasite were exposed to PFAS there was no difference in parasite load. In addition, we found significant differences in parasite longevity post emergence following exposure to PFAS. Although some PFAS-exposed parasites had greater longevity, this did not necessarily translate into increased infection success, possibly because of impaired movement of the parasite. Our results indicate that exposure to PFAS can potentially impact host–parasite interactions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1537–1546. © 2024 SETAC
Biomimicking trilayer scaffolds with controlled estradiol release for uterine tissue regeneration
Authors: Chen Shangsi , Li Junzhi , Zheng Liwu , Huang Jie , Wang Min 
Published: April 2024

AbstractScaffold‐based tissue engineering provides an efficient approach for repairing uterine tissue defects and restoring fertility. In the current study, a novel trilayer tissue engineering scaffold with high similarity to the uterine tissue in structure was designed and fabricated via 4D printing, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting for uterine regeneration. Highly stretchable poly(l‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA‐co‐TMC, “PTMC” in short)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer blend scaffolds were firstly made via 4D printing. To improve the biocompatibility, porous poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibers incorporated with polydopamine (PDA) particles were produced on PTMC/TPU scaffolds via electrospinning. Importantly, estradiol (E2) was encapsulated in PDA particles. The bilayer scaffolds thus produced could provide controlled and sustained release of E2. Subsequently, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were mixed with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based inks and the formulated bioinks were used to fabricate a cell‐laden hydrogel layer on the bilayer scaffolds via 3D bioprinting, forming ultimately biomimicking trilayer scaffolds for uterine tissue regeneration. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds thus formed exhibited a shape morphing ability by transforming from the planar shape to tubular structures when immersed in the culture medium at 37°C. The trilayer tissue engineering scaffolds under development would provide new insights for uterine tissue regeneration.
Margin buying activity and stock market trading in China: Is there a connection?
Authors: Hong Hui , Wu Shitong , Zhang Cheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the dynamic linkage between margin buying activity and stock market trading in China. Built upon a multivariate DCC‐GJRGARCH model and the spillover index method, the results highlight a high dynamic conditional correlation between margin buying activity and stock market trading which shows apparent time‐varying features. Furthermore, there is a two‐way risk‐spillover relationship, with stock market trading playing a dominant role in risk transmission. More importantly, the level of risk contagion actually varies over time due to certain large external shocks. Margin buying activity tends to be a mean risk‐spillover receiver most time, whereas it acts as both a volatility risk‐spillover transmitter and a receiver over the entire sample period. The analysis thus implies that margin buying activity does have a close interrelationship with stock market trading in China, which has important implications for both regulators and investors.
It doesn't matter if I feel obliged as long as I enjoy it: The associations between organized leisure‐time activities and adolescents' mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Badura Petr , Svacina Karel , Hallingberg Britt 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is a consensus that adolescents' participation in organized leisure‐time activities (OLTAs) is pro‐developmental and beneficial for youth mental health. While enjoyment in OLTA is commonly regarded as positive, the role of obligation in the context of adolescents' OLTA has been scarcely researched. The present study investigated how these theoretically contradictory experiences (enjoyment and/or obligation) in OLTA participation relate to adolescents' wellbeing and incidence of psychological complaints accounting for their possible co‐occurrence.MethodsA nationally representative sample of 14,128 eleven–fifteen‐year‐old adolescents (49.7% girls) drawn from the Czech 2021/2022 Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children cross‐sectional study was used. A series of multivariate regression analyses assessed how perceptions of obligation and enjoyment in OLTA related to wellbeing and occurrence of psychological complaints. A person‐centered approach derived groups of respondents on the basis of their perceptions of obligation and enjoyment.ResultsRegression analyses, controlled for sociodemographic and family environment factors, and dimensions of OLTA participation, indicated that adolescents enjoying their OLTA displayed more favourable mental wellbeing reports. In contrast, perceptions of obligation were only weakly associated with more frequent psychological complaints and not at all with wellbeing, unless adolescents also reported the lack of enjoyment.ConclusionsEnjoyment in OLTA plays a pivotal role in the association between OLTA participation and mental health, whereas the role of obligation is far less pronounced. In fact, if adolescents do not enjoy their participation, but feel obliged to participate, their self‐assessed mental wellbeing is comparable to their peers not participating in OLTA at all.
The application of interdisciplinary and cross‐grade learning teaching method in stomatology course
Authors: Chao Jin , Qingyuan Song , Pei Zheng , Yuehua Shi , Shuhua Wang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe first purpose of this project was to determine whether an interdisciplinary and cross‐grade teaching model impacts students' learning enthusiasm and their views on this teaching method. The second purpose was to determine whether the model positively impacted students' theoretical course exam scores.MethodsWe recruited 203 pre‐clinical undergraduate dental students, including 104 third‐ and 99 fourth‐grade students. The study was conducted in experimental classes for the “Dental Materials” course in the third‐grade program (focusing on cement material mixing techniques) and the “Endodontics Practice” course in the fourth‐grade program (focusing on the preparation and filling of Class II cavities). The interventions were implemented before, during, and after the class. We assessed students’ attitudes toward this teaching method and changes in their course scores.ResultsThe survey questionnaire assessed the students' levels of learning enthusiasm, professional competence, and classroom effectiveness, all of which demonstrated significant improvement. The average scores for lab operations, quizzes, and usual performance exhibited a substantial increase (p < 0.001). The average score of the final examination increased from 75.61 to 78.17 (p = 0.008).ConclusionsSignificant enhancement in students' learning attitudes, course scores, collaborative abilities, and innovation capacities were observed following the interdisciplinary and cross‐grade teaching method. Furthermore, the overall classroom efficiency improved. This teaching method can expand the scope of future research.
Classification of industrial tapioca starch hydrolysis products based on their Brix and dextrose equivalent values using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Sringarm Chayanid , Numthuam Sonthaya , Jiamyangyuen Sudarat , Kittiwachana Sila , Saeys Wouter , Rungchang Saowaluk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIndustrial starch hydrolysis allows the production of syrups with varying functionality depending on their Brix value and dextrose equivalent (DE). As the current methods for evaluating these products are labor‐intensive and time‐consuming, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for classifying the different tapioca starch hydrolysis products.RESULTSNIR spectra of samples of seven products (n = 410) were recorded in transflectance mode in the 12 000–4000 cm−1 range. Next, orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression models were built to predict the Brix and DE values of the different samples. To classify the different starch hydrolysis products, support vector machines (SVM) were trained using either the raw spectra or latent variables (LVs) obtained from the OPLS models. The best classification accuracy was obtained by the SVM classifier based on the LVs from the OPLS model for DE prediction, resulting in 95% correct classification over all classes.CONCLUSIONThese results show the potential of NIR spectroscopy for classifying tapioca starch hydrolysis products with respect to their functional properties related to the Brix and DE values. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.