bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-harvest regeneration is driven by ecological factors rather than wood procurement intensity in eastern Canadian forests
Authors: Canuel Claudie-Maude , Thiffault Évelyne , Thiffault Nelson 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Biomass from surplus forest growth that is not harvested for wood supply of conventional industries can be an important source of feedstock for bioenergy. Its procurement can be integrated with little effort into current harvest operations. However, the increasing harvesting intensity to meet greater demand for biomass procurement can impact forest ecosystem functions because of its direct and indirect effects on woody debris and the regeneration of next-rotation stands. In this context, we aimed to determine the relationships between wood procurement intensity, woody debris inputs, and regeneration success over 2 years after harvesting. We tested four treatments of increasing wood procurement intensity using a randomized block design within six experimental sites along a gradient of varying forest characteristics of boreal and temperate forests. We assessed stand characteristics in terms of standing trees, woody debris, and regeneration pre- and post-harvest. We used mixed effects models to evaluate (i) the effects of wood procurement intensity and pre-harvest stand characteristics on the volume and cover of woody debris and (ii) the specific influence of woody debris on the presence of suitable planting microsites post-harvest. Furthermore, we used principal component regressions to explore the relationships between harvesting intensity and the presence of natural regeneration and competing vegetation as a function of pre- and post-harvest stand characteristics (iii). Our results showed that increasing wood procurement intensity reduced the volume of post-harvest woody debris while having a limited effect on regeneration. Increasing harvesting intensity had a negligible effect on suitable planting microsites in hardwood-dominated stands but it increased their presence in conifer-dominated stands. Natural regeneration and competing vegetation were mainly related to stand characteristics, and only broadleaf regeneration was sensitive to harvest intensity. We conclude that the relationships between wood procurement intensity and regeneration are complex and rely mainly on stand characteristics rather than wood procurement needs.
Comprehensive phenotypic characterization of an allelic series of zebrafish models of NEB-related nemaline myopathy
Authors: Fabian Lacramioara , Karimi Esmat , Farman Gerrie P , Gohlke Jochen , Ottenheijm Coen A C , Granzier Hendrikus L , Dowling James J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a rare congenital neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and hypotonia, slow gross motor development, and decreased respiratory function. Mutations in at least twelve genes, all of each encode proteins that are either components of the muscle thin filament or regulate its length and stability, have been associated with NM. Mutations in Nebulin (NEB), a giant filamentous protein localized in the sarcomere, account for more than 50% of NM cases. At present, there remains a lack of understanding of whether NEB genotype influences nebulin function and NM-patient phenotypes. In addition, there is a lack of therapeutically tractable models that can enable drug discovery and address the current unmet treatment needs of patients. To begin to address these gaps, here we have characterized five new zebrafish models of NEB-related NM. These mutants recapitulate most aspects of NEB-based NM, showing drastically reduced survival, defective muscle structure, reduced contraction force, shorter thin filaments, presence of electron-dense structures in myofibers, and thickening of the Z-disks. This study represents the first extensive investigation of an allelic series of nebulin mutants, and thus provides an initial examination in pre-clinical models of potential genotype-phenotype correlations in human NEB patients. It also represents the first utilization of a set of comprehensive outcome measures in zebrafish, including correlation between molecular analyses, structural and biophysical investigations, and phenotypic outcomes. Therefore, it provides a rich source of data for future studies exploring the NM pathomechanisms, and an ideal springboard for therapy identification and development for NEB-related NM.
A delicate balance: the challenges of hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Papaioannou Garyfallia , Mannstadt Michael 
Published: March 2024

Vignette
A 38-yr-old woman with chronic non-surgical hypoparathyroidism, managed elsewhere, presented to our practice with symptomatic hypocalcemia. At the age of 17, she began to suffer from muscle cramps, paresthesia, and ongoing diffuse pain. It took years before she was correctly diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Her symptoms were severe enough that she required emergency room visits several times a year. After she was properly diagnosed and started on calcium and calcitriol therapy, she continued to experience frequent episodes of severe hypocalcemia. She saw multiple healthcare providers who each introduced a new regimen. In addition, poor communication led to her discontinuing her medications altogether. As a result, her calcium levels remained consistently low, and she lost confidence in her prospect for better health. At the time of her visit to our clinic, she had discontinued calcitriol, was taking a large amount of oral calcium daily all at once, and had hypocalcemia. We addressed her concerns, and the challenges she faces with adherence to her medication regimen. We provided her with detailed information about the disease and the reasoning behind her treatment plan. Treatment was initiated with calcium carbonate 600 mg 3 times daily and calcitriol 0.5 mcg once daily. One week after treatment initiation, her test results showed improvement in her albumin-adjusted calcium, phosphorus, and 24-h urine calcium which were all within target range.
Study on the prediction method of grasshopper occurrence risk in Inner Mongolia based on the maximum entropy model during the growing period
Authors: Wen Fu , Liu Ronghao , Garcia y Garcia Axel , Ye Huichun , Lu Longhui , Qimuge Eerdeng , Sun Zhongxiang , Nie Chaojia , Han Xuemei , Zhang Yue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Grasshoppers represent a significant biological challenge in Inner Mongolia’s grasslands, severely affecting the region’s animal husbandry. Thus, dynamic monitoring of grasshopper infestation risk is crucial for sustainable livestock farming. This study employed the Maxent model, along with remote sensing data, to forecast Oedaleus decorus asiaticus occurrence during the growing season, using grasshopper suitability habitats as a base. The Maxent model’s predictive accuracy was high, with an AUC of 0.966. The most influential environmental variables for grasshopper distribution were suitable habitat data (34.27%), the temperature-vegetation dryness index during the spawning period (18.81%), and various other meteorological and vegetation factors. The risk index model was applied to calculate the grasshopper distribution across different risk levels for the years 2019–2022. The data indicated that the level 1 risk area primarily spans central, eastern, and southwestern Inner Mongolia. By examining the variable weights, the primary drivers of risk level fluctuation from 2019 to 2022 were identified as accumulated precipitation and land surface temperature anomalies during the overwintering period. This study offers valuable insights for future O. decorus asiaticus monitoring in Inner Mongolia.
Hematological Complications of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: An Update From an HIV-Endemic Setting
Authors: Opie Jessica , Verburgh Estelle , Bailly Jenique , Mayne Elizabeth , Louw Vernon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Medical professionals, particularly in regions with a high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), should be alert to the hematological complications of HIV, which may include cytopenias, malignancy, and coagulation disturbances. Patients may present with these conditions as the first manifestation of HIV infection. Hematological abnormalities are often multifactorial with opportunistic infections, drugs, malignancy, and HIV infection itself contributing to the clinical presentation, and the diagnosis should consider all these factors. Life-threatening hematological complications requiring urgent diagnosis and management include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, superior mediastinal syndrome, spinal cord compression, and tumor lysis syndrome due to aggressive lymphoma. Antiretroviral therapy is the therapeutic backbone, including for patients with advanced HIV, in addition to specific therapy for the complication. This article reviews the impact of HIV on the hematological system and provides a clinical and diagnostic approach, including the role of a bone marrow biopsy, focusing on perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa.
Amelanotic melanoma in a kidney transplant patient: a rare case report
Authors: Melhem Yara , Khattab Seham , Al-janabi Moatasem Hussein , Saeid Hussein , Ahmad Issa , Hasan Fouz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Immunosuppressed individuals face a significantly elevated risk of developing aggressive cutaneous malignancies, often surpassing the aggressiveness observed in immunocompetent counterparts. Our patient exhibited several risk factors associated with melanoma development in renal recipients, including skin type, sun exposure, and the duration of immunosuppression. The determination of staging holds paramount importance as it directly influences both prognosis and subsequent management. It is crucial to handle suspected lesions with caution in these patients to facilitate early melanoma detection and enhance overall prognosis.
Association between amiodarone use and risk of cataract: a population-based active-comparator study
Authors: To Sheng-Yin , Lin Hsin-Ting , Liao Chun-Cheng , Pan Ke-Ting , Wen Yuan-Liang , Kao Senyeong , Kao Li-Ting 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite previous concerns about ocular side effects related to amiodarone, the relationship between amiodarone and cataract remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential association between amiodarone use and the subsequent risk of cataract, taking into account potential confounders.

Methods
This population-based, active comparator-controlled cohort study utilized the data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance program and involved adults over 40 years old between 2001 and 2013. We analyzed 12 055 new amiodarone users and contrasted them with a propafenone user cohort. The primary outcome was the incidence of cataract. Inverse-probability treatment-weighting (IPTW) was further used to eliminate the potential confounding effects, and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were performed to calculate the risk of cataract. Serial subgroup analyses were also performed.

Results
In the main analysis, amiodarone users did not exhibit a significant causal relationship in both full cohort [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.994, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.913–1.082] and IPTW cohort (IPTW-aHR 0.977, 95% CI: 0.900–1.060). Furthermore, it is important to highlight a significantly reduced risk of cataract among patients with heart failure (IPTW-aHR 0.708, 95% CI: 0.554–0.905) and during the 2-year follow-up period (IPTW-aHR 0.889, 95% CI: 0.794–0.996), implying potential advantages linked to the use of amiodarone.

Conclusions
The study found no increased risk of cataract with amiodarone, one of the most frequently used antiarrhythmic medications, compared to the use of propafenone. Future research is recommended to explore potential mechanisms and their implications for clinical practice.
Assessment of cellular senescence potential of PM2.5 using 3D human lung fibroblast spheroids in vitro model
Authors: Xu Shengmin , Ma Lin , Wu Tao , Tian Yushan , Wu Lijun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies demonstrate that particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure closely related to chronic respiratory diseases. Cellular senescence plays an important role in many diseases. However, it is not fully clear whether PM2.5 exposure could induce cellular senescence in the human lung. In this study, we generated a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model using isolated primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) to investigate the effects of PM2.5 on cellular senescence at the 3D level.

Methods
3D spheroids were exposed to 25-100 μg/ml of PM2.5 in order to evaluate the impact on cellular senescence. SA-β-galactosidase activity, cell proliferation, and the expression of key genes and proteins were detected.

Results
Exposure of the HLF spheroids to PM2.5 yielded a more sensitive cytotoxicity than 2D HLF cell culture. Importantly, PM2.5 exposure induced the rapid progression of cellular senescence in 3D HLF spheroids, with a dramatically increased SA-β-Gal activity. In exploiting the mechanism underlying the effect of PM2.5 on senescence, we found a significant increase of DNA damage, upregulation of p21 protein levels, and suppression of cell proliferation in PM2.5-treated HLF spheroids. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure created a significant inflammatory response, which may be at least partially associated with the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 axis and HMGB1 pathway.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that PM2.5 could induce DNA damage, inflammation, and cellular senescence in 3D HLF spheroids, which may provide a new evidence for PM2.5 toxicity based on a 3D model which has been shown to be more in vivo-like in their phenotype and physiology than 2D cultures.
Predictors for prolonged qt intervals in acute antipsychotic poisoned patients
Authors: Khalifa Heba K , Mostafa Mansour Nouran , Elmansy Alshaimma 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute antipsychotic poisoning is correlated to a high prevalence of qt interval prolongation.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate early qt interval prolongation predictors in acute antipsychotic-poisoned patients.

Methodology
This prospective cohort study enrolled 70 symptomatic patients with acute antipsychotic poisoning. Sociodemographic data, toxicological, clinical, investigation, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. The estimation of the corrected qt interval (QTc) was performed using Bazett’s method. Primary outcome was normal or abnormal length of QTc interval. Secondary outcomes included duration of hospital stay, complete recovery and mortality. The corrected qt interval was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results
Patients were divided into groups A (normal QTc interval up to 440 msec; 58.6% of cases) and B (prolonged QTc interval ≥ 440 msec; 41.4% of cases). Patients in group B had significantly high incidences of quetiapine intake, bradycardia, hypotension, hypokalemia, and long duration of hospital stay. By multivariate analysis, quetiapine [Odd’s ratio (OR): 39.674; Confidence Interval (C.I:3.426–459.476)], bradycardia [OR: 22.664; C.I (2.534–202.690)], and hypotension [OR: 16.263; (C.I: 2.168–122.009)] were significantly correlated with prolonged QTc interval.

Conclusion
In acute antipsychotic poisoning, quetiapine, bradycardia, and hypotension are early clinical predictors for prolonged QTc interval.
Real-time Reconstruction of Comminuted Mandibular Fractures Using 3D Printing
Authors: Shilo Dekel , Capucha Tal , Krasovsky Andrei , Blanc Ori , Emodi Omri , Haze Amir , Rachmiel Adi 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Comminuted fractures of the jaws are complex injuries requiring special attention. In the past, treatment included closed reduction using maxillomandibular fixation. With advancements in technology and fixation systems, open reduction became a prevalent option. These fractures are difficult to reconstruct during the primary treatment phase, thus resulting in higher complication rates. The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) planning and printing brought about superior outcomes, yet these focus on secondary reconstruction due to the need for outsourcing planning and titanium printing.

Methods:
In this report, we describe real-time in-house 3D planning and printing using computer-assisted design software and a 3D-fused deposition printer for virtual reduction of the comminuted fractures and printing of the reconstructed mandible.

Results:
Following virtual 3D reduction, the newly created mandibles were 3D printed. The model was then used to preband a reconstruction plate, which in turn was used as a template during surgery for reducing the segments. The process of virtual reduction and printing should take a couple of hours at most. The results of five cases showed good alignment and proper function.

Conclusion:
Three-dimensional technology can be applied in the everyday primary care treatment protocol of comminuted fractures as an in-house tool which greatly improves both functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Three-Year Outcomes of the Paul Glaucoma Implant for Treatment of Glaucoma
Authors: Tan Marcus Chun Jin , Ong Chee Wui , Aquino Maria Cecilia , LUN Katherine Wanxian , Sng Chelvin Cheryl Agnes , Lim Dawn Ka Ann , Loon Seng Chee , KOH Victor Teck Chang , CHEW Paul Tec Kuan 
Published: March 2024

Précis:
In our case series, the 3-year failure for Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI) implantation was 14.6%. At 3 years postoperatively, there was a significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of glaucoma medications used.

Objective:
To determine the 3-year efficacy and safety of the PGI, a novel glaucoma tube shunt in patients with glaucoma.

Methods:
Retrospective review of all patients who had undergone PGI implantation in a single tertiary institution in Singapore between May 1, 2017 and January 1, 2022. Data were extracted from electronic health records (Computerized Patient Support System 2 and Epic). The primary outcome measure was failure, defined as IOP >18 mm Hg or <6 mm Hg on 2 consecutive visits after 3 months, reoperation for IOP-related indication, explantation of implant, or loss of light perception vision. Complete success was defined as the absence of failure without medications at 36 months, and qualified success similarly, but with medications. Postoperative mean IOP, mean number of IOP-lowering medications used, and visual acuity were also assessed.

Results:
Forty-eight eyes in 48 patients were identified. Thirty-one patients (64.6%) had primary open angle and angle closure glaucoma, and 18 (37.5%) had previous existing tube implants or trabeculectomy. At 3 years postoperatively, 7 cases (14.6%) fulfilled the criteria for failure and 36 (75%) met the criteria for complete success. The mean IOP at 36 months was 14.9 ± 4.11 mm Hg, from the mean preoperative IOP of 20.6 ± 6.13 mm Hg (P < 0.001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications used was reduced from 3.13 ± 0.959 preoperatively to 0.167 ± 0.476 at 36 months (P < 0.001). The most common postoperative complication was hypotony (n = 17, 35.4%), of which the majority were self-limiting, followed by hyphema (n = 5, 10.4%) and tube exposure (n = 4, 8.3%).

Conclusion:
The PGI demonstrated sustained IOP reduction and a reduction of medication burden at 3 years postoperatively.
Health related quality of life and associated factors among postpartum women after normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Workneh Wubet Mihretu , Handebo Simegnew , Geleta Temesgen , Wotango Biniam Yohannes , Bekele Bisrat Tamene 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPostpartum influences women’s physical health conditions and may affect their quality of life and future health. Some women suffer from health problems which are largely related to delivery mode. Assessing the postnatal quality of life is essential to address the concern of women and provide comprehensive postnatal care and minimizes the morbidity of the mother during and beyond the postnatal period.ObjectivesTo assess health related quality of life and associated factors among postpartum women after normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals of Addis Ababa using Short Form-36. Systematic random sampling method was used and telephone interviews were conducted for 171 Caesarian Section and 165 Normal Vaginal Delivery postpartum women. The collected data entered into Epi-info version 7.2 and then analysied by SPSS version 25. The Multiple linear regression model was used after checking the assumptions were met to identify associated factors and p-value of 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95% was employed.ResultOverall 336 postpartum women participated with a response rate of 88%. The mean health-related quality of life was 91.42 and 81.89 for normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section group respectively.In multivariable linear regression for both groups, age =(β=-0.166;95%CI:-0.504,-0.121), family income (β=-0.188 95%CI-0.001,0.000), gestational age (β =0.131,95%CI:0.44,0.185), normal vaginal delivery (β=0.526; 95% CI: 6.790,9.621), and live birth (β=2.471,95% CI:1.094,9.643) were significantly associated factors and explained 47% of the variance in Health Related Quality of Life among postpartum women.Conclusion and RecommendationThe study finds a higher level of health-related quality of life in the normal vaginal delivery group compared to the cesarean section. Health workers should give appropriate counseling on modes of delivery, inorder to help patients to make an informed decision about their childbirth experience.
A distributed integral control mechanism for the regulation of cholesterol concentration in the human retina
Authors: Scheepers Ronél , Levi Noa L. , Araujo Robyn P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTight homeostatic control of cholesterol concentration within the complex tissue microenvironment of the retina is a hallmark of the healthy eye. By contrast, dysregulation of the biochemical mechanisms governing retinal cholesterol homeostasis is thought to be a major contributor to the aetiology and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the ageing human eye. Although the signalling mechanisms that contribute to cholesterol homeostasis at the cellular level have been studied extensively, there is currently no systems-level description of the molecular interactions that could explain cholesterol homeostasis at the level of the human retina. Here were provide a comprehensive overview of all currently-known molecular-level interactions involved in the regulation of cholesterol across all major compartments of the human retina, encompassing the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the photoreceptor cell layer, the Müller cell layer, and Bruch’s membrane. We develop a detailed chemical reaction network (CRN) of this complex collection of biochemical interactions, comprising seventy-one (71) molecular species, which we show may be partitioned into ten (10) independent subnetworks. These ten subnetworks work together to confer robust homeostasis on thirteen different forms of cholesterol distributed through distinct cellular compartments of the retina. Remarkably, we provide compelling evidence thatthree independentantithetic integral controllers are responsible for the tight regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cholesterol in retinal cells, and that severaladditional independentmechanisms transfer this homeostatic property to other forms of cholesterol throughout the human retina. Our novel and exquisitely detailed mathematical description of retinal cholesterol regulation provides a framework for considering potential mechanisms of cholesterol dysregulation in the diseased eye, and for the study of potential therapeutic strategies against these pathologies.