bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Logging response alters trajectories of reorganization after loss of a foundation tree species
Authors: Barker Plotkin Audrey , Orwig David A. , MacLean Meghan Graham , Ellison Aaron M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractForest insect outbreaks cause large changes in ecosystem structure, composition, and function. Humans often respond to insect outbreaks by conducting salvage logging, which can amplify the immediate effects, but it is unclear whether logging will result in lasting differences in forest structure and dynamics when compared with forests affected only by insect outbreaks. We used 15 years of data from an experimental removal of Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. (Eastern hemlock), a foundation tree species within eastern North American forests, and contrasted the rate, magnitude, and persistence of response trajectories between girdling (emulating mortality from insect outbreak) and timber harvest treatments. Girdling and logging were equally likely to lead to large changes in forest structure and dynamics, but logging resulted in faster rates of change. Understory light increases and community composition changes were larger and more rapid in the logged plots. Tree seedling and understory vegetation abundance increased more in the girdled plots; this likely occurred because seedlings grew rapidly into the sapling‐ and tree‐size classes after logging and quickly shaded out plants on the forest floor. Downed deadwood pools increased more after logging but standing deadwood pools increased dramatically after girdling. Understory light levels remained elevated for a longer time after girdling. Perhaps because the window of opportunity for understory species to establish was longer in the girdled plots, total species richness increased more in the girdled than logged plots. Despite the potential for greater diversity in the girdled plots, Betula lenta L. (black birch) was the most abundant tree species recruited into the sapling‐ and tree‐size classes in both the girdled and logged plots and is poised to dominate the new forest canopy. The largest difference between the girdling and logging treatments—deadwood structure and quantity—will persist and continue to bolster aboveground carbon storage and structural and habitat diversity in the girdled plots. Human responses to insect outbreaks hasten forest reorganization and remove structural resources that may further alter forest response to ongoing climate stress and future disturbances.
Can ecological niche models be used to accurately predict the distribution of invasive insects? A case study of Hyphantria cunea in China
Authors: Wen Xuanye , Fang Guofei , Chai Shouquan , He Chuanjie , Sun Shouhui , Zhao Guanghua , Lin Xiao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, ecological niche models (ENMs) have been widely used to predict suitable habitats for species. However, for invasive organisms, the prediction accuracy is unclear. In this study, we employed the most widely used maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and ensemble model (EM) Biomod2 and verified the practical effectiveness of the ENM in predicting the distribution areas of invasive insects based on the true occurrence of Hyphantria cunea in China. The results showed that when only limited data of invasive areas were used, the two ENMs could not effectively predict the distribution of suitable habitats of H. cunea, although the use of global data can greatly improve the prediction accuracy of ENMs. When analyzing the same data, Biomod2's prediction accuracy was significantly better than that of MaxEnt. For long‐term predictions, the area of suitable habitat predicted by the ENMs was much greater than the occurrence area; for short‐term predictions, the accuracy of the predicted area was significantly improved. Under the current conditions, the area of suitable habitat for H. cunea in China is 118 × 104 km2, of which 59.32% is moderately or highly suitable habitat. Future climate change could significantly increase the suitable habitat area of H. cunea in China, and the predicted area of suitable habitats in all climate scenarios exceeded 355 × 104 km2, accounting for 36.98% of the total land area in China. This study demonstrates the use of ENMs to study invasive insects and provides a reference for the management of H. cunea in China.
Residency Requirements for Medical Aid in Dying
Authors: Dresser Rebecca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn 1997, when Oregon became the first U.S. jurisdiction authorizing medical aid in dying (MAID), its law included a requirement that patients be legal residents of the state. Other U.S. jurisdictions legalizing MAID followed Oregon in adopting residency requirements. Recent litigation challenges the legality, as well as the justification, for such requirements. Facing such challenges, Oregon and Vermont eliminated their MAID residency requirements. More states could follow this move, for, in certain circumstances, the U.S. Constitution's privileges and immunities clause protects citizens’ right to travel to secure medical care. Policy considerations could also motivate states to reexamine whether such requirements are justified in light of existing evidence of how MAID laws have been applied.
The lasting impact of the Go for 2&5 campaign
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Myers Gael , Jongenelis Michelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedLittle is known about the executional techniques that are most likely to make healthy eating messages memorable over the longer term. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify factors contributing to the ongoing salience of the Go for 2&5 social marketing campaign among older audience members.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 75 Western Australians aged 60+ years. A peer‐interviewing method was used whereby eight older people recruited and interviewed members of their extended peer groups. The interview guide included questions about interviewees' recollections of healthy eating messages across their lifespans.ResultsAround one in five interviewees discussed the Go for 2&5 campaign that was on air in Western Australia between 2002 and 2011. These discussions focused on either specific advertisement features that were considered to be especially memorable (in particular, humour and the use of anthropomorphised depictions of produce) and/or their recollection of the number of daily servings of fruits and vegetables recommended in the campaign. Few were able to recall other healthy eating campaigns, and in some cases it was assumed that advertisements for specific food stores or products constituted health advice.ConclusionsDifferent campaign attributes may influence shorter‐term attitudinal and behavioural responses versus longer‐term recall. The characteristics of the Go for 2&5 campaign appear to have enabled it to achieve relatively high levels of recall among older people.So What?The study results suggest that some advertising approaches that activate the peripheral route to persuasion may achieve recall over a longer period of time.
Private health insurance in the United States and Sweden: A comparative review
Authors: Dave Udit , Lewis Emma G. , Patel Jenilkumar H. , Godbole Nikhil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe United States of America and Sweden both contain a public and private component to their healthcare systems. While both countries spend a similar amount per capita on public healthcare expenditures, the United States spends significantly more in the private healthcare sector. Sweden has a social democratic model of health care, and given its identity as a welfare state, private health insurance providers have a small and nuanced role.MethodsThis paper was completed after searches were queried for “Sweden,” “United States,” and variants of the words “insurance,” “public,” “private,” “Medicare,” “Medicaid,” “public,” and “costs.” A preliminary search in May 2022, yielded 78 articles, of which 45 were ultimately considered relevant for this review. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language articles, topic relevance, and verification of MEDLINE‐indexed journals. These searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane. Summary findings of these searches are compiled in this review.ResultsSweden guarantees low‐cost appropriate care to all citizens with equitable access; however, drawbacks of its system include high financial burden, lack of primary care infrastructure, as well as geographical and socioeconomic inequities. On the other hand, the United States' healthcare system is built around the private sector with public health insurance reserved only for the most vulnerable patient populations.ConclusionOur goal is to provide an overview, compare the role of private health insurance in both countries, and highlight policies that have had beneficial effects in each nation. Possible solutions to the drawbacks of each nation's health insurance policies could be addressed by additional support to Sweden's vulnerable population by developing a program similar to the US' Medicare Advantage program. Conversely, the United States may benefit from increasing access to public health insurance, especially in instances where families face unemployment.
Hydrological dynamics of snowmelt induced streamflow in a high mountain catchment of the Pyrenees under contrasting snow accumulation and duration years
Authors: López‐Moreno J. I. , Revuelto J. , González‐Alonso E. , Izagirre E. , Rojas‐Heredia F. , Deschamps‐Berger C. , Bonsoms J. , Latron J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSnowmelt drives a large portion of streamflow in many mountain areas of the world. However, the water paths from snowmelt to the arrival of the water in the streams are still largely unknown. This work analyzes for first time the influence of snowmelt on spring streamflow with different snow accumulation and duration, in an alpine catchment of the central Spanish Pyrenees. This study presents the water balance of the main melting months (May and June). Piezometric values, water temperature, electrical conductivity and isotope data (δ18O) allow a better understanding of the hydrological functioning of the basin during these months. Results of the water balance calculations showed that snow represented on average 73% of the water available for streamflow in May and June while precipitation during these months accounted for only 27%. However, rainfall during the melting period was important to determine the shape of the spring hydrographs. On average, 78% of the sum of both the snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulated at the beginning of May and the precipitation in May and June converted into runoff during the May–June melting period. The average evaporation‐sublimation during the 2 months corresponded to 8.4% of the accumulated SWE and rainfall, so that only a small part of the water input was ultimately available for soil and groundwater storage. When snow cover disappeared from the catchment, soil water storage and streamflow showed a sharp decline. Consequently, streamflow electrical conductivity, temperature and δ18O showed a marked tipping point towards higher values. The fast hydrological response of the catchment to snow and meteorological fluctuations, as well as the marked diel fluctuations of streamflow δ18O during the melting period, strongly suggests short meltwater transit times. As a consequence of this hydrological behaviour, independently of the amount of snow accumulated and of melting date, summer streamflow remained always low, with only small runoff peaks driven by rainfall events.
Influence of ionizable lipid tail length on lipid nanoparticle delivery of mRNA of varying length
Authors: Mrksich Kaitlin , Padilla Marshall S. , Joseph Ryann A. , Han Emily L. , Kim Dongyoon , Palanki Rohan , Xu Junchao , Mitchell Michael J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRNA‐based therapeutics have gained traction for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. However, their fragility and immunogenicity necessitate a drug carrier. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as the predominant delivery vehicle for RNA therapeutics. An important component of LNPs is the ionizable lipid (IL), which is protonated in the acidic environment of the endosome, prompting cargo release into the cytosol. Currently, there is growing evidence that the structure of IL lipid tails significantly impacts the efficacy of LNP‐mediated mRNA translation. Here, we optimized IL tail length for LNP‐mediated delivery of three different mRNA cargos. Using C12‐200, a gold standard IL, as a model, we designed a library of ILs with varying tail lengths and evaluated their potency in vivo. We demonstrated that small changes in lipophilicity can drastically increase or decrease mRNA translation. We identified that LNPs formulated with firefly luciferase mRNA (1929 base pairs) and C10‐200, an IL with shorter tail lengths than C12‐200, enhance liver transfection by over 10‐fold. Furthermore, different IL tail lengths were found to be ideal for transfection of LNPs encapsulating mRNA cargos of varying sizes. LNPs formulated with erythropoietin (EPO), responsible for stimulating red blood cell production, mRNA (858 base pairs), and the C13‐200 IL led to EPO translation at levels similar to the C12‐200 LNP. The LNPs formulated with Cas9 mRNA (4521 base pairs) and the C9‐200 IL induced over three times the quantity of indels compared with the C12‐200 LNP. Our findings suggest that shorter IL tails may lead to higher transfection of LNPs encapsulating larger mRNAs, and that longer IL tails may be more efficacious for delivering smaller mRNA cargos. We envision that the results of this project can be utilized as future design criteria for the next generation of LNP delivery systems for RNA therapeutics.
On‐Demand Cueing for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zoetewei Demi , Herman Talia , Ginis Pieter , Palmerini Luca , Brozgol Marina , Thumm Pablo Cornejo , Ferrari Alberto , Ceulemans Eva , Decaluwé Eva , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Nieuwboer Alice 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCueing can alleviate freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), but using the same cues continuously in daily life may compromise effectiveness. Therefore, we developed the DeFOG‐system to deliver personalized auditory cues on detection of a FOG episode.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the effects of DeFOG during a FOG‐provoking protocol: (1) after 4 weeks of DeFOG‐use in daily life against an active control group; (2) after immediate DeFOG‐use (within‐group) in different medication states.MethodIn this randomized controlled trial, 63 people with PD and daily FOG were allocated to the DeFOG or active control group. Both groups received feedback on their daily living step counts using the device, but the DeFOG group also received on‐demand cueing. Video‐rated FOG severity was compared pre‐ and post‐intervention through a FOG‐provoking protocol administered at home off and on‐medication, but without using DeFOG. Within‐group effects were tested by comparing FOG during the protocol with and without DeFOG.ResultsDeFOG‐use during the 4 weeks was similar between groups, but we found no between‐group differences in FOG‐severity. However, the within‐group analysis showed that FOG was alleviated by DeFOG (effect size d = 0.57), regardless of medication state. Combining DeFOG and medication yielded an effect size of d = 0.67.ConclusionsDeFOG reduced FOG considerably in a population of severe freezers both off and on medication. Nonetheless, 4 weeks of DeFOG‐use in daily life did not ameliorate FOG during the protocol unless DeFOG was worn. These findings suggest that on‐demand cueing is only effective when used, similar to other walking aids. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Short‐Term Cannabidiol with Δ‐9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Liu Ying , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Sillau Stefan , Rajkovic Sarah , Adkins Michelle , Domen Christopher H. , Thompson John A. , Seawalt Tristan , Klawitter Jost , Sempio Cristina , Chin Grace , Forman Lisa , Fullard Michelle , Hawkins Trevor , Seeberger Lauren , Newman Heike , Vu David , Leehey Maureen Anne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCannabis use is frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), despite inadequate evidence of benefits and risks.ObjectiveThe aim is to study short‐term efficacy and tolerability of relatively high cannabidiol (CBD)/low Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to provide preliminary data for a longer trial.MethodsPersons with PD with ≥20 on motor Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) who had negative cannabis testing took cannabis extract (National Institute of Drug Abuse) oral sesame oil solution for 2 weeks, increasing to final dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. Primary outcome was change in motor MDS‐UPDRS from baseline to final dose.ResultsParticipants were randomized to CBD/THC (n = 31) or placebo (n = 30). Mean final dose (CBD/THC group) was 191.8 ± 48.9 mg CBD and 6.4 ± 1.6 mg THC daily. Motor MDS‐UPDRS was reduced by 4.57 (95% CI, −8.11 to −1.03; P = 0.013) in CBD/THC group, and 2.77 (−4.92 to −0.61; P = 0.014) in placebo; the difference between groups was non‐significant: −1.80 (−5.88 to 2.27; P = 0.379). Several assessments had a strong placebo response. Sleep, cognition, and activities of daily living showed a treatment effect, favoring placebo. Overall adverse events were mild and reported more in CBD/THC than placebo group. On 2.5 mg/kg/day CBD plasma level was 54.0 ± 33.8 ng/mL; THC 1.06 ± 0.91 ng/mL.ConclusionsThe brief duration and strong placebo response limits interpretation of effects, but there was no benefit, perhaps worsened cognition and sleep, and there was many mild adverse events. Longer duration high quality trials that monitor cannabinoid concentrations are essential and would require improved availability of research cannabinoid products in the United States. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The impact of student computer competency one‐learningoutcomes: A path analysis model of virtual learning infrastructure, collaboration, and access to electronic facilities
Authors: Sharif‐Nia Hamid , Arslan Gökmen , Reardon Jonathan , Allen Kelly‐Ann , Ma Lan , She Long , Hoseinzadeh Esmaeil , Rahmatpour Pardis , Moradi Siavash , Fomani Fatemeh Khoshnavay , Ghahrani Nassim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThis study explored the influence of student computer competency on e‐learning outcomes among Iranian nursing students and examined its mediating role in the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, student collaboration, access to electronic facilities, and e‐learning outcomes.DesignA cross sectional study.MethodA self‐administered online survey was used from August to October 2022, with a sample size of 417 nursing students selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and PROCESS macro v4.1 (Model 4) were used for data analysis.ResultsThe results revealed that virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, and student collaboration, significantly predict student computer competency and e‐learning outcomes. Virtual learning infrastructure and access to electronic facilities were found to be the strongest predictors of student computer competency, while student collaboration had a smaller but still significant effect. Student computer competency was found to mediate the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, student collaboration, and e‐learning outcomes.
A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling approach for drug–drug‐gene interaction evaluation of S‐warfarin with fluconazole
Authors: Geng Kuo , Shen Chaozhuang , Wang Xiaohu , Wang Xingwen , Shao Wenxin , Wang Wenhui , Chen Tao , Sun Hua , Xie Haitang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWarfarin is a widely used anticoagulant, and its S‐enantiomer has higher potency compared to the R‐enantiomer. S‐warfarin is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, and its pharmacological target is vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1). Both CYP2C9 and VKORC1 have genetic polymorphisms, leading to large variations in the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of warfarin in the population. This makes dosage management of warfarin difficult, especially in the case of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). This study provides a whole‐body physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic/PD (PBPK/PD) model of S‐warfarin for predicting the effects of drug–drug−gene interactions on S‐warfarin PKs and PDs. The PBPK/PD model of S‐warfarin was developed in PK‐Sim and MoBi. Drug‐dependent parameters were obtained from the literature or optimized. Of the 34 S‐warfarin plasma concentration‐time profiles used, 96% predicted plasma concentrations within twofold range compared to observed data. For S‐warfarin plasma concentration‐time profiles with CYP2C9 genotype, 364 of 386 predicted plasma concentration values (~94%) fell within the twofold of the observed values. This model was tested in DDI predictions with fluconazole as CYP2C9 perpetrators, with all predicted DDI area under the plasma concentration‐time curve to the last measurable timepoint (AUClast) ratio within twofold of the observed values. The anticoagulant effect of S‐warfarin was described using an indirect response model, with all predicted international normalized ratio (INR) within twofold of the observed values. This model also incorporates a dose‐adjustment method that can be used for dose adjustment and predict INR when warfarin is used in combination with CYP2C9 perpetrators.
Kaempferitrin attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction‐induced renal inflammation and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting NOX4‐mediated tubular ferroptosis
Authors: Li Jianchun , Yang Jieke , Xian Qianwen , Su Hongwei , Ni Yufang , Wang Li 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTubular ferroptosis significantly contributes to renal inflammation and fibrosis, critical factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to investigate Kaempferitrin, a potent flavonoid glycoside from Bauhinia forficata leaves, renowned for its anti‐inflammatory and antitumor effects, and to elucidate its potential mechanisms in mitigating inflammation and fibrosis induced by tubular ferroptosis. The study investigated Kaempferitrin's impact on tubular ferroptosis using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model‐induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, erastin‐induced ferroptosis in primary tubular epithelial cells (TECs) was utilized to further explore Kaempferitrin's effects. Additionally, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) transfection in TECs and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were conducted to identify Kaempferitrin's target protein. Kaempferitrin effectively improved renal function, indicated by reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. In the UUO model, it significantly reduced tubular necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Its renoprotective effects were linked to ferroptosis inhibition, evidenced by decreased iron, 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased glutathione (GSH). Kaempferitrin also normalized glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11(SLC7A11) expression, critical ferroptosis mediators. In vitro, it protected TECs from ferroptosis and consistently suppressed NOX4 expression. NOX4 transfection negated Kaempferitrin's antiferroptosis effects, while CETSA confirmed Kaempferitrin‐NOX4 interaction. Kaempferitrin shows promise as a nephroprotective agent by inhibiting NOX4‐mediated ferroptosis in tubular cells, offering potential therapeutic value for CKD.