bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pest Management Attitude scale: a tool for measuring consensus between experts and practitioners in invasion biology
Authors: Cerri Jacopo , Serra Elisa , Stefanuto Alberto , Mori Emiliano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Quantifying attitudes towards invasive alien species (IAS) is fundamental to understand the extent to which conservation scientists agree and can collaborate in their management. We tested the Pest Management Scale (PMS), originally invented to quantify attitudes towards invasive alien mammals in New Zealand, as a tool to quantify broader attitudes towards IAS among bioinvasion experts in Italy. We administered an online questionnaire to a sample of experts working on biological invasions in Italy. We collected 316 answers, both from conservation practitioners (26.6%) and researchers (73.4%), and we used structural equation modeling to test for the psychometric properties of the scale and compare attitude scores between groups. The PMS showed both a good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7), validity (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.03, RMSE = 0.02) and measurement invariance, when comparing researchers and practitioners, as well as when comparing respondents working on different invasive taxa. Both experts, as well as respondents with a different background, and respondents of a different age, had similar attitudes about IAS and their management. Our study shows that the PMS, a simple scale originally conceived to measure attitudes towards invasive alien mammals, could indeed be used to quantify the attitudes of experts towards IAS. Even in countries where the public debate about biological invasions is much more recent than in New Zealand. The PMS scale could potentially be used both for large-scale and long-term research about the attitudes of experts about IAS.
Time-dependent deployment of medial prefrontal cortical representations in mice
Authors: Kvitsiani Duda , Lopez-Yepez Junior , Barta Anna , Martin Juliane , Moltessen Maria , Woo Tsz-Fung , Hulme Oliver 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The prefrontal cortical areas exhibit a wide range of diverse and mixed representations involving sensory, motor, and autonomous variables. Despite this diversity, the prefrontal areas are known to regulate very specific behavioral functions. This disparity between the representations and their precise roles in behavior prompts a fundamental question: which representations do animals deploy, and in what specific behavioral contexts? To address this question, we recorded neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice engaged in probabilistic reward-based foraging task. Using reinforcement learning (RL) model that takes into account both reward and choice history we derived decision variable (DV) that adequately described behavior. We found that neurons integrate choice and reward history in line with their behavioral effects. To probe under what behavioral contingencies DV was used we subjected animals to different behavioral manipulations. These manipulations included altering the conditional dependence of reward probability on past choices and varying the temporal intervals between choices. While neural representations tracked the task contingencies, inactivation of mPFC specifically degraded performance of the animals when there were long temporal gaps between choices. We discovered that the neural representations had to be viewed within the context of animals performance. Namely, we found correlation of animal’s performance and decoding accuracy at the population level only in the task with long temporal gaps between choices. We conclude that if neural representation are examined alone almost identical representations can have different behavioral impacts. Our findings argue that redundant computations exist in medial prefrontal cortex and its behavioral deployment is conditioned on temporal gaps between task relevant events.
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as first-line therapy for aplastic anemia in children:
A single-center experience
Authors: Xiong Hao , Li Zuofeng , Chen Zhi , Yang Li , Sun Ming , Lu Wenjie , Qi Shanshan , Tao Fang , Luo Linlin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
HID-HSCT is considered a viable treatment option for children with AA who do not have a suitable identical donor or an unrelated donor, but there are not enough studies on how it fares in comparison to with stem cells from MSD-HSCT and UD-HSCT. Therefore, this study compared the outcomes of three ways as the first-line treatment for children with AA. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 85 pediatric patients who underwent HID-HSCT (n = 41), MSD-HSCT (n = 10), and UD-HSCT (n = 34)from August 2016 toJune 2023. Cumulative rates of neutrophil and platelet implantation, incidence of aGVHD, cGVHD, and 6-year OS were not statistically significant in the three groups. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the survival outcome for the entire population was adversely associated with TMA (P = 0.040), but was not related to other factors. In summary, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of hematopoietic reconstruction and prognosis between the three transplantation methodologies. Thus, for individuals without HLA-matched siblings or unrelated donors, HID-HSCT might be a practical and promising primary treatment option.
Cardioprotective effects of soluble guanylate cyclase and its α1 subunit on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the regulation of the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway
Authors: Li Jiao , Li Xinhang , Li Qi , Wu Hao , Liu Yue , Chen Yafang , Qi Xin , Wei Liping 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and its 1 subunit on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), as well as the potential mechanism.
Methods
SD rats were subjected to left coronary artery ischemia/reperfusion, and H9C2 cells were cultured in an Anaero Pack anaerobic bag to induce a MIRI model. Myocardial infarction area, myocardial tissue morphology and myocardial tissue ultrastructure were observed by TTC, HE and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Myocardial tissues of each group were examined by colorimetric assay for CAT, GSH-Px and SOD, TUNEL staining for apoptosis, ELISA for cGMP, and Western blot for protein expression of Capase3, sGCα1, PGC-1α and UCP2.
Results
In vivo, sGC exerted cardioprotective effects, as shown by a reduced myocardial infarct size. sGC also reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in myocardial cells, which was associated with the activation of PGC-1α and UCP2. The protein expression of sGCα1 changes with the activity of sGC. In vitro, sGCα1 inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9C2 cells by activating the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that sGC and its α1 subunit exert cardioprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis during MIRI and reveal a potential mechanism involving the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway.
AKR1B10 Expression Characteristics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Clinicopathological Features and Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Ma Li-Na , Ma Yan , Luo Xia , Ma Zi-min , Ma Li-Na , Ding Xiang-Chun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global health threat with diverse and complex pathogenesis. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a tumor-associated enzyme, exhibits abnormal expression in various cancers. However, a comprehensive understanding of AKR1B10's role in HCC is lacking. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics of AKR1B10 in HCC and its correlation with clinicopathological features, survival prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment, further investigating its role and potential regulatory mechanisms in HCC. Methods: This study conducted comprehensive analyses using various bioinformatics tools and databases. Initially, differentially expressed genes related to HCC were identified from the GEO database, and the expression of AKR1B10 in HCC and other cancers was compared using TIMER and GEPIA databases, with validation of its specificity in HCC tissue samples using the HPA database. Furthermore, the relationship of AKR1B10 expression with clinicopathological features (age, gender, tumor size, staging, etc.) of HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database's LIHC dataset. The impact of AKR1B10 expression levels on patient prognosis was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, the correlation of AKR1B10 expression with tumor biology-related signaling pathways and tumor immune microenvironment was studied using databases like GSEA, Targetscan, and others, identifying microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate AKR1B10 expression to explore potential regulatory mechanisms. Results: Elevated AKR1B10 expression was significantly associated with gender, primary tumor size, and fibrosis stage in HCC tissues. High AKR1B10 expression indicated poor prognosis and served as an independent predictor for patient outcomes. Detailed mechanism analysis revealed a positive correlation between high AKR1B10 expression, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential DANCR-miR-216b-5p-AKR1B10 axis regulating the tumor microenvironment and impacting HCC development and prognosis. Conclusion: The heightened expression of AKR1B10 in HCC is not only related to significant clinical-pathological traits but may also influence HCC progression and prognosis by activating key signaling pathways and altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the role of AKR1B10 in HCC pathogenesis and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Review of clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in patients on maintenance hemodialysis during the Omicron surge: a single center experience
Authors: Xue Yiyang , Feng Weiwei , Shi Ling , Cui Ning , Zhang Wei , Dong Junxiu , Li Chunying , Hu Jinjin , Wei Junjun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: This hemodialysis center experienced the pandemic from December 2022 to January 2023. Therefore, we sought to describe the clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in hemodialysis patients during this Omicron surge.
Methods: According to whether they are infected, they are divided into two groups: SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative. The SARS-CoV-2-positive group was divided into a survival group and a non-survival group for comparison.
​Results: 366 of 457 hemodialysis patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms observed were fever (43.2%) and cough (29.8%), Followed by diarrhea (1.4%). Hemodialysis patients with hypertension were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The lymphocyte count, serum creatinine, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group were significantly lower than those in the SARS-CoV-2-negative group. The all-cause mortality rate for infection with SARS-CoV-2was 5.2%. Only 7 of 366 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, but 6 of them died. Intensive care unit hospitalization rates were significantly higher in the non-survival group compared with the survival group. White blood cells count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, AST, and D-dimer in the non-survival group were higher than those in the survival group. The lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, serum creatinine, serum albumin, serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone in the non-survival group were lower than those in the survival group. Age>65 years, elevated C-reactive protein and AST are independent risk factors for death. Finally, no significant difference in vaccination status was found between the SARS-CoV-2-positive group and the negative group.
Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ensuring the adequacy of hemodialysis treatment and maintaining good physical condition of patients are the top priorities.
Earlier peak photosynthesis timing escalates global wildfires
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Lai Genke , Li Jialing , Wang Jun , Zhang Yongguang , Zohner Constantin , Penuelas Josep 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
More intense fire weather due to climate change is implicated as a key driver of recent increases in regional wildfire activity. As fuel stocks, the roles of vegetation itself and its phenology change in wildfire dynamics, however, are not fully appreciated. Using long-term satellite-based burned areas and photosynthesis observations, we reveal that an earlier peak photosynthesis timing (PPT) acts to escalate wildfires, with an increase in the global average burned fraction by 0.021% (~2.20 Mha) for every additional day of PPT advancement. Satellite observations and the Earth System modeling consistently show that this fire escalation is due to intensified drought conditions and increased fuel availability associated with earlier PPT. Current fire-enabled dynamic global vegetation models can reproduce the observed negative correlation between PPT and burned area but underestimate the strength of the relationship notably. Given the continued PPT advancement owing to climate change, the bioclimatic effects of vegetation phenology change suggest a pervasive upward pressure on future wildfires.
The Diagnostic Reliability of Various Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequences for the Early Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: S Aparna , Ganesan Anuradha , Chandrasekar.Lakshmi Krithika , V Swathi K , Aniyan Yesoda 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
This systematic study aimed to compare and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different MRI sequences for detecting internal TMJ dysfunction.
Materials and methods
In this search strategy, we employed Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. Articles from the last decade were included in the search. The potential for bias in the included studies was evaluated. The search yielded 48 papers. However, only 10 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.
Results
Various sequences such as FIESTA, FLAIR, T2 mapping, MERGE, HASTE, and dGEMRIC, have been discussed in this systematic review.
Conclusion
Among the various MR sequences, T2 mapping and dGEMRIC sequences help in the quantitative evaluation and assessment of early changes in disc derangement. These sequences provide in-depth diagnostic information complementary to conventional MRI for diagnosing early changes in the TMJ disc
Hospital Burden Inflicted by Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Hospitalizations during the first Omicron Wave in Shenyang, Northeastern China: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yaru , Xia Fei , Shi Feng , You Kai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
In the last few years, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a significant global public health threat. The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 first emerged as a pandemic in China in December 2022;however, there are no data on hospitalization costs related to diseases in children. In view of the high transmissibility of the Omicron virus, in the present study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of hospitalization costs for children to provide crucial information for understanding the burden inflicted on the Chinese medical system.
Methods
This study comprised a partial economic assessment from a retrospective observational cohort study designed to assess the costs of hospitalization of children aged 0–18 year with confirmed COVID-19 in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University treated between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, and followed until discharge, death, or external transfer. Differences between groups were tested using Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to determine the risk factors associated with high costs.
Results
A total of 167 children with moderate, severe, and critical illness were included in the analysis. Twenty-six (15.57%) and 18 (10.78%) children required NICU and PICU care, respectively. Overall, 107 (65.27%) children were males, and approximately half (50.90%) of the children were less than 3 years old. The average hospitalization cost was 2671.61 USD, and the average length of stay was 10 days. Hospitalization costs were significantly higher for males than for females. Children with comorbidities and special therapeutic measures who lived in intensive care units or neonatal units had higher hospitalization costs. Ward type, number of treatment measures, and comorbidities were significantly related to hospitalization costs. Thirty-five (20.96%) children required mechanical intervention, and five (2.99%) children underwent plasma exchange.
Conclusion
Clinical management of COVID-19 pediatric patients poses an economic burden on the healthcare system. Ward type, number of comorbidities, and special therapeutic measures all affect hospitalization costs.
Pre-Pulse Inhibition of an escape response in adult fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Asztalos Zoltan , Viragh Erika , Asztalos Lenke , Fenckova Michaela , Szlanka Tamas , Gyorgypal Zoltan , Kovacs Karoly , IntHout Joanna , Cizek Pavel , Konda Mihaly , Szucs Emanuela , Zvara Agnes , Biro Judit , Csapo Eniko , Lukacsovich Tamas , Hegedus Zoltan , Puskas Laszlo , Schenck Annette 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pre-Pulse Inhibition (PPI) is a neural process where suppression of a startle response is elicited by preceding the startling stimulus (Pulse) with a weak, non-startling one (Pre-Pulse). Defective PPI is widely employed as a behavioural endophenotype in humans and mammalian disorder-relevant models for neuropsychiatric disorders. We have developed a user-friendly, semi-automated, high-throughput-compatible Drosophila light-off jump response PPI paradigm, with which we demonstrate that PPI, with similar parameters measured in mammals, exists in adults of this model organism. We report that Drosophila PPI is affected by reduced expression of Dysbindin and both reduced and increased expression of Nmdar1 (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1), perturbations associated with schizophrenia. Studying the biology of PPI in an organism that offers a plethora of genetic tools and a complex and well characterized connectome will greatly facilitate our efforts to gain deeper insight into the aetiology of human mental disorders, while reducing the need for mammalian models.
Investigating the causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction diseases and osteoporosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Qi Weihui , Wang Dong , Yao Jun , Wang Huang , Zhu Li , Pan Hao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Thyroid dysfunction diseases (TDFDs) and osteoporosis (OP) have a high prevalence in the population. Previous studies have indicated a potential association between TDFDs and OP, yet the causal direction remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential causal relationship between TDFDs and the risk of developing OP and related fracture.
Methods
We obtained pooled data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted on TDFDs and OP in European populations, and identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with genome-wide significance levels associated with exposure to TDFDs as instrumental variables. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was employed as the primary method for MR analysis, supplemented by MR-Egger, Weighted median, Simple mode and Weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the findings.
Results
The IVW method demonstrated an increased risk of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with TDFDs, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (TDFDs: OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.09, 1.13; hypothyroidism: OR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.10, 1.17; hyperthyroidism: OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.06, 1.12). These findings were further supported by the supplementary analysis, which revealed a positive correlation between TDFDs and the risk of OP. Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity in the study, thus indicating the robustness of our results.
Conclusion
The observed causal association between TDFDs and OP, indicating an increased risk of OP in patients with TDFDs, implies the necessity of early BMD screening and implementation of proactive prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with TDFDs.
Multiple Drivers Influencing Residents’ Perception of Ecotourism in a Biodiversity Rich Forest Protected Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Krithika , Ahamed Safayet , Khan Mohammed Abu Sayed Arfin , Saha Narayan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Local people have both positive and negative attitudes towards ecotourism. It is because they are the beneficiaries of ecotourism, though sometimes, they are also the victims of its activities. Expression of the residents’ perception depends on multiple drivers. This study is an attempt to assess the drivers influencing local peoples’ perception on impacts of ecotourism in Satchari National Park (SNP) - a biodiversity rich forest protected area and famous ecotourism spot in Bangladesh. Interview surveys on local people of purposely selected four villages in and around SNP supplemented by the questionnaire were conducted during the September-October period in 2022. This study reveals that socio-cultural aspects secured higher ranks by processing higher mean values which follow economic and environmental aspects respectively. It is also found that local people’s attitude towards ecotourism varies with the variation in education, occupation and income. Policy makers and forest department’s officials should undertake necessary actions to solve the negative impacts of ecotourism.