bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in processing speed and curiosity explain infant habituation and dishabituation performance
Authors: Poli Francesco , Ghilardi Tommaso , Beijers Roseriet , de Weerth Carolina , Hinne Max , Mars Rogier B. , Hunnius Sabine 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHabituation and dishabituation are the most prevalent measures of infant cognitive functioning, and they have reliably been shown to predict later cognitive outcomes. Yet, the exact mechanisms underlying infant habituation and dishabituation are still unclear. To investigate them, we tested 106 8‐month‐old infants on a classic habituation task and a novel visual learning task. We used a hierarchical Bayesian model to identify individual differences in sustained attention, learning performance, processing speed and curiosity from the visual learning task. These factors were then related to habituation and dishabituation. We found that habituation time was related to individual differences in processing speed, while dishabituation was related to curiosity, but only for infants who did not habituate. These results offer novel insights in the mechanisms underlying habituation and serve as proof of concept for hierarchical models as an effective tool to measure individual differences in infant cognitive functioning.Research Highlights
We used a hierarchical Bayesian model to measure individual differences in infants’ processing speed, learning performance, sustained attention, and curiosity.
Faster processing speed was related to shorter habituation time.
High curiosity was related to stronger dishabituation responses, but only for infants who did not habituate.
Heterogeneity in glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A latent class trajectory analysis of Danish nationwide data
Authors: Wibaek Rasmus , Ibfelt Else H. , Andersen Gregers S. , Hulman Adam , Dabelea Dana , Jørgensen Marit E. , Svensson Jannet , Vistisen Dorte , Rønn Pernille Falberg 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsSuboptimal glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes is prevalent and associated with increased risk of diabetes‐related complications and mortality later in life. First, we aimed to identify distinct glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories in children and adolescents (2–19 years) with type 1 diabetes. Second, we examined their associations with clinical and socio‐demographic factors.MethodsData were obtained from the Danish Registry of Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (DanDiabKids) comprising all Danish children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from 1996 to 2019. Subgroups of distinct mean trajectories of HbA1c were identified using data‐driven latent class trajectory modelling.ResultsA total of 5889 children (47% female) had HbA1c measured a median of 6 times (interquartile range 3–8) and contributing to 36,504 measurements. We identified four mean HbA1c trajectories, referred to as ‘Stable but elevated HbA1c’ (83%), ‘Increasing HbA1c’ (5%), ‘Late HbA1c peak’ (7%), and ‘Early HbA1c peak’ (5%). Compared to the ‘Stable but elevated HbA1c’ group, the three other groups presented rapidly deteriorating glycaemic control during late childhood or adolescence, had higher HbA1c at study entry, and included fewer pump users, higher frequency of inadequate blood glucose monitoring, more severe hypoglycaemic events, lower proportions with Danish origin, and worse educational status of parents. The groups also represented significant differences by healthcare region.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with type 1 diabetes experience heterogenous trajectories with different timings and magnitudes of the deterioration of HbA1c levels, although the majority follow on average a stable, yet elevated HbA1c trajectory. The causes and long‐term health implications of these heterogenous trajectories need to be addressed.
Effects of tertiary palliative care on the pattern of end‐of‐life care in patients with hematologic malignancies in Korea
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Youk Jeonghwan , Byun Ja Min , Koh Youngil , Hong Junshik , Kim Tae Min , Kim Inho , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Yoo Shin Hye , Shin Dong‐Yeop 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionPatients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) often face challenges in accessing palliative care (PC) and receiving quality end‐of‐life (EOL) care. We examined factors associated with referrals to tertiary PC and the effects of tertiary PC on EOL care in patients with HMs.MethodWe included patients with HMs who were admitted to a university‐affiliated hospital and died during hospitalization between January 2018 and December 2021. We investigated the receipt of PC consultations, patient characteristics, and EOL care indicators.ResultsOverall, 487 patients were included in the analysis, with 156 (32%) undergoing PC consultation. Sex, residence, disease status, and admission purpose were factors associated with the likelihood of PC consultation, and there has been an increasing trend in the frequency of consultations in recent cases. A higher proportion of patients who received PC completed advance statements and life‐sustaining treatment documents. Patients who received PC had lower rates of aggressive EOL care, including chemotherapy and intensive care unit admission, than those who did not receive PC. Notably, PC reduced the number of blood transfusions.ConclusionTertiary PC aims to reduce aggressive EOL care through patient‐centered goal‐of‐care discussions. Therefore, there is an imperative need for concerted efforts toward seamless integration of PC.
Characterization of dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area and the dorsal raphe nucleus to the orbital frontal cortex
Authors: Noble Duncan J. , Mohammadkhani Aida , Qiao Min , Borgland Stephanie L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a key node in the cortico‐limbic‐striatal circuitry that influences decision‐making guided by the relative value of outcomes. Midbrain dopamine from either the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has the potential to modulate OFC neurons; however, it is unknown at what concentrations these terminals release dopamine. Male and female adult dopamine transporter (DAT)IRES‐Cre–tdTomato mice were injected with AAV2/8‐EF1a‐DIO‐eYFP into either the DRN or the VTA or the retrograde label cholera toxin B (CTB) 488 in the medial or lateral OFC. We quantified co‐expression of CTB 488 or enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) with tdTomato fluorescence in VTA or DRN and eYFP fibre density in the medial or lateral OFC. Both VTA and DRN dopamine neurons project to either the medial OFC or the lateral OFC, with greater expression of fibres in the medial OFC. Using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry, we detected optogenetically evoked dopamine from channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2)‐expressing VTA or DRN dopamine terminals in either the medial OFC or the lateral OFC. We assessed if optical stimulation of dopamine from the VTA or the DRN onto the medial OFC could alter layer V pyramidal neuronal firing; however, we did not observe a change in firing at stimulation parameters that evoked dopamine release from either projection even though bath application of dopamine with the monoamine transporter inhibitor, nomifensine, decreased firing. In summary, dopaminergic neurons from the VTA or the DRN project to the OFC and release submicromolar dopamine in the medial and lateral OFC.
Drivers of contemporary and future changes in Arctic seasonal transition dates for a tundra site in coastal Greenland
Authors: Liu Yijing , Wang Peiyan , Elberling Bo , Westergaard‐Nielsen Andreas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractClimate change has had a significant impact on the seasonal transition dates of Arctic tundra ecosystems, causing diverse variations between distinct land surface classes. However, the combined effect of multiple controls as well as their individual effects on these dates remains unclear at various scales and across diverse land surface classes. Here we quantified spatiotemporal variations of three seasonal transition dates (start of spring, maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVImax) day, end of fall) for five dominating land surface classes in the ice‐free Greenland. Using a distributed snow model, structural equation modeling, and a random forest model, based on ground observations and remote sensing data, we assessed the indirect and direct effects of climate, snow, and terrain on seasonal transition dates. We then presented new projections of likely changes in seasonal transition dates under six future climate scenarios. The coupled climate, snow cover, and terrain conditions explained up to 61% of seasonal transition dates across different land surface classes. Snow ending day played a crucial role in the start of spring and timing of NDVImax. A warmer June and a decline in wind could advance the NDVImax day. Increased precipitation and temperature during July–August are the most important for delaying the end of fall. We projected that a 1–4.5°C increase in temperature and a 5%–20% increase in precipitation would lengthen the spring‐to‐fall period for all five land surface classes by 2050, thus the current order of spring‐to‐fall lengths for the five land surface classes could undergo notable changes. Tall shrubs and fens would have a longer spring‐to‐fall period under the warmest and wettest scenario, suggesting a competitive advantage for these vegetation communities. This study's results illustrate controls on seasonal transition dates and portend potential changes in vegetation composition in the Arctic under climate change.
Both the selection and complementarity effects underpin the effect of structural diversity on aboveground biomass in tropical forests
Authors: Noulèkoun Florent , Mensah Sylvanus , Dimobe Kangbéni , Birhane Emiru , Kifle Eguale Tadesse , Naab Jesse , Son Yowhan , Khamzina Asia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimDespite mounting empirical evidence regarding the positive effects of forest structural diversity (STRDIV) on forest functioning, the underlying biotic mechanisms and controlling abiotic factors remain poorly understood. This study provides the first assessment of the interactive effects of STRDIV and diversity in species and functional traits on aboveground biomass (AGB) in natural forests in West and East Africa.LocationWest and East Africa.Time period2014–2020.Major taxa studiedWoody plants.MethodsUsing data from 276 plots and 7993 trees of 207 species distributed across various types of natural forests and major climatic zones of Africa, linear mixed‐effects and structural equation models, we have evaluated how alternative causal relationships between STRDIV and taxonomic and functional diversity attributes influence AGB, while accounting for the effects of environmental covariates. We also assessed the consistency of these relationships across floristically and environmentally homogenous forest types.ResultsWe found that the positive effects of STRDIV on AGB were underpinned by both the community‐weighted mean (CWM) of trait values (selection effects) and species richness (niche complementarity), but the relative importance of these effects varied depending on forest types. Across the forest types, STRDIV primarily mediated the effects of CWM of traits and species richness on AGB. We also found that STRDIV–AGB relationships were constrained by resource (water and nutrient) availability.Main conclusionsOur findings provide novel insights into the role of functional traits as key determinants of the effects of STRDIV on AGB in tropical forests. We suggest that forest management and climate change mitigation strategies aimed at conserving biodiversity, and fostering biomass storage through increased STRDIV should focus on maintaining high levels of functionally dominant species while also increasing tree species diversity.
Infiltrative pattern of invasion is independently associated with shorter survival and desmoplastic stroma markers FAP and THBS2 in mucinous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Köbel Martin , Kang Eun‐Young , Lee Sandra , Terzic Tatjana , Karnezis Antony N , Ghatage Prafull , Woo Lawrence , Lee Cheng‐Han , Meagher Nicola S , Ramus Susan J , Gorringe Kylie L 
Published: December 2023

AimsMucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare ovarian cancer histotype with generally good prognosis when diagnosed at an early stage. However, MOC with the infiltrative pattern of invasion has a worse prognosis, although to date studies have not been large enough to control for covariables. Data on reproducibility of classifying the invasion pattern are limited, as are molecular correlates for infiltrative invasion. We hypothesized that the invasion pattern would be associated with an aberrant tumour microenvironment.Methods and resultsFour subspecialty pathologists assessed interobserver reproducibility of the pattern of invasion in 134 MOC. Immunohistochemistry on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and THBS2 was performed on 98 cases. Association with survival was tested using Cox regression. The average interobserver agreement for the infiltrative pattern was moderate (kappa 0.60, agreement 86.3%). After reproducibility review, 24/134 MOC (18%) were determined to have the infiltrative pattern and this was associated with a higher risk of death, independent of FIGO stage, grade, and patient age in a time‐dependent manner (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–34.5). High stromal expression of FAP and THBS2 was more common in infiltrative MOC (FAP: 60%, THBS2: 58%, both P < 0.001) and associated with survival (multivariate HR for FAP: 1.5 [95% CI 1.1–2.1] and THBS2: 1.91 [95% CI 1.1–3.2]).ConclusionsThe pattern of invasion should be included in reporting for MOC due to the strong prognostic implications. We highlight the histological features that should be considered to improve reproducibility. FAP and THBS2 are associated with infiltrative invasion in MOC.
Infant screen media and child development: A prospective community study
Authors: Slobodin Ortal , Hetzroni Orit E. , Mandel Moran , Saad Nuttman Sappir , Gawi Damashi Zainab , Machluf Eden , Davidovitch Michael 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe current study examined longitudinal associations between early screen media exposure (assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months) and the child's motor and language/communication development at the ages of 24 and 36 months. We also aimed to study whether these associations varied by socioeconomic status (SES). Participants were 179 parent‐infant dyads, recruited from well‐baby clinic services during routine visits. Child development measures included standardized measures of developmental milestones as assessed by professionals and referral data to child developmental centers. Both measures were retrieved from the official health maintenance organization records by an expert in child development. Results indicated that screen exposure at 6 and 12 months was associated with a higher risk for language/communication deficits at 36 months in children with moderate or high SES but not in children with low SES. Our findings are consistent with existing literature demonstrating cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between early screen exposure and language development deficits. Given that media use practices and motivations vary among families from different backgrounds, further investigation of the interaction between SES and screen exposure is needed.
A global picture of unidentified anomalous phenomena: Towards a cross‐cultural understanding of a potentially universal issue
Authors: Lomas Tim 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOver recent years, the issue of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) has increasingly captivated attention and even concern, as reflected in the US military establishing a UAP Task Force in 2020. However, the discourse and debate around this important topic are beset with misunderstandings and a general lack of knowledge and information. One prominent point of contention is the claim or insinuation that this is a uniquely Western concern, and even one exclusively centred on North America. Crucially though, this is an incorrect assumption and perhaps reflects the Western‐centrism to which academia is liable. To redress this issue, this paper reviews the publicly available information on the prevalence of UAP sightings and reports worldwide, showing that, even if these are heavily biased towards the United States, this is nevertheless a global phenomenon. The discussion concludes though by noting that this is a very poorly understood topic – despite the dawning recognition of its importance – and much more work is needed to better ascertain its cross‐cultural dynamics.
Efficacy and safety of oral probiotic supplementation in mitigating postoperative surgical site infections in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jiahong , Zhao Jie , Wu Hongfu , Wang Tao , Gao Cifeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSurgical site infections (SSIs) pose significant risks to patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. With increasing evidence on the benefits of oral probiotics in various clinical contexts, there is a need to assess their efficacy and safety in reducing SSIs following CRC surgery. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines using the PICO framework. On 19 September 2023, four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched without any temporal or language restrictions. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed. Data extraction was independently undertaken by two assessors, and any discrepancies were discussed. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias instrument was utilized to assess study quality. The meta‐analysis incorporated a fixed‐effects model or random‐effects model based on the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity. The initial search yielded 1282 articles, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Probiotic administration not only significantly reduced the incidence of SSIs but also curtailed the duration of hospital stays. Moreover, the subgroup analysis indicated that interventions employing multiple strains of probiotics were more effective in reducing postoperative infections than those utilizing a single strain. Probiotics effectively prevent postoperative infections and shorten hospital stays. Multi‐strain probiotics outperform single strain in efficacy. Future studies should focus on their safety and optimal clinical use.
Efficacy of stem cell therapy for diabetic foot: Clinical evidence from meta‐analyses
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Jing , Liu Min 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo assess the clinical data on the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for diabetic foot (DF) based on recent systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (SRs/MAs). SRs/MAs that evaluate the clinical evidence on the efficacy of stem cell therapy for DF were identified through a systematic search in public databases. The methodological quality and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs were assessed separately by two researchers. Eight SRs/MAs were included in this analysis. Since there were no registered protocol or exclusion criteria for the included SRs/MAs, the methodological quality was rated as critically low. There was no high‐quality evidence available for the outcomes, and the evidence quality ranged from critically low to moderate. Evidence degradation was most commonly caused by the risk of bias, followed by imprecision, publication bias and inconsistency. In conclusion, stem cell therapy may be effective for DF. However, this conclusion should be approached with caution, considering the quality of the supporting SRs/MAs.
Biogeography of orchids and their pollination syndromes in small Mediterranean islands
Authors: Lussu M. , Zannini P. , Testolin R. , Dolci D. , Conti M. , Martellos S. , Chiarucci A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsDespite the research on orchid in insular conditions, few studies are focused on the spatial distribution of their reproductive syndromes across complex insular systems. By using island species–area relationships (ISAR), we explore orchid biogeography in the Central Western‐Mediterranean islands. In this study, we aim to investigate variation in ISARs using orchid pollination mechanisms as proxies to establish permanent populations explaining how the c and z parameters of ISARs vary among island types and pollination strategies and defining the most influential factors in shaping orchids' distribution.LocationMediterranean Basin.TaxonOrchidaceae.MethodsChecklist of native orchids was obtained for 112 islands of Central‐Western Mediterranean Basin. The Arrhenius power function () was used to fit ISARs for the total number of orchids as well as for functional groups defined by the pollination strategies, across different island types. We used GLM to investigate the relation between pollination syndromes with area and isolation as well as elevation, island origin, taxa richness of the source area and habitat diversity.ResultsWe found that ISARs differ between continental and volcanic islands depending on isolation. The z‐value was found to be higher for more specialized strategies while the c‐value increases from autogamy to allogamy, supporting the role of these two parameters in understanding distributional dynamics. Distance from the mainland is a negative predictor for all the strategies except when deception is decoupled; island area is a positive predictor only for allogamic, deceptive and food deceptive strategies, while habitat diversity is a positive predictor for allogamic, rewarding and deceptive strategies.Main ConclusionsPollination syndromes contribute in explaining the distribution of orchids in insular conditions. Furthermore, we identified differences in ISARs across pollination syndromes in which the intercept increases when the pollination shifts from a generalist to a more specialized one.
Testing the social motivation theory of autism: the role of co‐occurring anxiety
Authors: Bagg Eloise , Pickard Hannah , Tan Manting , Smith Tim J. , Simonoff Emily , Pickles Andrew , Carter Leno Virginia , Bedford Rachael 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe Social Motivation Theory proposes that social reward processing differences underlie autism. However, low social motivation has also been linked to higher anxiety. Given the co‐occurrence between autism and anxiety, it is possible that anxiety drives the association between social motivation and autistic characteristics. This study tests the mechanisms underlying the association between social motivation and autistic traits.MethodsParticipants were 165 adolescents (71 male), aged 10–16 years, from the Mapping profiles of cognition, motivation and attention in childhood (C‐MAPS) study, enriched for autistic traits (70 participants with an autism diagnosis, 37 male). Participants completed a battery of online experimental tasks, including a Choose‐a‐Movie social motivation task and social cognition measures (theory of mind; emotion recognition), alongside parent‐reported child anxiety and autistic traits.ResultsHigher social motivation was significantly associated with lower autistic traits (β = −.26, p < .001). Controlling for social cognition did not change the association between social motivation and autistic traits. Controlling for anxiety did significantly reduce the strength of the association (unstandardized coefficient change: p = .003), although social motivation remained associated with autistic traits (β = −.16, p = .004). Post hoc analyses demonstrated differential sex‐effects: The association between social motivation and autistic traits was significant only in the females (β = −.38, p < .001), as was the attenuation by anxiety (unstandardized coefficient change: p < .001).ConclusionsThe association between social motivation and autistic traits could be partially attributed to co‐occurring anxiety. Sex‐specific effects found in females may be due to environmental factors such as increased social demands in adolescent female relationships. Results are consistent with self‐report by autistic individuals who do not identify as having reduced social motivation.