bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sstr2 Defines the Cone Differentiation-Competent Late-Stage Retinal Progenitor Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina
Authors: Bai Yihan , He Han , Ren Bangqi , Ren Jiayun , Zou Ting , Chen Xi , Liu Yong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cone cell death is a characteristic shared by various retinal degenerative disorders, such as cone-rod dystrophy, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia, and retinitis pigmentosa. This leads to conditions like color blindness and permanently impaired visual acuity. Stem cell therapy focused on photoreceptor replacement holds promise for addressing these conditions. However, identifying surface markers that aid in enriching retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) capable of differentiating into cones remains a complex task. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to scrutinize the transcriptome of developing retinas in C57BL/6J mice. This revealed the distinctive expression of somatostatin receptor 2 (Sstr2), a surface protein, in late-stage RPCs exhibiting the potential for photoreceptor differentiation. In vivo lineage tracing experiments verified that Sstr2+ cells within the late embryonic retina gave rise to cones, amacrine and horizontal cells during the developmental process. Furthermore, Sstr2+ cells that were isolated from the late embryonic mouse retina displayed RPC markers and exhibited the capability to differentiate into cones in vitro. Upon subretinal transplantation into both wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, Sstr2+ cells survived and expressed cone-specific markers. This study underscores the ability of Sstr2 to enrich late-stage RPCs primed for cone differentiation to a large extent. It proposes the utility of Sstr2 as a biomarker for RPCs capable of generating cones for transplantation purposes.
Ability of seedlings to survive heat and drought portends future demographic challenges for five southwestern US conifers
Authors: Crockett Joseph L , Hurteau Matthew D 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Climate change and disturbance are altering forests and the rates and locations of tree regeneration. In semi-arid forests of the southwestern USA, limitations imposed by hot and dry conditions are likely to influence seedling survival. We examined how the survival of 1-year seedlings of five southwestern US conifer species whose southwestern distributions range from warmer and drier woodlands and forests (Pinus edulis Engelm., Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C. Lawson) to cooler and wetter subalpine forests (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. Ex Hildebr. and Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) changed in response to low moisture availability, high temperatures and high vapor pressure deficit in incubators. We used a Bayesian framework to construct discrete-time proportional hazard models that explained 55–75% of the species-specific survival variability. We applied these to the recent climate (1980–2019) of the southwestern USA as well as 1980–2099 CMIP5 climate projections with the RCP8.5 emissions pathway. We found that the more mesic species (i.e., P. menziesii, A. concolor and P. engelmannii) were more susceptible to the effects of hot and dry periods. However, their existing ranges are not projected to experience the conditions we tested as early in the 21st century as the more xeric P. edulis and P. ponderosa, leading to lower percentages of their existing ranges predicted to experience seedling-killing conditions. By late-century, extensive areas of each species southwestern range could experience climate conditions that increase the likelihood of seedling mortality. These results demonstrate that empirically derived physiological limitations can be used to inform where species composition or vegetation type change are likely to occur in the southwestern USA.
Contrasting water-use strategies revealed by species-specific transpiration dynamics in the Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Wright Cynthia L , West Jason B , de Lima André L A , Souza Eduardo S , Medeiros Maria , Wilcox Bradford P 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn forest ecosystems, transpiration (T) patterns are important for quantifying water and carbon fluxes and are major factors in predicting ecosystem change. Seasonal changes in rainfall and soil water content can alter the sensitivity of sap flux density to daily variations in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). This sensitivity is species-specific and is thought to be related to hydraulic strategies. The aim of this work is to better understand how the sap flux density of species with low versus high wood density differ in their sensitivity to VPD and soil water content and how potentially opposing water-use strategies influence T dynamics, and ultimately, correlations to evapotranspiration (ET). We use hysteresis area analysis to quantify the sensitivity of species-specific sap flux density to changes in the VPD, breakpoint-based models to determine the soil water content threshold instigating a T response and multiscalar wavelet coherency to correlate T to ET. We found that low wood density Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) Gillett had a more dynamic T pattern, a greater sensitivity to VPD at high soil water content, required a higher soil water content threshold for this sensitivity to be apparent, and had a significant coherency correlation with ET at daily to monthly timescales. This behavior is consistent with a drought avoidance strategy. High wood density Cenostigma pyramidale (Tul.) E. Gagnon & G. P. Lewis, conversely, had a more stable T pattern, responded to VPD across a range of soil water content, tolerated a lower soil water content threshold to T, and had a significant coherency correlation with ET at weekly timescales. This behavior is consistent with a drought-tolerant strategy. We build on previous research to show that these species have contrasting water-use strategies that should be considered in large-scale modeling efforts.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new gall midge genus and species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) developing in the flower buds of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) in Japan
Authors: Elsayed Ayman Khamis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan is a biodiversity hotspot with a remarkable diversity of endemic plants and animals. Although recent biodiversity surveys have highlighted that gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are the most species-rich taxon of insects worldwide, only 43 species are known presently in the Ryukyus. In this study, an undescribed gall midge developing in the flower buds of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) was found on Ishigaki Island, southern Ryukyus, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Morphologically, the gall midge belongs to the supertribe Cecidomyiidi (Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae), but it does not fit the definition of any of the tribes and genera classified of Cecidomyiidi. A molecular phylogenetic analysis including the main tribes of Cecidomyiidi was conducted and reinforced the results of morphological examination. Therefore, Ishigakidiplosis karamaeElsayed,gen. nov. et sp.nov. was introduced for what is no doubt a previously unnamed species. This new genus sheds light on the unique gall midges of the Ryukyus and highlights the importance of conducting further surveys to elucidate their diversity and evolutionary relationships to other known gall midges.
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods Graduation: Lessons From a Single-center Series of 48 Patients
Authors: Gurel Ron , Elbaz Etay , Sigal Amit , Gigi Roy , Otremski Hila , Lebel David E. , Ovadia Dror 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has become a widely utilized method of deformity control, but long-term follow-up reports are sparse. We evaluated the outcomes of a large group of consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with EOS who were treated by MCGR to the endpoint of definitive spinal fusion in a single center. We hypothesized that lessons learned from treating a large volume of MCGR patients would lower the complication rate in comparison to what was previously reported by other studies.

Methods:
The records of 48 EOS patients with varied etiologies who were treated by MCGR between 2012 and 2022 and reached the end of treatment were analyzed retrospectively for baseline and final radiographic measurements and surgery-related complications.

Results:
The mean percent of improvement in the major coronal deformity was 51.7±25.0% and the mean T1 to T12 total growth was 52.9±21.9 mm. The total complication rate was 22.9% of which 12.5% required a single unplanned surgery, 6.3% required multiple unplanned surgeries, and 4% did not require any unplanned surgery.

Conclusion:
MCGR treatment provides adequate control of EOS, enabling satisfactory growth of the thoracic spine. The complication rate in a single large volume center is moderate.

Level of Evidence:
IV.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia is Safe and Effective for Management of Early Postoperative Knee Arthrofibrosis in Adolescent Patients
Authors: Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Padget William , Wall Eric J. , Parikh Shital N. 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Management of postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be challenging and the preferred time for intervention remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early (<3 mo postoperatively) manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for the treatment of knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients. We hypothesized that early MUA could restore normal knee motion with a low complication rate and without the need for more invasive intervention.

Methods:
In a retrospective review, 57 patients who underwent MUA for postoperative knee arthrofibrosis were identified. The time between the index surgery and MUA as well as changes in range of motion (ROM) before and after MUA were analyzed. Descriptive statistics with median and interquartile range were used to analyze this non-parametric study cohort. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess improvement in ROM over time. A P value <0.05 denoted statistical significance.

Results:
The median age of the cohort at time of MUA was 14.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 12.9 to 17.6)]. 54.4% were male. Median time to MUA was 64 days (IQR 52 to 79) after index surgery. ROM before MUA was 90.0 degrees (IQR 75 to 100), which improved to 130 degrees (120 to 135) after MUA. At final median follow-up of 8.9 months (IQR 5.1 to 16.1), mean ROM was 133 degrees (130 to 140). There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations associated with MUA. 12.3% (n=7/57) failed MUA either due to the need for subsequent repeat MUA (n=2), need for lysis of adhesions (n=3) or need for surgery after MUA (n=2). Those who failed early MUA and required subsequent procedures had ROM >120 degrees at final follow-up.

Conclusions:
Postoperative knee arthrofibrosis can be safely and effectively treated with early (<3 mo postoperative) MUA. There were no iatrogenic fractures or physeal separations during MUA. Patients who had recurrence of motion deficits after early MUA and required further intervention, regained satisfactory knee motion at final follow-up. Although further research is warranted to better characterize risk factors for knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients, early recognition and MUA is a safe and effective treatment for arthrofibrosis to help patients regain full ROM without invasive intervention.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Study – Level IV.
Cabozantinib inhibits HBV-RNA transcription by decreasing STAT3 binding to the enhancer region of cccDNA
Authors: Funato Kazuyoshi , Miyake Nozomi , Sekiba Kazuma , Miyakawa Yu , Seimiya Takahiro , Shibata Chikako , Kishikawa Takahiro , Otsuka Motoyuki 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Precision medicine and customized therapeutics based on the features of each patient are important for maximizing therapeutic effects. Because most cases of HCC occur in the damaged liver through various etiologies, such as hepatitis virus infection, steatohepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, there should be a rationale for the choice of therapeutic options based on these etiologies. Although cabozantinib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in advanced HCC, subgroup analyses showed a lower HR for death in HBV-related HCC. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of cabozantinib in HBV-related HCC.

Methods:
Using HBV infection models and gene knockout cells, we determined the crucial signaling axis responsible for the effects of cabozantinib on HBV. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to determine the interaction between the signaling molecules and HBV DNA. Agonists and inhibitors were used for confirmation.

Results:
Cabozantinib inhibited HBV replication through the HGF-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (MET-STAT3) signaling axis. The importance of STAT3 in viral replication has been confirmed using gene-edited STAT3 knockout cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that the binding levels of phosphorylated STAT3 to enhancer region 1 of HBV covalently closed circular DNA were significantly increased by HGF stimulation.

Conclusions:
Cabozantinib has favorable therapeutic effects on HBV-related HCC because it inhibits HCC not only directly but also indirectly by means of inhibitory effects on HBV.
Left atrial mechanics evaluated by two-dimensional strain analysis: alterations in essential hypertension
Authors: Stefani Luke D. , Trivedi Siddharth J. , Ferkh Aaisha , Emerson Peter , Marschner Simone , Gan Gary , Altman Mikhail , Thomas Liza 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Hypertension is a cardiovascular risk factor that predisposes to cardiac structural alterations namely increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, reduced LV compliance and diastolic dysfunction, with consequent left atrial (LA) dilation and functional impairment. In this article, we evaluated differences in left atrial structure and function using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with hypertension compared with controls.

Methods:
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 208 hypertensive patients and 157 controls who underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram. Patients with hypertension were stratified by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Results:
Non-LVH hypertension patients had lower left atrial reservoir strain (LASRES) (34.78 ± 29.78 vs. 29.78 ± 6.08; P = 0.022) and conduit strain (LASCD) (19.66 ± 7.29 vs. 14.23 ± 4.59; P = 0.014) vs. controls despite similar left atrial volumes (LAV). Left atrial contractile strain (LASCT) was not significantly different between non-LVH hypertension patients and controls (15.12 ± 3.77 vs. 15.56 ± 3.79; P = 0.601). Left atrial mechanical dispersion was significantly higher in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH hypertension group (42.26 ± 13.01 vs. 50.06 ± 14.95; P = 0.009). In multivariate regression analysis, LVH correlated with left atrial mechanical dispersion (P = 0.016). An age–hypertension interaction independently correlated with LASCT (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Hypertension results in functional left atrial changes even before development of LV hypertrophy and structural left atrial changes with increased left atrial volume. We demonstrate both a likely hypertension-associated left atrial myopathy that prevents age-related compensatory increase in left atrial contractile function, and impact of LVH in hypertension on left atrial dyssynchrony.
Effects of Walking Combined With Resistance Band Exercises on Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Liu An-I , Lee Yun-Hsiang , Lu Chi-Yu , Huda Nurul , Huang Tsai-Wei 
Published: November 2023

Background
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom, and exercise has shown potential in alleviating CRF. However, there is a need for diverse exercise options tailored to individual patient needs.

Objective
To evaluate the overall effects of a combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention in relieving CRF among cancer patients through randomized controlled trials.

Methods
Comprehensive searches were conducted in multiple databases to identify relevant studies up until March 2023. Inclusion criteria required the intervention to involve walking combined with elastic band training, with a clear exercise protocol description. The primary outcome was CRF, and secondary outcomes included walking steps, distance, mood distress, and quality of life. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models.

Results
Ten trials were included. The intervention group showed significant improvements in CRF (SMD, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.20), mood distress (SMD, −0.30; 95% CI, −0.53 to −0.07), and daily walking steps (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.07-0.96) compared with the control group. Although the 6-Minute Walk Test and quality of life did not show significant differences, a trend toward improvement was observed in the intervention group. Adverse events related to the intervention were infrequent.

Conclusion
A combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention can effectively alleviate CRF and improve mood distress and daily walking steps among cancer patients.

Implications for Practice
This exercise option may provide an additional strategy to manage CRF. Further research is needed to explore the optimal exercise prescription for individual patients.
Nurse Managers' Perceived Self-leadership Levels
Authors: Ma Holly 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the perceived levels of self-leadership among nurse managers in the United States.

BACKGROUND
Self-leadership is the ability to influence and engage oneself to be self-aware and responsible, and leverage strengths to perform. Despite benefits identified from extant literature, there are no studies on self-leadership among nurse managers in the United States.

METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Eighty-eight nurse managers completed a survey using the Revised Self-Leadership Questionnaire.

RESULTS
Nurse managers identified moderate levels of self-leadership; the strategies with the lowest scores were constructive thought strategies, self-reward behaviors, and visualizing performance. There was a relationship between age and the identified self-leadership levels.

CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are needed to understand self-leadership among nurse leaders in the United States and beyond. There is an opportunity to increase nurse managers' self-leadership level by focusing on interventions to increase constructive thought pattern strategies, self-reward behaviors, and visualizing successful performance.
Solitary Pulmonary Fibroleiomyomatous Hamartoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Tao Yi , Wang Feifei , Yan Jiao , Chen Zhengguo , He Chuandong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Solitary pulmonary fibroleiomyomatous hamartoma is a very rare benign tumor. A 57-year-old man presented with dry cough over 1 month. A CT showed an irregular nodule in the left upper lobe of the lung. A malignant tumor was suspected, and further investigation with 18F-FDG PET/CT showed the pulmonary nodule with slightly increased FDG uptake. Thoracoscopic resection was performed. Subsequent histopathological and immunohistochemical tests confirmed the diagnosis of fibroleiomyomatous hamartoma.
Akinetopsia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Van Swol Joshua M. , Thompson Elizabeth B. , Joffe Jonah A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Berman Eric L. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Selective motion blindness, also known as akinetopsia, is infrequently reported in the literature. Hence, little is known about the condition including its causes, time course, pathophysiology, and current diagnostic methods. In this investigation, we comprehensively surveyed the literature using a systematic review to identify each reported case of the condition. The purpose of this study was to provide an exhaustive catalog of every published occurrence to date to identify and discuss trends, commonalities, and differences among them. Our results revealed distinct characteristics for the various etiologies of this phenomenon in addition to a shared pathophysiologic pathway among them.
Real-World Continuous EEG Utilization and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Amerineni Rajesh , Sun Haoqi , Fernandes Marta Bento , Westover M. Brandon , Moura Lidia , Patorno Elisabetta , Hsu John , Zafar Sahar F. 
Published: November 2023

Purpose:
Continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) is recommended for hospitalized patients with cerebrovascular diseases and suspected seizures or unexplained neurologic decline. We sought to (1) identify areas of practice variation in cEEG utilization, (2) determine predictors of cEEG utilization, (3) evaluate whether cEEG utilization is associated with outcomes in patients with cerebrovascular diseases.

Methods:
This cohort study of the Premier Healthcare Database (2014–2020), included hospitalized patients age >18 years with cerebrovascular diseases (identified by ICD codes). Continuous electroencephalography was identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)/Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Multivariable lasso logistic regression was used to identify predictors of cEEG utilization and in-hospital mortality. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to determine the relation between cEEG use and mortality.

Results:
1,179,471 admissions were included; 16,777 (1.4%) underwent cEEG. Total number of cEEGs increased by 364% over 5 years (average 32%/year). On multivariable analysis, top five predictors of cEEG use included seizure diagnosis, hospitals with >500 beds, regions Northeast and South, and anesthetic use. Top predictors of mortality included use of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, anesthetics, antiseizure medications, and age. Propensity analysis showed that cEEG was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (Average Treatment Effect −0.015 [95% confidence interval −0.028 to −0.003], Odds ratio 0.746 [95% confidence interval, 0.618–0.900]).

Conclusions:
There has been a national increase in cEEG utilization for hospitalized patients with cerebrovascular diseases, with practice variation. cEEG utilization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Larger comparative studies of cEEG-guided treatments are indicated to inform best practices, guide policy changes for increased access, and create guidelines on triaging and transferring patients to centers with cEEG capability.