bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis)
Authors: de Espírito Augusti Beatriz , Rahal Sheila Canevese , da Silva Jeana Pereira , Vac Mirian Halásc , Teixeira Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello , da Costa Andre Luiz Mota , da Silva Gomes Marcelo , Novais Jeniffer , Junior Oldemar Carvalho , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). The sonograph showed that the urinary bladder was located in the caudal abdomen and its content was uniformly anechoic. The bladder wall had three layers: outer hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic muscular layer and hyperechoic mucosa. The mean total wall thickness was 0.10 cm. The splenic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity than that of the left renal cortex and liver. The borders were regular and tapered. Rugal folds were observed in the stomach when undistended. The mean gastric wall thickness was 0.28 cm and five distinct layers were visible. The liver had smooth contours, and division of the hepatic lobes was not precisely visualized. The hepatic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity as compared to the right kidney and lesser echogenicity than that of the spleen. The gallbladder appeared as an oval or rounded structure in the transverse plane, filled with homogeneous anechogenic content; the wall was thin, regular and hyperechoic, with a mean thickness of 0.09 cm. The kidneys had a lobulated appearance with renicular subunits. The mean total length of the kidneys in longitudinal plane was 6.18 cm for the left and 6.27 cm for the right. Each reniculus was covered by an echogenic capsule, and the medullary region was more hypoechogenic than the cortical region. In conclusion, sonographic features in most of the abdominal organs in Neotropical otters are similar to the ultrasound patterns observed in healthy dogs and cats, except for kidneys with reniculi.
Bioartificial liver system approved for clinical trials in China
Authors: Shah Aakash M. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBioartificial organ systems are becoming more attractive options for end‐stage organ disease. Currently, end‐stage liver disease has several palliative options but relies on transplantation for curative management. A new bioartificial liver has been approved for clinical trials in China and helps support the failed liver via stem cells.
Vitamin D concentrations were often insufficient among native Norwegian adolescents and children with a non‐Western immigrant background
Authors: Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to review papers that assessed the vitamin D intake of children living in Norway, as research has suggested that it has remained below the recommended daily allowance of 10 μg/day.MethodsThis mini review examined the vitamin D status of Norwegian children aged 0–18 years by systematically searching the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases from 1 January 2009 to 1 July 2020.ResultsThe review comprised six studies published in English between 2009 and 2020 on native‐born and non‐Western immigrant children. Most studies defined satisfactory vitamin D status as a plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of 50 nmol/L, with 25–50 nmol/L being classified as insufficient and below 25 nmol/L being classified as deficient. A study of healthy children found that 21% had insufficient levels and a further 1% were deficient, but this second finding was only among adolescents. Other studies showed that 47% of Norwegian children with a non‐Western immigrant background were deficient, and so were 19% of overweight children, mainly adolescents.ConclusionVitamin D concentrations were often insufficient among children living in Norway, particularly adolescents and those with a non‐Western immigrant background. Higher recommended supplements may be needed.
Comparative diagnoses of respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves using sequential thoracic ultrasonography and clinical respiratory scoring
Authors: Hinnant HR , Elder LA , Claus‐Walker R , Mandella CM , Slanzon GS , Parrish LM , Trombetta SC , McConnel CS 
Published: December 2023

AimsBovine respiratory disease (BRD) has serious impacts on dairy production and animal welfare. It is most commonly diagnosed based on clinical respiratory signs (CRS), but in recent years, thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) has emerged as a diagnostic tool with improved sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to assess the alignment of BRD diagnoses based on a Clinical Respiratory Scoring Chart (CRSC) and weekly TUS findings throughout the progression of BRD of variable severity in preweaned Holstein dairy heifers.MethodsA total of 60 calves on two farms were followed from the 2nd week of life through the 11th week of life and assessed on a weekly basis for CRS and lung consolidation via TUS. The alignment of BRD diagnoses based on CRSC scores and TUS findings was evaluated across disease progression (pre‐consolidation, onset, chronic, or recovered) and severity (lobular or lobar lung consolidation) using receiver operator curves and area under the curves combined with Cohen's kappa (κ), sensitivity, and specificity.ResultsThe diagnosis of BRD using CRSC scores ≥5 aligned best with the onset of lobar lung consolidation (>1 cm in width and full thickness). This equated to an acceptable level of discrimination (AUC = 0.76), fair agreement (κ = 0.37), and a sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 99%. Similarly, there was acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.70) and fair agreement (κ = 0.33) between CRSC ≥5 and the onset of a less severe threshold of disease based on lobular (1–3 cm2 but not full thickness) or lobar consolidation. Discrimination remained acceptable (AUC = 0.71) with fair agreement (κ = 0.28) between CRSC scores ≥2 for nasal discharge and/or cough (spontaneous or induced) and the onset of lobar consolidation. However, sensitivity was <40% across comparisons and outside of the onset of disease there tended to be poor discrimination, slight agreement, and lowered sensitivity between CRS and TUS diagnoses of lobular or lobar consolidation (pre‐consolidation, chronic, or recovered). Conversely, specificity was relatively high (≥92%) across comparisons suggesting that CRSC diagnoses indicative of BRD and associated lung consolidation tend to result in few false positive diagnoses and accurate identification of healthy animals.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlthough we found the specificity of clinical signs for diagnosing lung consolidation to be ≥92% across all methods of TUS evaluations, the low levels of sensitivity dictate that clinical assessments lead to many false negative diagnoses. Consequently, depending on clinical signs alone to diagnose BRD within populations of dairy calves will likely result in overlooking a substantial proportion of subclinically affected animals that could inform the success of treatment and prevention protocols and guide management decisions.
A meta‐analysis exploring the relationship between perceived brand ethicality and consumer response
Authors: Geetha M. , Kaushik Arun Kumar , Abithakumari Jensolin , Gotmare Preeti R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent research highlights the relationship between perceived brand ethicality (PBE), consumer purchase intention, and the consumer–brand relationship. Existing empirical studies offer mixed findings on whether these three relate positively, negatively, or not at all. Moreover, their relationships have not been the primary focus of existing meta‐analytic reviews. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to provide an empirical consensus to this debate by studying the magnitude of the association between PBE and consumer responses (purchase intention, brand trust, and brand loyalty). Moreover, we examined the moderating effects of self‐accountability and brand experience to expand our understanding of this relationship. After a thorough literature review from major databases and cross‐referencing of the relevant articles, we selected 31 peer‐reviewed articles for this meta‐analysis. The results reveal that consumer response to PBE positively influences attitude formation towards the brand and purchase intentions. Additionally, moderation analyses reveal the crucial roles of self‐accountability and brand experience in influencing the effects of PBE on consumer–brand relationships and purchase intention. Crucial theoretical and practical implications are discussed regarding these relationships, followed by limitations and future research directions.
ATBC 2019 in Madagascar: Its impact on the National Scientific Community
Authors: Rakotomanana Hajanirina , Razanamaro Onja Hariveloniana Morilline , Ravelomanana Andrianjaka , Andriantsaralaza Seheno , Rafalinirina Andry Herman , Razanaparany Tojotanjona P. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Rabakonandrianina Elisabeth , Goodman Steven M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConferences of the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation aim to foster scientific understanding and conservation of tropical ecosystems by supporting research communication and collaboration among biologists and conservation practitioners working in the tropics. The annual meeting in 2019 was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar. To assess the importance of the meeting in the academic and professional development of the 89 Malagasy participants, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted 12 months after the meeting. Feedback from the respondents indicated that the three most important aspects of the meeting were developing networks (40.0%); improving professional skills (encompassing public speaking, data analysis, comments on their presentations, writing capacity, and ability to publish) (30.0%); and gaining visibility (16.7%). Among the respondents, 49.0% have subsequently become interest in problems associated with deforestation, 28.6% in topics related to conservation biology, 14.3% to new approaches for solving conservation problems, and 8.2% in food security issues. The survey found that language barriers and lack of funds for research (about 64.6% in both cases) were the most limiting factors to advance research programs for national scientists. The meeting also acknowledged three Malagasy scientists who received Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation awards. An important outcome was the “Ivato Declaration” a petition to bring to the world's attention the current conservation situation on the island and for which nearly 7000 people from 124 countries signed. The survey indicated that national scientists and students received multiple benefits and new opportunities from their participation in the meeting.Abstract in French is available with online material.
Study on the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin in alleviating liver cirrhosis based on network pharmacology
Authors: Wei Lin , Li Xiaoying , Yao Yuanzhi , Wang Siqi , Ai Xinghui , Liu Shenggui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Hovenia dulcis, which has various activities. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in relieving liver cirrhosis was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The cell model was induced by TGF‐β1 activating the human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC; LX‐2). The protein levels of α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III and pathway‐related proteins within LX‐2 cells were detected using Western blot. EdU staining was conducted to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of α‐SMA and collagen I. Next, the drug targets of DHM were screened from the PubChem database. The differentially expressed genes in the liver cirrhosis dataset GSE14323 were identified. The expression of the identified drug targets in LX‐2 cells was verified using qRT‐PCR. The results showed that TGF‐β1 treatment notably increased LX‐2 cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, and elevated α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III protein contents. DHM treatment could partially eliminate TGF‐β1 effects, as evidenced by the inhibited cell viability and proliferation and reduced α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III contents. After network pharmacology analysis, nine differentially expressed target genes (MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, BCL2L2, ABCB1, TYR, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6) in liver cirrhosis were identified. According to qRT‐PCR verification, DHM could inhibit the expression of MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6, and enhance ABCB1 expression levels within LX‐2 cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in TGF‐β1‐induced HSCs. In conclusion, DHM could inhibit HSC activation, which may be achieved via acting on MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, IL6, and ABCB1 genes and their downstream signaling pathways, including mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway.
Exendin‐4: A potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Verma Aanchal , Chaudhary Shobhit , Solanki Kunal , Goyal Ahsas , Yadav Harlokesh Narayan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders, which affect millions worldwide, are marked by a steady decline of neurons that are selectively susceptible. Due to the complex pathological processes underlying neurodegeneration, at present, there is no viable therapy available for neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the establishment of a novel therapeutic approach for such conditions is a clinical void that remains. The potential significance of various peptides as neuroprotective interventions for neurodegenerative disorders is gaining increasing attention. In the past few years, there has been growing scientific interest in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists due to their claimed neuroprotective effects. Exendin‐4 is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist that is known to possess anti‐diabetic effects and does not degrade for hours, making it a superior candidate for such disorders. Moreover, exendin‐4's neuroprotective effects have been reported in several preclinical studies. Exendin‐4's diverse therapeutic targets suggest its potential therapeutic uses in neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and have garnered an increasing amount of attention. Given the substantial body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective potential of exendin‐4 in various research models, this article is dedicated to exploring the promising role of exendin‐4 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review draws insights from the findings of numerous preclinical and clinical studies to highlight the collective neuroprotective advantages of exendin‐4 and the potential mechanisms that underlie its neuroprotective effects.
Effects of homicide timing on test scores: Quasi‐experimental evidence from two cities in Colombia
Authors: Cristancho Juan C. , Bailey Drew H. , Duncan Greg J. , Molano Andres , Harker Arturo , Norza Ervyn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study examines the effect of homicides around schools on the standardized test scores of fifth and ninth graders (N = 4729; Mage = 12.71 years, SDage = 2.13) using a quasi‐experimental design in two Colombian cities. Exposure to homicides occurring within 7 days of the test and within 500 m of the school decreases test scores by 0.10 SD. Effects show a greater sensitivity to timing than distance, becoming null as the time to the testing date increases but remaining consistent across larger radii. Since students in the study are on average exposed to 12.1 homicides per year, even short‐lived learning losses can accumulate to impair learning for substantial portions of the school year. Findings are discussed, considering previous empirical work.
Women's perceptions of body mass graphics and their preferences for weight counselling
Authors: Kaak Katherine B. , Holliday Candice P. , Mulekar Madhuri S. , Trepman Elly , Holliday Nicolette P. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryHealth care providers may lack data‐driven guidance about best practises for discussing weight. We assessed women's self‐perception of body mass index (BMI) and preferences for weight counselling by provider characteristics and the initiating question. A voluntary, anonymous survey was completed by 756 women (age ≥ 19 year) at our tertiary care obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in autumn 2021. The respondents' height and weight were collected before respondents selected graphics from a validated Body Image Scale that they felt best represented their current body size and which graphs should prompt weight loss or gain recommendations. Respondents were asked their preferences about provider characteristics for discussion about weight and to identify which of six initiating questions from a provider was most and least preferred. Blank responses were allowed. In 708 responses, 366 women (52%) selected the most accurate graphic that corresponded to their BMI; the selected graphic represented a lower than actual BMI in 268 women (38%) and higher in 74 women (10%). In 648 responses, 374 women (58%) preferred a female provider, but provider body shape, ethnicity/race and age were not important to most women. The most preferred question to initiate a discussion about weight was “A lot of women have trouble achieving or maintaining a healthy weight; is that something we can discuss?” in 181 of 555 women (33%), and the least preferred question was “Do you feel like you are at an appropriate weight?” in 172 of 554 women (31%). Provider knowledge about patient preferences regarding questions may facilitate the discussion about weight.
Melanocyte colonization and pigmentation of breast carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Khazaeli Mahyar , Maruthi Vijaya Kadam , See Sharlene , Ondracek Theodore , Gerami Pedram 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPigmented mammary Paget disease is a rare variant of mammary Paget disease that is often clinically misdiagnosed as a melanocytic lesion of the skin or nipple–areolar complex. Careful morphological assessment, along with the performance of adequate immunohistochemical stains, will help in achieving the right diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis of the entity as malignant melanoma. We report a rare case of pigmented mammary Paget disease with concomitant colonization of the underlying invasive ductal carcinoma by melanocytes mimicking melanoma.
Determinants of durable humoral and T cell immunity in myeloma patients following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Twumasi Clement , Moore Sally , Sadler Ross , Jeans Sally , Varghese Sherin , Turner Alison , Agarwal Gaurav , Larham Jemma , Gray Nathanael , Carty Oluremi , Barrett Joe , Bowcock Stella , Oppermann Udo , Gamble Vicky , Cook Gordon , Kyriakou Chara , Drayson Mark , Basu Supratik , McDonald Sarah , McKinley Shelagh , Gooding Sarah , Javaid Muhammad K. , Ramasamy Karthik 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe determinants of persisting humoral and cellular immune response to the second COVID‐19 vaccination among patients with myeloma.MethodsThis is a prospective, observational study utilising the RUDYstudy.org platform. Participants reported their second and third COVID‐19 vaccination dates. Myeloma patients had an Anti‐S antibody level sample taken at least 21 days after their second vaccination and a repeat sample before their third vaccination.Results60 patients provided samples at least 3 weeks (median 57.5 days) after their second vaccination and before their third vaccination (median 176.0 days after second vaccine dose). Low Anti‐S antibody levels (<50 IU/mL) doubled during this interval (p = .023) and, in the 47 participants with T‐spot data, there was a 25% increase negative T‐spot tests (p = .008). Low anti–S antibody levels prior to the third vaccination were predicted by lower Anti‐S antibody level and negative T‐spot status after the second vaccine. Independent determinants of a negative T‐spot included increasing age, previous COVID infection, high CD4 count and lower percentage change in Anti‐S antibody levels.ConclusionsNegative T‐spot results predict low Anti‐S antibody levels (<50 IU/mL) following a second COVID‐19 vaccination and a number of biomarkers predict T cell responses in myeloma patients.
What is the meta‐analytic evidence for life‐history trade‐offs at the genetic level?
Authors: Chang Chia‐chen , Moiron Maria , Sánchez‐Tójar Alfredo , Niemelä Petri T. , Laskowski Kate L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the maintenance of individual differences in behavior and physiology is a fundamental goal in ecology and evolution. The pace‐of‐life syndrome hypothesis is often invoked to explain the maintenance of such within‐population variation. This hypothesis predicts that behavioral traits are part of a suite of correlated traits that collectively determine an individual's propensity to prioritize reproduction or survival. A key assumption of this hypothesis is that these traits are underpinned by genetic trade‐offs among life‐history traits: genetic variants that increase fertility, reproduction and growth might also reduce lifespan. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to summarize the evidence for the existence of genetic trade‐offs between five key life‐history traits: survival, growth rate, body size, maturation rate, and fertility. Counter to our predictions, we found an overall positive genetic correlation between survival and other life‐history traits and no evidence for any genetic correlations between the non‐survival life‐history traits. This finding was generally consistent across pairs of life‐history traits, sexes, life stages, lab vs. field studies, and narrow‐ vs. broad‐sense correlation estimates. Our study highlights that genetic trade‐offs may not be as common, or at least not as easily quantifiable, in animals as often assumed.
Rapid administration of undiluted loading doses of levetiracetam
Authors: Martinez Sydni , Bonnin Sophia S. , Radosevich John , Haller J. Tyler 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveRapid administration of antiseizure medications is a critical concept in the treatment of status epilepticus. Although undiluted levetiracetam (LEV) doses of up to 2500 mg have been evaluated, minimal data exist to support the safety of loading doses up to 4500 mg. This study will evaluate intravenous (IV) push administration of undiluted LEV from 2500 to 4500 mg for safety outcomes as well as tolerability.MethodsThis is a retrospective, observational, cohort analysis of adult patients who received at least one loading dose of undiluted IV push LEV from October 15, 2019, to April 30, 2022, at a large academic medical center in Phoenix, Arizona. Relevant outcomes include the safety and tolerability of rapid administration of undiluted LEV at higher loading doses.ResultsWe evaluated 518 loading doses in 518 unique patients included during the study period. LEV was a new medication for witnessed or suspected seizures in 80.3% of patients, with 31.2% having a documented history of epilepsy or seizure disorder. At the time of LEV administration, 52.9% of patients were on a general medicine floor, 34.3% were in the intensive care unit, and 12.7% were in the emergency department. The median loading dose of LEV was 3600 mg (3000–4000 mg), with 4000 mg being the most common loading dose given. Peripheral IV lines were documented as the only available line in 78.6% of patients for loading dose administration. No adverse events associated with LEV administration were documented.SignificanceRapid IV administration of undiluted doses of LEV is both safe and tolerable in loading doses of 2500–4500 mg, allowing for rapid drug administration in the setting of status epilepticus.