bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading has increased benefit to tibia bone mechanics in ovariectomised mice
Authors: Roberts Bryant C. , Cheong Vee San , Oliviero Sara , Arredondo Carrera Hector M. , Wang Ning , Gartland Alison , Dall'Ara Enrico 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCombined treatment with PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading confers increased structural benefits to bone than monotherapies. However, it remains unclear how this longitudinal adaptation affects the bone mechanics. This study quantified the individual and combined longitudinal effects of PTH(1‐34) and mechanical loading on the bone stiffness and strength evaluated in vivo with validated micro‐finite element (microFE) models. C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomised at 14‐week‐old and treated either with injections of PTH(1‐34), compressive tibia loading or both interventions concurrently. Right tibiae were in vivo microCT‐scanned every 2 weeks from 14 until 24‐week‐old. MicroCT images were rigidly registered to reference tibia and the cortical organ level (whole bone) and tissue level (midshaft) morphometric properties and bone mineral content were quantified. MicroCT images were converted into voxel‐based homogeneous, linear elastic microFE models to estimate the bone stiffness and strength. This approach allowed us for the first time to quantify the longitudinal changes in mechanical properties induced by combined treatments in a model of accelerated bone resorption. Both changes of stiffness and strength were higher with co‐treatment than with individual therapies, consistent with increased benefits with the tibia bone mineral content and cortical area, properties strongly associated with the tibia mechanics. The longitudinal data shows that the two bone anabolics, both individually and combined, had persistent benefit on estimated mechanical properties, and that benefits (increased stiffness and strength) remained after treatment was withdrawn.
Cellular behavior and extracellular matrix turnover in bovine annulus fibrosus cells under hydrostatic pressure and deviatoric strain
Authors: Taiji Ryo , Kang James D. , Mizuno Shuichi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntervertebral disc herniation is a common spinal disorder that is often treated with discectomy when conservative measures fail. To devise therapeutic strategies for tears in the annulus fibrosus (AF), the regenerative capability of AF cells under spinal loading needs to be addressed. We hypothesized that the compressive loading associated with deformation in AF cells reduces synthetic and degradative activities in extracellular matrix and cell proliferation. We evaluated expression of key matrix molecules and cell proliferation by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry by inner and outer bovine AF cells incubated under hydrostatic pressure (HP), arc‐bending strain (Strain), and combined HP and Strain (HP/Strain) mimicking spinal loading. Inner AF cells showed significantly increased levels of aggrecan core protein, chondroitin sulfate N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase‐1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐2 by 6 days under HP (p < 0.05), with a tendency toward increased matrix metalloproteinase‐13. Outer AF cells demonstrated a significant decline in collagen type‐2 under Strain and HP/Strain (p < 0.05) and a tendency toward suppression of collagen type‐1 and elastin expression compared to HP and unloaded control. On the other hand, proliferating cell nucleus antigen increased significantly under Strain and HP/Strain in inner AF and declined under unloaded and HP in outer AF (p < 0.05). Immunohistology findings supported reductions in gene expressions of matrix molecules. Thus, changes in HP/Strain in AF appear to diminish synthetic and degradative activities while increasing cell proliferation. To promote regeneration, continuous overloading should be avoided, as it converts the synthetic activity to a state in which tissue repair is limited.
Influence of flooding variability on the development of an Amazonian peatland
Authors: Sassoon D. , Fletcher W. J. , Roucoux K. H. , Ryan P. , Lawson I. T. , Honorio Coronado E. N. , Del Aguila Pasquel J. , Bishop T. , Åkesson C. M. , Hastie A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTPeat in the Pastaza–Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB), northern Peru, forms beneath open wetlands, palm swamps, pole forests and seasonally flooded forests. These vegetation communities may represent different successional stages of peatlands, but the spatiotemporal patterns of peatland development in Amazonia are still poorly understood. We present a new geochemical and palaeoecological record spanning the last c. 4330 years from an open peatland (San Roque, core SAR_T3_03_B). Our results suggest the persistence of predominantly herbaceous vegetation communities at the core site since the start of peat accumulation (c. 3180 cal a bp). Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence core scanning provides evidence for episodes of fluvially derived minerogenic input and simultaneous increases in flood‐tolerant taxa relating to intervals of increased frequency and depth of riverine flooding. The establishment of Mauritia flexuosa palms from around 440 cal a bp coincided with a shift to lower flooding depth and frequency which continues to the present day. This study reveals the role of flooding variability in shaping peatland development and influencing vegetation succession in the PMFB, underlining the need to understand natural environmental variability for the conservation of these ecosystems due to their vital contributions to ecosystem services and carbon storage.
Simulating the effects of optimizing sowing date and variety shift on maize production at finer scale in northeast China under future climate
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Gao Jiangbo , Liu Lulu , Wu Shaohong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlobal warming and the rising occurrences of climate extremes have become formidable challenges for maize production in northeast China. The optimization of sowing date and variety choice stand out as two economic approaches for maize to enhance its resilience to climate change. Nevertheless, assessment of the potential of optimizing sowing date and variety shift on maize yield at finer scale remains underexamined. This study investigated the implications of optimizing sowing date and implementing variety shift on maize yield from a regional perspective.RESULTSCompared to the reference period (1986–2005), climate change would decrease by 11.5–34.6% (the range describes the differences among climate scenarios and agro‐ecological regions) maize yield in the 2050s (2040–2059) if no adaption measure were to be implemented. The combined adaption (optimizing sowing date and variety shift) can improve maize yield by 38.8 ± 11.3%, 42.7 ± 9.7% and 33.9 ± 7.6% under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. The current sowing window typically falls within the projected optimal sowing window, defined as the period capable of achieving 90% of the maximum yield within the potential sowing window under future climate conditions. Consequently, the potential of the effect of optimizing sowing window on maize yield is limited. In contrast, variety shift results in higher yield improvement, as temperature rise creates favorable conditions for transplanting varieties with an extended growth period, particularly in high latitudes and mountainous regions. Under future climate, cumulative precipitation and compound drought and hot days during maize growing seasons are two key factors influencing maize production.CONCLUSIONSThe optimization of sowing date and variety choice can improve maize yield in northeast China. In addition, maize production should consider varieties with longer growth period and drought and heat tolerance to adapt to climate change. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of concurrent STAT3::RARA and RARA::STAT5b fusions in a variant APL case
Authors: Tao Tingting , Cen Jiannong , Xu Chao , Chen Yan , Cao Yanglin , Gong Yanlei , Zhu Mingqing , Chen Suning , Zhang Qike , Yao Li 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with typically PML::RARA fusion gene caused by t (15;17) (q22; q12) was distinguished from other types of acute myeloid leukemia. In a subset of patients with APL, t (15;17) (q22;q21) and PML::RARA fusion cannot be detected. In this report, we identified the coexistence of STAT3::RARA and RARA::STAT5b fusions for the first time in a variant APL patient lacking t (15;17)(q22;q21)/PML::RARA fusion. Then, this patient was resistant to all‐trans retinoic acid combined arsenic trioxide chemotherapy. Accurate detection of RARA gene partners is crucial for variant APL, and effective therapeutic regime is urgently needed.
A long‐term follow up of the laparoscopically harvested free omental flap for breast reconstruction
Authors: Claessens Anouk A. E. , van Onna Martijn A. , Maaskant Sabrina , Broekhuysen Coralien L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere are different types of reconstruction after mastectomy and breast‐conserving surgery. Autologous reconstructions are nowadays more often preferred over implant‐based reconstructions for many reasons. A more natural looking breast with a durable long‐term result is one of the advantages. The greater omentum is frequently used in the general field of reconstructive surgery but has not been widely adopted in breast surgery. This report is the first larger series of patients who underwent a breast reconstruction using the laparoscopically harvested omental free flap (LHOFF). The aim of this report is to provide information about indication, surgical technique, short‐ and long‐term complications, and patient satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).MethodsPatients underwent a breast reconstruction with the LHOFF from 2014 to 2021 in Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands. All patients underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy prior to the reconstruction to examine whether the volume of omentum was deemed sufficient. Outcome measures included the Breast‐Q for HR‐QoL, patient satisfaction, short‐ and long‐term complications, and abdominal complaints related to the transplanted omentum. Surgical data were retrieved retrospectively.ResultsTwenty‐six patients were included in this article. Patients were 40 to 71 years old with a mean BMI of 21.5 (range 17.0–25.0). Mean weight of the omental free flap was 228 g (range 112–395). Four out of 26 cases underwent surgery due to venous congestion. There was one case of flap failure due to venous thrombosis. Mean time of follow‐up was 54 months (range 8–179). Secondary corrections include a nipple reconstruction (n = 11), lipofilling (n = 11), a contralateral breast reduction (n = 3) or a breast implant (n = 2). Patients reported improvement in HR‐QoL and good satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. No abdominal complications were reported during the follow‐up period.ConclusionThe LHOFF is an autologous breast reconstruction technique that results in a soft, small breast with natural ptosis and minimal donor site morbidities. Patients report satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and good quality of life. The main limitation of this technique is the limited amount of volume of the omentum and the possible need for secondary corrections. No abdominal complications were reported. In the future, larger prospective studies are required to support implementation of the LHOFF reconstruction on a broader scale.
In situ terahertz reflective spectral detection of biological tissues using a transceiver‐microprobe
Authors: Li Zaoxia , Yang Zhongbo , Chang Tianying , Cui Hong‐Liang , Yan Shihan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTerahertz (THz) reflective spectroscopy is suitable and promising for biomedical applications due to its potential to evolve into an in situ detection modality. Here, we demonstrate this feasibility by using a micrometer‐sized photoconductive transceiver probe, in association with a novel home‐built THz reflection‐mode system to achieve simple optical path adjustment, and to closely approach the biological tissue surface to be probed, without additional measures to ensure the smoothness of the surface under test. Experimentally, a fresh sample consisting of muscle and adipose of porcine tissue was directly detected and successfully distinguished, showing the potential of in situ biomedical detection using this micro transceiver probe‐based THz spectrometer.
A novel and compact ultra‐wideband printed monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth and dual‐band stop properties
Authors: Abdollahvand Mousa , Abbasi Arand Bijan , Katoch Kanishka , Ghosh Saptarshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article introduces a novel and compact design of an ultra‐wideband (UWB) printed monopole antenna with an enhanced bandwidth and dual band‐stop performance. A modified π‐shaped slot has been inserted in the ground plane to exhibit a wide impedance bandwidth of 116% (ranging from 3.1 to 11.2 GHz), whereas dual stopband responses (at 3.5 and 5.5 GHz) are obtained by embedding three I‐shaped stubs and a pair of modified Γ‐shaped slits in the radiating patch. The proposed topology is highly compact having an overall dimension of 18 mm × 14 mm (which is equivalent to 0.7λg × 0.54λg, where λg is the guided wavelength corresponding to the lower resonance band), has a low fabrication cost, an ultra‐wide impedance bandwidth, and omnidirectional radiation patterns in the H‐plane, which make the antenna appropriate for wideband applications and integration into UWB system. To check the advantages of the proposed antenna, experimental verification has been carried out as well as the results are compared for UWB scenarios.
Infants hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections during the first two years of life have increased risk of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Gayoso‐Liviac Mirtha G. , Nino Gustavo , Montgomery Agnes S. , Hong Xiumei , Wang Xiaobin , Gutierrez Maria J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRationaleLower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) during the first 2 years of life increase the risk of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but whether this risk varies by LRTI severity is unknown.MethodsWe analyzed data from 2962 children, aged 0–5 years, with early‐life LRTI requiring hospitalization (severe LRTI, n = 235), treated as outpatients (mild LRTI, n = 394) and without LRTI (reference group, n = 2333) enrolled in the Boston Birth Cohort. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted by pertinent covariables were used to evaluate the risk of pediatric OSA.ResultsCompared to children without LRTI, those with mild LRTI were at a higher risk of having OSA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.05), and those with severe LRTI were at the highest risk (HR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.41–3.02), independently of relevant covariables (including maternal age, race, gestational age, and type of delivery). Additional risk factors linked to a higher risk of OSA included prematurity (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01–1.77) and maternal obesity (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32–2.52). The time elapsed between LRTI and OSA diagnosis was similar in mild and severe LRTI cases, with medians of 23 and 25.5 months, respectively (p = .803).ConclusionInfants with severe early‐life LRTI have a higher risk of developing OSA, and surveillance strategies to identify OSA need to be particularly focused on this group. OSA monitoring should continue throughout the preschool years as it may develop months or years after the initial LRTI hospitalization.
For birds and humans: challenges and benefits of rat eradication from an inhabited island (Ventotene, central Italy)
Authors: Capizzi Dario , Sposimo Paolo , Sozio Giulia , Fratini Sara , Zanet Stefania , Biondo Carmen , Romano Antonio , Dell'Agnello Filippo , Baccetti Nicola , Petrassi Fabrizio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDRat eradication from islands is a very effective tool that can free entire ecosystems from the pressure of alien predators. In this study we present the case study of Ventotene (Ponziane Archipelago, central Italy), which to date is the island with by far the greatest number of human inhabitants ever freed from the negative implications of rats. Rat eradication was carried out in the framework of the Life PonDerat project, co‐financed by the European Union. Besides considering the conservation benefits due to the removal of rats, we also considered the socio‐economic and pathogenic impacts from introduced rats.RESULTSThe overall economic cost of the rats was quantified to be at least €18 500 per year to the residents of the island. Several zoonotic pathogens were detected in the rat population prior to eradication. A reduction in the rodenticide distributed over time on the island was also estimated. Identifying the origin of the rat population allowed for the development of more targeted and effective biosecurity measures. The eradication effort was challenged by the presence of domestic animals and variability in support for baiting in urbanised areas.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study open up new perspectives on island restoration projects. We demonstrated the cost‐effectiveness of the action, including ecosystem restoration, reduction of rat impacts in agricultural systems, and improving overall health and food safety. Our findings will have implications for similar interventions on other islands, potentially bringing significant benefits. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the influence of density‐dependence and weather on the spatial and temporal variation in common vole (Microtus arvalis) abundance in Castilla y León, NW Spain
Authors: Caminero‐Saldaña Constantino , Correa‐Cuadros Jennifer Paola , Baños‐Herrero Ana , Riquelme Carlos , Pallavicini Yesica , Fernández‐Villán Mercedes , Plaza Javier , Pérez‐Sánchez Rodrigo , Sánchez Nilda , Mougeot François , Luque‐Larena Juan José , Jaksic Fabián M , García‐Ariza María Carmen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe common vole has invaded the agroecosystems of northwestern Spain, where outbreaks cause important crop damage and management costs. Little is yet known about the factors causing or modulating vole fluctuations. Here, we used 11 years of vole abundance monitoring data in 40 sites to study density‐dependence and weather influence on vole dynamics. Our objective was to identify the population dynamics structure and determine whether there is direct or delayed density‐dependence. An evaluation of climatic variables followed, to determine whether they influenced vole population peaks.RESULTSFirst‐ and second‐order outbreak dynamics were detected at 7 and 33 study sites, respectively, together with second‐order variability in periodicity (2–3 to 4–5‐year cycles). Vole population growth was explained by previous year abundance (mainly numbers in summer and spring) at 21 of the sites (52.5%), by weather variables at 11 sites (27.5%; precipitation or temperature in six and five sites, respectively), and by a combination of previous abundance and weather variables in eight sites (20%).CONCLUSIONSWe detected variability in vole spatiotemporal abundance dynamics, which differs in cyclicity and period. We also found regional variation in the relative importance of previous abundances and weather as factors modulating vole fluctuations. Most vole populations were cyclical, with variable periodicity across the region. Our study is a first step towards the development of predictive modeling, by disclosing relevant factors that might trigger vole outbreaks. It improves decision‐making processes within integrated management dealing with mitigation of the agricultural impacts caused by voles. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sample size calculation for mixture model based on geometric average hazard ratio and its applications to nonproportional hazard
Authors: Wang Zixing , Zhang Qingyang , Xue Allen , Whitmore James 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith the advent of cancer immunotherapy, some special features including delayed treatment effect, cure rate, diminishing treatment effect and crossing survival are often observed in survival analysis. They violate the proportional hazard model assumption and pose a unique challenge for the conventional trial design and analysis strategies. Many methods like cure rate model have been developed based on mixture model to incorporate some of these features. In this work, we extend the mixture model to deal with multiple non‐proportional patterns and develop its geometric average hazard ratio (gAHR) to quantify the treatment effect. We further derive a sample size and power formula based on the non‐centrality parameter of the log‐rank test and conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of each parameter on performance. Simulation studies showed a clear advantage of our new method over the proportional hazard based calculation across different non‐proportional hazard scenarios. Moreover, the mixture modeling of two real trials demonstrates how to use the prior information on the survival distribution among patients with different biomarker and early efficacy results in practice. By comparison with a simulation‐based design, the new method provided a more efficient way to compute the power and sample size with high accuracy of estimation. Overall, both theoretical derivation and empirical studies demonstrate the promise of the proposed method in powering future innovative trial designs.
Environmental target constraints and enterprise export competitiveness—Exploring the sustainable development of China's external trade
Authors: Feng Zhuo , Zhang Lijuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBalancing export growth and environmental protection is the key to promoting China's long‐term sustainable development. Based on the multi‐dimensional panel data, we conducted a case study using Chinese prefecture‐level city and firm‐level data from 2004 to 2014 to examine the impact of local government environmental target constraints on enterprises' export competitiveness. The results show that local government environmental target constraints have a significant negative effect on the export competitiveness of enterprises, and this finding still holds after a series of robustness tests and overcoming endogeneity. The mechanism test shows that there is both the cost effect of the “traditional school” and the innovation compensation effect of the “Porter hypothesis” in the effect of local government environmental target constraints on the export competitiveness of enterprises. The sub‐sample heterogeneity regressions found that the negative effects of local government environmental target constraints on polluting industries, processing trade enterprises, and labor and capital‐intensive industries are significantly weaker than those on clean industries, general trade enterprises, and technology‐ intensive industries. The research provides empirical support for the government to develop environmental policies to secure a win‐win situation of environmental protection and export growth.