bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergic diseases as risk factors for Long‐COVID symptoms: Systematic review of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Wolff Doreen , Drewitz Karl Philipp , Ulrich Angela , Siegels Doreen , Deckert Stefanie , Sprenger Antonia Anabella , Kuper Paula Ricarda , Schmitt Jochen , Munblit Daniel , Apfelbacher Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe role of allergy as a risk factor for Long‐COVID (LC) is unclear and has not been thoroughly examined yet. We aimed to systematically review and appraise the epidemiological evidence on allergic diseases as risk factors for LC.DesignThis is an initial systematic review. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction using Covidence. Risk of bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (GRADE) were assessed. Random effects meta‐analyses were used to pool unadjusted ORs within homogeneous data subsets.Data SourcesWe retrieved articles published between January 1st, 2020 and January 19th, 2023 from MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, the WHO‐COVID‐19 database and the LOVE platform (Epistemonikos Foundation). In addition, citations and reference lists were searched.Eligibility CriteriaWe included prospective cohort studies recruiting individuals of all ages with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection that were followed up for at least 12 months for LC symptoms where information on pre‐existing allergic diseases was available. We excluded all study designs that were not prospective cohort studies and all publication types that were not original articles.ResultsWe identified 13 studies (9967 participants, range 39–1950 per study), all assessed as high RoB, due to population selection and methods used to ascertain the exposures and the outcome. Four studies did not provide sufficient data to calculate Odds Ratios. The evidence supported a possible relationship between LC and allergy, but was very uncertain. For example, pre‐existing asthma measured in hospital‐based populations (6 studies, 4019 participants) may be associated with increased risk of LC (Odds Ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.08, 3.50) and findings were similar for pre‐existing rhinitis (3 studies, 1141 participants; Odds Ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.61, 2.39), both very low certainty evidence.ConclusionsPre‐existing asthma or rhinitis may increase the risk of LC.
Systematic nature positive markets
Authors: Bush Alex , Simpson Katherine Hannah , Hanley Nick 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEnvironmental markets are a rapidly emerging tool to mobilize private funding to incentivize landholders to undertake more sustainable land management. How units of biodiversity in these markets are measured and subsequently traded creates key challenges ecologically and economically because it determines whether environmental markets can deliver net gains in biodiversity and efficiently lower the costs of conservation. We developed and tested a metric for such markets based on the well‐established principle of irreplaceability from systematic conservation planning. Irreplaceability as a metric avoids the limitations of like‐for‐like trading and allows one to capture the multidimensional nature of ecosystems (e.g., habitats, species, ecosystem functioning) and simultaneously achieve cost‐effective, land‐manager‐led investments in conservation. Using an integrated ecological modeling approach, we tested whether using irreplaceability as a metric is more ecologically and economically beneficial than the simpler biodiversity offset metrics typically used in net gain and no‐net‐loss policies. Using irreplaceability ensured no net loss, or even net gain, of biodiversity depending on the targets chosen. Other metrics did not provide the same assurances and, depending on the flexibility with which biodiversity targets can be achieved, and how they overlap with development pressure, were less efficient. Irreplaceability reduced the costs of offsetting to developers and the costs of ecological restoration to society. Integrating economic data and systematic conservation planning approaches would therefore assure land managers they were being fairly rewarded for the opportunity costs of conservation and transparently incentivize the most ecologically and economically efficient investments in nature recovery.
Implications of the scale of detection for inferring co‐occurrence patterns from paired camera traps and acoustic recorders
Authors: Vélez Juliana , McShea William , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Stevenson Pablo , Fieberg John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMultifunctional landscapes that support economic activities and conservation of biological diversity (e.g., cattle ranches with native forest) are becoming increasingly important because small remnants of native forest may comprise the only habitat left for some wildlife species. Understanding the co‐occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors, such as poaching activity and domesticated ungulates, is key to successful management of multifunctional landscapes. Tools to measure co‐occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors include camera traps and autonomous acoustic recording units. We paired 52 camera‐trap stations with acoustic recorders to investigate the association between 2 measures of disturbance (poaching and cattle) and wild ungulates present in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We used joint species distribution models to investigate species–habitat associations and species–disturbance correlations. One model was fitted using camera‐trap data to detect wild ungulates and disturbance factors, and a second model was fitted after replacing camera‐trap detections of disturbance factors with their corresponding acoustic detections. The direction, significance, and precision of the effect of covariates depended on the sampling method used for disturbance factors. Acoustic monitoring typically resulted in more precise estimates of the effects of covariates and of species–disturbance correlations. Association patterns between wildlife and disturbance factors were found only when disturbance was detected by acoustic recorders. Camera traps allowed us to detect nonvocalizing species, whereas audio recording devices increased detection of disturbance factors leading to more precise estimates of co‐occurrence patterns. The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) co‐occurred with disturbance factors and are conservation priorities due to the greater risk of poaching or disease transmission from cattle.
Research activity induces change in nest position but does not affect nest success in a vulnerable babbler
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Wang Yufeng , Chen Benping , Liao Wenbo , Zhang Zhengwang , Fu Yiqiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStudies show that birds cognize human disturbance as a potential predation risk. However, the responses of breeding birds to long‐term continuous disturbance by research activities and whether researcher disturbance affects the fitness of target species remain poorly understood. In this study, we used field observation data collected over 6 years to assess the potential impacts of research activities on nest‐site selection and nest success of the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis), a vulnerable babbler species endemic to Southwest China. Our results showed that Emei Shan Liocichlas tended to nest in taller nesting plants or the higher parts of nesting plants to increase nest‐site height following researcher disturbance. The average height of Emei Shan Liocichla nests increased by 52.2% over the 6‐year study period, from 129.8 ± 9.2 cm in 2009 (n = 11) to 197.5 ± 12.1 cm in 2015 (n = 18). While some pairs adopted a different strategy, placing their nests in Rosaceae plants with thorns instead of the bamboo Chimonobambusa szechuanensis (the favored nesting plant of the Emei Shan Liocichla) under high interference pressure, which made it more difficult for researchers to approach their nests. There were no significant differences both in clutch size and nest success between the low‐ and high‐disturbance groups. The study revealed the behavioral response pattern of breeding Emei Shan Liocichlas to researcher disturbance, which will contribute to conservation of this threatened songbird and the knowledge of reproductive strategies of birds. Developing specific guidelines for fieldwork and strengthening visitor management within its core habitat of Emei Shan Liocichla during breeding period should be considered.
Greater time spent with HbA1c less than 7.0% with oral semaglutide versus oral comparators: An exploratory analysis of the PIONEER studies
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Cariou Bertrand , Eliasson Johanna , Frappin Guillaume , Kaltoft Margit S. , Montanya Eduard , Knop Filip K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimTo assess how long participants with type 2 diabetes spent with HbA1c less than 7.0% and how likely they were to maintain this target with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg or oral semaglutide 14 mg versus empagliflozin 25 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg or subcutaneous liraglutide 1.8 mg.Materials and MethodsAnalyses used on‐treatment data without rescue medication for all randomized participants (semaglutide [approved maintenance doses], n = 1880; comparators [not including placebo], n = 1412). Duration of time with HbA1c less than 7.0% was calculated using an HbA1c time curve. A binary endpoint of achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% at weeks 26 (week 24 for PIONEER 7) and 52 of each trial (and week 78 for PIONEER 3) was analysed.ResultsMean duration of time with HbA1c less than 7.0% was greater with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin in PIONEER 3 (27 vs. 22 weeks) and with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus empagliflozin and sitagliptin (27‐34 vs. 19 vs. 22 weeks, respectively), and similar versus subcutaneous liraglutide. A greater proportion of participants achieved and maintained HbA1c less than 7.0% for more than 75% of the trial with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus oral comparators. The odds of achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% at weeks 24/26 and 52/78 were significantly greater with oral semaglutide 14 mg versus oral comparators or subcutaneous liraglutide, and with oral semaglutide 7 mg versus sitagliptin.ConclusionsOral semaglutide 7 and 14 mg resulted in greater time spent with HbA1c less than 7.0%, and a greater likelihood of achieving and maintaining HbA1c less than 7.0% versus oral comparators.
From ‘publish or perish’ to ‘publish for purpose’
Authors: Elbanna Said , Child John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPressures to publish prolifically have led to an abundance of research on trivial matters rather than on issues of significance. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where limited access to paid content has fueled the growth of open‐access publications. Additionally, the prevailing “publish or perish” culture has encouraged the pursuit of inconsequential and conformist research. The scholarly integrity of academic institutions is eroded when they struggle with evaluating research impact through metrics, potentially overlooking substantive contribution. The emergence of AI technology adds a fresh dimension to the issue, creating new possibilities for mass output rather than work that is innovative or informed by social values and priorities. This commentary serves as a call to action for scholars, institutions, and policymakers collectively to reshape the trajectory of academic publishing, restoring its sense of purpose through making lasting contributions to the betterment of society.
Mediterranean springs: Keystone ecosystems and biodiversity refugia threatened by global change
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez M. , Barquín J. , Bonada N. , Cantonati M. , Churro C. , Corbera J. , Delgado C. , Dulsat‐Masvidal M. , Garcia G. , Margalef O. , Pascual R. , Peñuelas J. , Preece C. , Sabater F. , Seiler H. , Zamora‐Marín J. M. , Romero E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMediterranean spring ecosystems are unique habitats at the interface between surface water and groundwater. These ecosystems support a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide important ecological functions and ecosystem services. Spring ecosystems are influenced by abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors such as the lithology of their draining aquifers, their climate, and the land use of their recharge area, all of which affect the water chemistry of the aquifer and the spring discharges. One of the most relevant characteristics of spring ecosystems is the temporal stability of environmental conditions, including physicochemical features of the spring water, across seasons and years. This stability allows a wide range of species to benefit from these ecosystems (particularly during dry periods), fostering an unusually high number of endemic species. However, global change poses important threats to these freshwater ecosystems. Changes in temperature, evapotranspiration, and precipitation patterns can alter the water balance and chemistry of spring water. Eutrophication due to agricultural practices and emergent pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides, is also a growing concern for the preservation of spring biodiversity. Here, we provide a synthesis of the main characteristics and functioning of Mediterranean spring ecosystems. We then describe their ecological value and biodiversity patterns and highlight the main risks these ecosystems face. Moreover, we identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in order to fully uncover the hidden biodiversity within these habitats and understand the main drivers that govern them. Finally, we provide a brief summary of recommended actions that should be taken to effectively manage and preserve Mediterranean spring ecosystems for future generations. Even though studies on Mediterranean spring ecosystems are still scarce, our review shows there are sufficient data to conclude that their future viability as functional ecosystems is under severe threat.
Shift in algal blooms from micro‐ to macroalgae around China with increasing eutrophication and climate change
Authors: Feng Yuan , Xiong Yonglong , Hall‐Spencer Jason M. , Liu Kailin , Beardall John , Gao Kunshan , Ge Jingke , Xu Juntian , Gao Guang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBlooms of microalgal red tides and macroalgae (e.g., green and golden tides caused by Ulva and Sargassum) have caused widespread problems around China in recent years, but there is uncertainty around what triggers these blooms and how they interact. Here, we use 30 years of monitoring data to help answer these questions, focusing on the four main species of microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, Noctiluca scintillans, and Skeletonema costatum) associated with red tides in the region. The frequency of red tides increased from 1991 to 2003 and then decreased until 2020, with S. costatum red tides exhibiting the highest rate of decrease. Green tides started to occur around China in 1999 and the frequency of green tides has since been on the increase. Golden tides were first reported to occur around China in 2012. The frequency of macroalgal blooms has a negative linear relationship with the frequency and coverage of red tides around China, and a positive correlation with total nitrogen and phosphorus loads as well as with atmospheric CO2 and sea surface temperature (SST). Increased outbreaks of macroalgal blooms are very likely due to worsening levels of eutrophication, combined with rising CO2 and SST, which contribute to the reduced frequency of red tides. The increasing grazing rate of microzooplankton also results in the decline in areas affected by red tides. This study shows a clear shift of algal blooms from microalgae to macroalgae around China over the past 30 years driven by the combination of eutrophication, climate change, and grazing stress, indicating a fundamental change in coastal systems in the region.
Pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoepithelial carcinoma – morphology, molecular characteristics and differential diagnosis
Authors: Berezowska Sabina , Maillard Marie , Keyter Mark , Bisig Bettina 
Published: November 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises one of the major groups of non‐small‐cell carcinoma of the lung, and is subtyped into keratinising, non‐keratinising and basaloid SCC. SCC can readily be diagnosed using histomorphology alone in keratinising SCC. Confirmatory immunohistochemical analyses should always be applied in non‐keratinising and basaloid tumours to exclude differential diagnoses, most prominently adenocarcinoma and high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, which may have important therapeutic consequences. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification 2015, the diagnosis of SCC can be rendered in resections of morphologically ambiguous tumours with squamous immunophenotype. In biopsies and cytology preparations in the same setting the current guidelines propose a diagnosis of ‘non‐small‐cell carcinoma, favour SCC’ in TTF1‐negative and p40‐positive tumours to acknowledge a possible sampling bias and restrict extended immunohistochemical evaluation in order to preserve tissue for molecular testing. Most SCC feature a molecular ‘tobacco‐smoke signature’ with enrichment in GG > TT mutations, in line with the strong epidemiological association of SCC with smoking. Targetable mutations are extremely rare but they do occur, in particular in younger and non‐ or light‐smoking patients, warranting molecular investigations. Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a poorly differentiated SCC with a syncytial growth pattern and a usually prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and frequent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) association. In this review, we describe the morphological and molecular characteristics of SCC and LEC and discuss the most pertinent differential diagnoses.
PEComa with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion: expanding the molecular genetic spectrum of TFE3‐rearranged PEComa with an emphasis on overlap with alveolar soft part sarcoma
Authors: Zhao Ming , Huang Yan , Yin Xiaona , Xu Jiayun , Sun Yuefang , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2023

AimsMesenchymal neoplasms involving TFE3 gene fusions are diverse, mainly include alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) that is characterised by ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion, and a small subset of perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) referred to as TFE3‐rearranged PEComa, that most frequently harbours SFPQ::TFE3 fusion. Historically, ASPS and TFE3‐rearranged PEComa are considered two distinctive entities despite their known morphological overlap. However, recent studies have suggested a potential histogenetic relationship between them, and several neoplasms that showed morphological features more closely fit PEComa rather than ASPS but harboured ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion have been documented. In this study, we report three cases of PEComa with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion.Methods and resultsClinicopathological features were assessed and partner agnostic targeted next‐generation sequencing on clinically validated platforms were performed. The patients are two females and one male with age at presentation ranging from 21 to 51 years. All three tumours were located in the viscera (rectum, kidney and cervix). On a relatively limited follow‐up period (range = 9–15 months), all patients are alive without evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease. The neoplasms were composed of tight nested architecture of epithelioid clear cells separated by a delicate vascular network, two of which were associated with sheets of plump spindle cells, and none showed significant discohesive tumour morphology. Immunohistochemically, in addition to TFE3 protein, all three neoplasms demonstrated co‐expression of melan‐A and smooth muscle actin. RNA‐sequencing identified ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion in all three cases that were confirmed by subsequent fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation analyses.ConclusionsOur study expands the molecular genetic spectrum of TFE3‐rearranged PEComa and further indicates its close relationship to ASPS.
The cell stress and immunity cycle in cancer: Toward next generation of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Laureano Raquel S. , Vanmeerbeek Isaure , Sprooten Jenny , Govaerts Jannes , Naulaerts Stefan , Garg Abhishek D. 
Published: November 2023

SummaryThe cellular stress and immunity cycle is a cornerstone of organismal homeostasis. Stress activates intracellular and intercellular communications within a tissue or organ to initiate adaptive responses aiming to resolve the origin of this stress. If such local measures are unable to ameliorate this stress, then intercellular communications expand toward immune activation with the aim of recruiting immune cells to effectively resolve the situation while executing tissue repair to ameliorate any damage and facilitate homeostasis. This cellular stress‐immunity cycle is severely dysregulated in diseased contexts like cancer. On one hand, cancer cells dysregulate the normal cellular stress responses to reorient them toward upholding growth at all costs, even at the expense of organismal integrity and homeostasis. On the other hand, the tumors severely dysregulate or inhibit various components of organismal immunity, for example, by facilitating immunosuppressive tumor landscape, lowering antigenicity, and increasing T‐cell dysfunction. In this review we aim to comprehensively discuss the basis behind tumoral dysregulation of cellular stress‐immunity cycle. We also offer insights into current understanding of the regulators and deregulators of this cycle and how they can be targeted for conceptualizing successful cancer immunotherapy regimen.
Deleterious genetic changes in AGTPBP1 result in teratozoospermia with sperm head and flagella defects
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hua , Wang Ya‐Yun , Lai Tsung‐Hsuan , Teng Jih‐Lung , Lin Chi‐Wei , Ke Chih‐Chun , Yu I‐Shing , Lee Hui‐Ling , Chan Chying‐Chyuan , Tung Chi‐Hua , Conrad Donald F. , O'Bryan Moira K. , Lin Ying‐Hung 
Published: November 2023

AbstractApproximately 10%–15% of couples worldwide are infertile, and male factors account for approximately half of these cases. Teratozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility. Although various mutations have been identified in teratozoospermia, these can vary among ethnic groups. In this study, we performed whole‐exome sequencing to identify genetic changes potentially causative of teratozoospermia. Out of seven genes identified, one, ATP/GTP Binding Protein 1 (AGTPBP1), was characterized, and three missense changes were identified in two patients (Affected A: p.Glu423Asp and p.Pro631Leu; Affected B: p.Arg811His). In those two cases, severe sperm head and tail defects were observed. Moreover, AGTPBP1 localization showed a fragmented pattern compared to control participants, with specific localization in the neck and annulus regions. Using murine models, we found that AGTPBP1 is localized in the manchette structure, which is essential for sperm structure formation. Additionally, in Agtpbp1‐null mice, we observed sperm head and tail defects similar to those in sperm from AGTPBP1‐mutated cases, along with abnormal polyglutamylation tubulin and decreasing △−2 tubulin levels. In this study, we established a link between genetic changes in AGTPBP1 and human teratozoospermia for the first time and identified the role of AGTPBP1 in deglutamination, which is crucial for sperm formation.