bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of cold water and aridity on Baja California mangrove survival and ecophysiological traits
Authors: Bardou Rémi , Pullen Jamie , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Parker John D. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Determining the factors that set species' range limits is of critical importance in an era of rapid climate and biotic change. Mangroves dominate global tropical coastlines, but their subtropical range limits are thought to be mainly constrained by cold air. However, several tropical mangrove range limits are conspicuously warm, arid, and dominated by cold water countercurrents. Despite speculation that the combination of cold water and aridity controls these range limits, investigations of this phenomenon are rare.

Here, we conducted an experimental study examining the separate and interactive effects of cold water and aridity on survival, growth, and ecophysiological traits of three mangrove species from the arid, countercurrent range limit in Baja California, Mexico. It is one of the few range edges worldwide where red and white mangroves (Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa, respectively), not the putatively stress‐tolerant black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), are the most poleward distributed mangroves, providing further opportunity to examine how mangrove ecophysiological traits affect species‐specific range limits.

Black mangroves were surprisingly intolerant of cold water regardless of aridity, with no seedlings surviving in the lowest water temperature (13°C) after 8 months. In contrast, both white and red mangrove seedlings were able to survive at 13°C when humidity was 65% (but not 40%).

In cold water and arid conditions, leaf stomatal conductance was consistently lowest for white mangroves, intermediate for red mangroves, and highest for black mangroves, suggesting that white mangroves were the most resistant to transpiration water loss in the arid conditions typical of Baja.

Similarly, when exposed to drought after the eight‐month experiment, white mangroves grown in cold water survived longer than red and black mangroves.

Synthesis: Ultimately, our results suggest that the species‐specific range limits of mangroves in Baja California reflects their species‐specific adaptations (or lack thereof) to cold water and aridity, with white and red mangroves surprisingly outperforming black mangroves. Further, the difference in our results compared to the same species in other ranges underscores the need to incorporate species and range‐specific traits when conducting distribution modelling to predict the effects of climate change on organism range limits.
Of mermaids and monsters: Transgender history and the boundaries of the human in eighteenth‐ and early‐nineteenth‐century Britain
Authors: Gust Onni 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe figure of the monster has long been used by trans and intersex scholars, artists and activists to articulate their sense of being in a world dominated by binary, cisgender norms. Yet what does it mean to embrace ‘the monstrous’ and how might that embrace inform the construction of transgender history? This article examines the specificities of ‘the monstrous’ in eighteenth‐ and nineteenth‐century Britain and empire by focusing on two figures at the boundary of the human: ‘the mermaid’ and ‘the hermaphrodite’. In doing so, it asks what the histories of these two marginal figures might tell us about the construction of ‘the human’ and argues that an alignment with the monster might enable trans historians to ally themselves with a vision of the future that goes beyond anthropocentrism.
Lymphocyte‐related ratios in methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder in Taiwan, comparing with patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ng Mei‐Hing , Lu Mong‐Liang , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung , Ting Hua , Huang Chieh‐Liang , Gossop Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe lymphocyte‐related ratios, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are new measures of inflammation within the body. Few studies have investigated the inflammatory response of patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder. Clinically, the psychotic symptoms and behavioural manifestation of methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder are often indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia. We aimed to determine the differences in these inflammatory markers between patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder, patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. A total of 905 individuals were recruited. The NLR and MLR were found to be higher in both patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorders and patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the three groups in PLR. When compared with the control group, the methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder group was significantly higher in NLR 27% (95%CI = 11 to 46%, p = 0.001), MLR 16% (95%CI = 3% to 31%, p = 0.013) and PLR 16% (95%CI = 5% to 28%, p = 0.005). NLR of the group with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder was 17% (95%CI = 73% to 94%, p = 0.004) less than the group with schizophrenia, while MLR and PLR did not differ significantly between the two groups. This is the first study that investigated the lymphocyte‐related ratios in methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder when compared with patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. The results showed that both patients with methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder and patients with schizophrenia had stronger inflammatory responses than the healthy control. Our finding also indicated that the inflammatory response of methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder was between those of patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals.
Neurogenetic and multi‐omic sources of overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Alex P. , Gizer Ian R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSensation seeking is bidirectionally associated with levels of alcohol consumption in both adult and adolescent samples, and shared neurobiological and genetic influences may in part explain these associations. Links between sensation seeking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) may primarily manifest via increased alcohol consumption rather than through direct effects on increasing problems and consequences. Here the overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD was examined using multivariate modelling approaches for genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics in conjunction with neurobiologically informed analyses at multiple levels of investigation. Meta‐analytic and genomic structural equation modelling (GenomicSEM) approaches were used to conduct GWAS of sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD. Resulting summary statistics were used in downstream analyses to examine shared brain tissue enrichment of heritability and genome‐wide evidence of overlap (e.g., stratified GenomicSEM, RRHO, genetic correlations with neuroimaging phenotypes), and to identify genomic regions likely contributing to observed genetic overlap across traits (e.g., H‐MAGMA and LAVA). Across approaches, results supported shared neurogenetic architecture between sensation seeking and alcohol consumption characterised by overlapping enrichment of genes expressed in midbrain and striatal tissues and variants associated with increased cortical surface area. Alcohol consumption and AUD evidenced overlap in relation to variants associated with decreased frontocortical thickness. Finally, genetic mediation models provided evidence of alcohol consumption mediating associations between sensation seeking and AUD. This study extends previous research by examining critical sources of neurogenetic and multi‐omic overlap among sensation seeking, alcohol consumption, and AUD which may underlie observed phenotypic associations.
Role of catecholamine synthases in the maintenance of cancer stem‐like cells in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Katayama Haruyoshi , Fujimura Atsushi , Huang Rongsheng , Otani Yusuke , Itano Takuto , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Nakata Eiji , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMalignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are malignant tumors that are derived from Schwann cell lineage around peripheral nerves. As in many other cancer types, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in MPNSTs, and they are considered the cause of treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. As an element defining the cancer stemness of MPNSTs, we previously reported a molecular mechanism by which exogenous adrenaline activates a core cancer stemness factor, YAP/TAZ, through β2 adrenoceptor (ADRB2). In this study, we found that MPNST cells express catecholamine synthases and that these enzymes are essential for maintaining cancer stemness, such as the ability to self‐renew and maintain an undifferentiated state. Through gene knockdown and inhibition of these enzymes, we confirmed that catecholamines are indeed synthesized in MPNST cells. The results confirmed that catecholamine synthase knockdown in MPNST cells reduces the activity of YAP/TAZ. These data suggest that a mechanism of YAP/TAZ activation by de novo synthesized adrenaline, as well as exogenous adrenaline, may exist in the maintenance of cancer stemness of MPNST cells. This mechanism not only helps to understand the pathology of MPNST, but could also contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for MPNST.
Towards the integration of prevention and control of oral diseases within child primary healthcare: The case of Peru
Authors: Melgar Ximena Concha , Azañedo Diego , Hugo Fernando Neves 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe Peruvian public health norm of primary healthcare (PHC) for growth and development medical check‐ups (CRED, Spanish acronym) of children under 5 years of age was updated in 2017 with the inclusion of interdisciplinary prevention and control actions for oral diseases, such as dentist referral. The aim of this study was to explore the association between CRED and oral health services utilization (OHSU), throughout the heterogeneous Peruvian territory.MethodsA population‐based cross sectional study was conducted using the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru and included data from 15 836 children aged 12–59 months. Poisson generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between any CRED and OHSU, in the 6 months prior to the survey, including sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their mothers as confounding variables. A possible effect modification by natural region of residence (Metropolitan Lima/rest of the Coast/Highlands/Jungle) was evaluated. To examine the robustness of the regression model, a sensitivity analysis was performed using the cumulative number of CRED.ResultsChildren who had at least one CRED were almost twice as likely to report OHSU (aPR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.73–2.21), which was greater in the regions of rest of the Coast (aPR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.00–3.17) and Jungle (aPR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.64–2.56). The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results for the association CRED‐OHSU. Nevertheless, within the last 6 months, attendance at CRED and OHSU were only achieved by 43.7% and 13.7% of the children respectively.ConclusionsIntegrating oral health into Peruvian Child PHC seems to be a promising public health intervention to increase children's OHSU. For a greater scope, it is crucial to drive greater attendance at CRED and continuous monitoring and strengthening of CRED‐based oral health promotion in all Peruvian natural regions with an equity‐focused approach.
Parents' dyadic coping, parent–child relationship quality, and children's emotional difficulties during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ranieri Sonia , Ferrari Laura , Parise Miriam , Pagani Ariela F. , Donato Silvia , Regalia Camillo , Lanz Margherita , Iafrate Raffaella , Rosnati Rosa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlthough studies have highlighted the role played by couple and parental relationships for children's psychosocial adjustment, especially in challenging situations, research on these two relationship domains has largely developed separately and mostly focussed on negative couple processes. However, Family Systems Theory highlights how these subsystems are interconnected, and studies inspired by this theoretical framework provide evidence of how the quality of the interparental relationship predicts the parent–child relationship. This study focussed on the association between two relational resources (dyadic coping and parent–child relationship quality) and children's emotional difficulties during the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy. Five hundred ninety‐one Italian parents filled in an online self‐report questionnaire. A path analysis model was estimated to test the mediating role of parent–child relationship quality in the association between partner positive dyadic coping and children's emotional difficulties. The findings showed both a direct effect and an indirect effect of partner positive dyadic coping on children's emotional difficulties, because parent–child relationship quality partially mediated this association. Enhancing parents' ability to cope together with stress and the quality of the parent–child relationship might contribute to decrease children's vulnerability to emotional difficulties in challenging times.
Obesity management from the perspectives of people living with obesity in Canada: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Lau David C. W. , Patton Ian , Lavji Reena , Belloum Adel , Ng Ginnie , Modi Renuca 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsTo identify and better understand themes related to why people living with obesity (PwO) in Canada may not use professional support and to explore potential strategies to address the challenges.MethodsOne‐on‐one interviews and online surveys, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, were conducted. A total of 20 PwO were interviewed and a separate group of 200 PwO were surveyed. Results from the interviews guided the development of the survey. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between the theme domain scores of the PwO and their prior experience with obesity management strategies.ResultsThe 200 PwO surveyed provided representation across Canada and were diverse in age, background and gender. The most prominent domains associated with use of professional support by PwO were: Intention (rs = −0.25; p < 0.01); Social/Professional Role and Identity (rs = −0.15; p < 0.05); and Optimism (rs = −0.15; p < 0.05). For example, PwO without professional support less often reported being transparent in obesity discussions, perceived obesity to be part of their identity, and expected to manage the illness long term. Many PwO hesitated to use various adjunctive therapies due to concerns about affordability, long‐term effectiveness, and side effects.ConclusionThis study identified contextual, perception and resource considerations that contribute to healthcare decision‐making and the use by PwO of professional support to manage obesity, and highlighted key areas to target with interventions to facilitate obesity management. Strategies such as consistent access to healthcare support and educational resources, as well as improved financial support may help PwO to feel more comfortable with exploring new strategies and take control of their healthcare.
Early life seizures and epileptic spasms in STXBP1‐related disorders
Authors: Thalwitzer Kim M. , Xian Julie , de Campo Danielle , Parthasarathy Shridhar , Magielski Jan , Sullivan Katie R. , Goss James , Rigby Charlene Son , Boland Michael , Prosser Ben , Ruggiero Sarah M. , Syrbe Steffen , Helbig Ingo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with disease‐causing variants in STXBP1 frequently have epilepsy onset in the first year of life with a variety of seizure types, including epileptic spasms. However, the impact of early onset seizures and antiseizure medication (ASM) on the risk of developing epileptic spasms and impact on their trajectory are poorly understood, limiting informed and anticipatory treatment, as well as trial design.MethodsWe retrospectively reconstructed seizure and medication histories in weekly intervals for individuals with STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) with epilepsy onset in the first year of life and quantitatively analyzed longitudinal seizure histories and medication response.ResultsWe included 61 individuals with early onset seizures, 29 of whom had epileptic spasms. Individuals with neonatal seizures were likely to have continued seizures after the neonatal period (25/26). The risk of developing epileptic spasms was not increased in individuals with neonatal seizures or early infantile seizures (21/41 vs. 8/16, odds ratio [OR] = 1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .3–3.9, p = 1). We did not find any ASM associated with the development of epileptic spasms following prior seizures. Individuals with prior seizures (n = 16/21, 76%) had a higher risk of developing refractory epileptic spasms (n = 5/8, 63%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = .2–14.6, p = .6). Individuals with refractory epileptic spasms had a later onset of epileptic spasms (n = 20, median = 20 weeks) compared to individuals with nonrefractory epileptic spasms (n = 8, median = 13 weeks, p = .08).SignificanceWe provide a comprehensive assessment of early onset seizures in STXBP1‐DEE and show that the risk of epileptic spasms is not increased following a prior history of early life seizures, nor by certain ASMs. Our study provides baseline information for targeted treatment and prognostication in early life seizures in STXBP1‐DEE.
Low prevalence of neural autoantibodies in perioperative cerebrospinal fluid samples of epilepsy surgery patients: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Mojžišová Hana , Elišák Martin , Krýsl David , Hanzalová Jitka , Kalina Adam , Petržalka Marko , Doležalová Irena , Červenka Matěj , Cvičková Barbora , Leško Robert , Šroubek Jan , Sochůrková Daniela , Hemza Jan , Brichtová Eva , Dargvainiene Justina , Vojtěch Zdeněk , Brázdil Milan , Wandinger Klaus‐Peter , Leypoldt Frank , Marusič Petr 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveRefractory epilepsy may have an underlying autoimmune etiology. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of neural autoantibodies in a multicenter national prospective cohort of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy undergoing epilepsy surgery utilizing comprehensive clinical, serologic, and histopathological analyses.MethodsWe prospectively recruited patients undergoing epilepsy surgery for refractory focal epilepsy not caused by a brain tumor from epilepsy surgery centers in the Czech Republic. Perioperatively, we collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or serum samples and performed comprehensive commercial and in‐house assays for neural autoantibodies. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical records, and histopathological analysis of resected brain tissue was performed.ResultsSeventy‐six patients were included, mostly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐lesional cases (74%). Mean time from diagnosis to surgery was 21 ± 13 years. Only one patient (1.3%) had antibodies in the CSF and serum (antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65) in relevant titers; histology revealed focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) III (FCD associated with hippocampal sclerosis [HS]). Five patients' samples displayed CSF‐restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs; 6.6%): three cases with FCD (one with FCD II and two with FCD I), one with HS, and one with negative histology. Importantly, eight patients (one of them with CSF‐restricted OCBs) had findings on antibody testing in individual serum and/or CSF tests that could not be confirmed by complementary tests and were thus classified as nonspecific, yet could have been considered specific without confirmatory testing. Of these, two had FCD, two gliosis, and four HS. No inflammatory changes or lymphocyte cuffing was observed histopathologically in any of the 76 patients.SignificanceNeural autoantibodies are a rare finding in perioperatively collected serum and CSF of our cohort of mostly MRI‐lesional epilepsy surgery patients. Confirmatory testing is essential to avoid overinterpretation of autoantibody‐positive findings.
Epigenetic changes to gene pathways linked to male fertility in ex situ black‐footed ferrets
Authors: Tennenbaum Stavi R. , Bortner Robyn , Lynch Colleen , Santymire Rachel , Crosier Adrienne , Santiestevan Jenny , Marinari Paul , Pukazhenthi Budhan S. , Comizzoli Pierre , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Maldonado Jesús E. , Koepfli Klaus‐Peter , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , DeCandia Alexandra L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEnvironmental variation can influence the reproductive success of species managed under human care and in the wild, yet the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely mysterious. Molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic modifiers are important in mediating the timing and progression of reproduction in humans and model organisms, but few studies have linked epigenetic variation to reproductive fitness in wildlife. Here, we investigated epigenetic variation in black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), an endangered North American mammal reliant on ex situ management for survival and persistence in the wild. Despite similar levels of genetic diversity in human‐managed and wild‐born populations, individuals in ex situ facilities exhibit reproductive problems, such as poor sperm quality. Differences across these settings suggest that an environmentally driven decline in reproductive capacity may be occurring in this species. We examined the role of DNA methylation, one well‐studied epigenetic modifier, in this emergent condition. We leveraged blood, testes, and semen samples from male black‐footed ferrets bred in ex situ facilities and found tissue‐type specificity in DNA methylation across the genome, although 1360 Gene Ontology terms associated with male average litter size shared functions across tissues. We then constructed gene networks of differentially methylated genomic sites associated with three different reproductive phenotypes to explore the putative biological impact of variation in DNA methylation. Sperm gene networks associated with average litter size and sperm count were functionally enriched for candidate genes involved in reproduction, development, and its regulation through transcriptional repression. We propose that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating these reproductive phenotypes, thereby impacting the fertility of male ex situ individuals. Our results provide information into how DNA methylation may function in the alteration of reproductive pathways and phenotypes in artificial environments. These findings provide early insights to conservation hurdles faced in the protection of this rare species.