bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical significance of indeterminate pulmonary nodules in patients with primary bone sarcoma: a systematic review
Authors: Hassan M Shihabul , Ariyaratne Sisith , Azzopardi Christine , Iyengar Karthikeyan P , Davies Arthur Mark , Botchu Rajesh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To report the incidence of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) and the rate of progression of IPNs to metastasis in patients with primary bone cancers. We also aimed to evaluate clinical or radiological parameters that may identify IPNs more likely to progress to metastatic disease and their effect on overall or event-free survival in patients with primary bone sarcoma.

Methods
A systematic search of the electronic databases Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library was undertaken for eligible articles on IPNs in patients with primary bone sarcomas, published in the English language from inception of the databases to 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies was utilized to evaluate risk of bias in included studies.

Results
Six studies, involving 1667 patients, were included in this systematic review. Pooled quantitative analysis found the rate of incidence of IPN to be 18.1% (302 out of 1667) and the rate of progression to metastasis to be 45.0% (136 out of 302). Nodule size (more than 5 mm diameter), number (more than or equal to 4), distribution (bilaterally distributed), incomplete calcification, and lobulated margins were associated with an increased likelihood of IPNs progressing to metastasis, however, their impact on overall or event-free survival remains unclear.

Conclusion
The risk of IPNs progressing to metastasis in patients with primary bone sarcoma is non-negligible. Large IPNs have a high risk to be an actual metastasis. We suggest that IPNs in these patients be followed up for a minimum of 2 years with CT imaging at 3, 6, and 12 month intervals, particularly for nodules measuring &gt;5 mm in average diameter.

Advances in knowledge
This is the first systematic review on IPNs in patients with primary bone sarcomas only and proposes viable management strategies for such patients.
Atrial function after percutaneous occluder device and suture-mediated patent fossa ovalis closure
Authors: Tarsia Carmela , Gaspardone Carlo , De Santis Antonella , D’Ascoli Emanuela , Piccioni Fabiana , Sgueglia Gregory Angelo , Iamele Maria , Leonetti Stefania , Giannico Maria Benedetta , Gaspardone Achille 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Suture-mediated patent fossa ovalis (PFO) closure is a recent technique, achieving closure by means of a simple suture. The differences between traditional occluders and suture might have different impacts on atrial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial function after PFO closure by direct suture and traditional occluders.

Methods and results
We prospectively studied 40 patients, 20 undergoing PFO closure by occluder and 20 by suture. Trans-thoracic echocardiography was carried out the day before and 1 year after the procedure. Left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) function was evaluated by using speckle-tracking analysis assessing the strain values of the reservoir (st-RES), conduit (st-CD), and contraction phase (st-CT). Compared with values baseline PFO closure, at 1-year follow-up, patients with occluder implantation had significantly worse indices of LA and RA reservoir (LA st-RES P &lt; 0.001; RA st-RES P &lt; 0.001), conduit (LA st-CD P &lt; 0.001; RA st-CD P &lt; 0.001), and contraction function (LA st-CT P &lt; 0.05; RA st-CT P &lt; 0.05). In patients with suture-mediated PFO closure, no significant differences were observed in the same indices of reservoir (LA st-RES P = 0.848; RA st-RES P = 0.183), conduit (LA st-CD P = 0.156; RA st-CD P = 0.419), and contraction function (LA st-CT P = 0.193; RA st-CT P = 0.375).

Conclusion
Suture-mediated PFO closure does not alter atrial function. Conversely, PFO closure by metallic occluders is associated with a deterioration of atrial function. This detrimental effect on atrial function could favour the development of atrial arrhythmias.
Bundling Genetic and Financial Technologies for More Resilient and Productive Small-Scale Farmers in Africa
Authors: Boucher Stephen R , Carter Michael R , Flatnes Jon Einar , Lybbert Travis J , Malacarne Jonathan G , Marenya Paswel P , Paul Laura A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Using a multi-year, spatially diversified randomised controlled trial spanning two African countries, this paper explores whether a complementary bundle of genetic and financial technologies can boost the resilience and productivity of small-scale farmers. The analysis shows that both moderate droughts and more severe yield losses undermine the resilience of control-group households, and that these shocks have long-lasting effects as farmers invest and produce less following shocks. Severe yield shocks also increase hunger and food insecurity. The genetic technology—drought-tolerant seeds—provides economically significant protection against mid-season drought and mitigates the long-term drop in farm productivity seen in the control group. The financial technology—satellite-based index insurance—offsets the long-term consequences of severe yield losses that are not mitigated by the drought-tolerant seeds. Finally, the analysis shows that treatment-group farmers who experienced shocks and saw the technologies in action subsequently increased their agricultural investment beyond pre-shock levels, an effect we call the resilience dividend. Unfortunately, this apparent experiential learning cuts both ways. Farmers who did not experience the efficacy of the risk management technologies backed away from using them. Our findings thus showcase how genetic and financial risk-mitigating technologies can offer farmers more complete protection, as well as the challenge of inducing sustained uptake of technologies that are midway between experience and credence goods and only infrequently reveal their benefits.
Questionnaire-based exposome-wide association studies for common diseases in the Personalized Environment and Genes Study
Authors: Lloyd Dillon , House John S , Akhtari Farida S , Schmitt Charles P , Fargo David C , Scholl Elizabeth H , Phillips Jason , Choksi Shail , Shah Ruchir , Hall Janet E , Motsinger-Reif Alison A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The exposome collectively refers to all exposures, beginning in utero and continuing throughout life, and comprises not only standard environmental exposures such as point source pollution and ozone levels but also exposures from diet, medication, lifestyle factors, stress, and occupation. The exposome interacts with individual genetic and epigenetic characteristics to affect human health and disease, but large-scale studies that characterize the exposome and its relationships with human disease are limited. To address this gap, we used extensive questionnaire data from the diverse North Carolina-based Personalized Environment and Genes Study (PEGS, n = 9, 429) to evaluate exposure associations in relation to common diseases. We performed an exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) to examine single exposure models and their associations with 11 common complex diseases, namely allergic rhinitis, asthma, bone loss, fibroids, high cholesterol, hypertension, iron-deficient anemia, ovarian cysts, lower GI polyps, migraines, and type 2 diabetes. Across diseases, we found associations with lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status as well as asbestos, various dust types, biohazardous material, and textile-related exposures. We also found disease-specific associations such as fishing with lead weights and migraines. To differentiate between a replicated result and a novel finding, we used an AI-based literature search and database tool that allowed us to examine the current literature. We found both replicated findings, especially for lifestyle factors such as sleep and smoking across diseases, and novel findings, especially for occupational exposures and multiple diseases.
Culex pipiens and Culex restuans larval interactions shape the bacterial communities in container aquatic habitats
Authors: Njoroge Teresia M , Berenbaum May R , Stone Christopher M , Kim Chang-Hyun , Dunlap Christopher , Muturi Ephantus J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Container aquatic habitats host a community of aquatic insects, primarily mosquito larvae that browse on container surface microbial biofilm and filter-feed on microorganisms in the water column. We examined how the bacterial communities in these habitats respond to feeding by larvae of two container-dwelling mosquito species, Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans. We also investigated how the microbiota of these larvae is impacted by intra- and interspecific interactions. Microbial diversity and richness were significantly higher in water samples when mosquito larvae were present, and in Cx. restuans compared to Cx. pipiens larvae. Microbial communities of water samples clustered based on the presence or absence of mosquito larvae and were distinct from those of mosquito larvae. Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans larvae harbored distinct microbial communities when reared under intraspecific conditions and similar microbial communities when reared under interspecific conditions. These findings demonstrate that mosquito larvae play a major role in structuring the microbial communities in container habitats and that intra- and interspecific interactions in mosquito larvae may shape their microbiota. This has important ecological and public health implications since larvae of the two mosquito species are major occupants of container habitats while the adults are vectors of West Nile virus.
Humanitarian forensic action in East Asia: where are we now? A concise review
Authors: Zeng Zixuan , Lv Yehui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Humanitarian forensic action (HFA) is practiced in many parts of the world. In recent years, with the development of forensic humanitarian methods and applications and the increasing inclusion or even prioritization of HFA by organizations and institutions, research in this field has evidenced greater depth and diversity, although perspectives from the humanities and some disciplines remain limited. In-depth inquiries into this topic and an analysis of regional humanitarian data reveal the existence of ideological and cultural foundations for HFA in East Asia. At the same time, given past occurrences of natural disasters and large-scale wars in this region, the need and motivation for advancing this field and developing HFA is considerable. Currently, because of a lack of practical experience of HFA in East Asia, research on this relevant topic in the region focuses on the development of humanitarian forensic applications. Consequently, studies reporting on social surveys, psychological care and other methods are limited. It is to be hoped that East Asian countries will improve their practical HFA applications, while simultaneously carrying out social surveys and social scientific research on all aspects of HFA.

Key Points
RNase P: Beyond Precursor tRNA Processing
Authors: Wang Peipei , Lin Juntao , Zheng Xiangyang , Xu Xingzhi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ribonuclease P (RNase P) was first described in the 1970’s as an endoribonuclease acting in the maturation of precursor transfer RNAs (tRNAs). More recent studies, however, have uncovered non-canonical roles for RNase P and its components. Here, we review the recent progress of its involvement in chromatin assembly, DNA damage response, and maintenance of genome stability with implications in tumorigenesis. The possibility of RNase P as a therapeutic target in cancer is also discussed.
Benchmarking the United States bison meat industry: stakeholder perceptions, production parameters, and live animal factors affecting meat quality
Authors: Velazco David M , Hess Ann , Edwards-Callaway Lily N , Nair Mahesh N 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The objectives of this study were 1) to understand stakeholder perceptions regarding the bison industry, 2) to benchmark live animal characteristics and production parameters of the bison industry, and 3) to identify live animal factors related to animal welfare and their effect on specific quality characteristics of bison meat. A survey was conducted both online and in-person at the National Bison Association Winter Conference (2022). Descriptive statistics were performed on a total of 110 surveys. Most stakeholders (94%, n = 104) agreed that the industry should continue to grow, and the majority (99%, 108) agreed that animal welfare impacts meat quality. Facility design (80%, n = 88), animal handling (78%, 86), employee training (56%, 62), and transportation duration (56%, 62) were selected as the factors that affect animal welfare. More than half of the stakeholders selected flavor (67%, n = 74) as the most important quality attribute of bison meat. For the in-plant antemortem and postmortem parameters data was collected from three plants in the United States over the course of a year. A total of 2,284 bison (bulls: n = 1,101; cows: n = 199; heifers: n = 984) were included in the study. Antemortem measurements such as distance traveled, vocalization, prod use, mobility, and head bumps were measured, followed by postmortem measurements that included bruise score, live weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, and instrumental color. Approximately 97% of bison (n = 2,213) had at least one bruise. The average distance traveled from producer to slaughter plant was (mean ± SD; 823 ± 583 km) and the average dressing percentage was (mean ± SD; 60.5 ± 3.3%). Average (mean ± SD) fat thickness and ribeye area were 1.4 ± 1.1 cm and 62.6 ± 9.8 cm2, respectively. Approximately 30% (n = 676) of the bison in this study head bumped between 1 and 5 times in the restraining chute or the single-file gate before being stunned. Linear regression indicated that differences in lean a* were associated with plant, number of head bumps in the chute, ribeye area, fat thickness, live weight, and sex class (P &lt; 0.05). Logistic regression indicated that season, sex class, live weight, plant, and season were associated with differences (P &lt; 0.05) in bruising. These results can be used as a baseline for current production parameters and serve as the foundation for future research to monitor improvement.
Relationships between protein degradation, cellular senescence, and organismal aging
Authors: Hamazaki Jun , Murata Shigeo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases. Recent studies have shown that age-related disruption of proteostasis leads to the accumulation of abnormal proteins and that dysfunction of the two major intracellular proteolytic pathways, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and the autophagy-lysosome pathway, is largely responsible for this process. Conversely, it has been shown that activation of these proteolytic pathways may contribute to lifespan extension and suppression of pathological conditions, making it a promising intervention for anti-aging. This review provides an overview of the important role of intracellular protein degradation in aging and summarizes how the disruption of proteostasis is involved in age-related diseases.
Systematic approaches to assessing high-temperature limits to fertility in animals
Authors: Bretman Amanda , Fricke Claudia , Baur Julian , Berger David , Breedveld Merel C , Dierick Diego , Canal Domenech Berta , Drobniak Szymon M , Ellers Jacintha , English Sinead , Gasparini Clelia , Iossa Graziella , Lagisz Malgorzata , Nakagawa Shinichi , Noble Daniel W A , Pottier Patrice , Ramm Steven A , Rowe Melissah , Schultner Eva , Schou Mads , Simões Pedro , Stockley Paula , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Weaving Hester , Price Tom A R , Snook Rhonda R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Critical thermal limits (CTLs) gauge the physiological impact of temperature on survival or critical biological function, aiding predictions of species range shifts and climatic resilience. Two recent Drosophila species studies, using similar approaches to determine temperatures that induce sterility (thermal fertility limits [TFLs]), reveal that TFLs are often lower than CTLs and that TFLs better predict both current species distributions and extinction probability. Moreover, many studies show fertility is more sensitive at less extreme temperatures than survival (thermal sensitivity of fertility [TSF]). These results present a more pessimistic outlook on the consequences of climate change. However, unlike CTLs, TFL data are limited to Drosophila, and variability in TSF methods poses challenges in predicting species responses to increasing temperature. To address these data and methodological gaps, we propose 3 standardized approaches for assessing thermal impacts on fertility. We focus on adult obligate sexual terrestrial invertebrates but also provide modifications for other animal groups and life-history stages. We first outline a “gold-standard” protocol for determining TFLs, focussing on the effects of short-term heat shocks and simulating more frequent extreme heat events predicted by climate models. As this approach may be difficult to apply to some organisms, we then provide a standardized TSF protocol. Finally, we provide a framework to quantify fertility loss in response to extreme heat events in nature, given the limitations in laboratory approaches. Applying these standardized approaches across many taxa, similar to CTLs, will allow robust tests of the impact of fertility loss on species responses to increasing temperatures.
Qoheleth’s Use of Proverbial Sayings: The Example of Ecclesiastes 7:1–12
Authors: Goswell Gregory 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There is no evidence that Ecclesiastes, either the body of the book or the epilogue, is interested in the question of its relation to the book of Proverbs. The epilogue does not quote or allude to Proverbs. Qoheleth’s use of proverbs is not derived from the book of Proverbs but must be studied in its own right in the expectation that it will throw light on this author’s method and message. The Epilogist in 12:9 specifically comments on Qoheleth’s use of proverbs, and 7:1–12 provide an extended example of how he handles proverbs. His use of proverbs shows that his teaching is in the mainstream of the wisdom movement, for he works in much the same way as the author of Proverbs. Qoheleth places proverbs in a certain order, adjusts their wording, and adds his own comments to them. The contents of 7:1–12 serve the positive purpose of teaching readers how to handle proverbs, and by means of proverbs, Qoheleth teaches people to look more deeply at the issues of life.
Synthesized modeling and active disturbance rejection control for the Leighton Chajnantor Telescope
Authors: Chen Weirui , Yao Yiwei , Wang Zheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory telescope was completely disassembled in 2023 October and will be shipped from Hawaii, USA to the new site at Chajnantor Plateau, Chile in 2024, where it is expected to be refurbished and renamed the Leighton Chajnantor Telescope (LCT). Since the much stronger wind load at the new site will provide a great challenge for LCT’s realization of a higher pointing and tracking accuracy, an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is designed for LCT’s pointing control system. Due to the unavailability of LCT during its relocation process, it is necessary to develop a testbed to verify the performance of ADRC by constructing a synthesized simulation model of LCT’s pointing control system, including a mechanical dynamics model of the antenna, an analog circuit model of the motor drive system, a mathematical model of the direct current motors and the reducers, and a wind disturbance model. On the testbed, ADRC undergoes simulations to verify its capability to eliminate the negative impact of strong wind disturbance on LCT’s pointing control performance. The simulation results show that ADRC can bring benefits in improving LCT’s pointing and tracking accuracy when facing strong wind disturbance.
SuÁrez on the Possibility of Causal Overdetermination
Authors: Adriaenssen Han Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper studies Francisco Suárez's defence of the possibility of causal overdetermination. I show that, according to Suárez, the main arguments against the possibility of causal overdetermination rely on (i) a flawed conception of causal dependence and (ii) a flawed ontology of action. I argue that his objections to (i) and (ii) amount to a significant challenge to his opponents’ case against the possibility of causal overdetermination.
Stem heating results in hydraulic dysfunction in Symplocos tinctoria: implications for post-fire tree death
Authors: Hoffmann William A , Sherry Catherine D K , Donnelly Tallis M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Fire-induced heating of stems can impair plant water transport by deforming xylem and increasing vulnerability to cavitation, but it is not clear whether these effects can result in tree death, or how quickly this may occur. In field experiments, we heated stems of Symplocos tinctoria (L.) L’Hér saplings to 90 °C using a thin-film resistive heater, and we monitored stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, sap flow and hydraulic conductivity until stem death. Sap flow and stomatal conductance declined quickly after heating, while whole-plant hydraulic conductance and leaf water potential remained high for the first week. In fact, leaf water potential increased during the first days after heating, indicating that stomatal closure was not initially caused by leaf water deficit induced by impaired water transport. After 1 week, leaf water potential and whole-plant conductance declined below unheated controls, while stomatal conductance and sap flow continued declining, approaching zero after 2 weeks. To better understand the cause of these declines, we directly measured hydraulic conductivity of heated stems. Stems underwent a progressive decline in conductivity after heating, and by the time that samples were severely wilted or desiccated, the heated portion of stems had little or no conductivity. Importantly, conductivity of heated stems was not recovered by flushing stems to remove embolisms, suggesting the existence of physical occlusions. Scanning electron micrographs did not reveal deformed cell walls, nor did it identify alternative causes of blockages. These results reveal that stem heating can result in xylem dysfunction and mortality, but neither response is immediate. Dysfunction was likely caused by wound responses rather than embolism, but improved understanding of the mechanisms of heat-induced hydraulic failure is needed.