bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of life cycle and venation pattern on the coordination between stomatal and vein densities of herbs
Authors: Liu Guolan , Fu Peili , Mao Qinggong , Xia Jiangbao , Zhao Wanli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Life cycle (annual vs perennial) and leaf venation pattern (parallel and reticular) are known to be related to water use strategies in herb species and critical adaptation to certain climatic conditions. However, the effect of these two traits and how they influence the coordination between vein density (vein length per area, VLA) and stomatal density (SD) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the leaves of 53 herb species from a subtropical botanical garden in Guangdong Province, China, including herbs with different life cycles and leaf venation patterns. We assessed 21 leaf water-related functional traits for all species, including leaf area (LA), major and minor VLA, major and minor vein diameter (VD), SD and stomatal length (SL). The results showed no significant differences in mean SD and SL between either functional group (parallel venation vs reticular venation and annual vs perennial). However, parallel vein herbs and perennial herbs displayed a significantly higher mean LA and minor VD, and lower minor VLA compared to reticular vein herbs and annual herbs, respectively. There was a linear correlation between total VLA and SD in perennial and reticular vein herbs, but this kind of correlation was not found in annual and parallel vein herbs. The major VLA and minor VD were significantly affected by the interaction between life cycle and leaf venation pattern. Our findings suggested that VLA, rather than SD, may serve as a more adaptable structure regulated by herbaceous plants to support the coordination between leaf water supply and demand in the context of different life cycles and leaf venation patterns. The results of the present study provide mechanistic understandings of functional advantages of different leaf types, which may involve in species fitness in community assembly and divergent responses to climate changes.
A Prospective, Multicenter, Evaluator-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study of Belotero Balance (+), a Hyaluronic Acid Filler With Lidocaine, for Correction of Infraorbital Hollowing in Adults
Authors: Biesman Brian S , Montes Jose R , Radusky Ross C , Mersmann Sabine , Graul Virginia W 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The infraorbital hollow (IOH) is a concavity that interrupts the smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, resulting in a fatigued and aged appearance. Injectable fillers may be utilized to correct volume deficit in the under-eye area, restoring a more youthful appearance.

Objectives
The objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of a cohesive polydensified matrix (CPM) hyaluronic acid (HA) filler with lidocaine (Belotero Balance (+)) for correcting volume deficit in the IOH.

Methods
Eligible patients with a moderate or severe rating on the Merz Infraorbital Hollow Assessment Scale (MIHAS) were randomized 2:1 to treatment or control. Controls remained untreated until Week 8 and were then treated. Touch-up injections were allowed; retreatment was offered only in the treatment group. Effectiveness was evaluated with the MIHAS. Adverse events were recorded over a 76-week period.

Results
The estimated average response rate (≥1 point MIHAS improvement) was 80.6% (95% CI, 71.4-87.4) in treated patients and 1.9% (95% CI, 0.3-10.2) in controls at Week 8. The difference in estimated response rates was 78.7% (95% CI, 66.3-85.6), demonstrating a statistically significant, superior response rate in treated patients compared to untreated controls. A total of 88 of 97 (90.7%) patients who responded to treatment at Week 8 retained improvement 48 weeks after treatment. Use of Belotero Balance (+) in the IOH had a favorable safety profile, with no unexpected adverse events reported.

Conclusions
Belotero Balance (+) is a safe and effective treatment for correcting volume deficit in the IOH.
Revisiting Level of Evidence Ratings in Plastic Surgery: A Call to Action
Authors: Covone Jason , ElHawary Hassan , Abdulkarim Shafic , Janis Jeffrey E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence-based medicine underpins medical and surgical practice, with level of evidence (LOE) being a key aspect that allows clinicians and researchers to better discriminate the methodological context by which studies are conducted and appropriately interpret their conclusions, and more specifically the strength of their recommendations.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to reassess the LOE of articles published in plastic surgery journals.

Methods
To assess the overall LOE of publications from January 1 to December 31, 2021, a review of the following plastic surgery journals was performed: Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ), Annals of Plastic Surgery (Annals), Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (JRPAS), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (PRS GO).

Results
Of 3698 PUBMED articles, 1649 original articles and systematic reviews were analyzed. The average LOE for each journal was: ASJ 3.02 ± 0.94, Annals 3.49 ± 0.62, JPRAS 3.33 ± 0.77, PRS 2.91 ± 0.77, and PRS GO 3.45 ± 0.70. The collective average LOE was 3.28 ± 0.78. Only 4.4% were LOE 1 and 7.3% were LOE 2. Compared to past studies, PRS showed a significant LOE improvement (P = .0254), while ASJ and JPRAS saw nonsignificant changes; Annals experienced a significant decrease (P = .0092).

Conclusions
ASJ and PRS showed the highest LOE among the journals analyzed. Despite this, low LOE studies remain prevalent in plastic surgery. This paper serves as a call to action for both researchers and academic journals to elevate the standard, offering several strategies to help improve the LOE in plastic surgery.
Evaluation of landscaping and vegetation management to suppress host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) nymphs on residential properties in Connecticut, USA
Authors: Linske Megan A , Williams Scott C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are of increasing concern across the United States, particularly in the Northeast. Ixodes scapularis Say (Ixodida: Ixodidae) remains the primary vector for the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner). Prior studies established that I. scapularis can be found in greatest abundance in the 1-m forested ecotone surrounding the lawn edge in residential backyards. Our study was conducted on 42 properties in Guilford, CT, and sought to expand upon this premise by determining which key habitat features were associated with increased densities of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs. We quantified nymphal abundances in 19 different habitat types that were posited to influence densities. We determined that nymphal I. scapularis densities were greatest in forested areas closest to lawn edges with leaf litter or understory vegetation present, as well as short lawns adjacent to woodland edges. Additionally, we determined that there were no significant declines in nymphal I. scapularis density where leaf litter was removed, lawns were left unmowed, or woodchip barriers were installed. Bird feeders and woodpiles were not associated with increased nymphal I. scapularis densities. However, areas adjacent to stone walls did have nearly 3 times the density of I. scapularis nymphs present compared with habitats without stone walls. The culmination of the results from this study can be utilized to create more targeted acaricide applications rather than broadcast spraying, as well as increase homeowner awareness for areas with heightened risk for exposure to nymphal I. scapularis, which are deemed the most epidemiologically important species and stage for pathogen transfer to humans.
How Polarised are Citizens? Measuring Ideology from the Ground up
Authors: Draca Mirko , Schwarz Carlo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We investigate whether the ideological polarisation of citizens has increased in Western democracies. We propose a novel methodology to identify individual ideologies by applying latent Dirichlet allocation to political survey data. This approach indicates that questions related to confidence in institutions play a leading role in defining citizen ideologies, in addition to the questions associated with the traditional left-right scale. We decompose the shift in ideological positions across the population over time and measure polarisation. This reveals evidence of a ‘disappearing centre’ in a sub-group of countries with citizens shifting away from centrist ideologies into anti-establishment ‘anarchist’ ideologies. This trend is especially pronounced for the United States.
Keratan sulfate, an electrosensory neurosentient bioresponsive cell instructive glycosaminoglycan
Authors: Melrose James 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe roles of keratan sulfate (KS) as a proton detection glycosaminoglycan in neurosensory processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems is reviewed. The functional properties of the KS-proteoglycans aggrecan, phosphacan, podocalyxcin as components of perineuronal nets in neurosensory processes in neuronal plasticity, cognitive learning and memory are also discussed. KS-glycoconjugate neurosensory gels used in electrolocation in elasmobranch fish species and KS substituted mucin like conjugates in some tissue contexts in mammals need to be considered in sensory signalling. Parallels are drawn between KS’s roles in elasmobranch fish neurosensory processes and its roles in mammalian electro mechanical transduction of acoustic liquid displacement signals in the cochlea by the tectorial membrane and stereocilia of sensory inner and outer hair cells into neural signals for sound interpretation. The sophisticated structural and functional proteins which maintain the unique high precision physical properties of stereocilia in the detection, transmittance and interpretation of acoustic signals in the hearing process are important. The maintenance of the material properties of stereocilia are essential in sound transmission processes. Specific, emerging roles for low sulfation KS in sensory bioregulation are contrasted with the properties of high charge density KS isoforms. Some speculations are made on how the molecular and electrical properties of KS may be of potential application in futuristic nanoelectronic, memristor technology in advanced ultrafast computing devices with low energy requirements in nanomachines, nanobots or molecular switches which could be potentially useful in artificial synapse development. Application of KS in such innovative areas in bioregulation are eagerly awaited.
The Effects of Rearing Environment on Organization of the Olfactory System and Brain of Juvenile Sockeye Salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka
Authors: Ward Russell H , Quinn Thomas P , Dittman Andrew H , Yopak Kara E 
Published: February 2024

Synopsis
Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) hatch and feed in freshwater habitats, migrate to sea to mature, and return to spawn at natal sites. The final, riverine stages of the return migrations are mediated by chemical properties of the natal stream that they learned as juveniles. Like some other fish, salmon growth is asymptotic; they grow continuously throughout life toward a maximum size. The continued growth of the nervous system may be plastic in response to environmental variables. Due to the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of Pacific salmon, individuals are often reared in hatcheries and released into the wild as juveniles to supplement natural populations. However, hatchery-reared individuals display lower survivorship and may also stray (i.e., spawn in a non-natal stream) at higher rates than their wild counterparts. Hatchery environments may lack stimuli needed to promote normal development of the nervous system, thus leading to behavioral deficits and a higher incidence of straying. This study compared the peripheral olfactory system and brain organization of hatchery-reared and wild-origin sockeye salmon fry (Oncorhynchus nerka). Surface area of the olfactory rosette, diameter of the olfactory nerve, total brain size, and size of major brain regions were measured from histological sections and compared between wild and hatchery-origin individuals. Hatchery-origin fish had significantly larger optic tecta, and marginally insignificant, yet noteworthy trends, existed in the valvula cerebelli (hatchery &gt; wild) and olfactory bulbs (hatchery &lt; wild). We also found a putative difference in olfactory nerve diameter (dmin) (hatchery &gt; wild), but the validity of this finding needs further analyses with higher resolution methods. Overall, these results provide insight into the potential effects of hatchery rearing on nervous system development in salmonids, and may explain behavioral deficits displayed by hatchery-origin individuals post-release.
Active case-finding of tuberculosis compared with symptom-driven standard of care: a modelling analysis
Authors: Malhotra Akash , Ryckman Theresa S , Johnson Karl , Uhlig Elizabeth , Creswell Jacob , Kendall Emily A , Dowdy David W , Sohn Hojoon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
In settings with large case detection gaps, active case-finding (ACF) may play a critical role in the uberculosis (TB) response. However, ACF is resource intensive, and its effectiveness depends on whether people detected with TB through ACF might otherwise spontaneously resolve or be diagnosed through routine care. We analysed the potential effectiveness of ACF for TB relative to the counterfactual scenario of routine care alone.

Methods
We constructed a Markov simulation model of TB natural history, diagnosis, symptoms, ACF and treatment, using a hypothetical reference setting using data from South East Asian countries. We calibrated the model to empirical data using Bayesian methods, and simulated potential 5-year outcomes with an ‘aspirational’ ACF intervention (reflecting maximum possible effectiveness) compared with the standard-of-care outcomes.

Results
Under the standard of care, 51% (95% credible interval, CrI: 31%, 75%) of people with prevalent TB at baseline were estimated to be diagnosed and linked to care over 5 years. With aspirational ACF, this increased to 88% (95% CrI: 84%, 94%). Most of this difference represented people who were diagnosed and treated through ACF but experienced spontaneous resolution under standard-of-care. Aspirational ACF was projected to reduce the average duration of TB disease by 12 months (95% CrI: 6%, 18%) and TB-associated disability-adjusted life-years by 71% (95% CrI: 67%, 76%).

Conclusion
These data illustrate the importance of considering outcomes in a counterfactual standard of care scenario, as well as trade-offs between overdiagnosis and averted morbidity through earlier diagnosis—not just for TB, but for any disease in which population-based screening is recommended.
Spincare System Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy in Treating Partial-Thickness Burns
Authors: Haik Josef , Ullmann Yehuda , Gur Eyal , Biros Erik , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle , Kruchevsky Dani , Zissman Sivan , Namir Yossi , Harats Moti 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Partial-thickness burns are the most common form of burns, affecting the dermis and possibly resulting in scarring and infection. The Spincare System is a new device that uses electrospinning technology to create a temporary skin-like matrix that can be applied to wounds. This study evaluated the performance, safety, and efficacy of Spincare in treating superficial to partial-thickness burns not considered for surgery. A prospective single-arm, open-label, multicenter study was conducted in 3 adult burn units across Israel. Forty-four patients with superficial to intermediate burns of up to 10% of TBSA were enrolled. Spincare was applied to the wounds, and follow-up visits were performed on days 7, 14, and 21 and months 3 and 6 posttreatment. Thirty-one patients with 36 wounds completed the day 21 visit. The mean wound healing area on day 21 was 97.26 ± 9.41%, and the mean healing time was 12.8 ± 4.3 days. Only one moderate adverse event was observed concerning the treatment, and it is important to acknowledge the potential progression of this hypertrophic scar into a keloid. This study demonstrated that Spincare is a safe and effective device for treating superficial to intermediate partial-thickness burns. Spincare achieved rapid and complete wound healing with a low incidence of adverse events.
Development and validation of a nomogram for radiation-induced hepatic toxicity after intensity modulated radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Qiaoyuan , Wang Yudan , Wei Yuxin , Yang Zhengqiang , Chen Kai , Li Jianxu , Li Liqing , Su Tingshi , Liang Shixiong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to construct a nomogram to predict radiation-induced hepatic toxicity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Methods
This study reviewed the clinical characteristics and dose–volume parameters of 196 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiation-induced hepatic toxicity was defined as progression of the Child–Pugh score caused by intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Factors relevant to radiation-induced hepatic toxicity were selected using receiver operating characteristic and univariate logistic analysis. A risk assessment model was developed, and its discrimination was validated.

Results
Eighty-eight (44.90%) and 28 (14.29%) patients had radiation-induced hepatic toxicity ≥ 1 (Child–Pugh ≥ 1) and radiation-induced hepatic toxicity ≥ 2 (Child–Pugh ≥ 2). Pre-treatment Child–Pugh, body mass index and dose–volume parameters were correlated with radiation-induced hepatic toxicity ≥ 1 using univariate logistic analysis. V15 had the best predictive effectiveness among the dose–volume parameters in both the training (area under the curve: 0.763, 95% confidence interval: 0.683–0.842, P &lt; 0.001) and validation cohorts (area under the curve: 0.759, 95% confidence interval: 0.635–0.883, P &lt; 0.001). The area under the curve values of the model that was constructed by pre-treatment Child–Pugh, body mass index and V15 for radiation-induced hepatic toxicity ≥1 were 0.799 (95% confidence interval: 0.719–0.878, P &lt; 0.001) and 0.775 (95% confidence interval: 0.657–0.894, P &lt; 0.001) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Patients with a body mass index ≤ 20.425, Barcelona clinic liver cancer = C, Hepatitis B Virus-positive, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group = 1–2 and hepatic fibrosis require lower V15 dose limits.

Conclusions
Risk assessment model constructed from Pre-treatment Child–Pugh, V15 and body mass index can guide individualized patient selection of toxicity minimization strategies.
Differential requirement for IL-2 and IL-23 in the differentiation and effector functions of Th17/ILC3-like cells in a human T cell line
Authors: Momtazkari Sarah , Choudhury Anahita Dev , Yong Zachary Wei Ern , Thanh Le Dong , Canh Hiep Nguyen , Harada Kenichi , Hori Toshiyuki , Osato Motomi , Takahashi Chiaki , Koh Cai Ping , Voon Dominic Chih-Cheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A well-documented Achilles heel of current cancer immunotherapy approaches is T cell exhaustion within solid tumor tissues. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-23 has been utilized to augment chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell survival and tumor immunity. However, in-depth interrogation of molecular events downstream of IL-23/IL-23 receptor signaling is hampered by a paucity of suitable cell models. The current study investigates the differential contribution of IL-2 and IL-23 to the maintenance and differentiation of the IL-23 responsive Kit225 T-cell line. We observed that IL-23 enhanced cellular fitness and survival but was insufficient to drive proliferation. IL-23 rapidly induced phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT4, and messenger RNA expression of IL17A, the archetypal effector cytokine of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, but not their lineage markers RORC and NCR1. These observations suggest that IL-23 endowed Th17/ILC3-like effector function but did not promote their differentiation. In contrast, spontaneous differentiation of Kit225 cells toward a Th17/ILC3-like phenotype was induced by prolonged IL-2 withdrawal. This was marked by strongly elevated basal IL17A and IL17F expression and the secretion of IL-17. Together, our data present Kit225 cells as a valuable model for studying the interplay between cytokines and their contribution to T cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
Influence of non-gravitational forces on the co-orbital motion
Authors: Qi Yi , Ding Ying , Qiao Dong 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
In the Solar system, there exist many non-gravitational perturbations for co-orbital objects, such as the solar radiation pressure, Yarkovsky effect, and so forth. Their effects play important roles in the dynamics of co-orbital objects as they lead to long-term perturbations accumulating. The motivation of this paper is to investigate the general mechanism of the non-gravitational force on the co-orbital motion in the circular restricted three-body problem. We propose an effective method for perturbed co-orbital motions by analysing the locus of the co-orbital objects in a two-dimensional map. Several expressions derived uncover how the non-gravitational force acts on orbital parameters. Taking the Sun–Jupiter system as an example, we implement numerical computations to demonstrate the validity of our results. Numerical computation shows that most of loci of co-orbital motions are in agreement with our conclusions. Some interesting phenomena of perturbed co-orbital motion, such as the co-orbital transition and escape, are found and explained. The results obtained from this paper provide an efficient approach to analyse the evolution of perturbed co-orbital motions.
Investigating the hard state of MAXI J1820 + 070: a comprehensive Bayesian approach to black hole spin and accretion properties
Authors: Dias Sachin D , Vaughan Simon , Lefkir Mehdy , Wynn Graham 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
We analyse the X-ray spectrum of the black hole (BH) X-ray binary MAXI J1820 + 070 using observations from XMM-Newton and NuSTAR during ‘hard’ states of its 2018–2019 outburst. We take a fully Bayesian approach, and this is one of the first papers to present a fully Bayesian workflow for the analysis of an X-ray binary X-ray spectrum. This allows us to leverage the relatively well-understood distance and binary system properties (like inclination and BH mass), as well as information from the XMM-Newton RGS data to assess the foreground X-ray absorption. We employ a spectral model for a ‘vanilla’ disc-corona system: the disc is flat and in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the jet and the BH spin, the disc extends inwards to the innermost stable circular orbit around the BH, and the (non-thermal) hard X-ray photons are up-scattered soft X-ray photons originating from the disc thermal emission. Together, these provide tight constraints on the spectral model and, in combination with the strong prior information about the system, mean we can then constrain other parameters that are poorly understood such as the disc colour correction factor. By marginalizing over all the parameters, we calculate a posterior density for the BH spin parameter, a. Our modelling suggests a preference for low or negative spin values, although this could plausibly be reproduced by higher spins and a modest degree of disc truncation. This approach demonstrates the efficacy and some of the complexities of Bayesian methods for X-ray spectral analysis.