bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of humic acid increases the economic value and yield of superior tobacco as well as improves the chemical and processing quality
Authors: Pu Yi , Li Jiangzhou , Dai Kuai , Gu Xinghui , Liu Meiju , Ji Qinglin , Zhou Ziwang , Zhao Changhua , Zhang Limeng , Lin Shan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe overuse of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in the vegetable growing season leads to a high amount of soil residual N and a decrease of resistance to tobacco disease in the vegetable–tobacco continuous cultivation system, which will seriously threaten the sustainable development of tobacco production. Humic acid (HA) rich in bioactive substances and microelements may enhance leaf growth rate and improve the quality of tobacco. A two‐factor randomized block experiment was carried out over 2 years to evaluate the effects of additional applying HA (0 and 150 L ha−1) combined with three N rates (0, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1) on tobacco growth, economic value, chemical, and processing quality. Applying HA significantly increased the tobacco economic value by 5%–28%. The superior tobacco yields positively correlated with the economic value (R2 = 0.88), which was the key factor determining the increase of the economic value. The application of HA decreased the disease severity and increased the microelement uptake and the daily leaf growth rate in the prosperous growing stage which was positively correlated with the superior tobacco yield. Applying HA significantly improved the chemical quality and reduced the leaf midrib proportion. At the N rate of 60 kg N ha−1, HA showed the best effect of improving quality and increasing income. Our results demonstrated that the addition of HA can significantly improve the economic value and the chemical and processing quality of tobacco. The best effect can be achieved by adjusting the N rate appropriately according to the amount of soil residual N before transplanting tobacco seedlings.
Mapping multiscale breeding bird species distributions across the United States and evaluating their conservation applications
Authors: Carroll Kathleen A. , Pidgeon Anna M. , Elsen Paul R. , Farwell Laura S. , Gudex‐Cross David , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Radeloff Volker C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSpecies distribution models are vital to management decisions that require understanding habitat use patterns, particularly for species of conservation concern. However, the production of distribution maps for individual species is often hampered by data scarcity, and existing species maps are rarely spatially validated due to limited occurrence data. Furthermore, community‐level maps based on stacked species distribution models lack important community assemblage information (e.g., competitive exclusion) relevant to conservation. Thus, multispecies, guild, or community models are often used in conservation practice instead. To address these limitations, we aimed to generate fine‐scale, spatially continuous, nationwide maps for species represented in the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) between 1992 and 2019. We developed ensemble models for each species at three spatial resolutions—0.5, 2.5, and 5 km—across the conterminous United States. We also compared species richness patterns from stacked single‐species models with those of 19 functional guilds developed using the same data to assess the similarity between predictions. We successfully modeled 192 bird species at 5‐km resolution, 160 species at 2.5‐km resolution, and 80 species at 0.5‐km resolution. However, the species we could model represent only 28%–56% of species found in the conterminous US BBSs across resolutions owing to data limitations. We found that stacked maps and guild maps generally had high correlations across resolutions (median = 84%), but spatial agreement varied regionally by resolution and was most pronounced between the East and West at the 5‐km resolution. The spatial differences between our stacked maps and guild maps illustrate the importance of spatial validation in conservation planning. Overall, our species maps are useful for single‐species conservation and can support fine‐scale decision‐making across the United States and support community‐level conservation when used in tandem with guild maps. However, there remain data scarcity issues for many species of conservation concern when using the BBS for single‐species models.
Wildflower plantings enhance nesting opportunities for soil‐nesting bees
Authors: Williams Neal M. , Buderi Andrew , Rowe Logan , Ward Kimiora 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOngoing declines of bees and other pollinators are driven in part by the loss of critical floral resources and nesting substrates. Most conservation/restoration efforts for bees aim to enhance floral abundance and continuity but often assume the same actions will bolster nesting opportunities. Recent research suggests that habitat plantings may not always provide both forage and nesting resources. We evaluated wildflower plantings designed to augment floral resources to determine their ability to enhance nesting by soil‐nesting bees over 3 study years in Northern California agricultural landscapes. We established wildflower plantings along borders of annual row crops and paired each with an unplanted control border. We used soil emergence traps to assess nest densities and species richness of soil‐nesting bees from spring through late summer at paired field borders planted with wildflowers or maintained conventionally as bare or sparsely vegetated areas, as is typical for the region. We also quantified soil‐surface characteristics and flower resources among borders. Wildflower plantings significantly increased nest densities and the richness of bee species using them. Such benefits occurred within the first year of planting and persisted up to 4 years post establishment. The composition of nesting bee communities also differed between wildflower and unenhanced borders. Wildflower plantings differed from controls in multiple characteristics of the soil surface, including vegetation cover, surface microtopography and hardness. Surprisingly, only vegetation cover significantly affected nest densities and species richness. Wildflower plantings are a widespread habitat action with the potential to support wild bees. The demonstrated benefit wildflower plantings had for increasing the nesting of soil‐nesting bees greatly augments their relevance for the conservation of wild bee communities in agricultural and other landscapes. Identifying soil‐surface characteristics that are important for nesting provides critical information to guide the implementation and management of habitats for bees.
Microgeographic variation in demography and thermal regimes stabilize regional abundance of a widespread freshwater fish
Authors: Gallagher Brian K. , Fraser Dylan J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPredicting the persistence of species under climate change is an increasingly important objective in ecological research and management. However, biotic and abiotic heterogeneity can drive asynchrony in population responses at small spatial scales, complicating species‐level assessments. For widely distributed species consisting of many fragmented populations, such as brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), understanding the drivers of asynchrony in population dynamics can improve the predictions of range‐wide climate impacts. We analyzed the demographic time series from mark–recapture surveys of 11 natural brook trout populations in eastern Canada over 13 years to examine the extent, drivers, and consequences of fine‐scale population variation. The focal populations were genetically differentiated, occupied a small area (~25 km2) with few human impacts, and experienced similar climate conditions. Recruitment was highly asynchronous, weakly related to climate variables and showed population‐specific relationships with other demographic processes, generating diverse population dynamics. In contrast, individual growth was mostly synchronized among populations and driven by a shared positive relationship with stream temperature. Outputs from population‐specific models were unrelated to four of the five hypothesized drivers (recruitment, growth, reproductive success, phylogenetic distance), but variation in groundwater inputs strongly influenced stream temperature regimes and stock–recruitment relationships. Finally, population asynchrony generated a portfolio effect that stabilized regional species abundance. Our results demonstrated that population demographics and habitat diversity at microgeographic scales can play a significant role in moderating species responses to climate change. Moreover, we suggest that the absence of human activities within study streams preserved natural habitat variation and contributed to asynchrony in brook trout abundance, while the small study area eased monitoring and increased the likelihood of detecting asynchrony. Therefore, anthropogenic habitat degradation, landscape context, and spatial scale must be considered when developing management strategies to monitor and maintain populations that are diverse, stable, and resilient to climate change.
Early genetic testing in pediatric epilepsy: Diagnostic and cost implications
Authors: Swartwood Shanna M. , Morales Ana , Hatchell Kathryn E. , Moretz Chad , McKnight Dianalee , Demmer Laurie , Chagnon Sarah , Aradhya Swaroop , Esplin Edward D. , Bonkowsky Joshua L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe identification of numerous genetically based epilepsies has resulted in the widespread use of genetic testing to inform epilepsy etiology. Our study aims to investigate whether a difference exists in the diagnostic evaluation and healthcare‐related cost expenditures of pediatric patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology who receive a genetic diagnosis through multigene epilepsy panel (MEP) testing and comparing those who underwent early (EGT) versus late genetic testing (LGT). Testing was defined as early (less than 1 year), or late (more than 1 year), following clinical epilepsy diagnosis. A retrospective chart review of pediatric individuals (1–17 years) with epilepsy of unknown etiology who underwent multigene epilepsy panel (MEP) testing identified 28 of 226 (12%) individuals with a pathogenic epilepsy variant [EGT n = 8 (29%); LGT n = 20 (71%)]. The average time from clinical epilepsy diagnosis to genetic diagnosis was 0.25 years (EGT), compared with 7.1 years (LGT). The EGT cohort underwent fewer metabolic tests [EGT n = 0 (0%); LGT n = 16 (80%) (P < 0.01)] and invasive procedures [EGT n = 0 (0%); LGT n = 5 (25%) (P = 0.06)]. Clinical management changes implemented due to genetic diagnosis occurred in 10 (36%) patients [EGT n = 2 (25%); LGT n = 8 (40%) (P = 0.76)]. Early genetic testing with a MEP in pediatric patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology who receive a genetic diagnosis is associated with fewer non‐diagnostic tests and invasive procedures and reduced estimated overall healthcare‐related costs.Plain language summaryThis study aims to investigate whether a difference exists in the diagnostic evaluation and cost expenditures of pediatric patients (1‐17 years) with epilepsy of unknown cause who are ultimately diagnosed with a genetic cause of epilepsy through multigene epilepsy panel testing and comparing those who underwent early testing (less than 1 year) versus late testing (more than 1 year) after clinical epilepsy diagnosis. Of the 28 of 226 individuals with a confirmed genetic cause of epilepsy on multigene epilepsy panel testing, performing early testing was associated with fewer non‐diagnostic tests, fewer invasive procedures and reduced estimated overall healthcare‐related costs.
Alpha‐2a adrenergic receptor activation in genetic absence epilepsy: An absence status model?
Authors: Yavuz Melis , Akkol Serdar , Onat Filiz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study was to propose a candidate animal model of absence status epilepticus induced by specific alpha‐2a adrenergic receptor (α2AR) activation. We also aim to investigate the responsiveness of this model to classical anti‐status or anti‐absence medications.MethodsAn α2AR agonist, dexmedetomidine (DEX), was injected intracerebroventricularly into adult rats with genetic absence epilepsy, and their electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. The total duration, number, and mean duration of each spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs) were evaluated. The blocks of absence status events were classified as the initial and second sets of absence statuses. Ethosuximide (ETX) was administered as a pretreatment to another group of rats and later injected with 2.5 μg DEX. In addition, ETX, valproic acid (VPA), diazepam (DIAZ), and atipamezole (ATI) were administered after induced status‐like events following DEX administration. Power spectral characteristics and coherence analysis were performed on the EEG to assess the absence status events and sleep.ResultsThe 2.5 μg dose of DEX increased the total SWD duration and induced continuous SWDs up to 26 min. Following the initial absence status event, sleep was induced; then, the second period of absence status‐like activities were initiated. ETX pretreatment blocked the occurrence of absence status‐like activities. Power spectral density analyses revealed that DEX‐induced post‐sleep activities had higher power in delta frequency band (1–4 Hz) and attenuated power of 7 Hz harmonics (14 and 21 Hz) than the pre‐injection seizure. The mean duration of SWDs were decreased in all the groups, but occasional prolonged activities were seen in ETX or VPA‐injected rats but not with DIAZ or ATI.SignificanceThis study presents an absence status epilepticus animal model that is activated by α2AR activation to investigate the pathophysiological role of absence status. Unlike other agents ATI switched off the second set of absence statuses to normal SWDs, without sedation or lethargy, can show it may preferentially block absence status‐like activity.The Plain Language SummaryThis study proposes a rat model for prolonged seizures, resembling absence status epilepticus. Activating the brain’s alpha‐2a adrenergic receptor with dexmedetomidine induced seizures lasting up to 26 minutes. Ethosuximide pretreatment and post‐treatment with valproic acid, diazepam, and atipamezole decreased induced seizures. The findings suggest this model is valuable for studying absence status epilepticus. In addition, atipamezole normalized abnormal seizures without sedation, hinting at its potential for targeted treatment and further research.
Prognostic utility of preoperative platelet‐to‐albumin ratio in surgically treated oral cavity cancer patients
Authors: Tsai Yao‐Te , Fang Ku‐Hao , Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Lai Chia‐Hsuan , Ko Chien‐An , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Chang Geng‐He , Liao Chun‐Ta , Kang Chung‐Jan , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Huang Ethan I. , Lee Yi‐Chan , Tsai Yuan‐Hsiung , Luan Chih‐Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to explore the prognostic utility of the preoperative platelet‐to‐albumin ratio (PAR) among patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed of 355 patients with surgically‐treated OSCC between 2008 and 2017. The optimal PAR cutoff for patient stratification was determined through X‐tile analysis. Prognostic variables for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified using Cox proportional hazards models. We developed a PAR‐based nomogram to predict personalized OS.ResultsWe determined the optimal PAR cutoff to be 7.45. A PAR of ≥7.45 was an independent negative prognostic factor for DFS and OS (hazard ratio = 1.748 and 2.386; p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). The developed nomogram demonstrates the practical utility of PAR and accurately predicts personalized OS.ConclusionsThe preoperative PAR is a promising and cost‐effective prognostic biomarker for patients with surgically‐treated OSCC; the PAR‐based nanogram accurately predicts OS for such patients.
Clinical effectiveness and treatment satisfaction between two triple‐therapy regimens in treating neuropathic pain: A real‐world data
Authors: Raju Nithya , Villavan Samyuktha , Ravi Saranya , Murugesan Roja , Theivendren Panneerselvam , Jaganathan Vennila , Rajan Redlin Jani , Karunanithi Krupanidhi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTriple‐therapy regimens involving Pregabalin or Gabapentin with nortriptyline and Methylcobalamin have been shown to be efficacious in treating neuropathic pain in clinical trials. This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness and treatment satisfaction of two triple‐therapy regimens in treating neuropathic pain in a real‐world setting. This prospective, single‐center, observational study compared the efficacy, safety, and treatment satisfaction of triple therapy in Pregabalin triple therapy versus Gabapentin triple therapy for patients with neuropathic pain. The primary outcome measured the reduction in mean Self‐Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain score value from the baseline to 12 weeks posttreatment. The secondary outcome measured the treatment satisfaction for both therapies using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication version 1.4. Of 264 patients who received either treatment group, during the third follow‐up, it became evident that Group A Pregabalin triple therapy yielded a significantly more substantial reduction in neuropathic pain (60.61%) when compared to Group B Gabapentin triple therapy (12.88%). Furthermore, patients expressed markedly higher levels of satisfaction and convenience with the Pregabalin treatment (p ≤ 0.001). Our study's findings, encompassing both clinical effectiveness and treatment satisfaction, unequivocally demonstrate that Group A surpasses Group B in ameliorating neuropathic symptoms and signs. Pregabalin is a more effective and convenient treatment for neuropathic pain than Gabapentin, with no significant difference in side effects. Clinicians should consider Pregabalin as a first‐line treatment option for neuropathic pain, especially for patients not responding to Gabapentin or who seek a more convenient option.
Chromocolposcopy with fluorescein sodium for detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Patel Amrita , Suneja Amita , Malik Rashmi , Gupta Bindiya , Sharma Sonal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the utility of fluorescein sodium (FNa) as a contrast agent for colposcopy to detect premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix. The primary objective was to determine and compare the percentage detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of FNa and acetic acid (AA) positive areas.MethodsThis study included 120 screen positive women who underwent colposcopy using both 3% AA and FNa (0.06%). Observations for FNa staining were made under blue filter and directed biopsies were taken from acetowhite and fluorescent green areas. Benign lesions were considered as disease‐negative and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high grade SIL (HSIL), and invasive cancer were considered as disease‐positive. Correlation between histopathology and FNa and AA was determined by Kappa statistics.ResultsThe mean age was 39.59 ± 10.73 years and median parity was 2. Out of 120 patients, 57 had benign lesions, 18 had LSIL, 33 had HSIL and 12 had invasive carcinomas. Sensitivity was 98.41% versus 64.91% respectively and specificity was 85.71% versus 35.09% respectively with FNa and AA. Diagnostic accuracy of FNa and AA was 82.50% versus 61.60%. There was good agreement between FNa staining and final histopathology and fair agreement between AA application and HPE (κ = 0.643 vs 0.213, P < 0.001).ConclusionUsing FNa as a contrast agent during colposcopy results in greater accuracy for detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix as compared to AA.
Anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity of elemental sulfur‐derived sustainable sulfur quantum dots
Authors: Priyadarshi Ruchir , Choi Hyunjin , Kim Hail , Han Sanghee , Riahi Zohreh , Tammina Sai Kumar , Rhim Jong‐Whan , Lee Seok‐Geun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSulfur quantum dots (SQDs) are attracting increasing attention in the biomedical field due to their unique properties, such as antibacterial activity, free radical scavenging potential, optical properties, biocompatibility, and non‐toxicity. Ethylenediamine passivated SQDs (ED‐SQDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Cytotoxicity evaluation of ED‐SQDs on RAW264.7 cells showed more than 90% cell viability even at 500 μg/mL of ED‐SQDs, with an established IC50 value of 880.9 μg/mL. In addition, ED‐SQDs showed potent antioxidant activity in vitro, effectively scavenging ABTS and DPPH free radicals at concentrations below 100 μg/mL, comparable to ascorbic acid. ED‐SQD reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in macrophages, lowered pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and inactivated LPS‐activated STAT3. In addition, ED‐SQD increased nuclear NRF2 and the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes in LPS‐stimulated cells. These results reveal the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of ED‐SQDs at non‐toxic concentrations, providing evidence for their potential anti‐inflammatory applications.
Microstructural and histochemical analysis of shoots and cones of Juniperus seravschanica (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Rezanejad Farkhondeh , Ganjalikhani Hakemi Farzad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractJuniper species contain abundant compounds that are used in the medicine, cosmetic, and wood industry. Furthermore, these components protect the genus against herbivores, pathogens and detrimental abiotic conditions. Stains and specific reagents can be used individually or simultaneously to mark cell shape, arrangement and the material they are made from. Microchemical analyses using specific reagents and stains under light microscopy are helpful for the characterization of chemical compounds present in plant tissues. The autofluorescence of endogenous fluorophores is used to enable their localization in plant cells and tissues. This paper aims to investigate the cytochemical and histochemical traits of the shoots (leaves and stems) and female cones (berries) of Juniperus seravschanica. Light and florescent microscopy techniques were used to analyze the cytology and localization of different compounds for the first time. Microscopy‐based histochemical analyses revealed various products in terms of composition and distribution among the shoots and female cones. These specific compounds contained lignin, tannins, polysaccharides, starch, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, terpenoids, neutral lipids, and proteins. However, the anatomical position of each metabolite and its concentration was different among leaf, stem, and female cone. Phenolic cells of young cones were differentiated into sclereid cells during development. The density of phenolic cells, sclereid cells, and resin glans was higher in female cones than leaves and stems. The high levels of various components can be related to high resistance of the species against biotic and abiotic stresses, confirm its industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural applications and is useful for identification of diagnostic taxonomic traits.Research Highlights
Microscopical and histochemical analyses showed various compounds in J. seravschanica
The phenolic cells differentiated to sclereid cells during development
High levels of idioblasts and various compounds show its high resistance and medicinal role