bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of Epiphyte–Phorophyte Networks and Their Robustness to Species Loss in White‐Sand Ecosystems in the Amazon
Authors: Klein Viviane Pagnussat , Francisco Talitha Mayumi , Quaresma Adriano Costa , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest, has a great diversity of species, and provides essential ecosystem services. However, anthropic exploratory processes have intensified and are seriously influencing this biome. Approaches that are based on ecological network theory are an excellent tool for describing the structure of communities, interactions between species, and the stability of ecosystems. Using a specific set of network metrics; the first epiphyte–phorophyte commensal network for the fragile white‐sand ecosystems of the central Amazon was created. The structure and organization of interactions were analyzed and described; we also tested the stability of the system to simulate species loss. A total of 725 interactions between 52 phorophyte species and 118 vascular epiphytes were recorded in the white‐sand ecosystem (WSE). The epiphyte–phorophyte network exhibited a nested structure, with a low degree of specialization (H2′), connectance, modularity, and robustness. When the elimination of highly connected phorophytes was simulated, secondary extinctions in epiphytes were high, which indicates low stability of the system when disturbances occur. The generalist phorophyte Aldina heterophylla was particularly important, interacting with 89.0% of the species and hosting 75.0% of the epiphytes. Our results indicate that the richness and abundance of vascular epiphytes in WSEs is concentrated in a few phorophytes species, especially in large trees. As such, removing this species from the system can disrupt interactions, change the network's structure, and unbalance the entire ecosystem.
Pathogenic Deep Intronic PCSK1 Variant Causes Proprotein Convertase 1/3 Deficiency in a Family
Authors: Huber Leah M. , Subaşıoğlu Aslı , Garczarczyk‐Asim Dorota , Valovka Taras , Müller Thomas , Adam Rüdiger , Janecke Andreas R. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTProprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), encoded by PCSK1, is expressed in neuronal and endocrine cell types, where it activates a number of protein precursors that play roles in energy homeostasis. Biallelic PCSK1 loss‐of‐function mutations cause a polyendocrinopathy; a total of 34 patients were reported. An infant with congenital malabsorptive diarrhea of all carbohydrates underwent exome sequencing (ES), with particular consideration of PC1/3 deficiency, but no mutations were found. The onset of obesity in the second year of life increased suspicion of PC1/3 deficiency in the proband, as well as in his equally affected cousin. Transcript analysis revealed minor amounts of an aberrant PCSK1 transcript containing intron 9 sequence and encoding a premature stop codon (p.Pro400Valfs*35). A deep intronic PCSK1 variant, NG_021161.1(NM_000439.5):c.1196+2681T>A, was found to segregate in the proband's family with the disease. A minigene approach demonstrated that the identified deep‐intronic variant underlies pseudo‐exon inclusion of the intron 9 sequence in the transcript. The characteristic phenotype of PC1/3 deficiency might require extended genetic testing to make a timely diagnosis.
The Role of Candidate Polymorphisms in Drug Transporter Genes on High‐Dose Methotrexate in the Consolidation Phase of the AIEOP‐BFM ALL 2009 Protocol
Authors: Braidotti Stefania , Zudeh Giulia , Franca Raffaella , Kiren Valentina , Colombini Antonella , Bettini Laura Rachele , Brivio Erica , Locatelli Franco , Vinti Luciana , Bertorello Nicoletta , Fagioli Franca , Silvestri Daniela , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Decorti Giuliana , Stocco Gabriele , Rabusin Marco 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHigh‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX) infusions are commonly used to consolidate remission in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We investigate the potential role of candidate polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 (rs4149056 and rs2306283), ABCB1 (rs1045642), ABCC2 (rs717620), ABCC3 (rs9895420), and ABCC4 (rs7317112) drug transporters genes on HD‐MTX pharmacokinetics and patients' outcome (meant both as relapse and drug‐related toxicities) in an Italian cohort of 204 ALL pediatric patients treated according to the AIEOP‐BFM ALL 2009 protocol. TaqMan SNP genotyping assays determined patient's genotypes. Measurements of HD‐MTX plasma concentration were available for 814 HD‐MTX courses in 204 patients; MTX clearance was estimated by a two‐compartmental linear pharmacokinetic model with first‐order elimination and a Bayesian approach, via ADAPT. Independent contributions of age and ABCC4 SNP rs7317112 (A>G, intronic) on MTX clearance were detected in a multivariate analysis (p = 1.57 × 10−8 and p = 2.06 × 10−5, respectively), suggesting a delayed elimination of the drug in older patients and an accelerated one in carriers of the variant GG genotype. After multiple corrections, the association between ABCC2 SNP rs717620 (−24 C>T) and severe hematological toxicity was found (p < 0.005). Moreover, SLCO1B1 SNP rs4149056 (c.521T>C, p.V174A) affected patients' outcomes: carriers of the variant C allele presented a reduced risk of relapse compared to wild‐type TT (hazard risk: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–0.90, p = 0.037). Taken together, these data highlighted the importance of variants in drug transporters genes on HD‐MTX disposition in the AIEOP‐BFM ALL 2009 protocol consolidation phase, and their putative role as predictive markers of outcome.
Relationship Between Nutritional Literacy and Healthy Life Skills of University Students
Authors: Karadağ Gülendam , Bilgiç Dilek , Öztürk Nuray , Özdemir Tuğba 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHealth literacy is important for maintaining healthy diets and lifestyles. This study examined the relationship between nutrition literacy and healthy life skills of university students. This study was a descriptive and correlational design. The students' Food and Nutrition Literacy Scale knowledge sub‐dimension mean score was found to be 10.30 ± 2.11, at the limited knowledge level, the attitude sub‐dimension mean score was 49.32 ± 7.26, at the limited attitude level, and the behaviour sub‐dimension mean score was 31.04 ± 5.71, at the limited level. The mean Scale of Healthy Life Skills in University Students score of the university students was 62.96 ± 9.99, at a moderate level. Multiple regression analysis showed that the mean scores obtained from the attitude and behaviour sub‐dimensions, studying in the Faculty of Nursing, being 18 years old, and studying in the first or second year were the main variables influencing the healthy life skills of university students. The food and nutrition literacy of the students was limited and their healthy life skills were at a moderate level. As the food and nutrition literacy of the students increased, their healthy life skills became more positive.
Seasonal Shifts in Trophic Interaction Strength Drive Stability of Natural Food Webs
Authors: Gaedke Ursula , Li Xiaoxiao , Guill Christian , Hemerik Lia , de Ruiter Peter C. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIt remains challenging to understand why natural food webs are remarkably stable despite highly variable environmental factors and population densities. We investigated the dynamics in the structure and stability of Lake Constance's pelagic food web using 7 years of high‐frequency observations of biomasses and production, leading to 59 seasonally resolved quantitative food web descriptions. We assessed the dynamics in asymptotic food web stability through maximum loop weight, which revealed underlying stability mechanisms. Maximum loop weight showed a recurrent seasonal pattern with a consistently high stability despite pronounced dynamics in biomasses, fluxes and productivity. This stability resulted from seasonal rewiring of the food web, driven by energetic constraints within loops and their embedding into food web structure. The stabilising restructuring emerged from counter‐acting effects of metabolic activity and competitiveness/susceptibility to predation within a diverse grazer community on loop weight. This underscores the role of functional diversity in promoting food web stability.
Age is associated with the requirement for surgery in horses with nephrosplenic ligament entrapment of the large colon at a single UK equine referral hospital
Authors: Dollemore Georgia , McGovern Kate , Tallon Rose 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundConservative and surgical management of left dorsal displacement and nephrosplenic ligament entrapment of the large colon (NSLE) is well described in horses. Whilst breed factors predispose the development of NSLE, it is unknown if breed affects the likelihood for surgical intervention.ObjectivesTo compare the incidence of surgical intervention and differences in pre‐operative parameters between Thoroughbred and non‐Thoroughbred horses. The authors hypothesise a higher proportion of Thoroughbreds require surgical intervention.Study designRetrospective cross‐sectional study.MethodsCase records at a single equine referral hospital were searched between January 2007 and September 2022 for horses with suspected or confirmed NSLE on transrectal palpation, transabdominal ultrasonography or exploratory laparotomy. Horses were classified into Thoroughbred and non‐Thoroughbred groups. Unpaired T‐tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi‐squared tests and multivariable analysis were used to compare groups. A mixed effects multivariable logistic regression model compared surgery or conservative management as outcome variables.ResultsA total of 179 NSLEs in 169 horses were included (100 Thoroughbreds). Forty‐eight horses (26.8%) underwent surgery, including 34 Thoroughbreds (70.8%). A total of 131 NSLEs in 125 horses were treated conservatively (73.2%), including 66 Thoroughbreds (50.4%). Univariable analysis showed Thoroughbreds were more likely to require surgical intervention compared with non‐Thoroughbred breeds (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–6.18; p = 0.04). Thoroughbreds requiring surgical intervention were significantly younger than those treated conservatively (surgical group median = 2 years [interquartile range, IQR = 1], conservative group median = 4.5 years [IQR = 7], 95% CI 1.66–5.27 years; p ≤ 0.0001). Multivariable analysis, however, showed decreasing age alone was associated with an increased likelihood of surgical intervention (OR = 0.9; 95% CI 0.81–0.99; p = 0.03).Main limitationsDefinitive diagnosis of NSLE is not possible in conservatively managed cases.ConclusionsFor this hospital population, Thoroughbreds were more likely to require surgical correction of NSLE, most likely due to the significantly increased likelihood of surgical intervention in young horses.
Rising Water Levels and Vegetation Shifts Drive Substantial Reductions in Methane Emissions and Carbon Dioxide Uptake in a Great Lakes Coastal Freshwater Wetland
Authors: Tang Angela Che Ing , Bohrer Gil , Malhotra Avni , Missik Justine , Machado‐Silva Fausto , Forbrich Inke 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCoastal freshwater wetlands are critical ecosystems for both local and global carbon cycles, sequestering substantial carbon while also emitting methane (CH4) due to anoxic conditions. Estuarine freshwater wetlands face unique challenges from fluctuating water levels, which influence water quality, vegetation, and carbon cycling. However, the response of CH4 fluxes and their drivers to altered hydrology and vegetation remains unclear, hindering mechanistic modeling. To address these knowledge gaps, we studied an estuarine freshwater wetland in the Great Lakes region, where rising water levels led to a vegetation shift from emergent Typha dominance in 2015–2016 to floating‐leaved species in 2020–2022. Using eddy covariance flux measurements during the peak growing season (June–September) of both periods, we observed a 60% decrease in CH4 emissions, from 81 ± 4 g C m−2 in 2015–2016 to 31 ± 3 g C m−2 in 2020–2022. This decline was driven by two main factors: (1) higher water levels, which suppressed ebullitive fluxes via increased hydrostatic pressure and extended CH4 residence time, enhancing oxidation potential in the water column; and (2) reduced CH4 conductance through plants. Net carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake decreased by 90%, from −267 ± 26 g C m−2 in 2015–2016 to −27 ± 49 g C m−2 in 2020–2022. Additionally, diel CH4 flux patterns shifted, with a distinct morning peak observed in 2015–2016 but absent in 2020–2022, suggesting changes in plant‐mediated transport and a potential decoupling from photosynthesis. The dominant factors influencing CH4 fluxes shifted from water temperature and gross primary productivity in 2015–2016 to atmospheric pressure in 2020–2022, suggesting an increased role of ebullition as a primary transport pathway. Our results demonstrate that changes in water levels and vegetation can substantially alter CH4 and CO2 fluxes in coastal freshwater wetlands, underscoring the critical role of hydrological shifts in driving carbon dynamics in these ecosystems.
Inflammasome Activation by RNA Respiratory Viruses: Mechanisms, Viral Manipulation, and Therapeutic Insights
Authors: Rodrigues Tamara S. , Zamboni Dario S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRespiratory viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2, influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are pathogens responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Upon infection, these viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors, leading to the activation of inflammasomes, which are essential for mediating inflammatory responses. This review discusses the mechanisms by which these RNA respiratory viruses activate inflammasomes, emphasizing the roles of various signaling pathways and components involved in this process. Additionally, we highlight the specific interactions between viral proteins and inflammasome sensors, elucidating how these viruses manipulate the host immune response to facilitate infection. Understanding the dynamics of inflammasome activation in response to respiratory viruses provides critical insights for developing immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation and improving outcomes in respiratory tract infections.
Biomedical outcomes and cardiovascular risks in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes in the metabolic management center program: A longitudinal comparative study
Authors: He Zhanpeng , Cheng Hui , Jia Zhihui , Niu Zimin , Li Yu Ting , Huang Wenyong , Guo Vivian Yawei , Su Zhiran , Xie Yao Jie , Shen Jie , Wang Harry HX 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsTo assess the extent to which biomedical outcomes and cardiovascular risk profile were improved in the management of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the metabolic management center (MMC) program.Materials and MethodsWe performed propensity score matching of diabetic patients in the MMC program for at least 12 months to those with diabetes under usual primary care, based on age, sex, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, and diabetes duration. Difference‐in‐difference analysis was conducted to compare changes in biomedical outcomes, attainment of treatment targets, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction.ResultsOf 557 pairs of diabetic patients matched 1:1 (n = 1,114), the MMC cohort exhibited greater improvements in FPG (−0.84 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.22 to −0.46, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure [BP] (−2.08 mmHg, 95%CI −3.21 to −0.94, P < 0.001), body mass index [BMI] (−0.29 kg/m2, 95%CI −0.51 to −0.07, P = 0.009), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.13 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.04–0.23, P = 0.008), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.05 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.01–0.08, P = 0.017), and 10‐year CVD risk (Framingham CVD risk, −0.94%, 95%CI −1.71 to −0.17, P = 0.017; atherosclerotic CVD risk, −0.77%, 95%CI −1.34 to −0.20, P = 0.009) when compared to the usual primary care cohort after adjustment for confounders. More patients in the MMC cohort achieved treatment targets with lifestyle modifications than their counterparts under primary care.ConclusionsEnrolment in the MMC program appears promising in the management of FPG, BP, BMI, lifestyle, and CVD risk in diabetic patients, suggesting the necessity of incorporating the MMC program into routine primary care.
Geochemical Characteristics of Oils from the Orenburg Field in the SE Volga‐Ural Basin, Russia: Implications for the Molecular Structure of a Marine Type II Kerogen
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Suwaid Muneer A. , Saeed Shadi A. , Al‐Muntaser Ameen A. , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Khamieva Aliia N. , Nurgaliev Danis K. , Abdullah Mohammed A. , Lashin Aref , Morozova Evgeniya V. , Gareev Bulat I. , Andriyashin Vitaly V. , Ognev Igor , Tahhan Fatma 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSix oil samples from an Upper Devonian carbonate reservoir in the Orenburg field in the SE Volga‐Ural Basin (Russia) were analyzed geochemically, together with extracts of five core samples of the Domanik Formation source rock (Frasnian‐Tournaisian) from a well located in the south of the basin. Biomarker analyses of saturated and aromatic oil fractions were combined with new data on the molecular structure of asphaltene in order to investigate source rock organic matter input, depositional environment, and thermal maturity. The studied oil samples have high API values (31°–37°) and saturated hydrocarbon contents up to 66%, suggesting that they were generated by a thermally mature source rock and consistent with high contents of С6–С14 n‐alkanes relative to C15+ of the oil‐asphaltene fraction. The molecular structure of asphaltene derived from pyrolysis‐gas chromatograpy‐mass spectrometry (Py‐GC‐Ms) analyses also suggests that the oils were generated by a source rock containing marine Type II kerogen, consistent with the H/C atomic ratio up to 1.25. Bulk kinetic analyses of the asphaltene showed a relatively broad range of activation energies between 40 and 58 kcal/mol and a frequency factor (A) of 12E+14/1 s. The biomarker characteristics of aliphatic and aromatic fractions in the studied oils suggest that they were generated by carbonate‐rich source rocks containing organic matter of marine algal origin deposited under anoxic conditions. Furthermore, maturity‐sensitive biomarker parameters show that the oils were generated at peak oil window maturities. Oil‐source rock correlations of biomarker proxies indicated that the analyzed oils from the Orenburg field were mainly generated by carbonate‐rich shaley source rocks in the Domanik Formation.
Naturalism and the Cartesian ghost
Authors: Cahoone Lawrence 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMany philosophers equate naturalism with physicalism. Non‐reductive naturalists object that physicalism is inadequate to human agency. Despite their disagreement, both labor under a vestigial Cartesianism that regards the human mind as the sole exception in an otherwise monolithic physical nature. But nonhuman nature is complex, exhibits emergence, and requires multiple sciences. This paper argues that nonhuman nature cannot be adequately understood by physicalism with its doctrine of the causal closure of the physical. At the same time, non‐reductive naturalism cannot deny the dependence of human processes on nonhuman nature. A pluralistic naturalism can acknowledge this dependency without accepting physicalism. The Cartesian ghost can only be exorcized by thinking through the complexity of the nonhuman nature that is our home. This permits us to accept the realist, albeit fallibilist, truth of human cognition of the nature that evolved it.
Comment on Sami Pihlström, “Naturalism, from a transcendental point of view”
Authors: Cahoone Lawrence 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSami Pihlström's non‐reductive naturalism seeks to naturalize the transcendental. His Kantian version of liberal naturalism incorporates an affiliation with Strawson and Quine on perspective “relativity.” His insistence on the irreducibility of the agent perspective, and its inclusion in nature, is arguably right. But this can be achieved more simply by recognizing two points non‐reductive naturalists often fail to note. First, physicalism is inadequate not merely to the human but also to the nonhuman world. That world is complex, requires multiple sciences, and includes the mental activity of purposive animals of which we are a remarkably special case. Second, the relativity of our truth claims to human agency is only one instance of the objective relativity of natural systems to one another. Once we recognize these two points, a fallibilist realism can support and be supported by the non‐reductive naturalism Pihlström and I both seek.
Healthy Ageing for All? A Health Growth Incidence Curve Approach
Authors: Carrieri Vincenzo , Jones Andrew M. , Principe Francesco , Maddalena Speziali Maria 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWe propose and apply a framework that analyses the distributional impact of episodes of overall health growth or decline. We use local smoothing to model the relationship between health outcomes and relative income rank and we introduce Health Growth Incidence Curves (HGIC) to graph the rate of change of health outcomes across the income distribution. We illustrate our framework with an analysis of the distributional dynamics of health and well‐being among those aged 60–85 in the years 2004 and 2015 using pooled SHARE data for selected European countries. Overall we observe a pattern that favours individuals with higher socioeconomic status, with a pro‐rich distribution of improvements in outcomes. Only cognitive capacity growth has been uniform across income groups.
Semen Collection by Urethral Catheterization After Pharmacological Induction With Dexmedetomidine and Methadone in Ferrets
Authors: Attard Simona , Andolfatto Alice , Di Giuseppe Marco , Pisu Maria Carmela 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe evaluation of fertility in stud animals is crucial across all species. Various semen collection techniques have been described in the literature, depending on the practitioner's expertise, available equipment and the species being examined. These techniques include the use of an artificial vagina, electroejaculation, urethral catheterization and the administration of alpha‐2 adrenergic agonists to induce penile erection and ejaculation. Since 1965, several studies have explored semen collection methods in ferrets. Chang et al. initially performed post‐mortem collection from the epididymis and vas deferens, while in 1970, Shump et al. successfully utilised electroejaculation. More recently, reproductive specialists have reported improved semen collection results through urethral catheterization following the administration of alpha‐2 adrenergic agonists. The first successful application of this technique in felids was documented in 2008 by Zambelli et al. using medetomidine. In 2017, Pisu et al. employed a similar protocol, combining dexmedetomidine and methadone. In ferrets, urethral catheterization was first described in 2020, using a combination of ketamine, midazolam, and dexmedetomidine. The goal of this study was to present an alternative protocol for semen collection in ferrets, utilising dexmedetomidine and methadone to induce ejaculation.