bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land cover preferences and spatiotemporal associations of ungulates within a Scottish mammal community
Authors: Lovell Connor , Pettorelli Nathalie , Dawson Terence P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the degraded and modified environment of the Scottish Highlands, novel ungulate communities have arisen following local extinctions, reintroductions, and the introduction of non‐native species. An understanding of the dynamics and interactions within these unique mammal communities is important as many of these mammals represent keystone species with disproportionate impacts on the environment. Using a camera trap survey, we investigated land cover preferences and spatiotemporal interactions within a Scottish ungulate community: the sika deer (Cervus nippon), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the red deer (Cervus elaphus), and the wild boar (Sus scrofa). We used generalised linear models to assess land cover preferences and the effect of human disturbance; spatiotemporal interactions were characterised using time interval modelling. We found that sika deer and roe deer preferred coniferous plantations and grasslands, with sika deer additionally preferring woodland. For red deer, we found a slight preference for wetland over woodland; however, the explained variance was low. Finally, wild boar preferred grassland and woodland and avoided coniferous plantations, heathland, and shrubland. Contrary to our expectations, we found no evidence that human disturbance negatively impacted ungulates' distributions, potentially because ungulates temporally avoid humans or because dense vegetation cover mitigates the impacts of humans on their distributions. Furthermore, we detected a spatiotemporal association between sika deer and roe deer. Although the underlying cause of this is unknown, we hypothesise that interactions such as grazing facilitation or an anti‐predator response to culling could be driving this pattern. Our work provides a preliminary analysis of the dynamics occurring within a novel ungulate community and also highlights current knowledge gaps in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms dictating the observed spatiotemporal associations.
Carbohydrate antigen 125: a useful marker of congestion, fibrosis, and prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Menghoum Nassiba , Badii Maria Chiara , Deltombe Matthieu , Lejeune Sibille , Roy Clotilde , Vancraeynest David , Pasquet Agnes , Gerber Bernhard L. , Horman Sandrine , Gruson Damien , Beauloye Christophe , Pouleur Anne‐Catherine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, for which it is difficult to identify patients with the poorest prognosis in routine clinical practice. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125) has been shown to be a potential marker of congestion and prognosis in HF. We sought to better characterize HFpEF patients with high CA 125 levels by using a multimodal approach.Methods and resultsWe prospectively enrolled 139 HFpEF patients (78 ± 8 years; 60% females) and 25 controls matched for age and sex (77 ± 5 years; 60% females). They underwent two‐dimensional echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement [including extracellular volume (ECV) measurement], and serum measurements of CA 125 level. The primary endpoint of the study was a composite of all‐cause mortality or first HF hospitalization. The prognostic impact of CA 125 was determined using Cox proportional hazard models. Median CA 125 levels were significantly higher in HFpEF patients compared with controls [CA 125: 23.5 (14.5–44.7) vs. 14.6 (10.3–21.0) U/mL, P = 0.004]. CA 125 levels were positively correlated with a congestion marker [N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels, Pearson's r = 0.37, P < 0.001] and markers of cardiac fibrosis estimated by both ECV (Pearson's r = 0.26, P = 0.003) and fibroblast growth factor 23 levels (Pearson's r = 0.50, P < 0.001). Over a median follow‐up of 49 (22–64) months, 97 HFpEF patients reached the composite endpoint. Even after adjustment for the Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic risk score, a CA 125 level ≥35 U/mL was still a significant predictor of the composite endpoint [hazard ratio (HR): 1.58 (1.04–2.41), P = 0.032] and more particularly of HF hospitalization [HR: 1.81 (1.13–2.92), P = 0.014]. In contrast, NT‐proBNP levels were not an independent predictor.ConclusionsCA 125 levels were significantly higher in HFpEF patients compared with controls matched for age and sex and were associated with markers of congestion and cardiac fibrosis. CA 125 levels were a strong and independent predictor of HF hospitalization in HFpEF patients. These data suggest a potential value of CA 125 as a biomarker for staging and risk prediction in HFpEF.
Notch signaling in adipose tissue macrophages prevents diet‐induced inflammation and metabolic dysregulation
Authors: Siouti Eleni , Salagianni Maria , Manioudaki Maria , Pavlos Eleftherios , Klinakis Apostolos , Galani Ioanna‐Evdokia , Andreakos Evangelos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe importance of macrophages in adipose tissue (AT) homeostasis and inflammation is well established. However, the potential cues that regulate their function remain incompletely understood. To bridge this important gap, we sought to characterize novel pathways involved using a mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. By performing transcriptomics analysis of AT macrophages (ATMs), we found that late‐stage ATMs from high‐fat diet mice presented with perturbed Notch signaling accompanied by robust proinflammatory and metabolic changes. To explore the hypothesis that the deregulated Notch pathway contributes to the development of AT inflammation and diet‐induced obesity, we employed a genetic approach to abrogate myeloid Notch1 and Notch2 receptors. Our results revealed that the combined loss of Notch1 and Notch2 worsened obesity‐related metabolic dysregulation. Body and AT weight gain was higher, blood glucose levels increased and metabolic parameters were substantially worsened in deficient mice fed high‐fat diet. Moreover, serum insulin and leptin were elevated as were triglycerides. Molecular analysis of ATMs showed that deletion of Notch receptors escalated inflammation through the induction of an M1‐like pro‐inflammatory phenotype. Our findings thus support a protective role of myeloid Notch signaling in adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.
Investigation of seismic fragility curves of unbonded FREIs: Adaptive characteristics and modeling sensitivity
Authors: Sheikh Hediyeh , Ruparathna Rajeev , Van Engelen Niel C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) are composed of layers of elastomer reinforced with either steel or fibers, and can be placed in a bonded or unbonded configuration between the upper and lower supports. The use of fiber reinforcement in FREIs was intended to reduce the production and installation costs compared to common steel‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREIs) and to develop an isolator suitable for widespread application, particularly in developing countries. The unique rollover deformation exhibited by unbonded FREIs (UFREIs), due to their flexible fiber reinforcement, enables them to adapt to multiple performance objectives at different hazard levels. In this study, the impact of different numerical models of UFREIs on the seismic response and failure probability of structures is investigated. The research employs incremental dynamic analysis and the development of fragility curves for different limit states, considering three sets of ground motions (including far‐field and pulse‐like). Moreover, the effect of full rollover was investigated by comparing the fragility curves of UFREIs when supported on modified support geometries, which involved three types of support: unmodified, accelerated, and delayed full rollover. The effectiveness of the adaptive characteristics to behave as a displacement restrain is demonstrated. The results emphasize the importance of employing an accurate model to simulate the behavior of UFREIs as an adaptive device for effectively utilizing their potential capacity, particularly at larger displacements where there is more dissipated energy due to full rollover.
Near complete remission of an inoperable pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma after BRAF‐/MEK‐inhibitor treatment—A case report and review of the literature
Authors: von Fritsch Lennart , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Weber Klaus , Kirfel Jutta , Schreiber Cleopatra , Keck Tobias , Wellner Ulrich 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionPancreatic acinar cell carcinomas are rare malignant neoplasms. High‐quality evidence about the best treatment strategy is lacking. We present the case of a 52‐year‐old male with a BRAFV600E‐mutated PACC who experienced a complete remission after chemotherapy with BRAF‐/MEK‐inhibitors.CaseThe patient presented with upper abdomen pain, night sweat, and weight loss. CT scan showed a pancreatic tumor extending from the pancreas head to body. Histological workup identified an acinar cell carcinoma. As the tumor was inoperable, chemotherapy with FOFIRNIOX was initiated and initially showed a slight regression of disease. The regimen had to be discontinued due to severe side effects. Molecular analysis identified a BRAFV600E mutation, so the patient was started on BRAF‐ and MEK‐inhibitors (dabrafenib/trametinib). After 16 months, CT scans showed a near complete remission with a markedly improved overall health.DiscussionStudies suggest that up to one‐fourth of PACCs carry a BRAF mutation and might therefore be susceptible to a BRAF‐/MEK‐inhibitor therapy. This offers a new therapeutic pathway to treat this rare but malignant neoplasm.
Phase‐encodedfMRItracks down brainstorms of natural language processing with subsecond precision
Authors: Lei Victoria Lai Cheng , Leong Teng Ieng , Leong Cheok Teng , Liu Lili , Choi Chi Un , Sereno Martin I. , Li Defeng , Huang Ruey‐Song 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNatural language processing unfolds information overtime as spatially separated, multimodal, and interconnected neural processes. Existing noninvasive subtraction‐based neuroimaging techniques cannot simultaneously achieve the spatial and temporal resolutions required to visualize ongoing information flows across the whole brain. Here we have developed rapid phase‐encoded designs to fully exploit the temporal information latent in functional magnetic resonance imaging data, as well as overcoming scanner noise and head‐motion challenges during overt language tasks. We captured real‐time information flows as coherent hemodynamic waves traveling over the cortical surface during listening, reading aloud, reciting, and oral cross‐language interpreting tasks. We were able to observe the timing, location, direction, and surge of traveling waves in all language tasks, which were visualized as “brainstorms” on brain “weather” maps. The paths of hemodynamic traveling waves provide direct evidence for dual‐stream models of the visual and auditory systems as well as logistics models for crossmodal and cross‐language processing. Specifically, we have tracked down the step‐by‐step processing of written or spoken sentences first being received and processed by the visual or auditory streams, carried across language and domain‐general cognitive regions, and finally delivered as overt speeches monitored through the auditory cortex, which gives a complete picture of information flows across the brain during natural language functioning.Practitioner PointsPhase‐encoded fMRI enables simultaneous imaging of high spatial and temporal resolution, capturing continuous spatiotemporal dynamics of the entire brain during real‐time overt natural language tasks.Spatiotemporal traveling wave patterns provide direct evidence for constructing comprehensive and explicit models of human information processing.This study unlocks the potential of applying rapid phase‐encoded fMRI to indirectly track the underlying neural information flows of sequential sensory, motor, and high‐order cognitive processes.
The use of antipsychotics in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Conti Dario , Girone Nicolaja , Boscacci Maria , Casati Lorenzo , Cassina Niccolò , Cerolini Lucia , Giacovelli Luca , Viganò Caterina , Conde Marian Mora , Cremaschi Laura , Dell’Osso Bernardo M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic disease with a prevalence in the general population of around 2%–3%, generally accompanied by a severe impairment of functioning and quality of life. A consistent subgroup of patients may not achieve adequate symptom remission with first‐line treatments (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]). The most validated option for treatment‐resistant cases relies on the augmentative use of antipsychotics to SSRIs, preferably of the ‘second generation’. Indeed, dopamine appears to be crucially involved in OCD neuropathology due to its implication in systems relating to goal‐directed behaviour and maladaptive habits. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of antipsychotics in OCD symptom improvement is still unclear. Risperidone, aripiprazole, and haloperidol seem to be the most useful medications, whereas ‘first generation’ antipsychotics may be indicated in case of comorbidity with tics and/or Tourette Syndrome. Antipsychotic augmentation may be also related to side‐effects, particularly in the long term (e.g., alteration in metabolic profile, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms). The present mini‐review sought to provide the most updated evidence on augmentative antipsychotic use in treatment‐resistant patients with OCD, providing a road map for clinicians in daily practice and shedding light on avenues for further research.
Long‐term exposure to air pollution and incidence of gastric and the upper aerodigestive tract cancers in a pooled European cohort: The ELAPSE project
Authors: Nagel Gabriele , Chen Jie , Jaensch Andrea , Skodda Lea , Rodopoulou Sophia , Strak Maciej , de Hoogh Kees , Andersen Zorana J. , Bellander Tom , Brandt Jørgen , Fecht Daniela , Forastiere Francesco , Gulliver John , Hertel Ole , Hoffmann Barbara , Hvidtfeldt Ulla Arthur , Katsouyanni Klea , Ketzel Matthias , Leander Karin , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Pershagen Göran , Rizzuto Debora , Samoli Evangelia , Severi Gianluca , Stafoggia Massimo , Tjønneland Anne , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Wolf Kathrin , Zitt Emanuel , Brunekreef Bert , Hoek Gerard , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole , Weinmayr Gudrun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAir pollution has been shown to significantly impact human health including cancer. Gastric and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers are common and increased risk has been associated with smoking and occupational exposures. However, the association with air pollution remains unclear. We pooled European subcohorts (N = 287,576 participants for gastric and N = 297,406 for UADT analyses) and investigated the association between residential exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC) and ozone in the warm season (O3w) with gastric and UADT cancer. We applied Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for potential confounders at the individual and area‐level. During 5,305,133 and 5,434,843 person‐years, 872 gastric and 1139 UADT incident cancer cases were observed, respectively. For gastric cancer, we found no association with PM2.5, NO2 and BC while for UADT the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.15 (95% CI: 1.00–1.33) per 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, 1.19 (1.08–1.30) per 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, 1.14 (1.04–1.26) per 0.5 × 10−5 m−1 increase in BC and 0.81 (0.72–0.92) per 10 μg/m3 increase in O3w. We found no association between long‐term ambient air pollution exposure and incidence of gastric cancer, while for long‐term exposure to PM2.5, NO2 and BC increased incidence of UADT cancer was observed.
Occupational asbestos exposure and risk of esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Boffetta Paolo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEsophageal cancer (EC), which includes squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC), is an important cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Several occupational exposures have been associated with EC. We aim to investigate the association between occupational asbestos exposure and EC risk, considering types of asbestos and histology of the disease. We included studies mentioned in the list of references in previous reviews and pooled analyses, and we conducted an independent search in PubMed and Scopus. Forest plots of relative risks (RR) were constructed based on the association between occupational asbestos and EC risk. Random‐effects models were used to address heterogeneity between 48 independent cohort and case‐control studies. We found an association between occupational asbestos exposure and EC (meta‐relative risk [RR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09‐1.32; I2 = 58.8%, p‐heterogeneity [het] <.001). The results of stratification by job (p‐het = .20) indicate an increased RR among asbestos product workers (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07‐1.81), asbestos applicators (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.20‐1.67), and construction workers (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02‐1.24). There was no heterogeneity in meta‐RR according to outcome (p = .29), geographic region (p = .69), year of publication (p = .59), quality score (p = .73), asbestos type (p = .93), study design (p = .87), and gender (p = .88), control for potential confounders (p = .20), year of first employment (p = .94) and exposure level (p = .43). The stratification analysis by histology type found an increased RR for both ESCC 1.33(1.03‐1.71) and EAC 1.45(1.03‐2.04) (p‐het = .68). We didn't find evidence of publication bias (p = .07). The results of our study suggest that occupational asbestos exposure is associated with an increased risk of EC in both histology types.
Environmental drivers of the rising incidence of early‐onset colorectal cancer in the United States
Authors: Chen Jianjiu , Terry Mary Beth , Dalerba Piero , Hur Chin , Hu Jianhua , Yang Wan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIncidence of early‐onset (diagnosed before age 50) colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has increased alarmingly since the 1990s in the United States. This study investigated what environmental exposures may have driven this increase. We obtained EOCRC incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, and data for 11 exposures, for example, body mass index (BMI), from long‐term national surveys. We aggregated these data for 30 to 49‐year‐olds during 1992 to 2016 by population subgroups defined by calendar period, age, race and sex, and used negative binomial regression models to identify and estimate associations of EOCRC with multiple exposures. Furthermore, we used counterfactual modeling to quantify contributions of identified risk factors to EOCRC incidence. The top models (with lowest Bayesian Information Criteria) consistently identified excess body weight, represented by overweight and obesity (BMI ≥25) or obesity alone (BMI ≥30), as the strongest risk factor. The best‐performing model estimated increased EOCRC incidence due to overweight and obesity, with an incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.20 (1.17‐1.22) for white men, 1.04 (1.00‐1.08) for black men, 1.17 (1.15‐1.21) for white women and 1.03 (0.97‐1.08) for black women. Increases in overweight and obesity prevalence contributed to an estimated 30% (standard error: 1%) for men and 28% (standard error: 2%) for women of ECORC incidence during 1992 to 2016. These findings suggest excess body weight substantially contributed to and is likely a primary driver of the rising incidence of EOCRC in the United States. Prevention of excess weight gain may help lower colorectal cancer risk early in life.
Association between gestational weight gain and behavioral problems of the offspring aged 6–7 years: A population‐based study in Japan
Authors: Terada Shuhei , Isumi Aya , Doi Satomi , Tani Yukako , Fujiwara Takeo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) thresholds for behavioral problems and prosocial behavior in 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty study, including all first‐graders in public schools in Adachi, Tokyo, in 2017, 2019, and 2021 (n = 11 048, response rate = 80.1%). GWG was based on clinical records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook. Total difficulties and prosocial behavior were assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Logistic regression models with restricted cubic splines, and quintile categories were employed to examine the association of GWG with the clinical range of total difficulties and prosocial behavior, controlling for covariates.ResultsThe association between GWG and total difficulties exhibited a reverse J‐shaped pattern, with low GWG, but not high GWG, increasing the risk (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.42, P = 0.039 for GWG < 7 kg; OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85–1.24, P = 0.786 for GWG > 14 kg), referencing the median (10 kg). High GWG was associated with a lower risk of problems in prosocial behavior (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.95, P = 0.017 for GWG > 14 kg; OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88–1.27, P = 0.532 for GWG <7 kg).ConclusionGWG less than 7 kg may increase the risk of total difficulties, whereas GWG over 14 kg may serve as a protective factor for prosocial behavior in 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children.
Three cases of sperm immobility for intracytoplasmic sperm injection using testicular sperm
Authors: Mimura Noboru , Takeshima Teppei , Aoki Shun , Saito Tomoki , Karibe Jurii , Yumura Yasushi 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionSperm immobility is a condition in which sperm are viable but not motile. We reported three patients with sperm immobility, who underwent testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Case presentationIn case 1, a 32‐year‐old patient with sperm immobility had previously undergone intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated sperm; however, pregnancy was unsuccessful. testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed at our clinic, and pregnancy was achieved. In case 2, a 23‐year‐old patient with clinical varicocele whose semen analysis revealed sperm immobility underwent varicocelectomy, without improvement. Using the hypo‐osmotic swelling test technique, testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed; however, pregnancy was not achieved. In case 3, a 44‐year‐old patient with sperm immobility underwent testicular sperm extraction, and motile sperm were retrieved. testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection using these sperm resulted in pregnancy.ConclusionAlthough testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection is not considered a solution in patients with sperm immobility, pregnancies were achieved. testicular sperm extraction‐intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be successful in some cases in which ejaculated sperm intracytoplasmic sperm injection is unsuitable.