bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive effects of plant diversity on dry matter yield while maintaining a high level of forage digestibility in intensively managed grasslands across two contrasting environments
Authors: Golińska Barbara , Vishwakarma Rishabh , Brophy Caroline , Goliński Piotr 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe local abiotic and environmental conditions of a grass‐based farming system may influence the agricultural benefits of mixtures in comparison to pure stands. We investigated the effects of species identities and interactions between grass, legume, and herb species on dry matter yield and sward digestibility and explored how contrasting environments may affect these relationships. We established experimental plots across 11 mixtures and 4 monocultures of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) established at two seeding densities in two sites Brody and Szelejewo (Poland) and managed them over a 3‐year period. The two sites were close geographically and had similar climates, but differed in soil types (Luvisols and Cambisols, respectively). We confirmed that the annual DM yields were generally higher on Cambisols soil as compared to Luvisols soil; both individual species effects and species interaction strengths differed across the two contrasting environments. The predicted annual DM yield for the 4‐species mixtures in general gave comparable or higher yields compared to monocultures across the 3 years, with the mixtures giving around 10%–30% higher yields than the weighted average of the monocultures of the constituent species. Analysing the transgressive overyielding it turned out that there was no significant difference between the 4‐species mixtures and best performing monoculture. The benefits of species diversity in our study was greater on less productive site because we found larger overyielding of the 4‐species sward on the Luvisols soil than on the Cambisols soil. Additionally, the effect of mixtures composed by 4‐species increased the yield stability compared to monocultures in the 3‐year period of our study, particularly on Cambisols soil. Sward digestibility applied to average values did not differ much between sites with mixtures performing similarly to monocultures. The reason for that could have been the dynamics of sward botanical composition during study years shifted towards increased perennial ryegrass and decreased proportions of chicory in the sward as well as the observed phenomenon that the species in mixed swards progressed to successive growth stages more slowly than in pure sowing.
It is not a mere piece of the mainland: Fluvial islands contribute to regional spider diversity in a seasonally flooded Amazonian archipelago
Authors: de Carvalho Thiago Gomes , Gasnier Thierry Ray , Borges Sérgio Henrique 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Islands and analogous insular habitats are found in several ecological contexts. With the exception of oceanic islands, however, the contribution of these insular habitats to regional biodiversity remains poorly investigated, especially in tropical regions. We investigated the understory spider assemblages in an Amazonian river archipelago to evaluate the contribution of fluvial islands to regional spider diversity.
We collected spiders on 30 islands ranging from 1 to 1527 ha and at 23 sites in mainland habitats represented by continuous igapó flooded forests and terra firme forests. Spiders were collected by shaking the vegetation over a white sheet during a standardised time of 30 min.
From 1404 adult individuals, we identified 290 spider species or morphospecies, with 150 species being recorded on the fluvial islands, 122 in the igapó flooded forests and 103 in the terra firme forests. Spider assemblages of fluvial islands exhibit lower alpha diversity and equitability compared with mainland habitats. The species composition of fluvial islands was significantly distinct from that of mainland habitats, even when compared with neighbouring igapó flooded forests. Several families and species of spider were significantly associated with a particular habitat, including 8 families and 10 species identified as indicators of fluvial islands.
Fluvial islands effectively contribute to regional diversity since their spider fauna is not a mere impoverished subset of species from mainland habitats. Events that alter the flood pulse in Amazonian rivers (e.g., construction of hydroelectric dams) could threaten the unique biological assemblages of the floodplain habitats, especially the fluvial islands.
Physicochemical stability of Pickering emulsion stabilised by green tea polysaccharide conjugates‐soy protein isolate complex and its delivery of curcumin
Authors: Li Yongyu , Liu Xiulin , Li Shengqi , Li Mengyang , Cheng Shuiyuan , Fang Tianqi , Cao Wendan , Wang Yongyong , Fang Lijuan , Chen Xiaoqiang 
Published: December 2023

SummaryTea processing often generates significant waste, resulting in resource inefficiency. However, extracting green tea polysaccharide conjugate (gTPC) from this waste has shown promising bioactivity. Previous studies have confirmed the emulsifying properties of gTPC. Yet, its use as an emulsifier is limited due to its requirement for high surface activity. The findings revealed that a 0.40 wt% soy protein isolate (SPI) and 0.50 wt% gTPC conjugate required 300 °C for complete decomposition, demonstrating the highest stability among other ratios. The Pickering emulsion, using a 0.30 wt% emulsifier ratio, exhibited exceptional stability. Moreover, it showed remarkable zeta potential and particle size stability under stressful conditions (temperature, pH and metal ions). Additionally, it effectively protected curcumin from adverse pH, light and temperature effects, with a retention rate of over 74.00%. These results highlight the gTPC/SPI combination as an effective stabiliser, offering new prospects for gTPC development and utilisation.
Changes in quality and bacterial profiles of Tualang and Kelulut honeys preserved by post‐harvest maturation
Authors: Yap Shu Khang , Chin Nyuk Ling , Niranjan Keshavan , Shah Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim , Than Leslie Thian Lung 
Published: December 2023

SummaryPost‐harvest maturation of two Malaysian honeys, the Tualang and Kelulut was studied by measuring changes in physicochemical and antioxidant properties, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents and bacterial profiles at room temperature of 23–26  °C. After maturation at the recommended period of 26 weeks, water activity of both honeys increased between 0.89% and 2.34% while free acidity increased between 2.05% and 2.24%. Results suggested the prominence of fermentation reactions in honey during post‐harvest maturation as fructose concentration reduced by 10.6% and 1.05% for the Tualang and Kelulut honey, respectively, while HMF concentrations were kept at a safe limit of 48.00 and 61.23 mg/kg honey. The total phenolic content of Tualang and Kelulut honey increased significantly by 12.61% and 54.66% respectively. The highlight of this post‐harvest maturation process for Kelulut honey was the improvement found in antioxidant properties of DPPH radical scavenging activity by 10.01%–54.74% and also the probiotic‐like potential in terms significant increase in relative abundance of the Bacillus genera to 2.6% and Lactobacillus to 6.25% at 26 weeks. The prolonged maturation process up to 1 year however revealed continuous accumulation of HMF to values above 80 mg/kg honey, surpassing the limits by the Codex Alimentarius Commission despite improvements of antioxidant properties and bacterial profiles.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A disorder of T cell activation, immune regulation, and distinctive immunopathology
Authors: Jordan Michael B. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disorder that has been recognized since the middle of the last century. In recent decades, increasing understanding of the genetic roots and pathophysiology of HLH has led to improved diagnosis and treatment of this once universally fatal disorder. HLH is best conceptualized as a maladaptive state of excessive T cell activation driving life‐threatening myeloid cell activation, largely via interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). In familial forms of HLH (F‐HLH), inherited defects of lymphocyte cytotoxic biology underlie excessive T cell activation, demonstrating the importance of the perforin/granzyme pathway as a negative feedback loop limiting acute T cell activation in response to environmental factors. HLH occurring in other contexts and without apparent inherited genetic predisposition remains poorly understood, though it may share some downstream aspects of pathophysiology including excessive IFN‐γ action and activation of innate immune effectors. Iatrogenic forms of HLH occurring after immune‐activating therapies for cancer are providing new insights into the potential toxicities of inadequately controlled T cell activation. Diagnosing HLH increasingly relies on context‐specific measures of T cell activation, IFN‐γ activity, and inflammation. Treatment of HLH largely relies on cytotoxic chemotherapy, though targeted therapies against T cells, IFN‐γ, and other cytokines are increasingly utilized.
Discrete‐event simulation is still alive and strong: evidence from bibliometric performance evaluation of research during COVID‐19 global health pandemic
Authors: Akpan Ikpe Justice , Shanker Murali , Offodile Onyebuchi Felix 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDuring the Annual Operational Research Society Simulation Workshop in Worchester, UK, in 2010, a panel discussion entitled “discrete‐event simulation (DES) is dead, long live agent‐based simulation (ABS)!” was held. Subsequent debates on the topic have captured the interest of many simulation professionals and researchers. This study lends credence to the discourse with evidence. In January 2020, a global health crisis named coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) occurred, infecting and killing millions of people globally, leading to community lockdowns and travel restrictions, and bringing the world to a standstill. Scientists scrambled for quick, practical solutions to stem the tide. Operational research (OR) and management science (MS) techniques, including modeling and simulation, provide effective methods to make COVID‐19 infection forecasts, assign/optimize intensive care unit beds, initiate healthcare management/control strategies, and decision‐making. The global pandemic problems offer an opportunity to evaluate the discourse on DES's continuous relevance and potency as an OR/MS technique. Utilizing bibliometric performance evaluation and text analytics of publications addressing various COVID‐19 pandemic problems, the results show an extensive use, relevance, and impact of the DES technique across multidisciplinary domains, including medical/healthcare, social and behavioral sciences, business, molecular biosciences, and more. The intellectual structure highlights strong multidisciplinary collaboration among sources in decision sciences, healthcare, natural, behavioral, and social sciences. The social network analysis of the publications shows the contributions and collaborations among authors, institutions, and countries. The study demonstrates that DES is still alive and robust, notwithstanding the hype about ABS.
Arrhythmic risk profile in mitral valve prolapse: A systematic review and metanalysis of 1715 patients
Authors: Pistelli Lorenzo , Vetta Giampaolo , Parlavecchio Antonio , Crea Pasquale , Parisi Francesca , Magnocavallo Michele , Caminiti Rodolfo , Frea Simone , Vairo Alessandro , Desalvo Paolo , Faletti Riccardo , Gatti Marco , Dattilo Giuseppe , Parollo Matteo , Di Cori Andrea , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , De Santis Giulia , Borgi Marco , Franzino Marco , Licordari Roberto , Zucchelli Giulio , Rocca Giovanni Domenico Della , Giustetto Carla 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionMitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common clinical condition in the general population. A subgroup of patients with MVP may experience ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (“arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse” [AMVP]) but how to stratify arrhythmic risk is still unclear. Our meta‐analysis aims to identify predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in patients with MVP.MethodsWe systematically searched Medline, Cochrane, Journals@Ovid, Scopus electronic databases for studies published up to December 28, 2022 and comparing AMVP and nonarrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (NAMVP) for what concerns history, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance features. The effect size was estimated using a random‐effect model as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD).ResultsA total of 10 studies enrolling 1715 patients were included. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR: 16.67; p = .005), T‐wave inversion (TWI) (OR: 2.63; p < .0001), bileaflet MVP (OR: 1.92; p < .0001) and mitral anulus disjunction (MAD) (OR: 2.60; p < .0001) were more represented among patients with AMVP than in NAMVP. Patients with AMVP were shown to have longer anterior mitral leaflet (AML) (MD: 2.63 mm; p < .0001), posterior mitral leaflet (MD: 2.96 mm; p < .0001), thicker AML (MD: 0.49 mm; p < .0001), longer MAD length (MD: 1.24 mm; p < .0001) and higher amount of LGE (MD: 1.41%; p < .0001) than NAMVP. AMVP showed increased mechanical dispersion (MD: 8.04 ms; 95% confidence interval: 5.13–10.96; p < .0001) compared with NAMVP.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis proved that LGE, TWI, bileaflet MVP, and MAD are predictive factors for arrhythmic risk in MVP patients.
Correlation of ventricular pacing burden and left ventricular function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Scully Timothy G. , Kelsang Tenzin , Backhouse Brendan , Sajeev Jithin K. , Roberts Louise , Pathik Bhupesh , Teh Andrew W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy is a well described phenomenon in patients with preserved ejection fraction at the time of permanent pacemaker implant. One of the identified risk factors for pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy is the degree of ventricular pacing burden. However, it is unclear how a high right ventricular pacing burden affects patients with depressed left ventricular function at the time of pacemaker implantation. We sought to assess the relationship between right ventricular pacing and change in left ventricular function over time.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of all patients who had received either a single or dual lead cardiac implantable electronic devices, excluding biventricular devices, and had a prior transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrating an ejection fraction of less than 50%. The primary end‐point was the correlation between the percentage of ventricular pacing and the change in LV ejection fraction.ResultsFifty eight patients with preceding heart failure had pacemakers implanted and had follow up echocardiograms. There was no correlation between the degree of ventricular pacing and the absolute change in LV function (r = .04, p = .979). None of the previously identified risk factors for pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy were predictive of a significant fall in ejection fraction.ConclusionThe degree of RV pacing and other established risk factors for pacemaker‐induced cardiomyopathy in patients with normal left ventricular function at the time of implantation do not appear to carry the same risk in patients with pre‐existing heart failure who receive either single or dual lead pacemakers.
Considering intersectionality and interacting levels of early intervention on early brain development—a commentary on Nelson et al. (2023)
Authors: Romeo Rachel R. 
Published: December 2023

It has long been recognized that an individual's experiences can metaphorically ‘get under the skin’ and become biologically embedded, thus affecting behavior and life outcomes (Hertzman, 2012). While this term is most often used to describe how adverse experiences influence biological process, it is rarely discussed how the same can be said of positive experiences, such as intervention to prevent or treat negative outcomes. In their annual review, Nelson et al. (2023) provide a timely and comprehensive review of how early intervention capitalizes on the neuroplasticity of the postnatal years, turning periods of ‘vulnerability’ to ones of ‘opportunity’. Drawing on decades of expertise, they discuss the neurobiological mechanisms of intervention in two contexts: caregiving interventions for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and therapeutic interventions for children at elevated risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. They thought‐provokingly describe both how early intervention operates through mechanisms of neural plasticity and how this can and should inform policy decisions to provide the greatest benefit to children. Here, I aim to underscore the importance of this review by addressing the intersection of these topics; specifically, I muse on how the scientific discovery of biological processes and the ethical imperative to support vulnerable children's development are intimately intertwined, and how this highlights both critical lines of future inquiry as well as policy implications.
“If only we'd known”: Theory of supply failure under two‐sided information asymmetry
Authors: Kauppi Katri , Brandon‐Jones Alistair , van Raaij Erik M. , Matinheikki Juri 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSupply failures are persistent and costly in contemporary supply chains. Viewed through the lens of agency theory, such failures are potentially caused by hidden actions of the supplier under information asymmetry and goal incongruence in the buyer–supplier relationship (as principal–agent). However, by reversing the direction of information asymmetry, an alternative cause arises: hidden expectations, where the supplier has good intentions but incomplete information regarding the buyer's true preferences and specifications. Further, following a failure, the buyer forms a causal attribution and takes subsequent action. Yet these attributions suffer from cognitive biases potentially causing buyers to misattribute supply failures, leading to costly conflict and even relationship termination. Combining agency and attribution theories, this article develops a theoretical framework to explain antecedents to a buyer's attribution process under conditions of two‐sided asymmetric information. It discusses the harmful relationship effects of misattribution. The framework can assist in identifying and minimizing cognitive biases causing misattribution, hence avoiding the unintentional deterioration of relationships that often follow a supply failure. A research agenda to examine hidden expectations and misattribution is also provided.
Retrospective evaluation of hematological ratios in canine parvovirosis: 401 cases
Authors: González‐Domínguez Andrea , Cristobal‐Verdejo José Ignacio , López‐Espinar Clara , Fontela‐González Sergio , Vázquez Sergio , Justo‐Domínguez Javier , González‐Caramazana Jonatan , Bragado‐Cuesta Mónica , Álvarez‐Punzano Alicia , Herrería‐Bustillo Vicente J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) as prognostic indicators has not been investigated in canine parvovirosis (CPV).HypothesisTo evaluate whether these hematological ratios obtained at hospital admission in CPV are associated with outcome or duration of hospitalization.Animals.Four hundred one client‐owned dogs presented with CPV. Methods‐Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with CPV. Data regarding signalment, complete blood count at admission, duration of hospitalization and outcome were collected.ResultsOf the 401 dogs included in the study, 336 (83.8%) survived to discharge. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) PLR in nonsurvivors (336.56 [159.84‐635.77]) was significantly higher than in survivors (217.65 [117.67‐389.65]) (P = .003). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for nonsurvival was 0.615 (95% CI [0.593‐0.691], P = .003). A cut off of 700 showed a 21.5% sensitivity and 90% specificity for nonsurvival. No association was observed between hospitalization duration and either hematological ratios or total WBC counts. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) lymphocyte count was below reference interval in all dogs and was significantly lower in the dogs which died (0.82 × 109/L [0.5‐1.87]) than in survivors (1.27 × 109/L [0.73‐2.22]) (P = .005). The median (25th and 75th percentiles) monocyte count however was lower in survivors (0.38 × 109/L [0.29‐1.59]), than in nonsurvivors (0.73 × 109/L [0.1‐2]) (P = .002).ConclusionsEvaluation of PLR at hospital admission might be a useful marker of disease severity and could have prognostic value in dogs with CPV.
Determinants of worse liver‐related outcome according to HDV infection among HBsAg positive persons living with HIV: Data from the ICONA cohort
Authors: d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Tavelli Alessandro , Salpini Romina , Piermatteo Lorenzo , D'Anna Stefano , Carrara Stefania , Malagnino Vincenzo , Mazzotta Valentina , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Marchetti Giulia Carla , Rosselli Del Turco Elena , Rossotti Roberto , Mussini Cristina , Antinori Andrea , Lo Caputo Sergio , Ceccherini Silberstein Francesca , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Svicher Valentina , Puoti Massimo ,   for the Icona Foundation Study Group
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to study hepatitis D virus (HDV) prevalence and risk of progression to severe liver‐related events (SLRE) in HBsAg positive people living with HIV (PLWH) in Italy; role of HDV‐RNA copy levels, HCV coinfection and nadir CD4 counts were also investigated.MethodsPeople living with HIV (PLWH) from Italian Foundation cohort Naïve antiretrovirals (ICONA) with available HBsAg and HDV Ab were enrolled. HBsAg, HDV Ab, HDV‐RNA and HDV genotypes were tested. Primary end‐point: time from first HDV screening to Severe Liver Related Events (SLRE: decompensated cirrhosis, liver transplantation, HCC). Fine‐grey regression models were used to evaluate the association of HDV Ab, HDV‐RNA, HDV/HCV coinfection, CD4 nadir and outcome. Secondary end‐points: time to SLRE or death; HDV Ab and HDV‐RNA prevalence.ResultsA total of 152/809 (18.8%) HBsAg positive PLWH showed HDV Ab reactivity; 63/93 (67.7%) were HDV‐RNA positive. Being male, persons who inject drugs (PWID), HCV Ab positive, with FIB‐4 > 3.25 were independent factors of HDV Ab positivity. In a median follow‐up of 5 years, 37 PLWH (4.1% at 5‐year) developed SLRE and 97 (12.0%) reached the SLRE or death end‐point. HDV‐RNA positive (independently from HDV‐RNA copy level) PLWH had a 4.6‐fold (95%CI 2.0–10.5) higher risk of SLRE than HDV negatives. PLWH positive for both HCV Ab and HDV Ab showed the highest independent risk of SLRE (ASHR: 11.9, 95%CI: 4.6–30.9 vs. HCV neg/HDV neg). Nadir CD4 < 200/mL was associated with SLRE (ASHR: 3.9, 95% 1.0–14.5).ConclusionsOne‐fifth of the HBsAg positive PLWH harbour HDV infection, and are at high risk of progression to advanced liver disease. HCV contributes to worse outcomes. This population needs urgently effective treatments.