bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertebrates, but not ants, protect rainforest from herbivorous insects across elevations in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sam Katerina , Jorge Leonardo Re , Koane Bonny , Amick Pita K. , Sivault Elise 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimThe effects of insectivorous predators on herbivorous prey should have a cascading effect releasing herbivory pressure and favouring plant's biomass. However, it remains unclear whether different types of predators regulate herbivores to the same degree across seasons, and how their interactions affect lower trophic levels across elevations where predator communities differ significantly. Therefore, we investigated the impact of excluding flying vertebrate predators and ants (individually and in combination) on arthropods and herbivory across tropical seasons along a rainforest gradient spanning 3500 m a.s.l.LocationPapua New Guinea.TaxonMulti‐taxon.MethodsWe excluded predators from 560 saplings in two 6‐month‐long predator exclusion experiments, controlling for seasonality. Saplings were spread across eight sites, evenly spaced at 500 m elevational increments from 200 to 3700 m a.s.l. We measured change in the abundance of arthropods and herbivory damage and analysed them by linear and generalized linear mixed models.ResultsExclusion of flying vertebrate predators, but not ants, led to a significant increase in both arthropod density and herbivory damage. The density of arthropods increased significantly by 37% when flying vertebrates were excluded and by 33% when both flying vertebrates and ants were excluded. Both season and elevation significantly influenced this effect. Leaf damage increased significantly by 50% in exclosures of flying vertebrates alone and by 36% in combined exclosures of flying vertebrates and ants. In contrast, the exclusion of ants alone had no significant effect on arthropod density or leaf damage, which increased by 12% and 9%, respectively, although the effect decreased with increasing elevation.Main conclusionsThe overall effect of flying vertebrate predators on arthropod density and leaf damage remains consistently strong along the whole elevational gradient. In contrast, ant‐driven trophic cascades were detected only in lowland. Disappearance of insectivorous flying vertebrates could lead to substantial negative consequences for plants.
The patient perspective: The struggles of living with thalassemia as an adult
Authors: Sawh Radhika N. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractToday it has become the norm for individuals diagnosed with severe forms of thalassemia who have access to hypertransfusion regimens, chelation therapy, and annual surveillance to survive well beyond childhood. However, with this improvement in prognosis and subsequent transition to adult care, it has become apparent that most adult healthcare providers, including many adult hematologists and primary care providers, are ill‐prepared to care for these patients and the complications that accompany their survival into adulthood. Collaborative efforts are needed to develop comprehensive approaches to contend with the challenges faced by adult patients to ensure they are properly managed and supported.
Years of life lost to revolution and war in Iran
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHow was life expectancy in Iran affected by the Islamic Revolution and subsequent war with Iraq? This study examines the joint effect of regime change and the war against Iraq on life expectancy in Iran between 1978 and 1988. If there had been no revolution and war in Iran, how would the life expectancy of Iranians have developed? To answer this question, we use a synthetic control model to construct a counterfactual Iran based on a weighted average of other comparable countries, which reproduces the situation of pre‐revolution Iran but does not experience the revolution and war. We then compare the life expectancies of the counterfactual and actual Iran that underwent a regime change and war with Iraq. Our results indicate that an average Iranian's total life expectancy would have been approximately five years longer without the revolution and war. The revolution had a moderate long‐term impact on total life expectancy at birth, with the most significant influence being attributed to the war itself, particularly on male life expectancy. Our main findings are robust to a series of tests, including placebo tests. We investigate possible reasons that may explain the impact on longevity.
Repeat patient testing quality control (RPT‐QC): Background and theory
Authors: Flatland Bente , Freeman Kathleen P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRepeat‐patient testing quality control (RPT‐QC) is a version of statistical quality control (SQC) in which individual patient samples, rather than commercial control materials, are used. Whereas conventional SQC assumes control material stability and repeatedly measures the same lot of control material over time, RPT‐QC uses a unique patient sample for each QC event and exploits the labile nature of patient samples under prescribed storage conditions for QC purposes. Advantages of RPT‐QC include commutability, lower cost, and QC at concentrations of medical interest. Challenges include sample procurement and the establishment of control limits. The objective of this review is to compare and contrast the principles and procedures of RPT‐QC and conventional SQC and to provide an overview of RPT‐QC control limit establishment.
The strength-based clinical supervision workbook: A complete guide for mental health trainees and supervisors
Authors: Rankine Matt 
Published: July 2023

Review of The strength-based clinical supervision workbook: A complete guide for mental health trainees and supervisors. Christopher L. Heffner and Jessica A. Cowan Routledge, 2023. ISBN: 978-0-367-43935-4, pp.214, Paperback, NZD90.
Quadratic equations in metabelian Baumslag–Solitar groups
Authors: Mandel Richard , Ushakov Alexander 
Published: July 2023

For a finitely generated group G, the Diophantine problem over G is the algorithmic problem of deciding whether a given equation [Formula: see text] (perhaps restricted to a fixed subclass of equations) has a solution in G. In this paper, we investigate the algorithmic complexity of the Diophantine problem for the class [Formula: see text] of quadratic equations over the metabelian Baumslag–Solitar groups [Formula: see text]. We prove that this problem is [Formula: see text]-complete whenever [Formula: see text], and determine the algorithmic complexity for various subclasses (orientable, nonorientable, etc.) of [Formula: see text].
Effects of Age, Sex, and Extracellular Matrix Integrity on Aortic Dilatation and Rupture in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Weiss Dar , Rego Bruno V. , Cavinato Cristina , Li David S. , Kawamura Yuki , Emuna Nir , Humphrey Jay D. 
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:
Transmural failure of the aorta is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality; it occurs when mechanical stress exceeds strength. The aortic root and ascending aorta are susceptible to dissection and rupture in Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder characterized by a progressive reduction in elastic fiber integrity. Whereas competent elastic fibers endow the aorta with compliance and resilience, cross-linked collagen fibers confer stiffness and strength. We hypothesized that postnatal reductions in matrix cross-linking increase aortopathy when turnover rates are high.

METHODS:

We combined ex vivo biaxial mechanical testing with multimodality histological examinations to quantify expected age- and sex-dependent structural vulnerability of the ascending aorta in
Fbn1

C1041G/+

Marfan versus wild-type mice without and with 4-week exposures to β-aminopropionitrile, an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase–mediated cross-linking of newly synthesized elastic and collagen fibers.

RESULTS:

We found a strong β-aminopropionitrile–associated sexual dimorphism in aortic dilatation in Marfan mice and aortic rupture in wild-type mice, with dilatation correlating with compromised elastic fiber integrity and rupture correlating with compromised collagen fibril organization. A lower incidence of rupture of β-aminopropionitrile–exposed Marfan aortas associated with increased lysyl oxidase, suggesting a compensatory remodeling of collagen that slows disease progression in the otherwise compromised
Fbn1

C1041G/+

aorta.

CONCLUSIONS:
Collagen fiber structure and function in the Marfan aorta are augmented, in part, by increased lysyl oxidase in female and especially male mice, which improves structural integrity, particularly via fibrils in the adventitia. Preserving or promoting collagen cross-linking may represent a therapeutic target for an otherwise vulnerable aorta.
Effect of Footwear Type on Biomechanical Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Malus Jan , Urbaczka Jan , Rygelova Marketa , Casula Victor , Nieminen Miika , Monte Andrea , Horka Veronika , Uchytil Jaroslav 
Published: July 2023

Background: Regular walking in different types of footwear may increase the mediolateral shear force, knee adduction moment, or vertical ground-reaction forces that could increase the risk of early development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose: To compare kinematic and kinetic parameters that could affect the development of knee OA in 3 footwear conditions. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 40 asymptomatic participants performed walking trials in the laboratory at self-selected walking speeds under barefoot (BF), minimalistic (MF), and neutral (NF) footwear conditions. Knee joint parameters were described using discrete point values, and continuous curves were evaluated using statistical parametric mapping. A 3 × 1 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the main effect of footwear for both discrete and continuous data. To compare differences between footwear conditions, a post hoc paired t test was used. Results: Discrete point analyses showed a significantly greater knee power in NF compared with MF and BF in the weight absorption phase ( P < .001 for both). Statistical parametric mapping analysis indicated a significantly greater knee angle in the sagittal plane at the end of the propulsive phase in BF compared with NF and MF ( P = .043). Knee joint moment was significantly greater in the propulsive phase for the sagittal ( P = .038) and frontal planes ( P = .035) in BF compared with NF and MF and in the absorption phase in the sagittal plane ( P = .034) in BF compared with MF and NF. A significant main effect of footwear was found for anteroposterior (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .008]; absorption, ↑BF, MF, ↓NF [ P = .001]), mediolateral (propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .005]; absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [ P = .044]), and vertical (propulsion, ↑NF, BF, ↓MF [ P = .001]; absorption, ↑MF, BF, ↓NF [ P < .001]) ground-reaction forces. Knee power showed a significant main effect of footwear (absorption, ↑NF, MF, ↓BF [ P = .015]; propulsion, ↑MF, NF, ↓BF [ P = .039]). Conclusion: Walking in MF without sufficient accommodation affected kinetic and kinematic parameters and could increase the risk of early development of knee OA.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Intravenous lidocaine improves postoperative cognition in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Wang Xian-xue , Dai Jing , Wang Qi , Deng Hui-wei , Liu Yun , He Gui-fan , Guo Hua-jing , Li Ya-lan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) in laparoscopic surgery should not be overlooked. Intravenous lidocaine can reduce perioperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, while the effect of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery has not been well studied. We investigated whether intraoperative lidocaine improves postoperative cognitive function after laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, randomized double blinded controlled trial to investigate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on rapid postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous lidocaine or saline. The primary outcome was cognitive dysfunction defined by a decrease from pre- to postoperative ≥ 2 of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, at the 3rd and the 7th postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were the MMSE raw score and parameters of the patients’ postoperative recovery such as agitation and length of stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU), length of hospital stay, markers of inflammation (white blood cell count and CRP), and incidence of complications.

Results
Seventy-three patients in the lidocaine group and 77 patients in the control group completed the trial. The rate of cognitive dysfunction was lower in the lidocaine group than that in the control group, both at the 3rd (18.57% vs. 63.64% for each group respectively; RR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.19–0.32; p < 0.0001) and at the 7th postoperative day (12.33% vs. 53.25% for each group respectively; RR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.22–0.35; P < 0.001). The postoperative MMSE scores were also higher in the lidocaine group than in the control group both at the 3rd (median 25 vs. 24 respectively) and at the 7th postoperative day (26 vs. 24 respectively). Also, patients in the lidocaine group displayed a lower white blood cell count than the control group at the 1st postoperative day (8.5 ± 2.7 vs. 10.4 ± 3.3; p < 0. 001). No differences were evidenced for the other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions
Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine can significantly improve postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (16/1/2022, registration number: ChiCTR2200055683)
Integration of ZnO nanorods with silver ions by a facile co-precipitation for antimicrobial, larvicidal, and ovicidal activity
Authors: Elgazzar Elsayed , Ayoub H. A. , El-Wahab Z. A. , Mostafa Wageha A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Infectious diseases prompted by micro-organisms such as fungi, parasites, or microbes, have influenced many countries’ public health causing death. Scientists declared that metal oxide composites have various advantages in the medical field such as the antimicrobial feature has freshly been revealed as well as its role in suppressing mosquito population.

Methods
In this work silver doped zinc oxide nanorods (Ag/ZnO NRs, 10 wt.%) were prepared by simple chemical route, and their microstructural characteristics were investigated by XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques. The antimicrobial, larvicidal, and ovicidal of the synthesized nanocomposites were examined.

Results
The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited binary phase of crystallite size 112 nm was calculated from Williamson-Hall method. EDX spectrum revealed the purity of the composite consists of Zn, O, and Ag elements. The SEM and TEM micrographs showed the particles in nanorods with high density on the surface. The energy gap $$({\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{g}})$$

(

E
g

)

was evaluated from the UV–Vis absorbance in the range from 2.90 $$-$$
-
3.08 eV inside the visible spectrum. The antimicrobial activity of the nanorods was examined against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) with inhibition zones 10.5 and 14.5 mm, respectively. Whereas gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were 14 and 17 mm, respectively. Further, Candida albicans was investigated with inhibition zone 7.5 mm. Besides, the insecticidal impact of the nanocomposite against Culex pipiens larvae was performed at 30 mg/l causing 100% larval mortality with LC50 (11.78 mg/l). The micrograph images showed deformations in the larval body as well as egg resulting in zero egg hatchability.

Conclusion
The findings approved that synthesized nanorods have a significant impact on controlling pathogens that impart different diseases to humans and the environment.

Graphical Abstract
Expression of circ-PHC3 enhances ovarian cancer progression via regulation of the miR-497-5p/SOX9 pathway
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Lan Suwei , Wang Lingxiang , Zhao Jingyun , Jia Xinzhuan , Xu Jie , Sun Guangyu , Liu Leilei , Gong Shan , Wang Na , Shan Baoen , Zhang Fenghua , Zhang Zhengmao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Accumulating studies have reported indispensable functions of circular RNAs (circRNA) in tumor progression through regulation of gene expression. However, circRNA expression profiles and functions in human ovarian carcinoma (OC) are yet to be fully established.

Methods
In this research, deep sequencing of circRNAs from OC samples and paired adjacent normal tissues was performed to establish expression profiles and circ-PHC3 levels between the groups further compared using RT-qPCR. The effects of ectopic overexpression of miR-497-5p and SOX9 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of circ-PHC3 and an miR-497-5p inhibitor were explored to clarify the regulatory mechanisms underlying circ-PHC3 activity in OC proliferation and metastasis. Information from public databases and the luciferase reporter assay were further utilized to examine the potential correlations among circ-PHC3, miR-497-5p and SOX9.

Results
Our results showed significant upregulation of circ-PHC3 in both OC cell lines and tissues. In the luciferase reporter assay, downregulation of circ-PHC3 led to suppression of metastasis and proliferation, potentially through targeted effects on the miR-497-5p/SOX9 axis in OC. SOX9 overexpression or miR-497-5p suppression rescued OC cell proliferation and invasion following silencing of circ-PHC3. Moreover, SOX9 inhibition induced restoration of OC cell invasion and proliferation under conditions of overexpression of miR-497-5p. Thus, circ-PHC3 appears to exert effects on cancer stem cell differentiation through regulation of the miR-497-5p/SOX9 axis.

Conclusion
Taken together, our findings suggest that circ-PHC3 enhances OC progression through functioning as an miR-497-5p sponge to promote SOX9 expression, supporting its potential as a promising candidate target for OC therapy.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective chart review and literature review
Authors: Peterson Christopher , Abohelwa Mostafa , Shahbandar Sima , Landis Dylan , Ray Nandini , Manal Nabeela , Lamey Patrice , Reddy Akhila , Rizi Mariam , Payne Drew 
Published: July 2023

Objective: Pregnant women are at a higher risk for severe 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection compared to non-pregnant women. Because of this, careful monitoring and studies of this population should be carried out. Here we identify the clinical characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and population demographics of COVID-positive pregnant women admitted to the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed a cohort of pregnant patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and its affiliated University Medical Center between April 12, 2020, and January 25, 2021
Results: Thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 29 ± 4.8 years, and 61.1% of patients identified their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino origin. The mean length of stay was 3.3 ± 3.6 days, and the remaining number of weeks of pregnancy at delivery was 37.8 ± 2.3 weeks. No deaths occurred in the mothers; three pregnancies did not result in a live birth. Notable findings included an increased rate of pre-term births (18.2%), an increased rate of NICU admissions (16.7%), and an increased rate of gestational diabetes (13.9%) compared to national averages in pregnant women.
Conclusions: Many of our findings confirmed the existing literature concerning pregnancy outcomes among COVID-19-positive pregnant women, including relatively high preterm birth and NICU admission rates. The number of women who identified their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino was high, which may reflect the overall demographics in West Texas. Furthermore, our gestational diabetes rate was also higher than the national average, possibly reflecting the high obesity rates in this area. We recommend further research on the mechanisms of preterm birth in COVID-19 illness and on ways to improve the health and healthcare outcomes in West Texas residents.
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in metabolic syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiu Bo , Liang JiaXu , Li Cong 
Published: July 2023

Objective
The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide, posing serious threats to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the role of FMT in the treatment of obesity and/or metabolic syndrome and its impact on clinically important parameters.

Methods
We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 31, 2022 and further assessed articles that met the eligibility criteria. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze continuous data. The I2 statistic was used to measure study heterogeneity. Univariate meta-regression or subgroup analyses were performed to explore the covariates that might contribute to heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was assessed using the Egger’s test. We used the GRADEpro guideline development tool to assess the quality of the evidence.

Results
Nine studies, comprising 303 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. In the short-term outcomes (<6 weeks after FMT), compared with the placebo group, patients in the FMT group had lower FBG (MD = -0.12 mmol/L, 95% Cl: -0.23, -0.01), HbA1c (MD = -0.37 mmol/mol, 95%Cl: -0.73, -0.01), and insulin levels (MD = -24.77 mmol/L, 95% Cl: -37.60, -11.94), and higher HDL cholesterol levels (MD = 0.07 mmol/L, 95% Cl: 0.02, 0.11).

Conclusions
FMT, as an adjunctive therapy, does not produce any serious adverse effects and may be useful in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, especially in improving HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and HDL cholesterol. However, there was no significant difference between the FMT group and the placebo group in terms of weight reduction.