bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Evaluation of Optimal Probability Distribution Functions for RDI Assessments
Authors: Asadi Zarch Mohammad Amin , Motraghi Fatemeh 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDrought is caused by an imbalance between precipitation and evapotranspiration. A prolonged lack of precipitation and/or excess evapotranspiration results in insufficient replenishment of runoff and groundwater. Choosing an appropriate drought index is crucial for managing water resources effectively. The Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) which considers both precipitation and potential evapotranspiration is recommended for identifying droughts in a changing climate. Standardising the index involves using a probability distribution, and choosing the correct distribution is important for accurate assessments of drought characteristics. Furthermore, identifying the optimal distributions for RDI assessments ensures reliable evaluations of subsequent hydrological processes. Based on a regional study, the index developers suggest using gamma or log‐normal probability distributions to compute the index using real observations. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on suitable distributions for RDI calculation using GCMs projections (simulated data) in drought projection studies. This global study aims to address these gaps in research by evaluating the performance of probability distributions in calculating RDI. The study consists of two phases: The first phase involves identifying the appropriate distribution for historical observed data, whilst the second phase does the same for future projections from GCMs. To achieve this, 17 probability distributions are applied. The 0.5° × 0.5° gridded CRU data from 1950 to 2018 and projections of 18 GCMs from 2006 to 2080 are utilised. The analysis identified the log logistic, inverse Gaussian and gamma distributions as the best fits for the historical period. For future projections, the gamma, inverse Gaussian and Nakagami distributions are recommended. Finally, the findings revealed for both periods, Fitting to the Best Distribution of any Grid (FBDG) performs the best for large‐scale drought studies using gridded data.
The Predictive Significance of Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio for Miscarriage: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Zhao Yanfang , Fan Yangyang , Liu Yun 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMiscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy, and its underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remains unclear. The platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), a prothrombotic and inflammatory marker, has been controversially discussed as a potential predictor of miscarriage. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the predictive significance of the PLR in women with miscarriage compared to healthy pregnancies.Material and MethodsRelevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciencey, and Cochrane Library up to December 31, 2023. A systematic review and meta‐analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Articles were identified, screened, and evaluated for quality to determine the predictive value of PLR for miscarriage.ResultsFourteen eligible articles, comprising a total of 3745 patients, were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis found comparable PLR levels between miscarriage and non‐miscarriage groups (SMD = 0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −0.05 to 0.54). Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in PLR levels in the missed miscarriage group (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.01–0.56). and in studies with sample sizes smaller than 200 (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.05–0.56). Other subgroups did not exhibit significant differences. Subgroup analysis of PLR levels and miscarriage risk demonstrated no significant differences across all subgroups.ConclusionPLR is not a reliable predictor of miscarriage in general. However, for missed miscarriage cases, elevated PLR levels may serve as a practical and cost‐effective marker for prediction.
Root characteristics response to N, P, and K fertilization in creeping bentgrass
Authors: Timilsina Nirmal , Zhou Qiyu , Simpson Emma 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTurfgrass roots are essential for growth and development by taking up water and nutrients from the soil. Therefore, improving root characteristics such as root length, root volume, root density, root diameter, and root dry biomass is crucial for improving turfgrass growth and quality. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2023 to document the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on the root morphological responses of Penncross creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) during establishment. Turfgrasses were grown from seeds in sand‐filled acrylic tubes for around three months. Fertilizer treatments included N, P, K, PK, NK, NP, all three macronutrients (NPK), and a non‐fertilized control (non‐NPK). NP treatment resulted in a greater total root length, root surface area, root volume, and root dry biomass of creeping bentgrass than the other treatments except for NPK treatment. While it is critical to provide sufficient N, P, and K for the optimal development of creeping bentgrass roots during the establishment period, reducing K fertilization had the least impact on the root morphological response of creeping bentgrass. NPK application during turfgrass establishment is context‐dependent, particularly with regard to nutrient availability in the soil. Based on this study, applying a balanced starter fertilizer with adjustments per the soil test results would ensure proper root growth.
Effects of cutting height and frequency on tall fescue and buffalograss
Authors: Carlson Michael G. , Keck Mark A. , Kreuser William C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMowing is a cultural practice needed to maintain an attractive lawn but requires labor and increases net carbon emissions. Reducing mowing decreases labor and net carbon emissions but may decrease the visual quality of lawns. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.; syn. Lolium arundinaceau (Schreb.) Darbysh) and buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) Columbus) lawns are recommended to remove only 33% of leaf tissue at every mowing event, whereas this has not been compared to other mowing frequency treatments. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine how mowing frequency and height of cut affect visual quality; (ii) quantify how different mowing frequencies and heights of cut affect cumulative clipping yield; (iii) quantify how cumulative mowing events varied among mowing frequencies; and (iv) determine the ideal number of mowing events to maintain ideal visual quality with the lowest cumulative biomass. The visual quality of both tall fescue and buffalograss increased with increasing mowing frequency. Cumulative annual biomass production is 13% and 43% higher at the 5.1 cm height of cut for both tall fescue and buffalograss, respectively. As mowing frequency increases, the cumulative annual biomass production decreases in tall fescue to the monthly, semiannual, or annual mowing frequencies. Mowing frequency has no significant effect on buffalograss cumulative annual biomass production. Mowing based on removing 25% and 33% of the leaf maintains acceptable visual quality while having the fewest mowing events in both species. Quadratic regression quantifies that the ideal number of mowing events was from 8 to 19, and at least 13 in tall fescue and buffalograss lawns, respectively, in Lincoln, NE, to maintain acceptable visual quality with the minimum amount of cumulative biomass production.
Mapping the reporting practices in recent randomised controlled trials published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: A scoping review of methodological quality
Authors: Królikowska Aleksandra , Urban Natalia , Lech Marcin , Reichert Paweł , Ramadanov Nikolai , Kayaalp Mahmut Enes , Prill Robert 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe official medical journals of scientific societies advocate for high‐quality standards. It's important to assess whether randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in influential journals, such as the hybrid journal of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, and Arthroscopy (ESSKA), adhere to reporting guidelines and best practices. Therefore, the present scoping review aimed to explore and map the reporting practices and methodological quality in recent RCTs published in the Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA) journal, focusing on identifying gaps in adherence to reporting guidelines and transparency. The study was preregistered and followed the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. RCTs published in KSSTA between 2022 and 2023 were included. The search was conducted via PubMed. A two‐stage selection process was employed, with two independent reviewers conducting study selection and data extraction. Data collected included study characteristics, intervention details, sample size calculation reporting, data transparency, and adherence to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Critical appraisal was conducted using the JBI tool for RCTs. All included RCTs (n = 25) reported a predetermined minimum sample size. Study protocol preregistration was reported in 52% of the RCTs, while only 24% provided data availability statements. Most RCTs offering data availability indicated data would be shared upon request. Adherence to CONSORT guidelines was reported in 96% of studies, with only one RCT not adhering to recognized reporting standards. All the included studies adequately addressed statistical conclusion validity. However, internal validity was less consistently addressed across the studies.ConclusionsWhile most recently published RCTs in KSSTA adhered to CONSORT guidelines, there is potential for improvement in the reporting of protocol preregistration and data availability statements. Although all studies reported sample size calculations, transparency in data sharing remains limited.Level of EvidenceLevel I.
Hybrid Transition of Subseasonal Atmospheric Regimes and Its Impact on the Extreme ‘West Cold‐East Warm’ Mode in North America
Authors: Guo Ruiwei , Yao Yao , Shi Jiaqi , Luo Binhe , Luo Dehai , Zhong Linhao 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTOn February 22, 2023, North America experienced an unusual weather phenomenon characterised by extreme cold in the west and extreme warmth in the east, reflecting a surface air temperature (SAT) seesaw pattern that significantly impacted human activities in the region. Utilising reanalysis data, we analysed this case as well as similar events in long‐term climate records. The results indicate that this extreme temperature mode is caused by a hybrid evolution of atypical North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) and Pacific‐North American (PNA) phase relationships, transitioning from a dominant positive NPO phase to a strong negative PNA phase, while maintaining and developing Pacific blocking, which we refer to as a hybrid transition of atmospheric regimes. Further analysis revealed that the anomalously weak meridional potential vorticity gradient (PVy) in southern Alaska prior to the event provided favourable conditions for the northward movement and intensification of the anticyclone in the central North Pacific, serving as a key driving factor for the transition of circulation mode from positive NPO to negative PNA. Additionally, significant anomalous outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) in the tropical Indian Ocean prior to the event indicated enhanced convective activity in that region, which may have triggered meridional Rossby waves, thereby influencing the transition between NPO and PNA in mid to high latitudes. Thus, the anomalous PVy in southern Alaska and the OLR from the tropical Indian Ocean may serve as potential precursor indicators for such extreme weather events.
A Novel Disulfidptosis‐Related Risk Signature for Prognostic Prediction in Patients With Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Che Chunqing , Song Delei , Xue Peng , Yin Xuqing 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTEwing sarcoma (ES) is a malignant bone tumor prevalent among children and adolescents. Disulfidptosis represents a novel form of cell death; however, the mechanism of disulfidptosis in ES remains unclear. Our aim is to explore the disulfidptosis‐related prognostic signature in ES. Utilizing transcriptomic and clinical data of ES, disulfidptosis‐related hub genes (DRHGs) were identified by differential gene expression analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis. A disulfidptosis‐related risk score model (DRRS) was constructed based on these DRHGs. The performance of DRRS was assessed using survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Immune cell infiltration in different risk subgroups and correlations between DRRS and antitumor reagents were also analyzed. In this study, we developed a disulfidptosis‐related prognostic feature based on LRPPRC (leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing), IQGAP1 (IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1), NDUFS1 (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1), and TLN1 (talin 1), which may serve as a predictive and independent risk factor for ES. ES patients in the high‐risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis, had a higher proportion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and M2 type of tumor‐associated macrophages, and showed heightened sensitivity to some antitumor agents such as nilotinib and olaparib. This study is the first to construct a disulfidptosis‐related prognostic signature that may predict the prognosis and immune response in ES patients, thereby providing a new reference for understanding the mechanisms of ES and guiding immunotherapy.
Achilles Tendon Surgical Repair Partially Restores Early Plantar Flexor Structure and Function in a Rat Model
Authors: Hammo Ahmad , Sofi Liala , Boakye Lorraine A. T. , Baxter Josh R. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAchilles tendon ruptures significantly impair long‐term patient function, with two‐thirds of patients experiencing persistent functional deficits. Although nonsurgical treatment has gained popularity due to its perceived lower risk of complications, the specific effects of this approach on tendon healing, muscle function, and overall performance remain poorly understood. Directly comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in a clinical population is challenging given the diverse nature of the patient population. Preclinical models are essential to isolate the mechanisms underlying these treatments, enabling a detailed examination of the structural and functional outcomes that are difficult to assess in human studies. Here, we surgically induced Achilles tendon ruptures in 20 adult male Sprague Dawley rats and repaired the rupture in half of these animals. Then, functional outcomes were assessed by measuring plantar flexor torque across the ankle's range of motion using a custom‐developed small animal dynamometer, and structural changes were evaluated through measurements of Achilles tendon elongation and plantar flexor muscle mass. We found that surgical treatment led to 11%–35% increased functional plantar flexor torque outcomes compared to nonsurgical treatment. Additionally, plantar flexor muscle mass decreased by 21% in nonsurgically treated animals compared to only 12% in the surgically treated group. Our results suggest that surgically repairing a tendon rupture restores plantar flexor function more effectively than nonsurgical treatment; however, persistent functional deficits in both groups indicate that enhanced rehabilitation strategies are necessary for full functional restoration.
Genetic profiling of Wilson disease reveals a potential recurrent pathogenic variant of ATP7B in the Jordanian population
Authors: Khdair Ahmad Fareed , Aburizeg Dunia , Rayyan Yaser , Tamimi Tarek A. , Burayzat Salma , Ghanma Abdullah , Barbar Maha , Azab Bilal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesWilson disease (WD) is an autosomal‐recessive disorder that disrupts copper homeostasis. ATPase copper transporting beta (ATP7B) gene is implicated as the disease‐causing gene in WD. The common symptoms associated with WD include hepatic, neurological, psychiatric, and ophthalmic manifestations. The genetic landscape of WD is under‐investigated in the Middle East and has never been studied in Jordan. We aimed to investigate the genetic profile of several unrelated Jordanian families with one or more patients affected by WD.MethodsTwenty‐four Jordanian families with WD underwent clinical evaluation and genetic profiling by whole‐exome and Sanger sequencing.ResultsSurprisingly, the same variant (ATP7B:c.3551C>T;p.Ile1184Thr) was identified, for the first time, exclusively in the homozygous state, in eight consanguineous unrelated families. Before our study, the previous classification of this variant was either of uncertain significance (VUS) or likely pathogenic (LP). Interestingly, the patients harboring this variant displayed variable clinical manifestations on both the intra‐ and interfamilial levels, as previously described in cases with WD. The age of diagnosis, hepatic manifestations, neuropsychiatric involvements, and Kayser–Fleischer ring occurrence varied significantly in terms of existence and severity among the recruited individuals. Following our investigation, based on clinical data and co‐segregation analysis, we re‐classified the variant ATP7B:c.3551C>T;p.Ile1184Thr from VUS/LP to pathogenic, for the first time. Besides, our genetic analysis helped in resolving diagnostic ambiguity by either establishing or ruling out the diagnosis of WD.ConclusionSince the identified variant (ATP7B:p.Ile1184Thr) was discovered in multiple unrelated families, we create an avenue for the potential consideration of this variant as a recurrent, or possibly a founder variant, in the Jordanian population. Our work sheds light, for the first time, on the molecular underpinnings of WD in Jordan and compiles the WD‐causing variants in the Middle East. Ultimately, the findings of our work can guide designing region‐specific targeted genetic testing of WD in Jordan and provide valuable insights to direct clinical decisions for atypical WD presentations.
Daily associations among sleep, posttraumatic stress disorder, and positive affect
Authors: McGhie Shaan F. , Hamlett Gabriella E. , Meier Marieke , Mair Patrick , McNally Richard J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractResearch suggests a bidirectional association between sleep disturbances and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, most studies have been conducted with group‐level data, which do not necessarily capture the associations between PTSD symptoms and sleep within an individual over time. This study aimed to add to the literature concerning the association between sleep and PTSD and extend these findings to investigate the effect of sleep disturbances on positive affect. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to examine the daily temporal dynamics of sleep disturbances (i.e., self‐reported difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, disturbing dreams) and PTSD symptoms over 14 days in a sample of 41 trauma‐exposed individuals. Multilevel models were employed to disambiguate within‐person effects (i.e., intraindividual variability) from between‐person effects (i.e., interindividual variability). Difficulty sleeping predicted increased PTSD symptoms at both the within‐person, β = .11, and between‐person levels, β = .38, as did disturbing dreams, within: β = .14, between: β = .31. Participants with higher PTSD symptom levels were likely to report increased difficulty sleeping at night, β = .40. Positive affect was unrelated to sleep at the within‐person level but increased average sleep difficulty predicted lower positive affect at the between‐person level. The findings indicate that sleep difficulties must be considerably more substantial than usual to affect PTSD symptoms in a noticeable way.
Neuromuscular junction visualization in paraffin‐embedded thyroarytenoid muscle sections: Expanding options beyond frozen section analysis
Authors: Kaefer Samuel L. , Shay Elizabeth O. , Morrison Rachel A. , Zhang Lujuan , Voytik‐Harbin Sherry , Halum Stacey 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjective(s)The current gold standard for immunofluorescent (IF) visualization of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in muscle utilizes frozen tissue sections with fluorescent conjugated antibodies to demarcate neurons and IF alpha‐bungarotoxin (α‐BTX) to demarcate motor endplates. Frozen tissue sectioning comes with inherent inescapable limitations, including cryosectioning artifact and limited sample shelf‐life. However, a parallel approach to identify NMJs in paraffin‐embedded tissue sections has not been previously described.MethodsYucatan minipig thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle was harvested and prepared as 5‐μm thick paraffin‐embedded tissue sections. A variety of antibodies at various concentrations were selected to target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, synaptic vesicles, and neurons.ResultsNeurofilament (NEFL, Invitrogen, 1:500) and synaptic vesicle glycoprotein (SV2, DSHB, 1:230) bound and demarcated the neurons and synaptic vesicles, respectively. Following consistent visualization of nerve tissue, rabbit anti‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha‐1 subunit (CHRNα1, Abcam, 1:500) was used to identify the acetylcholine receptors within motor endplates. Complete NMJ visualization was then achieved with an optimized protocol using primary antibodies to the neurofilament light chain, nerve synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2, and the alpha 1 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Slide imaging was performed with the Echo Revolve Microscope (40×).ConclusionsHerein, we describe a new methodology to visualize NMJs within paraffin‐embedded TA muscle sections. Our protocol avoids the known limitations associated with cryosectioned samples and introduces a new neurolaryngologic research tool that utilizes the advantageous ability of paraffin‐embedded sectioning to preserve tissue morphology. In conjunction with standard cryosectioned methods, the described paraffin‐embedded protocol serves to enhance histological analysis of NMJs.Level of evidenceNA.
Short‐process incudo‐stapedioplasty in congenital ear malformation
Authors: Omichi Ryotaro , Kariya Shin , Sugaya Akiko , Ando Mizuo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesAlthough various stapedotomy and stapedectomy techniques exist, anchoring the piston can be challenging. We present a novel surgical approach for treating congenital stapes malformations with an atypical facial nerve trajectory.MethodsThis is a case of a 7‐year‐old boy presenting with bilateral conductive hearing loss. Prior attempts at tympanoplasty had proven unsuccessful in improving his hearing. Presurgical imaging studies revealed an unusual anatomical configuration, with the facial nerve positioned inferior to the oval window. This anatomical variation precluded the use of conventional prosthesis‐anchoring techniques typically employed in stapedotomies. Thus, we devised an innovative approach, opting to anchor the prosthesis to the short process of the incus.ResultsThis novel technique circumvented the atypical course of the facial nerve, allowing for successful reconstruction of the ossicular chain. The patient demonstrated an acceptable improvement (30 dB gain) in hearing 1‐year post‐surgery, with no reported complications.ConclusionThis case underscores the critical importance of adapting surgical techniques to address the unique anatomical challenges that may arise in the context of congenital ear malformations. It also highlights the potential of the short process of the incus as a viable alternative anchoring site for stapes prostheses, thereby improving the outcomes of such complex cases. This technique not only restored the patient's hearing but also contributed valuable insights into the management of similar cases, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with rare and challenging anatomical variations.Level of evidence5.