bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids are Involved in Salt tolerance through ROS scavenging in the HalophyteAtriplex canescens
Authors: feng shan , Yao Yu-Ting , Wang Bei-Bei , Li Yi-Meng , Li Li , Bao Ai-Ke 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Atriplex canescens is a halophytic forage shrub with excellent adaptation to saline environment. Our previous study showed that a large number of genes related to the biosynthesis of flavonoids in A. canescens were significantly up-regulated by NaCl treatments. However, it remains unclear whether flavonoids are involved in A. canescens response to salinity. In this study, we found that the accumulation of flavonoids significantly increased in either the leaves or roots of A. canescens seedling under 100 mM and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Correspondingly, AcCHS, AcCHI and AcF3H, which encode three key enzymes (chalcone synthases, chalcone isomerase, and flavanone 3-hydroxylase, respectively) of flavonoids biosynthesis, were significantly induced in the roots or leaves of A. canescens by 100 mM or 300 mM NaCl. Then, we generated the transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing AcCHI and found that transgenic plants accumulated more flavonoids through enhancing the pathway of flavonoids biosynthesis. Furthermore, overexpression of AcCHI conferred salt and osmotic stress tolerance in transgenic A. thaliana. Contrasted with wild-type A. thaliana, transgenic lines grew better with greater biomass, less H2O2 content as well as lower relative plasma permeability in either salt or osmotic stress conditions. In conclusion, our results indicate that flavonoids play an important role in A. canescens response to salt stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and the key enzyme gene AcCHI in flavonoids biosynthesis pathway of A. canescens has the potential to improve the stress tolerance of forages and crops.
Ultrawide-Field Fluorescein Angiography Features in Patients with Anterior Uveitis
Authors: Kodati Shilpa , Nguyen Nam , Oyeniran Enny , Zeleny Alexander , Chen Michelle , Sherif Noha , Konstantinou Eleni , Vitale Susan , Sen Hatice Nida 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the utility of ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) in patients with anterior uveitis by investigating the detection of retinal vascular leakage (RVL) and the subsequent implications on disease diagnosis and management.
Study Design/Materials and Methods:
Patients, who were referred to the National Eye Institute (NEI) for evaluation of anterior uveitis and underwent UWFFA imaging at the initial visit, were included in this study. The electronic medical records of eligible patients were reviewed. The UWFFA images were assessed for severity of retinal vascular leakage, presence of macular leakage, and optic disc leakage by a two-grader system, and intergrader agreement was calculated using the κ-value. Patients with altered diagnoses and management attributable to UWFFA results were noted.
Results:
A total of 93 eyes of 63 patients were included in the study. Of 93 eyes, 31 (33.3%) eyes had RVL on UWFFA, with 26 (28.0%) eyes and 5 (5.4%) eyes showing mild and moderate-severe RVL, respectively. Twenty-five (26.9%) eyes showed macular leakage and 7 (7.5%) eyes showed optic disc leakage. The κ-values ranged from 0.85–0.87 indicating excellent intergrader agreement. Of the 31 eyes with RVL, the diagnosis was changed to anterior/intermediate uveitis for 9 (29.0%) eyes and to panuveitis for 4 (12.9%) eyes. Systemic treatment was escalated in 5 patients based on the UWFFA findings.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that UWFFA imaging is useful in detecting subclinical posterior involvement in patients with anterior uveitis. Moreover, UWFFA results in altered diagnosis and treatment approaches in a portion of patients.
Drivers of functional diversity in small-bodied mammals across a deforestation frontier in the Southern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Santos-Filho Manoel , Ribeiro Thalita , Silva Dionei José da , Bogoni Juliano A. , Palmeirim Ana Filipa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Deforestation remains the most pervasive driver of biodiversity erosion across tropical forests. Understanding on how species can cope with such habitat changes is particularly important along the rapidly expanding agricultural frontiers. To do so, we used a functional perspective examining small mammal responses to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation across the ‘Arc of Deforestation’ in Southern Brazilian Amazon. Small mammals were surveyed using a combination of conventional and pitfall traps across 20 forest fragments — ranging from 42 to 4,743 ha — in addition to two relatively continuous forest sites (> 7,000 ha). These fragments lie isolated by a cattle pasture matrix of varying grazing intensity. We then analysed taxonomic and functional diversity patterns — represented by Simpson Diversity and Rao Quadratic entropy indices — in Generalised Linear Models containing local- to landscape-scale predictors of variation. Further, we used a functional trait composition approach based on community-weighted mean trait values to depict and predict small mammal functional variations across this degradation gradient. From a total of 847 individuals recorded belonging to 24 taxa, functional responses tended to follow the taxonomic diversity, both increasing with fragment area. The functional dimension further was promoted from low fire-related disturbance. Functional trait composition was mainly driven by habitat quality, represented by tree density, arthropod biomass, and fire-related disturbance. Our results reinforce that small forest fragments not only sustain depauperate small mammal assemblages, as those fragments are likely to have their ecosystem functioning disrupted. Accounting for habitat quality further allows to boost the persistence across functional groups. Our findings can be used to improve the efficiency of management practices thereby allowing to maximise the multiple dimensions of small mammal diversity and their associated ecosystem services across tropical deforestation frontiers.
TITRE: Viability predictive factors of the daughter vesicles in hepatic hydatid cyst
Authors: Trigui Aymen , Khmekhem Nahed , Fendri Sami , Daoud Rahma , Akrout Amira , Trabelsi Jihene , Mzali Rafik , Cheikhrouhou Fatma , Dziri Chedli , amar Mohamed Ben , Ayadi Ali , Boujelbene Saleh 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Management of hepatic hydatidosis requires knowledge of certain aspects related to the survival of Echinococcus granulosus. The viability of daughter vesicles (DV) is a determining factor in guiding therapeutic indications, particularly for transiently active Cysts type CE3b. Purpose: To determine the predictive factors of DV viability and its impact on the therapeutic management of CE3b type. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective pilot study with analytical aim on patients with hydatid cysts of the liver type CE2 and CE3b, operated in the General Surgery Department of Habib-Bourguiba Academic Hospital, Sfax-Tunisia during 22 months from March 2018 until December 2019. The unit of the study is the DV. A parasitological study of the DV was done in the parasitology laboratory. Results: During the study period, 27 (40.9%) of 66 operated Cystic Hydatid Disease from 21 patients containing 248 DV were explored. The median viability of DV protoscoleces was 16.7%. In bivariate analysis, factors for viability of DV protoscoleces were: fever, acute cholangitis, hyperbilirubinemia, left liver location, rock water and bilious hydatid fluid (HF), cyst size ≥ 43mm, intracystic pressure ≥ 35 mmHg, DV size ≥ 6.5mm, volume, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5, and opaque wall (p < 0.05). Predictive factors for Non-viability of DV were: CE3b type, purulent HF and gelatinous HF. In multivariate analysis, only CE2 type, cyst size ≥ 43 mm, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5 and DV size ≥ 6.5 mm were factors significantly associated with the viability of DV protoscoleces. Conclusion: CE3b cysts without the criteria of viability of DV protoscoleces may become candidates for 'Wait-and-Watch' procedure.
Environmental Strategic Performance of SMEs in Developing Countries: Perspectives of Environmental Strategic Capabilities, Environmental Strategic Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Khan Missal , Majid Abdul 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the model that explains the methods involved in the transformation of environmental strategic Capabilities (ESC) into environmental strategic performance (ESP) of manufacturing SMEs in developing economies such as Pakistan. This study also analyzes the role of environmental strategic assessment (ESA) as a mediator as well as the contingent impacts of stakeholder engagement (SE). To evaluate the conceptual model, a cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Data from 489 owners, production managers, finance managers, and CEOs of 133 production units dealing with agriculture equipment (31 units), auto parts (18 units), electrical equipment (25 units), gas appliances (23 units), pharmaceutical instruments (15 units), and plastic products manufacturing (21 units) was gathered to validate the moderated mediation framework. The outcomes of the study support the notion that ESC and ESP are positively correlated. Furthermore, results also support the mediation role of ESA in the association between ESC and ESP. Additionally, the moderation of SE is validated, and this construct is portrayed as a catalyst in interaction of ESC and ESP. The current study contributes to strategic management literature by concentrating on intangible assets such as ESC and its key aspects. As a result, it introduces a new framework as well as a roadmap that will support in the accomplishment of ESP's aspirations. Through focusing on the mediating mechanism in which ESC may well be transformed to ESP of manufacturing SMEs by ESA, the study findings significantly contributed to the understanding of environmental dynamism in contemporary management era. The findings of the study also assist in clarifying the moderating impact of SE and how its interactions with ESC and ESP strengthen the influence that enterprises have on ESA.
Hemoglobin Levels and Clinical Outcomes after Extracorporeal Circulation Auxiliary to Open Heart Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fan Zhao-kun , Zhang Zhirong , Yi Ru-qin , Feng Wen , Li Chenen , Chen Wei , Shen Ying-ying 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal circulation auxiliary to open heart surgery is a common procedure used to treat heart diseases. However, the optimal transfusion strategy for patients undergoing this surgery remains a subject of debate. This study aims to investigate the association between hemoglobin levels and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation auxiliary to open heart surgery, with the ultimate goal of improving surgical success rates and enhancing patients' quality of life.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from the MIMIC-IV 2.2 database, including 4144 patients. The patients were categorized into five groups based on their minimum hemoglobin levels during hospitalization. Baseline characteristics, clinical scores, laboratory results, and clinical outcome data were collected. Statistical analyses utilized descriptive statistics, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, Kaplan-Meier method, and Log-rank test.
Results: The results revealed a significant correlation between hemoglobin levels and in-hospital mortality, as well as mortality rates at 30 days, 60 days, and 180 days (p < 0.001). Patients with lower hemoglobin levels exhibited higher mortality rates. However, once hemoglobin levels exceeded 7g/dL, no significant difference in mortality rates was observed (p = 0.557). Additionally, lower hemoglobin levels were associated with prolonged hospital stay, ICU admission time, and mechanical ventilation time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, hemoglobin levels were significantly correlated with complication risk, norepinephrine dosage, and red blood cell transfusion volume (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of major complications, specifically sepsis (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of managing hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Hemoglobin levels can serve as valuable indicators for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding treatment decisions. Physicians should carefully consider hemoglobin levels to optimize transfusion strategies and improve postoperative patient outcomes. Further research and intervention studies are warranted to validate and implement these findings in clinical practice.
Genetic compatibility exceeds possible ‘good genes' effects of sexual selection in lake char
Authors: Wedekind Claus , Garaud Laura , Nusbaumer David , de Guttry Christian , Cunha Lucas Marques da , Ançay Laurie , Atherton Audrey , Lasne Emilien 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Mating is rarely random in nature, but the genetic effects of mate choice are still poorly understood. We sampled 47 wild lake charr(Salvelinus umbla) during two breeding seasons and used their gametes to investigate the genetic consequences of different mating scenarios. In a first study, 1,464 embryos that resulted from sperm competition trials were raised singly in either a stress- or non-stress environment. Offspring growth turned out to be strongly reduced with increased genetic relatedness between the parents while male coloration (which is known to reveal aspects of male health) was no significant predictor of offspring performance. To test the robustness of this finding, we did another experiment one year later, using block-wise full-factorial in vitro breeding to produce 3,094 embryos that were raised singly with sublethal exposures to a pathogen or water only. Offspring growth was again strongly reduced with increased genetic relatedness between the parents while male coloration was no significant predictor of offspring performance. We conclude that, in lake char, the genetic benefits of mate choice would be strongest if females avoided genetic similarity, while male breeding colors seem more relevant in intra-sexual selection.
Retrospective audit compares screening and treatment of pregnancy-related anaemia in regional New South Wales with Australian guidelines
Authors: Ebrahim Mariam , Vadive Priya Dharshini , Dutton Tegan , Anyasodor Edward Anayo , Osuagwu Uchechukwu levi , Bailey Jannine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background. Anaemia during pregnancy is common worldwide. In Australia, approximately 17% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age have anaemia, increasing to a rate of 25% in pregnant women. This study sought to determine the rate of screening for anaemia in pregnancy in regional New South Wales, and to determine whether screening and treatment protocols followed the recommended guidelines.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed antenatal and postnatal (48hrs) data of women (n=150) who had a live birth at Bathurst Hospital between 01/01/2020 and 30/04/2020. Demographic data, risk factors for anaemia in pregnancy, antenatal bloods, treatments provided in trimesters one (T1), two (T2) and three (T3), and postpartum complications were recorded. These were compared to the Red Cross Haemoglobin Assessment and Optimisation in Maternity Guidelines using descriptive statistics.
Results: Of the women with screening data available (n=103), they were mostly aged 20-35yrs (79.6%), 23.3% were obese, 97.1% were iron deficient, 17% were anaemic and only a few (5.3%) completed the full pregnancy screening as recommended by the Red Cross Guidelines while a majority completed only partial screenings specifically Hb levels in T1 (56.7%), T2 (44.7%) and T3 (36.6%). Compliance to oral iron was largely undocumented, but constipation was a common side effect among the women. IV iron was administered in 14.0% of women, approximately 1.75x higher than recommended rate.
Conclusions: This study provided useful information about compliance to screening and treatment guidelines for anaemia in pregnancy. We identified the need for improved documentation and communication between various health providers to ensure adequate antenatal care to prevent maternal complications during pregnancy. This will improve patient care and encourage further developments in maternal care, bridging the rural health gap.
How many cities of antiquity are located in today’s urban areas?
Authors: Portnov Boris 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Many cities of the past disappeared from the map over the course of history.1,2 After wars or natural disasters, people never returned to these cities and they remain in ruins. Yet others cities survived and became today’s urban areas. How many cities of antiquity remain on the world’s map today? What differs these cities from the cities of antiquity that vanished? In this article, an attempt is made to answer these questions by using geo-information tools and newly available data sources, as lessons learnt from the past might have important implications for sustainable urban development in the future. As the analysis shows, only about 36 percent of the cities of antiquity remain living urban areas today. Yet, quite remarkably, chances to remain a functional urban area increase steadily in the line with the number of locational advantages the city has. As our world is mostly urban today and will become even more urbanized in the future, places and areas with multiple locational advantages should thus be identified, to reserve such spots for future urban development that will occur there sooner or later.
A skin-conformal and breathable humidity sensor for emotional mode recognition and non-contact human-machine interface
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Li Tongkuai , Zhang Hao , Yuan Li , Cheng Congcong , Dai Junshuai , Xue Longwei , Zhou Jixing , Liu Hai , Yin Luqiao , Zhang Jianhua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Noncontact humidity sensor overcomes the limitations of its contact sensing counterparts, including mechanical wear and cross infection, which becomes a promising candidate in healthcare and human-machine interface application. However, current humidity sensors still suffer the ubiquitous issue of uncomfortable wear and skin irritation hindering the long-term use. In this study, we report a skin-conformal and breathable humidity sensor assembled by anchoring MXenes-based composite into electrospun elastomer nanofibers coated with a patterned electrode. This composite is highly sensitive to the water molecules due to its large specific surface area and abundant water-absorbing oxhydryl groups, while the elastomeric nanofibers provide an ultrathin, highly flexible, and permeable substrate to support the functional materials and electrodes. This sensor presents not only excellent air permeability (0.078 g·cm-2·d-1), high sensitivity (S = 704), and fast response/recovery (0.9 s/0.9 s), but also high skin conformability and biocompatibility. Furthermore, this humidity sensor is confirmed to realize the recognition of motional states and emotional modes, which provides a new way for the advanced noncontact human-machine interface.
Evidence for genetic causality between iron metabolism and depression: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Xie , Chen Hong , Chang Ze , Zhang Juan , Xie Daojun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Depressive disorder (DD) is a is a common clinical affective disorder whose specific etiology is still unclear. Although many previous studies have suggested that iron metabolism is involved in the development of DD, there is a lack of validated genetic evidence on whether iron metabolism-related indices (total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and serum iron) are causally related to DD.
METHODS: This study was based on the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to date. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to investigate the causal relationship between iron metabolism indices and DD, controlling for confounders and using genetic instrumental variables that were randomly assigned and not subject to any causal effects.
RESULTS: By coordinated analysis of 86 iron metabolism marker-associated SNPs and 16,380,457 DD-associated SNPs, 65 iron homeostasis and DD-associated SNPs with genome-wide significance were finally screened out.The results of the IVW analyses suggested that total iron binding capacity (TIBC) ( β = 0.021; β = -0.059 to 0.101; P-value = 0.6104069), transferrin saturation (TSAT) ( 95%Cl = -0.059 to 0.101; P-value = 0.6104069), Transferrin saturation (TSAT) ( β = -0.038; 95%Cl = -0,146 to 0.070; P-value = 0.4886324), Ferritin (FER) ( β =0.002 ; 95%Cl = -0.139 to 0.143; P value = 0.9818161 ) had no genetic causality with DD. Serum iron (SI) ( β =-0.100; 95%Cl = -0.194 to -0.006; P-value = 0.03996619) was found to be genetically causally associated with DD.Mr-ivw's Cochran's Q test suggested that TSAT ( P-value = 0.1250508), FER ( P-value = 0.08852702), and SI ( P-value= 0.6674221) were not heterogeneous with the results of Mr-analysis of DD, and the MR-PRESSO global test showed that the presence of horizontal pleiotropy was not detected for TIBC ( P-value= 0.404), TSAT ( P-value= 0.192), and SI ( P-value= 0.628).
CONCLUSIONS: The iron metabolism markers TIBC, TSAT and FER are not genetically causally associated with DD, whereas SI is genetically causally associated with DD, and higher levels of SI may reduce the risk of DD.
Between personal events and professional growth: A qualitative dive into Japanese pharmacy faculty members
Authors: Nagata Misa , Aoe Mai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Pharmacy educators are pivotal to the future of Japan’s healthcare. Although women comprise 61.4% of registered pharmacists, a figure consistent since 1976, they often work in non-regular roles, reflecting Japan's gender disparity. This is evident from its 125th ranking in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. In higher education, female representation is less than 30% among pharmacy faculty members, and fewer pursue doctoral programs. Many face career interruptions due to personal events, resulting in a “leaky pipeline phenomenon.” Understanding the interplay between personal experiences and career choices is vital for pharmacy education and healthcare research.
Methods: Eight Japanese nationals were interviewed, from the perspective as a university faculty member or researcher and as a parent with primary responsibility for childcare, to identify their faculty members' difficulties and thoughts regarding the challenges of life events and career development. Using a modified version of grounded theory, our aim is to understand the relationship between significant life events, faculty research, and teaching activities.
Results: A total of 50 concepts and 12 categories were extracted from the analysis. The results revealed that faculty members and researchers often encounter difficulties in their work environments. A fundamental finding was that faculty members perceived life events as potential career disruptors—events that would force anyone to leave their job. While these events were sometimes perceived as setbacks, they also served as a lens through which faculty members viewed the future of their careers.
Conclusions: Encountering and overcoming challenges often prompt the reassessment of self-belief. For some, it strengthened their self-confidence and steered them toward an environment in which they felt more competent. This study provides valuable insights into the relationships among life events, self-efficacy, and career choices among pharmacy faculty members. Based on the findings of this study, a quantitative approach that provides statistically reliable characteristics of pharmacy educators’ career trajectories is required.