bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attainment and loss of early social‐communication skills across neurodevelopmental conditions in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Havdahl Alexandra , Farmer Cristan , Surén Pål , Øyen Anne‐Siri , Magnus Per , Susser Ezra , Lipkin W. Ian , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Stoltenberg Camilla , Bishop Somer , Thurm Audrey 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundDelays and loss of early‐emerging social‐communication skills are often discussed as unique to autism. However, most studies of regression have relied on retrospective recall and clinical samples. Here, we examine attainment and loss of social‐communication skills in the population‐based Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).MethodsMothers rated their child's attainment of 10 early‐emerging social‐communication skills at ages 18 and 36 months (N = 40,613, 50.9% male). Prospectively reported loss was defined as skill presence at 18 months but absence at 36 months. At 36 months, mothers also recalled whether the child had lost social‐communication skills. The Norwegian Patient Registry was used to capture diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs).ResultsDelay in at least one skill was observed in 14% of the sample and loss in 5.4%. Recalled loss of social‐communication skills was rare (0.86%) and showed low convergence with prospectively reported loss. Delay and especially loss were associated with elevated odds of an autism diagnosis (n = 383) versus no autism diagnosis (n = 40,230; ≥3 skills delayed: OR = 7.09[4.15,12.11]; ≥3 skills lost: OR = 30.66[17.30,54.33]). They were also associated with an increased likelihood of autism compared to some other NDDs. Delay (relative risk [RR] = 4.16[2.08, 8.33]) and loss (RR = 10.00[3.70, 25.00]) associated with increased likelihood of autism versus ADHD, and loss (RR = 4.35[1.28,14.29]), but not delay (RR = 2.00[0.78,5.26]), associated with increased likelihood of autism compared to language disability. Conversely, delay conferred decreased likelihood of autism versus intellectual disability (RR = 0.11[0.06,0.21]), and loss was not reliably associated with likelihood of autism versus intellectual disability (RR = 1.89[0.44,8.33]).ConclusionsThis population‐based study suggests that loss of early social communication skills is more common than studies using retrospective reports have indicated and is observed across several NDD diagnoses (not just autism). Nevertheless, most children with NDD diagnoses showed no reported delay or loss in these prospectively measured skills.
Drying kinetics and quality assessment of refractance window dried beetroot
Authors: Mandale Nagesh Malharso , Attkan Arun Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Nitin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThin‐layer drying of red beetroot having slice thicknesses of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm was carried out using a solar‐assisted continuous refractance window dryer at 75, 80, and 85°C drying temperatures for 30, 45, and 60 min. The drying kinetics including moisture ratio, drying rate, and moisture diffusivity was observed to understand the drying behavior of beetroot. The moisture ratio was fitted to the drying models for thin‐layer modeling of the beetroot drying. The drying operation reduced the firmness and water activity of the fresh beetroot; however, the antioxidant properties of dried beetroot increased with drying treatment. The minimum alteration was observed with a color difference and hue angle of dried slices. Process optimization was carried out to obtain the ideal drying conditions, which indicated the use of a dryer at 85°C temperature, 0.5 mm slice thickness, and 60 min exposure time with a desirability value of 0.874.Practical applicationsFourth‐generation drying technology refractance window drying dried the beet root slices without case hardening and improve its antioxidant properties. Dried beetroot contains carotenoids, vitamins, nitrates, flavonoids, and various minerals that have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and hepato‐protective activities. Dried beetroot flakes or powder is useful for the development of different functional foods that have anti‐diabetic, cardiovascular disease lowering, hypertensive, and wound healing benefits.
Feasibility of a point‐of‐care ultrasound protocol for cardiorespiratory evaluation of horses in different clinical settings
Authors: Bevevino Kari E. , Cohen Noah D. , Gordon Sonya G. , Navas de Solis Cristobal 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundA point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) protocol for evaluation of the cardiac and respiratory systems in horses does not exist.Objectives(a) Describe the windows of a POCUS protocol for cardiorespiratory assessment of horses (CRASH); (b) Estimate the number of acoustic windows that can be acquired by a sonographer‐in‐training; (c) Estimate the time required to complete the protocol for specific groups of horses; (d) Describe the sonographic abnormalities detected in horses presented with cardiovascular, respiratory, or systemic disease.AnimalsTwenty‐seven healthy horses, 14 horses competing in athletic events, and 120 horses with clinical disease.MethodA pocket‐sized ultrasound device was used to acquire 7 sonographic cardiorespiratory windows in various clinical scenarios. The duration of the examination was timed, and images were evaluated for diagnostic quality. Abnormalities in horses with clinical disease were determined by an expert sonographer.ResultsThe CRASH protocol could be performed in healthy and diseased horses in hospital, barn, and competition settings between 5.5 ± 0.9 (athletic horses) and 6.9 ± 1.9 min (horses with clinical disease). Thoracic windows were obtained most consistently, followed by right parasternal long‐axis echocardiographic windows. Frequently detected abnormalities were pleural fluid, lung consolidation, B‐lines, and moderate‐to‐severe left‐sided heart disease.ConclusionsThe CRASH protocol was feasible using a pocket‐sized ultrasound device in various groups of horses, could be completed rapidly in a variety of settings, and frequently identified sonographic abnormalities when evaluated by an expert sonographer. The diagnostic accuracy, observer agreement, and utility of the CRASH protocol merit further evaluation.
Plant life‐form distribution patterns in a tropical mountain region: Effect of climate, topography, and human disturbance
Authors: Jiménez‐López Derio Antonio , Ramírez‐Marcial Neptalí , Krömer Thorsten , González‐Espinosa Mario 
Published: March 2023

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding the specific distribution patterns of vascular plants on different spatial scales is central in ecology and conservation. We evaluate the distribution patterns of five plant life forms (climbers, epiphytes, herbs, shrubs, and trees) along the elevation gradient and geographic space of a mountain system, analyzing climate, topography, and human disturbance to explain variation in the richness of each life form, and determine the contribution of each life form to total richness along the elevation gradient.LocationSierra Madre of Chiapas, southeastern Mexico.MethodsWe used linear models to evaluate the elevational pattern of richness for each life form, as well as total richness, and analyzed the effects of climate (water–energy dynamics, thermal range), topography (topographic heterogeneity), and disturbance (Human Influence Index) on variation in total richness as well as of each life form using Generalized Linear Models (GLM). We used Non‐Metric Multidimensional (Distance) Scaling to determine variation in species composition along the elevation gradient. Finally, the contribution of each life form to total richness was evaluated using GLM.ResultsWe recorded 235 families, 1,439 genera, and 5,196 species. Total richness and the richness of each life form increased with increasing elevation. GLM explained a high proportion of the variation in the richness of each life form (34.3% for total richness; climbers 17.2%, epiphytes 44.9%, herbs 20.4%, shrubs 33.5%, and trees 24.9%). The proportion of richness of herbs and trees to total richness decreased, and the proportion of shrubs, epiphytes, and climbers increased with elevation. Climate largely determined species richness for all life forms, whereas disturbance was significant only for epiphyte richness.ConclusionsResults suggest that mechanisms driven by climatic variables (especially thermal range) contribute to maintaining the richness of each life form. However, human disturbance modifies distribution patterns and leads to a decrease in epiphyte richness. The differential contribution of each life form to total richness along the elevation gradient presents a challenge for designing conservation strategies applicable to all plant groups.
Baicalin and baicalein attenuate hyperuricemic nephropathy via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Xiang Huilong , Deng Qin , Fu Wanting , Li Yang , Yu Zejun , Qiu Yinsheng , Mei Zhinan , Xu Lingyun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimInflammation and apoptosis are main pathological processes that lead to the development of hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN). This study aims to explore whether baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BAI) can relieve the damage through PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signal pathway and provide more reliable and precise evidence for the treatment of HN.MethodsHN mice were induced by yeast extract with potassium oxonate (PO), and HK‐2 cells were induced by monosodium urate (MSU). Molecular docking, western blot, q‐PCR, and other methods were used to explore the changes of various indicators in HN mice and HK‐2 cells.ResultsMolecular docking results showed that BA and BAI had good binding ability with PI3K, AKT, p65 and IκBα. BA and BAI significantly ameliorated the levels of renal function, decreased the p‐PI3K, p‐AKT and p‐p65 expression, down‐regulated the BAX/BCL2 and CASP3, and blunted the mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐18 in both renal tissue of HN mice and HK‐2 cells induced by MSU. BA and BAI also decreased the oxidative stress level of MSU‐induced HK‐2 cells.ConclusionBA and BAI were confirmed to attenuate HN through alleviating renal inflammatory and apoptosis in cells and tissues by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway. BA and BAI were expected to be developed as new anti‐HN drugs.
Modelling changes in the prevalence of childhood myopia
Authors: Plainis Sotiris , Ktistakis Emmanouil , Sapountzis Panagiotis , Charman W. Neil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposeTo re‐examine the changes with time in the underlying patterns of individual refraction at different ages, which have led to an increased prevalence of myopia in a population of Asian children.MethodsUsing published cross‐sectional longitudinal data, the frequency distributions of spherical equivalent refractive error (SE) in yearly cohorts of 6‐ and 12‐year‐old Japanese children during the period 1984–1996 were modelled in terms of ex‐ and bi‐Gaussian distributions.ResultsBoth models suggested that over the period of the study, little change occurred in the SE frequency distributions for 6‐year‐olds, with most children having SEs near emmetropia. In contrast, in each annual cohort of 12‐year‐olds, although the SE of some children remained near‐emmetropic, a sub‐set failed to maintain emmetropia. Most of this group became more myopic between 6 and 12 years of age. The proportion of children showing myopic progression increased over the period of study.ConclusionsThe observed increase in mean levels of myopia in older Japanese children in the late 20th century is due to a greater proportion of children failing to maintain emmetropisation between the ages of 6 and 12, rather than to myopic shifts in all children. Some children, with small SE changes between 6 and 12 years of age, would not have benefitted from any treatment intended to slow myopia progression.
Combining ability for rancidity and associated traits in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
Authors: Pallavi Mandalapu , Reddy Pulluru Sanjana , Ratnavathi Chamarthy Venkata , Krishna Kancharla Venkata Radha 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPearl millet occupies an important place in attaining nutritional security in marginal areas; however, as it develops off‐flavours, it is less preferred by food industry. The objective of the current study was to determine the variations in rancidity‐related traits and estimate the combining ability of inbreds and hybrids for these traits under varied environmental conditions. In this study, 32 hybrids were developed from eight lines and four testers using line × tester mating design and evaluated along with parents and checks 86M86 and HHB 67 for yield and rancidity‐associated traits in three environments. The hybrids L7T2 and L6T1 are identified as promising hybrids for grain yield and rancidity. Higher variance due to specific combining ability and predictability ratio for grain yield and rancidity‐associated characters indicate the predominance of non‐additive gene action. The tester T1 recorded a significant negative GCA effect with low alcoholic acidity. A significant and positive SCA for grain yield was observed in L3T1 and L7T2, whereas for rancidity in L5T4. Alcoholic acidity showed a significant positive association with 1000 seed weight, lipase and lipoxygenase in parents and negative association with 1000 seed weight in hybrids.
Circadian regulation of glutamate release pathways shapes synaptic throughput in the brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS)
Authors: Ragozzino Forrest J. , Peterson Bree Anne , Karatsoreos Ilia N. , Peters James H. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCircadian regulation of autonomic reflex pathways pairs physiological function with the daily light cycle. The brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is a key candidate for rhythmic control of the autonomic nervous system. Here we investigated circadian regulation of NTS neurotransmission and synaptic throughput using patch‐clamp electrophysiology in brainstem slices from mice. We found that spontaneous quantal glutamate release onto NTS neurons showed strong circadian rhythmicity, with the highest rate of release during the light phase and the lowest in the dark, that were sufficient to drive day/night differences in constitutive postsynaptic action potential firing. In contrast, afferent evoked action potential throughput was enhanced during the dark and diminished in the light. Afferent‐driven synchronous release pathways showed a similar decrease in release probability that did not explain the enhanced synaptic throughput during the night. However, analysis of postsynaptic membrane properties revealed diurnal changes in conductance, which, when coupled with the circadian changes in glutamate release pathways, tuned synaptic throughput between the light and dark phases. These coordinated pre‐/postsynaptic changes encode nuanced control over synaptic performance and pair NTS action potential firing and vagal throughput with time of day.
imageKey points
Vagal afferent neurons relay information from peripheral organs to the brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) to initiate autonomic reflex pathways as well as providing important controls of food intake, digestive function and energy balance.
Vagally mediated reflexes and behaviours are under strong circadian regulation.
Diurnal fluctuations in presynaptic vesicle release pathways and postsynaptic membrane conductances provide nuanced control over NTS action potential firing and vagal synaptic throughput.
Coordinated pre‐/postsynaptic changes represent a fundamental mechanism mediating daily changes in vagal afferent signalling and autonomic function.
Effectiveness of brief psychosocial support for patients with cancer and their relatives: a quasi-experimental evaluation of cancer counselling centres
Authors: Lingens Solveigh Paola , Schilling Georgia , Schulz Holger , Bleich Christiane 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of brief psychosocial support for patients with cancer and their relatives regarding their mental health.DesignQuasi-experimental controlled trial with measurements at three time points (baseline, after 2 weeks and after 12 weeks).SettingThe intervention group (IG) was recruited at two cancer counselling centres in Germany. The control group (CG) included patients with cancer or relatives who did not seek support.ParticipantsIn total, n=885 participants were recruited and n=459 were eligible for the analysis (IG, n=264; CG, n=195).InterventionOne to two psychosocial support sessions (approximately hour) provided by a psycho-oncologist or social worker.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was distress. The secondary outcomes were anxiety and depressive symptoms, well-being, cancer-specific and generic quality of life (QoL), self-efficacy and fatigue.ResultsThe linear mixed model analysis showed significant differences between IG and CG at follow-up for distress (d=0.36), p=0.001), depressive (d=0.22), p=0.005) and anxiety symptoms (d=0.22), p=0.003), well-being (d=0.26, p=0.002), QoL (QoL mental; d=0.26, p=0.003), self-efficacy (d=0.21, p=0.011) and QoL (global; d=0.27, p=0.009). The changes were not significant for QoL (physical; d=0.04, p=0.618), cancer-specific QoL (symptoms; d=0.13, p=0.093), cancer-specific QoL (functional; d=0.08, p=0.274) and fatigue (d=0.04, p=0.643).ConclusionThe results suggest that brief psychosocial support is associated with the improvement of mental health of patients with cancer and their relatives after 3 months.Trial registration numberDRKS00015516.
Plasma inflammation for predicting phenotypic conversion and clinical progression of autosomal dominant frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Asken Breton M , Ljubenkov Peter A , Staffaroni Adam M , Casaletto Kaitlin B , Vandevrede Lawren , Cobigo Yann , Rojas-Rodriguez Julio C , Rankin Katherine P , Kornak John , Heuer Hilary , Shigenaga Judy , Appleby Brian S , Bozoki Andrea C , Domoto-Reilly Kimiko , Ghoshal Nupur , Huey Edward , Litvan Irene , Masdeu Joseph C , Mendez Mario F , Pascual Belen , Pressman Peter , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Kremers Walter , Forsberg Leah K , Boeve Brad F , Boxer Adam L , Rosen Howie J , Kramer Joel H 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMeasuring systemic inflammatory markers may improve clinical prognosis and help identify targetable pathways for treatment in patients with autosomal dominant forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).MethodsWe measured plasma concentrations of IL-6, TNFα and YKL-40 in pathogenic variant carriers (MAPT, C9orf72, GRN) and non-carrier family members enrolled in the ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration consortium. We evaluated associations between baseline plasma inflammation and rate of clinical and neuroimaging changes (linear mixed effects models with standardised (z) outcomes). We compared inflammation between asymptomatic carriers who remained clinically normal (‘asymptomatic non-converters’) and those who became symptomatic (‘asymptomatic converters’) using area under the curve analyses. Discrimination accuracy was compared with that of plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL).ResultsWe studied 394 participants (non-carriers=143,C9orf72=117,GRN=62,MAPT=72). InMAPT, higher TNFα was associated with faster functional decline (B=0.12 (0.02, 0.22), p=0.02) and temporal lobe atrophy. InC9orf72,higher TNFα was associated with faster functional decline (B=0.09 (0.03, 0.16), p=0.006) and cognitive decline (B=−0.16 (−0.22, −0.10), p<0.001), while higher IL-6 was associated with faster functional decline (B=0.12 (0.03, 0.21), p=0.01). TNFα was higher in asymptomatic converters than non-converters (β=0.29 (0.09, 0.48), p=0.004) and improved discriminability compared with plasma NfL alone (ΔR2=0.16, p=0.007; NfL: OR=1.4 (1.03, 1.9), p=0.03; TNFα: OR=7.7 (1.7, 31.7), p=0.007).ConclusionsSystemic proinflammatory protein measurement, particularly TNFα, may improve clinical prognosis in autosomal dominant FTLD pathogenic variant carriers who are not yet exhibiting severe impairment. Integrating TNFα with markers of neuronal dysfunction like NfL could optimise detection of impending symptom conversion in asymptomatic pathogenic variant carriers and may help personalise therapeutic approaches.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular diseases hospitalisation, management and mortality in Switzerland
Authors: Maung Ko Ko , Marques-Vidal Pedro 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in hospital admissions and intervention for other diseases in many countries. We aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalisations, management and mortality in Switzerland.MethodsSwiss hospital discharge and mortality data for period 2017–2020. CVD hospitalisations, CVD interventions and CVD mortality were assessed before (2017–2019) and during (2020) the pandemic. Expected numbers of admissions, interventions and deaths for 2020 were computed using simple linear regression model.ResultsCompared with 2017–2019, 2020 was characterised by a reduction of CVD admissions in age groups 65–84 and ≥85 by approximately 3700 and 1700 cases, respectively, and by an increase in the percentage of admissions with a Charlson index >8. The total number of CVD-related deaths decreased from 21 042 in 2017 to 19 901 in 2019, and increased to 20 511 in 2020, with an estimated excess of 1139 deaths. This increase was due to out-of-hospital deaths (+1342), while the number of in-hospital deaths decreased from 5030 in 2019 to 4796 in 2020, which concerned mostly subjects aged ≥85 years. The total number of admissions with cardiovascular interventions increased from 55 181 in 2017 to 57 864 in 2019, and decreased in 2020, with an estimated reduction of 4414 admissions; percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was the exception, as the number and percentage of emergency admissions with PTCA increased. The preventive measures applied against COVID-19 inverted the seasonal pattern of CVD admissions, the highest number of admissions being found in summer and the lowest in winter.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in CVD hospital admissions, planned CVD interventions, an increase in total and out-of-hospital CVD deaths and a change in seasonal patterns.