bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different effects of fire age and fire recurrence on grass and woody plant chemistry in Kafue National Park, Zambia
Authors: Namukonde Ngawo , Simukonda Chuma , Ganzhorn Jörg U. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn savannas, fire and herbivores are important drivers of natural ecosystem processes. Fire is also used intensively for management purposes. However, reported fire effects differ between studies. Reasons for these differences are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of fire on leaf chemistry of grasses and woody plants in the savanna of the Busanga Flood Plain, Zambia, in relation to the time elapsed between plant sampling and the last fire (fire age) and the frequency of fires during the last 16 years (fire recurrence). We analyzed leaves for their nitrogen, carbon, and fiber concentrations, and estimated their metabolizable energy content, reflecting feed quality for browsers and grazers. Grasses and woody plants differed in all chemical components and showed different responses to fire. Grass quality was higher at sites burnt in the year of sample collection than at sites burnt only in previous years, but did not change under different fire recurrences. Leaves of woody plants did not differ in relation to fire age but their quality increased with increasing fire recurrence. In woody plants, the carbon content responded to the interaction between fire age and fire recurrence, indicating changes in carbon allocation in response to fire. Thus, burning increased feed quality for grazers and browsers but on different temporal scales. The scale effects may contribute to the differences in resource allocation described by different studies. They merit more attention in management decisions as well as in future studies on fire effects in savanna systems.
Conversion to tacrolimus alone compared to full immunosuppression following cardiac transplantation (TACTFUL)
Authors: Pearston Aaron P. , Ingemi Amanda I. , Shaeffer Zachary A. , Cameron Chad M. , Biagi Katharine T. , Gobble Myra , Yehya Amin , Baran David A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCardiac transplantation requires lifelong immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection. However, some patients may not tolerate multiple immunosuppressants due to adverse effects. At our institution, patients may be converted to monotherapy with tacrolimus if unable to tolerate a combination regimen. This study evaluated the outcomes among patients converted to tacrolimus monotherapy compared with those maintained on combination immunosuppression.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective cohort study included patients who received heart transplants at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital between January 2015 and July 2021. Patients were classified as receiving tacrolimus monotherapy (Mono) or combination immunosuppression (Combo). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality with key secondary outcomes including incidence of 2R/3R rejection, necessity for renal replacement therapy, and infection.Results112 patients were included (Mono = 25, Combo = 87). Median age at transplant was 53.8 years (Mono) and 52.1 years (Combo). The most common reasons for conversion to monotherapy were leukopenia, infection, and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. There was no difference in mortality (0 in Mono, 11 in Combo; p = .09) or percentage of patients with 2R/3R rejection (24% in Mono, 32.2% in Combo; p = .43). No Mono group patients experienced rejection after converting from combination therapy. 24% of Mono group patients resumed at least one additional immunosuppressive medication during the study period. Median time to monotherapy was 9.0 months, with a total median duration on monotherapy of 16.0 months. A median of 3.3 years of follow‐up was observed for patients in Mono and 3.4 years in Combo (p = .29).ConclusionSelected patients who do not tolerate combination immunosuppression can be safely transitioned to tacrolimus monotherapy as a means of controlling adverse events without an increased risk of mortality or rejection.
Efficacy and safety of adding once‐weekly dulaglutide to basal insulin for inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes in Chinese patients (AWARD‐CHN3): A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Wang Weimin , Yan Xin , Cheng Zhifeng , Zhang Qiqi , Wang Rui , Deng Yuying , Ma Jianhua , Zhu Dalong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimTo determine the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly dulaglutide added to basal insulin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with inadequate glycaemic control.Materials and MethodsIn the phase III, double‐blind AWARD‐CHN3 study, Chinese patients with T2DM (N = 291) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0% and ≤11.0% receiving stable doses of basal insulin glargine with metformin and/or acarbose were randomized (1:1) to receive add‐on dulaglutide 1.5 mg once weekly or placebo once weekly. The primary endpoint was the superiority of dulaglutide/glargine to placebo/glargine for change from baseline in HbA1c at Week 28.ResultsThe least squares (LS) mean ± standard error change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 28 was −2.0 ± 0.08% with dulaglutide/glargine and −1.1 ± 0.07% with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −1.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.1 to −0.8; P < 0.001), and more patients receiving dulaglutide/glargine achieved HbA1c levels <7.0% (75.9% vs. 33.8%; P < 0.001 vs. placebo/glargine). Body weight decreased with dulaglutide/glargine and increased with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −1.2 kg, 95% CI –1.8 to – 0.6; P < 0.001). Reductions in fasting serum glucose were greater with dulaglutide/glargine than with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −0.8 mmol/L, 95% CI –1.1 to – 0.5; P < 0.001). The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar with dulaglutide/glargine and placebo/glargine (29.2% vs. 31.3%; P = 0.704); no patient in either group had severe hypoglycaemia. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events with dulaglutide/glargine were decreased appetite (22.2%), diarrhoea (13.2%) and nausea (10.4%).ConclusionsDulaglutide added to basal insulin was efficacious and well tolerated in Chinese patients with T2DM.
Embracing neurodiversity in doll play: Investigating neural and language correlates of doll play in a neurodiverse sample
Authors: Keating Jennifer , Hashmi Salim , Vanderwert Ross E. , Davies Rhys M. , Jones Catherine R. G. , Gerson Sarah A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDoll play may provide opportunities for children to rehearse social interactions, even when playing alone. Previous research has found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) was more engaged when children played with dolls alone, compared to playing with tablet games alone. Children's use of internal state language (ISL) about others was also associated with pSTS activity. As differences in social cognition are frequently observed in autistic people, we were interested in the brain and language correlates of doll play in children with varying levels of autistic traits. We investigated children's (N = 57, mean age = 6.72, SD = 1.53) use of ISL and their pSTS brain activity using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as they played with dolls and tablet games, both alone and with a social partner. We also investigated whether there were any effects of autistic traits using the parent‐report Autism Spectrum Quotient—Children's Version (AQ‐Child). We found that the left pSTS was engaged more as children played with dolls or a tablet with a partner, and when playing with dolls alone, compared to when playing with a tablet alone. Relations between language and neural correlates of social processing were distinct based on the degree of autistic traits. For children with fewer autistic traits, greater pSTS activity was associated with using ISL about others. For children with more autistic traits, greater pSTS activity was associated with experimenter talk during solo play. These divergent pathways highlight the importance of embracing neurodiversity in children's play patterns to best support their development through play.
A scoping review of the functional magnetic resonance imaging‐based functional connectivity of focal cortical dysplasia‐related epilepsy
Authors: Cohen Nathan T. , Xie Hua , Gholipour Taha , Gaillard William D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFocal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the most frequent etiology of operable pharmacoresistant epilepsy in children. There is burgeoning evidence that FCD‐related epilepsy is a disorder that involves distributed brain networks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a tool that allows one to infer neuronal activity and to noninvasively map whole‐brain functional networks. Despite its relatively widespread availability at most epilepsy centers, the clinical application of fMRI remains mostly task‐based in epilepsy. Another approach is to map and characterize cortical functional networks of individuals using resting state fMRI (rsfMRI). The focus of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence to date of investigations of the network basis of FCD‐related epilepsy, and to highlight numerous potential future applications of rsfMRI in the exploration of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for FCD‐related epilepsy. There are numerous studies demonstrating a global disruption of cortical functional networks in FCD‐related epilepsy. The underlying pathological subtypes of FCD influence overall functional network patterns. There is evidence that cortical functional network mapping may help to predict postsurgical seizure outcomes, highlighting the translational potential of these findings. Additionally, several studies emphasize the important effect of FCD interaction with cortical networks and the expression of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
Adolescent delinquency: The role of early childhood exposure to intimate partner violence
Authors: Cheung Shannon , Huang Chien‐Chung 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines how early childhood intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure at ages 1 and 3 affects delinquency at age 15 years, while controlling for parenting when children were 5 years of age and early delinquency when children were 9 years of age.BackgroundExposure to IPV has been found to be a strong predictor of youth delinquency. Early delinquency is known to be a strong predictor of persistent, severe, and violent offending throughout the life course. This study aims to extend this line of research by analyzing the relation between IPV exposure and adolescent delinquency using longitudinal data collected from a nationally representative sample.MethodThe data came from the first six waves of the Fragile Families and Child Well‐being Study. The sample (N = 2,532) was 50.8% male, and average age was 15.6 years. Race/ethnicity distribution was as follows: 46.8% Black, 24.5% non‐Hispanic White, 24.5% Hispanic, and 3.8% other race/ethnicity.ResultsExposure to IPV, particularly economic abuse, significantly affects delinquency at age 15. Negative parenting and early delinquency partially mediated these effects.ConclusionIPV exposure at ages as young as 1 and 3 years can affect children's delinquent behaviors during adolescence.ImplicationsThese findings suggest a need for early interventions for those exposed to IPV at a young age.
Best practices for structuring a family court parenting plan evaluation under the 2022 AFCC Guidelines
Authors: Martindale David A. , Shear Leslie Ellen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEvaluation appointment orders provide enforceable scaffolding for conduct of family court parenting plan evaluations, and use of the evaluator's reports, feedback, file, and testimony. Unlike a contract, a stipulated or adjudicated appointment order is directly enforceable by the family court. It unambiguously positions the evaluator as the family court's appointee – answerable directly to the court and, in some jurisdictions, protected by quasi‐judicial immunity from damages claims. A well‐crafted appointment order governs the roles and expectations of the court, the evaluator, the parties, the lawyers, and the collateral witnesses. An appointment order mandates the legal duties, rights, powers, and responsibilities of the professionals, the parties, and the collateral witnesses. At minimum, an appointment order articulates the legal basis for the appointment, the purpose and scope of the evaluation, compensation of evaluator, and the duty of the parties to participate in the process. A written evaluation protocol or procedures statement discloses in advance the methods of investigation and assessment that the evaluator intends to use. Together, the appointment order and written protocol help the evaluator, lawyers, parents, and judge manage the complexity of the evaluation process.
Effects of egg stocking on density, distribution, and size of young‐of‐year brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a large boreal river in northern Sweden
Authors: Palm Daniel , Losee James , Holmgren Annika , Englund Jan‐Eric , Hellström Gustav 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn understanding of egg densities and juvenile production is critical in salmonid egg stocking projects, but the question is not deeply studied. Given that managers rely on the number of young of the year (YOY) fish to evaluate stocking success, this knowledge gap poses a major challenge. We studied effects of two stocking levels on YOY brown trout at different downstream distances (0–600 m) from the stocking point. Density increased significantly with increasing distance from the stocking point when 60,000 eggs were stocked but not when 30,000 eggs were stocked. Body length was not related to distance from the stocking point and only moderately negatively related to density. We conclude that the results of egg stocking can be difficult to interpret because site‐specific density may vary with distance from the stocking point and the number of eggs stocked.
(Re)constructing identity following acquired brain injury: The complex journey of recovery after stroke
Authors: Faccio Elena , Fonte Cristina , Smania Nicola , Neri Jessica 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionPeople with poststroke acquired brain injury (ABI) face a complex and often troubled identity reconstruction journey. The literature is rich with studies related to the psychological and neuropsychological components involved in rehabilitation, but it is lacking with respect to the investigation of the existential dimensions and the challenges associated with finding new senses and meanings for one's identity and future perspectives, body and interpersonal relationships.MethodsThe aim of this study is to investigate the narrative processes of identity reconstruction after brain damage. Through a qualitative approach, 30 autobiographical narratives about self, body and the relationships with others were collected and analyzed. Semistructured interviews were used for the data collection. Narrative and positioning analysis were applied.ResultsFour main positionings emerged: sanctioning a radical break with one's previous life; assuming a sense of salvation and compulsory as well as irreversible adaptation to the limitations associated with one's condition; feeling different and disabled; and considering new possibilities and active constructions of self‐being in relationship with others. These results underline the narrative processes of construction of the injury and the identity and delineate possible resources and instruments to improve the clinical practice for health practitioners. They are also valuable for other professionals who deal with neurological services and rehabilitation, such as psychological counselling and support for persons who have experienced ABI and their families.Patient or Public ContributionThis work resulted from a close collaboration between two universities and a hospital neurological rehabilitation department in the Veneto Region (Northern Italy). Three associations of people with stroke and their families living in the same area contributed to designing the research on the basis of the needs expressed by their members with the aim to identify strategies and devices to be implemented in the public service to improve the care pathway. They also participated in the interpretation of the data.
Assessment of structural and thermoluminescence characteristics of porcelain used as an electrical insulator
Authors: Portakal‐Uçar Ziyafer Gizem , Akça‐Özalp Sibel , Oglakci Mehmet , Barad Aya , Topaksu Mustafa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the present work, the thermoluminescence (TL) properties and kinetics of beta‐irradiated porcelain used as an electrical insulator are investigated in great depth. Thermal annealing at 1100°C slightly changes the trap system, whereas heating over 500°C increases the visual TL intensity of the peaks. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to confirm the structural, morphological, and chemical investigations of the materials. The TL glow curve characteristics, repeatability, storage time properties, and dose–response behavior of non‐annealed and annealed porcelain have all been well investigated. Within the confidence interval, the material has been demonstrated to have excellent reusability. A linear response in the dose range of 0.1–3 Gy was observed. TM–Ts, initial rise, and computerized glow curve deconvolution methodologies were used to complete the kinetic study. The outcomes of the detailed investigations demonstrated that the sample was suitable for TL dosimetry potential uses.
Finding the ideal sedative: a non‐inferiority study of remimazolam vs propofol in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Lee Jungnam , Jeong Seok , Lee Don Haeng , Park Jin‐Seok 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) requires an ideal sedative that provides a predictable action duration and meets safety requirements. We compared the efficacies and safeties of remimazolam and propofol in patients who had undergone ERCP.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, single‐blind, single‐center study, we compared the performances of remimazolam and propofol for inpatient ERCP. Study medications were administered under the supervision of an endoscopist. One hundred and ten patients scheduled to undergo ERCP were randomly assigned to receive remimazolam or propofol. The primary endpoint was a composite of successful completion of the procedure and no requirement for rescue medication. Secondary endpoints included sedation efficacy, recovery time, and adverse events.ResultsOf the 110 patients randomized, 108 underwent sedation, and ERCP (53 received remimazolam and 55 propofol). The primary endpoint was met for remimazolam and propofol in 100% of patients in both arms. Incidences and frequencies of emergent adverse events, including desaturation, requiring treatment were comparable in both arms. However, ERCP was started sooner in the propofol arm (mean, 63.18 ± 16.56 s) than in the remimazolam arm (75.23 ± 32.27 s; P‐value = 0.02). Time to full alertness after ERCP was also significantly shorter in the propofol arm (304.18 ± 146.25 vs 448.34 ± 224.09 s; P‐value <0.001).ConclusionRemimazolam is not inferior to propofol in achieving successful ERCP completion without rescue medication. Incidences of adverse events were comparable. Remimazolam is a safe and effective alternative to propofol for ERCP sedation, expanding options for clinicians and improving patient outcomes.
Biological sex influences sleep phenotype in mice experiencing spontaneous opioid withdrawal
Authors: Tisdale Ryan K. , Sun Yu , Park Sunmee , Ma Shun‐Chieh , Haire Meghan , Allocca Giancarlo , Bruchas Michael R. , Morairty Stephen R. , Kilduff Thomas S. 
Published: September 2023

SummaryAversive symptoms, including insomnia experienced during opioid withdrawal, are a major drive to relapse; however, withdrawal‐associated sleep symptomatology has been little explored in preclinical models. We describe here a model of opioid withdrawal in mice that resembles the sleep phenotype characteristic of withdrawal in humans. Male and female C57BL/6 mice were instrumented with telemeters to record electroencephalogram, electromyogram, activity and subcutaneous temperature. All mice received two treatments separated by a 16‐day washout period: (1) saline (volume: 10 ml kg−1); or (2) ascending doses of morphine (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg kg−1; volume: 10 ml kg−1) for 5 days at Zeitgeber time 1 and Zeitgeber time 13. Recordings for the first 71 hr after treatment discontinuation (withdrawal days 1–3) and for 24 hr on withdrawal days 5 and 7 were scored for sleep/wake state, and sleep architecture and electroencephalogram spectral data were analysed. Morphine was acutely wake‐ and activity‐promoting, and non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep were increased during the dark phase on withdrawal day 2 in both sexes. While non‐rapid eye movement delta power (0.5–4.0 Hz), a measure of sleep intensity, was reduced during the light phase on withdrawal day 1 and the dark phase on withdrawal day 2 in both sexes, female mice also exhibited changes in the duration and the number of bouts of sleep/wake states. These observations of fragmented sleep on withdrawal days 1–3 suggest poorer sleep consolidation and a more pronounced withdrawal‐associated sleep phenotype in female than in male mice. These data may indicate a greater sensitivity to morphine, a more distinct aversive sleep phenotype and/or a faster escalation to dependence in female mice.
A breakage index for characterizing in vitro nut fragmentation and predicting human oral fragmentation
Authors: Cui Zhaowei , van der Glas Hilbert W. , Chen Jianshe 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBreakage of food influences eating experience and sensory perception. The aims of the study were to identify an appropriate breakage index and to develop an in vitro method for predicting the ease of oral breakage of nuts. Kernels of five types of nuts were fragmented in vitro using a texture analyzer and 12 subjects therefore performed molar bites. In addition, peanuts were differently roasted (over 0, 15, 25, and 35 min) to vary texture within the same nut type. Projected particle areas were determined using imaging. Two Breakage Indices were compared (1) BI‐I, the difference, after and before fragmentation, in square root values of ratios between total projected area and volume [Agrawal et al., 1997, Archives of Oral Biology, 42(1), 1–9], and (2) BI‐II, the ratio of the total projected area after and before fragmentation. BI‐II gives a stronger linear regression than BI‐I between in vivo and in vitro index values for different types of nuts; Pearson's r = 0.834 versus 0.499 (12 subjects with all data pooled). Using BI‐II, a subject's regression result in fragmentation tests with differently roasted peanuts was as strong as when testing different nut types: Pearson's r = 0.984 versus 0.964. Since the range of the in vitro BI‐II values was 5.5 times smaller in the peanut tests, the finding of a similarly strong regression indicates a high sensitivity of BI‐II to detect differences in food texture. BI‐II is useful for food industry to determine how easily solid foods break down and thereby compare the potential of flavor release between foods during chewing.