bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retention forestry enhances the resilience of the moss Hylocomium splendens to extreme drought in boreal forests
Authors: Zhang Shengmin , Sjögren Jörgen , Hylander Kristoffer , Koelemeijer Irena A. , Jönsson Mari 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Understorey biodiversity is increasingly impacted by extreme climate events. Retention forestry, which involves preserving small patches of live and dead trees from preharvest forests within clearcuts, can help mitigate these extremes by creating more favourable microclimates than traditional clearcutting practices. Despite their importance in buffering climate extremes, it remains unclear whether, and to what extent, the microclimates in retention patches enhance the growth response and recovery of the understorey after extreme droughts in boreal managed forests.

We retrospectively investigated the annual growth response from 2016 to 2022 of the mat‐forming understorey moss Hylocomium splendens, in relation to micro‐ and macroclimate, including an extreme drought in 2018, in retention patches relative to clearcuts and mature forests, across 130 plots distributed across 30 forest sites in a boreal landscape in Sweden.

The 2018 summer drought reduced the annual growth rates of H. splendens. Clearcuts experienced the greatest climatic impact from the 2018 drought and exhibited the lowest growth rates, followed by retention patches, while mature forests maintained the highest growth rates. This pattern persisted subsequent two post‐drought years. Closer alignment of below‐canopy temperature and vapour pressure deficits (VPDs) with those of mature forests enhanced moss growth in retention patches, bringing it closer to the levels observed in mature forests.

In clearcuts and mature forests, where variation in forest canopy and microclimate was minimal, biological legacies did not influence annual moss growth. In retention patches, however, a greater basal area of large living trees and the presence of standing deadwood contributed to higher canopy closure, which reduced microclimate VPDs and increased H. splendens growth. Increasing volumes of lying deadwood positively contributed to H. splendens growth, likely by creating favourable microhabitats and microclimates near the logs.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that drought reduced the growth of mat‐forming understorey H. splendens in boreal forest ecosystems, but drought effects in clearcuts are mitigated in retention patches. By preserving large living trees, standing and lying deadwood, retention patches can be further optimized. Foresters and policymakers can use these findings to minimize the impact of drought after clearcutting on understorey biodiversity and functionality.
Vertical Integration and Oncologists' Adoption of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hu Xin , Jiang Changchuan , Yabroff K. Robin , Lipscomb Joseph , Graetz Ilana 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the trend in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) use before and after FDA approval in 2015 for patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and whether vertical integration of oncologists affected ICI use.Study Setting and DesignWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with metastatic NSCLC from 21 population‐based cancer registries in the United States. We measured whether patients' treating oncologists were vertically integrated based on ≥ 10% of total services billed through hospital outpatient departments. We described the percentage of ICI recipients annually in 2010–2019, stratified by oncologists' integration status each year. In the post‐FDA approval period (2015–2019), we used difference‐in‐differences (DID) modeling to compare the probability of patients' receiving ICI before and after oncologists became integrated relative to those whose oncologists remained non‐integrated.Data Sources and Analytic SampleUsing the SEER‐Medicare linkage, we identified Medicare Fee‐For‐Service beneficiaries aged ≥ 65.5 years diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC in 2010–2019 and followed them from diagnosis until ICI receipt, death, or end of 2019.Principal FindingsThe overall percentage of patients receiving ICI increased from 0% before 2015 to 4.0% in 2015, and further increased to 29.2% in 2019. The percent of ICI recipients was higher among integrated (6.9%) than non‐integrated oncologists (2.0%, p < 0.001) in 2015, but by 2017 adoption rates converged (19.8% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.91). DID analysis showed non‐significant changes in the probability of ICI use after oncologists became integrated (1.7 percentage points, 95% CI = −1.0 to 4.4) relative to oncologists who remained non‐integrated.ConclusionsIntegrated oncologists were quicker to adopt ICIs in the first year after FDA approval, but this lead was not sustained over time. Vertically integrating into health systems was not associated with significant changes in ICI use. Further research is needed on the factors influencing equitable dissemination of novel cancer therapies across practice settings.
Genomic, Transcriptomic and Suspect/Non‐Target Screening Analyses Reveal the Role of CYP450s in the Degradation of Imazalil and Delineate Its Transformation Pathway by Cladosporium herbarum
Authors: Papazlatani Christina V. , Vasileiadis Sotirios , Panagopoulou Eleni I. , Damalas Dimitrios E. , Karas Panagiotis A. , Gerovasileiou Evdoxia , Thomaidis Nikolaos S. , Karpouzas Dimitrios G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTImazalil (IMZ), a major surface water contaminant characterised by high environmental recalcitrance and toxicity, is used in fruit‐packaging plants to control fungal infestations during storage. This leads to the production of wastewaters which should be treated on site before their environmental release. We previously isolated a Cladosporium herbarum strain, the first microorganism that could degrade IMZ. Here we describe the genetic network utilised by the fungus to degrade IMZ and its detailed transformation. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of C. herbarum pointed to the involvement of strongly upregulated CYP450s in IMZ degradation, as further verified by cessation of its biodegradation by CYP450 inhibitors. LC‐QTOF‐HRMS analysis and suspect/non‐target screening identified nine transformation products (TPs) of IMZ. IMZ biotransformation mainly proceeded through O‐dealkylation, while other less important paths, most probably controlled by upregulated oxidases, were operative involving successive hydroxylation reactions. These lead to the formation of TPs like IMZ_313 and IMZ_331, with the former being further transformed through imidazole ring scission to IMZ_288, a TP reported for the first time. We provide first evidence for the transformation mechanism of IMZ by C. herbarum and the potential genes/enzymes involved, paving the way for the use of C. herbarum in the biodepuration of agro‐industrial effluents.
Does insect trapping truly measure insect populations?
Authors: Rossini Luca , Contarini Mario , Delfino Ines , Speranza Stefano 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The measurement process has a well‐known structure and requires tools with proper characteristics, depending on the physical quantities and their magnitude.
While most fields of research have reliable tools to support the experiments, this is not properly the case for measurements in the population dynamics of insects and animals, more in general.
Monitoring insect species is a common practice in agriculture and forest environments, above all to develop pest control or biodiversity conservation strategies and to validate or feed decision support system tools.
Besides the development of several monitoring techniques, an explicit connection between entomology and metrology (the science of measurements) is still missing.
We may ask if the current tools involved in monitoring insect populations, as traps for instance, respect the standard features that measurement tools should have, and if they provide ‘proper measurements’ or just an ‘estimation’.
This work analyses the pros and cons of insect trapping by connecting metrology and entomology and provides some perspectives on which the research communities should focus and interact to answer the questions still open.
Poor Association Between Clinical Characteristics and Seropositivity in Children With Suspected Long COVID—A Single‐Centre Study
Authors: Olsson‐Åkefeldt S. , Luthander J. , Anmyr L. , Villard L. , Arnason S. , Kemani M. K. , Wållgren E. , Röstlund S. , Tingborn M. , Pettersson M. , George E. , Ryd‐Rinder M. , Hertting O. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimWe aimed to compare characteristics and clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antibody positive or negative children attending a specialist outpatient clinic for suspected paediatric long COVID.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted of 113 children and adolescents enrolled between 1 December 2020 to 14 September 2021 in a multidisciplinary programme. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected with standardised interviews and laboratory tests including SARS‐CoV‐2 spike antibody measurement.ResultsA serological link to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was found in 52%. Most patients (94.7%) reported several symptoms. Fatigue, post‐exertional malaise, dizziness, nausea, headache, and concentration difficulties were the most common. Seronegative children had a higher number of individual symptoms. School absence and drop‐out from leisure activities was substantial in both groups with higher numbers for the seronegative group. Self‐reported health was low in both groups.ConclusionChildren attending a specialist paediatric long COVID clinic experienced multiple symptoms and poor self‐reported health. The symptomatology was similar regardless of serological status, implying multifactorial causes. A multidisciplinary assessment of this cohort was essential considering the broad spectrum of symptoms displayed and their substantial impact on everyday functioning.
Comparing the effectiveness of animated videos and talking‐head videos in science communication
Authors: Marx Clara L. , König Laura M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesOnline videos are becoming increasingly popular for obtaining nutrition‐related information. Learning theories suggest that videos may differ in their effectiveness of conveying knowledge depending on the correspondence between audio and visual content. We thus tested whether two popular video formats, i.e. talking‐head and animated videos, differed regarding knowledge transfer effectiveness and their ability to stimulate content sharing.Design2 video format x 3 topic between‐subjects experiment.MethodsA total of 358 participants who were representative for the German population regarding age, gender and level of education were randomly assigned to viewing one video format about one of three nutrition‐related topics. Afterwards, they rated the video, indicated willingness to share the information with others and answered a set of quiz questions about all three topics to assess knowledge.ResultsVideos did not differ in their evaluation (F[1, 352] = 0.16, p = .898), knowledge transfer (F[2, 352] = 0.10, p = .749) or content sharing (F[1, 352] = 0.12, p = .727). However, participants received a better knowledge score for the video topic they watched a video about than for the other two topics (F[4, 704] = 50.00, p < .001, partial η2 = .22).ConclusionsTherefore, both formats can be considered equally effective for use in science communication.
Association of Left Ventricular Function With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in a Community‐Based Population
Authors: Yang Yingying , Cai Xueli , Zhou Mengyuan , Chen Yiyi , Pi Jingtao , Zhao Mengxi , Shi Yulu , Jing Jing , Chen Weiqi , Yan Hongyi , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThe relationship of cardiac function with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the association between left ventricular (LV) function and CSVD in a community‐based population.MethodsCommunity‐dwelling residents in China from the cross sectional survey of the PRECISE (PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events) cohort were included. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) were measured for LV systolic function, and mitral E/A ratio (the ratio of the peak trans‐mitral filling velocity during early diastole and late diastole) was evaluated for LV diastolic function by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Total CSVD score and CSVD imaging makers including white matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) were assessed. The associations of cardiac function with CSVD were analyzed using ordinal or binary logistic regression models. Restricted cubic spline models fitted for logistic regression models were used.ResultsA total of 3063 participants with available TTE and brain MRI data were included in the study. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, LVEF and LVFS were not associated with total CSVD score or markers of CSVD. E/A ratio showed a negative correlation with total CSVD score (cOR, 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.98, p = 0.01). Participants with E/A ≤ 0.8 or ≥ 2 had a higher total CSVD score than those with 0.8 < E/A < 2 (cOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.43, p = 0.046). E/A ratio was also correlated with lacunes, moderate to severe EPVS, and periventricular WMH. Logistic regression analyses with restricted cubic spline further demonstrated that a lower E/A ratio were associated with a higher total CSVD score.ConclusionOur study showed that mitral E/A ratio was associated with nonhemorrhagic CSVD. LV diastolic dysfunction assessed by TTE provides clues for the early warning of high CSVD burden.
Organoid Models to Study Human Infectious Diseases
Authors: Zhu Sijing , Chen Dan , Yang Xinzhi , Yang Liuliu , Han Yuling 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTInfectious diseases have become significant events that threaten global public health and economic development. Since the 20th century, multiple outbreaks of infectious diseases have gradually deepened humanity's understanding of viral infections, prevention and treatment. Organoids possess a high degree of similarity to human physiological states and have strong self‐organising capabilities. Research on infectious diseases based on organoids offers significant advantages in terms of availability, editability and diversity. In this perspective, we briefly introduce the development of organoids, focusing on historically significant infectious diseases that have caused fatal harm to human health, such as HIV, ZIKV, SARS‐CoV‐2 and MPXV. We further summarise relevant research on the pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses based on organoid models, host reactivity, and therapeutic strategies. Finally, we list the latest research techniques combined with organoid models, discuss the challenges faced in the development of organoids and look forward to the future prospects of organoids in vaccine and drug development.
Geographic distribution and supply chain of vultures in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Dognimon Samson , Zanvo Stanislas , Djagoun Chabi A. M. S. , Sinsin Brice 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIllegal trade poses a significant threat to African vultures, particularly in Benin, which stands as the second major hotspot for vultures' trade in West Africa. To address gaps in research on distribution, supplying habitat sources and trade dynamics, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 150 sellers in traditional medicine markets (TMM) and surveyed 590 local residents in villages surrounding five protected areas. We used a chord diagram to visually represent the frequency of reports of countries involved in the trade, and mapped local ecological knowledge (LEK)‐based geographic distribution of vultures across Benin. Our findings revealed that seven West African countries, as well as Cameroon from Central Africa supplied vulture specimens to TMM. We recorded 491 vultures specimens from various species such as Hooded, white‐headed, white‐backed, Rüppell's, Egyptian, and lappet‐faced vulture. Among the six vulture species recorded in TMM, five were still found in Benin, primarily in the north of the country. Our study provides insights into the supply chain and LEK‐based geographic distribution of vultures in Benin. It highlights the pressing need for further research using conventional methods to study the diversity and distribution of vultures in Benin, as well as concerted and coordinated conservation interventions to support vulture populations in the region.
Novel metabolic and inflammatory stratification of overweight/obesity to characterize risks of adverse outcomes: A large population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dong Hang , Shi Yingzhou , Ma Yicheng , Cheng Yiping , Liu Luna , Xiao Shengyang , Yuan Zinuo , Wang Zhen , Li Tuo , Zhao Jiajun , Fan Xiude 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsThe growing epidemic of overweight and obesity elevates disease risks, with metabolic disorders and inflammation critically involved in the pathogenic mechanisms. This study refines the subtyping of overweight and obesity using metabolic and inflammatory markers to enhance risk assessment and personalized prevention.Materials and MethodsBased on the UK Biobank, this retrospective study included participants classified as overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). K‐means clustering was performed using metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariate Cox regression analysis assessed the risk of complications and mortality over a follow‐up period of 13.5 years. Genome‐Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Phenome‐Wide Association Studies (PheWAS) explored cluster‐specific genetic traits.ResultsAmong 126 145 participants (mean [IQR] age: 55.0 [14.0] years; 61 983 males [49.1%]), five clusters were identified: (1) Low Metabolic Risk‐related, (2) Hypertension‐Related, (3) Mixed Hyperlipidemia‐Related, (4) Elevated Lipoprotein(a)‐Related and (5) High BMI and Inflammation‐Related. Cluster 1 exhibited a lower risk of complications than other clusters. Cluster 2 had the highest incidence of stroke, linked to variants affecting blood circulation. Cluster 3 showed the highest risks for ischaemic heart disease, characterized by variants enriched in cholesterol metabolism pathways. Cluster 4 was associated with high cardiovascular risks. Cluster 5 had the highest risks for diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and mortality, linked to obesity‐related genetic variants. We also proposed a method for applying this classification in clinical settings.ConclusionsThis classification provides insights into the heterogeneity of individuals with overweight and obesity, aiding in the identification of high‐risk patients who may benefit from targeted interventions.
Association of body roundness index with cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality among Chinese adults
Authors: Lin Hong , Jia Xiaojing , Yin Yue , Li Mian , Zheng Ruizhi , Xu Yu , Wang Shuangyuan , Xu Min , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Zheng Jie , Shen Feixia , Gu Xuejiang , Mu Yiming , Chen Lulu , Zeng Tianshu , Shi Lixin , Su Qing , Chen Yuhong , Yu Xuefeng , Yan Li , Qin Guijun , Wan Qin , Chen Gang , Tang Xulei , Gao Zhengnan , Hu Ruying , Luo Zuojie , Qin Yingfen , Chen Li , Hou Xinguo , Huo Yanan , Li Qiang , Wang Guixia , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Deng Huacong , Zhao Jiajun , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Lu Jieli 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsTo determine the impact of body roundness index (BRI) on the 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality in Chinese adults.Materials and MethodsWe utilized data from a nationwide prospective cohort of 165 785 Chinese adults (aged ≥40 years, free of CVD and cancer at baseline), which was extracted from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C). Cox regression and restricted cubic splines quantified BRI‐outcome associations and identified optimal BRI cutoffs.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 10.1 years, we documented 10 538 CVD events and 8679 deaths. A monotonic increasing dose–response association was observed between BRI and CVD risk, while BRI and all‐cause mortality exhibited a U‐shaped relationship (p for non‐linear <0.001), with the nadir at a BRI of 3.9. Gender differences indicated that increased CVD risk was associated with higher BRI in men. As age increases, the excess risk of CVD and mortality associated with BRI diminishes, with a significant harmful effect of low BRI observed on mortality in individuals aged ≥75 years. Moreover, the inclusion of BRI in the model significantly enhanced the C‐statistic for CVD prediction by 0.00412 (p <0.001) and for mortality prediction by 0.00045 (p = 0.0097).ConclusionsOur findings indicate a positive association between BRI and CVD and a U‐shaped association between BRI and mortality. These findings underscore the importance of the BRI in assessing the risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality, particularly when considering different genders and age groups.
A Typology of Empathic Communication Strategies in Dental Visits
Authors: Young Lance Brendan , Johnsen David C. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionDentists' empathy for patients is associated with enhanced patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes, and with reduced patient anxiety and dentist burnout. Cognitive empathy has been distinguished from emotional empathy, but how these broad types are expressed within the dentist‐patient relationship has not been explored. The purpose of this study is to further differentiate types of empathy expressions in routine dental visits.Materials and MethodsThird‐year students (n = 80) treated standardised patients (n = 11) portraying one of two patient profiles, each of which had multiple treatment needs in addition to a major systemic health problem: cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. After each visit, the patients completed assessment rubrics which included opportunities to comment on performance on four skillsets: visit initiation, patient interviewing, treatment planning and global communication. These comments were qualitatively content analysed. Comments (n = 301) were first deductively coded for valence (positive vs. negative evaluation) and empathy type (cognitive vs. emotional). Subsequently, comments were inductively coded for subtypes.ResultsThree subtypes of cognitive empathy were identified in patient comments: facilitating comprehension, resolving treatment barriers and relieving physical discomfort. Five types of emotional empathy were identified: comforting emotionally, validating, sympathising, encouraging and inspiring confidence. Unexpectedly, four subtypes emerged which could not definitively be classified as exclusively cognitive or emotional, so a hybrid type was identified for these subtypes: respecting, moderating, attending and destigmatizing.ConclusionPatients distinguish subtypes of cognitive and emotional empathy, but some hybrid expressions are powerful because they simultaneously convey both types of empathy.