bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of warming temperatures on germination responses and trade‐offs between seed traits in an alpine plant
Authors: Notarnicola Rocco F. , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. , Arnold Pieter A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Climate warming may affect multiple aspects of plant life history, including important factors such as germination responses and the key trade‐off between offspring size and number. As a case study to address these concepts, we used an alpine plant (waxy bluebell, Wahlenbergia ceracea; Campanulaceae) that shows plasticity to warming in seed traits and in which seed dormancy status regulates germination. We chose an alpine species because alpine environments are ecosystems particularly under threat by climate change.

We conducted germination assays under cool and warm temperatures using seeds produced by individuals that were grown under historical (cooler) and future (warmer) temperature scenarios. We assessed the presence of a seed size versus number trade‐off, and then examined the effects of seed number and size on germination percentage, the fractions of dormant and viable seeds, and germination velocity. Further, we examined whether warming during parental growth and during germination affected these relationships.

We found evidence for a seed size versus number trade‐off only under historical parental temperatures. Indeed, under future growth temperatures parental plants produced fewer and smaller seeds and there was no evidence of a trade‐off. However, the reductions in both seed traits under warming did not affect germination, despite correlations of seed size and number with germination traits. Warming increased germination, particularly of larger seeds, but overall, it resulted in more than fourfold reductions in parental fitness.

Synthesis. Our study shows the importance of growth conditions when evaluating the seed size versus number trade‐off. Stressful conditions, such as warmer temperatures, can restrain the ability of plants to reach optimal investment in reproduction, masking the trade‐off. By analysing responses across the whole life cycle, we show here an overall detrimental effect of warming, highlighting the potential risk of climate change for Wahlenbergia ceracea, and, potentially, for alpine plant communities more widely.
Development and validation of nodal staging score in pN0 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A population study from the SEER database and a single‐institution cohort
Authors: Wang Haitong , Yang Yueyang , zhu Kai , Zhu Ningning , Gong Lei , Zhang Hongdian , Ma Mingquan , Ren Peng , Qiao Yufeng , Liu Xiangming , Tang Peng , Yu Zhentao 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with lymph node metastasis may be misclassified as pN0 due to an insufficient number of lymph nodes examined (LNE). The purpose of this study was to confirm that patients with ESCC are indeed pN0 and to propose an adequate number for the correct nodal stage using the nodal staging score (NSS) developed by the beta‐binomial model.MethodsA total of 1249 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2017, and 1404 patients diagnosed with ESCC in our database between 2005 and 2018 were included. The NSS was developed to assess the probability of pN0 status based on both databases. The effectiveness of NSS was verified using survival analysis, including Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox models.ResultsMany patients were misclassified as pN0 based on our algorithm due to insufficient LNE. As the number of LNE increased, false‐negative findings dropped; accordingly, the NSS increased. In addition, NSS was an independent prognostic indicator for pN0 in patients with ESCC in the SEER database (hazard ratio [HR] 0.182, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.046–0.730, p = 0.016) and our database (HR 0.215, 95% CI 0.055–0.842, p = 0.027). A certain number of nodes must be examined to achieve 90% of the NSS.ConclusionsNSS could determine the probability of true pN0 status for patients, and it was sufficient in predicting survival and obtaining adequate numbers for lymphadenectomy.
Bayesian models for spatially explicit interactions between neighbouring plants
Authors: Barber Cristina , Zaiats Andrii , Applestein Cara , Rosenthal Lisa , Caughlin T. Trevor 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Interactions between neighbouring plants drive population and community dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding these interactions is critical for both fundamental and applied ecology. Spatial approaches to model neighbour interactions are necessary, as interaction strength depends on the distance between neighbouring plants. Recent Bayesian advancements, including the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm, offer the flexibility and speed to fit models of spatially explicit neighbour interactions. We present a guide for parameterizing these models in the Stan programming language and demonstrate how Bayesian computation can assist ecological inference on plant–plant interactions.

Modelling plant neighbour interactions presents several challenges for ecological modelling. First, nonlinear models for distance decay can be prone to identifiability problems, resulting in lack of model convergence. Second, the pairwise data structure of plant–plant interaction matrices often leads to large matrices that demand high computational power. Third, hierarchical structure in plant–plant interaction data is ubiquitous, including repeated measurements within field plots, species and individuals. Hierarchical terms (e.g. ‘random effects’) can result in model convergence problems caused by correlations between coefficients. We explore modelling solutions for these challenges with examples representing spatial data on plant demographic rates: growth, survival and recruitment.

We show that ragged matrices reduce computational challenges inherent to pairwise matrices, resulting in higher efficiency across data types. We also demonstrate how metrics for model convergence, including divergent transitions and effective sample size, can help diagnose problems that result from complex nonlinear structures. Finally, we explore when to use different model structures for hierarchical terms, including centred and non‐centred parameterizations. We provide reproducible examples written in Stan to enable ecologists to fit and troubleshoot a broad range of neighbourhood interaction models.

Spatially explicit models are increasingly central to many ecological questions. Our work illustrates how novel Bayesian tools can provide flexibility, speed and diagnostic capacity for fitting plant neighbour models to large, complex datasets. The methods we demonstrate are applicable to any dataset that includes a response variable and locations of observations, from forest inventory plots to remotely sensed imagery. Further developments in statistical models for neighbour interactions are likely to improve our understanding of plant population and community ecology across systems and scales.
Polysubstance use profiles among US adults using Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A latent class analysis using The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Authors: Falise Alyssa M. , Hoeflich Carolin C. , Nutley Sara K. , Lopez‐Quintero Catalina , Striley Catherine W. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesKratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use is associated with polysubstance use (PSU) and use disorders. However, additional research on PSU heterogeneity in populations using this novel psychoactive substance is necessary. The authors investigated patterns of past 12‐month PSU among US adults reporting past 12‐month use of kratom and at least one additional substance.MethodsLatent class models were fit using 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data which was collected from 412 US adults reporting past 12‐month use of kratom and at least one of 11 additional substances.ResultsThree distinct profiles were identified: “marijuana/alcohol/tobacco” (63.3%), “marijuana/alcohol/tobacco + psychedelics” (19.3%), and “marijuana/alcohol/tobacco + psychedelics/heroin/prescriptions” (17.4%).Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThis is the first epidemiological study in which a latent class analysis was used to identify unique PSU profiles among US adults using kratom and other substances. Understanding the profiles of people using kratom in relation to the use of other drugs might help guide screening interventions, treatment needs, and policy.
Moderate hyperuricaemia ameliorated kidney damage in a low‐renin model of experimental renal insufficiency
Authors: Kurra Venla , Eräranta Arttu , Paavonen Timo , Honkanen Teemu , Myllymäki Juhani , Riutta Asko , Tikkanen Ilkka , Lakkisto Päivi , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: October 2022

AbstractUric acid has promoted renal fibrosis and inflammation in experimental studies, but some studies have shown nephroprotective effects due to alleviated oxidative stress. We studied the influence of experimental hyperuricaemia in surgically 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Three weeks after subtotal nephrectomy or sham operation, the rats were allocated to control diet or 2.0% oxonic acid (uricase inhibitor) diet for 9 weeks. Then blood, urine and tissue samples were taken, and renal morphology and oxidative stress were examined. Inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). Remnant kidney rats ingesting normal or oxonic acid diet presented with ~60% reduction of creatinine clearance and suppressed plasma renin activity. Oxonic acid diet increased plasma uric acid levels by >80 μmol/L. In remnant kidney rats, moderate hyperuricaemia decreased glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage and kidney mast cell count, without influencing the fibrosis marker collagen I messenger RNA (mRNA) content. In both sham‐operated and 5/6 nephrectomized rats, the mast cell product 11‐epi‐prostaglandin‐F2α excretion to the urine and kidney tissue cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) levels were decreased. To conclude, hyperuricaemic remnant kidney rats displayed improved kidney morphology and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, moderately elevated plasma uric acid had beneficial effects on the kidney in this low‐renin model of experimental renal insufficiency.
The protection afforded by Berberine against chemotherapy‐mediated nephropathy in rats involves regulation of the antioxidant axis
Authors: Alagal Reham I. , AlFaris Nora A. , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , ALTamimi Jozaa Z. , AlMousa Lujain A. , Yahya Mohammed Abdo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) treatment in cancer patients leads to nephrotoxicity. The nephroprotective effect of Berberine (BBR), a herbal ingredient, is well documented as antioxidant and activation of the Nrf2 signalling. This study aimed to investigate if Nrf2 is a major protective mechanism of BBR in DOX animal models. Rats were divided as (n = 6 each): Control, BBR (100 mg/kg, orally), DOX (15 mg/kg, orally), BBR + DOX, and BBR + DOX + brusatol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p./twice per week) (an Nrf2 inhibitor). DOX was given as a single dose (day 10), whereas BBR was administered for 3 weeks on a daily basis. BBR reduced tubular degeneration and improved renal markers in DOX‐treated rats. It also reduced renal nuclear levels of NF‐κB p65, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), as well as mRNA levels of Bax and cleaved caspase‐3. However, BBR stimulated glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, the transcription of Bcl2, and the mRNA, total cytoplasmic, and nuclear levels of Nrf2 with no effect on the cytoplasmic keap1 levels. All these effects disappeared by brusatol. In conclusion, BBR prevents DOX‐induced renal damage by activating Nrf2.
How Well Can Fine Balance Work for Covariate Balancing
Authors: Yu Ruoqi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Fine balance is a matching technique to improve covariate balance in observational studies. It constrains a match to have identical distributions for some covariates without restricting who is matched to whom. However, despite its wide application and excellent performance in practice, there is very little theory indicating when the method is likely to succeed or fail and to what extent it can remove covariate imbalance. In order to answer these questions, this paper studies the limits of what is possible for covariate balancing using fine balance and near-fine balance. The investigations suggest that given the distributions of the treated and control groups, in large samples, the maximum achievable balance by using fine balance only depends on the matching ratio (ie, the ratio of the sample size of the control group to that of the treated group). In addition, the results indicate how to estimate this matching ratio threshold without knowledge of the true distributions in finite samples. The findings are also illustrated by numerical studies in this paper.
Determining the outcomes of urethral construction in phalloplasty
Authors: Paganelli Léna , Morel‐Journel Nicolas , Carnicelli Damien , Ruffion Alain , Boucher Fabien , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Paparel Philippe , Terrier Manon , Neuville Paul 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes of urethral reconstruction associated with phalloplasty, depending on the surgical techniques and patient history.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a single‐centre retrospective study including 89 patients who underwent phalloplasty with urethral reconstruction between 2007 and 2018. Patients included were trans‐male patients undergoing gender‐affirming surgery and cis‐male patients undergoing penile reconstruction after trauma, congenital malformation, or cancer. Urethral reconstructions were performed by free flap or skin graft (total or thin). Secondary urethroplasty may include direct vision urethrotomy, excision‐anastomosis, or augmentation urethroplasty (skin graft, buccal mucosa graft). Patient demographics, medical history, peri‐ and postoperative data were collected from patient files. Functional results were evaluated using individual questionnaires.ResultsThe mean (±sd) follow‐up duration was 5.5 (±3.7) years. No significant difference was found for total urethral complication rate (fistula and/or stricture) according to type of urethral construction (70.9% for free flap urethra vs 73.5% for skin graft urethra; P = 0.911), nor according to the patient's grounds for surgery (72.7% for cis‐male vs 71.8% for trans‐male patients; P = 1). A total of 36 patients (40.5%) answered the functional questionnaire, of whom 80.5% reported usually voiding while standing and 47.5% were comfortable with urinating in public.ConclusionsUrethral construction in phalloplasty is associated with a high complication and revision rate regardless of the type of urethral reconstruction. Voiding in a standing position is generally possible but should not conceal feeble functional results.
Temporal development of unfavourable urodynamic parameters during the first year after spinal cord injury
Authors: Anderson Collene E. , Kozomara Marko , Birkhäuser Veronika , Bywater Mirjam , Gross Oliver , Kiss Stephan , Knüpfer Stephanie C. , Koschorke Miriam , Leitner Lorenz , Mehnert Ulrich , Sadri Helen , Sammer Ulla , Stächele Lara , Tornic Jure , Liechti Martina D. , Brinkhof Martin W.G. , Kessler Thomas M. 
Published: October 2022

ObjectivesTo describe the temporal development of and risk factors for the occurrence of unfavourable urodynamic parameters during the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI).Patients and MethodsThis population‐based longitudinal study used data from 97 adult patients with a single‐event traumatic or ischaemic SCI who underwent video‐urodynamic investigation (UDI) at a university SCI centre. The first occurrences of unfavourable urodynamic parameters (detrusor overactivity combined with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia [DO‐DSD], maximum storage detrusor pressure ≥40 cmH2O, bladder compliance <20 mL/cmH2O, vesico‐ureteric reflux [VUR] and any unfavourable parameter [composite outcome]) were evaluated using time‐to‐event analysis.ResultsThe majority of the population (87/97 [90%]) had at least one unfavourable urodynamic parameter. Most unfavourable urodynamic parameters were initially identified during the 1‐ or 3‐month UDI, including 92% of the DO‐DSD (78/85), 82% of the maximum storage pressure ≥40 cmH2O (31/38), and 100% of the VUR (seven of seven) observations. No low bladder compliance was observed. The risk of DO‐DSD was elevated in patients with thoracic SCI compared to those with lumbar SCI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–4.89). Risk of maximum storage detrusor pressure ≥40 cmH2O was higher in males than females (aHR 8.33, 95% CI 2.51–27.66), in patients with a cervical SCI compared to those with lumbar SCI (aHR 14.89, 95% CI 3.28–67.55), and in patients with AIS Grade B or C compared to AIS Grade D SCI (aHR 6.17, 95% CI 1.78–21.39). No risk factors were identified for the composite outcome of any unfavourable urodynamic parameter.ConclusionsThe first UDI should take place within 3 months after SCI as to facilitate early diagnosis of unfavourable urodynamic parameters and timely treatment. Neuro‐urological guidelines and individualised management strategies for patients with SCI may be strengthened by considering sex and SCI characteristics in the scheduling of UDIs.
Hypothesis review: Alzheimer's overture guidelines
Authors: Ferrer Isidro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNational Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association definition and classification of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) is based on the assumption that β‐amyloid drives the pathogenesis of sAD, and therefore, β‐amyloid pathology is the sine‐qua‐non condition for the diagnosis of sAD. The neuropathological diagnosis is based on the concurrence of senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) designated as Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes. However, NFTs develop in the brain decades before the appearance of SPs, and their distribution does not parallel the distribution of SPs. Moreover, NFTs are found in about 85% of individuals at age 65 and around 97% at age 80. SPs occur in 30% at age 65 and 50%–60% at age 80. More than 70 genetic risk factors have been identified in sAD; the encoded proteins modulate cell membranes, synapses, lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. Alzheimer's disease (AD) overture provides a new concept and definition of brain aging and sAD for further discussion. AD overture proposes that sAD is: (i) a multifactorial and progressive neurodegenerative biological process, (ii) characterized by the early appearance of 3R + 4Rtau NFTs, (iii) later deposition of β‐amyloid and SPs, (iv) with particular non‐overlapped regional distribution of NFTs and SPs, (v) preceded by or occurring in parallel with molecular changes affecting cell membranes, cytoskeleton, synapses, lipid and protein metabolism, energy metabolism, neuroinflammation, cell cycle, astrocytes, microglia, and blood vessels; (vi) accompanied by progressive neuron loss and brain atrophy, (vii) prevalent in human brain aging, and (viii) manifested as pre‐clinical AD, and progressing not universally to mild cognitive impairment due to AD, and mild, moderate, and severe AD dementia.
Parent‐to‐parent support for childhood neurodisability: A qualitative analysis and proposed model of peer support and family resilience
Authors: McCrossin Jeffrey , Lach Lucyna 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundQualitative studies have shown that peer support is of value to parents and other caregivers of children with neurodisability. However, this value likely cascades to other areas such as family well‐being. There are various forms and functions of peer support, and how they operate is not well understood for this population. Models of family resilience theory can be helpful to situate the impact of parent‐to‐parent peer support processes within a family context to further explain how this type of assistance is beneficial. Our study aimed to describe the specific pathways by which peer support may contribute to resilience in families and how processes embedded in this type of support can enrich family resilience theory.MethodsUsing reflexive thematic analysis, we examined transcripts and notes from 19 interviews with parents of children with neurodisabilities regarding their involvement in a large (n = 300) and predominantly volunteer‐based peer support network in western Canada. Using an inductive coding method, we identified patterns in the data. Following a process of reflection and discussion, we then used a deductive approach to situate themes within a family resilience theoretical framework.ResultsWe identified three main themes from the data: Modifying belief systems through shared lived experience; navigating resources; and negotiating resources and engaging in social discourses. These themes confirm previous findings in the literature, and the subthemes demonstrate how they may contribute to broader family‐level experiences beyond that of the parent.ConclusionWe present a model for understanding how processes in peer support can be understood within a family resilience theoretical framework. We also propose that the reciprocity embedded within peer support builds upon previous concepts within family resilience theory. Future studies can use this theoretical framework to guide research questions to further explore the effects of peer support at the family and community levels.
Transition care for adolescents and young adults with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A descriptive summary of qualitative evidence
Authors: Scarpellini Francesca , Bonati Maurizio 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe review presents a summary of available evidence about transition care of ADHD patients from all service users' perspectives. Common barriers, and suggestions for improvement ADHD of transition care, were extrapolated from qualitative research, including case notes studies, and were exposed. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo and Web of Science databases for articles published up to October 2021 was conducted to summarize recent evidence on the experiences of all stakeholders involved in the transition process. Reviews, other chronic conditions and different meaning of transition were excluded. Authors extracted data and assessed study quality independently. Findings were discussed taking into consideration barriers and suggestions from all service users' perspectives. Findings from 23 studies with different context and methods were collected and summarized. Most of the studies were conducted in UK, using interviews and questionnaires, and addressed to the physicians. The lack of information about ADHD as a condition and about transition process were the barriers most reported, while joint working and sharing transition protocols were the suggestions pointed out by all stakeholders. Despite different perspectives, all stakeholders exposed similar needs. The review reveals an evident need for defining and evaluating the effectiveness of transition programmes from child to adult ADHD services.