Search

The tropical dry forest (TDF) biome has undergone a diversity of severe disturbances, with resulting transformations and continued pressures making this biome type one of the Earth's most threatened. Supporting large numbers of native, often endemic species, fragments of TDF serve as important but precarious refugia. There are global efforts to restore this once extensive forest type, but the impact of TDF restoration on biodiversity and ecosystem function is poorly understood. Here, we present results from an analysis of 187 unique studies, published between January 1990 and February 2020, that examined a range of TDF restoration practices. We used a meta-analytical approach to compare survival, growth, and measures of ecosystem function in restored systems and either intact reference baselines or impacted controls. Understanding that social factors can represent over-riding constraints on restoration implementation or success, we also examined human dimensions variables, which were the least evaluated metrics in our review. We found that the survival of native species plantings showed high variability within and across regions and treatments – indicating a broad need for refined restoration prescriptions to better match practice to species and site. Synthesizing a global dataset provides insights needed to increase the success of TDF restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Snow cover plays a key role in determining the albedo and thus the shortwave radiation balance of a surface. The effect of snow on albedo is modulated by land use: tree canopies break the uniform snow layer and lower the albedo as compared to an open ground. This results in a higher fraction of shortwave radiation being absorbed in forests. At seasonally snow-covered high latitudes, this lowering of the albedo has been suggested to offset some or all of the climate cooling effect of the carbon stored by forests. We used long-term in situ measurements to study the albedo and shortwave radiation balance of two pairs of sites, each consisting of an open peatland and a forest. One pair is located in northern and one in southern Finland in the boreal zone. We found that both forest sites had a low, constant albedo during the snow-free period. In contrast, both peatland sites had a higher snow-free albedo, with a clear seasonal cycle. The albedo was found to depend on the diffuse fraction of the incoming radiation: during the snow-covered period, higher diffuse fraction was associated with lower albedo, while during the snow-free period it was associated with higher albedo. The thinning of the southern forest site, resulting in a significant reduction of the leaf area index, increased the albedo especially in the snow-covered period. During the snow-covered period, the peatland sites again had higher albedo than the forest sites. The transition between the high and low albedo upon snow accumulation and especially snowmelt was more abrupt at the peatland sites. In the northern pair, the forest site absorbed on average 0.47 GJ m−2 more (around 23 % more) energy from net shortwave radiation than the peatland site annually, whereas in the southern pair, the forest site absorbed on average 0.37 GJ m−2 more (around 14 % more) than the peatland site. The difference in the annual absorbed energy between the peatland site and the forest site was greater in the northern pair due to longer snow-cover duration. This was partially offset by the greater difference in snow-free albedos and higher solar radiation at the southern site pair. The annual difference in the absorbed shortwave radiation between the forest site and the peatland site varied considerably between the years (from 0.37 to 0.61 GJ m−2 for the northern pair and from 0.20 to 0.53 GJ m−2 for the southern pair). The annual variation was mainly controlled by the snow-cover duration in the spring at the peatland sites. These findings have implications for the future climate, as snow cover continues to evolve under global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements in glycemic control following acute exercise are typically attributed to improved postexercise insulin sensitivity (IS) with comparatively little known about how acute exercise impacts β cell function, especially in postmenopausal females. We determined how two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols, matched for total estimated energy expenditure, impact β cell function in postmenopausal females with type 2 diabetes. Thirteen postmenopausal females (70 ± 5 yr; 12 ± 7 yr since diagnosis, 80.9 ± 13.8 kg, 32.4 ± 5.6 kg·m2; HbA1c—49.8 ± 10.3 mmol/mol [6.7 ± 1.0]) living with type 2 diabetes were included in this semirandomized crossover trial. The trial involved an initial resting control condition followed by two HIIT conditions [4 × 4-min HIIT (HIIT4) and 10 × 1-min HIIT (HIIT10)] completed in a randomized order 2–4 days apart. β cell function (glucose sensitivity) and insulin sensitivity were determined from a 2-h mixed-meal tolerance test performed 2 h after rest or HIIT. Both HIIT4 and HIIT10 significantly improved β cell glucose sensitivity compared with control (15 pmol/min/m2/[mmol/L], [95% confidence interval (CI) 6, 23]; P = 0.002 and 16 pmol/min/m2/[mmol/L], [95% CI 7, 25]; P = 0.002, respectively), with no difference between HIIT protocols (1 [−8, 10], P = 0.79). There were no significant differences in IS metrics (Matsuda index, OGIS, Stumvoli, and QUICKI) between the conditions. An acute bout of 4 × 4-min or 10 × 1-min HIIT improves β cell glucose sensitivity in postmenopausal females living with type 2 diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04986345. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This is the first study to explore the effects of acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on β cell function in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Our crossover trial compares two HIIT protocols, matched for total estimated energy expenditure, examining their impacts on β cell function and insulin sensitivity. Despite the absence of an insulin-sensitizing effect, we show robust effects of HIIT on β-cell function, including an improvement in β-cell glucose sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated glucagon concentrations have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A critical role for α cell–intrinsic mechanisms in regulating glucagon secretion was previously established through genetic manipulation of the glycolytic enzyme glucokinase (GCK) in mice. Genetic variation at the glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (G6PC2) locus, encoding an enzyme that opposes GCK, has been reproducibly associated with fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Here, we found that trait-associated variants in the G6PC2 promoter are located in open chromatin not just in β but also in α cells and documented allele-specific G6PC2 expression of linked variants in human α cells. Using α cell–specific gene ablation of G6pc2 in mice, we showed that this gene plays a critical role in controlling glucose suppression of amino acid–stimulated glucagon secretion independent of alterations in insulin output, islet hormone content, or islet morphology, findings that we confirmed in primary human α cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that G6PC2 affects glycemic control via its action in α cells and possibly suggest that G6PC2 inhibitors might help control blood glucose through a bihormonal mechanism. Editor's summary: Genetic variation at the locus encoding the pancreatic islet–specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (G6PC2) has been associated with fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c in humans. Bahl et al. now report that these trait-associated variants can be expressed in both β and α cells. Studies in α cell–specific G6PC2-knockout mice further suggested that, in addition to acting on β cells to promote insulin secretion, glucose may also act directly on α cells to regulate glucagon secretion. These findings suggest that further investigation is warranted into whether modulation of the proposed bihormonal mechanism may be useful for glycemic control in diabetes. —Catherine Charneski [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Digital media have become integral to schoolchildren's lives, both within educational and non-educational settings. Educators emphasize the importance of bridging the gap between school learning and children's out-of-school activities. To identify potential variations and commonalities, we investigated key situations with digital media among lower secondary schoolchildren in Germany, aiming to determine which themes are especially relevant in different settings. Methods: We analyzed the media usage of German schoolchildren (ages 10 to 17) in class and outside of school using a mixed-method approach with a focus on the qualitative facets of key situations. For this purpose, 49 schoolchildren from seven schools were asked to complete media diaries. Over a six-week period, they documented key situations with details on setting, emotional experiences, post-communication, social support, and self-reflection. We analyzed the key situations using content and frequency analyses. Results: The schoolchildren reported 145 key situations, from which we developed a categorization system comprising 15 distinct categories. The most reported key situations involved "playing video games", "digital learning or homework", and "online communication or content sharing". Most key situations (115) took place outside of school, while 30 occurring in class. Schoolchildren mostly reported key situations that involved feelings of happiness and low levels of arousal. They discussed key situations more often and in greater depth with family members and school friends, and less often with school staff or non-school friends. Key situations were discussed more often face-to-face than online. Notably, schoolchildren engaged in self-reflection on their key situations, including concerns about excessive media use. Discussion: Overall, the study provides comprehensive insights into the digital media behaviors of schoolchildren, highlighting individual differences and preferences. The discussion offers valuable implications for both educational practice and future research, particularly regarding the integration of digital media into formal educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are intricate vascular anomalies that disrupt normal cerebral blood flow, potentially leading to severe neurological complications. Although the pathology of AVMs is not fully understood, epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in their formation. Methods: Transcriptional differences between cerebral AVMs and normal tissues were analyzed using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), identifying IGF2BP2 as a key differentially expressed gene. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, integrating multi-omics data such as RNA-seq and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), was employed to identify the downstream target gene of IGF2BP2. The roles of specific genes in vascular development were assessed using endothelial cell cultures and zebrafish models. Results: Our analysis of RNA-seq data from cerebral AVMs and normal tissues identified IGF2BP2, a key N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader, as significantly downregulated in cerebral AVMs. Functional studies showed that IGF2BP2 knockdown resulted in abnormal angiogenesis in endothelial cells and disrupted vascular development in zebrafish models. Mechanistically, IGF2BP2 regulates LGALS8 expression by modulating mRNA stability through m6A modification, and LGALS8 deficiency severely impairs angiogenesis in vitro and leads to cerebrovascular dysplasia in vivo. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IGF2BP2, via m6A-dependent regulation of LGALS8, is crucial for vascular development and presents potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cerebral AVMs. IGF2BP2 is significantly downregulated in cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), reducing LGALS8 mRNA stability through m6A modification, thereby severely impairing brain vascular development in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon (X-ray) radiotherapy is the most common treatment used in cancer therapy. However, the exposure of normal tissues and organs at risk to ionising radiation often results in a significant incidence of low-grade adverse side effects, whilst high-grade toxicities also occur at concerningly high rates. As an alternative, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) aims to create densely ionising helium and lithium ions directly within cancer cells, thus sparing the surrounding normal cells and tissues but also leading to significantly more effective tumour control than X-rays. Although very promising for patients with recurring and highly invasive tumours, BNCT does not currently have widespread use worldwide, in part due to limited and reliable neutron sources for clinical use. Another limitation is devising strategies leading to the selective and optimal accumulation of boron within the cancer cells. Boronophenylalanine (BPA) is currently the major compound used in BNCT which takes advantage of the amino acid transporter LAT1 that is overexpressed in a number of human cancers. Additionally, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the impact of BNCT on cellular DNA, and the molecular mechanisms that are responsive to the treatment, which are important in developing optimal therapeutic strategies using BNCT, are unclear. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of the radiobiology of BNCT acquired from in vitro and in vivo studies, particularly in the context of DNA damage and repair, but also present evidence of established and new boron-containing compounds aimed at enhancing the specificity and effectiveness of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human hippocampus is a key region in cognitive and emotional processing, but also a vulnerable and plastic region. Accordingly, there is a great interest in understanding how variability in the hippocampus' structure relates to variability in behavior in healthy and clinical populations. In this study, we aimed to link interindividual variability in subregional hippocampal networks (i.e., the brain grey matter networks of hippocampal subregions) to variability in behavioral phenotype. To do so, we used a multiblock multivariate approach mapping the association between grey matter volume in hippocampal subregions, grey matter volume in the whole brain regions, and behavioral variables in healthy adults. To ensure the robustness and generalizability of the findings, we implemented a cross‐cohort discovery and validation framework. This framework utilized two independent cohorts: the Human Connectome Project Young Adult (HCP‐YA) cohort and the Human Connectome Project Aging (HCP‐A) cohort, enabling us to assess the replicability and generalizability of hippocampal–brain–behavior phenotypes across different age groups in the population. Our results highlighted a left anterior hippocampal morphological network including the left amygdala and the posterior midline structures whose expression relates to higher self‐regulation, life satisfaction, and better performance at standard neuropsychological tests. The cross‐cohort generalizability of the hippocampus–brain–behavior mapping demonstrates its relevance beyond a specific population sample. Our previous work in developmental populations showed that the hippocampus' head co‐maturates with most of the brain during childhood. The current data‐driven study further suggests that grey matter volume in the left hippocampal head network would be particularly relevant for self‐regulation abilities in adults that influence a range of life outcomes. Future studies should thus investigate the factors influencing the development of this morphological network across childhood, as well as its relationship to neurocognitive phenotypes in various brain diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the construction business and building projects necessitates the capacity to manage extensive and intricate data and documentation. The processes for documenting, exchanging, and updating data constitute one of the principal administrative challenges being currently confronted by the construction project management. As a consequence of the continued reliance on paper-based processes evidenced in the Iraqi businesses and construction projects, a considerable volume of documentation is likely to accumulate, thereby increasing the complexity and time required for specific data to be retrieved. In this study, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) models were used to document projects by employing the MATLAB-Revit software. The findings demonstrate that the project timeline is also recorded because it is related to the suggested model, which is designed to produce an effective model that mimics reality. A comparative analysis of the data pertaining to the foundations, columns, walls (24 cm and 12 cm), floors, and slabs of four multi-story buildings, was conducted. This analysis was divided into three categories: estimated, SVM-BIM, and actual documentation. The findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting the material quantities required in building construction. These values were found to be in close proximity to, and aligned with, the actual documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cerebellum and its thalamic projections to the primary motor cortex (M1) are well known to play an essential role in executing daily actions. Anatomic investigations in animals and postmortem humans have established the reciprocal connections between these regions; however, how these pathways can shape cortical activity in behavioral contexts and help promote recovery in neuropathological conditions remains not well understood. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive description of these pathways in animals and humans and discuss how novel noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the cerebellar-M1 connections. In the first section, we focus on recent animal literature that details how information sent from the cerebellum and thalamus is integrated into an broad network of cortical motor neurons. We then discuss how NIBS approaches in humans can be used to reliably assess the connectivity between the cerebellum and M1. Moreover, we provide the latest perspectives on using advanced NIBS approaches to investigate and modulate multiple cerebellar-cortical networks involved in movement behavior and plasticity. Finally, we discuss how these emerging methods have been used in translation research to produce long-lasting modifications of cerebellar-thalamic-M1 to restore cortical activity and motor function in neurologic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether periodontal condition is associated with the development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Material and Methods: This study was based on a subpopulation of a cohort of persons born in 1935 and living in Oulu, Finland, on October 1, 1990. The participants were normoglycemic (no previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus and a 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] blood glucose < 7.8 mmol/L) in the baseline examinations (1990–1992) and had fasting blood glucose < 7.0 mmol/L in the follow‐up examinations (2007–2008) (n = 225). The outcome was IGT on follow‐up, measured by a blood glucose level of ≥ 7.8 mmol/L after OGTT. The exposure was the periodontal condition at baseline categorized into four groups: 0, 1–6, ≥ 7 sites with deepened (≥ 4 mm) periodontal pockets, and edentulousness. Results: A total of 23% of the participants developed IGT. The adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dentate participants with 1–6 sites and ≥ 7 sites with deepened periodontal pockets, and edentate participants (reference category dentate participants without deepened periodontal pockets) were 1.5 (95% CI, 0.6–4.0), 1.8 (95% CI, 0.7–4.4), and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.6–4.0), respectively. Conclusions: Poor periodontal condition may predispose individuals to IGT; however, further studies on this matter are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To introduce a computational tool for peri-interventional intracranial aneurysm treatment guidance that maps preoperative planning information from simulation onto real-time X-Ray imaging. Methods: Preoperatively, multiple flow diverter (FD) devices are simulated based on the 3D mesh of the vessel to treat, to choose the optimal size and location. In the peri-operative stage, this 3D information is aligned and mapped to the continuous 2D-X-Ray scan feed from the operating room. The current flow diverter position in the 3D model is estimated by automatically detecting the distal FD marker locations and mapping them to the treated vessel. This allows to visually assess the possible outcome of releasing the device at the current position, and compare it with the one chosen pre-operatively. Results: The full pipeline was validated using retrospectively collected biplane images from four different patients (5 3D-DSA datasets in total). The distal FD marker detector obtained an average F1-score of 0.67 ( ± 0.224 ) in 412 2D-X-Ray scans. After aligning 3D-DSA + 2D-X-Ray datasets, the average difference between simulated and deployed positions was 0.832 mm ( ± 0.521 mm). Finally, we qualitatively show that the proposed approach is able to display the current location of the FD compared to their pre-operatively planned position. Conclusions: The proposed method allows to support the FD deployment procedure by merging and presenting preoperative simulation information to the interventionists, aiding them to make more accurate and less risky decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading comprehension is essential for educational achievement as it allows students to engage with and comprehend content across all subject areas. It is acknowledged that early literacy activities and parental attitudes toward reading have a significant impact on children's development of reading comprehension. However, the mechanisms through which these parental factors affect reading comprehension, particularly the potential mediating role of early literacy activities, remain insufficiently examined. This research investigates the connection across students' reading comprehension, early literacy activities, and parents' reading attitudes. Additionally, it addresses the significance of early literacy activities as a mediating factor in this relationship. This study employs a quantitative study involving cross-sectional survey design. The participants in the study involved fifteen primary schools located in Kelantan that comprised 393 fifth-grade students along with their parents. The participants were chosen through a random selection of multi-level approaches. Both descriptive and inferential analysis, including structural equation modelling for the data analysis, were used in this study. The results revealed that parents' reading attitudes had a moderate direct influence on early literacy activities, as did early literacy activities on students' reading comprehension. There was no direct influence of parents' reading attitudes on comprehension of the student's reading. The indirect impact of parents' reading attitudes on students' reading comprehension was found to be significant through early literacy activities, which acted as a full mediator in the relationship between these attitudes and students' reading comprehension. The findings of this research offer practical insights into empowering parents to foster a learning environment at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eastern Finnic populations, including Karelians, Veps, Votes, Ingrians, and Ingrian Finns, are a significant component of the history of Finnic populations, which have developed over ~3 kya. Yet, these groups remain understudied from a genetic point of view. Methods: In this work, we explore the gene pools of Karelians (Northern, Tver, Ludic, and Livvi), Veps, Ingrians, Votes, and Ingrian Finns using Y-chromosome markers (N = 357) and genome-wide autosomes (N = 67) and in comparison with selected Russians populations of the area (N = 763). The data are analyzed using statistical, bioinformatic, and cartographic methods. Results: The autosomal gene pool of Eastern Finnic populations can be divided into two large categories based on the results of the PCA and ADMIXTURE modeling: (a) "Karelia": Veps, Northern, Ludic, Livvi, and Tver Karelians; (b) "Ingria": Ingrians, Votes, Ingrian Finns. The Y-chromosomal gene pool of Baltic Finns is more diverse and is composed of four genetic components. The "Northern" component prevails in Northern Karelians and Ingrian Finns, the "Karelian" in Livvi, Ludic, and Tver Karelians, the "Ingrian-Veps" in Ingrians and Veps (a heterogeneous cluster occupying an intermediate position between the "Northern" and the "Karelian" ones), and the "Southern" in Votes. Moreover, our phylogeographic analysis has found that the Y-haplogroup N3a4-Z1927 carriers are frequent among most Eastern Finnic populations, as well as among some Northern Russian and Central Russian populations. Conclusions: The autosomal clustering reflects the major areal groupings of the populations in question, while the Y-chromosomal gene pool correlates with the known history of these groups. The overlap of the four Y-chromosomal patterns may reflect the eastern part of the homeland of the Proto-Finnic gene pool. The carriers of the Y-haplogroup N3a4-Z1927, frequent in the sample, had a common ancestor at ~2.4 kya, but the active spread of N3a4-Z1927 happened only at ~1.7–2 kya, during the "golden" age of the Proto-Finnic culture (the archaeological period of the "typical" Tarand graves). A heterogeneous Y-chromosomal cluster containing Ingrians, Veps, and Northern Russian populations, should be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generally accepted definition of insulin resistance and a consistent treatment strategy for insulin-resistant patients are currently not available in the literature. The HSGE Insulin resistance Working Group created its own definition, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic recommendation based on gynecological symptoms, infertility diagnostics and therapy. Our aim was to formulate a symptom-oriented diagnostic and therapeutic recommendation for Hungarian infertility specialists and practicing gynecologists, which would also facilitate the standard implementation of research in this field. In our position paper, we articulate the doubts about insulin measurement, at the same time we set out the conditions for the standard measurement and we also express the limitations of our own recommendation: the treatment of gynecological symptoms and infertility requires a more precise balance of sugar-insulin metabolism, gynecological symptoms are often among the first to reveal and they cannot be solved without regulating metabolism. In our therapeutic proposal, we describe the optimal diet, exercise program, the use of dietary supplements and drugs and the therapeutic target values, which must be followed closely, especially in the case of infertility treatments. Furthermore, it is important to note that treatment of asymptomatic patients based solely on laboratory parameters is not necessary - only in case of symptomatic, complaining and infertile patients. In order to solve their problems, a comprehensive approach that incorporates a range of therapeutic tools is essential; i.e., in more severe cases, immediate combined therapy might also be necessary compared to the step-by-step therapy setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Magyar Nőorvosok Lapja is the property of Hungarian Society of Obsterics & Gynaecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Individualizing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) parameters can improve precision in neuropsychiatric disorders. One important decision for the clinician is the selection of an appropriate montage—conventional or high-definition (HD)—to implement dose-controlled tDCS while maintaining the patient's safety. Method: The present study simulated tDCS administration using T1-weighted brain images of 50 dementia, 25 depression patients, and 25 healthy individuals for two conventional and HD montages, targeting the regions of interest (ROIs) in the dorsal and ventral pathways that support language processing. For each tDCS configuration, the electric fields at the ROIs and the individualized dose required to achieve the desired current intensity at the target ROI across the subjects were estimated. Linear regression was performed on these parameters. Result: A significant relationship between atrophy and current dose that varies according to the disease was found. The dementia patients with significant brain atrophy required a higher personalized dosage for HD montage, as the current intensity at the target ROIs was lower and more variable than that of conventional montage. For dementia, tDCS individualization is pathway-dependent, wherein HD configuration of the dorsal route requires current dosages above the safety limit (>4 mA) for 46% of individuals. However, there was no significant difference in electrode configurations between the HD and traditional setups for depression and healthy volunteers without significant brain atrophy. Conclusions: HD-tDCS with fixed locations is limited, making conventional tDCS more effective for dose-controlled applications. In patients with atrophy, individualized adjustments based on simulations are needed due to the variable stimulation strength in the ROI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Land Management / Türkiye Arazi Yönetimi Dergisi is the property of Mersin University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a diffuse nidus structure present a therapeutic challenge due to their complexity and elevated risk of hemorrhagic events. This study examines the long-term effectiveness of interventional therapy versus conservative management in reducing hemorrhagic stroke or death in patients with ruptured diffuse AVMs. The analysis was conducted based on a multi-institutional database in China. Patients were divided into two groups: conservative management and interventional therapy. Using propensity score matching, patients were compared for the primary outcome of hemorrhagic stroke or death and the secondary outcomes of disability and neurofunctional decline. Out of 4286 consecutive AVMs in the registry, 901 patients were eligible. After matching, 70 pairs of patients remained with a median follow-up of 4.0 years. The conservative management group showed a trend toward higher rates of the primary outcome compared to the interventional group (4.15 vs. 1.87 per 100 patient-years, P = 0.090). While not statistically significant, intervention reduced the risk of hemorrhagic stroke or death by 55% (HR, 0.45 [95% CI 0.18–1.14], P = 0.094). No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes of disability (OR, 0.89 [95% CI 0.35–2.26], P = 0.813) and neurofunctional decline (OR, 0.65 [95% CI 0.26 –1.63], P = 0.355). Subgroup analysis revealed particular benefits in interventional therapy for AVMs with a supplemented S-M grade of II-VI (HR, 0.10 [95% CI 0.01–0.79], P = 0.029). This study suggests a trend toward lower long-term hemorrhagic risks with intervention when compared to conservative management in ruptured diffuse AVMs, especially within supplemented S-M grade II–VI subgroups. No evidence indicated that interventional approaches worsen neurofunctional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crustal structure of Mercury's large impact basins provides valuable insights into the planet's geological history. For a warm crust, a post‐impact basin structure will viscously relax with inward flow of crustal materials toward the basin center. This effect drastically diminishes the crustal thickness contrasts and associated Bouguer gravity contrasts between the basin center and its surroundings. Here, we analyze Bouguer contrasts of 36 basins (diameter > ${ >} $300 km) located in the northern hemisphere as a proxy for viscoelastic relaxation. Thermal evolution models, assuming the present 3:2 spin‐orbit configuration, are used to predict crustal temperatures. Our analysis reveals that the expected correlation between zones of warm crust and low Bouguer contrast from relaxation is not observed in the available data. This suggests that crustal temperatures have changed in the past, potentially due to a change in Mercury's orbit or to a major volcanic event associated with smooth plain formation. Plain Language Summary: Mercury's impact basins and their crustal structure provide important clues about the planet's geological past and present‐day state. We study Mercury's crust at large impact basins by using information from gravity measurements and temperature estimates from thermal evolution models that consider the surface temperature pattern caused by Mercury's present‐day orbit. In regions with warm interior, the crustal structure of large basins is expected to relax more readily compared to colder regions. Here, we examine 36 large basins (diameter > ${ >} $300 km) in the northern hemisphere, where the gravity data is well resolved, to investigate this process. Our results show no correlation between gravity data at basins' location, modeled local temperature, and expected impact basin relaxation. This suggests that crustal temperatures have changed in the past, potentially due to a change in Mercury's orbit or to a major volcanic event associated with smooth plain formation. Key Points: Observed Bouguer anomaly contrasts and predicted crustal temperatures are used to investigate viscoelastic relaxation of Mercury's basinsOur findings do not indicate the anticipated pattern where basins exhibiting greater relaxation are situated in areas with hotter crustCrustal temperatures varied over time, likely due to rotation state changes or major volcanic events linked to smooth plain formation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained androgen receptor (AR) signaling during relapse is a central driver of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Current AR antagonists, such as enzalutamide, fail to provide long-term benefit for the mCRPC patients who have dramatic increases in AR expression. Here, we report AR antagonists with efficacy in AR-overexpressing models. These molecules bind to the ligand-binding domain of the AR, promote AR localization to the nucleus, yet potently and selectively down-regulate AR-target genes. The molecules BG-15a and the pharmacokinetically optimized BG-15n elicit a decrease in cell and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in models of mCRPC. BG-15a/n treatment causes the collapse of chromatin loops between enhancers and promoters at key genes in the AR-driven epigenome. AR binding in the promoter, as well as 3D chromatin clustering, is needed for genes to respond. BG-15a/n represent promising agents for treating patients with relapsed AR-driven mCRPC tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a kind of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by beta-amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangles and is also the main cause of dementia. According to statistics, the incidence of AD is constantly increasing, bringing a great burden to individuals and society. Nonetheless, there is no cure for AD, and the available drugs are very limited apart from cholinesterase inhibitors and N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists, which merely alleviate symptoms without delaying the progression of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a medicine that can delay the progression of AD or cure it. In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that metal complexes have the enormous potential to treat AD through inhibiting the aggregation and cytotoxicity of A β , interfering with the congregation and hyperphosphorylation of tau, regulating dysfunctional synaptic and unbalanced neurotransmitters, etc. In this review, we summarize the current metal complexes and their mechanisms of action for treating AD, including ruthenium, platinum, zinc, vanadium, copper, magnesium, and other complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid volume. The relationship between the kidneys and hypertension is complex, involving factors such as the renin–angiotensin system, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study aims to assess the levels of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and metabolic factors in the kidneys, focusing on their potential role in early renal damage and their association with the development of hypertension. Methods: This study was designed to compare the levels of selected inflammatory markers, e.g., interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor, and serine/threonine-protein (mTOR); oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl group, and glucose (GLC); and metabolic markers among other enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hexokinase II (HK-II), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), as well as creatinine in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl, n = 12) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY/NCrl, n = 12). Both juvenile (5 weeks old) and maturing (10 weeks old) specimens were examined using spectrophotometric methods, e.g., ELISA. Results: Juvenile SHRs exhibited reduced renal levels of all studied cytokines and chemokines, with lower oxidative stress and deficits in the mTOR and HK-II levels compared to the age-matched WKYs. Maturing SHRs showed increased renal levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, alongside elevated carbonyl stress and increased HIF-1α as opposed to their control peers. The levels of all other studied markers were normalized in these animals, except for ALT (increased), ALP, and GLC (both reduced). Conclusions: This study underscores the significant impact of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic marker changes on renal function. Juvenile SHRs display lower marker levels, indicating an immature immune response and potential subclinical kidney damage that may contribute to hypertension development. In contrast, mature SHRs exhibit chronic inflammation, oxidative dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances, suggesting cellular damage. These changes create a feedback loop that worsens kidney function and accelerates hypertension progression, highlighting the kidneys' crucial role in both initiating and exacerbating this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative transfer models of vegetation play a crucial role in the development of remote sensing methods by providing a theoretical framework to explain how electromagnetic radiation interacts with vegetation in different spectral regions. A limiting factor in model development has been the lack of sufficiently detailed ground reference data on both the structural and spectral characteristics of forests needed for testing and validating the models. In this data description paper, we present a dataset on the structural and spectral properties of 58 stands in temperate, hemiboreal, and boreal European forests. It is specifically designed for the development and validation of radiative transfer models for forests but can also be utilized in other remote sensing studies. It comprises detailed data on forest structure based on forest inventory measurements, terrestrial and airborne laser scanning, and digital hemispherical photography. Furthermore, the data include spectral properties of the same forests at multiple scales: reflectance spectra of tree leaves and needles (based on laboratory measurements), the forest floor (based on in situ measurements), and entire stands (based on airborne measurements), as well as transmittance spectra of tree leaves and needles and entire tree canopies (based on laboratory and in situ measurements, respectively). We anticipate that these data will have wide use in testing and validating radiative transfer models for forests and in the development of remote sensing methods for vegetation. The data can be accessed at Hovi et al. (2024a, 10.23729/9a8d90cd-73e2-438d-9230-94e10e61adc9) (for laboratory and field data) and Hovi et al. (2024b, 10.23729/c6da63dd-f527-4ec9-8401-57c14f77d19f) (for airborne data). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how clinicians correct patient misconceptions, we analyzed 23 video recordings of primary care visits. Analysis focused on operationalizing, identifying, and characterizing clinician corrections, integrating two inductive approaches: microanalysis of clinical interaction and conversation analysis. According to our definition, patient misconception-clinician correction episodes met three essential criteria: (1) the clinician refuted something the patient had said, (2) which the patient had presented without uncertainty, and (3) which contained a proposition that was factually incorrect. We identified 59 such episodes; the patient misconceptions most commonly related to medication issues; fewer than half had foreseeable implications for patients' future actions. We identified seven clinician correction practices: Three direct practices (displaying surprise, marking disagreement, contradicting the patient) and four indirect practices (presenting the correct proposition, providing explanations, invoking an outside authority, demonstrating with evidence). We found an almost equal distribution of these direct and indirect practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine wilt disease, caused by the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), poses a serious threat to forests in Korea. In this study, we investigated the resistance of Pinus densiflora to B. xylophilus following treatment with a fungal elicitor derived from Penicillium chrysogenum through trunk injection and soil drenching. Soil drenching with the fungal elicitor led to increased accumulation of two key defensive compounds: pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PME) and dihydropinosylvin monomethyl ether (DPME) in the needles. In untreated control plants inoculated with B. xylophilus, 67.9% died within five months, whereas only 33.3% of plants pretreated with the elicitor succumbed. Trunk injection of the fungal elicitor also significantly enhanced PME production. The PME concentration in the needles peaked at 155.4 µg/g dry weight (DW) four weeks post-elicitor injection. To assess the impact of elicitor treatment on nematode resistance, we monitored the downward movement of B. xylophilus in plants two months post-injection of fungal elicitor. Nematodes were introduced at the upper internodal segments of branches, and their mobility to the lower segments was measured. In elicitor-treated trees, the movement and population of B. xylophilus were significantly reduced, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatment. These results demonstrate that fungal elicitor treatments, through soil drenching or trunk injection, can enhance the resistance of P. densiflora to B. xylophilus. This eco-friendly approach offers a promising strategy for managing pine wilt disease in susceptible pine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested that injection of solid particles such as alumina and calcite particles for stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) instead of sulfur-based injections could reduce some of the adverse side effects of SAI such as ozone depletion and stratospheric heating. Here, we present a version of the global aerosol–chemistry–climate model SOCOL-AERv2 and the Earth system model (ESM) SOCOLv4 which incorporate a solid-particle microphysics scheme for assessment of SAI of solid particles. Microphysical interactions of the solid particle with the stratospheric sulfur cycle were interactively coupled to the heterogeneous chemistry scheme and the radiative transfer code (RTC) for the first time within an ESM. Therefore, the model allows simulation of heterogeneous chemistry at the particle surface as well as feedbacks between microphysics, chemistry, radiation and climate. We show that sulfur-based SAI results in a doubling of the stratospheric aerosol burden compared to the same mass injection rate of calcite and alumina particles with a radius of 240 nm. Most of the sulfuric acid aerosol mass resulting from SO2 injection does not need to be lifted to the stratosphere but is formed after in situ oxidation and subsequent water uptake in the stratosphere. Therefore, to achieve the same radiative forcing, larger injection rates are needed for calcite and alumina particle injection than for sulfur-based SAI. The stratospheric sulfur cycle would be significantly perturbed, with a reduction in stratospheric sulfuric acid burden by 53 %, when injecting 5 Mtyr-1 (megatons per year) of alumina or calcite particles of 240 nm radius. We show that alumina particles will acquire a sulfuric acid coating equivalent to about 10 nm thickness if the sulfuric acid is equally distributed over the whole available particle surface area in the lower stratosphere. However, due to the steep contact angle of sulfuric acid on alumina particles, the sulfuric acid coating would likely not cover the entire alumina surface, which would result in available surface for heterogeneous reactions other than the ones on sulfuric acid. When applying realistic uptake coefficients of 1.0, 10-5 and 10-4 for H2SO4 , HCl and HNO3 , respectively, the same scenario with injections of calcite particles results in 94 % of the particle mass remaining in the form of CaCO3. This likely keeps the optical properties of the calcite particles intact but could significantly alter the heterogeneous reactions occurring on the particle surfaces. The major process uncertainties of solid-particle SAI are (1) the solid-particle microphysics in the injection plume and degree of agglomeration of solid particles on the sub-ESM grid scale, (2) the scattering properties of the resulting agglomerates, (3) heterogeneous chemistry on the particle surface, and (4) aerosol–cloud interactions. These uncertainties can only be addressed with extensive, coordinated experimental and modelling research efforts. The model presented in this work offers a useful tool for sensitivity studies and incorporating new experimental results on SAI of solid particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: As a biomarker of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the triglyceride‐glucose index (TyG index) has received significant attention. However, most research on AMI has focused on male patients, as it is traditionally believed to primarily affect males. Therefore, this study was conducted on a female population with AMI to investigate the potential correlation between the TyG index and their outcomes. Methods: A total of 320 women who were admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital for AMI between January 2017 and December 2019 were included in this study. The TyG index was calculated using the following formula: ln [fasting triglycerides (TG) (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dL)/2]. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), which included all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, rehospitalization for heart failure and stroke. The association between the TyG index and unfavorable outcomes in female patients was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: It was ultimately estimated that 111 patients developed MACCEs. Females with high TyG indices had a higher prevalence of diabetes, elevated heart rates, and hemoglobin A1c, as well as a higher likelihood of undergoing thrombus aspiration and stent placement. The TyG index was found to be positively correlated with the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and damaged vessels. However, this correlation was modest, yet statistically significant. Furthermore, after adjusting for conventional risk factors, the TyG index (HR: 4.292, 95% CI: 2.784–6.616, p < 0.001) was independently associated with MACCEs. Conclusion: As an independent risk predictor, the TyG index has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for women with AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review examines the relationship between dopamine-related genetic polymorphisms, personality traits, and athletic success. Advances in sports genetics have identified specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopamine-related genes linked to personality traits crucial for athletic performance, such as motivation, cognitive function, and emotional resilience. This review clarifies how genetic variations can influence athletic predisposition through dopaminergic pathways and environmental interactions. Key findings reveal associations between specific SNPs and enhanced performance in various sports. For example, polymorphisms such as COMT Val158Met rs4680 and BDNF Val66Met rs6265 are associated with traits that could benefit performance, such as increased focus, stress resilience and conscientiousness, especially in martial arts. DRD3 rs167771 is associated with higher agreeableness, benefiting teamwork in sports like football. This synthesis underscores the multidimensional role of genetics in shaping athletic ability and advocates for integrating genetic profiling into personalized training to optimize performance and well-being. However, research gaps remain, including the need for standardized training protocols and exploring gene–environment interactions in diverse populations. Future studies should focus on how genetic and epigenetic factors can inform tailored interventions to enhance both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance. By bridging genetics, personality psychology, and exercise science, this review paves the way for innovative training and performance optimization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid-seeking behaviors depend on glutamatergic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc). Here we investigated whether the behavioral and synaptic effects of opioids are influenced by acid-sensing ion channel 1A (ASIC1A). We tested the effects of ASIC1A on responses to several opioids and found that Asic1a−/− mice had elevated behavioral responses to acute opioid administration as well as opioid seeking behavior in conditioned place preference (CPP). Region-restricted restoration of ASIC1A in NAcc was sufficient to reduce opioid CPP, suggesting NAcc is an important site of action. We next tested the effects of oxycodone withdrawal on dendritic spines in NAcc. We found effects of oxycodone and ASIC1A that contrasted with changes previously described following cocaine withdrawal. Finally, we examined α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor-mediated and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic currents in NAcc. Oxycodone withdrawal, like morphine withdrawal, increased the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio in Asic1a+/+ mice, whereas oxycodone withdrawal reduced the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio in Asic1a−/− mice. A single dose of oxycodone was sufficient to induce this paradoxical effect in Asic1a−/− mice, suggesting an increased sensitivity to oxycodone. We conclude that ASIC1A plays an important role in the behavioral and synaptic effects of opioids and may constitute a potential future target for developing novel therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making during mixed-strategy games requires flexibly adapting choice strategies in response to others' actions and dynamically tracking outcomes. Such decisions involve diverse cognitive processes, including reinforcement learning, which are affected by disruptions to the striatal dopamine system. We therefore investigated how genetic variation in dopamine function affected mixed-strategy decision-making in Parkinson's disease (PD), which involves striatal dopamine pathology. Sixty-six PD patients (ages 49-85, Hoehn and Yahr Stages 1-3) and 22 healthy controls (ages 54-75) competed in a mixed-strategy game where successful performance depended on minimizing choice biases (i.e., flexibly adapting choices trial by trial). Participants also completed a fixed-strategy task that was matched for sensory input, motor outputs and overall reward rate. Factor analyses were used to disentangle cognitive from motor aspects within both tasks. Using a within-subject, multi-centre design, patients were examined on and off dopaminergic therapy, and genetic variation was examined via a multilocus genetic profile score representing the additive effects of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence dopamine transmission: rs4680 (COMT Val 158 Met), rs6277 (C957T) and rs907094 (encoding DARPP-32). PD and control participants displayed comparable mixed-strategy choice behaviour (overall); however, PD patients with genetic profile scores indicating higher dopamine transmission showed improved performance relative to those with low scores. Exploratory follow-up tests across individual SNPs revealed better performance in individuals with the C957T polymorphism, reflecting higher striatal D2/D3 receptor density. Importantly, genetic variation modulated cognitive aspects of performance, above and beyond motor function, suggesting that genetic variation in dopamine signalling may underlie individual differences in cognitive function in PD., (© 2022 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)