bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Publishing and Geometrical Skills in the Career of Sébastien Le Clerc
Authors: Rabinovitch Oded
Published: March 2024

Sébastien Le Clerc was born into a family of goldsmiths in Lorraine, and received classical artisanal training. Yet over the course of a highly successful career as an engraver, he also became a widely published scientific author. This paper argues that geometrical skills played a key role in the dual development of Le Clerc’s career, and in his striving for recognition as a man of letters, as well as an engraver. By a detailed study of the geometrical skills displayed in Le Clerc’s two geometrical publications, this paper revisits the thorny question of the relations between scholars and artisans in the early modern period. Rather than a dependence on his hands-on, bodily experience, it was Le Clerc’s skill in geometry that lent support to his aspiring scholarly career.
Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Trochodendron aralioides (Trochodendraceae) from Taiwan
Authors: HUANG KUN-WEI
Published: March 2024

In this work, three new species of vagrant mites on Trochodendron aralioides in Taiwan are described and illustrated. They are: Sierraphytoptus taiwanensus sp. nov., Abacarus aralioidus sp. nov. and Diptilomiopus aralioidus sp. nov.
A new combination and two new species of Aslamidium Borowiec (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)
Authors: STAINES C. L.
Published: March 2024

Aslamidium (Neoaslamidium) flavomaculata from Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama and A. (N.) lepidum from Colombia are described as new and illustrated. Demotispa strandi Uhmann is transferred to Aslamidium (Neoaslamidium) and is reported for the first time from Panama. A key to the known species of Aslamidium is presented.
A new species of the Bokermannohyla circumdata group (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from Chapada Diamantina, State of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: NAPOLI MARCELO F. , JUNCÁ FLORA A.
Published: March 2024

A new species of the Bokermannohyla circumdata group, B. diamantina sp. nov., is described from Serra dos Barbados, Municipality of Abaíra, State of Bahia, Brazil. This locality belongs to Chapada Diamantina, a semiarid region in central Bahia. This is the first record of a species of the B. circumdata group from the Brazilian semiarid. Bokermannohyla diamantina is diagnosed by the medium size (snout-vent length 47.0–51.7 mm in adult specimens); head length 2.8–2.9 times smaller than snout-vent length; tympanum medium-sized, its diameter 1.3–1.5 times smaller than eye diameter (tympanum diameter/snout-vent length 0.07); thigh and tibia lengths 0.48–0.52 and 0.49–0.51 of snout-vent length, respectively; dorsum medium to blackish brown, with weak transverse dark brown bars; flanks, anterior, and posterior surfaces of thighs with dark transverse brown stripes, lacking additional thin stripes between them; distinct vocal slits in adult males; advertisement call with 2–4 notes, and dominant frequency from 0.39–0.56 kHz.
New species of deep-sea demosponges (Porifera) from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA)
Authors: LEHNERT HELMUT , STONE ROBERT , HEIMLER WOLFGANG
Published: March 2024

Deep-sea sponge habitat of the Aleutian Islands was investigated with the ROV Jason II. Identification of the more than 60 specimens collected at depths between 179 and 2827 m revealed nine new species of demosponges. Megaciella anisochela sp. nov., Stelodoryx oxeata sp.nov, Monanchora laminachela sp.nov, Echinoclathria vasa sp. nov., Euchelipluma elongata sp. nov., Esperiopsis flagrum sp. nov., Mycale jasoniae sp. nov., Latrunculia velera sp. nov. and Latrunculia occulta sp. nov. are described and compared with congeners of the area.
Morphological variability of Bathybdella sawyeri (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) from hydrothermal vents on the Galápagos Rift and the South East Pacific Rise
Authors: BURRESON EUGENE M. , SEGONZAC MICHEL
Published: March 2024

The deep-sea fish leech Bathybdella sawyeri Burreson has recently been collected from two sites on the South East Pacific Rise at approximately14° and 17°S, 2623–2586 m depth. Leeches were obtained from washings of vent mussels Bathymodiolus thermophilus (Mytilidae) and clams Calyptogena magnifica (Vesicomyidae) collected with a grab by a submersible, or were found attached to the cheliped of the crab Cyanagraea praedator (Bythograeidae) collected in baited traps at 14°S. Most individual leeches had morphology typical of B. sawyeri as originally described, with suckers of approximately equal size, but all specimens collected from the crab C. praedator had unusually large oral suckers that were distinctly larger than the caudal sucker. However, internal morphology of the specimens from C. praedator was identical to B. sawyeri on the basis of serial sections; thus all specimens were identified as B. sawyeri. The only previous report of B. sawyeri is from the Galápagos Rift, so these collections extend the range to the South East Pacific Rise.
A new genus and species of Bennarellini from Costa Rica (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae)
Authors: HOLZINGER WERNER E. , KUNZ GERNOT
Published: March 2024

A new genus, Noabennarella gen. nov. and a new species, Noabennarella costaricensis spec. nov., from Costa Rica, are described. Considering Noabennarella as an example, general descriptions of Bennarellini characters, including first detailed descriptions of male and female genitalia, are given.
Revision of the Australian Andini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) with a description of five new species
Authors: LÖCKER BIRGIT , FLETCHER MURRAY J. , HOLZINGER WERNER E. , GURR GEOFF M.
Published: March 2024

Andini, a tribe comprising two genera, Andes Stål, 1866 and Parandes Muir, 1925, is primarily distributed through the tropical and subtropical regions of South East Asia, Australia and Africa. One species, Andes migratorius (Distant, 1907), was previously known from Australia, the following five Australian species are herein described as new: Andes dossenus sp. nov., A. ikelus sp. nov., A. lamondensis sp. nov., A. moaensis sp. nov. and A. turrondi sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Brixia migratoria Distant, 1907 and Leirioessa tortricomorpha Kirkaldy, 1907. Maps of the known distribution for each species are given and the close links between the Australian and Asian fauna are discussed.
Checklist of Orthoptera Caelifera from Colombia
Authors: CARBONELL C. S. , ROWELL C. H.F. , BENTOS-PEREIRA A. , PORRAS M. F.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this list is to make known the species currently recorded from Colombia, with the aim of showing the present state of knowledge of the suborder ORTHOPTERA, CAELIFERA in this extraordinarily diverse country.  The list has been derived from the unpublished Lista de Referencia de los Acridomorfos Neotropicales compiled by one of the present authors (C.S.C.), from which we have extracted the Colombian data. Other two authors have added data arising from their own work in Colombia and the fourth checked geographical names and the Von Humboldt collection.
A new species of arboreal Rhinella (Anura: Bufonidae) from Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park in central Peru
Authors: LEHR EDGAR , PRAMUK JENNIFER B. , HEDGES S. BLAIR , CÓRDOVA JESÚS H.
Published: March 2024

A new arboreal species of Rhinella tentatively assigned to the veraguensis Group is described from the National Park Yanachaga Chemillén at 2600 m elevation in central Peru (Departamento de Pasco).The new species is characterized by a maximum snout-vent length of 45.7 mm, a moderate body with relatively long and slim extremities, a dorsum with small tubercles and enlarged tubercles on legs, a distinct tympanum, distinct vertical keel on snout, weak orbitotympanic and postorbital crests, weakly defined row of dorsolateral tubercles, and males with vocal slits, nuptial pads, hypertrophied arms, and a protuberant, ventrally oriented cloaca. The new species is compared with other members of the veraguensis Group and is considered most similar to arboreal R. tacana from northern Bolivia. The skull of the new species is described and compared to other members of the veraguensis Group. Tadpole and call of the new species remain unknown.
Detection, extraction, and collection of eriophyoid mites
Authors: MONFREDA ROSITA , NUZZACI GIORGIO , DE LILLO ENRICO
Published: March 2024

Methods for routine detection, collection and extraction of eriophyoid mites and their eggs are described. They allow for the collection of numerous mites from complex plant structures and from low-density populations spread on large plant surfaces. Washing parts of infested plants with a solution containing bleach and detergent easily removes live and dead eriophyoids. These mites can be concentrated by sieving through fine mesh screens or centrifugation and subsequently managed for many purposes (i.e. rearing, host-specificity bioassays or field release, slide preparation, mite surveys, estimation of mite population size, etc.).
Three new species of Kudinopasternakia Guţu, 1991 (Crustacea: Tanaidacea: Sphyrapodidae) from Brazilian waters
Authors: SANTOS KÁTIA CHRISTOL DOS
Published: March 2024

Three new species of sphyrapodid tanaidaceans, Kudinopasternakia amazonica, K. brasiliensis and K. trispinosa, are described and illustrated from benthic samples taken at 230–700m depth off Northern and Southeast Brazil. The main characters used for the separation of the species are rostral shape, pleonite epimera, the number of cuspidate setae on the carpus and propodus of pereopod 1 and the presence or absence of a thick distodorsal seta on propodus of pereopod 4. Exopods were observed on pereopods 4 and 5 of the mancas on two of new species. A key to the genus Kudinopasternakia is presented.
A new species of Ischnocnema (Anura: Eleutherodactylinae) from open areas of the Cerrado Biome in southeastern Brazil
Authors: GIARETTA ARIOVALDO ANTONIO , TOFFOLI DANIEL , OLIVEIRA LUCIANO ELIAS
Published: March 2024

We describe a new species of Ischnocnema from the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) of the Triângulo Mineiro region, state of Minas Gerais. Comparisons were made with those species historically thought to be closely related to I. juipoca. Topotype males (14.9–18.7 mm SVL) of the new species are smaller than those of Ischnocnema juipoca, I. octavioi, Eleutherodactylus heterodactylus, Pristimantis dundeei, and P. crepitans. Different from E. heterodactylus and P. crepitans, the new species does not have expanded discs on finger III and IV. The new species is different from P. dundeei by lacking finger/toe discs and nuptial pads. A marked sexual dimorphism in size is absent in P. crepitans and present in the new species. Different from the new species, I. verrucosa is coarsely tuberculate on dorsal surfaces. Ischnocnema verrucosa, I. octavioi, and P. dundeei are primarily forest dwellers while the new species is common in open areas. The advertisement call of the new species has more (1.5–2.5 times) pulses and higher (1.3–1.8 times) pulse repetition rate than that of I. juipoca.
Acoela (Acoelomorpha) from Bocas del Toro, Panama
Authors: HOOGE MATTHEW D. , TYLER SETH
Published: March 2024

Twenty species of Acoela, nine new to science, are reported from Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean coast of Panama. The species include two from the family Childiidae (Childia crassum, Childia groenlandica), two from Convolutidae (Con- voluta sp., cf. Heterochaerus sargassi), one from Dakuidae (Daku riegeri sp. nov.), six from Haploposthiidae (Exocelis reedi sp. nov., Haploposthia vandula, Kuma albiventer, Kuma blacki sp. nov., Pseudohaplogonaria caribbea, Unnamed Species 1), one from Hofsteniidae (Hofstenia miamia), seven from Isodiametridae (Aphanostoma collinae sp. nov., cf. Avagina marci, Diatomovora jacki sp. nov., Isodiametra cuernos sp. nov., Isodiametra nicki sp. nov., Praeaphanostoma foramivora sp. nov., Praeconvoluta bocasensis sp. nov.), and one from Sagittiferidae (Antrosagittifera corallina). The genus Exocelis is transferred from the defunct family Otocelididae to the family Haploposthiidae.
Two new species of shrub frogs (Rhacophoridae: Philautus) from the lowlands of Sri Lanka
Authors: MEEGASKUMBURA MADHAVA , MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI KELUM , PETHIYAGODA ROHAN
Published: March 2024

Two new species of Sri Lankan frogs of the genus Philautus are described. Species diagnoses are based on morphology, morphometrics and mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Philautus tanu sp. nov. inhabits shrubs in open areas of the lowland wet zone, while P. singu sp. nov. is found on shrubs in the understory of lowland and mid-elevation rainforests. These descriptions bring the total number of valid Sri Lankan Philautus to 65 species, of which 46 are extant.
Porites randalli: a new coral species (Scleractinia, Poritidae) from American Samoa
Authors: FORSMAN ZAC H. , BIRKELAND CHARLES
Published: March 2024

A new species of scleractinian coral, Porites randalli spec. nov. (Scleractinia, Poritidae), previously known as Porites sp. 2, is described from American Samoa. P. randalli typically forms small pale green colonies that are usually Porites randalli spec. nov. is an example of cryptic diversity; it is a small coral that at first glance can be overlooked or mistaken for a young colony of other species.
The last-stadium larva and systematic status of Planaeschna suichangensis Zhou &Wei, 1980 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)
Authors: XU QI-HAN , ZHANG HAO-MIAO
Published: March 2024

The final stadium larva of Planaeschna suichangensis is described and illustrated. Its larval morphological characters indicate that P. suichangensis is a valid species closer to P. risi than to P. taiwana.
Rediscovery and redescription of Cassidulus infidus (Echinoidea: Cassidulidae) from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: SOUTO CAMILLA , MANSO CYNTHIA L. C. , MARTINS LUCIANA
Published: March 2024

Cassidulus infidus Mortensen 1948b is one of the few recent species of the family Cassidulidae Agassiz & Desor 1847 and known only from its poorly described holotype. In Brazil, this family is represented only by two extant species and, to date, both are endemic to Bahia (C. infidus) and Rio de Janeiro (Cassidulus mitis Krau 1954). After a century of its first capture, some topotypes of C. infidus were found enabling its redescription, which are provided herein. The characterization of some of its ecological aspects and a key to the known species of Cassidulus are also given.
A checklist of the Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) species of Turkey
Authors: ÇAM HALİT
Published: March 2024

A checklist of 87 species in 9 genera belonging to 2 subfamilies (Eurytominae and Rileyinae) of Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) known from Turkey is presented. Host or collection information and distributional data in Turkey are also provided.
Gelatinous zooplankton fauna (Cnidaria, Ctenophora and Thaliacea) from Baía da Babitonga (southern Brazil)
Authors: JÚNIOR MIODELI NOGUEIRA
Published: March 2024

The present study reports on a survey of the gelatinous zooplankton fauna (Cnidaria, Ctenophora and Thaliacea) from theproposed Baía da Babitonga marine protected area (southern Brazil; ~26°S), based on collections from multiple sites overdifferent seasons and from published literature. In order to sample both small and large gelatinous animals, plankton hauls(n = 255) and fishing trawls (n = 126) were employed. More than 20,000 organisms were studied, which, includingliterature data, totaled 48 species: one cubomedusa, three scyphomedusae, four siphonophores, 36 hydromedusae, twoctenophores, and two thaliaceans. Among these, the hydromedusae Cnidostoma fallax Vanhöffen and Helgicirrha sp. arerecorded for the first time from the southwestern Atlantic coast and Paulinum sp. and Protiara sp. are recorded for thefirst time from the South Atlantic. A description of young stages of the hydromedusa Gossea brachymera Bigelow ispresented and shows that Octobulbacea montehermosensis Zamponi is a junior synonym of the former. Althoughcomprehensive local assessment of diverse taxonomic groups is still lacking, the high diversity observed herein underscores the importance of Baía da Babitonga as a high priority site for conservation of regional marine biodiversity.
Cladistic analysis of Neocoelidiinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with description of a new tribe
Authors: MARQUES-COSTA ANA PAULA , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY RAMIRO
Published: March 2024

A cladistic analysis of Neocoelidiinae was conducted, including representatives of 31 genera of the 32 comprised in the subfamily (except Krocarites Dietrich & Vega, known from a single fossil species) to obtain a hypothesis of relationships among them. The analysis was based on a matrix with 71 terminal taxa, and 85 characters of external morphology and male genitalia. It yielded a single most parsimonious tree, in which Neocoelidiinae appears as a monophyletic group. All the genera constitute natural groups, except Coelidiana Oman, which appears as polyphyletic. Krocodona Kramer, Krocozzota Kramer, Retrolidia Dietrich, and Krocolidia Dietrich, constituted a distinct clade in Neocoelidiinae, and for this reason, herein a new tribe, Krocodonini, is established in the subfamily to include these taxa.
A review of Odontiinae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) of Iran, with description of two new species
Authors: ALIPANAH HELEN , NAZARI VAZRICK , ŠUMPICH JAN
Published: March 2024

The Odontiinae species of Iran are reviewed. Tegostoma pseudosarobiella Alipanah & Nazari sp. n. and T. tremewani Alipanah & Nazari sp. n. are newly described. Tegostoma moeschleri (Christoph, 1862) is considered as a senior synonym of T. uniforma Amsel, 1951 syn. n., T. lepidalis lepidalis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) as a senior synonym of T. lepidalis apurpurealis Amsel, 1970 syn. n., and Aeschremon belutschistanalis Amsel, 1959 as a senior synonym of Tegostoma marginalis Amsel, 1961 syn. n. The genus Autocharis Swinhoe, 1894 and five species, namely Aporodes dentifascialis Christoph in Romanoff, 1887, Cynaeda forsteri de Lattin, 1951, Aeschremon ochrealis Asselbergs, 2008, A. desertalis Asselbergs, 2008 and Autocharis fessalis (Swinhoe, 1887) are newly reported for the fauna of Iran. The redescription of female of Tegostoma confluentalis Hampson, 1913, male genitalia of Aeschremon belutschistanalis, and female genitalia of Epimetasia abbasalis Amsel, 1974 are presented. The hitherto unknown female of A. belutschistanalis and the hitherto unknown male of E. abbasalis are described and illustrated. The intraspecific variations of the species if present are discussed and additional new diagnostic characters to separate the closely related species are presented. Data on the geographical distribution of the Iranian species of this subfamily as well as their distribution maps are provided.
Notozothecium janauachensis n. sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from wild and cultured tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Teleostei: Characidae: Serrasalminae) in Brazil
Authors: BELMONT-JÉGU ELIZABETH , DOMINGUES MARCUS VINICIUS , MARTINS MAURICIO L.
Published: March 2024

Notozothecium janauachensis n. sp. is described from the gills of naturally-infected tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, from the Brazilian Amazon. This new species is characterized by possessing a ventral anchor that has an evenly curved, elongate shaft and a short point; a ventral anchor that is larger than dorsal anchor; a dorsal anchor with a shaft that is strongly bent proximally but distally straight; a copulatory organ that forms nearly a complete ring, the distal extremity of which has a feather-shaped extension and the accessory piece has a hook-shaped subterminal flap originating from the distal rod. Notozothecium janauachensis n. sp. was also found parasitizing C. macropomum from fishculture ponds in Southeast of Brazil.
The Effect of Hsa-miR-504 Targeting MUC16 in Ovarian Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chen Ling , Ruan Lijun , Cai Ying , Xu Xiaowu
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most fatal gynecological tumor. Early diagnosis of OC is difficult and recurrence rate is high after treatment. Studies on the early detection of OC lesions using nanotechnology and nanomaterials are limited by the large number of OC subtypes and cannot achieve
effective early detection. Understanding the molecular mechanism of OC and identifying new therapeutic targets is important. MUC16 is an important diagnostic indicator of OC, and hsa-miR-504 may be a potential biomarker of OC. However, the effects of miR-504 on cell cycle, apoptosis, and proliferation
of OC and its relationship with MUC16 must be further clarified. The relationship between miR-504 and OC was determined by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and meta-analysis, and the molecular pathways of miR-504 and MUC16 intervening in OC were screened by GSEA analysis. The expression of miR-504
and MUC16 in Skov3IP cells and their correlation with clinical features were detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting (WB). The correlation between miR-504 and MUC16 was detected with the luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-504 and MUC16 on the cell cycle and apoptosis of Skov3IP
cells were detected by flow cytometry. Meta-analysis of the GSE dataset showed that miR-504 expression is downregulated in OC (95% CI [−0.39; 0.40]). GSEA enrichment analysis combined with literature review showed that MUC16 is involved in the TP53 signaling pathway to regulate cell
proliferation and apoptosis. qRT-PCR and WB confirmed that the expression of MUC16 was upregulated and miR-504 was downregulated in Skov3IP cells. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-504 targeted MUC16. In OC, downregulation of miR-504 can increase the expression of MUC16, inhibit
OC cell apoptosis, and promote OC cell proliferation. The miR-504 target MUC16 may participate in OC through the TP53 signaling pathway. miR-504 can be used as a potential tumor biomarker of OC.
Membrane Palmitoylated Protein 2 Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Colon Adenocarcinoma through Promoting CGAS-STING Pathway
Authors: Pan Chenchen , Ma Jiheng , Cui Ying , Zhang Qiyang , Sun Siyuan , Luo Di , Nie Mengjun , Huo Jiege , Hu Canhong
Published: March 2024

This research investigated the role of Membrane Palmitoylated Protein 2 (MPP2) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), the third most prevalent form of colorectal cancer. Utilizing TCGA, GEPIA, and HPA datasets alongside Western blotting, we examined MPP2 expression in normal versus cancerous
tissue. Kaplan-Meier plots from GEPIA indicated lower MPP2 levels in COAD patients correlating with worse overall survival (P < 0.05). Moreover, MPP2 was identified as a distinct prognostic indicator for COAD and significantly associated with clinicopathological features (P
< 0.05), assessed via chi-square tests and Cox regression models. We further explored MPP2’s link to COAD immune cells using Cibersort, revealing its correlation with the infiltration of 8 immune cells (P < 0.05). In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated
that elevated MPP2 levels might enhance cell proliferation and migration while suppressing apoptosis. Applying Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we predicted MPP2’s involvement in tumor progression via the DNA sensing pathway, a finding supported by cellular studies. In summary, COAD
patients exhibit decreased MPP2 expression, which inversely correlates with prognosis. MPP2 appears to influence immunosuppression and tumor progression through various mechanisms, suggesting its potential as an independent prognostic marker in COAD. Further investigation into MPP2’s
implications is warranted.
Intrinsically Episodic Antarctic Shelf Intrusions of Circumpolar Deep Water via Canyons
Authors: Ong Ellie Q. Y. , Doddridge Edward , Constantinou Navid C. , Hogg Andrew McC. , England Matthew H.
Published: March 2024

The structure of the Antarctic Slope Current at the continental shelf is crucial in governing the poleward transport of warm water. Canyons on the continental slope may provide a pathway for warm water to cross the slope current and intrude onto the continental shelf underneath ice shelves, which can increase rates of ice shelf melting, leading to reduced buttressing of ice shelves, accelerating glacial flow and hence increased sea level rise. Observations and modeling studies of the Antarctic Slope Current and cross-shelf warm water intrusions are limited, particularly in the East Antarctica region. To explore this topic, an idealized configuration of the Antarctic Slope Current is developed, using an eddy-resolving isopycnal model that emulates the dynamics and topography of the East Antarctic sector. Warm water intrusions via canyons are found to occur in discrete episodes of large onshore flow induced by eddies, even in the absence of any temporal variability in external forcings, demonstrating the intrinsic nature of these intrusions to the slope current system. Canyon width is found to play a key role in modulating cross-shelf exchanges; warm water transport through narrower canyons is more irregular than transport through wider canyons. The intrinsically episodic cross-shelf transport is found to be driven by feedbacks between wind energy input and eddy generation in the Antarctic Slope Current. Improved understanding of the intrinsic variability of warm water intrusions can help guide future observational and modeling studies in the analysis of eddy impacts on Antarctic shelf circulation.
Exploring the Landscape of Sentencing for Terrorist Offenders: A Scoping Review
Authors: De Coensel Stéphanie
Published: March 2024

The field of counter-terrorism studies has witnessed significant growth over the past two decades. Despite this growth, research on the sentencing of terrorist offenders remains relatively limited. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map this research area in terms of volume, nature, and characteristics, adopting a rigorous and transparent approach, resulting in the inclusion of 59 studies. After mapping these studies according to their general characteristics (specifically the historical and geographical distribution, and the adopted research methods), this review delves deeper into the specific characteristics of quantitative studies (including the timeframe of each dataset, the sample sizes, the coded variables and the statistical strategies used). A thematic analysis of the studies reveals key findings concerning legislation and its impact on terrorism trials, sentencing principles and guidelines, as well as specific factors influencing sentencing outcomes. Additionally, the review features recommendations for future research, as outlined in existing studies. The discussion section outlines the implications for policy and practice, presents recommendations for scholars, and reflects on the limitations of this review. In particular, a plea is made for more mixed methods-driven research within European countries, by establishing open-source databases based on official documentation.
When multidisciplinary clinical practice and research meet: Quality development in the Danish Children Centers
Authors: Løkkegaard Sille Schandorph , Vang Maria Louison , Elklit Ask
Published: March 2024

Background

Collaboration between clinical practice and research is often warranted. Extended periods of collaboration integrating research and practice is however rare. This article is about a series of joint research projects through the course of 8 years involving the Danish Center of Psychotraumatology and five regional centres dedicated to combating the sequelae of child abuse across Denmark.

Method

We describe the development of a standardized assessment battery and how this work evolves, analyses of administrative data, what happens after the assessment, the impact of working with child abuse on employees, profiles of abuse that vary by gender, national conferences and training programs, and international collaboration.

Result

The collaboration between research and practice against child abuse has been seminal and is still ongoing. We have learnt about new problem areas and have produced information that can be used to serve children, employees, and civil society in better ways.

Discussion

This work is inspired by and aligns with initiatives abroad pertaining the construction of Children Centers, of assessments tools and child abuse trauma research.

Conclusion

Mutual respect, dedication, and patient persistence pave the way for significant results in a committed relationship.
Trigger factors in patients with a patent foramen ovale—associated stroke: A case-crossover study
Authors: Immens Maikel HM , Ekker Merel S , Verburgt Esmee , Verhoeven Jamie I , Schellekens Mijntje MI , Hilkens Nina A , Boot Esther M , Van Alebeek Mayte E , Brouwers Paul JAM , Arntz Renate M , Van Dijk Gert W , Gons Rob AR , Van Uden Inge WM , den Heijer Tom , de Kort Paul LM , de Laat KF , Van Norden Anouk GW , Vermeer Sarah E , Van Zagten Marian SG , Van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Wermer Marieke JH , Nederkoorn Paul J , Kerkhoff Henk , Rooyer FA , Van Rooij Frank G , Van den Wijngaard Ido R , Klijn Catharina JM , Tuladhar Anil M , ten Cate Tim JF , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: March 2024

Background:

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital anatomical variant which is associated with strokes in young adults. Contrary to vascular risk factors and atherosclerosis, a PFO is present from birth. However, it is completely unknown how an anatomical structure that is already present at birth in a large proportion of the population can convert into a PFO that causes stroke in a few. Recent studies reported a significant association between certain trigger factors and ischemic stroke in young adults. This study aims to investigate these triggers in PFO-associated stroke.

Methods:

The ODYSSEY study, a multicenter prospective cohort study between 2013 and 2021, included patients aged 18–49 years experiencing their first-ever ischemic event. Participants completed a questionnaire about exposure to potential trigger factors. A case-crossover design was used to assess the relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The primary outcome was the RR of potential trigger factors for PFO-associated stroke.

Results:

Overall, 1043 patients completed the questionnaire and had an ischemic stroke, of which 124 patients had a PFO-associated stroke (median age 42.1 years, 45.2% men). For patients with PFO-associated stroke, the RR was 26.0 (95% CI 8.0–128.2) for fever, 24.2 (95% CI 8.5–68.7) for flu-like disease, and 3.31 (95% CI 2.2–5.1) for vigorous exercise.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, flu-like disease, fever, and vigorous exercise may convert an asymptomatic PFO into a stroke-causing PFO in young adults.

Data access statement:

The raw and anonymized data used in this study can be made available to other researchers on request. Written proposals can be addressed to the corresponding author and will be assessed by the ODYSSEY investigators for appropriateness of use, and a data sharing agreement in accordance with Dutch regulations will be put in place before data are shared.
A Journey in Science: Molecular vaccines for global child health in troubled times of anti-science
Authors: Hotez Peter J.
Published: March 2024

Real innovations in medicine and science are historic and singular; the stories behind each occurrence are precious. At Molecular Medicine we have established the Anthony Cerami Award in Translational Medicine to document and preserve these histories. The monographs recount the seminal events as told in the voice of the original investigators who provided the crucial early insight. These essays capture the essence of discovery, chronicling the birth of ideas that created new fields of research and launched trajectories that persisted and ultimately influenced how disease is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. In this volume, the Cerami Award Monograph is by Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, DSc (hon), FASTMH, FAAP, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, the Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics, and professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. A distinguished vaccinologist, pediatrician, and global health advocate with remarkable achievements in the realm of molecular medicine, this is the story of Dr. Hotez’s scientific journey.
Natto (fermented soybeans)-induced anaphylaxis in a surfer with the possibility of sensitization to poly(γ-glutamic acid) from cutaneous exposure to jellyfish sting: a case report
Authors: Shigeno Ayami , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Obayashi Masakazu , Asada Kei , Matsushima Satoru
Published: March 2024

Background

We report a case of anaphylaxis induced by natto (fermented soybeans) allergy that occurred following dermal sensitization from a jellyfish sting.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old male presented to the emergency room complaining of an acute onset of erythema with pruritis that appeared while he was surfing. Given that his heart rate dropped to ~ 40 bpm without a decline in blood pressure or oxygen saturation, we suspected anaphylaxis and administered 0.5 mg of adrenaline intramuscularly. Immediately after the muscular adrenaline injection, his heart rate recovered to ~ 60–70 bpm.

Conclusions

The major allergen that induces natto allergy is poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA), which is present in its mucilage. Given that PGA is also produced by jellyfish tentacles, it can be inferred that the PGA sensitization occurred via dermal exposure to jellyfish PGA. This is an example of a food allergy induced by animal stings. As PGA is a high-molecular-weight polymer, natto allergy, despite being IgE-mediated, often presents with late-onset anaphylaxis, which typically develops half a day after digestion. PGA has a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and foods. Patients may develop allergic symptoms and experience repeated anaphylaxis with no known cause. Therefore, it is important to obtain a detailed medical history and individually instruct patients suspected of being allergic to PGA to avoid PGA-containing products.
Influence of sex on sympathetic vasomotor outflow responses to passive leg raising in young individuals
Authors: Katayama Keisho , Shiozawa Kana , Lee Jordan B. , Seo Natsuki , Kondo Haruna , Saito Mitsuru , Ishida Koji , Millar Philip J. , Banno Ryoichi , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to clarify sex differences in the inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor outflow which is caused by the loading of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. Ten young males and ten age-matched females participated. The participants underwent a passive leg raising (PLR) test wherein they were positioned supine (baseline, 0º), and their lower limbs were lifted passively at 10º, 20º, 30º, and 40º. Each angle lasted for 3 min. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded via microneurography of the left radial nerve. Baseline MSNA was lower in females compared to males. MSNA burst frequency was decreased during the PLR in both males (− 6.2 ± 0.4 bursts/min at 40º) and females (− 6.5 ± 0.4 bursts/min at 40º), but no significant difference was detected between the two groups (P = 0.61). These results suggest that sex has minimal influence on the inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor outflow during the loading of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors in young individuals.
NeuronBridge: an intuitive web application for neuronal morphology search across large data sets
Authors: Clements Jody , Goina Cristian , Hubbard Philip M. , Kawase Takashi , Olbris Donald J. , Otsuna Hideo , Svirskas Robert , Rokicki Konrad
Published: March 2024

Background

Neuroscience research in Drosophila is benefiting from large-scale connectomics efforts using electron microscopy (EM) to reveal all the neurons in a brain and their connections. To exploit this knowledge base, researchers relate a connectome’s structure to neuronal function, often by studying individual neuron cell types. Vast libraries of fly driver lines expressing fluorescent reporter genes in sets of neurons have been created and imaged using confocal light microscopy (LM), enabling the targeting of neurons for experimentation. However, creating a fly line for driving gene expression within a single neuron found in an EM connectome remains a challenge, as it typically requires identifying a pair of driver lines where only the neuron of interest is expressed in both. This task and other emerging scientific workflows require finding similar neurons across large data sets imaged using different modalities.

Results

Here, we present NeuronBridge, a web application for easily and rapidly finding putative morphological matches between large data sets of neurons imaged using different modalities. We describe the functionality and construction of the NeuronBridge service, including its user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI), extensible data model, serverless cloud architecture, and massively parallel image search engine.

Conclusions

NeuronBridge fills a critical gap in the Drosophila research workflow and is used by hundreds of neuroscience researchers around the world. We offer our software code, open APIs, and processed data sets for integration and reuse, and provide the application as a service at http://neuronbridge.janelia.org.
Phylogeny and expression patterns of ERF genes that are potential reproductive inducers in hybrid larch
Authors: Hao Junfei , Xu Daixi , Wang Chen , Cao Qing , Zhao Qingrong , Xie Miaomiao , Zhang Hanguo , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

Larch is an important component of northern forests and a major cultivated tree species in restoration of forest cover using improved seed material. In recent years, the continuous low seed production has severely affected the production of improved variety seedlings and natural regeneration. However, research on the reproductive growth of gymnosperms is extremely scarce.

Results

In this study, based on differential transcriptome analysis of two asexual reproductive phases, namely high-yield and low-yield, we further screened 5 ERF family genes that may affect the reproductive development of larch. We analyzed their genetic relationships and predicted their physicochemical properties. The expression patterns of these genes were analyzed in different tissues, developmental stages, hormone treatments, and environmental conditions in hybrid larch.

Conclusion

The results showed that all 5 genes were induced by low temperature and ABA, and their expression patterns in different tissues suggested a suppressive role in the development of female cones in larch. Among them, LkoERF3-like1 and LkoERF071 may be involved in the flowering age pathway. This study enriches the scarce research on reproductive development in gymnosperms and provides a theoretical basis and research direction for regulating the reproductive development of larch in seed orchards.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pre-diabetic older people regarding pre-diabetes
Authors: Pakpour Vahid , Molayi Fatemeh , Nemati Hossein
Published: March 2024

Background

One of the risk factors of diabetes is the pre-diabetes stage which is significantly prevalent in older people. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the pre-diabetic stage are of great importance and can decrease complications. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the pre-diabetic older people.

Methods

: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022 on 219 pre-diabetic older people referring to Sina Hospital in Tabriz, one of the most populated cities in the northwest of Iran. Data were collected using questionnaires of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice-Prediabetes Assessment Questionnaire (KAP-PAQ). The data were analyzed by SPSS 21.

Results

The mean scores of knowledge (in the range of 0–17), attitude (in the range of -10, + 10), and practice (in the range of 0–26) were 1.72 ± 1.0, 2.24 ± 1.92, and 5.76 ± 2.61, respectively. The older people’s knowledge and practice levels in the pre-diabetes stage were low and about 50% of them had negative views. According to the Spearman correlation test, there was a positive significant relationship between the older people’s knowledge and practice (p < 0.001, r = 0.234).

Conclusions

The older people in the pre-diabetes stage had low knowledge and attitude and a negative viewpoint towards correcting lifestyle on diet, exercising and physical activity, weight control, diagnostic and screening methods. Increased knowledge about pre-diabetes and strengthened positive attitude towards correcting lifestyle through counseling as well as empowering the pre-diabetic older people can increase the efficiency of pre-diabetes prevention and control programs and prevent its progression to the diabetes stage.
Circulating vaccine derived polio virus type 2 outbreak and response in Yemen, 2021–2022, a retrospective descriptive analysis
Authors: Al-Qassimi Mutahar Ahmed , Al Amad Mohammed , Al-Dar Ahmed , Al Sakaf Ehab , Al Hadad Ahmed , Raja’a Yahia Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Background

The outbreaks of circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses (cVDPVs) have emerged as a major challenge for the final stage of polio eradication. In Yemen, an explosive outbreak of cVDPV2 was reported from August 2021 to December 2022. This study aims to compare the patterns of cVDPV2 outbreak, response measures taken by health authorities, and impacts in southern and northern governorates.

Method

A retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of VDPV2 was performed. The data related to cVDPV2 as well as stool specimens and environmental samples that were shipped to WHO-accredited labs were collected by staff of surveillance. Frequencies and percentages were used to characterize and compare the confirmed cases from the southern and northern governorates. The average delayed time as a difference in days between the date of sample collection and lab confirmation was calculated.

Results

The cVDPV2 was isolated from 227 AFP cases reported from 19/23 Yemeni governorates and from 83% (39/47) of environmental samples with an average of 7 months delayed from sample collection. However, the non-polio AFP (NPAFP) and adequate stool specimen rates in the north were 6.7 and 87% compared to 6.4 and 87% in the south, 86% (195) and 14%(32) out of the total 227 confirmed cases were detected from northern and southern governorates, respectively. The first and second cases of genetically linked isolates experienced paralysis onset on 30 August and 1st September 2021. They respectively were from Taiz and Marib governorates ruled by southern authorities that started vaccination campaigns as a response in February 2022. Thus, in contrast to 2021, the detected cases in 2022 from the total cases detected in the south were lower accounting for 22% (7 of 32) of compared to 79% (155 of 195) of the total cases the north.

Conclusion

A new emerging cVDPV2 was confirmed in Yemen. The result of this study highlighted the impact of vaccination campaigns in containing the cVDPV2 outbreak. Maintaining a high level of immunization coverage and switching to nOPV2 instead of tOPV and mOPV2 in campaigns are recommended and environmental surveillance should be expanded in such a risky country.
Persistent bacteremia caused by Ralstonia pickettii and Microbacterium: a case report
Authors: Wang Jinwen , Song Yu , Liu Siqin , Jang Xudong , Zhang Lina
Published: March 2024

Background

Ralstonia pickettii is a low virulent, gram-negative bacillus that is rarely associated with human infections and may cause bacteremia. Microbacterium species are gram-positive coryneforms that are generally considered as a contaminant in Gram staining of blood cultures, especially when the time to positivity is longer than 48 h. Both these bacterial species are emerging opportunistic pathogens that may occasionally cause serious infections and even life-threatening health conditions.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a patient with bacteremia caused by both R. pickettii and Microbacterium. We advocate for providers to order rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing, since our patient’s suffered two kinds of rare pathogens with the opposite of drug sensitivity results to imipenem.

Conclusions

Our case present a patient suffered septic shock caused by R. pickettii and Microbacterium. Improving the antibiotic management based on the result of antimicrobial susceptibility tests is the key of successful treatment.
Infantile-onset pompe disease: a case report emphasizing the role of genetic counseling and prenatal testing
Authors: Alizadeh Yasaman , Saidi Hossein , Saeedi Vahid , Kamalzadeh Leila
Published: March 2024

Background

Pompe disease, classified as glycogen storage disease type II, arises from a deficiency in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, leading to glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues. The unique correlation between genotype and enzyme activity is a key feature. This case highlights an infantile-onset form, emphasizing genetic counseling and prenatal testing importance.

Case Presentation

An 18-week-old infant with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and fever was admitted. Born healthy, her sibling died from Pompe disease. She presented with cardiomegaly, hypotonia, and absent reflexes. Diagnosis was confirmed by significantly reduced GAA activity. Despite treatment initiation, the patient succumbed to cardiac arrest.

Conclusions

The case underscores genetic counseling’s role, offering insights into prenatal testing advancements, antenatal diagnosis through echocardiography, and the significance of early intervention, particularly in infantile-onset Pompe disease.

Synopsis

Genetic risk assessment and prenatal testing are crucial for families with a history of Pompe disease to improve early diagnosis and management outcomes.
A feasibility, randomised controlled trial of Club Connect: a group-based healthy brain ageing cognitive training program for older adults with major depression within an older people’s mental health service
Authors: Woolf Claudia , Kaplan L. , Norrie L. M. , Burke D. , Cunich M. , Mowszowski L. , Naismith S. L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, we outline steps taken to implement an evidence-based cognitive training program, Club Connect, in older adults with major depressive disorder in an Older People’s Mental Health Service in Sydney, Australia. The primary aim was to explore feasibility (or ‘reach’), tolerability (or ‘implementation’), and acceptability (or ‘adoption’). The secondary aim was to explore the most sensitive clinical outcomes and measurement tools (i.e. ‘effectiveness’) to inform a formal randomised controlled trial, and to explore the healthcare resources used (i.e. costs) to assist decision-making by health care managers and policy-makers in relation to future resource allocation.

Methods

Using a single blinded feasibility design, 40 participants (mean age: 76.13 years, SD: 7.45, range: 65–95 years) were randomised to either (a) Club Connect, a 10-week group-based multifaceted program, comprising psychoeducation and computer-based cognitive training, or (b) a waitlist control group.

Results

Implementing group-based cognitive training within a clinical setting was feasible, well tolerated and accepted by participants. Further, cognitive training, in comparison to the waiting list control, was associated with moderate to very large effect size improvements in depression, stress and inhibition (ηp2 = 0.115–0.209). We also found moderate effect size improvements on measures of daily functioning, wellbeing and cognitive flexibility. Small effect size improvements for other cognitive and psychosocial outcomes were also observed. The average cost per person participating in in the intervention was AU$607.50.

Conclusions

Our findings support the feasibility of implementing group-based cognitive training into a specialised clinical (public health) setting. This trial was registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000195156, 12/02/2019).