bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report on the international scientific conference the Real Library – Library Reality, organised by the Institute of Library and Information Science of Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, November 28–29, 2023
Authors: Németh Katalin
Published: November 2024

Since 2013, the Institute of Library and Information Science of Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary has been organising the largest library and information science event, called the Real Library – Library Reality Conference, in Hungary every two years. In 2023, the two–day, peer-reviewed international conference with more than 50 speakers, focused on libraries and the market economy. On the first day of the conference, library and archive directors, economists, and academics shed light on the economic and political environment of the cultural sector. On the second day, the institute's lecturers and doctoral students presented their research, and there was also an English-language session with the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (Thailand) and Oslo Metropolitan University (Norway).
The Bright Side of the GDPR: Welfare-Improving Privacy Management
Authors: Choe Chongwoo , Matsushima Noriaki , Shekhar Shiva
Published: November 2024

We study the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)’s opt-in requirement in a model with a firm that provides a digital service and consumers who are heterogeneous in their valuations of the firm’s service and the privacy costs incurred when sharing personal data with the firm. We show that the GDPR boosts demand for the service by allowing consumers with high privacy costs to buy the service without sharing data. The increased demand leads to a higher price but a smaller quantity of shared data. If the firm’s revenue is largely usage based rather than data based, then both the firm’s profit and consumer surplus increase after the GDPR, implying that the GDPR can be welfare improving. But if the firm’s revenue is largely from data monetization, then the GDPR can reduce the firm’s profit and consumer surplus.

This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems.

Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Australian Research Council [Grant DP210102015], the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [KAKENHI Grants JP20H05631, JP21H00702, JP21K01452, JP21K18430, JP23H00818, JP23K20593, and JP23K25515], the Nomura Foundation, the International Joint Research Promotion Program at Osaka University, and the program of the Joint Usage/Research Center for “Behavioral Economics” at the ISER, Osaka University. Although N. Matsushima serves as a member of the Competition Policy Research Center at the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), the views expressed in this paper are solely ours and should not be attributed to the JFTC.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.06653 .
Contact lens performance in the digital age
Authors: Schnider Cristina , Ruston David , Ng Quan-Wei
Published: November 2024

Dr Cristina Schnider, David Ruston and Dr Quan-Wei Ng consider the impact upon contact lens wear of increasing use of digital displays and explain how Acuvue Oasys 1-Day contact lenses help to meet the challenge
Optometry to the fore
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

In the last of his reviews of the recent College of Optometrists’ Optometry Tomorrow conference, Bill Harvey focuses on presentations relating to anterior eye health
Remote ready?
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: November 2024

The GOC asked if there were gaps in the Opticians Act and its policies about remote eye care and the sector was quick to have its say. Simon Jones reports
Lens supplier of the year
Authors: White Emma
Published: November 2024

Emma White speaks to Hoya about supporting independents during the pandemic and beyond, engaging with customers and innovative new products
Spotlight on hallucinations
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey has some success with a strategy suggested by Esme's Umbrella for helping people cope with Charles Bonnet syndrome
True community integration
Authors: White Emma
Published: November 2024

Emma White finds out how West Sussex-based Barnham Opticians scooped the Optical Assistant Team of the Year award at the Optician Awards 2021
CPD: BCLA CLEAR 5
Authors: Murthy Nitya , Newman Steve , Kollbaum Pete
Published: November 2024

The fifth in a series of articles summarising the key findings of the BCLA CLEAR publication, a major review of the published evidence relating to all aspects of contact lens practice, Dr Nitya Murthy, Steve Newman and Professor Pete Kollbaum offer an overview of the BCLA CLEAR section relating to contact lens optics. (C103800, suitable for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
Flea beetles of the West Indies: a new generic placement for Aphthona lamprocyanea Blake (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini), a spurge eating flea beetle from Puerto Rico
Authors: KONSTANTINOV ALEXANDER S. , LINZMEIER ADELITA M.
Published: November 2024

Encathona gen. nov. is described to accommodate Aphthona lamprocyanea Blake, 1964. It is illustrated and compared to Acallepitrix Bechyné, Apraea Jacoby, Argopistes Motschulsky, Heikertingerella Csiki and Suffrianaltica Konstantinov and Linzmeier.
Dynamic Changes in Maternal Treg, CD4+, and CD8+ T Cells After Administration of Candle Bush Leaves (Cassia alata) Extract in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors:   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Samoedra Rizky Senna , Pratama Setyaki Kevin ,   School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Sari Fikriya Novita ,   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Rahayu Sri ,   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Soewondo Aris ,   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Rifa’I Muhaimin ,   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
Published: November 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus is characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy, leading to elevated glucose levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Candle bush (Cassia alata) extract (CBE) is an alternative potential therapeutic approach due to its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Candle bush leaf extract during GDM by dynamic changes of CD4+, CD8+, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Simplicia of Candle bush leaf was extracted by maceration with distilled water (1:10; w:v) for 42 hours at 40°C. Twenty-five pregnant mice were spread randomly into five groups (n=5). Mice were induced to develop GDM using 300 mg/kg BW niacinamide (NA) and 145 mg/kg BW streptozotocin (STZ) via intraperitoneal injection. The treatment groups received metformin (307 mg/kg BW) and CBE (Dose 1 with 500 mg/kg BW and Dose 2 with 1,500 mg/kg BW) orally once a day from Gestational-day/GD6 to GD18. The pancreas and spleen organs were isolated for immunostaining. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using 0.4mM 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results demonstrated that CBE significantly reduced blood glucose levels, increased insulin secretion, and modulated immune cell populations by decreasing cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) as factor that induce inflammation and increasing helper T cells (CD4+) and Tregs activities as modulator to induce anti-inflammatory (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CBE has antioxidant activity with IC50 475 μg/ml. In conclusion, the Dose 1 appears as a promising potential treatment for GDM by greater improvements in glucose regulation, insulin secretion, and immune modulation compared to metformin and the higher dose of CBE.
Effect of fresh azolla (Azolla pinnata) feed replacement on growth performance, carcass quality, and oxidative stress in Thai native crossbred chicken
Authors:   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Punyatong Montri , Kanjak Patcharee ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Tapingkae Wanaporn ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Lumsangkul Chompunut ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Moonmanee Tossapol ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Doan Hien Van ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Khamtavee Pimporn ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Azolla (Azolla pinnata), an aquatic fern, has high amounts of crude protein and essential amino acids and thus could be an economical and plentiful alternative feed source for poultry. In this study we investigated how partial replacement of pelleted concentrate diet with fresh azolla affected growth performance, carcass quality, and oxidative stress in Thai native crossbred chicken. A total of 600 male, six week-old native crossbred chickens (Pradu Hang dum) were randomly assigned to six experimental groups that were for fed for four weeks with 100% commercial pelleted diet (control) or a diet having partial replacement of the control diet with 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% fresh azolla (FA). The feed cost per weight gain was significantly decreased in chickens fed FA (p<0.05). No significant differences among the groups were seen in live body weight, defeather weight, carcass percentage and some internal organs, although the 15% and 20% FA groups had significantly lower (p<0.05) wing weight. Breast meat lightness and yellowness were significantly higher (p<0.05) for the 15% FA group, and the 25% FA group had significantly lower (p<0.05) meat redness relative to the other groups. The shear force of the breast meat was significantly lower (p<0.05) for the 10%, 15%, and 20% FA groups compared to the other groups. For oxidative stress parameters, the glutathione level (GSH) was similar among all the groups. The groups fed fresh azolla all had significantly lower (p<0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations relative to the control group, although the MDA level in stored meat was similar among all the groups. Taken together, these results suggest that fresh azolla can be used as an alternative feed source to lower production costs for Thai native crossbred chicken
Rumen kinetics of nutrient degradability of forage barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with different levels of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) residues supplementation
Authors:   Escuela de posgrado - mención Producción Animal de la Facultad de Ciencias de Ingeniería,Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, 090101, Perú, Diego Espinoza Abregu , Rodrigo Huaman Jurado ,   Escuela de posgrado - mención Producción Animal de la Facultad de Ciencias de Ingeniería,Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, 090101, Perú, Manuelv Castrejon Valdez ,   Departamento Académico Zootecnia de la Facultad de Ciencias de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Perúv, Paul Mayhua Mendoza ,   Departamento Académico Zootecnia de la Facultad de Ciencias de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Perúv, José Luis Contreras Paco ,   Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal y Evaluación de Alimentos, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Ciudad Universitaria de Paturpampa, Huancavelica,090101, Perú, Alfonso Cordero Fernández ,   Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal y Evaluación de Alimentos, Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Cudad Universitaria de Paturpampa, Huancavelica,090101, Perú, Carhuas Jordan Ninahuanca ,   Escuela de posgrado - mención Producción Animal de la Facultad de Ciencias de Ingeniería,Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, 090101, Perú,   Departamento Académico de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Junín, Huancayo 12006, Perú
Published: November 2024

The study aimed to determine the kinetic parameters of in situ degradation of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in barley as a winter forage, supplemented with four levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%, based on natural matter) of quinoa residue (QR). The experimental design used was a randomized complete block with a 4 x 6 factorial scheme (4 levels, 6 incubation times) and three replications. Three adult rumen-fistulated cattle with an average live weight of 434.33 + 4.04 kg were employed. Five grams of samples were incubated at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Time 0 was used for calculating the soluble fraction. There was no interaction between level and time in the degradability of DM, CP, and NDF. CP and NDF degradability were influenced by the levels. The maximum disappearances of CP (60.41 and 62.36%) were obtained at 24 and 48 hours of ruminal incubation with the addition of 8.77 and 11.57% QR to barley, respectively. The potential degradability of DM, CP, and NDF, although showing variations, averaged around 70%. Higher potential and effective degradability of NDF in barley were observed with 10% QR compared to barley with 0, 20, and 30% QR. Barley supplemented with 10 and 30% QR promotes greater effective degradability of CP, suggesting increased utilization of this nutrient. The highest degradation rates (DR) of CP and NDF were observed at the 10% QR level, a parameter that classifies barley with QR as a high-quality forage resource.
Evaluation of quality and sex ratio of sperm in post-thaw sexed Brahman semen using magnetic-activated cell sorting conjugated with Y-scFv antibodies (M-Zlex)
Authors:   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Paitoon Phanuwit , Sartsook Apinya ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Thongkham Marninphan ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Chot Onpreeya ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Sathanawongs Anucha ,   Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Pattanawong Wiwat ,   Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand, Sringarm Korawan ,   Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Brahman cattle (Bos indicus) are the breed suitable for beef production in tropical climate rearing conditions, where the use of sexed semen helps to pass on the good genetics of the superior sire and expand the herd rapidly and efficiently. This research evaluated the motility, kinematic variables, and sex ratio of sperm in post-thaw sexed Brahman semen using magnetic-activated cell sorting conjugated with Y-scFv antibodies (M-Zlex) by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and imaging flow cytometry. Fresh semen samples from a total of 26 ejaculates were collected from eight Brahman bulls and divided into two parts to produce conventional (CONV) semen and M-Zlex semen. Then, CASA was used to evaluate sperm motility and kinematic variables, and imaging flow cytometry was used to assess the X-/Y-chromosome bearing sperm ratio. The results found that sperm motility and all kinematic variables of M-Zlex semen did not differ from those of CONV semen. A significant difference was observed between M-Zlex and CONV in the proportion of X-sperm (p < 0.05) in eight bulls. 76.40%–80.90% X-sperm was present in M-Zlex, while the range of CONV was between 48.07% and 51.90%. Therefore, M-Zlex sexing method is another alternative for producing sexed Brahman bull sperm, which has the same sperm quality as CONV but increases the number of X-chromosome-bearing sperm that tend to produce female calves.
Detection of subclinical EEHV infection in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Peninsular Malaysia through a molecular approach
Authors:   Molecular Zoonotic Laboratory, Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Gani Millawati ,   Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,   Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Karuppannan Kayal Vizi ,   Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdul Razak Mohd Firdaus Ariff ,   Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mohammed Ahmad Azhar ,   Zoological Parks Divison, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Km 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: November 2024

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) is a highly destructive viral disease affecting both Asian and African elephants, posing a threat in captivity and the wild. Despite habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict being major concerns, EEHV emerges as a significant threat to elephant species' long-term survival. Until now, no reported cases of EEHV have been documented in Malaysia, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. This raises questions about whether the absence of report is due to the virus's actual absence or a lack of awareness. Wildlife disease surveillance programmed initiated EEHV screening in Asian elephant at National Elephant Conservation Centre (PKGK) which one of establish ex-situ facilities for elephant conservation in Peninsular Malaysia. Molecular detection approach by utilizing polymerase chain reaction amplification targeting polymerase U38 gene region revealed 12 individuals out of 33 captive Asian elephants was found EEHV-positive, spanning ages from 2 months to 15 years and both sexes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct EEHV subtypes identified in this this study. Despite being EEHV-positive, the captive Asian elephants displayed good health, indicating asymptomatic infections of EEHV1A, EEHV4, and EEHV5. This marks the initial identification of EEHV and subclinical infections in captive elephants in Peninsular Malaysia, emphasizing the need for urgent and enhanced health care management to safeguard these magnificent animals in Peninsular Malaysia for better conservation management strategies in the future
A “Snapshot” of Current Practices: How Are Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Displaying Self-Determination
Authors: Agran Martin , McKissick Bethany , Vach Sarah , Spooner Fred , Voggt Ashley
Published: November 2024

Although self-determination has received increased attention as a critical component in quality education programs, there is limited current research about how and in what way students are displaying self-determined behaviors. To that end, a 29-item questionnaire was developed and 118 school system personnel reported how a sample of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in different grades employed self-determination strategies. Respondents were predominately White, female, had more than 10 years of experience, and largely worked with students with multiple disabilities at the elementary level. In all, the majority of students across grades were not taught specific self-determination skills. Also, students at the elementary level participated less in attending individualized education program (IEP) meetings or discussing their challenging behaviors than students at the secondary level, and typically received little or no instruction in self-determination. For those students who did receive instruction, self-instruction, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation were several of the strategies reported as being used by students to manage and regulate their behavior. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Quality-of-Life Characteristics of Individuals With Intellectual Disability Entering a Residential College Program
Authors: Lindell Mary
Published: November 2024

The number of postsecondary education (PSE) programs is increasing in the United States and worldwide with the goal of improving quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes for people with intellectual disability (ID). The current study explored if people with ID entering a residential college-based PSE program differed or were the same in their reported QOL outcomes as other young adults with ID. Findings indicate that soon-to-be college students responded similarly to national samples on a majority of QOL indicators. An important difference existed in paid employment; college-bound individuals responded more often that they had a paid job compared to respondents of the national surveys. Implications for studying QOL outcomes of individuals with ID who attend college and for practice and policy are discussed.
Terawatt-level three-stage pulse compression for all-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy
Authors: Sobolev Eli , Volkov Mikhail , Svirplys Evaldas , Thomas John , Witting Tobias , Vrakking Marc J. J. , Schütte Bernd
Published: November 2024

The generation of terawatt (TW) near-single-cycle laser pulses is of high interest for applications including attosecond science. Here we demonstrate a three-stage post-compression scheme in a non-guided geometry using He as the nonlinear medium, resulting in the generation of multi-mJ pulses with a duration of 3.7 fs. Key features of this approach are its simplicity, robustness, and high stability, making it ideally suited for highly demanding applications such as attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy (APAPS). This is demonstrated by performing two-color APAPS in Ar and Ne, where both simultaneous and sequential two-photon absorption is observed. Our approach is scalable to multi-TW powers.
Compressed computational imaging based on optical differentiation
Authors: Wang An , Zhu Junfan , Wu Jiguo , Ye Ling , Liu Xiong , Jiang Yinghang , Wang Yifan , Liu Yurong , Ge Rongchun , Du Jinglei , Zhang Zhiyou
Published: November 2024

In computational imaging, getting better imaging quality with shorter time usage is always a challenging problem. The powerful compressed sensing functions as a backend algorithm, which leaves room for us to develop a methodology of compression in imaging systems. Optical differentiation was widely utilized in direct imaging to highlight the features of an image. We apply optical differentiation to compress information in the correlated imaging system. The experimental results indicate a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio and imaging speed. In addition, this scheme enables phase imaging from the second-order correlation. Our work can spark potential applications in biological microscopic and scattering media imaging.
Observing high dependence of red luminescence on localized symmetry in Mn4+ activated inverse spinel phosphors
Authors: Li Chenyang , Zhou Yimin , Tang Fei
Published: November 2024

Localized symmetry has been shown to significantly impact the
luminescence behavior of Mn4+ ions through the
electron–phonon coupling process. Building on this characteristic,
three types of inverse spinel structure oxides
(Mg2XO4, where X = Ti, Ti/Ge, Ge) doped with
Mn4+ were developed, exhibiting strong red emission when
exposed to UV and blue light. A thorough examination reveals that the
symmetric improvement of the Mn4+ sites within the
octahedral environment leads to significant changes in their
luminescence behavior, including a suppression of zero-phonon-line
(ZPL) emission, a blueshift, and an extension of the luminescence
lifetime. Moreover, variable-temperature PL spectra of phosphors are
carefully measured. Low-temperature PL spectra demonstrate three
distinct sharp emission peaks for
Mg2GeO4:Mn4+, while
Mg2TiO4:Mn4+ exhibits a broad
emission band. The average primary phonon energies involved in the
vibronic processes are determined through theoretical fitting of
temperature-dependent PL intensities. Lastly, the luminescence
dynamics associated with anti-Stokes, ZPL, and Stokes emissions are
analyzed. The observed increase in luminescence lifetime indicates a
significant impact of the localized environment on luminescence
properties.
An off-lattice discrete model to characterise filamentous yeast colony morphology
Authors: Li Kai , Green J. Edward F. , Tronnolone Hayden , Tam Alexander K. Y. , Black Andrew J. , Gardner Jennifer M. , Sundstrom Joanna F. , Jiranek Vladimir , Binder Benjamin J.
Published: November 2024

We combine an off-lattice agent-based mathematical model and experimentation to explore filamentous growth of a yeast colony. Under environmental stress, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells can transition from a bipolar (sated) to unipolar (pseudohyphal) budding mechanism, where cells elongate and bud end-to-end. This budding asymmetry yields spatially non-uniform growth, where filaments extend away from the colony centre, foraging for food. We use approximate Bayesian computation to quantify how individual cell budding mechanisms give rise to spatial patterns observed in experiments. We apply this method of parameter inference to experimental images of colonies of two strains of S. cerevisiae, in low and high nutrient environments. The colony size at the transition from sated to pseudohyphal growth, and a forking mechanism for pseudohyphal cell proliferation are the key features driving colony morphology. Simulations run with the most likely inferred parameters produce colony morphologies that closely resemble experimental results.
A high-resolution haplotype collection uncovers somatic hybridization, recombination and intercontinental movement in oat crown rust
Authors: Henningsen Eva C. , Lewis David , Nazareno Eric S. , Mangelson Hayley , Sanchez Monica , Langford Kyle , Huang Yung-Fen , Steffenson Brian J. , Boesen Brendan , Kianian Shahryar F. , Liachko Ivan , Stone Eric , Dodds Peter N. , Sperschneider Jana , Figueroa Melania
Published: November 2024

The population structure and evolution of basidiomycetes like rust fungi are influenced by complex reproductive cycles and dikaryotic life stages where two independent nuclear haplotypes are present in the cell. The ability to alternate between asexual (clonal) and sexual reproduction increases the evolutionary capacity in these species. Furthermore, exchange of intact nuclei (somatic hybridization) in rust fungi can allow for rapid generation of genetic variability outside of the sexual cycle. Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae (Pca), the causal agent of oat crown rust, is a pathogen of global economic importance that is difficult to control due to rapid breakdown of host genetic resistance. The contribution of sexuality, clonality, and migration to virulence evolution varies across Pca populations. As such, the Pca pathosystem is ideal to address the role of mating type, recombination, mutation, and somatic hybridization in host adaptation. We expanded the existing resources for USA and South African populations by generating whole genome sequencing data of Taiwanese and Australian isolates. An atlas of 30 chromosome-level, fully-phased nuclear haplotypes from six USA isolates and nine Australian isolates was created to capture the genomic composition of key Pca lineages. At the haplotype level, we confirmed previous reports of genetic recombination in the USA population and additionally detected either sexual or cryptic recombination between Australian isolates, contrasting previous evaluations that suggested Pca populations in Australia to be purely clonal. We also identified somatic hybridization events in Pca that are not only associated with significant changes in fitness but also imply intercontinental migration of haplotypes, which provides further impetus for molecular monitoring of rust pathogen populations on a global scale.
Knowledge, Perceptions, Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable coverage of mass drug administration towards the control and elimination of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths in hard-to-reach communities of Ghana
Authors: Forson Akua Obeng , Ayeh-Kumi Patrick F. , Mohammed Abdul Rahim , Sraku Isaac Kwame , Myers-Hansen Gustavus Adolphus , Afrane Yaw Asare
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In Ghana, schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are of major public health problems in children. In the last decades, various interventions have been instituted by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the control and subsequent elimination of SCH and STH. However, these infections still remain common in both adults and children in many districts in Ghana. This study aimed to identify challenges in achieving sustainable coverage of mass drug administration for the control of STH and SCH and to explore opportunities to scale up its implementation among people living in hard-to-reach communities.

Method

Twelve focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members were conducted to access challenges to mass drug administration (MDA), and 20 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants were conducted to access opportunities to optimize MDA to control and eliminate soil-transmitted helminth infections and schistosomiasis in hard-to-reach communities.

Results

Results showed participants held the correct notions of SCH and STH, and expressed willingness to participate in the MDA program. However, the lack of community drug distributors (CDDs) in the communities, inadequate and misleading information of MDA activities, and general concern about the adverse effects of MDA medications were some of the challenges identified to hinder MDA operations.

Conclusion

Transitioning from SCH and STH control to elimination goals requires intensive health education campaigns before MDA are conducted in hard-to-reach communities in Ghana. Furthermore, there is a need for political members and policymakers to collaborate in providing scarce and sanitary infrastructure and continuously provide disease-specific information to community members to address and dispel common misconceptions and anxieties regarding the transmission and treatment of SCH and STH.
The effect of a harmful algal bloom (Karenia selliformis) on the benthic invertebrate community and the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) diet in eastern Hokkaido
Authors: Johnstone Jackson , Suzuki Ippei , Davis Randall William , Konno Natsuki , Murayama Kyohei , Ochiai Satsuki , Mitani Yoko
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, the locally extinct sea otter (Enhydra lutris lutris) has been recolonizing the coast of eastern Hokkaido. Their diet includes benthic invertebrates such as bivalves, sea urchins, snails, and chitons. In the fall of 2021, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) of Karenia selliformis occurred across Hokkaido’s northern and eastern coasts, leading to a massive mortality of sea urchins. This dinoflagellate produces a neurotoxin (gymnodimine) implicated in shellfish poisoning. To determine the effect of the HAB on the marine community, we conducted benthic surveys using SCUBA and visually monitored the prey items of the sea otters in the affected area from 2020 to 2023. Following the HAB, we observed an 82% decrease in benthic sea urchin density (number m2), leading to their complete absence from the diet of sea otters. Conversely, bivalve density increased six-fold, accompanied by a nearly two-fold rise in their percentage in the sea otters’ diet. Minimal changes were observed in the density of chitons and snails, with no significant alteration in the sea otters’ diet. Despite these changes, the impact of the HAB on otters’ dietary preferences was temporary, as the percentage of dietary sea urchins began recovering one year later. Sea otters augmented their diet with bivalves to compensate for the reduced availability of sea urchins during the HAB with no apparent effects on the number of sea otters or their health. Our results highlight the adaptability of sea otters to adjust their diet according to prey availability.
Endometriosis leading to frequent emergency department visits–women’s experiences and perspectives
Authors: Roman Emanuel Christine , Holter Herborg , Hansson Ida Nygren , Forslund Maria
Published: November 2024

Background

Endometriosis is a common condition affecting 1–10% of all women. The condition is highly associated with pain. Most women with endometriosis are treated as elective outpatients, but these patients sometimes need to visit the emergency department. The aim of this study was to describe experiences and expectations related to repeated gynaecological emergency (GED) visits among women with endometriosis.

Method

This qualitative study with semi structured interviews were conducted with ten patients diagnosed with endometriosis who visited the GED at a tertiary university hospital four or more times within a 12-month period. Data were analysed by thematic content analysis.

Result

Two main themes was identified which embodied the women’s overall experience, grouped into: “Living with pain” and “Patients´ needs when seeking GED”, with six underlying themes. Several women described their visit to the GED as a “lottery”, as they never knew what kind of treatment they would receive. Being listened to was most important for the women. Individualized care plans did not exist for most of the women in this study, although they repeatedly needed to visit the GED.
A convenient analytic method for gel quantification using ImageJ paired with Python or R
Authors: Tomlinson Cassidy , Rajasekaran Ashwini , Brochu-Gaudreau Karine , Dubois Claire , Farmilo A. James , Gris Pavel , Khatiz Ariane , Matthews Amanda , Piltonen Marjo , Amrani Abdelaziz , Gris Denis
Published: November 2024

In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge of research on mRNA therapeutics. The applications are broad and include vaccination, cancer therapy, protein replacement, and immune modulation. mRNA therapeutics have advantages over other nucleic acid therapies because of the reduced risk of mutagenesis. On the other hand, mRNA therapeutics have a large caveat due to its inherent instability, which makes it susceptible to degradation throughout all stages of production, storage, and in vivo application. Decades ago, agarose gel electrophoresis was developed to separate and resolve nucleic acids based on size. Since then, the evolution of image analysis tools, such as ImageJ, has facilitated semi-quantitative evaluation of concentration based on band intensity, and qualitative observation of RNA integrity from gel electrophoresis. Instruments utilizing capillary electrophoresis, like the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, that use microchip linear acrylamide gel electrophoresis have been demonstrated to be superior to agarose gel electrophoresis in studying RNA quality. Due to the higher cost of usage, they are less accessible to the average lab than agarose electrophoresis. In this work, we review the fundamentals of mRNA assessment and propose a full-lane quantification (FLQ) method, which is a fast, simple, and inexpensive method to analyze RNA degradation from agarose gels using ImageJ paired with Python and R. This measures the area under the curve of the product peak, degradation zone, and a combined score to provide sensitive means to evaluate the degradation of mRNA. This method provides measures of the degradation profile within each lane comparable to an RNA integrity number from bioanalyzers. Using this cost-effective method, we demonstrate that the degradation index is a sensitive measure that reflects the degradation and preservation of mRNA patterns.
Immunohistochemical study of histone protein 3 modification in pediatric osteosarcoma identifies reduced H3K27me3 as a marker of poor treatment response
Authors: Kondratowski Sebastian , Cohen Danielle , Deyell Rebecca J. , Sandhu Ash , Bush Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

The most common pediatric primary malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma, is often described as genetically non-recurrent and heterogeneous. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is typically followed by resection and assessment of treatment response, which helps inform prognosis. Identifying biomarkers that may impact chemotherapy response and survival could aid in upfront risk stratification and identify patients in highest need of innovative therapies for future clinical trials. Relative to conventional genetics, little is known about osteosarcoma epigenetics. We aimed to characterize the methylation and phosphorylation status in osteosarcoma using histone markers found in primary diagnostic biopsies and their paired metastases. We constructed two tissue microarray sets from 58 primary diagnostic samples and 54 temporally-separated but related metastatic or recurrent samples, with tissue blocks available from 2002–2022. Clinical charts were reviewed for post-therapy necrosis response, presence of metastatic disease or recurrence, and overall survival. We evaluated 6 histone H3 residues using immunohistochemistry, including H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me2, H3K27me3, H3S10T11phos, and H3S28phos. Tumors were scored with low (<25%) or high (≥25%) nuclear staining of tumor cells. Diagnostic biopsies with low H3K27me3 nuclear staining were associated with poor treatment response (≤90% necrosis) at the time of definitive excision (P<0.05). We observed loss of H3S10T11phos expression in metastatic and recurrent resections specimens compared to the primary tumor (P<0.05). Expression patterns for the remaining histone markers did not show significant associations with disease parameters or survival. Although larger cohort studies are needed, these results support the expanded evaluation of histone markers, particularly H3K27me3 and H3S10T11phos, in osteosarcoma biology and risk stratification.
“Comparative analysis of predictors of failure for high-flow nasal cannula in bronchiolitis”
Authors: Etrusco Zaroni Santos Ana Carolina , Caiado Carolina Marques , Daud Lopes Alessandra Geisler , de França Gabriela Cunha , Valerio Camila Araujo , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal , de Araujo Orlei Ribeiro , de Carvalho Werther Brunow
Published: November 2024

Objective

To assess a comparative analysis of the ROX index, Wood-Downes-Ferrés score (WDF), p-ROXI, and the SpO2/FiO2 ratio as predictors of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) failure in children hospitalized for bronchiolitis.

Methods

Data were extracted from the clinical trial “Comparison between HFNC and NIV in children with acute respiratory failure caused by bronchiolitis” conducted at a tertiary Brazilian hospital (Emergency Department and PICU). The inclusion criteria were children under 2 years of age admitted for bronchiolitis who developed mild to moderate respiratory distress and were eligible for HFNC therapy. Performance was determined by ROC and AUC metrics to define the best sensitivity and specificity for each variable. Children were evaluated at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after HFNC therapy initiation.

Results

A total of 126 patients were recruited for this analysis. The median age was 3 months. Ninety-one percent of the patients had an identified viral agent, with RSV being the most common (65%). Twenty-three percent (29/126) of patients experienced failed HFNC therapy and required mechanical ventilation. The best cutoff points at 12 hours were 4.5 for WDF (AUC = 0.83, 0.74–0.92), 8.8 for ROX (AUC = 0.7, 0.54–0.84), 1.45 for p-ROXI (AUC = 0.56, 0.38-0-74), and 269 for SpO2/FiO2 (AUC = 0.64, 0.48–0.74). The scores and indices were also correlated with the PICU and hospital LOS.

Conclusions

The ROX index and WDF were the most accurate scores for assessing HFNC failure considering 12-hour cutoff points.

Trial registration number

U1111-1262-1740; RBR-104z966s. Date of registration: 03/01/2023.
Reconcilable differences: Using retrospective photogrammetry to bridge the divide between analogue and digital site data collected during long-term excavation projects
Authors: Unhammer Ole Fredrik , Haaland Magnus Mathisen , Armitage Simon James , Henshilwood Christopher Stuart , van Niekerk Karen Loise
Published: November 2024

Over the last 30 years, high-resolution site documentation has rapidly developed, with analogue drawings and film photography being replaced with high-precision digital recordings. Today, most archaeological field data sets are produced using digital tools that store spatial and visual information in various digital formats directly, i.e., born-digital. A fully digital workflow makes the process of combining, comparing, and integrating field datasets quicker, easier, and potentially more analytically powerful. However, at sites where both analogue and born-digital data sets have been produced, additional procedural digitization steps are required before full data interoperability is achieved. In cases where the archaeological sites have a long excavation history, multiple generations of analogue and digital site documentation techniques have often been used, making it particularly challenging to physically reconstruct an excavated site based on its archival material. The Middle Stone Age site of Blombos Cave, South Africa, is a prime example of this type of challenging situation. This site features a more than 3-meter-deep and well-preserved archaeological sequence dated to between 300 and 100 000 years ago. Since it was initially excavated in 1991, multiple archaeological campaigns have been carried out (>15), and the excavations are still ongoing. The field documentation from Blombos Cave has, over the years, produced varied but rich datasets that have never been integrated into a single, coherent, and accessible archive. In this paper we evaluate the changes in excavation protocol at Blombos Cave over time, and we use this knowledge to digitally integrate and map the various stages of excavation within a three-dimensional framework using digital photogrammetry and archival photographs. The archaeological and analytical value of this approach is exemplified through multiple case studies, in which we demonstrate how and why the merging of old and new archaeological field data can lead to new results, specifically by offering more complete mapping and more accurate and analytically dynamic visualisations. The research history at Blombos Cave is not unique or site-specific. Our approach would be applicable to a wide variety of sites and contexts where long-running excavations have produced a mix of analogue and digital field data.
An easy-to-use pipeline to analyze amplicon-based Next Generation Sequencing results of human mitochondrial DNA from degraded samples
Authors: Cuesta-Aguirre Daniel R. , Malgosa Assumpció , Santos Cristina
Published: November 2024

Genome and transcriptome examinations have become more common due to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which significantly increases throughput and depth coverage while reducing costs and time. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is often the marker of choice in degraded samples from archaeological and forensic contexts, as its higher number of copies can improve the success of the experiment. Among other sequencing strategies, amplicon-based NGS techniques are currently being used to obtain enough data to be analyzed. There are some pipelines designed for the analysis of ancient mtDNA samples and others for the analysis of amplicon data. However, these pipelines pose a challenge for non-expert users and cannot often address both ancient and forensic DNA particularities and amplicon-based sequencing simultaneously. To overcome these challenges, a user-friendly bioinformatic tool was developed to analyze the non-coding region of human mtDNA from degraded samples recovered in archaeological and forensic contexts. The tool can be easily modified to fit the specifications of other amplicon-based NGS experiments. A comparative analysis between two tools, MarkDuplicates from Picard and dedup parameter from fastp, both designed for duplicate removal was conducted. Additionally, various thresholds of PMDtools, a specialized tool designed for extracting reads affected by post-mortem damage, were used. Finally, the depth coverage of each amplicon was correlated with its level of damage. The results obtained indicated that, for removing duplicates, dedup is a better tool since retains more non-repeated reads, that are removed by MarkDuplicates. On the other hand, a PMDS = 1 in PMDtools was the threshold that allowed better differentiation between present-day and ancient samples, in terms of damage, without losing too many reads in the process. These two bioinformatic tools were added to a pipeline designed to obtain both haplotype and haplogroup of mtDNA. Furthermore, the pipeline presented in the present study generates information about the quality and possible contamination of the sample. This pipeline is designed to automatize mtDNA analysis, however, particularly for ancient samples, some manual analyses may be required to fully validate results since the amplicons that used to be more easily recovered were the ones that had fewer reads with damage, indicating that special care must be taken for poor recovered samples.
Investigating a visceral measure of perceived physical attractiveness
Authors: Bowdring Molly A. , Sayette Michael A. , Creswell Kasey G.
Published: November 2024

Perceptions of physical attractiveness are typically assessed using numeric rating scales. As with other visceral experiences, perceptions of physical attractiveness may benefit from multimodal measurement. Recently, we developed and validated a squeeze (dynamometer) method to evaluate two “visceral” states (hunger and cigarette craving). Here, we extend this approach to perceptions of physical attractiveness. Participants (n = 33) viewed a series of static facial images. Perceptions of physical attractiveness were assessed using the dynamometer, followed by a traditional rating scale ranging from 1 (very unattractive) to 10 (very attractive). Participants also reported desire to (a) interact with each individual they viewed in a future study and (b) become friends with each individual they viewed, using a Likert scale. Dynamometer-measured perceptions of physical attractiveness were significantly associated with traditional perceptions of physical attractiveness ratings and predicted both desire outcomes. Findings offer initial support for a visceral approach to perceptions of physical attractiveness that can complement traditional rating scales.