bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on the dependence structure and risk spillovers in global stock markets
Authors: Zhao Mingguo , Park Hail
Published: September 2024

This study employs the MS‐GARCH‐EVT‐vine copula model to examine changes in the dependence structure and risk spillovers among global stock markets during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our results indicate that the dependence structure of global stock markets exhibits intercontinental clustering characteristics. Specifically, the Hong Kong, French and US stock markets serve as the central nodes in the Asia‐Pacific, European and American regions, respectively. Furthermore, the COVID‐19 pandemic has reduced the number of stock markets directly linked to central nodes and exacerbated the synchronized decline in global stock markets. Additionally, the COVID‐19 pandemic has increased risk spillovers among global stock markets outside China, altering the direction of intercontinental risk contagion. These findings are significant for policy makers to prevent cross‐border risk spillovers and for investors to enhance their risk management strategies.
Unravelling Morpho‐Physiological Mechanism and Candidate Genes Associated With Salinity Tolerance in Superior Haplotypes of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Singh Sonia , Yadav Shashank Kumar , Arya Sunder Singh , Jacob Sherry R. , Gautam Raj Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Kaur Vikender
Published: September 2024

The lack of suitable genetic resources for saline regions and the complexity of the traits involved impede the progress in crop breeding for salt tolerance. The present investigation was carried out using 27 diverse barley genotypes chosen based on the assessment of salt tolerance potential within the barley mini‐core collection at the National Genebank of India. The genotypes were exposed to salinity stress (200 mM NaCl) and were examined for morpho‐agronomic, physiological traits and salt uptake parameters. Exposure to salt stress resulted in a significant decline in all parameters ranging from 5.94% in relative water content to 80.04% in shoot K+/Na+ ratio compared to the control in the evaluated accessions. Moreover, the grain yield and its key attribute hundred‐grain weight decreased substantially by 65.35% and 48.62%, respectively, under saline treatment. The majority of the resilient accessions managed to uphold a higher K+/Na+ ratio ranging from 0.51 in EC0578359 to 1.19 EC0578251 in contrast to vulnerable germplasm (<0.56) under saline circumstances. The analysis of haplotype variants disclosed allelic diversity linked with two promising candidate genes, HVA1 and HvHKT2, recognised for conferring salt tolerance. Examination of nucleotide sequences revealed that the HVA1 remained considerably conserved among the evaluated genotypes as the majority of the SNPs (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) were synonymous. Conversely, for HvHKT2, a significant level of genetic variation led to the identification of two primary haplotypic clusters—Hap1 associated with sensitivity to salinity and Hap2 linked with tolerant traits. Hap2 predominantly consisted of In/Dels which caused a modification in the overall protein length alongside the phospho‐variant allelic form of the HKT2 gene, further enhancing the biological specificity and functional stress response in a spatiotemporal fashion. These haplotype clusters correlated with favourable traits could be utilised for trait integration into breeding populations, thereby expediting the enhancement of superior salt‐tolerant barley cultivars.
Spontaneous termination of ventricular tachycardia in the human heart
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Denham Nathan , Nettlefold Chloe , Kakarla Jayant , Anderson Robert , Bhaskaran Abhishek , Massé Stéphane , Downar Eugene , Nanthakumar Kumaraswamy
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Understanding the spatiotemporal location of the spontaneous termination of ventricular tachycardia (VT) may provide new insights for ablation. To test the hypothesis that spontaneous VT termination most frequently occurs at the VT exit due to source‐sink mismatch and to characterize electrophysiological properties of the sites termination during VT and with extra‐stimulus technique.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of intraoperative mapping studies of nine patients with ischemic cardiopathy or repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Simultaneous endocardial and epicardial mapping was performed in both ventricles using a custom mapping array during VT. Electrogram (EGM) characteristics before and at the moment of termination were analyzed including: cycle length oscillations, EGM heterogeneity and a variation in the systolic/diastolic path. The decrements to extra stimulus were analysed for termination sites and other diastolic sites.

Results

Nine VTs in seven patients demonstrated spontaneous VT termination. Seven VTs (77.8%) spontaneously terminated in the final third of the systolic interval, one (11.1%) in early diastole and one (11.1%) in mid diastole. Cycle length oscillations (prolongation, shortening, and no change) were seen in equal frequency. Four VTs (44.4%) showed alternans in the local EGM at the site of termination and this was more prevalent than alternans at other sites in the diastolic pathway (p < .001). Only one‐third of VTs showed a change in activation pattern before termination. There was no difference based on etiology. During substrate characterization with extra‐stimulus pacing, sites of spontaneous termination showed greater decrement than other sites of the VT circuit during pacing (43.5 ± 14.5 ms vs. 31.2 ± 31.2 ms; p = .003).

Conclusion

The entrance zone rather than the exit is the commonest site for the spontaneous termination of VT in the human heart. These sites tend to demonstrate EGM alternans during VT and greater decrement during extrastimulus pacing. These findings may help guide future studies into improving the success of VT ablation.
Double Monolithic Protocol: The Solution to Fluorescence Limitations
Authors: Somoza‐Román Jacobo , Tapia Guadix Javier , Muñoz‐Soto Esther , Almeida Gabriela , Falacho Rui I.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The present paper aims to demonstrate the incorporation of the double monolithic protocol (DMP) into a chairside digital workflow to reproduce the fluorescence properties of natural teeth with chairside monolithic restorations when exposed to different light sources.

Clinical Considerations

A female patient reporting dissatisfaction with her upper anterior teeth was rehabilitated using seven veneers and a three‐element bridge. The DMP was applied to the bridge, which consisted of a primary lithium disilicate framework to which leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic veneers were cemented. The fluorescence of the different substrates and ceramic restorations was evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process, under 365 and 405 nm light.

Conclusions

The DMP allows chairside procedures to be optimized by achieving predictable, mechanically resistant, and esthetic restorations.

Clinical Significance

The DMP is a new chairside solution for developing ceramic restorations with optimal esthetics and combined mechanical properties, eliminating the need for sintering or glazing procedures.
Evaluating effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on American black bear occupancy in northern Georgia, USA
Authors: Myers J. B. , Perea S. , Johannsen K. L. , Rushton E. , Conner L. M. , Castleberry S. B.
Published: September 2024

Although previously close to extirpation in the southeastern United States, American black bear (Ursus americanus) abundance and distribution have increased with habitat management and harvest regulation. The north Georgia black bear population, the most abundant and widely distributed in the state, is currently being exposed to pressures from increasing anthropogenic disturbances, such as recreation and vehicle traffic. We evaluated the effects of environmental factors and anthropogenic activity on habitat use of black bears within a wildlife management area open to public recreation. We used detection/non‐detection data from camera surveys conducted at 448 locations from April to December 2023 to fit hierarchical single‐species occupancy models. Black bear detection was best explained by Julian date, its quadratic effect, and weekly human activity index. Detection increased through the spring, peaked in June, and declined throughout late summer and fall. In contrast to detection, occupancy was not affected by seasonal differences in black bear activity. Occupancy increased with increasing elevation, distance to water, and distance to high‐use recreation areas. The spatial distribution of food resources likely contributed to the observed black bear occupancy pattern related to elevation and distance to water, while human disturbance in the study area also influenced black bear occupancy. Thus, our results suggest that in a landscape open to public recreation, black bear occupancy was driven by a combination of environmental and anthropogenic factors. Identifying patterns of occupancy at a scale typical of management provides important information for managing black bear populations throughout the large, connected network of national forests in the Appalachian region.
Co‐occurrence in snake and lizard sister species is unrelated to major ecomorphological traits
Authors: Shinde A. , Davies T. J. , Roll U. , Meiri S.
Published: September 2024

Environmental factors and interspecific interactions, such as competition and facilitation, can shape species' geographic ranges. Here, we tested the relationship between geographic range overlap of squamate sister species, and their divergence in body size, diel activity, and microhabitat use. Competition theory predicts that sister species with similar traits will overlap less geographically than sister pairs with dissimilar traits. However, similar distributions may present similar selective pressures and favour similar adaptations, such that habitat filtering may result in species with more similar traits in sympatry. Across 1434 sister species contrasts, we found little relationship between range overlap and niche divergence. In some models, the divergence in body size and microhabitat use marginally increased with sympatry, while in other models, sympatric sisters had similar activity times. However, the low R‐squared values of almost all these models lend only weak support to predictions from competition or habitat filtering theories. Sympatric sister species within the same biome showed more similar activity times than expected, lending some support to habitat filtering. Niche divergence in allopatry or sympatry, as calculated using a multi‐trait dissimilarity index, did not show a phylogenetic signal, and niches of sister species from different squamate clades did not deviate significantly from the null expectation. Overall, niche divergence or convergence, across the axes we explored, is not a prerequisite for regional species co‐occurrence. We suggest here that the lack of consistent support for either limiting similarity or habitat filtering may reflect that both these forces act as transient phenomena. More fine‐grained analyses, in space and time, would be needed to detect their fingerprints. Thus, coexistence in the face of competition can arise due to various evolutionary and biogeographic mechanisms, acting concurrently or asynchronously.
Genome‐wide population affinities and signatures of adaptation in hydruntines, sussemiones and Asian wild asses
Authors: Pan Jianfei , Liu Xuexue , Baca Mateusz , Calvière‐Tonasso Laure , Schiavinato Stéphanie , Chauvey Loreleï , Tressières Gaétan , Perdereau Aude , Aury Jean‐Marc , Oliveira Pedro H. , Wincker Patrick , Abdykanova Aida , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Bayarsaikhan Jamsranjav , Belinskiy Andrey B. , Carbonell Eudald , Davoudi Hossein , Lira Garrido Jaime , Gilbert Allan S. , Hermes Taylor , Warinner Christina , Kalmykov Alexey A. , Lordkipanidze David , Mackiewicz Paweł , Mohaseb Azadeh F. , Richter Kristine , Sayfullaev Nuritdin , Shapiro Beth , Shnaider Svetlana , Southon John , Stefaniak Krzysztof , Summers Geoffrey D. , van Asperen Eline Naomi , Vanishvili Nikoloz , Hill Eden A. , Kuznetsov Pavel , Reinhold Sabine , Hansen Svend , Mashkour Marjan , Berthon Rémi , Taylor William Timothy Treal , Houle Jean‐Luc , Hekkala Evon , Popović Danijela , Orlando Ludovic
Published: September 2024

The extremely rich palaeontological record of the horse family, also known as equids, has provided many examples of macroevolutionary change over the last ~55 Mya. This family is also one of the most documented at the palaeogenomic level, with hundreds of ancient genomes sequenced. While these data have advanced understanding of the domestication history of horses and donkeys, the palaeogenomic record of other equids remains limited. In this study, we have generated genome‐wide data for 25 ancient equid specimens spanning over 44 Ky and spread across Anatolia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia. Our dataset includes the genomes from two extinct species, the European wild ass, Equus hydruntinus, and the sussemione Equus ovodovi. We document, for the first time, the presence of sussemiones in Mongolia and their survival around ~3.9 Kya, a finding that should be considered when discussing the timing of the first arrival of the domestic horse in the region. We also identify strong spatial differentiation within the historical ecological range of Asian wild asses, Equus hemionus, and incomplete reproductive isolation in several groups yet considered as different species. Finally, we find common selection signatures at ANTXR2 gene in European, Asian and African wild asses. This locus, which encodes a receptor for bacterial toxins, shows no selection signal in E. ovodovi, but a 5.4‐kb deletion within intron 7. Whether such genetic modifications played any role in the sussemione extinction remains unknown.
Clarifying and expanding equity in assessment by considering three orientations: Fairness, inclusion and justice
Authors: Kakara Anderson Hannah L. , Govaerts Marjan , Abdulla Layla , Balmer Dorene F. , Busari Jamiu O. , West Daniel C.
Published: September 2024

Context

Despite increasing discussion and scholarship, equity in assessment is rarely defined and distinguished in a way that allows for shared understanding in medical education. This paper seeks to clarify and expand the conversation about equity in assessment by critically reviewing three distinct and evolving orientations toward equity in assessment. Orientations refers to the positions, attitudes, interests or priorities individuals can hold toward equity in assessment. The three orientations include fairness‐oriented assessment, assessment for inclusion and justice‐oriented assessment. While fairness‐oriented assessment is a prevailing orientation in medical education, assessment for inclusion and justice‐oriented assessment, originally developed in other fields of education, deserve careful consideration.

Methods

In this paper, the authors explore unique underpinning assumptions of each orientation by critically examining the foundational literature of each orientation. They reflect on the unique perspectives each orientation provides, including the actions one might take and what advantages and disadvantages might result from looking at equity in assessment from any one orientation.

Conclusions

Informed by this reflection, the authors propose that to more effectively advance equity in assessment in medical education, those working in the field should clearly identify their respective orientations, intentionally choose methods, tools and measures aligned with their orientations and expand their work by exploring alternative orientations.
Small Regulatory RNAs of the Rsm Clan in Pseudomonas
Authors: Gallegos María Trinidad , Garavaglia Matías , Valverde Claudio
Published: September 2024

Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are ubiquitous on Earth due to their great metabolic versatility and adaptation to fluctuating environments and different hosts. Some groups are important animal/human and plant pathogens, whereas others are studied for their biotechnological applications, including bioremediation, biological control of phytopathogens and plant growth promotion. Notably, their adaptability is mediated by various signal transduction systems, with the post‐transcriptional Gac‐Rsm cascade playing a key role. This pervasive Pseudomonas pathway controls major transitions at the population level, such as motile/sessile lifestyle, primary/secondary metabolism or replicative/infective behaviour. A hallmark of the Gac‐Rsm cascade is the participation of small, regulatory, non‐coding RNAs of the Rsm clan. These RNAs are synthetised in response to cell‐density‐dependent autoinducer signals channelled through the GacS/GacA two‐component system, and they counteract, by molecular mimicry, the translational control that RNA‐binding proteins of the RsmA family exert over hundreds of mRNAs. Rsm RNAs have been investigated in a few Pseudomonas model species, evidencing the presence of a variable number and families of genes depending on the taxonomic clade. However, the global picture of the distribution of these riboregulators at the genus level was unknown until now. We have undertaken a comprehensive survey and annotation of the vast array of gene sequences encoding members of the Rsm RNA clan in 245 complete genomes that cover 28 phylogenomic clades across the entire genus. The properties of the different families of rsm genes, their phylogenetic radiation, as well as the features of their promoters and adjacent regions, are discussed. The novel insights presented in our manuscript will significantly boost research on the biology of these prevalent RNAs in understudied species of the genus Pseudomonas and closely related genera.
Chromoblastomycosis: A Single Centre Clinical Laboratory Experience of Seven Years (2016–2022) and Literature Review From Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Mohammad , Fatima Saira , Farooqi Joveria , Owais Rabiya , Ahmed Arsalan , Jabeen Kausar , Zafar Afia
Published: September 2024

Background

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue. CBM cases have been reported in local literature from Pakistan with heterogenous demographic, diagnostic and therapeutic information. The objective of this study is to share the experience of CBM from a large tertiary care hospital laboratory in Pakistan.

Method

This was a retrospective observational study. Histopathology and microbiology data of suspected CBM between 2016 and 2022 was retrieved. Patients' demographics, site of involvement, histopathological findings and positive microbiology cultures were assessed. Literature search on Google Scholar, PubMed and PakMediNet was done between 1990 and 2023 with multiple terms.

Result

A total of 16 CBM cases were identified; 14 were histopathology positive and two were both histopathology and culture positive. The median age was 21 years, and 11 patients were male. The predominant site was lower extremities followed by the face. Severe acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and granuloma with sclerotic bodies were observed in all histopathology slides. Alternaria spp. and Phialophora spp. were isolated from two culture‐positive cases. A total of nine cases of CBM were reported from Pakistan in PubMed non‐indexed journal.

Conclusion

CBM is not a commonly thought of disease when evaluating skin lesions in Pakistan. A high index of suspicion when assessing patients who may have a history of trauma, exposure to soil and suggestive lesions is reasonable. An integrated approach between clinicians, histopathologist and microbiologist is required to do early identification and therapeutic interventions.
School feeding for improving child nutrition in conflict‐affected settings: Feasibility and cost efficiency of alternative models in Yemen
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , Elsabbagh Dalia , Kurdi Sikandra , Ecker Olivier , Gelli Aulo
Published: September 2024

School feeding programs can support children's nutrition, health, and education in emergencies. This study assessed the feasibility, trade‐offs, cost efficiency, and perceived benefits of school feeding modalities operating in urban Yemen. It draws on primary data from a qualitative evaluation with 21 school feeding implementers and 88 beneficiaries conducted in Feb–Mar 2023, and secondary data from a desk review of published and program literature on school feeding operations. Results showed that school feeding provided students with on average 18%, 40%, and 66% of daily energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements, respectively. Models including fortified snacks were 3–11 times more cost‐efficient in terms of nutrient delivery. The most prominent strength of the models examined were the perceived benefits on child, family, and financial outcomes. Among the main weaknesses was the poor nutritional quality of the meal, which in turn emerged as a primary opportunity to improve school feeding through hybrid models providing a combination of fortified snacks and healthy meals. Other weaknesses such as poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, and desired improvements such as the school kitchen and canteen, require considerable investments. Hybrid models are cost‐efficient, acceptable, and feasible in Yemen and can serve the diet and nutrition needs of school‐aged children.
Lost in translation? Qualitative interviews with Australian psychedelic‐assisted therapy trial clinicians
Authors: Barber Michaela , Gardner John , Liknaitzky Paul , Carter Adrian
Published: September 2024

Background

Policy changes in Australia mean that psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) is now available to consumers outside of clinical trials. Yet, the regulatory frameworks guiding the practice of PAT are underdeveloped, and the evidence base for guiding clinical practice is diverse and emerging, resulting in anticipated challenges in translation to community practice. Mental health clinicians who have experience delivering PAT in clinical trials are likely to be at the forefront of community practice and training, and influential in discussions about implementation. Yet little is known of their perspectives, preferences, and practices associated with the implementation of PAT.

Method

Interviews with 11 clinicians working on clinical trials of PAT were thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes were identified, describing the therapeutic frames that interviewees used to understand PAT and shaped their views on its interface with the mental health system: (1) therapeutic eclecticism, (2) enhanced reflexivity for PAT providers, (3) legitimisation of extra‐medical perspectives in mental health, and (4) what might be lost in translation?

Conclusion

We argue that clinicians' perspectives on PAT are reflective of existing tensions between a medical model of mental health care and other psychosocial, relational models. Therapists' ideals for the delivery of PAT can be conceptualised as a sort of ‘enhanced care’ approach, but workforce development and economic constraints are likely to challenge the accessible and impactful translation of this vision.
High‐quality haplotype‐resolved chromosome assembly provides evolutionary insights and targeted steviol glycosides (SGs) biosynthesis in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Masand Mamta , Sharma Shikha , Kumari Sangeeta , Pal Poonam , Majeed Aasim , Singh Gopal , Sharma Ram Kumar
Published: September 2024

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is popular source of plant‐derived low/no‐calorie natural sweeteners (LNCSs), collectively known as steviol glycosides (SGs). Nevertheless, genetic predisposition for targeted biosynthesis of SGs is complex due to multi‐substrate functionality of key uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Here, we created a high‐quality monoploid assembly of 1.34 Gb with N50 value of 110 Mb, 55 551 predicted protein‐coding genes, and ~80% repetitive regions in Rebaudioside‐A (Reb‐A) enriched cultivar of S. rebaudiana. Additionally, a haplotype‐based chromosome assembly consisting of haplotype A and haplotype B with an overall genome size of 2.33Gb was resolved, harbouring 639 634 variants including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indels and structural variants (SVs). Furthermore, a lineage‐specific whole genome duplication analysis revealed that gene families encoding UGTs and Cytochrome‐P450 (CYPs) were tandemly duplicated. Additionally, expression analysis revealed five tandemly duplicated gene copies of UGT76G1 having significant correlations with Reb‐A content, and identified key residue (leu200val) in the glycosylation of Reb‐A. Furthermore, missense variations identified in the acceptor region of UGT76G1 in haplotype resolve genome, transcriptional and molecular docking analysis were confirmed with resequencing of 10 diverse stevia genotypes (~25X). Gene regulatory network analysis identified key transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, bZIP and AP2‐ERF) as potential regulators of SG biosynthesis. Overall, this study provides haplotype‐resolved chromosome‐level genome assembly for genome editing and enhancing breeding efforts for targeted biosynthesis of SGs in S. rebaudiana.
An In Vivo Study of LNS8801, a GPER Agonist, in a Spontaneous Melanoma‐Prone Mouse Model, TGS
Authors: Marinaro Christina , Sauer John , Natale Christopher A. , Ridky Todd , Chen Suzie
Published: September 2024

Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer that arises from the transformation of melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of the skin. In the year 2024 there will be approximately 10,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed and approximately 8,000 deaths attributed to melanoma in the United States. In this study we treated a group of male and female transgenic mice that spontaneously develop metastatic melanoma, TGS, with a G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor agonist LNS8801 to assess the efficacy on disease progression. A second group of male and female TGS mice was also exposed to UVB irradiation to mimic exposure to sunlight. Over the course of the 32‐week experiment, visible images were taken by the small animal imaging IVIS system to track tumor progression, and blood and tissue samples were collected for molecular analyses. Results showed that sex‐biased effects were observed in the efficacy of LNS8801 and that LNS8801 shows a UV‐protective influence in both male and female TGS mice.
What is conceptual engineering good for? The argument from nameability
Authors: Koch Steffen , Lupyan Gary
Published: September 2024

It is often assumed that how we talk about the world matters a great deal. This is one reason why conceptual engineers seek to improve our linguistic practices by advocating novel uses of our words, or by inventing new ones altogether. A core idea shared by conceptual engineers is that by changing our language in this way, we can reap all sorts of cognitive and practical benefits, such as improving our theorizing, combating hermeneutical injustice, or promoting social emancipation. But how do changes at the linguistic level translate into any of these worthwhile benefits? In this paper, we propose the nameability account as a novel answer to this question. More specifically, we argue that what linguistic resources are readily available to us directly affects our cognitive performance on various categorization‐related tasks. Consequently, our performance on such tasks can be improved by making controlled changes to our linguistic resources. We argue that this account supports and extends recent motivations for conceptual engineering, as categorization plays an important role in both theoretical and practical contexts.
Evidence‐based practices and US state government civil servants: Current use, challenges, and pathways forward
Authors: Cheng Yuan (Daniel) , Thompson Leslie , Wang Shuping , Marzec Jules , Xu Chengxin , Merrick Weston , Carter Patrick
Published: September 2024

Leveraging a three‐state survey of 323 civil servants and 36 interviews, representing blue and red states, this university‐government‐nonprofit collaborative research project aims to better understand how civil servants access and use evidence in their decision‐making process. Our findings show that 54% of respondents find evidence‐based practices (EBPs) useful in making budget, policy, and contracting decisions, with 68% of civil servants anticipating future benefits from evidence use. Our hypothetical funding choice experiment indicates that civil servants prefer programs that are more recent and in their state, identify outcomes over outputs, demonstrate effectiveness for diverse demographic groups, and are evaluated by independent research entities. The main challenges in using EBPs include time constraints, resource limitations, decision‐making fragmentation, and lack of evidence for certain communities. Qualitative interviews provide valuable strategies for overcoming these challenges. We conclude this article by offering practical insights for improving the integration of EBPs in state government decision‐making processes.
Optimization of handmade cloning technique in sheep and preliminary investigation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as donor nuclei
Authors: Li Weijian , Liu Yalan , Wang Zhen , Wang Li , Ma Xiuling , Wang Xuguang
Published: September 2024

Handmade cloning (HMC) has a higher yield and is relatively less difficult to operate compared to traditional micromanipulation cloning. Yet, there are few reports on handmade cloning in sheep. Therefore, this study investigates the key nodes such as AC and DC voltage, denucleation method and fusion method in sheep handmade cloning. In addition, it compares the effects of fibroblasts (FC) and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) of different states as donors on the development of HMC embryos. Furthermore, the effect of different freezing solutions on the survival rate of frozen blastocysts without zona pellucida was also investigated. The results indicate that an AC voltage of 150 V/cm and a DC voltage of 1800 V/cm significantly enhanced the fusion and blastocyst rates (p < .01). The blastocyst rate achieved with umbilical cord MSCs as nucleus donors was significantly higher (40.3%) than that achieved with fibroblasts and differentiated umbilical cord MSCs (21.5%, 22.5%) (p < .01). The highest survival rate was achieved using 20% DMSO + 20% EG for freezing without zona pellucida. In conclusion, the most efficient and pregnant ovine HMC cloning method using 150 V/cm AC, 1800 V/cm DC, knife‐cut denucleation, two‐step fusion and the use of UC‐MSCs as nucleus donors resulted in the highest overall efficiency and pregnancy after transplantation.
Gleaning Rural Journalism: Rural Journalists' Agricultural and Environmental Reporting Utilizing Community Storytelling Networks☆
Authors: Walsh Jessica , Perreault Mildred F. , Perreault Greg , Moon Ruth
Published: September 2024

Environmental concerns are growing in parts of the rural United States as drinking water wells become contaminated with agrichemicals, and climate change impacts such as drought and extreme rain events disrupt farming practices. Analyzing in‐depth interviews with 29 U.S. rural journalists, we explore the role rural journalists play when reporting on the environment as it relates to agricultural issues. Findings show that reporting about the environment—such as weather, climate change, water shortages, and droughts—appear in rural journalists' stories given those topics' relevance to their rural communities and the social systems forces exerting influence on journalists, yet rural journalists often do not perceive themselves as doing environmental reporting. Rural journalists also report lacking training and resources to do environmental reporting. This study points to the need for more support for rural journalists' environmental reporting as one way to build social change and maintain local community.
Family Farmers as Agents in the Struggle for Survival: A Case Study from Turkey☆
Authors: Sevgili Canpolat Ebru
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses the survival strategies of small family farms in a western Anatolian village in the context of ongoing debates in the current literature concerning the future of small or peasant family farms under the conditions of the neoliberal era. The main argument of the paper is that even though the neoliberal agrarian policies in Turkey put into effect since the early 1980s have divested farmers of much of the protective policies in force in earlier periods—thereby putting them under much severe market pressures—other pressure mechanisms in this case under investigation have a more central impact on their survival. These pressures are the patterns of social and cultural change that occur due to modernization, alongside regulations concerning access to land which the farmers seem to be able to counter by organizing and mobilizing their internal, material, and social resources, within cultural norms. The arguments presented are based on the analysis of empirical data collected through field work carried out in a village of farmers specializing and engaged in the production of dried figs. The study emphasizes the multi‐causal, multi‐layered, contingent, and hybrid nature of the question of survival for these villagers and argues that it should be evaluated as a process, rather than an outcome, with the villagers themselves as agents in this process.
Caring breadwinners? A comparative analysis of parental leave policies to promote fathers' care work
Authors: Lütolf Meret
Published: September 2024

The question which policy measures facilitate greater paternal participation in childcare and promote the universal caregiver model (as opposed to the universal breadwinner model) remains a prominent topic of debate. Determining the extent to which states implement such policies is equally crucial. This paper analyzes which policies differentiate these two family models and foster the paternal shift from breadwinning to caregiving. To this end, an analytical grid is developed to identify a parental leave policy that is genuinely egalitarian in design. Two newly created indices within this grid distinguish between the egalitarian policy potential and a traditional uptake of leave. The analysis grid is then empirically tested on twenty countries. This qualitative, case‐specific assessment approach identifies examples of egalitarianism‐enhancing policies. However, as the differences between the two indices suggest, the flexibility in leave take‐up between parents leaves the potential of these policies largely untapped.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐DPB1*04:02:24 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Wang Fang , Chen Chen , Chen Nanying , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: September 2024

HLA‐DPB1*04:02:24 differs from HLA‐DPB1*04:02:01:01 by a single synonmous nucleotide substitution at position 639 G>A.
Laparoscopic ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Solari Francesca P. , Case J. Brad , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R. , Bertran Judith , Fox‐Alvarez Stacey , Cabrera Roniel
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of the study was to describe laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) to guide microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a dog.

Animals

A 13‐year‐old female spayed Husky.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

The dog was referred for laparoscopic MWA of a caudate lobe HCC measuring 2.7 cm × 1.9 cm× 2.3 cm. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to guide percutaneous placement of a MWA probe within the caudate lobe mass. LUS was used to determine the tumor margins for placement of the probe within the medial and lateral aspects as well as the center of the mass. Additionally, LUS allowed visualization of vessels within the tumor so they could be avoided during probe placement.

Results

Safe ablation was accomplished, and the dog recovered uneventfully with no complications. Follow‐up computed tomography (CT) 3‐ and 12‐months postoperatively revealed complete ablation of the caudate lobe mass. However, progressive increase in size of the right medial lobe mass occurred. Right medial liver lobectomy was performed 13 months after MWA, with a histopathologic diagnosis of HCC. The dog was euthanized 777 days post MWA and 1445 days post initial left lateral lobectomy for HCC.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic ultrasound was useful in guiding complete and safe MWA of an HCC in this dog. Laparoscopic ultrasound should be considered when performing laparoscopic MWA of liver lesions in dogs.
Hybrid, transarticular external fixation with platelet‐rich plasma injection as a treatment for partial calcaneal tendon disruption in dogs without primary tenorrhaphy
Authors: Boharski Ryan A. , Wheeler Jason L. , Cross Alan R. , Jackson Joshua , Peterson Steven
Published: September 2024

Objective

To report the use of a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy for management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Animals

A total of 11 client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records from two referral centers from 2019 to 2022 were reviewed for inclusion in the study. Dogs diagnosed with partial, non‐traumatic calcanean tendon disruption treated with hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet‐rich plasma injection were included in the study. Cases that did not include complete postoperative follow‐up over 8–12 weeks and owner‐reported outcomes at >6 months were excluded from the study. Dogs with traumatic laceration or those in which a primary tenorrhaphy was performed were also excluded.

Results

A total of 11 (n = 11) dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median follow‐up time was 18.5 months (6 months–34 months). Mean time of fixation was 9 weeks (6 weeks–12 weeks). Five dogs returned to full, pain‐free function (5/11 = 45%). Five dogs had an acceptable return to function (5/11 = 45%). One dog had an unacceptable outcome (1/11 = 9%). Pin tract complications occurred in five dogs (5/11 = 45%) and resolved with medical intervention.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that temporary tibiotarsal immobilization with a hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixator and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy can lead to a successful outcome in dogs with partial calcanean tendon disruption.

Clinical significance

Temporary hybrid, transarticular external skeletal fixation and platelet‐rich plasma injection without primary tenorrhaphy may play a role in the management of partial calcanean tendon disruption in dogs.
A note on limiting Calderon–Zygmund theory for transformed n$n$‐Laplace systems in divergence form
Authors: Martino Dorian , Schikorra Armin
Published: September 2024

We consider rotated ‐Laplace systems on the unit ball of the form
where , , and for some . We prove that with estimates. As a corollary, we obtain that solutions to , where is the Hardy space, have a higher integrability, namely, .
On the integral part of A-motivic cohomology
Authors: Gazda Q.
Published: September 2024

The deepest arithmetic invariants attached to an algebraic variety defined over a number field $F$ are conjecturally captured by the integral part of its motivic cohomology. There are essentially two ways of defining it when $X$ is a smooth projective variety: one is via the $K$-theory of a regular integral model, the other is through its $\ell$-adic realization. Both approaches are conjectured to coincide. This paper initiates the study of motivic cohomology for global fields of positive characteristic, hereafter named $A$-motivic cohomology, where classical mixed motives are replaced by mixed Anderson $A$-motives. Our main objective is to set the definitions of the integral part and the good$\ell$-adic part of the $A$-motivic cohomology using Gardeyn's notion of maximal models as the analogue of regular integral models of varieties. Our main result states that the integral part is contained in the good$\ell$-adic part. As opposed to what is expected in the number field setting, we show that the two approaches do not match in general. We conclude this work by introducing the submodule of regulated extensions of mixed Anderson $A$-motives, for which we expect the two approaches to match, and solve some particular cases of this expectation.
ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ МОЛОЧНОКИСЛОЙ ЗАКВАСКИ ДЛЯ ЙОГУРТА
Authors: Альжанова Г.С. , Хасенова А.Е. , Ерғазы Б. , Жакупова Д.С.
Published: September 2024

Молочнокислые закваски играют ключевую роль в производстве многих традиционных и популярных молочных продуктов, которые широко потребляются в Казахстане и за его пределами. Микроорганизмы, входящие в состав кисломолочных продуктов, обуславливают лечебно-профилактические и диетические свойства, в связи с чем, важным фактором регулирования микробного состава кисломолочного продукта является выбор бактериальной закваски.
В основу создания микробного консорциума положены следующие принципы:
- использование отечественных, адаптированных для казахстанской популяции людей заквасок бактерий непосредственного внесения, содержащих пробиотические микроорганизмы и повышающих иммунитет и устойчивость человека к неблагоприятным факторам окружающей среды;
- использование заквасок, содержащих жизнеспособные клетки, не менее 1010 КОЕ/см3, гарантирующих их быстрое размножение при ферментации молочных сред.
Проведены работы по выделению молочнокислых микроорганизмов из национальных кисломолочных продуктов. Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus cremoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae и Lactobacillus bulgaricus выделены из айрана и кумыса. Идентификация проведена по культурально-морфологическим, биохимическим признакам и методом генетической идентификации микроорганизмов на основе анализа фрагмента нуклеотидной последовательности 16 sRNA. Штаммы задепонированы в депозитарии ТОО «КАЗНИИППП». Подобраны оптимальные питательные среды и условия культивирования штаммов микроорганизмов, отработаны методы концентрирования и технология получения сухой сублимированной формы штаммов молочнокислых микроорганизмов, подобраны оптимальные криопротекторы для сохранения жизнеспособности клеток при лиофильной сушке. Штаммы обладают высокой заквасочной способностью 6-8 часов и антимикробной активностью.
В результате проведенных работ в филиале ТОО «Национальный центр биотехнологии» в г. Степногорск разработаны и зарегистрированы биопрепараты:
- Молочнокислая закваска прямого внесения для йогурта СТБП (Свидетельство о регистр. № KZ 16.01.79.009.Е.000253.02.13 от 05.02.2013 г);
- Молочнокислая закваска прямого внесения для сметаны СТР (Свидетельство о регистр. № KZ 16.01.79.009.Е.000254.02.13 от 05.02.2013 г);
- Молочнокислая закваска прямого внесения для кумыса (Свидетельство о регистр. № KZ 16.01.79.009.Е.002860.10.13 от 08.10.2013 г).
Разработка и использование биопрепаратов на основе молочнокислых заквасок прямого внесения отражает не только технологический прогресс в области производства молочных продуктов, но и стремление сохранить и продвигать традиционные культурные особенности. Это способствует укреплению национального бренда и позволяет экспортировать высококачественные продукты на мировые рынки, что благоприятно будет влиять на экономику страны.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ГЕНОМНОГО РЕДАКТИРОВАНИЯ ДЛЯ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ И ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ МИЦЕЛИАЛЬНОГО ГРИБА PENICILLIUM VERRUCULOSUM
Authors: Кислицин В. Ю. , Чулкин А.М. , Рожкова А. М.
Published: September 2024

Мицелиальный гриб P. verruculosum является сапрофитным грибом-целлюлолитиком. Ранее с помощью многостадийного неупорядоченного мутагенеза был получен промышленный штамм-продуцент целлюлазных препаратов B1-221-151, обладающий продуктивностью до 60 г секретируемого белка на литр культуральной жидкости. Основными ферментами его секретирумого комплекса являются целлобиогидролаза 1 и 2 (до 50%), эндоглюканазы (до 12%), β-глюкозидаза (до 4%), и ксиланазы. Также ранее из штамма B1-221-151, был получен рецепиентный штамм В1-537 с дефектом гена нитратредуктазы (niaD), что позволяет использовать его для получения препаратов гетерологичных ферментов. Получаемые таким образом ферментные препараты находят применение в сельском хозяйстве, текстильном производстве, биоконвесии растительных отходов и целлюлозо-бумажной промышленности.
Развитие метода геномного редактирования системой CRISPR/Cas дало мощный инструмент для дальнейшего изучения и оптимизации мицелиальных грибов для промышленных задач. Нами также была адаптирована методика геномного редактирования для мицелиального гриба P. verruculosum, позволяющая получать штаммы с нокаутами маркерного гена niaD и целевых генов. С помощью адаптированной методики нами было изучено влияние транскрипционных факторов Clr1, Clr2, XlnR, TacA и внутриклеточной β –глюкозидазы, Bgl2, на экспрессию целлюлаз в грибе P. verruculosum. Наиболее интересный эффект наблюдался при нокауте гена транскрипционного фактора TacA. Его нокаут привёл к увеличению целлобиогидролазной активности более чем в 4 раза, β-глюкозидазной активности в 2 раза, эндоглюканазной в 1,5 раза и ксиланазной более чем в 2 раза по сравнению со штаммом B1-221-151. Также новый штамм P. verruculosum может легко использоваться для экспрессии генов гетерологичных ферментов. Например, был получен штамм P. verruculosum dT16-13, экспрессирующий помимо собственных целлюлаз β-глюкозидазу Aspergillus niger. Гидролитическая активность ферментного препарата получаемого с помощью нового штамма значительно превосходит по гидролитической активности по целлюлозосодержащим материалам ферментный препарат продуцируемый штаммом B1-221-151. При этом выход глюкозы и восстанавливающих сахаров и глюкозы при гидролизе микрокристаллической целлюлозы достигает 60%, а при гидролизе измельчённой осины 40% и 58% соответственно, от изначальной массы субстрата за 48 часов.
Таким образом, адаптация метода геномного редактирования для мицелиального гриба P. verruculosum позволило решить как ряд фундаментальных задач, так и создать новый высокоэффективный реципиентный штамм.