bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drive time to care and retention in HIV care: Rural–urban differences among Medicaid enrollees in the United States South
Authors: Kimmel April D. , Bono Rose S. , Pan Zhongzhe , Kiernan Jessica S. , Belgrave Faye Z. , Nixon Daniel E. , Sabik Lindsay , Dahman Bassam
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Less than 50% of people with HIV (PWH) in the United States are retained in care, a key step along the HIV care continuum. We examined the impact of geographic access to care on retention in care for urban and rural PWH.

Methods

We used Medicaid claims and clinician data (Medicaid Analytic eXtract and MAX Provider Characteristics, 2009–2012) for 13 Southern states plus the District of Columbia. We calculated drive time from the enrollees’ ZIP Code Tabulation Area to their usual source of care. We used generalized estimating equations to examine the association between drive time to care >30 min (versus ≤30 min) and retention in care, overall and stratified by rurality. In sensitivity analysis, we examined the definition of retention in care, states included in the analysis, and enrollee‐ and care‐related characteristics.

Findings

The sample included 49,596 PWH. Overall, the association between drive time >30 min and retention was significant, but small (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 1.01) and was not significant in urban areas; however, the significance and direction of the association differed in sensitivity analysis. In rural areas, driving >30 min to care was associated with 7% higher odds of retention in care (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05, 1.08) and this association remained significant and positive in nearly all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

For PWH in rural areas, greater drive time is consistently associated with greater retention in care. Disentangling the mechanisms of this relationship is a future research priority.
Perspectives of People Living With Chronic Hepatitis D: Impact of Disease and Unmet Needs Along the Care Cascade
Authors: Zovich Beatrice , Patel Poonum , Tu Thomas , Wang Su , Jubah Darlene , Zagorski Jamie
Published: September 2024

Hepatitis D virus leads to a severe form of viral hepatitis and affects nearly 5% of people living with chronic hepatitis B. Chronic infection with hepatitis D virus leads to more rapid progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and ultimately liver disease‐related death compared with hepatitis B monoinfection. Health outcomes and treatment adherence can be affected by patient perception of, engagement in, and satisfaction with care. Our objective was to better understand the experiences of people with chronic hepatitis D, identify their preferred sources of information, and recognise unmet needs from their perspectives. Sixty‐seven participants from the United States and the European Union took part in monthly, online, self‐guided surveys for a minimum of 3 months with an optional extension. Participants reported feeling anxious and scared at the time of diagnosis but over time came to accept living with chronic hepatitis D. They voiced a need for access to information from trusted sources, fewer barriers to care, and shorter wait times for provider visits and test results after diagnosis. Participants experienced both physical and psychological strain living with chronic hepatitis D. Although most participants reported the ability to continue their regular activities and employment, some stated such activities were done at a reduced pace. Self‐reported overall health appeared to be closely linked with emotional support. Understanding patient perspectives, with concurrent clinician perspectives, is crucial when working toward developing solutions to fulfil unmet patient needs associated with chronic hepatitis D management and advancing health equity.
In Situ Uterine Artery Prostaglandin E2 and Nitric Oxide in Open‐Cervix Pyometra and Medically Treated Bitches
Authors: Faustino Thaís Gomes , da Rosa Filho Roberto Rodrigues , Francischini Maria Claudia Pereda , Brito Maíra Morales , Angrimani Daniel Souza Ramos , Vannucchi Camila Infantosi
Published: September 2024

Uterine vascular alterations take place in pyometra bitches speculatively influenced by prostaglandin and nitric oxide pathways. However, no causative effect of nitric oxide on endometrial vascularization was proved elsewhere for medically treated pyometra bitches. This study aimed to identify the main in situ uterine artery vasodilation pathway in pyometra bitches medically treated with antigestagen solely or coupled with prostaglandin. Pyometra bitches were enrolled into groups: Ovariohysterectomy at diagnosis (Control‐OHE; n = 7), Antigestagen (10 mg/kg aglepristone on Days 1, 2, and 8 after diagnosis; n = 5), and Antigestagen + luteolytic (aglepristone plus 1 μg/kg of cloprostenol from Days 1–7; n = 5). Treated bitches were ovariohysterectomized after 8 days of treatment. Uterine artery fragments from all bitches were collected for tissue nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 assays. Control‐OHE group had lower uterine artery concentration of nitric oxide compared to treated bitches (Antigestagen and Antigestagen + luteolytic groups). No significant difference was verified between the medical treated groups. Uterine artery concentration of prostaglandin E2 was not different between control and treated bitches, as well as between both treated groups. In conclusion, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 are not directly involved in vascular modulation of the uterine artery, albeit pyometra medical treatment influences nitric oxide concentration in the uterine artery.
Revisiting the impact of corruption on income inequality worldwide
Authors: Hartwig Jochen , Sturm Jan‐Egbert
Published: September 2024

The relationship between corruption and income inequality has been widely studied, but there is no consensus on whether corruption increases or reduces inequality. We conduct an extreme bounds analysis (EBA) to test the robustness of the explanatory variables proposed in the literature. Using a sample of up to 150 countries, with data mostly going back to 1980, we find that corruption does not appear to have a clear positive effect on inequality or may even reduce it. Also, contrary to what is sometimes suggested in the literature, the results do not support an inverted U‐shaped effect of corruption on income distribution. A more important role in explaining income distribution seems to be played by the level of financial development, the old‐age dependency ratio, the unemployment rate, the capital stock to GDP ratio and the population growth rate. These are often found to be significant drivers of inequality, regardless of the set of control variables and the definition of corruption used.
Moral testimony and epistemic privilege
Authors: Chamberlain James
Published: September 2024

How should we, as philosophers, respond to the pure moral testimony of people in marginalized positions? Some philosophers argue that marginalized people have an epistemic advantage concerning their experiences of marginalization, such that, if we are non‐marginalized, then we should defer to their moral testimony concerning these experiences. We might accept this as a requirement for ordinary conversation but doubt that any such requirement obtains when we do philosophy, since philosophy requires a critical stance. This paper argues that philosophers should also defer in such cases. It concludes that non‐marginalized philosophers can only properly address certain moral propositions concerning the experiences of marginalized people if they engage in ongoing philosophical discussions with such people, starting from a position of trust.
A systematic review of yoga for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Thakur Elyse R. , Shapiro Jordan M. , Wellington Jennifer , Sohl Stephanie J. , Danhauer Suzanne C. , Moshiree Baharak , Ford Alexander C. , Koch Kenneth
Published: September 2024

Background

Several studies have reviewed yoga for the treatment of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) with most demonstrating a benefit for symptom reduction; however, yoga has been studied beyond DGBI.

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive summary of yoga as treatment for gastrointestinal conditions.

Method

We conducted literature searches in PubMed and Embase and included yoga trials of adults with a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal disorders and diseases.

Results

We identified 1275 articles; 12 studies were eligible. Most studies compared yoga to controls, for patients with different GI conditions (irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal cancer). The type, method, and duration of yoga used varied. Across IBS studies, most demonstrated that yoga improved IBS symptom severity, mood‐related symptoms, and quality of life compared with controls. In one study of inflammatory bowel disease, yoga improved quality of life compared to controls. Two studies of gastrointestinal cancer demonstrated that yoga led to a reduction in sleep disturbance and mood symptoms. One study of chronic pancreatitis found that yoga led to improvements in quality of life, stress, mood changes, alcohol dependence, and appetite. Yoga was generally safe, and no serious adverse events were attributed to the intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yoga appears to be safe and has potential to improve functioning across a spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases; however, current studies are limited by heterogeneity and methodological weaknesses. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of yoga on health outcomes for a broader range of gastrointestinal conditions.
Morphology and morphometry of the greater palatine foramen: A radio‐anatomical study using cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Akkitap Melda Pelin
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods

This study included 300 CBCT images and a total of 600 GPFs were evaluated bilaterally. GPF morphology was categorised as round, antero‐posteriorly elongated (APE), or latero‐medially elongated (LME). The distance of GPF relative to the palatine suture (PS), the incisive foramen (IF), and the palatine alveolar ridge (PAR), the distance between the right GPF (GPFr) and left GPF (GPFl) and the angle formed by GPF, IF, and PS were evaluated. The GPF location was also assessed in reference to the maxillary molars.

Results

64.1% of total GPFs were APE in shape. Male patients presented higher GPF‐related linear and angular measurements on both sides (p < 0.05). Patients aged ≥25 years had larger distances between GPFr–PS, GPFl–PS, GPFr–GPFl, and GPFl–IF (p = 0.001, p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and p = 0.048, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients aged ≤24 years showed a larger distance between GPFl–PAR (p = 0.011; p < 0.05). The distance between GPFl–IF was larger compared to the distance between GPFr–IF, but the angle between GPFr–IF–PS was larger than the angle between GPFl–IF–PS (p = 0.043 and p = 0.004, respectively; p < 0.05). 64.83% of all GPFs were located opposite the maxillary third molar.

Conclusion

The shape and location of the GPF exhibit considerable variability. CBCT is a valuable diagnostic modality for assessing anatomical differences in the GPF.
Immunoexpression of metallothionein, Ki‐67 and PCNA in dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity
Authors: Andrade Allany de Oliveira , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Ribeiro Daniela Cotta , Jham Bruno Correia , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , Johann Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues , Duarte Eliza Carla Barroso , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , de Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the immunoexpression of metallothionein and cell proliferation markers (Ki‐67 and PCNA) in a series of cases comprising four dermoid cysts and six epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity.

Materials and Methods

The percentages of nuclear and/or cytoplasmic staining in the basal and suprabasal layers of the cysts' epithelial lining were assessed.

Results

This study included six males and four females, with a mean age of 33.1 years. The floor of the mouth was affected in 40% of the cases. The expression of metallothionein, Ki‐67, and PCNA was observed in all cases examined. For both lesions, the basal layer exhibited higher cytoplasmic and nuclear/cytoplasmic expression of metallothionein. Dermoid cysts exhibited higher expression of Ki‐67 and PCNA compared to epidermoid cysts in both basal and suprabasal layers, with a more pronounced expression in the suprabasal layers.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that metallothionein is present in the epithelial lining of both dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity. The cell proliferation indices observed in both conditions reflect their benign nature and slow growth.
miR827 orchestrates the regulation of SPX‐MFS1 and SPX‐MFS5 with the assistance of lncRNA767 to enhance phosphate starvation tolerance and maize development
Authors: Chen Lei , He Juan , Wang Xufeng , Zhang Shiru , Pan Jinkang , Peng Jianxiang , Mo Beixin , Liu Lin
Published: September 2024

MicroRNA827 (miR827) is functionally conserved among different plant species and displays species‐specific characteristics, but the mechanisms by which miR827 regulates phosphate (Pi) starvation tolerance and maize development remain elusive. We found that miR827 selectively targets the Pi transporter genes SPX‐MFS1 and SPX‐MFS5. miR827 overexpression improved the Pi starvation tolerance, plant architecture and grain yield and quality, whereas miR827 suppression yielded a contrasting phenotype. In addition, we identified a specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA767) that serves as a direct target and a facilitator of miR827 and can stabilize the SPX‐MFS1 and SPX‐MFS5 transcripts, leading to their translation inhibition. The orchestrated regulation of SPX‐MFS1 and SPX‐MFS5 modulates PHR1; 1 and PHR1; 2, which are critical transcription factors in Pi signalling, and thereby affects the expression of downstream Pi starvation‐induced genes. Together, these findings demonstrate that miR827, assisted by lncRNA767, enhances SPX‐MFS1 and SPX‐MFS5 suppression and thus exerts a significant impact on Pi homeostasis and several essential agronomic traits of maize.
Biosynthesis and Signaling of Strigolactones Act Synergistically With That of ABA and JA to Enhance Verticillium dahliae Resistance in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Han Yifei , Sun Yue , Wang Haoqi , Li Huazu , Jiang Meng , Liu Xueying , Cao Yuefen , Wang Wanru , Yin Hong , Chen Jinhong , Sun Jie , Zhu Qian‐Hao , Zhu Shuijin , Zhao Tianlun
Published: September 2024

Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by the soil‐borne fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae reduces cotton productivity and quality. Numerous studies have explored the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating VW resistance in cotton, but the role and mechanism of strigolactone (SL) is still elusive. We investigated the function of SL in cotton's immune response to V. dahliae infection by exogenously applying SL analog, blocking or enhancing biosynthesis of endogenous SLs in combination with comparative transcriptome analysis and by exploring cross‐talk between SL and other phytohormones. Silencing GhDWARF27 and applying the SL analog GR24 or overexpressing GhDWARF27 decreased and enhanced V. dahliae resistance, respectively. Transcriptome analysis revealed SL‐mediated activation of abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling pathways. Enhanced ABA biosynthesis and signaling led to increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced buildup of excess reactive oxygen species. Enhanced JA biosynthesis and signaling facilitated transcription of JA–dependent disease resistance genes. One of the components of the SL signal transduction pathway, GhD53, was found to interact with GhNCED5 and GhLOX2, the key enzymes of ABA and JA biosynthesis, respectively. We revealed the molecular mechanism underlying SL–enabled V. dahliae resistance and provided potential solutions for improving VW resistance in cotton.
Mitochondrial ß‐Cyanoalanine Synthase Participates in flg22‐Induced Stomatal Immunity
Authors: Pantaleno Rosario , Scuffi Denise , Schiel Paula , Schwarzländer Markus , Costa Alex , García‐Mata Carlos
Published: September 2024

Plants regulate gas exchange with the environment and modulate transpirational water flow through guard cells, which set the aperture of the stomatal pores. External and internal stimuli are detected by guard cells and integrated into a signalling network that modulate turgor pressure and, hence, pore size. Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns are among the stimuli that induce stomatal closure, to prevent pathogen entry through the pores, and this response, also referred to as stomatal immunity, is one of the hallmarks of PAMP‐triggered immunity. While reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated signalling plays a key role in stomatal immunity, also the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulphide (H2S) interacts with key components of the guard cell signalling network to induce stomatal closure. While the role of H2S, produced by the main cytosolic source L‐cysteine desulfhydrase 1, has been already investigated, there are additional enzymatic sources that synthesize H2S in different subcellular compartments. Their function has remained enigmatic, however. In this work, we elucidate the involvement of the mitochondrial H2S source, β‐cyanoalanine synthase CAS‐C1, on stomatal immunity induced by the bacterial PAMP flagellin (flg22). We show that cas‐c1 plants are impaired to induce flg22‐triggered stomatal closure and apoplastic ROS production, while they are more susceptible to bacterial surface inoculation. Moreover, mitochondrial H2S donor AP39 induced stomatal closure in an RBOHD‐dependent manner, while depletion of endogenous H2S, impaired RBOHD‐mediated apoplastic ROS production. In addition, pharmacological disruption of mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, affected stomatal closure produced by flg22, indicating its participation in the stomatal immunity response. Our findings add evidence to the emerging realization that intracellular organelles play a decisive role in orchestrating stomatal signalling and immune responses and suggest that mitochondrial‐derived H2S is an important player of the stomatal immunity signalling network.
Is moral understanding a kind of moral vision?
Authors: Hills Alison
Published: September 2024

Understanding is often descibed as a kind of “seeing”, and that would make moral understanding a kidn of moral vision. Recently the idea of moral perception has been explored. I suggest that the identification of moral understanding with moral perception is promising, as it seems to give a good account of what is distinctively valuable about moral understanding. But in the end it faces a difficult dilemma. I draw some conclusions about what is distinctive about moral understanding and the role that moral vision might play.
Subjectivism and the morally conscientious person's concern to avoid acting wrongly
Authors: Graham Peter A.
Published: September 2024

Subjectivism about moral wrongness is the view that the moral wrongness of an action (if and how wrong that action is) is grounded solely in facts about the agent's mental state at the time of action. Antisubjectivism is the denial of subjectivism. I offer an argument against subjectivism, and for antisubjectivism, based on an examination of the main concern of the morally conscientious person, viz., the concern to avoid acting wrongly.
The value of incoherence
Authors: Field Claire
Published: September 2024

I argue that level‐incoherence is epistemically valuable in a specific set of epistemic environments: those in which it is easy to acquire justified false beliefs about normative requirements of epistemic rationality. I argue that in these environments level‐incoherence is the rationally dominant strategy. Nevertheless, level‐incoherent combinations exhibit a distinctive tension, and this tension has been thought by many to indicate that level‐incoherence is always irrational. Although this idea has proved resilient, I argue that it is incorrect. I evaluate three candidate explanations for the distinctive tension exhibited by level‐incoherent combinations, only one of which is the traditional view (which I call the ‘Prohibition View’) that epistemic level‐incoherence is prohibited by epistemic rationality. I argue instead for the ‘Inquiry View’, according to which level‐incoherence is not rationally criticisable but is a reason to undertake further inquiry.
Being understood
Authors: Dishaw Samuel
Published: September 2024

Philosophical work in the ethics of thought focuses heavily on the ethics of belief, with, in recent years, a particular emphasis on the ways in which we might wrong other people either through our beliefs about them, or our failure to believe what they tell us. Yet in our own lives we often want not merely to be believed, but rather to be understood by others. What does it take to understand another person? In this paper, I provide an account of interpersonal understanding that speaks to this widespread human desire to be understood by others. On the view I defend, to be understood by another person is for them to see our motivating reasons as justifying reasons, whether or not they actually take our reasons to have that normative force. I then provide an explanation of why such understanding is valuable in our lives, which emphasizes how being understood by another person is a way of being more fully with them.
Doxastic dilemmas and epistemic blame
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian
Published: September 2024

What should we believe when epistemic and practical reasons pull in opposite directions? The traditional view states that there is something that we ought epistemically to believe and something that we ought practically to (cause ourselves to) believe, period. More recent accounts challenge this view, either by arguing that there is something that we ought simpliciter to believe, all epistemic and practical reasons considered (the weighing view), or by denying the normativity of epistemic reasons altogether (epistemic anti‐normativism). I argue against both accounts and defend the traditional view. An agent can be blameworthy in doxastic dilemmas for complying with their practical but not their epistemic reasons. This reveals how epistemic reasons are normative: the concept of epistemic blame helps us track epistemic normativity.
Assessing key parameters in simultaneous simulation of rapid kinetics of chlorophyll a fluorescence and trans‐thylakoid electric potential difference
Authors: Lyu Hui , Lazár Dušan
Published: September 2024

Our study attempts to address the following questions: among numerous photosynthetic modules, which parameters notably influence the rapid chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) rise, the so‐called O‐J‐I‐P transient, in conjunction with the P515 signal, as these two records are easily obtained and widely used in photosynthesis research, and how are these parameters ranked in terms of their importance? These questions might be difficult to answer solely through experimental assays. Therefore, we employed an established photosynthesis model. Firstly, we utilized the model to simulate the measured rapid ChlF rise and P515 kinetics simultaneously. Secondly, we employed the sensitivity analysis (SA) tool by randomly altering model parameters to observe their effects on model output variables. Thirdly, we systematically identified significant parameters for both or one of the kinetics across various scenarios.

A novel aspect of our study is the application of the Morris method, a global SA tool, to simultaneously assess the significance of model parameters in shaping both or one of the kinetics. The Morris SA technique enables the quantification of how much a specific parameter affects O‐J‐I‐P transient during particular time intervals (e.g., J, I, and P steps). This allowed us to theoretically analyze which step is more significantly influenced by the parameter.

In summary, our study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive analysis of photosynthesis kinetics and emphasizing the importance of parameter selection in modelling this process. These findings can inform future research efforts aimed at improving photosynthesis models and advancing our understanding of photosynthetic processes.
Moderate alternate wetting and drying irrigation enhances drought‐resistance abilities by improving structural mesophyll conductance of water‐saving and drought‐resistant rice under severe drought
Authors: Wang Quan , Wang Hao , Liu Qiuju , Zhu Tiezhong , Xu Haocong , Ren Haojie , Yang Ru , Wu Liquan , Zhang Qiangqiang , Ke Jian , You Cuicui , He Haibing
Published: September 2024

Water‐saving and drought‐resistant rice (WDR) coupled with alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWDI) possesses a high photosynthetic potential due to higher mesophyll conductance (gm) under drought conditions. However, the physiological and structural contributions to the gm of leaves and their mechanisms in WDR under AWDI are still unclear. In this study, WDR (Hanyou 73) and drought‐sensitive rice (Huiliangyou 898) were selected as materials. Three irrigation patterns were established from transplanting to the heading stage, including conventional flooding irrigation (W1), moderate AWDI (W2), and severe AWDI (W3). A severe drought with a soil water potential of −50 kPa was applied for a week at the heading stage across all treatments and cultivars. The results revealed that severe drought reduced gas exchange parameters and gm but enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde content in the three treatments and both cultivars. The maximal photosynthetic rate (Amax) of HY73 in the W2 treatment was greater than that in the other combinations of cultivars and irrigation patterns. The contribution of leaf structure (54%) to gm (gm‐S, structural gm) was higher than that of leaf physiology (46%) to gm (gm‐P, physiological gm) in the W2 treatment of Hanyou 73. Additionally, gm‐S was significantly and linearly positively correlated with gm under severe drought. Moreover, both the initial and apparent quantum efficiencies were significantly and positively with gm in rice plants (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the improvements in photosynthesis and yield in the WDR combined with moderate AWDI can mainly be attributed to the enhancement of gm‐S under severe drought conditions. Quantum efficiency may be a potential factor in regulating photosynthesis by cooperating with the gm of rice plants under severe drought conditions.
Bilberry metabolomic and proteomic profiling during fruit ripening reveals key dynamics affecting fruit quality
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Bergmann Ulrich , Jaakola Laura , Häggman Hely , Jokipii‐Lukkari Soile , Toth Katalin
Published: September 2024

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a wild berry species that is prevalent in northern Europe. It is renowned and well‐documented for its nutritional and bioactive properties, especially due to its anthocyanin content. However, an overview of biological systems governing changes in other crucial quality traits, such as size, firmness, and flavours, has received less attention. In the present study, we investigated detailed metabolomic and proteomic profiles at four different ripening stages of bilberry to provide a comprehensive understanding of overall quality during fruit ripening. By integrating omics datasets, we revealed a novel global regulatory network of plant hormones and physiological processes occurring during bilberry ripening. Key physiological processes, such as energy and primary metabolism, strongly correlate with elevated levels of gibberellic acids, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid in unripe fruits. In contrast, as the fruit ripened, processes including flavour formation, cell wall modification, seed storage, and secondary metabolism became more prominent, and these were associated with increased abscisic acid levels. An indication of the increase in ethylene biosynthesis was detected during bilberry development, raising questions about the classification of non‐climacteric and climacteric fruits. Our findings extend the current knowledge on the physiological and biochemical processes occurring during fruit ripening, which can serve as a baseline for studies on both wild and commercially grown berry species. Furthermore, our data may facilitate the optimization of storage conditions and breeding programs, as well as the future exploration of beneficial compounds in berries for new applications in food, cosmetics, and medicines.
Potential Functions of the Gut Microbiome and Modulation Strategies for Improving Aquatic Animal Growth
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Yang Qiushi , Liu Haokun , Jin Junyan , Yang Yunxia , Zhu Xiaoming , Han Dong , Zhou Zhigang , Xie Shouqi
Published: September 2024

The increase in the body weight of animals, a pivotal indicator closely tied to production, is important to the aquaculture industry. Despite remarkable variability in gut microbiomes, which are intricately associated with their hosts and affect overall performance, fitness, and physiological outcomes, across individuals and species, the development and practical application of gut microbiota modulation in aquaculture remain underdeveloped. In this review, we systematically examine the advancements with a focus on the gut microbiomes of aquatic animals with different growth rates by literature search, summarizing the existing knowledge regarding the diversity, composition, and significance of the microbiome in individual growth. The comparative analysis reveals substantial alterations in the gut microbiome that correspond to changes in the growth rate of aquatic animals, with a species bias toward more carnivorous fish, and shrimps and sea cucumbers in nonfish species. The present review also discusses comparative gut microbiome research in aquaculture as an emerging field with great potential for advancing our understanding of animal growth, screening candidate probiotics, and facilitating microbiome modulation strategies. Besides, the present gaps in the knowledge of the gut microbiome associated with the growth and production of farmed animals have been highlighted. We propose potential directions to address emerging challenges and opportunities in this field, such as priority effects on gut microbiome establishment, especially in the early stage, and screening of host‐derived probiotics across various aquatic animals. Finally, we provide a conceptual framework for enhancing animal farming practices in aquaculture through intensified gut microbiome research.
How does restoration ecology consider climate change uncertainties in forested ecosystems?
Authors: Pita Katie , Wickham Sara B. , Davis Emma L. , Lauriault Patrick , Johnson Alexandra , Le Nhu Q. , Mullally Siobhan , Schang Kyle , Smitas‐Kraas Michaela M. A. , Wittmann Elizabeth , Trant Andrew J.
Published: September 2024

Forest restoration is a powerful tool that combats forest loss and mitigates climate change. Our review asks how climate change considerations are integrated into forest restoration. We asked: (1) How many articles about forest restoration practices discuss climate change; (2) has this changed over time; and (3) when climate change is mentioned, how is it considered? We used the framework created by Simonson et al. in 2021, which describes seven unique areas where practitioners can consider climate change impacts in their projects. These areas include adjusting species and location for projected changes to fitness, mitigating risks, and aligning practice with policy. We reviewed the literature through Web of Science and evaluated publications for inclusion of these considerations. We found that the number of publications about forest restoration projects has increased significantly since the early 2000s, exceeding 200 in 2021. The proportion of these including the terms “climate change” or “global warming,” has also increased (35% in 2021). Climate change concepts were only considered in what we defined as an “in‐depth” context in 83 of the 186 publications we reviewed (45%). However, the majority of publications (115 of 186, 61%) did incorporate at least one of the seven considerations, even if they did not satisfy our definition for in‐depth climate change consideration. Several articles discussed other considerations not described by Simonson et al. (2021), leading us to recommend adding an eighth criterion to their framework: consider place‐based communities and Indigenous Knowledge Holders' responses to climate change in forest restoration.
Does decline and recovery process affect clonal and genetic diversity of a coastal plant population?
Authors: Tsunamoto Yoshihiro , Nishikawa Yoko , Shimamura Takashi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Matsuo Ayumi
Published: September 2024

The evaluation of genetic diversity is important for the conservation of species. However, changes in genetic diversity during conservation are complex processes that depend on the characteristics of the species and environment. To evaluate the changes in genetic diversity from decline to recovery, we surveyed the coastal herb Calystegia soldanella in areas with varying degrees of non‐coastal plant invasion. First, to evaluate genetic diversity before the conservation measures, the spatial clonal structure of adults was investigated in a population invaded by non‐coastal plants. Second, to evaluate genetic diversity after the conservation measures, the regenerated individuals were investigated in the restoration plot. Moreover, to predict future genetic diversity without conservation measures, the effects of non‐coastal plant invasion on the production and genetic diversity of seeds were investigated using individuals from areas with various levels of non‐coastal plant invasion. In the adult population, 16 genets were identified in an 80 m × 4 m area. The maximum genet size was 30.3 m, suggesting the importance of clonal reproduction for population maintenance. In the restoration plots comprising 10 m × 10 m × 3 replicates, many seedlings (1.14 ramets/m2) emerged, resulting in high clonal diversity compared to that of the adult population. Therefore, the biomass and genetic diversity were rapidly restored at the beginning of the conservation practice. Non‐coastal plant invasion did not affect the genetic diversity of the seeds. However, it significantly reduced seed production. This suggests that non‐coastal plant invasion reduces sexual reproduction, resulting in the long‐term loss of genetic diversity.
The Study of Pilgrimage in Tibetan Buddhism: Overview and Recommendations for Instructors
Authors: Hartmann Catherine
Published: September 2024

Throughout the history of Tibet, sacred places such as mountains, lakes, caves, and monasteries have been visited by laypeople and religious elites alike in search of purification, blessings, karma, long life, teachings, and spiritual transformation. More recently, scholars have studied the history and evolving present circumstances of pilgrimages across the Tibetan landscape. While the study of pilgrimage in Tibet remains a relatively small subfield, in the past 30 years, this body of scholarship has grown. This article will provide a short overview of this scholarship on pilgrimage in Tibetan Buddhism. It is intended as an introduction to people new to the field of pilgrimage studies in Tibet, so that they can orient themselves in the literature, find resources on topics of interest, or find teaching resources.
National discretion or broadening acceptable interpretation? A comparative overview of the transposition and implementation of the Water Framework Directive
Authors: Kaavi Susanna , Paloniitty Tiina
Published: September 2024

European Union (EU) directives must be transposed into national systems and effectively implemented by all Member States. Differences between national legal systems are an inevitable reality when implementing EU law. Variations in the transposition and implementation of directives can lead to significant differences in the regulatory environment. This article discusses the variations in the transposition and implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Austria, Finland, Germany and Sweden. What all the analysed Member States have in common are efforts to find ways to comply with the stringent requirements of the WFD. As Member States aim to achieve the requirements of the WFD, they simultaneously appear to look for ways to broaden acceptable interpretations of the WFD requirements to accommodate the national context. This article identifies and examines the different instances where such broadening of interpretation of the WFD has taken place in the four Member States.
‘And so Beautifully Illuminated’: Hand‐coloured Luther Bibles from the Sixteenth Century☆
Authors: Smith Julia R.
Published: September 2024

This article explores the practice of hand colouring illustrated Luther Bibles in the sixteenth century. It is based on analysis from over 120 copies of various editions of Luther's translation of the Bible. The most well‐known examples are Hans Lufft's editions printed on parchment in 1541 and 1560, illuminated by Lucas Cranach the Younger. However, these copies represent only the very top of the market; the research presented in this article demonstrates that hand colouring was a widespread practice that began with the very first edition of Luther's New Testament in 1522, and continued throughout the sixteenth century and beyond, across the German‐speaking lands, in all formats, and for all levels of the market. This article argues that the hand colouring served an aesthetic purpose, making the complex illustrations more vivacious and legible for the viewer. The colouring also transformed a mass‐produced object into a unique work of art that reflected its spiritual significance, an understudied feature of Lutheran material culture, and one which transcended confessional divides in sixteenth‐century Europe.
Unraveling the dynamics of information exchange in governance networks: Opportunity structures in anti‐corruption multi‐stakeholder partnerships
Authors: Reyes‐Gonzalez Jose Antonio , Agneessens Filip , Esteve Marc
Published: September 2024

Information exchange is critical to the functionality of governance networks. Traditionally, it has been argued that actors within governance networks tend to engage in information exchange with others who share similar beliefs and motivations, as these are deemed catalysts for achieving collective objectives. An alternative viewpoint posits that actors may prioritize strategies aimed at minimizing transaction costs and maximizing returns when selecting their partners. This paper proposes that information exchange predominantly occurs with partners who are easily accessible (i.e., where transaction costs are low) and with partners who are perceived as influential (i.e., where benefits are high). To investigate these alternative propositions, we examine three distinct opportunity structures that actors may utilize, which are based on their preferences for (1) partners with similar participatory motivations, (2) partners who co‐participate in institutional committees, and (3) those perceived as influential. We empirically test these opportunity structures using unique survey data gathered from 10 anti‐corruption multi‐stakeholder partnerships within the public infrastructure domain in countries of Latin America, Africa, and Eurasia. Results from Exponential Random Graph Models suggest that shared participatory motivations do not significantly impact information exchange within our context, whereas the perceived influence of a partner emerges as a critical predictor. In addition, co‐participation in institutional committees significantly facilitates information dissemination, particularly when those committees involve discussions on deliberating about strategies to communicate findings on public‐sector infrastructure discrepancies and formulating recommendations to governments on transparency and accountability. These findings prompt discussions on four network management strategies aimed at restructuring networks and fostering stakeholder involvement and inclusivity.
Relevance of antigen‐induced IL‐6 and mitogen‐induced or spontaneous IFN‐γ secretions in whole blood cultures for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease
Authors: Sinha Sudhir , Singh Komal , Umam Fareha , Kapoor Prerna , Aggarwal Amita
Published: September 2024

For an effective control of tuberculosis (TB), there is a persistent need for biomarkers that can report true estimates of TB infection (TBI) and predict its progression towards active TB disease. We investigated whether the cell‐mediated immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens could provide such biomarkers. The study subjects (n = 174) comprised a cohort of smear‐positive, drug‐sensitive, HIV‐negative pulmonary TB patients (n = 54) and their household contacts (HC, n = 120). Whole blood cultures, in the presence or absence of Mtb antigens‐ membrane (MtM), purified protein derivative (PPD) and alpha‐crystallin (Acr), or the mitogen PHA were subjected to determinations, by flow cytometry, for T cell proliferative and, by ELISA, for IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 cytokine responses. Additionally, serum levels of the three cytokines were also estimated. The strongest cell‐proliferative and cytokine responses were induced by MtM and IL‐6 was the most abundantly produced cytokine. While none of the responses induced by Mtb antigens or the serum cytokines levels could discriminate between TB and HC, the ex vivo cytokine responses induced by PHA or ‘spontaneously’ could apparently do so. The concentrations of IFN‐γ induced by PHA in TB blood cultures were significantly lower than in HC cultures (AUC = 0.72). Conversely, the spontaneous IFN‐γ or TNF‐α secretions in TB cultures were significantly higher than in HC cultures (AUC = 0.66). Our results suggest that IL‐6 responses to MtM could be a sensitive indicator of TBI, and low levels of PHA‐induced or high levels of spontaneous IFN‐γ secretions in HC blood cultures may indicate a progressive infection.
Cross‐ratio degrees and triangulations
Authors: Silversmith Rob
Published: September 2024

The cross‐ratio degree problem counts configurations of points on with prescribed cross‐ratios. Cross‐ratio degrees arise in many corners of combinatorics and geometry, but their structure is not well‐understood in general. Interestingly, examining various special cases of the problem can yield combinatorial structures that are both diverse and rich. In this paper, we prove a simple closed formula for a class of cross‐ratio degrees indexed by triangulations of an ‐gon; these degrees are connected to the geometry of the real locus of , and to positive geometry.
ДЕТЕРМИНАНТЫ РЕЗИСТЕНТНОСТИ РОССИЙСКИХ КЛИНИЧЕСКИХ ИЗОЛЯТОВ HELICOBACTER PYLORI ПО РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМ ПОЛНОГЕНОМНОГО СЕКВЕНИРОВАНИЯ
Authors: Старкова Д.А. , Гладышев Н.С. , Полев Д.Е. , Саитова А. , Сварваль А.В.
Published: September 2024

В связи с отсутствием в России данных, посвященных изучению детерминант резистентности H. pylori, целью нашего исследования явился поиск и выявление нуклеотидных замен, потенциально ассоциированных с фенотипической лекарственной устойчивостью к кларитромицину, левофлоксацину и метранидазолу клинических изолятов H. pylori.
Изучены 44 штамма H. pylori, выделенных от 32 взрослых пациентов с хроническим гастритом, 11 пациентов с язвенной болезнью двенадцатиперстной кишки и 1 пациента с раком желудка (2014-2019 гг.). Чувствительность изолятов H. pylori к антибактериальным препаратам (АБП) определяли бактериологическим диско-диффузионным методом. Тотальную ДНК из чистых культур H. pylori выделяли с использованием набора QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. Полногеномное секвенирование 44 штаммов H. pylori проведено на секвенаторе DNBSEQ-G50.
Проведена оценка результатов теста фенотипической лекарственной чувствительности к АБП. Для выявления ассоциации между фенотипической и генотипической устойчивостью к АБП проведен сравнительный анализ нуклеотидных замен в следующих генах: pbp1A, pbp2, pbp3, gyrA, gyrB, rdxA, frxA, 2 копии 23S rRNA, infB (HP1048), rpl22 (HP1314), четырех кластеров генов эффлюксной помпы (HP0605- HP0607 (hefABC), HP0969- HP0971 (hefDEF), HP1327- HP1329 (hefGHI) и HP1487- HP1489), семейство генов белков наружной мембраны (omp1-omp32, ompP1), включая токсиноподобные и регуляторы обмена железа (fecA, frpB), 28 генов флагеллярного семейства, гены множественной лекарственной устойчивости (hetA, msbA, spaB), 49 rpl генов рибосомальных белков. Для установления возможного влияния генов вирулентности на развитие устойчивости к АБП, проведена сравнительная оценка наличия генов острова патогенности cagPAI и среднего числа нуклеотидных замен в 108 генах вирулентности между двумя фенотипическими группами.
В результате первого полногеномного секвенирования клинических изолятов H. pylori в России, выявлены детерминанты устойчивости к трем АБП. Впервые в нашем исследовании описаны новые мутации как потенциальные маркеры развития резистентности к кларитромицину клинических изолятов H. pylori.
Development of GeSn epitaxial films with strong direct bandgap luminescence in the mid-wave infrared region using a commercial chemical vapor deposition reactor
Authors: Rosson Nicholas , Acharya Sudip , Fischer Alec M. , Collier Bria , Ali Abdulla , Torabi Ali , Du Wei , Yu Shui-Qing , Scott Robin C.
Published: September 2024

Germanium tin (GeSn) is a material of interest for electronic and photonic device applications, but its development and commercialization have been limited by material quality issues and lack of availability from epitaxy suppliers. In this paper, we report initial studies in optimizing GeSn films deposited on a Ge buffer layer grown on 200-mm diameter silicon (Si) substrates with an ASM Epsilon 2000 chemical vapor deposition reactor designed for commercial production. Using a single-step growth process, a Sn content up to 22% near the surface of a GeSn film was achieved due to the increase in Sn incorporation via strain relaxation. A two-step growth process resulted in a bilayer structure with a nearly 100% relaxation on the first layer, followed by a higher quality GeSn layer with 18% Sn as evident by a high photoluminescence intensity emitting in the mid-wave infrared region at 3.2 μm at 20 K.
Robust symbol detection for single-carrier underwater acoustic communication in impulsive noise environment
Authors: Li Wei-zhe , Han Xiao , Wei Li , Yin Jing-wei , Zhu Guang-jun , Jiang Zhi-chao
Published: September 2024

This paper addresses robust underwater acoustic communication in the presence of impulsive noise. We propose a single-carrier iterative symbol detection method, which combines variational Bayesian inference (VBI) and vector approximate message passing (VAMP) for impulsive noise cancellation. Unlike existing methods, we model the measurements as a combination of two components: clean data without impulsive noise and impulse-noise–induced outliers. A set of binary indicator variables is used to identify outliers automatically. Under the proposed mixed model, we derive a VBI-based symbol detection method that can alternatively detect communication symbols and impulsive noise, and compensate for the impulsive noise when detecting communication symbols. To further improve detection performance, we integrate the VAMP into the VBI framework for communication symbols detection. Additionally, to reduce the overall complexity of the communication system, we propose a channel estimation method based on damped generalized approximate message passing. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed detection method outperforms existing methods in terms of robustness and bit error rate.