bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-risk Escherichia coli clones that cause neonatal meningitis and association with recrudescent infection
Authors: Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Phan Minh-Duy , Hancock Steven J , Peters Kate M , Alvarez-Fraga Laura , Forde Brian M , Andersen Stacey B , Miliya Thyl , Harris Patrick NA , Beatson Scott A , Schlebusch Sanmarie , Bergh Haakon , Turner Paul , Brauner Annelie , Westerlund-Wikström Benita , Irwin Adam D , Schembri Mark A
Published: December 2023

Neonatal meningitis is a devastating disease associated with high mortality and neurological sequelae. Escherichia coli is the second most common cause of neonatal meningitis in full-term infants (herein NMEC) and the most common cause of meningitis in preterm neonates. Here, we investigated the genomic relatedness of a collection of 58 NMEC isolates spanning 1974–2020 and isolated from seven different geographic regions. We show NMEC are comprised of diverse sequence types (STs), with ST95 (34.5%) and ST1193 (15.5%) the most common. No single virulence gene profile was conserved in all isolates; however, genes encoding fimbrial adhesins, iron acquisition systems, the K1 capsule, and O antigen types O18, O75, and O2 were most prevalent. Antibiotic resistance genes occurred infrequently in our collection. We also monitored the infection dynamics in three patients that suffered recrudescent invasive infection caused by the original infecting isolate despite appropriate antibiotic treatment based on antibiogram profile and resistance genotype. These patients exhibited severe gut dysbiosis. In one patient, the causative NMEC isolate was also detected in the fecal flora at the time of the second infection episode and after treatment. Thus, although antibiotics are the standard of care for NMEC treatment, our data suggest that failure to eliminate the causative NMEC that resides intestinally can lead to the existence of a refractory reservoir that may seed recrudescent infection.
Signatures of transposon-mediated genome inflation, host specialization, and photoentrainment in Entomophthora muscae and allied entomophthoralean fungi
Authors: Stajich Jason E , Lovett Brian , Lee Emily , Macias Angie M , Hajek Ann E , de Bivort Benjamin L , Kasson Matt T , De Fine Licht Henrik H , Elya Carolyn
Published: December 2023

Despite over a century of observations, the obligate insect parasites within the order Entomophthorales remain poorly characterized at the genetic level. In this manuscript, we present a genome for a laboratory-tractable Entomophthora muscae isolate that infects fruit flies. Our E. muscae assembly is 1.03 Gb, consists of 7810 contigs and contains 81.3% complete fungal BUSCOs. Using a comparative approach with recent datasets from entomophthoralean fungi, we show that giant genomes are the norm within Entomophthoraceae owing to extensive, but not recent, Ty3 retrotransposon activity. In addition, we find that E. muscae and its closest allies possess genes that are likely homologs to the blue-light sensor white-collar 1, a Neurospora crassa gene that has a well-established role in maintaining circadian rhythms. We uncover evidence that E. muscae diverged from other entomophthoralean fungi by expansion of existing families, rather than loss of particular domains, and possesses a potentially unique suite of secreted catabolic enzymes, consistent with E. muscae’s species-specific, biotrophic lifestyle. Finally, we offer a head-to-head comparison of morphological and molecular data for species within the E. muscae species complex that support the need for taxonomic revision within this group. Altogether, we provide a genetic and molecular foundation that we hope will provide a platform for the continued study of the unique biology of entomophthoralean fungi.
Barreras al turismo en la región Mixteca de Oaxaca, México
Authors: Reyes-Santiago María del Rosario
Published: December 2023

En este documento se extiende el marco de capacidades dinámicas al ámbito del turismo comunitario. El modelo de investigación desarrollado permite comprender cómo los procesos históricos de colonización han cimentado las barreras al turismo, y explica estas barreras como rigideces que le impiden a la comunidad lograr congruencia con los cambios de su entorno y la implementación de la actividad turística. Los resultados evidencian la presencia de barreras a la detección de información turística; barreras a la internalización de esta información; y barreras a la transformación, en cuanto a la aplicación del conocimiento en innovaciones. Estas barreras se encuentran relacionadas entre sí, conformando un círculo vicioso que limita el éxito de las iniciativas turísticas en comunidades mixtecas de Oaxaca.
Controle jurisdicional de convencionalidade e suas implicações no estado democrático de direito: a falta de observação dos direitos fundamentais do povo Yanomami
Authors: E Silva Túlio Macedo Rosa , Ferreira Junior Edinaldo Inocencio
Published: December 2023

Este artigo aborda o controle jurisdicional de convencionalidade e sua relação com a falta de observância dos direitos fundamentais do povo Yanomami, que habita a região amazônica brasileira. O estudo explora o contexto do controle de convencionalidade como um mecanismo para harmonizar as leis nacionais com tratados internacionais de direitos humanos. O problema de pesquisa central reside na análise das implicações desse controle, ou ainda, da sua ausência, no Estado Democrático de Direito e na proteção dos direitos humanos, especificamente no que se refere ao povo Yanomami. A justificativa para essa pesquisa reside na necessidade de compreender e abordar as persistentes violações dos direitos fundamentais dessa comunidade indígena, que enfrenta desafios significativos relacionados à terra, saúde e cultura. A metodologia adotada incluiu uma revisão bibliográfica abrangente e a análise de jurisprudências relevantes. Os resultados destacam a falta de observância dos direitos do povo Yanomami em relação aos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos, ressaltando a importância do controle de convencionalidade como uma ferramenta para garantir a proteção desses direitos. Em conclusão, este estudo destaca que a implementação efetiva do controle de convencionalidade é essencial para garantir que as normas internas do Brasil estejam alinhadas com suas obrigações internacionais de direitos humanos. Outrossim, enfatiza a urgência de melhorar a situação do povo Yanomami, respeitando seus direitos fundamentais e promovendo uma sociedade verdadeiramente democrática e igualitária.
Evaluation on Genetic Variation, Correlation and Path Analysis in Zaid Maize (Zea mays L.) for Quantitative Characters
Authors: Marak Daryl K. , Marker Shailesh , Lal Kamlesh
Published: December 2023

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in twenty-one maize genotypes for 21 quantitative traits in Zaid 2023 at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. Analysis of Variance for all characters revealed that treatment differences were highly significant under study at 1% level. Genotype MZ-1917 depicted highest grain yield in the grown environment. The values of PCV were higher than GCV values for all the characters and large differences PCV between the values of PCV and GCV of characters like number of leaves per plant, leaf length, tassel length, cob length, cob girth and shelling percentage indicating that environmental factors significantly influenced the expression of these traits. All the traits studied had higher heritability, high genetic advance coupled with high heritability was observed for anthesis-silking intervals, ear height, cob weight, number of kernels per row, shank weight, 100 kernels weight, biological yield and grain yield per plant indicating the presence of large proportion of additive genetic action deciding these traits. Correlation and path coefficient analysis suggest that selection based on characters cob length, cob weight, shank weight, 100 kernels weight had positive correlation and direct effects with grain yield per plant. Therefore, it concludes that effective selection must be attempted for these traits, which would help in improvement of grain yield in maize genotypes grown during Zaid season of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Morphological, Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn: A Seed and Soil Borne Pathogen Infecting French Bean
Authors: Smitha H. S.  , Prashantha A.  , Koulagi Sumangala , Masuthi Dileepkumar , Rathod Vijaykumar Dondiba
Published: December 2023

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), holds significant importance as a both vegetable and pulse crop in India. Root rot disease has become threat for successful french bean cultivation.  Fusarium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia sp., Macrophomina, Pythium spp.  and Thielaviopsis sp. may incite root rot disease in french bean. The root rot caused by Rhizoctonia soalni Kuhn is one among the root rot causing pathogens, is a major devasticating disease in this crop. The objective of this investigation was to perform the morphological, molecular identification and pathogenicity of R. solani Kuhn infecting french bean root rot. The pathogen was isolated from the naturally infected french bean field with characteristic symptoms like yellowing, drying at the soil level, stunting, poor seedling establishment, uneven growth, chlorosis, and premature defoliation in severely affected cases. It was isolated using standard tissue isolation technique and identified based on morphological traits. The fungus was molecular identified by sequencing ITS region of rDNA by using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Further, pathogenicity of R. solani was proved according to Koch’s postulates.
Status and Prospectus of Organic Agriculture in Awalching, Surkhet Nepal
Authors: Rokaya C. B. , Thapa C. , Thapa P. , Pandey Shiwanand
Published: December 2023

The study on the status and prospects of organic agriculture in Awalching, Surkhet-was carried out in Awalching, Chingad rural Municipality of Surkhet district Nepal to find out the current status and prospects of organic agriculture in the study area. The study covered 130 households and the active working population was age group between 25-50 years. The study showed that 71% respondent were still illiterate, 13% of study area was connected to the main road while 87 % area was untouched with road facilities. About 90 % farmers had no knowledge of organic farming. They were still following organic production practices of their own and only very few 10% knows about organic farming. The study also showed that about 64% farmers were moving towards organic agriculture and 36% were still doing invented in conventional practices with less external input of chemical fertilizers except in Zinger farming. This offers a concept of sustainable practices based on environmental responsibility revealed that the households produce average of 510g of kitchen wastes which were being used to prepare compost manure. Out of 130 farmers, only 3% of them used chemical fertilizers and 2% farmers and 90% of the farmers used chemical pesticides and did use external chemical inputs at all respectively. Majority of the products were organic and they selling their products through different channels. 42% of them were selling their products to wholesalers. Also 40%, 9% and 7% of the farmers were selling their products to contractor, retailer and did not produce surplus respectively. It was further revealed that majority of the income generated by the farmers about 30% was used for health issues and medicine while 28%, 12 % and 18% spent on daily live hood, the child education and miscellaneous expenditure respectively and only about 13% of total income was saved for future use. However positive changes in term of investment on children education, health and striating food security by the farmer was observed. The role of organic agriculture and environmental sustainability has positive relationship with each other. Besides on the yield comparisons, organic practices shows higher organic matter in soil, lower energy consumption, lower use of external inputs, better food quality, and the also potential to address global issues like climate change.
The role of duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis of pelvic venous disease
Authors:   Toonder Consulo, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Zilvergracht, The Netherlands, Toonder Irwin Toonder
Published: December 2023

Recently there is an increased awareness of the possibility of pelvic venous disorders in patients with phlebological disease. The pathophysiology involves venous reflux or obstruction or a combination of both. It has been recommended that valvular function should be determined by the duration of reflux with the patient in an upright position. However the term ‘reflux’ is being used avidly by those assessing magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography where patients are in a supine position. Venous compression is a common finding when the patient is supine and does not necessarily mean pathology. Duplex ultrasound is probably the only diagnostic tool which allows for examination in both supine and upright positions.
The natural history of pelvic veins
Authors:   Vein Competency Center, Practice for Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases, Halle/Saale, Germany, Hirsch Tobias
Published: December 2023

The paired leg and pelvic veins as well as the gonadal and renal veins flow into the unpaired inferior vena cava. The abdominal aorta splits into two iliac branches. This results in numerous crossings of the closely adjacent vessels and causes hemodynamic effects. The reason behind this lies in the embryological development. Early on in human development, primitive arteries and veins form from a capillary network. The limb, renal and testicular veins as well as the inferior vena cava develop from the cardinal vein system and are initially created in pairs. Remodelling and regression processes in the cardinal venous system during embryonic development explain the special anatomy of the retroperitoneal veins as well as the pathophysiological conditions underlying the various forms of PeVD.
Glycol Ethers: Ethers of Propylene, Butylene Glycols, and Other Glycol Derivatives
Authors: Seidel Shawn , Barranco Wade T. , Shi Quan
Published: December 2023

Propylene‐series glycol ethers are produced by the reaction of propylene oxide (PO) with primary alcohols. Chain prolongation occurs by further reaction of the glycol ether with excess propylene oxide during the production process. Therefore, a mixture of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and higher propylene glycol ethers are formed, which are separated from each other by distillation. Due to the flexibility of using different alcohol groups and the number of propylene glycol ether linkages, P‐series glycol ethers can provide unique solvency characteristics by conveying both polar and nonpolar characteristics, and reduction of surface tension. Due to their physical–chemical characteristics, P‐series glycol ethers are used in many applications ranging from electronics to protective coatings and cleaners. The P‐series glycol ethers, and glycol ethers in general, have a robust toxicology data set covering a wide range of endpoints following oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure. Due to the nature of the PO molecule, two structural isomers can be formed for each PO unit in the glycol ether molecule, i.e., two isomers for mono‐, four for di‐, eight for tri‐, and so on. The key difference is the resulting environment for the hydroxy group between the isomers. For the monos, the α‐isomer contains a secondary hydroxyl group (hence, sometimes also called the secondary isomer) whilst the β‐isomer has a primary hydroxyl group. This difference in hydroxyl group environment between the two isomers results in different metabolism routes being available, with higher toxicity from the β‐isomer due to its ability to oxidize to the acid form. It should be emphasized, however, that this predicted higher toxicity has only been seen with the β‐isomer of methoxypropanol. During production, the α‐isomer is thermodynamically favored and, when needed, the β‐isomer is controlled to reduce its presence. The P‐series glycol ether products as commercially produced are of low toxicity with the primary effects from long‐term exposure being adaptive changes to the liver and rat‐specific (α‐2μ‐globulin) kidney effects.
Toxicology of Flavoring Ingredients in the Food Industry
Authors: Pecquet Alison M. , Bates Christopher , Maier M. Andrew
Published: December 2023

The present chapter represents toxicological information on selected flavoring ingredients commonly found in the food and beverage product manufacturing workplace. Many flavoring ingredients are considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) based on consumer oral ingestion but can present hazards in the occupational context depending on route of exposure and exposure concentration. Therefore, when occupational exposure limits do not exist, it is important that workers review safety data sheets (SDS) and other hazard information and participate in training to understand the verbiage on these resources as part of a comprehensive hazard communication program. New occupational hazard assessment approaches include hazard banding when data are scarce and use of the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) to inform risk management planning in the food and beverage sectors. The Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have adopted modified Cramer approaches and the TTC concept to classify flavor ingredients by structure for dietary exposure and safety assessment considerations when chemical‐specific data are limited. Today, new chemical entities are being designed and created to maximize and/or customize the interaction of the flavor ingredients with taste receptors, including new applications of flavoring compounds to use in Electronic Nicotine Devices (ENDs) that involve inhalation route exposures. Several important flavor chemicals have been covered in this chapter with respect to their properties, exposure assessment, toxicity, and regulations pertaining to risk and safety assessments for different use scenarios.
Collostructional Methods
Authors: Gries Stefan T.
Published: December 2023

This entry provides an overview of the family of three methods known as collostructional analysis. It first outlines the traditional way in which these three methods were computed and interpreted and then discusses current developments and desiderata.
Early Bilingualism
Authors: De Houwer Annick
Published: December 2023

This entry describes the major linguistic developments in Bilingual First Language Acquisition (BFLA) and Early Second Language Acquisition (ESLA) in children under the age of 6. Focusing first on linguistic developments, it describes babbling, phonology, word comprehension and production, and morphosyntax. Although developmental patterns are largely predictable as a function of children's ages and bilingual learning settings, there is great interindividual variability. Uneven development where children's languages develop at different rates is typical. In BFLA there is relatively little influence from one language on the other. There is much more of it in ESLA. Bilingual children use utterances with words from a single language but may also say utterances with words from two languages. They are able to fluently switch between these depending on the sociolinguistic context.

The entry also discusses some implications of developmental findings. It stresses the importance of maintaining children's home languages for optimal family communication and refutes some commonly held myths that are not of benefit to bilingual children. Educators may become concerned if one of a bilingual child's languages appears to develop too slowly. It is only when bilingual children are developing very slowly in both of their languages that one has to start worrying. Given sufficient time and learning opportunities, and a positive attitude from all involved toward the bilingual language learning experience, children everywhere can become fluent speakers of two languages from early on.
Understanding the Impact of Peripheral Substitution on the Activity of Co Phthalocyanine in Sulfur Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Zhao Xinhong , Zhang Yukun , Liu Weizhe , Zheng Zhiqiang , Fu Zhanghua , Chen Chuanzhong , Hu Cheng
Published: December 2023

Catalytic materials are effective in promoting sulfur utilization in lithium‐sulfur batteries. Co phthalocyanine (CoPc) presents a unique planner single‐molecular structure with a highly active Co‐N4 center for sulfur reduction catalysis. The high flexibility of phthalocyanines offers rich opportunities for electronic structure modulation toward enhanced catalytic activities. To guide future design and screening, this study aims to understand the impact of peripheral substitution, the most common method to obtain CoPc derivatives, by examining two typical substituents: the electron‐withdrawing nitro and electron‐donating amino groups. Co tetranitrophthalocyanine (CoTnPc) presents a significantly higher activity in promoting the liquid‐solid transition process than Co tetraaminophthalocyanine (CoTaPc). Substitution alters the stable binding geometry of Li2S4 by influencing the electrostatic potential and Li─bond, making the Co─S bond energetically favorable with the bridging S atoms on CoTnPc. CoTnPc also enables a greater electron donation from the S 3pz orbital to the singly occupied Co 3 orbital, significantly weakening the bridging S─S bond to enhance the reactivity of Li2S4 for the subsequent liquid‐solid transition. A framework of theoretical calculation is tested, providing descriptors for the screening of related materials. The potential of CoPc derivatives is demonstrated by pouch cells with CoTnPc under high sulfur loading and limited electrolyte addition.
Co‐Fired Multilayer Thermoelectric Generators Based on Textured Calcium Cobaltite
Authors: Bresch Sophie , Stargardt Patrick , Moos Ralf , Mieller Björn
Published: December 2023

Thermoelectric generators are very attractive devices for waste heat energy harvesting as they transform a temperature difference into electrical power. However, commercially available generators show poor power density and limited operation temperatures. Research focuses on high‐temperature materials and innovative generator designs. Finding the optimal design for a given material system is challenging. Here, a theoretical framework is provided that allows appropriate generator design selection based on the particular material properties. For high‐temperature thermoelectric oxides, it can be clearly deduced that unileg multilayer generators have the highest potential for effective energy harvesting. Based on these considerations, prototype unileg multilayer generators from the currently best thermoelectric oxide Ca3Co4O9 are manufactured for the first time by industrially established ceramic multilayer technology. These generators exhibit a power density of 2.2 mW cm−2 at a temperature difference of 260 K, matching simulated values and confirming the suitability of the technology. Further design improvements increase the power density by a factor of 22 to facilitate practicable power output at temperature differences as low as 7 K. This work demonstrates that reasonable energy harvesting at elevated temperatures is possible with oxide materials and appropriate multilayer design.
Beyondself‐interest: how altruistic values and human emotions drive brand advocacy in hospitality consumers through corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Ahmad Aqeel , Siddique Irfan
Published: December 2023

Tourism and hospitality are at a critical crossroads that offer great economic potential but also pose significant challenges, including market complexity and intense competition. Recognizing consumers' pivotal role in achieving service excellence, this study emphasizes the importance to understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) shapes their behavior, especially concerning brand advocacy behavior (BADB), a critical factor of service excellence. As a primary objective, this study seeks to bridge the existing literature gap on the relationship between CSR and BADB in the hospitality context of a developing country. Furthermore, the research expands its focus on how consumers' emotions and values mediate and moderate their BADB. This includes an examination of two mediating variables: brand admiration (BAD) and consumers' engagement (CENG), and altruistic values (ALVS) as a potential moderator. Through comprehensive data collection via a self‐administered questionnaire from hospitality consumers and the subsequent structural model analysis, the research provides compelling evidence that CSR positively influences BADB. Also, BAD and CENG are established as mediators, and ALVS is confirmed as a moderating factor. The practical implications are far‐reaching, suggesting that CSR efforts in the hospitality sector can significantly shape positive consumer psychology and bolster their advocacy intentions. These findings are vital for decision‐makers and practitioners seeking to improve their consumer engagement strategies and establish a competitive advantage. Further, this study illuminates a path towards a more sustainable and consumer‐centric approach in the hospitality industry.
A high gain and compact size asymmetrical 17‐level inverter for medium‐ and high‐power applications
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Faraz , Arif M. Saad Bin , Abdelrahem Mohamed , Rodriguez Jose
Published: December 2023

A new structure of an asymmetrical switched‐capacitor‐based multilevel inverter topology is proposed. The circuit is capable of generating 17‐level boosted output utilizing 11 switches and two DC sources in the ratio of 1:2, having a voltage gain of 2.6 times the input voltage. The boosting capacitors were properly charge‐discharged during one complete cycle without requiring any complex control circuit for voltage balancing. The simulation model of the proposed circuit is developed in MATLAB, and the performance of the circuit is experimentally validated. The thermal modeling using PLECS software for power loss evolution is performed, and the maximum efficiency of 97.70% is achieved by implanting a low switching frequency scheme. The comparison with the other similar topologies shows the proposed topology is better than the other compared topologies in many parameters. The boosted output voltage utilizing reduced components makes the proposed topology feasible for various applications, including solar PV system.
Interactive effects of gestational diabetes and high pre‐pregnancy body mass index on adverse growth patterns of offspring
Authors: Cao Weihan , Li Ninghua , Zhang Rui , Li Weiqin , Gao Ming , Wang Hui , Wang Leishen , Qiao Yijuan , Li Jing , Yu Zhijie , Hu Gang , Leng Junhong , Yang Xilin
Published: December 2023

Aims

To examine the independent and interactive effects of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and high pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the risk of offspring adverse growth patterns.

Materials and Methods

One thousand six hundred and eighty one mother‐child pairs were followed for 8 years in Tianjin, China. Group‐based trajectory modelling was used to identify offspring growth patterns. Logistic regression was performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of GDM and high pre‐pregnancy BMI for offspring adverse growth patterns. Restricted cubic spline was used to identify cut‐off points. Additive interactions and multiplicative interactions were used to test interactive effects between GDM and high pre‐pregnancy BMI for adverse growth patterns.

Results

Four distinct growth patterns were identified in offspring, including normal growth pattern, persistent lean growth pattern, late obesity growth pattern (LOGP), and persistent obesity growth pattern (POGP). Maternal high pre‐pregnancy BMI was associated with LOGP and POGP (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.38, 1.74–3.25 & 4.92, 2.26–10.73). GDM greatly enhanced the adjusted OR of high pre‐pregnancy BMI for LOGP up to 3.48 (95% CI: 2.25–5.38). Additive interactions and multiplicative interactions between both risk factors were significant for LOGP but not for POGP.

Conclusions

Maternal high pre‐pregnancy BMI was associated with increased risk of LOGP and POGP, whereas GDM greatly enhanced the risk of high pre‐pregnancy BMI for LOGP.
Forage senescence and disease influence elk pregnancy across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Bidder Owen R. , Connor Thomas , Morales Juan M. , Rickbeil Gregory J. M. , Merkle Jerod A. , Fuda Rebecca K. , Rogerson Jared D. , Scurlock Brandon M. , Edwards William H. , Cole Eric K. , McWhirter Douglas E. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Dewey Sarah , Kauffman Matthew J. , MacNulty Daniel R. , du Toit Johan T. , Stahler Daniel R. , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: December 2023

For various temperate ungulate species, recent research has highlighted the potential for spring vegetation phenology (“green‐up”) to influence individual condition, with purported benefits to population productivity. However, few studies have been able to measure the benefit on vital rates directly, and fewer still have investigated the comparative influence of other phenological periods on ungulate vital rates. In this study, we tracked phenological changes throughout the duration of the growing season and examined how their timing affected the probability of pregnancy in an ungulate population. We did this for elk (Cervus canadensis) across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) by sampling 1106 adult females in winter at 25 sites over a 13‐year period and assessing sources of variation in pregnancy using a Bayesian hierarchical model. Pregnancy rates were generally high across the GYE (82.4%), and the primary influences on probability of pregnancy were the timing of vegetation senescence (“brown‐down”) in autumn and exposure to the reproductive disease brucellosis. Earlier forage brown‐down in fall negatively influenced the probability of pregnancy of elk aged 6–9 years by an estimated 17.2% within the range (ca. 32 days) of observed brown‐down end dates. While summer habitat quality has been inferred to influence elk pregnancy previously, our findings specify the key influence of foraging conditions later in the seasonal cycle, immediately before the breeding season. The reproductive disease brucellosis was also an important factor, reducing the probability of pregnancy by 12.4% in elk in the 6‐ to 9‐year age class. Because pregnancy was tested before most disease‐induced abortions occur, the apparent mechanism for this effect is a prolonged reduction in fertility beyond the period of initial exposure in which fetal mortality is typically expected. Our results prompt greater scrutiny of the combined effects of late‐season phenology and disease on reproductive rates and population productivity in temperate ungulates.
Mutational landscape of head and neck cancer and cervical cancer in Chinese and Western population
Authors: Li Qunxing , Zhu Genhai , Zhang Lizao , Zeng Binghui , Cai Tingting , Wu Jiaying , Wei Bin , Xie Zhijun , He Lile , Tang Wenbing , Lin Xinyu , Lu Huaiwu , Wu Fan , Huang Jintao , Hu Huijun , Liu Niu , Fan Song
Published: December 2023

Background

We aimed to unbiasedly map the genetic mutation profile of HNSC and CESC associated with HPV status in the Chinese population (SYSU‐cohort) and compare them with Western population (TCGA‐cohort).

Methods

Fifty‐one HNSC patients (SYSU‐HNSC) and 38 CESC patients (SYSU‐CESC) were enrolled in this study. Genomic alterations were examined, and the profile was produced using the YuanSuTM450 gene panel (OrigiMed, Shanghai, China). The altered genes were inferred and compared to Western patients from TCGA cohorts.

Results

Compared to the TCGA‐HNSC cohort, FGFR3 mutation was identified as a novel target in SYSU‐HNSC with therapeutic potential. Compared to the TCGA‐CESC cohort, some epigenetic regulation‐associated genes were frequently mutated in SYSU‐CESC cohort (KMT2C, KMT2D, KDM5C, KMT2A).

Conclusion

In summary, our study provides unbiased insights into the genetic landscape of HNSC and CESC in the Chinese population and highlights potential novel therapeutic targets that may benefit Chinese patients.
A quantile regression approach to identify risk factors for high blood glucose levels among Bangladeshi individuals
Authors: Aktar Mst. Farjana , Chowdhury Mashfiqul Huq , Rahman Md. Siddikur
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood glucose, is an overwhelming public health concern globally, including in Bangladesh. The implication of this trend may pose a significant challenge to the health systems due to the lack of awareness and improper management of this chronic disease. To formulate strategies for public health planning, this study aims to explore the potential risk factors for elevated blood glucose levels among Bangladeshi individuals using advanced statistical methods and a nationally representative data set.

Methods

This study utilized data from the 2017−18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and included 11,863 individuals. A nonparametric Kruskal−Wallis test assessed the significant association between fasting plasma glucose levels and various risk factors. Additionally, a robust quantile regression model was applied to examine the net effects of each risk factor at different quantiles of the distribution.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes is 8.1% among individuals in the study population, with variations observed across different administrative divisions in the country. Respondents from the Dhaka division respondents had a higher likelihood (24.1%) of having elevated plasma glucose and the Rangpur division had a lower risk (10.3%) of developing diabetes disease. This study identified several potential risk factors associated with elevated blood glucose levels, including hypertensive disease, overweight and obese body mass index, higher economic status, reduced physical activities, and older age, significantly contributing to develop diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

This study recommends promoting healthy lifestyles, increased physical activity, effective hypertension management, obesity reduction, and nationwide screening programs to control diabetes and noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh. These preventive measures are crucial for reducing the existing prevalence of diabetes and working toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Usefulness of fluorescent ureteral catheter during laparoscopic residual ureterectomy
Authors: Honda Tomoko , Matsuoka Yuki , Osaki Yu , Tohi Yoichiro , Naito Hirohito , Kato Takuma , Okazoe Homare , Taoka Rikiya , Ueda Nobufumi , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: December 2023

Introduction

There have been reports of surgery for residual ureteral tumors, most of them involved open surgeries. Herein, we report a case of retroperitoneal scopic left ureteral resection and partial cystectomy, performed by placing a fluorescent ureteral catheter in the residual ureter.

Case presentation

A 79‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of gross hematuria. He had undergone transperitoneal left radical nephrectomy due to angiomyolipoma 20 years ago. Computed tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid tumor in the left residual ureter. Retroperitoneal scopic residual ureterectomy has been performed. During the operation, a fluorescent ureteral catheter proved to be very helpful in detecting the ureter.

Conclusion

A fluorescent ureteral catheter is considered to be a useful tool in laparoscopic surgery, especially in cases where identification of the ureter is expected to be difficult, such as the residual ureter in this case.
Homework as a driver of change in psychotherapy
Authors: Ryum Truls , Bennion Mia , Kazantzis Nikolaos
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

The utilization of Between‐Session Homework (BSH) holds a longstanding tradition in the field of psychotherapy. Significantly, it serves as a pivotal catalyst for change within behavioral and cognitive‐behavioral therapies, and has also garnered endorsement within psychodynamic and humanistic‐experiential therapies. While our current conceptualization of BSH is characterized by assimilation and integration, diversity prevails in how BSH is incorporated into the treatment plan, spanning various therapy stages, thus necessitating a customized therapist‐client interpersonal dynamic. Far from being a panacea, the employment of BSH emerges as a highly sophisticated and intricate clinical methodology, demanding a high degree of therapist proficiency and competence to facilitate client engagement.

Methods

In this introductory paper, we present an issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session that exemplifies the diverse modalities through which BSH can be integrated into clinical practice across various client demographics and within distinct psychotherapeutic paradigms. We place specific emphasis on the pivotal role of BSH and its interplay with proposed mechanisms of change throughout the course of treatment.

Results

Initially, we provide an overarching view of the subject and expound on empirical research substantiating the efficacy of BSH in psychotherapy. Subsequently, we delve into strategies for adeptly integrating and monitoring BSH within clinical practice.

Conclusions

Our primary objectives encompass affording readers a more lucid comprehension of (1) the content and nature of homework; (2) the influence of BSH on treatment outcomes; and (3) the ways through which therapists can foster client engagement with BSH. Finally, we introduce the six papers comprising this issue.
PRG4 deficiency in mice alters skeletal structure, mechanics, and calvarial osteoclastogenesis, and rhPRG4 inhibits in vitro osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Tanguay Adam P. , Menon Nikhil G. , Boudreau Margaret H. , Jastrzebski Sandra , Woods Paige S. , Doyle Erica A. , Edwards W. Brent , Jay Gregory D. , Deymier Alix C. , Lorenzo Joseph , Lee Sun‐Kyeong , Schmidt Tannin A.
Published: December 2023

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk, estimated to affect over 10 million people in the United States alone. Drugs used to treat bone loss often come with significant limitations and/or long‐term safety concerns. Proteoglycan‐4 (PRG4, also known as lubricin) is a mucin‐like glycoprotein best known for its boundary lubricating function of articular cartilage. In more recent years, it has been shown that PRG4 has anti‐inflammatory properties, contributes to the maintenance of subchondral bone integrity, and patients with PRG4 mutations are osteopenic. However, it remains unknown how PRG4 impacts mechanical and material properties of bone. Therefore, our objective was to perform a phenotyping study of bone in a Prg4 gene trap (GT) mouse (PRG4 deficient). We found that femurs of Prg4 GT mice have altered mechanical, structural, and material properties relative to wildtype littermates. Additionally, Prg4 GT mice have a greater number of calvarial osteoclasts than wildtype mice, but do not have a notable inflammatory serum profile. Finally, Prg4 GT mice do not have an altered rate of bone formation, and exogenous recombinant human PRG4 (rhPRG4) administration inhibited osteoclastogenesis in vitro, suggesting that the skeletal phenotype may be due to changes in bone resorption. Overall, this work demonstrates that PRG4 deficiency affects several integral properties of bone structure, mechanics, and skeletal cell activity, and provides the foundation and insight toward future work evaluating PRG4 as a potential therapeutic target in treating bone loss.
Acorn and aquatic invertebrate biomass in Mississippi Alluvial Valley hardwood bottomlands
Authors: Straub Jacob N. , Kaminski Richard M. , Leach Alan. G. , Ezell Andrew W. , Leininger Theodor , Foth Justyn , Davis J. Brian
Published: December 2023

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) is an internationally important migration and wintering region for Nearctic waterfowl. Most of the MAV is a lowland forested floodplain that contains vast stands of red oaks (Quercus spp.). These trees produce acorns and, when forests flood, diverse communities of aquatic invertebrates emerge, providing diverse nutritious foods for wintering ducks. The MAV is within the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (LMV JV) region of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, but no combined MAV‐wide estimates of acorn and invertebrate biomass exist to determine foraging carrying capacity for conservation planning or actions by the LMV JV or other partners in regions containing southern red oaks. We sampled acorns that fell to the ground or were submersed under shallow water deemed accessible to foraging ducks and aquatic invertebrates in the MAV of Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, USA, during fall‐winter 2009–2011. In good and poor masting years, acorn abundance was non‐linearly related to the percentage of the forest canopy made up of red oaks and peaked in late autumn or winter when most other waterfowl resources are depleted or decomposed. This finding is novel and represents a deviation from how the LMV JV has traditionally assumed food resources exist for waterfowl in hardwood bottomlands. We used a daily ration model to estimate energy use days (EUDs) from combined acorn and invertebrate biomasses relative to red oak canopy coverage. For good and poor acorn masting years at the mean MAV‐wide red oak canopy coverage of 45%, EUD = 2,273.1 days/ha and 161.2 days/ha, respectively. The LMV JV currently uses EUD = 385–502 days/ha for forests with 40–50% red oak canopy coverage. Because acorns and aquatic macro‐invertebrates are a food resource that persists through winter and reaches peak abundance later in winter, we contend conservation planners have undervalued the potential of bottomland hardwoods to provide energy for wintering ducks.
Identification of RP11‐770J1.4 as immune‐related lncRNA regulating the CTXN1–cGAS–STING axis in histologically lower‐grade glioma
Authors: Zhuang Qiyuan , Liu Chaxian , Hu Yihan , Liu Ying , Lyu Yingying , Liao Yuheng , Chen Liang , Yang Hui , Mao Ying
Published: December 2023

Human gliomas are lethal brain cancers. Emerging evidence revealed the regulatory role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumors. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression profiles of RNAs in histologically lower‐grade glioma (LGG). Enrichment analysis revealed that glioma is influenced by immune‐related signatures. Survival analysis further established the close correlation between network features and glioma prognosis. Subsequent experiments showed lncRNA RP11‐770J1.4 regulates CTXN1 expression through hsa‐miR‐124‐3p. Correlation analysis identified lncRNA RP11‐770J1.4 was immune related, specifically involved in the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway. Downregulated lncRNA RP11‐770J1.4 resulted in increased spontaneous gene expression of the cGAS–STING pathway. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis, along with investigations in a glioblastoma stem cell model and patient sample analysis, demonstrated the predominant localization of CTXN1 within tumor cores rather than peripheral regions. Immunohistochemistry staining established a negative correlation between CTXN1 expression and infiltration of CD8+ T cells. In vivo, Ctxn1 knockdown in GL261 cells led to decreased tumor burden and improved survival while increasing infiltration of CD8+ T cells. These findings unveil novel insights into the lncRNA RP11‐770J1.4–CTXN1 as a potential immune regulatory axis, highlighting its therapeutic implications for histologically LGGs.
Nonparametric estimation of the random effects distribution for the risk or rate ratio in rare events meta‐analysis with the arm‐based and contrast‐based approaches
Authors: Sangnawakij Patarawan , Böhning Dankmar , Holling Heinz , Jansen Katrin
Published: December 2023

Rare events are events which occur with low frequencies. These often arise in clinical trials or cohort studies where the data are arranged in binary contingency tables. In this article, we investigate the estimation of effect heterogeneity for the risk‐ratio parameter in meta‐analysis of rare events studies through two likelihood‐based nonparametric mixture approaches: an arm‐based and a contrast‐based model. Maximum likelihood estimation is achieved using the EM algorithm. Special attention is given to the choice of initial values. Inspired by the classification likelihood, a strategy is implemented which repeatably uses random allocation of the studies to the mixture components as choice of initial values. The likelihoods under the contrast‐based and arm‐based approaches are compared and differences are highlighted. We use simulations to assess the performance of these two methods. Under the design of sampling studies with nested treatment groups, the results show that the nonparametric mixture model based on the contrast‐based approach is more appropriate in terms of model selection criteria such as AIC and BIC. Under the arm‐based design the results from the arm‐based model performs well although in some cases it is also outperformed by the contrast‐based model. Comparisons of the estimators are provided in terms of bias and mean squared error. Also included in the comparison is the mixed Poisson regression model as well as the classical DerSimonian‐Laird model (using the Mantel‐Haenszel estimator for the common effect). Using simulation, estimating effect heterogeneity in the case of the contrast‐based method appears to behave better than the compared methods although differences become negligible for large within‐study sample sizes. We illustrate the methodologies using several meta‐analytic data sets in medicine.
Singing silver‐haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Authors: Lausen Cori L. , Falxa Greg A. , Solick Donald I. , McEwan Alexandria L. , Baker Michael D. , de Freitas Emily , Sarell Mike
Published: December 2023

Characterizing sounds produced by animals can lead to better understanding of their behavioral ecology and conservation. While considerable focus has been on signals used by bats for echolocation, there has been less emphasis on nonecholocation sounds. We describe songs (i.e., acoustic vocalizations with distinctive syllable types in series or in complex motifs) produced by silver‐haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Songs, characterized by a sequence (song phrase) of 3 distinct vocalization types, were confirmed by observing free‐flying, silver‐haired bats at mine hibernacula in British Columbia, Canada. The song patterns were relatively consistent with each song phrase consisting of a lead call, followed by a droplet call, and finishing with a series of multiple chirp calls. The function of the songs is unknown, however, as other bat species produce songs for mating, we propose silver‐haired bat songs may similarly be associated with courtship or mating. Alternative functions cannot be ruled out, particularly because we recorded some songs outside of the accepted mating period. Other research has determined peak mating of silver‐haired bats occurs in fall, and spring mating has been documented. Here we additionally provide evidence of winter mating in British Columbia. The proportion of silver‐haired bat songs recorded relative to echolocation recordings varied across locations and seasons. While we recorded songs in all months of the year, more than half of the songs were produced during winter, and 93.4% (of 1,857) were produced outside of summer months. Song production in summer could be associated with other behaviors such as learning or practice, establishing or maintaining social bonds, or male‐male competition. To provide landscape and temporal context, we summarize acoustic datasets from numerous locations in western North America where recordings were made between 2005 and 2022.