bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How can biodiversity strategy and action plans incorporate genetic diversity and align with global commitments?
Authors: Hoban Sean , Hvilsom Christina , Aissi Abdeldjalil , Aleixo Alexandre , Bélanger Julie , Biala Katarzyna , Ekblom Robert , Fedorca Ancuta , Funk W Chris , Goncalves Alejandra Lorena , Gonzalez Andrew , Heuertz Myriam , Hughes Alice , Ishihama Fumiko , Stroil Belma Kalamujic , Laikre Linda , McGowan Philip J K , Millette Katie L , O'Brien David , Paz-Vinas Ivan , Rincón-Parra Victor Julio , Robuchon Marine , Rodríguez Jon Paul , Rodríguez-Morales María Alejandra , Segelbacher Gernot , Straza Tiffany R A , Susanti Ruliyana , Tshidada Ntakadzeni , Vilaça Sibelle Torres , da Silva Jessica M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
National, subnational, and supranational entities are creating biodiversity strategy and action plans (BSAPs) to develop concrete commitments and actions to curb biodiversity loss, meet international obligations, and achieve a society in harmony with nature. In light of policymakers’ increasing recognition of genetic diversity in species and ecosystem adaptation and resilience, this article provides an overview of how BSAPs can incorporate species’ genetic diversity. We focus on three areas: setting targets; committing to actions, policies, and programs; and monitoring and reporting. Drawing from 21 recent BSAPs, we provide examples of policies, knowledge, projects, capacity building, and more. We aim to enable and inspire specific and ambitious BSAPs and have put forward 10 key suggestions mapped to the policy cycle. Together, scientists and policymakers can translate high level commitments, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, into concrete nationally relevant targets, actions and policies, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Rehabilitation as Performance: Symbolizing Penal Welfare in Chinese Community Corrections
Authors: Jiang Jize , Chen Xuan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The recent establishment of Chinese community-based corrections (CCC) signals Chinese reformers’ ostensible embrace of the rehabilitation ideal and a looming lenient turn in Chinese criminal justice policy. While a growing literature has studied the operational effects, social functions and political significance of CCC, little attention has been paid to the performative aspect or symbolic significance of China’s efforts at offender rehabilitation through community correctional processes. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in parole settings of two Chinese cities, we show how the CCC’s rehabilitative work practically operates as a form of performative governance, shedding light on the strategies and processes used by penal actors to achieve rehabilitative performance. In routine rehabilitative practices, justice officials typically collaborate with service professionals and/or parolees to forge a team performance—either by staging the fulfilment of indicators or by engaging in glorifying rituals. The study contends that when the implementation of rehabilitation is geared towards serving the interests of the state and is preoccupied with meeting bureaucratic ends, while ignoring the voices and precarious situations of offenders, the CCC enterprise of providing correctional services becomes a symbolic performance rather than a substantive accomplishment. The implications of the study for research and policy are discussed.
Morphological and molecular data demonstrate the existence of Betula fruticosa and B. middendorffii and the absence of B. ovalifolia in northeastern China
Authors: Dun Xingjian , Ding Junyi , Jadwiszczak Katarzyna A , Zhou Shaojie , Wang Qi , Nakamura Koh , Fan Yuyun , Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Chen Dafeng , Wang Nian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Shrub birches are important components of massive wetlands in Northeast China, although much of these habitats have been lost over the past two decades. However, the taxonomy of shrub birches has been ambiguous owing to their morphological variation. In this study, we incorporated morphological and molecular data to address the taxonomic challenges associated with shrub birches. We characterized the morphological variation in the leaves, seeds, and bracts of 11 shrub birch populations in Northeast China and a population of Betula ovalifolia in northern Japan. We genotyped birch individuals from Northeast China at 15 microsatellite loci as well as a subset of individuals, using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). The populations in Northeast China consisted of B. fruticosa and B. middendorffii. These two species and B. ovalifolia differ in the width of their seed wings and the angle between the side lobes of their bracts, despite substantial intraspecific variation. Our genetic data revealed two distinct clusters, corresponding to B. fruticosa and B. middendorffii. Ploidy level assessment via RAD-seq revealed that B. fruticosa is diploid and B. middendorffii is tetraploid. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that B. fruticosa formed a sister clade to diploid B. humilis, and B. middendorffii formed a clade with diploid B. nana. Our results indicate the existence of B. fruticosa and B. middendorffii and the probable absence of B. ovalifolia in the northern Daxing’an Range, as all the tetraploid individuals sampled there represented B. middendorffii. In addition, our results suggest that B. humilis and B. nana may have served as diploid parents of the tetraploid species B. ovalifolia and B. middendorffii, respectively.
Nutritional outcomes between different techniques of intradialytic amino acid replacement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dumrongsukit Sophon , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Asavapujanamanee Pagaporn , Metta Kamonchanok , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Kittiskulnam Piyawan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Amino acid (AA) depletion during dialysis deteriorates the protein-energy status of haemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to determine whether intradialytic amino acid (IDAA) replacement by continuous infusion versus acute load could provide better nutritional outcomes.

Methods
HD patients with mild protein-energy wasting, defined as a serum albumin level of 3.5–3.9 mg/dl despite 7-point subjective global assessment in category A or a malnutrition inflammation score ≤5, were randomly assigned to receive IDAA by continuous infusion or acute load for 3 months. In continuous infusion (n = 24), 50% glucose followed by 7.2% branched-chain enriched AA solution were instilled in the first 15 minutes after HD initiation with high-flux dialyser through the end of the session. Similar parenteral nutrition compositions containing the same total amount of glucose and AA were rapidly added into the venous drip chamber within the last hour of HD in the acute load group (n = 24). The primary outcome was the change in serum albumin level. Secondary outcomes were changes in muscle parameters and plasma as well as dialysate AA concentrations.

Results
The mean age of patients was 68.9 ± 12.7 years and the average body mass index was 22.8 ± 4.4 kg/m2 with 45.8% being men. After 3 months, serum albumin levels were significantly elevated in continuous infusion (P = .001) whereas it was unchanged in the acute load (P = .13). Despite comparable energy and protein intake, total body muscle mass was also increased in the continuous infusion group at 3 months (P = .03) compared with no significant change in the acute load group (P = .45). The amount of AA loss into the dialysate was similar between the two groups (P = .17). At post-dialysis, most plasma essential and non-essential AA levels were significantly lower in patients receiving continuous infusion than acute load, while branched-chain AA concentrations including leucine (P = .61) and valine (P = .09) were comparable between the two groups. Despite enhancing muscle mass in continuous infusion, handgrip strength and gait speed were unaltered in both techniques of IDAA replacement.

Conclusions
IDAA using continuous infusion appears to be superior to acute load in terms of serum albumin and muscle mass improvement. The impact of IDAA on hard clinical outcomes may require larger scale with a longer period of study (TCTR20230401003).
The Genomic SSR Millets Database (GSMDB): enhancing genetic resources for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Singh Sangeeta , Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Dinesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The global population surge demands increased food production and nutrient-rich options to combat rising food insecurity. Climate-resilient crops are vital, with millets emerging as superfoods due to nutritional richness and stress tolerance. Given limited genomic information, a comprehensive genetic resource is crucial to advance millet research. Whole-genome sequencing provides an unprecedented opportunity, and molecular genetic methodologies, particularly simple sequence repeats (SSRs), play a pivotal role in DNA fingerprinting, constructing linkage maps, and conducting population genetic studies. SSRs are composed of repetitive DNA sequences where one to six nucleotides are repeated in tandem and distributed throughout the genome. Different millet species exhibit genomic variations attributed to the presence of SSRs. While SSRs have been identified in a few millet species, the existing information only covers some of the sequenced genomes. Moreover, there is an absence of complete gene annotation and visualization features for SSRs. Addressing this disparity and leveraging the de-novo millet genome assembly available from the NCBI, we have developed the Genomic SSR Millets Database (GSMDB; https://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/gsmdb/). This open-access repository provides a web-based tool offering search functionalities and comprehensive details on 6.747645 million SSRs mined from the genomic sequences of seven millet species. The database, featuring unrestricted public access and JBrowse visualization, is a pioneering resource for the research community dedicated to advancing millet cultivars and related species. GSMDB holds immense potential to support myriad studies, including genetic diversity assessments, genetic mapping, marker-assisted selection, and comparative population investigations aiming to facilitate the millet breeding programs geared toward ensuring global food security.
Database URL: https://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/gsmdb/
Comprehensive treatment strategy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus-related pulmonary artery hypertension: a case report
Authors: Yokoe Miku , Higuchi Satoshi , Shinke Toshiro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Although the prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has dramatically improved, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is one of the life-threatening comorbidities associated with SLE. The management of the comorbidity is occasionally challenging due to the lack of consensus regarding treatment options including immunosuppressive agents, selective pulmonary vasodilators, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Case summary
A 28-year-old female who terminated prednisolone after remission of SLE by her own discretion 3 years ago developed dyspnoea on effort. Transthoracic echocardiography showed dilatation of the right atrium (RA) and ventricle (RV), as well as the RV dysfunction. The findings of right heart catheterization and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy confirmed PAH associated with connective tissue disease. According to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the REVEAL Registry Risk Score, she was at high risk of PAH despite mild SLE activity. Upfront combination therapy including macitentan and tadalafil for PAH and steroid semi-pulse and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy for SLE alongside supervised cardiac rehabilitation were initiated simultaneously. The RA and RV sizes were normalized after the aforementioned therapy. The RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling improved from 0.15 to 0.77 mm/mmHg, and the mean PA pressure decreased from 55 to 29 mmHg.

Discussion
The case presentation highlighted the potential benefits of comprehensive treatment strategy including immunosuppressive treatment, upfront combination therapy, and supervised exercise training. Notably, the initiation of cardiac rehabilitation at the early phase did not exacerbate her condition and might have contributed to remission of symptoms and improvement in exercise tolerance. This multidisciplinary approach achieved long-term good quality of life.
Proof of concept for a superior therapeutic index of corticosterone compared with hydrocortisone in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Kyle Catriona J , Boyle Luke D , Nixon Mark , Homer Natalie Z M , Simpson Joanna P , Rutter Alison , Ramage Lynne E , Kelman Alexandra , Freel Ellen Marie , Andrew Ruth , Walker Brian R , Stimson Roland H 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
Outcomes are poor for patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), in part due to the supraphysiological glucocorticoid doses required to control adrenal androgen excess. Hydrocortisone (ie, cortisol) is the recommended glucocorticoid for treatment of CAH. However, the other endogenous glucocorticoid in humans, corticosterone, is actively transported out of metabolic tissues such as adipose tissue and muscle, so we hypothesized that corticosterone could control adrenal androgens while causing fewer metabolic adverse effects than hydrocortisone.

Methods
Thirteen patients (8 female, 5 male) with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency completed a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study comparing 5 h intravenous infusions of either hydrocortisone, corticosterone or placebo. 6-6[2H]2-glucose and 1,1,2,3,3-[2H]5-glycerol were infused to measure glucose and glycerol kinetics, and blood samples were collected throughout. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue biopsies were obtained at the end of each infusion.

Results
During the infusion, corticosterone and hydrocortisone similarly reduced ACTH, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone (in females only) compared with placebo. Despite achieving circulating corticosterone concentrations ∼2.5-fold higher than hydrocortisone, by T + 300 min hydrocortisone but not corticosterone increased glucose and insulin concentrations and reduced 6-6-[2H]2-glucose clearance compared with placebo. Hydrocortisone increased mRNA levels of the glucocorticoid regulated transcript PER1 in adipose to a greater extent than corticosterone.

Conclusions
Corticosterone acutely controls biochemical markers of androgen excess similarly to hydrocortisone but without inducing markers of glucocorticoid “toxicity” in CAH. These data demonstrate proof of concept that corticosterone may be a safer glucocorticoid replacement than current medications, although further research is required to assess the longer-term effects of corticosterone replacement.
Association of unemployment and increased depressive symptoms with all-cause mortality: follow-up study of a cardiovascular prevention programme
Authors: Korhonen Päivi E , Kautiainen Hannu , Rantanen Ansa T 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Unemployment has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. However, factors behind this association remain unsettled. A primary care CVD prevention programme was conducted in two Finnish towns in 2005–07. Of the participants (n = 4450), a cohort of apparently healthy CVD risk subjects belonging to the labour force (n = 1487) was identified. Baseline depressive symptoms were assessed by Beck’s Depression Inventory. Data on employment status and mortality were obtained from official statistics. The effect of employment status and depressive symptoms on all-cause mortality after a median follow-up of 15 years was estimated in models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, physical activity, alcohol use, current smoking, glucose metabolism, and hypertension. In comparison to employed non-depressive subjects, fully adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 3.53 (1.90–6.57) in unemployed subjects with increased depressive symptoms, 1.26 (0.68–2.34) in unemployed non-depressive subjects, and 1.09 (0.63–1.90) in employed depressive subjects. Factors independently associated with mortality were unemployment with increased depressive symptoms [HR 3.56 (95% CI 1.92–6.61)], screen-detected diabetes [HR 2.71 (95% CI 1.59–4.63)], current smoking [HR 1.77 (95% CI 1.19–2.65)], and higher age [HR 1.10 (95% CI 1.05–1.15)]. Unemployment in itself was not associated with all-cause mortality. If unemployment was accompanied with increased depressive symptoms, risk of death was significantly elevated.
Nadja as Litterature and Loiterature
Authors: Fong Ian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Nadja (1928) is a novel written by André Breton (1896–1966). This article discusses how Nadja can be read as a form of ‘loiterature’ and ‘litterature’. The term ‘loiterature’ comes from Ross Chambers’s Loiterature; ‘litterature’ is borrowed from James Joyce and Jacques Lacan. The ‘litterary’ importance of litter is explored in Nadja through the narrator’s loitering in everyday Paris. To the narrator, Nadja’s ‘convulsive beauty’ embodies his own repression. When the repressed is considered as a residue of consciousness, its existence is akin to litter buried in a rubbish heap, like the residue of a city. The narrator says that each encounter with Nadja is fortuitous. Loitering in everyday Paris is the best means, if there is one, for the narrator to approach her; and the narration of Nadja can be read as ‘litterary loitering’ initiated by the unconscious.
AncestryPainter 2.0: Visualizing Ancestry Composition and Admixture History Graph
Authors: Chen Shuanghui , Lei Chang , Zhao Xiaohan , Pan Yuwen , Lu Dongsheng , Xu Shuhua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The earlier version of AncestryPainter is a Perl program that displays the ancestry composition of numerous individuals using a rounded graph. Motivated by the requests of users in practical applications, we updated AncestryPainter to version 2.0 by coding in an R package and improving the layout, providing more options and compatible statistical functions for graphing. Apart from improving visualization functions per se in this update, we added an extra graphing module to visualize genetic distance through radial bars of varying lengths surrounding a core. Notably, AncestryPainter 2.0 allows for multiple pie charts at the center of the graph to display the ancestry composition of more than one target population and implements a method admixture history graph to infer the admixture sequence of multiple ancestry populations. We validated the six admixture history graph metrics using both simulated and real data and implemented a Pearson coefficient-based metric with the best performance in AncestryPainter 2.0. Furthermore, a statistical module was implemented to merge ancestry proportion matrices. AncestryPainter 2.0 is freely available at https://github.com/Shuhua-Group/AncestryPainterV2 and https://pog.fudan.edu.cn/#/Software.
A case of penicillin-resistant group B Streptococcus isolated from a patient in the UK
Authors: McGuire E , Ready D , Ellaby N , Potterill I , Pike R , Hopkins K L , Guy R L , Lamagni T , Mack D , Scobie A , Warren S , Brown C S , Coelho J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In England, group B streptococci (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae) are considered universally susceptible to penicillin. Reports from Africa, Asia, North America and a few European countries have described GBS isolates with penicillin MICs above the epidemiological cut-off (0.125 mg/L). Our aim was to characterize a penicillin-resistant GBS (PRGBS) isolate recovered in 2016 from a patient treated with long-term antimicrobials in the UK.

Methods
Antibiotic susceptibility of a referred isolate from a discharging sinus overlying a chronic prosthetic joint infection was determined using gradient strip testing for seven antibiotics. Illumina short read sequencing was carried out using a HiSeq 2500 platform to determine MLST, capsular type, to detect mutations in the pbp genes, and to compare the isolate with contemporaneous GBS isolates circulating in the UK.

Results
The GBS isolate belonged to capsular type Ia and MLST 144. We observed resistance to penicillin (MIC = 1 mg/L) and tetracycline (32 mg/L) with susceptibility to linezolid (1 mg/L), erythromycin (0.064 mg/L), clindamycin (0.064 mg/L), teicoplanin (0.064 mg/L) and vancomycin (0.25 mg/L). Deduced amino acid sequences revealed substitutions and non-synonymous changes in PBP2x and PBP2b. Genomic analysis of contemporaneous cases (n = 34) from across the UK identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation ranged from 153–6596 SNPs.

Conclusions
We confirm the first identification of a PRGBS isolate amongst referrals to the UK’s national reference laboratory. Substitutions in pbp1a, pbp2a, pbp2x and pbp2b were identified that likely developed in the face of long-term beta-lactam antibiotic use.
Quantum modal logic
Authors: Tokuo Kenji 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A modal logic based on quantum logic is formalized in its simplest possible form. Specifically, a relational semantics and a sequent calculus are provided, and the soundness and the completeness theorems connecting both notions are demonstrated. This framework is intended to serve as a basis for formalizing various modal logics over quantum logic, such as quantum alethic logic, quantum temporal logic, quantum epistemic logic, and quantum dynamic logic.
Intellectual property rights as a tool for bridging gender gap: approaches and prospects under the African Union
Authors: Mwakaje Saudin J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the extent to which the current African Union’s initiatives towards women’s empowerment integrate intellectual property rights (IPRs) as a driver for bridging the gender gap. It is premised on the argument that the multiplier effect of IPRs manifests in a variety of achievable societal development objectives, including bridging the gender gap. Noticeably, the African Union (AU) seeks, among others, to facilitate women’s socio-economic development through their involvement in the technological space and gender-enabling e-solutions. Intellectual property (IP) is one of the crucial drivers in socio-economic and technological development by granting exclusive rights to control various forms of its usage. Yet, IP is not immune from gender-based mischiefs, and hence its interdisciplinary functions are increasingly questioned and laid bare, necessitating rethought and repackaging. The chosen analytical orientation is a feminist one guided by the critical race IP theoretical construct. It is contended that the current AU interventions pertaining to women’s empowerment are devoid of proper recognition and placement of IP, hence limiting its effectiveness in encouraging the participation and recognition of women in their creative endeavours. To address this shortcoming, a call is made for a review of all AU’s legal instruments and programmes for women’s empowerment to integrate IPR precepts, setting up IP support structures for women, and adopting a gender-conscious continental IPR agenda under the Agreement on African Continental Free Trade Area IPR Protocol and ongoing World Intellectual Property Organization initiatives by specifically integrating IPR principles in the ongoing plans for closing the gender gap.