bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acentric chromosome congression and alignment on the metaphase plate via kinetochore-independent forces
Authors: Vicars Hannah , Mills Alison , Karg Travis , Sullivan William 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Chromosome congression and alignment on the metaphase plate involves lateral and microtubule plus-end interactions with the kinetochore. Here we take advantage of our ability to efficiently generate a GFP-marked acentric X chromosome fragment in Drosophila neuroblasts to identify forces acting on chromosome arms that drive congression and alignment. We find acentrics efficiently congress and align on the metaphase plate, often more rapidly than kinetochore-bearing chromosomes. Unlike intact chromosomes, the paired sister acentrics oscillate as they move to and reside on the metaphase plate in a plane distinct and significantly further from the main mass of intact chromosomes. Consequently, at anaphase onset, acentrics are oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the spindle. Parallel-oriented sisters separate by sliding while those oriented perpendicularly separate via unzipping. This oscillation, together with the fact that in the presence of spindles with disrupted interpolar microtubules acentrics are rapidly shunted away from the poles, indicates that distributed plus-end–directed forces are primarily responsible for acentric migration. This conclusion is supported by the observation that reduction of EB1 preferentially disrupts acentric alignment. Taken together, these studies suggest that plus-end forces mediated by the outer interpolar microtubules contribute significantly to acentric congression and alignment. Surprisingly, we observe disrupted telomere pairing and alignment of sister acentrics indicating that the kinetochore is required to ensure proper gene-to-gene alignment of sister chromatids. Finally, we demonstrate that like mammalian cells, the Drosophila congressed chromosomes on occasion exhibit a toroid configuration.
Collaborative dynamics and shared motivation: exploring tobacco control policy development in Zambia
Authors: Silumbwe Adam , Sebastian Miguel San , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Michelo Charles , Johansson Klara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In Zambia, efforts to produce a tobacco control policy have stalled for over a decade, and the country is not yet close to developing one. Limited studies have explored the dynamics in this policy process and how they affect the attainment of policy goals and outcomes. This study explored how collaborative dynamics within tobacco control policy development shaped shared motivation among stakeholders in Zambia. The study used a qualitative case study design that adopted a collaborative governance lens, comprising an in-depth exploration of the tobacco control policy working group meetings and their internal collaborative dynamics. The integrative framework for collaborative governance, which identifies mutual trust, mutual understanding, internal legitimacy and shared commitment as key elements of shared motivation, was adapted for this study. Data were collected from 27 key informants and analysed using thematic analysis. Several collaborative dynamics thwarted mutual trust among tobacco control stakeholders, including concerns about associated loyalties, fear of a ban on tobacco production, silo-mentality and lack of comprehensive dialogue. All stakeholders agreed that the limited sharing of information on tobacco control and the lack of reliable local evidence on the tobacco burden hindered mutual understanding. Diverse factors hampered internal legitimacy, including sector representatives’ lack of authority and the perceived lack of contextualization of the proposed policy content. Acknowledgement of the need for multisectoral action, lack of political will from other sectors and limited local allocation of funds to the process were some of the factors that shaped shared commitment. To accelerate the development of tobacco control policies in Zambia and elsewhere, policymakers must adopt strategies founded on shared motivation that deliberately create opportunities for open discourse and respectful interactions, promote a cultural shift towards collaborative information sharing and address unequal power relations to enable shaping of appropriate tobacco control actions in respective sectors.
Strengthening policy engagement when scaling up interventions targeting non-communicable diseases: insights from a qualitative study across 20 countries
Authors: Ramani-Chander Anusha , Thrift Amanda G , van Olmen Josefien , Wouters Edwin , Delobelle Peter , Vedanthan Rajesh , Miranda J Jaime , De Neve Jan-Walter , Esandi Maria Eugenia , Koot Jaap , Ojji Dike , Ortiz Zulma , R Sherwood Stephen , Teede Helena , Joshi Rohina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Policy engagement is an essential component of implementation research for scaling up interventions targeting non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It refers to the many ways that research team members, implementers and policymakers, who represent government decision-making, connect and interact to explore common interests. Well-conducted engagement activities foster co-production, local contextualization and assist in the successful translation of research evidence into policy and practice. We aimed to identify the challenges and facilitators to policy engagement during the early implementation phase of scale-up research studies. This qualitative study was focused on the research projects that were funded through the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases in the 2019 round. Nineteen project teams opted to participate, with these studies implemented in 20 countries. Forty-three semi-structured stakeholder interviews, representing research, implementation and government were undertaken between August 2020 and July 2021. Transcripts were open-coded using thematic analysis to extract 63 codes which generated 15 themes reflecting both challenges and facilitators to undertaking policy engagement. Knowledge of the local government structures and trusting relationships provided the foundation for successful engagement and were strengthened by the research. Four cross-cutting concepts for engagement were identified and included: (1) the importance of understanding the policy landscape; (2) facilitating a network of suitable policy champions, (3) providing an environment for policy leaders to genuinely contribute to co-creation and (4) promoting two-way learning during researcher–policymaker engagement. We recommend undertaking formative policy analysis to gain a strategic understanding of the policy landscape and develop targeted engagement plans. Through engagement, researchers must facilitate cohesive vision and build a team of policy champions to advocate NCD research within their networks and spheres of influence. Ensuring equitable partnerships is essential for enabling local ownership and leadership. Further, engagement efforts must create a synergistic policymaker–researcher lens to promote the uptake of evidence into policy.
Intersectoral collaboration and health system resilience during COVID-19: learnings from Ahmedabad, India
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Lekha K Shruti , Thacker Hardi , Solanki Bhavin , Bruchhausen Walter , Saxena Deepak 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Health system resilience refers to the capacity of a health system to effectively anticipate, assimilate, adjust to and recuperate from unforeseen disruptions and pressures. Evidence indicates that low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have a double burden of dealing with the existing shortage of health resources in managing both non-emergency care and emergency care during epidemics. Intersectoral collaboration plays a pivotal role in managing crises such as pandemics. The World Health Organization has emphasized that effective intersectoral collaboration is vital for uninterrupted essential services during a pandemic. The study aimed to look at the collaborations entered into at various levels for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, taking as an example the municipal corporation in Ahmedabad, India. We undertook a qualitative study that involved conducting 52 in-depth interviews with officials from the health department, and other departments at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), including firefighting, estate, engineering and education, as well as private stakeholders. Many diverse observations were documented in this study as collaboration varied across the sectors. A lack of hospital beds and shortage of essential drugs and oxygen posed challenges for healthcare providers and provided an opportunity to collaborate with private stakeholders. Mandatory COVID testing and mobile units such as the Sanjivani van and Vadil ghar seva were examples of some of the initiatives taken by the AMC to manage the pandemic that were instigated and implemented with support from various departments such as education, engineering, tax, estate, animal husbandry and firefighting. Proper communication between public and private entities will result in unfragmented efforts to combat emergencies. Thus, a resilient health system is necessary as well as systematic intersectoral collaboration to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential health services during health emergencies.
Leveraging the social networks of informal healthcare providers for universal health coverage: insights from the Indian Sundarbans
Authors: Brahmachari Rittika , Mishra Manasee , Gotsadze George , Mandal Sabyasachi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
India’s healthcare landscape is characterized by a multitude of public and private healthcare providers, yet its health systems remain weak in many areas. Informal healthcare providers (IHPs) bridge this gap, particularly in rural India, and are deeply embedded within local communities. While their importance is widely recognized, there is a knowledge gap regarding the specifics of their social networks with actors in health systems. The aim of this study was to map the social networks of IHPs to elucidate the type and nature of their relationships, in order to explore opportunities for intersectoral collaboration to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). We have adopted the social network analysis (SNA) approach using qualitative ego-network methodology to evaluate the types and strengths of ties in the Indian Sundarbans. A total of 34 IHPs participated in the study. Qualitative data were analysed using NVivo10 and Kumu.io was used to visualize the social networks. Results show that the 34 IHPs had a total of 1362 ties with diverse actors, spanning the government, private sector and community. The majority of the ties were strong, with various motivating factors underpinning the relationships. Most of these ties were active and have continued for over a decade. The robust presence of IHPs in the Indian Sundarbans is attributable to the numerous, strong and often mutually beneficial ties. The findings suggest a need to reconsider the engagement of IHPs within formal health systems. Rather than isolation, a nuanced approach is required based on intersectoral collaboration capitalizing on these social ties with other actors to achieve UHC in impoverished and underserved regions globally.
FGF8 Protects Against Polymicrobial Sepsis by Enhancing the Host's Anti-infective Immunity
Authors: Chen Kai , Ruan Yanting , Ma Wenjing , Yu Xiaoyan , Hu Ying , Li Yue , Tang Hong , Zhang Xuemei , Yin Yibing , Chen Dapeng , Song Zhixin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is characterized by a life-threatening syndrome caused by an unbalanced host response to infection. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) has been newly identified to play important roles in inflammation and innate immunity, but its role in host response to sepsis is undefined.

Methods
A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced mouse sepsis model was established to evaluate the immunomodulatory function of FGF8 during sepsis. The underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated by cell models using relevant molecular biology experiments. The clinical value of FGF8 in the adjuvant diagnosis of sepsis was evaluated using clinical samples.

Results
FGF8 protein concentrations were elevated in CLP-induced septic mice compared to controls. In vivo, FGF8 blockade using anti-FGF8 antibody significantly increased mortality and bacterial burden and was paralleled by significantly aggravated tissue injury after CLP. Therapeutic administration of recombinant FGF8 (rFGF8) improved the bacterial clearance and mortality of septic mice in a FGFR1-dependent manner. In vitro, FGF8 directly enhanced bacterial phagocytosis and killing of macrophages by enhancing the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which could be abrogated with the ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor U0126. Clinically, serum FGF8 levels in both adult and pediatric patients with sepsis in an intensive care unit were significantly higher than those in healthy controls.

Conclusions
These results present a previously unrecognized role of FGF8 in improving survival of sepsis by enhancing host immune defense. Therefore, targeting FGF8 may provide new strategies for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of sepsis.
Temporal image sandwiches enable link between functional data analysis and deep learning for single-plant cotton senescence
Authors: DeSalvio Aaron J , Adak Alper , Arik Mustafa A , Shepard Nicholas R , DeSalvio Serina M , Murray Seth C , García-Ramos Oriana , Badavath Himabindhu , Stelly David M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Abstract. Senescence is a highly ordered biological process involving resource redistribution away from ageing tissues that affects yield and quality in annuals and perennials. Images from 14 unmanned/unoccupied/uncrewed aerial system/vehicle (UAS, UAV and drone) flights captured the senescence window across two experiments while functional principal component analysis effectively reduced the dimensionality of temporal visual senescence ratings (VSRs) and two vegetation indices: the red chromatic coordinate (RCC) index and the transformed normalized difference green and red (TNDGR) index. Convolutional neural networks trained on temporally concatenated, or ‘sandwiched’, UAS images of individual cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.), allowed single-plant analysis. The first functional principal component scores (FPC1) served as the regression target across six CNN models (M1–M6). Model performance was strongest for FPC1 scores from VSRs (R2 = 0.857 and 0.886 for M1 and M4), strong for TNDGR (R2 = 0.743 and 0.745 for M3 and M6), and strong-to-moderate for RCC index (R2 = 0.619 and 0.435 for M2 and M5), with deep learning attention of each model confirmed by activation of plant pixels within saliency maps. Single-plant UAS image analysis across time enabled translatable implementations of high-throughput phenotyping by linking deep learning with functional data analysis. This has applications for fundamental plant biology, monitoring orchards or other spaced plantings, plant breeding, and genetic research.
Embracing Universality: Toward the Future of United Nations Development Work
Authors: Baumann Max-Otto , Haug Sebastian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
United Nations (UN) development work has long followed the binary logic of “developed” countries providing funding so that UN entities support “developing” countries with their national development efforts. This rigid North–South template, however, is unfit for responding to current sustainability challenges that cut across borders and implicate both “developed” and “developing” member states. Against this backdrop, we suggest that the principle of universality promoted by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development holds untapped potential for rethinking how the UN development pillar operates. We first make the general case for universalizing UN development work, i.e., adapt UN support functions to enable engagement with all member states. We then examine the status quo of UN development work in more detail. Building on the strong North–South bias and the limited examples of UN engagement with “developed” countries we identify, we outline the contours of what a more universal future of UN development work could look like and discuss the political economy of our proposal. Overall, we argue that the principle of differentiated universality provides a helpful heuristic for rethinking the roles and functions of the UN development system in light of sustainable development concerns and persisting inter-state inequalities.
Pretreatment and acquired HIV drug resistance in Belize—results of nationally representative surveys, 2021–22
Authors: Morey Francis , Girón-Callejas Amalia , Manzanero Russell , Urbina Aspiro , García-Morales Claudia , Joseph Job , Bolastig Edwin , Jones Sandra , Wu Stephanie M , Tapia-Trejo Daniela , Monreal-Flores Jessica , Ortega Veronica , Manzanero Marvin , Sosa Aldo , Ravasi Giovanni , Jordan Michael R , Sued Omar , Ávila-Ríos Santiago 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The rising prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) to non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors threatens the effectiveness of ART. In response, the WHO recommends dolutegravir-based ART regimens due to their high genetic barrier to resistance and better treatment outcomes. This is expected to contribute to achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target of 95% viral suppression in people on ART.

Objectives
To estimate the prevalence of PDR among adults initiating ART and assess viral suppression and acquired HIV drug resistance (ADR) among individuals receiving ART in Belize.

Patients and methods
Nationally representative cross-sectional PDR and ADR surveys were conducted between 2021 and 2022. Sixty-seven adults were included in the PDR survey, and 43 children and adolescents and 331 adults were included in the ADR survey. Demographic and clinic data and blood specimens were collected. HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) was predicted using the Stanford HIVdb tool.

Results
The prevalence of PDR to efavirenz or nevirapine in adults was 49.3% (95% CI 42.2%–56.4%) and was significantly higher in those with previous antiretroviral exposure (OR: 7.16; 95% CI 2.71–18.95; P = 0.002). Among children and adolescents receiving ART, 50.0% had viral suppression, with better rates for those receiving dolutegravir-based ART (OR: 5.31; 95% CI 3.02–9.34; P &lt; 0.001). In adults, 79.6% achieved viral suppression. No resistance to integrase inhibitors was observed in those on dolutegravir-based ART.

Conclusions
Prioritizing dolutegravir-based ART is critical for achieving HIV epidemic control in Belize. Efforts should focus on retention in care and adherence support to prevent HIVDR.
Plumage polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is strongly associated with the expression level of agouti signaling protein
Authors: Rodseth Edmund , Amar Arjun , Sumasgutner Petra , Ingle Robert A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Melanin-based plumage polymorphisms in birds are often associated with mutations in the melanogenesis genes, notably the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), but may also arise through changes in the expression of these genes. Here we investigate the molecular basis of plumage polymorphism in both adult and juvenile black sparrowhawks (Accipiter melanoleucus), an African raptor that occurs in two adult color morphs, light and dark, and also exhibits variation in juvenile plumage coloration. Our results confirmed that plumage differences in adult morphs were a result of differential deposition of eumelanin in their ventral contour feathers. No polymorphisms in the coding regions of the MC1R or the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) genes associated with adult color morph were identified. However, lack of pigmentation in the developing breast feathers of light morph birds was strongly associated with elevated ASIP expression, and concomitant downregulation of the downstream melanogenesis genes microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1). Variation in the rufous colored plumage of juveniles was found to be due to covariation in eumelanin and pheomelanin levels in dorsal and ventral contour feathers. As in adult birds, an inverse relationship between melanin pigmentation and ASIP expression was observed. This covariation between eumelanin and pheomelanin levels is not consistent with the pigment type-switching model of melanogenesis, where increased ASIP expression results in a switch from eumelanin to pheomelanin production. This highlights the need for caution when extrapolating results from model systems to other animals and the value of conducting research in wild species.
Asymmetric effects of planting pattern and density on leaf-height traits of Glycine max and Amaranthus retroflexus
Authors: Lu Ping , Pang Yan , Wang Huai-Jing , Zhang Zi-Han , Dai Xin , Bing Xue-Wei , Yuan Qiu-Yu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Environmentally sustainable weed management is crucial to meet the increasing demand for food. Previous studies have demonstrated that improving spatial uniformity and planting density can effectively suppress weeds. However, research on how planting patterns (PPs) affect the functional traits of crops and weeds is limited. In 2019 and 2021, we conducted a field experiment to compare the functional traits and biomass of Glycine max and Amaranthus retroflexus in two PPs—row (R) and equidistant (E)—with varying combinations of G. max and A. retroflexus densities. We found that the equidistant planting pattern (EPP) amplified the competitive ability of G. max in size-asymmetric competition with A. retroflexus, and this advantage increased alongside higher G. max density, primarily due to functional traits related to light acquisition. In the EPP, G. max established a closed canopy during the early growth stage, reducing light availability to A. retroflexus. This advantage was reflected in higher leaf area index (LAI) and leaf dry weight for G. max in the EPP than in the row planting pattern (RPP), while A. retroflexus experienced reduced LAI and plant height due to increased shading in the EPP. Consequently, the EPP enhanced the total biomass and yield of G. max by an average of 40.8% and 37.7%, respectively, while the biomass of A. retroflexus decreased by an average of 34.5% compared with the RPP. These results suggest that adopting an EPP with a high density of G. max, could be an effective strategy for suppressing A. retroflexus and improving crop yield.
Abducens nerve palsy secondary to allergic fungal sinusitis
Authors: Alsaleh Majd A , Almomen Ali A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) stands out as the predominant form of fungal sinusitis, primarily attributable to a hypersensitive response to fungal invasion. AFRS Characterized by symptoms of rhinosinusitis. The expanding mass in the disease leads to bony restructuring and implicating adjacent anatomical structures. AFRS may extend beyond the sinus cavities, leading to compression of nearby structures like the orbit, optic and abducens nerves which leads to many complications such as nerve palsies and proptosis. Diagnosis of AFRS typically necessitates radiographic assessment initially, with histopathological examination serving as the confirmatory modality. The management of AFRS typically entails a multifaceted approach integrating surgical intervention alongside medical therapy. This case report illustrates a distinctive manifestation of abducens nerve palsy secondary to allergic fungal sinusitis which had dramatic improvement and resolution of the diplopia after the Endoscopic sinus surgery. Steroids and nasal saline irrigation have been prescribed post operatively to prevent the recurrence.