bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral repeatability in dung beetles is not limited to subsocial and sexual horn dimorphic species: the case of Geotrupes mutator (Coleoptera, Geotrupidae)
Authors: Natta Gianluca , Roggero Angela , Zanon Alice , Fiorito Alessandro , Laini Alex , Rolando Antonio , Palestrini Claudia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The study of temperament and behavioral syndromes in insects is still in its early stage, and research conducted to date has mainly focused on locomotor activity and thanatosis. Dung beetles have been the subject of extensive behavioral studies; however, very few studies have addressed the expression of temperament. Those doing so only looked at subsocial and sexual horn dimorphic species, suggesting subsociality and/or sexual horn-dimorphism as possible facilitators of temperament expression. To test this assumption, we conducted a temperament study in a hornless, non-subsocial species, namely Geotrupes mutator (Marsham, 1802). We set up laboratory tests to evaluate 3 behaviors (activity, thanatosis, and distress calls) through the measurement of 7 distinct behavioral traits (3 activity-, 1 thanatosis-, and 3 call-related traits). We found high levels of individual repeatability in all activity- and thanatosis-related traits. We also identified behavioral differences between individuals, which may reflect differences in temperament. Statistical analyses revealed a negative correlation between activity and thanatosis. These results show that the temperament and behavioral syndromes related to activity and thanatosis may also be expressed in dung beetle species that are neither subsocial nor sexual horn dimorphic. By contrast, we only found one of 3 sound-related traits tested (frequency) to be clearly repeatable. Males and females presented a different structure of the stridulatory apparatus, suggesting that morphology may affect the frequency of sounds emitted. These results indicate that certain sound traits might not be good descriptors of individual temperament revealing the need for future research addressing the role of bioacoustics.
Polygenic risk, aspirin, and primary prevention of coronary artery disease
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Natarajan Pradeep , Patel Aniruddh P , Bhatia Harpreet S , Khera Amit V , Neumann Johannes T , Tsimikas Sotirios , Wolfe Rory , Nicholls Stephen J , Reid Christopher M , Zoungas Sophia , Tonkin Andrew M , McNeil John J , Lacaze Paul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
Recent aspirin primary prevention trials failed to identify a net benefit of aspirin for preventing cardiovascular disease vs. the harms of bleeding. This study aimed to investigate whether a high-risk subgroup, individuals with elevated genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease (CAD), might derive more benefit than harm with aspirin, compared to those with lower genetic risk.

Methods and results
We performed genetic risk stratification of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) randomized controlled trial using a CAD polygenic risk score (GPSMult). For 12 031 genotyped participants (5974 aspirin, 6057 placebo) overall, we stratified them by GPSMult quintiles (q1–5), then examined risk of CAD (composite of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease death) and bleeding events using Cox models. During a median 4.6 years of follow-up with randomization to 100 mg/day aspirin vs. placebo, 234 (1.9%) participants had CAD and 373 (3.1%) had bleeding events. In the overall cohort, aspirin resulted in higher bleeding risk [adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.30 (1.06–1.61), P = 0.01] but no significant CAD reduction [aHR = 0.84 (0.64–1.09), P = 0.19]. However, among the highest quintile of polygenic risk (q5, top 20% of the GPSMult distribution), there was a 47% reduction in risk of CAD events with aspirin [aHR = 0.53 (0.31–0.90), P = 0.02] without increased bleeding risk [aHR = 1.05 (0.60–1.82), P = 0.88]. Interaction between the GPSMult and aspirin was significant for CAD (q5 vs. q1, P = 0.02) but not bleeding (P = 0.80).

Conclusion
The balance between net benefit and harm on aspirin in the primary prevention setting shifts favourably in individuals with an elevated genetic predisposition.
Discovering genotype–phenotype relationships with machine learning and the Visual Physiology Opsin Database (VPOD)
Authors: Frazer Seth A , Baghbanzadeh Mahdi , Rahnavard Ali , Crandall Keith A , Oakley Todd H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Predicting phenotypes from genetic variation is foundational for fields as diverse as bioengineering and global change biology, highlighting the importance of efficient methods to predict gene functions. Linking genetic changes to phenotypic changes has been a goal of decades of experimental work, especially for some model gene families, including light-sensitive opsin proteins. Opsins can be expressed in vitro to measure light absorption parameters, including λmax—the wavelength of maximum absorbance—which strongly affects organismal phenotypes like color vision. Despite extensive research on opsins, the data remain dispersed, uncompiled, and often challenging to access, thereby precluding systematic and comprehensive analyses of the intricate relationships between genotype and phenotype.

Results
Here, we report a newly compiled database of all heterologously expressed opsin genes with λmax phenotypes that we call the Visual Physiology Opsin Database (VPOD). VPOD_1.0 contains 864 unique opsin genotypes and corresponding λmax phenotypes collected across all animals from 73 separate publications. We use VPOD data and deepBreaks to show regression-based machine learning (ML) models often reliably predict λmax, account for nonadditive effects of mutations on function, and identify functionally critical amino acid sites.

Conclusion
The ability to reliably predict functions from gene sequences alone using ML will allow robust exploration of molecular-evolutionary patterns governing phenotype, will inform functional and evolutionary connections to an organism’s ecological niche, and may be used more broadly for de novo protein design. Together, our database, phenotype predictions, and model comparisons lay the groundwork for future research applicable to families of genes with quantifiable and comparable phenotypes.
Structural barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV services for marginalized working populations: insights from farm workers in South Africa
Authors: Mlangeni Nosimilo , Lembani Martina , Adetokunboh Olatunji , Nyasulu Peter S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Farm workers are vulnerable working populations who face significant inequalities in accessing health services, including those for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, treatment and care. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to explore farm workers’ experiences when accessing HIV services and was conducted in Limpopo province, South Africa. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted in four health facilities from two districts, and two focus group discussions were conducted in one of the farms within the province. Purposive sampling and systematic random sampling were used to select study participants. A deductive thematic approach was used to analyse data, informed by the social–ecological model of health. The results reveal that farm workers perceive multiple interdependent factors that inhibit or enable their access to HIV healthcare services. Key barriers to HIV healthcare were transport affordability, health worker attitudes, stigma and discrimination, models of HIV healthcare delivery, geographic location of health facilities and difficult working conditions. Key facilitators to HIV healthcare included the availability of mobile health services, the presence of community health workers and a supportive work environment. The findings suggest disparities in farm workers’ access to HIV services, with work being the main determinant of access. We, therefore, recommend a review of HIV policies and programmes for the agricultural sector and models of HIV healthcare delivery that address the unique needs of farm workers.
The Effectiveness of Risankizumab as Induction Therapy for Crohn’s Disease: Data From the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Macaluso Fabio Salvatore , Renna Sara , Fries Walter , Viola Anna , Cappello Maria , Salerno Ivan Alberto , Mocciaro Filippo , Scrivo Barbara , Giangreco Emiliano , Ferracane Concetta , Minissale Maria Giovanna , Distefano Maria Emanuela , Tortorella Vincenza , Termini Alessandro , Bertoncello Luca , Orlando Ambrogio 
Published: October 2024

Lay Summary
This multicentre cohort study showed that Risankizumab is an effective induction therapy in patients with Crohn’s disease, and that the best results are obtained when Risankizumab is used as second-line therapy following a previous failure with a TNF inhibitor.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement failure: surgical valve explantation after more than a decade
Authors: Yamashita Go , Hirao Shingo , Komiya Tatsuhiko 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an established alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. However, the long-term outcomes and need for surgical reintervention following TAVR remain uncertain. This case report describes a 76-year-old woman who underwent surgical explantation of a SAPIEN-XT valve more than a decade after initial TAVR implantation due to late valve failure. The patient presented with severe aortic insufficiency and heart failure symptoms. Surgical intervention involved concomitant ascending aortic replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting. The TAVR valve was successfully explanted using careful blunt dissection to avoid annulus damage. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with the patient discharged after 4 weeks. This case highlights the potential need for long-term surgical management of patients after TAVR and emphasizes the importance of surgical preparedness as TAVR indications expand. It also provides valuable insights for surgeons encountering similar cases of late TAVR failure requiring explantation.
Ro5-4864, a translocator protein ligand, regulates T cell-mediated inflammatory responses in skin
Authors: Sendai Yuka , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Ohta Keisuke , Nakae Susumu , Koshika Kyotaro , Kitamura Kei , Higuchi Makoto , Ichinohe Tatsuya , Azuma Toshifumi , Okumura Ko , Ohno Tatsukuni 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Translocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein expressed on a variety of immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, in addition to neurons and steroid-producing cells. Previous studies of TSPO ligands have suggested that TSPO is involved in multiple cellular functions, including steroidogenesis, immunomodulation, and cell proliferation. Currently, there are limited reports on the effects of TSPO or TSPO ligands on T cell-mediated immune responses. Here, we investigated the involvement of TSPO/TSPO ligand in T cell responses using a 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CH) model. Treatment with Ro5-4864, a TSPO ligand, during DNFB sensitization reduced the number and activation status of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in draining lymph nodes and alleviated skin inflammation after DNFB challenge. Adoptive transfer of Ro5-4864-treated mouse-derived DNFB-sensitized T cells to naive mice inhibited CH responses after DNFB challenge. Ro5-4864-treated sensitized T cells showed lower proliferative responses when stimulated with DNFB-pulsed antigen-presenting cells compared to control-treated sensitized T cells. Ro5-4864 also suppressed cell proliferation, as well as adenosine triphosphate and lactate production, during T cell activation. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of Ro5-4864 on T cell responses were conserved in TSPO-deficient cells. Our results suggest that Ro5-4864 inhibits CH responses by suppressing energy metabolism, at least via glycolysis, to reduce the T cell primary response in a TSPO-independent manner.
Environmental benefits of crude protein reduction in growing pig diets: is it worth going further?
Authors: Cappelaere Léa , Garcia-Launay Florence , Larios Dalila , Simongiovanni Aude , Godbout Stéphane , Letourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) excretion and emissions can be reduced in fattening pigs by reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Effects of this strategy are well documented for moderate CP reduction, but little literature exists on further CP reduction made possible by free isoleucine, histidine, and leucine. This trial evaluated the effects of 2 levels of reduction in CP on growth performance, N balance, and gaseous emissions. Forty-eight pigs were allocated to 12 gaseous emission-measuring chambers at 28 kg live weight. Three dietary treatments (CTRL; −1.2pt; −2.4pt), with a CP content, respectively, of 18.1%, 16.9%, and 15.0% in phase 1 (28 to 48 kg) and 16.1%, 15.0%, and 13.8% in phase 2 (48 to 80 kg), were fed ad libitum. Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Body lipid and protein composition were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 2 animals per chamber at the beginning and end of the trial. These results were used to calculate the N balance. Slurry volume and composition were measured at the end of the trial. Ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions were recorded continuously. Data were analyzed with a general linear model including the linear and quadratic effect of CP reduction and phase as fixed effects. A trend for a quadratic effect of CP reduction on feed intake was observed (P = 0.085) with a decrease from CTRL to −1.2pt and then an increase with the −2.4pt treatment. Daily gain and gain to feed were improved by the low CP diets in phase 1 but were degraded in phase 2 (phase × CP interaction, P &lt; 0.001) while body composition was not affected. Nitrogen excretion decreased with CP reduction (linear effect, P = 0.023) but tended to plateau with the low CP diets (quadratic effect, P = 0.081). Methane emissions per kg of gain were reduced with CP reduction (linear effect, P = 0.031). Ammonia emissions decreased with CP reduction, mostly in phase 1 (phase × CP interaction, P = 0.015); however, the emission factor (g N-NH3 / g urinary N) was not affected. Nitrous oxide emissions were not affected by CP reduction and its emission factor (g N-N2O / g N) tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.07). Slurry ammonia-N decreased (linear effect, P &lt; 0.023; quadratic effect, P = 0.049), but other slurry components were not significantly impacted. In this trial, a plateau in N excretion and emission reduction was reached with the −2.4pt treatment. Nevertheless, it is important to study such a reduction in conditions closer to commercial ones.
Lactation-related dynamics of bacterial and fungal microbiomes in feces of sows and gut colonization in suckling and newly weaned piglets
Authors: Yosi Fitra , Lerch Frederike , Vötterl Julia C , Koger Simone , Verhovsek Doris , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Changes in the gut microbial composition of the sow during lactation may influence the gut microbial colonization in their offspring, for which less information was available in the literature. This study aimed to assess: 1) the changes that occur in the bacterial and fungal communities in sow feces during the 28-d lactation period as well as in gastric and cecal digesta of piglets until one week after weaning, and 2) bacterial and fungal taxa in cecal digesta of the piglets postweaning that associate with fecal consistency. Aside from sow milk, piglets had access to creep feed from day of life (DoL) 3. Fecal samples from sows for microbial analysis were collected (n = 20) on days postpartum (DPP) 1, 6, 13, 20, and 27, as well as from weaned piglets for fecal scoring on DoL 30 and 34. Gastric and cecal digesta of piglets was collected on DoL3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 31, and 35 (n = 5/sex/DoL). Progressing lactation affected bacterial and fungal communities in sow feces, including 10.3- and 3.0-fold increases in the relative abundances of Lactobacillus from DPP1 to 6 and Kazachstania from DPP1 to 13, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Although time- and gut-site-related differences existed, bacterial and fungal taxa found in sow feces were also present in gastric and cecal digesta of piglets, which supports their role in gut colonization in neonatal piglets. In piglets, bacterial and fungal alpha-diversities showed certain fluctuations during the suckling period, whereby weaning affected the fungal than bacterial diversity at both gut sites (P &lt; 0.05). At both gut sites, Lactobacillus largely increased from DoL3 to 7 and remained a dominating taxon until DoL35 (P &lt; 0.05). Postweaning, plant-glycan fermenters (e.g., Prevotella-9) seemed to replace milk-glycan fermenting Fusobacterium and Bacteroides (P &lt; 0.05). In gastric and cecal digesta, Kazachstania, Tausonia, Candida, and Blumeria were dominating fungi from DoL3 to 35, with Kazachstania becoming even more dominant postweaning (P &lt; 0.001). Fecal consistency was softer on DoL34 than 30 (P &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis identified that softer feces were linked to the relative abundances of plant-glycan and proteolytic bacterial taxa including pathobionts (e.g., Clostridium sensu stricto) in the cecum on DoL34. However, the potential association between cecal mold and plant-pathogenic fungi Talaromyces, Mrakia, and Blumeria and softer feces are worth investigating in the future in relation to (gut) health of piglets.
Adding gastrointestinal parasite resistance to the breeding objective in hair sheep: initial steps
Authors: Forbes Robert M , Murphy Thomas W , Burke Joan M , Notter David R , Spangler Matthew L , MacNeil Michael D , Lewis Ronald M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The U.S. Maternal Hair Index was designed by the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to increase total weight of lamb weaned per ewe lambing (TW). Producers are interested in adding gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) resistance to this breeding objective since parasitism causes substantial economic losses. The NSIP provides producers with estimated breeding values (EBV) for postweaning fecal egg count (PFEC), an indicator of GIN resistance. Our objective was to gauge the effects of including PFEC as another selection criterion and goal trait. Selection index theory was used to construct 11 indexes. First was a benchmark index with TW as the goal. Weaning weight, and number of lambs born and weaned, were selection criteria. An index was then designed with PFEC added as a selection criterion. In 9 more indices, PFEC was also included as a goal trait, where the economic value of TW was scaled relative to that of PFEC. PFEC received a scaled economic value of −1 with that of TW increasing from +1 to +5 at +0.5 increments. Selection criteria were modeled as EBV or phenotypes. Annual genetic responses in goal traits were predicted. The top 3% of males and 26% of females were selected. Breeding values and phenotypes were simulated for 200 lambs by Cholesky decomposition and used to generate index scores, with 100 replicates run. Concordances with the animals selected in the benchmark scenario were determined. Using EBV as the selection criteria, TW increased by 1.46 kg/yr in the benchmark scenario. However, unfavorably, PFEC increased by 2.24%/yr. When using phenotypic criteria, TW increased by 0.52 kg/yr and PFEC by 0.28%/yr. Once added as a goal trait, PFEC decreased regardless of the scaled economic value of TW. However, responses in TW were also reduced, although less so as its scaled economic value increased. A scaled economic value of +3 for TW appeared reasonable over other choices with 79% of the emphasis placed on TW in the breeding objective. With EBV as selection criteria, PFEC declined by 7.96%/yr with 98% of the response in TW retained. Also, on average, 64% of males and 80% of females were chosen in common with the benchmark. With phenotypic selection criteria, PFEC declined by 5.13%/yr and 94% of the response in TW was retained; 61% of males and 80% of females were chosen in common with the benchmark. Implementing an index with scaled economic values of +3 for TW and −1 for PFEC would balance gains in TW with reductions in PFEC.
Effects of development and parental care on Hamilton’s force of selection
Authors: Netz Christoph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The force of selection describes the sensitivity of population growth to changes in life history parameters, with a focus usually on the survival probabilities from one age class to the next. Importantly, according to Hamilton the force of selection generally decreases after the onset of reproduction, thereby providing a possible explanation for patterns of senescence. A second characteristic feature is that the force of selection remains constant up to the age of first reproduction. This latter observation, however, rests on the assumption that offspring become independent from their parents right after birth. I show here in a minimal model that if offspring are fully reliant on their parents, either during early embryonal development or via parental care at later stages, and during this time prevent their parents from entering a new bout of reproduction, the force of selection on offspring survival generally increases up until the age at which offspring become independent. This provides a possible explanation for the commonly observed pattern of decreasing mortality during early ontogeny. Furthermore, genes acting during recurrent life stages are observed to experience a heightened force of selection compared with genes that act strictly age specifically, demonstrating the need to develop a mechanistic understanding of gene activation patterns through which to consider life history evolution.
Balance of Power, System Polarity and Irredentism
Authors: Mylonas Harris 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
When and where are kin-states more likely to engage in militarized territorial expansion against a kin-group's state of residence, i.e., irredentism, rather than merely employing irredentist rhetoric or engaging in non-irredentist kin-state politics that focus on nurturing cultural ties with co-ethnics abroad? For example, Why did Russia pursue an irredentist policy and annex Crimea but a non-irredentist one toward Narva? Why pursue the annexation of Crimea in 2014 but not in the 1990s or the early 2000s? Various valuable domestic explanations have been proposed, including diversionary war theory, shifts in regime type, and socioeconomic changes; but none has centered on balance of power considerations. I emphasize the role of two variables, whether the kin-group’s state of residence is within or outside the core alliance network of a particular pole and the polarity of the international system at any given point in time, operationalized through the number of poles in the system (one, two, or many). I contend that kin-states are unlikely to target any state of residence that is affiliated with the core alliance network of a pole. Furthermore, I argue that variations in polarity shape the nature and location of irredentism. In a bipolar system, irredentism is likely to take the form of proxy warfare outside each bloc. In a unipolar system, irredentism is more likely in areas where the hegemon exercises the least influence—such as areas linked to a former pole. Finally, in a multipolar system, irredentism is more likely to be pursued by rising powers against neighbors not affiliated with alliance networks of a pole in the international system. I evaluate my argument using an existing dataset of both actual and potential irredentist cases from 1946 to 2014, supplemented by illustrative case studies.