bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testosterone variation in a semi-captive population of Asian elephants in Myanmar
Authors: Moullec Héloïse , Berger Vérane , Santos Diogo J , Ukonaho Susanna , Yon Lisa , Briga Michael , Nyein U Kyaw , Lummaa Virpi , Reichert Sophie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Hormones are known to be involved in life-history trade-offs as systemic signals that establish functional links among traits and regulate key behavioural and physiological transitions between states in organisms. Although major functions of many steroid hormones such as testosterone are conserved among vertebrates, circulating concentrations vary widely both within and across species, and the degree to which observed hormone concentrations mediate life-history responses to environmental variation is less understood. In this study, we investigated how faecal testosterone metabolite (FTM) concentrations varied with extrinsic and intrinsic factors. To do so, we took advantage of a 6-year period of longitudinal sampling of FTM, indicators of stress and oxidative status in a semi-captive population of Asian elephants (n = 3163 samples from 173 individuals) in Myanmar. We determined how the variation in FTM is associated with age, sex, origin (captive-born or wild-caught), seasonality of the environment, individual stress level [measured by faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L)] and oxidative status (reactive oxygen metabolite concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity). We reported that FTM increased with age from juvenile to adulthood for both sexes, with higher FTM concentrations in males than females. Moreover, elephants showed significantly higher FTM concentrations during the hot season and monsoon than in the cold season. However, for the physiological indicators, we found contrasting results. While FTM concentrations were strongly positively correlated with FGM concentrations, FTM concentrations were not related to H/L ratios. Finally, we found no relationship between FTM and the oxidative status of individuals. Our study provides new insights on the factors associated with variation in testosterone concentrations—a key hormone for reproduction and fitness of individuals—in Asian elephants living in their natural environment, which has relevance for effective conservation measures of this endangered species.
Image-guided percutaneous revascularization of the coronary arteries
Authors: Alasnag Mirvat , Bardooli Fawaz , Johnson Tom , Truesdell Alexander G 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The European Society of Cardiology recently updated guidelines on the management of chronic coronary syndromes upgrading the use of intracoronary imaging for complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to a class 1A recommendation. It is essential that the interventional community appreciate the additive value of intracoronary imaging over angiography alone—not only to obtain optimal acute PCI results but also to improve longer-term cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the latest evidence that informed the recent guideline recommendations and expand on the specific role of the different imaging modalities before, during, and after PCI.
External validation of EuroSCORE I and II in patients with infective endocarditis: results from a nationwide prospective registry
Authors: Heinen Floris J , Peijster Annelot J L , Fu Edouard L , Kamp Otto , Chamuleau Steven A J , Post Marco C , van der Stoel Michelle D , Keyhan-Falsafi Mohammed-Ali , van Nieuwkoop Cees , Klautz Robert J M , Tanis Wilco ,   the Cardiothoracic Surgery Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, Bramer S , van Boven W J P , Vonk A B A , Koene B M J A , Bekkers J A , Hoohenkerk G J F , Markou A L P , de Weger A , Segers P , Porta F , Speekenbrink R G H , Stooker W , Li W W L , Daeter E J , van der Kaaij N P , Douglas Y L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The primary objective was to externally validate EuroSCORE I and II in surgically treated endocarditis patients. The secondary objective was to assess the predictive performance of both models across sex, redo surgery, age, and urgency.

METHODS
Data were retrieved from the Netherlands Heart Registration. All patients with infective endocarditis who underwent cardiac surgery between 2013 and 2021 were included. Predictive performance was assessed by discrimination (area under the curve), calibration (calibration-in-the-large and calibration plots), and a decision curve analysis.

RESULTS
Two thousand five hundred and sixty-nine cases were included. Overall postoperative 30-day mortality was 10.2%. The area under the curve was 0.73 for EuroSCORE I and 0.72 for EuroSCORE II. Both models overpredict postoperative 30-day mortality, with observed-to-expected ratios of 0.37 and 0.69. EuroSCORE I overpredicts mortality across the full range, whereas EuroSCORE II overpredicts mortality only above a 20% predicted probability. We observed no significant differences in predictive performance across sex, redo surgery, or age. Discriminative capacity of EuroSCORE II was poor in emergency surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS
Both EuroSCORE models demonstrate acceptable discriminative capacity in IE patients. EuroSCORE I consistently overestimates mortality and should not be utilized in endocarditis patients. EuroSCORE II can be used in IE patients up to a predicted probability of approximately 20%, regardless of sex, redo surgery, or age. Beyond this point, the predicted mortality risk should be halved to approach the true mortality risk. EuroSCORE II should not be used for risk prediction in emergency endocarditis surgeries and patients should not be withheld from indicated surgical treatment solely based on high EuroSCOREs.
Access points to different levels of health care over 13 years. Utilization behaviour in a changing health care system. Results of a three-wave cross-sectional series in Austria
Authors: Kraxner Roland , Dorner Thomas E , Roth Dominik , Hoffmann Kathryn 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Providing health care is a balancing act among human resources, financial pressures and system-intrinsic factors. Understanding the utilization behaviour of primary and secondary care facilities [general practitioners (GPs) vs. specialists, as well as in- and outpatient hospital care] is crucial for a country like Austria, which has free access to all levels of care. The aim of this study was to reassess access point consultations in relation to sociodemographic variables over time. The databases used for this cross-sectional analysis were the Austrian Health Interview Surveys 2006/07, 2014, and 2019, with sample sizes of 15 474, 15 770, and 15 461 persons, respectively. Analyses included patterns of utilization behaviour, multivariable logistic regression models, and diff-in-diff analyses highlighting differences between the observation periods. GP and secondary care consultations increased from 2014 to 2019. While there were fewer GP visits in 2014 than in 2006/07, GP consultation rates grew by 3.2% between 2014 and 2019. Secondary care utilization increased by 5.4%–8.2% between 2006/07 and 2019, with the highest growth in older and less-educated persons. Secondary-level utilization without prior GP visits decreased again in 2019 after peaking in 2014. Utilization of all access points increased over the entire observation period, especially regarding secondary-level care. Higher GP visit rates do not seem to result in a drop in secondary-level consultations. These results emphasize the coordinator role of primary care in ongoing structural health reforms in European countries, such as Austria.
De Novo Long-Read Genome Assembly and Annotation of the Mosquito Gut-Dwelling Fungus, Smittium minutisporum
Authors: Prakash Anusha , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Mosquito guts host a variety of microbes, yet fungi are often overlooked. Smittium (Harpellales, Zoopagomycota) comprises numerous species that are obligate symbionts residing in the hindgut of mosquito larvae. Despite their association with pathogen-bearing vectors, these fungal symbionts remain understudied, largely due to the lack of high-quality genome resources. This limitation has impeded a deeper understanding of their genome biology and adaptive strategies in relation to their mosquito hosts, which may hold significant epidemiological implications. To address this gap, we generated the first reference-quality genome assembly for this group of fungi, using PacBio HiFi long-reads for an axenic culture of Smittium minutisporum, originally isolated from the eastern treehole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus. The genome assembly consists of 53 contigs, spanning a total length of 32.5 Mb, and is predicted to encode 8,254 protein-coding genes, with repetitive regions constituting 25.22% of the genome. Notably, despite being highly contiguous and gap free, the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog analysis suggests a completeness score of 71.8%, implying unusual genome features, possibly shaped by adaptation and specialization within the mosquito gut. This high-quality genome resource will be invaluable for advancing our understanding of mosquito gut-dwelling fungi, their natural history, and their cryptic symbiosis with insect hosts.
Developing structures to support researchers studying health-harming industries
Authors: Pitt Hannah , Thomas Samantha , McCarthy Simone , van Schalkwyk May C I , Petticrew Mark , Randle Melanie , Daube Mike 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
It is well-documented that health-harming industries and the groups they fund use a range of tactics that seek to interfere with academic research. With the development of scholarship relating to the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH), an increasing number of public health researchers are working to examine the activities of health-harming industries and the impacts they have on health and equity. However, there has been limited research investigating the experiences of these researchers and the range of strategies that could be used to support them. This qualitative interpretivist study involved 10 online focus groups with 28 public health researchers (ranging from PhD students to emeritus professors) in Australia and the UK. The researchers worked on issues related to the alcohol, gambling, tobacco or ultra-processed food industries. Participants outlined a range of personal and professional risks relating to their research, including social media attacks, complaints to university personnel and funders, attempts to discredit their research, legal threats and freedom of information requests. Some described the impacts this had on their overall well-being, and even on their family life. They commented that current university systems and structures to support them were variable and could differ between individuals within institutions. This often left researchers feeling isolated and unsupported. Universities should recognize the risks to researchers working on issues relating to health-harming industries. They should proactively develop strategies and resources to inform and support researchers to conduct research that is important for public health and equity.
Forecasting and seasonal variability of the foot of the Shelfbreak Front in the Northern Middle Atlantic Bight
Authors: Silver Adrienne , Oliver Hilde , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Fratantoni Paula , Salois Sarah L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Shelfbreak Front in the Northern Middle Atlantic Bight delineates the boundary between colder, fresher shelf water and warmer, saltier slope water. The location of the foot of the Shelfbreak Front, where the frontal isohalines and isopycnals intersect the bottom, is highly dynamic, impacting several commercial fisheries. In this work, we present new indices to quantify seasonal and interannual variability in the movement of the foot of the Shelfbreak Front. One index is generated from over three decades of observational Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) data, and the other from GLORYS reanalysis fields. After detrending and removing seasonality, both indices capture similar variability and were found to be statistically significantly correlated with upstream along-shelf geostrophic velocities derived using satellite altimetry data. Using the lag correlation between the along-shelf geostrophic velocities from the Scotian Shelf to Georges Bank, skillful forecasts for the frontal indices were obtained up to three seasons in advance. This work provides a useful methodology for including variability of the foot of the Northern Middle Atlantic Bight Shelfbreak Front into ecosystem and stock assessment models using readily available near-real-time satellite altimetry data.
‘Market’ definition in ecosystems
Authors: Stylianou Konstantinos , Carballa-Smichowski Bruno 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Despite the popularization of the concept of ‘ecosystems’ among academics and practitioners, ecosystems have so far failed to become a coherent unit of analysis in competition law. One of the reasons is that it is not yet apparent when ecosystem analysis should be preferred over standard market-based analysis, and we also lack empirical methodologies to define their boundaries. In this article we first describe contexts where formal definition of ecosystem boundaries (similar to market definition) is necessary or at least desirable to achieve quality analysis, and then describe methodologies on how to achieve that (hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering, network of complementarities, factor analysis, and snowball selection). Furthermore, we provide guidance on when each of the methodologies is pertinent. We describe the limitations of the substitutability, aftermarkets, and connected markets approaches in cases in which ecosystems are the main unit of analysis. Finally, we provide four examples of how, in such cases, these methodologies presented can be useful to practitioners: i) market inquiries, investigations, and pro-competition interventions; ii) designation of undertakings as having strategic market status; iii) conglomerate mergers and iv) calculation of fines and quantification of harm/effects.
Occurrence of Salmonella enterica in faecal sludge from Nigeria and genetic relatedness with strains associated with human infections in Africa
Authors: Jibril Abdurrahman Hassan , Dalsgaard Anders , Okeke Iruka N , Ibrahim Aliyu Musawa , Olsen John Elmerdahl 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study investigated occurrence of Salmonella in faecal sludge from public toilets in Nigeria and genetic relatedness of strains that have been reported to cause human infection across Africa.

Methods and results
The study collected 150 human sludge from public toilets and identified Salmonella through culture and PCR. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Draft sequences were compared with sequence data from Enterobase and GenBank. Twenty-four (16.0%) of sewage samples were positive for Salmonella [CI95 (10.2–21.8)]. Salmonella serotype Give [sequence type (ST) 516], Salmonella serotype Seftenberg (ST-14), and Salmonella serotype Chester (ST-411) were the most prevalent serovars found in 45.8%, 16.7%, and 16.7% of samples, respectively. Most of the isolates were sensitive to the antimicrobials tested, only one isolate of Salmonella serotype Derby showed resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin. Notably, 91.7% of the strains had the aac (6)-Iaa gene and point mutations in parC, gyrA, and acrB. Salmonella serotype Chester showed genetic relatedness with strains from Benin Republic and South Africa.

Conclusions
There is genetic relatedness of present strains and those associated with human infections in Africa.
Morphological variations in relation to sex and habitat in southern Mexico populations of the longarm river prawn Macrobrachium tenellum (Smith, 1871) (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae)
Authors: Julián-Caballero César Camilo , De los Santos-Romero Rodolfo , Ramírez-Ponce Andrés , García-Guerrero Marcelo U 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The longarm river prawn, Macrobrachium tenellum (Smith, 1871), is an amphidromous species inhabiting rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons along the Pacific slope of the Western Hemisphere, having morphological differences depending on habitat. The species has an important ecological role, playing a crucial position in coastal-river equilibrium. There is nevertheless scarce information on morphological variations among specimens, which are influenced by factors such as sex and habitat. We investigated whether it is possible to detect such differences in the carapace and second pleonal pleuron between sexes and among three habitats (river, estuary, and lagoon) by using geometric morphometrics. Our results suggest that the size and shape of the carapace and pleura can effectively be distinguished between sexes based on morphological criteria. Significant differences in carapace size and shape were also detected across habitats, with less evident variations in the pleura. The findings suggest that rivers provide a suitable habitat for adult females, having a significantly larger carapace and second pleonal pleuron in this habitat. We identified three distinct ecophenotypes in females corresponding to the varying habitats: 1) river specimens possessing a robust carapace with a short, marked upcurved rostrum; 2) estuarine specimens exhibiting broader dorsal and antero-inferior regions with a thicker rostrum; 3) lagoon specimens having a slender carapace with a long, thin, upward-sloping rostrum. These variations are likely a result of indeterminate growth and adaptations to the specific hydrodynamics and substrates present in each habitat. This information is useful to understand how the environment has a significant effect on the shape and size of M. tenellum and provide useful insights for future research on the species of Macrobrachium.
When Diversity Backfires: The Asymmetric Role of Multicultural Diversity on Brand Perception
Authors: Uduehi Esther , Saint Clair Julian K , Hamilton Mitchell , Reed Americus 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Brands are expanding their market to new consumers by displaying cultural diversity in marketing campaigns—but the risks are unclear. This article explores the role of the brand’s characteristics in multicultural diversity. Our findings suggest that when brands launch a new multicultural diversity campaign, it may be well-received if the brand’s original focus was on the needs of nonmarginalized consumers. However, for brands with a focus on the needs of marginalized consumers (i.e., marginalized-focused brands), such a campaign may be perceived as selling out, thereby negatively impacting consumers’ reactions. Six studies with Black and White U.S. consumers explore this novel “sellout effect” across various product categories and for consequential behaviors. Inclusion is identified as a key mechanism, mitigation strategies are explored, and implications for theory and practice are discussed. Findings highlight the importance of diversity marketing, understanding marginalization for consumers and brands, and the need for research that considers race and ethnicity.
Diets supplemented with different solvents extracts of Lepista nuda alters longevity and fecundity, and the expression of related genes in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Huang Yaqin , Li Jinzhe , Wang Dezhi , Ye Zhaowei , Wang Lin , Liu Minjie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Exploring the effects of different solvent extracts from Lepista nuda [(Bull. ex Fr.) Cooke] on the lifespan and reproductive capacity of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the extracts of the fruiting body and mycelium of L. nuda were prepared using water, 75% ethanol, and petroleum ether, and the active components were identified. These extracts were then incorporated into culture media and administered to D. melanogaster. The impact of the extracts from different solvents on the life span and fertility, and the contents of ecdysone (20E), juvenile hormone (JH), and vitellogenin (Vg), as well as the effects of autophagy gene, 20E synthesis gene Halloween, 20E receptor gene ECR, JH methyltransferase gene JHAMT and Vg gene Yolk1 transcripts were analyzed. The extracts from the fruiting body and mycelium of L. nuda can reduce lifespan, a phenomenon associated with the varied expression of 15 compounds across 6 distinct groups. The average survival time of female fruit flies was lower than that of the male fruit flies. Fertility had also been significantly reduced, indicating a positive correlation between lifespan and fertility. In addition, with the extension of cultivation time, the content of 20E, JH, and Vg, as well as the transcripts of Halloween, ECR, JHAMT, and Yolk1 in the L. nuda fruiting body extract treatment group, all significantly decreased. Among the 3 solvent extracts, phenylalanine, citric acid, quinic acid, and punicalagin in the L. nuda aqueous extract exhibit the most potent collective toxicity toward fruit flies. The insecticidal properties of these compounds function by modulating autophagy and the expression of insect hormones.
Diversity and role of volatile terpene and terpenoid pheromones in insects
Authors: Yang Jiu-Chun , Zhang Jin-Ping , Wu Chun-Yan , Bai Yun , Guedes Raul Narciso C , Dewer Youssef , Li Feng-Qi , Zang Lian-Sheng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Insect pheromones are critical chemical signals that regulate intraspecific behavior and play a key role in the dynamic monitoring and control of pest populations. Historically, research on insect pheromones has primarily focused on lipid-based compounds. However, terpenes and terpenoids, which are widely occurring classes of bioactive compounds, also play significant roles in insect pheromone blends. Over 50 terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones have been identified in over 52 insect species, spanning various orders such as Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Blattodea, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. These compounds are associated with several types of pheromones, including female or male sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, alarm pheromones, and aphrodisiac pheromones. Terpenes and terpenoids may act as either primary or secondary components of pheromone blends and influence a wide range of critical insect behaviors. They play essential roles in the physiological and ecological adaptation of insects to their environment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones in insects, examining their structures, types, and physiological and ecological functions. Additionally, we propose future research directions to guide the application of these pheromones in insect behavioral regulation and pest management, while advocating for their broader use in insect pest monitoring and control.