bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous transcranial ultrasound in large vessel stroke: Image guidance for high‐intensity focused sonothrombolysis
Authors: Beaudoin Ann‐Marie , Pelletier Judith , Cayer Caroline , Sirois Marie‐Pierre , Lemieux Mélanie , Masson Patrice , Quaegebeur Nicolas , Battista Marie‐Claude , Lemaire‐Paquette Samuel , Lapointe‐Garant Marie‐Pierre , Moreau François 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeSonothrombolysis is a potential adjunctive therapy for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Bedside ultrasound image‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy could deliver higher energy therapeutic ultrasound to the thrombus with higher precision than what was previously accomplished in human trials. The aim is to test the feasibility of diagnostic transcranial contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to image the occlusion site and continuously maintain the guidance image on‐target for a sufficient exposure time for HIFU to be effective during LVO stroke evaluation and treatment.MethodsThis prospective, single center, observational cohort study included adult patients, presenting within 6 hours of stroke symptom onset, with LVO identified on computed tomography angiography (CTA). A hand‐held CEUS imaging study was initiated following CTA and lasted up to 30 minutes. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients where a guidance CEUS image of the occlusion was achieved.ResultsA CEUS image of the occluded artery was obtained in 32/35 of the included patients. The median total imaging time was 23 minutes (interquartile range 15‐30). Patients undergoing thrombectomy had a lower total imaging time (17 vs. 29.5 minutes, p = .002). When imaging was successful, on‐target image was maintained for only 58% (standard deviation 23.8%) of total imaging time. No complications related to CEUS were observed.ConclusionsThis feasibility study explored the use of diagnostic transcranial CEUS for continuous imaging of occlusion sites in LVO strokes. Challenges in maintaining target image during HIFU were identified, highlighting the need for technical advances for clinical application.
Population genetics of the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum gelatinosum (Rhodophyta) I: Frequent intragametophytic selfing in a monoicous, haploid–diploid species
Authors: Shainker‐Connelly Sarah J. , Crowell Roseanna M. , Stoeckel Solenn , Vis Morgan L. , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLife cycles with a prolonged haploid phase are thought to be correlated with greater rates of selfing and asexual reproduction. In red algae, recent population genetic studies have aimed to test this prediction but have mostly focused on marine species with separate sexes. We characterized the reproductive system of the obligately monoicous (i.e., hermaphroditic) freshwater red alga Batrachospermum gelatinosum and predicted that we would find genetic signatures of uniparental reproduction because of its haploid‐diploid life cycle. We sampled 18 sites and genotyped 311 gametophytes with 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci to describe the reproductive system. Genotypic richness was low (<0.5) and pareto β values (describing clonal membership) were <0.7 for most sites. In taxa with separate sexes, these patterns are typically indicative of asexual reproduction. However, the genetic consequences of selfing in monoicous gametophytes are indistinguishable from those caused by asexual processes. Since we sampled gametophytes and have not yet genotyped the chantransia (i.e., the diploid phase), we interpreted low diversity as a signature of intragametophytic selfing. Additionally, to understand the factors that drive selfing, we tested latitude and several other environmental variables, but none was significantly correlated with the genetic variation we observed. Nevertheless, future studies should genotype the chantransia to measure observed heterozygosity among other summary statistics to disentangle the effects of selfing versus asexual reproduction. Together, these data, coupled with further characterization of abiotic factors that influence population genetic patterns, will allow us to test potential drivers of reproductive system evolution.
Systems of Global Meaning in Atheists and Theists: Divergent World Beliefs, Sources of Meaning, and Values
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Magin Zachary E. , David Adam B. , Lauffer Cora 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo illuminate the often‐reported higher levels of meaning in life by those who believe in God relative to atheists, we examined the extent to which their global meaning (i.e., the beliefs, goals, and values that underlie subjective sense of meaning in life) differed. Study 1 (undergraduate sample of 100 atheists and 447 theists) found that theists endorsed higher levels of beliefs reflecting a more meaningful world (e.g., goodness, control, justice) while atheists endorsed higher beliefs in randomness. Further, atheists found less meaning from almost every source examined (e.g., achievement, self‐acceptance). Results of Study 2 (87 atheists and 164 theists in a national U.S. online sample) produced similar results and also found theists more strongly endorsed many values that can facilitate a sense of meaning (e.g., traditionalism, security). Collectively, these results identify multiple divergences in global meaning between atheists and theists that may account for atheists’ lower meaning in life.
Correlates of Continued Church Membership Intention: An Empirical Study of Religion in Ghana
Authors: Yalley Andrews Agya 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examines the factors influencing continued church membership intention in Ghana, focusing on the key correlates of this behavior. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) the survey data collected were analyzed. The findings highlight charismatic leadership, religious experience, corporate social responsibility, personal needs fulfillment, tangibles, and message credibility as significant determinants of continued church membership intention. Furthermore, the study identifies a willingness to donate as a consequential outcome. The proposed integrative model not only offers scholars essential constructs for future theoretical exploration but also provides church managers with a comprehensive framework to enhance membership retention strategies. This research serves as a critical foundation for both academic and practical advancements in understanding the dynamics of church membership.
Comparison of a customized glycemic pellets challenge with the oral sugar test to measure glycemic and insulinemic responses in horses
Authors: Thane Kristen , Sonntag Johanna , Warnken Tobias , Reiche Dania , Uricchio Cassandra , Frank Nicholas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundTesting for insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses is commonly performed to guide management and therapeutic strategies.ObjectivesTo evaluate a newly developed glycemic pellets challenge (GPC) and compare results to those obtained using the low‐dose oral sugar test (OST).AnimalsTwenty‐four adult horses with unknown insulin status.MethodsA randomized crossover trial was performed. Horses underwent GPC (0.5 g glycemic carbohydrates/kg body weight) and OST (0.15 mL corn syrup/kg body weight) 7 days apart. Feed was withheld before testing and blood samples were collected at T0, T60, T120, and T180 minutes for GPC and at T0, T60, and T90 minutes for OST. Blood glucose concentration was measured using a point‐of‐care glucometer and insulin by radioimmunoassay. Comparisons were made using nonparametric tests, linear regression, and Bland‐Altman agreement analysis.ResultsEighteen horses consumed >85% of the GPC pellets within 10 minutes and had acceptable OST results. Maximum glucose (P = .02) and insulin (P = .007) concentrations were significantly higher for GPC compared with OST. Time to maximum insulin concentration (Tmax[ins]) varied within and between tests and neither Tmax[ins] (P = .28) nor maximum insulin concentration (P = .46) was correlated with the time horses took to consume pellets.ConclusionsThe GPC is well tolerated and may offer another diagnostic testing modality for ID. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations increase during GPC and reach higher concentrations than observed with low‐dose OST. The Tmax[ins] varied for GPC and OST, emphasizing the importance of identifying the optimal time range for the collection of samples to capture diagnostically relevant changes in insulin concentration.
Variation in white‐tailed and mule deer dental metrics is associated with precipitation gradients in the Americas
Authors: Dagher J. , Greiner E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInvestigating the relationship between the physical environment and organismal adaptation is crucial to understanding the selective pressures that drive mammalian evolution. Of the varied approaches to exploring this relationship, macroscopic tooth wear analyses have become widely used due to their economic and simple methodologies. However, more work is needed to understand how assessments of wear patterns operate within finer levels of dietary and environmental contexts. It is specifically unclear if and how tooth wear differs inter‐ and intraspecifically between geographically widespread, large‐bodied mammalian populations. This project characterizes molar hypsodonty indices and mesowear scores of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across North and Central America, investigating if and how molar wear and morphology vary over the deer's large and ecologically variable geographic distribution. While mesowear scores generally do not strongly track environmental signals within and between Odocoileus species, hypsodonty indices reveal a strong correlation between crown height and aridity, which likely represents an adaptive response to abrasive diets in areas with low precipitation.
Contrast and Genomic Characterisation of Ancient and Recent Interspecific Introgression Between Deeply Diverged Moustache Toads (Leptobrachium)
Authors: Li Jun , Ai Qingbo , Xie Siyu , Huang Chunhua , Qiu Fuyuan , Fu Chao , Zhao Mian , Fu Jinzhong , Wu Hua 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTRecent genomic analyses have provided new insights into the process of interspecific introgression and its consequences on species evolution. Most recent studies, however, focused on hybridization between recently radiated species, with few examining the genomic outcomes of ancient hybridization across deeply diverged species. Using whole genome data of moustache toads (Leptobrachium), we identified signals of three hybridization events among nine species that diverged at the Eocene. An ancient introgression from L. leishanense to the ancestral branch (C1) of L. liui introduced adaptive variants. The highly introgressed regions include genes with important functions in odorant detection and immune responses. These genes are preserved in all three descendent populations of L. liui_C1, and these regions likely have been positively selected over a long filtering process. A recent introgression occurred from L. huashen to L. tengchongense, with the introgressed regions being mostly neutral. Furthermore, one F1 hybrid individual was detected between sympatric L. ailaonicum and L. promustache. The signals of introgression largely disappeared after removing the hybrid individual, indicating an occasional hybridization but minimal introgression. Further examination of highly divergent but low introgressed genomic regions revealed both pre‐mating isolation and genetic incompatibility as potential mechanisms of resisting introgression and maintaining species boundaries. Additionally, no large X‐effect was found in these introgression events. Hybridization between deeply diverged amphibian species may be common, but detectable introgressions are likely less so, with recent introgression being mostly neutral and the rare ancient one potentially adaptive. Our findings complement recent genomic work, and together they provide a better understanding of the genomic characteristics of interspecific introgression and its significance in species adaptation and evolution.
Sporothrix and Sporotrichosis: A South African Perspective on a Growing Global Health Threat
Authors: Fuchs Taygen , Visagie Cobus M. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSporotrichosis is a disease that arises from a fungal infection caused by members of the Ascomycete genus Sporothrix. The disease has a unique history in South Africa, due to an association with gold mines, where large numbers of mine workers were infected in the 1930s and 1940s. This was likely driven by hot humid conditions and timber supports used in these mine shafts. Furthermore, the disease is the most common subcutaneous fungal infection amongst the general population in South Africa, and the large number of immunocompromised individuals increases the public health risk in the country. Sporothrix is a genus in the Ophiostomatales, a fungal order primarily associated with environmental habitats. Unsurprisingly, sporotrichosis therefore has a documented history of sapronotic transmission from contaminated plant material. This review provides insights into the understanding of sporotrichosis and Sporothrix species, with a particular emphasis on the South African situation. We highlight knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the ecological factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of these species, which in turn affect the patterns of sporotrichosis. We also emphasise a need for ongoing proactive research and surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of sporotrichosis, an emerging disease with growing health implications worldwide.
The victims' shoes trope and emerging solidarity in political protest
Authors: David Lea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBy providing an overview of the rich and surprising ways in which the victims' shoes trope becomes utilised in political protests as the focus of interaction ritual chains, this article elaborates on the three distinct ways through which moral communities of solidarity position themselves. Firstly, moral communities are often formed around aspects of large‐scale atrocities such as commemoration, victimhood and past injustices that, I argue, strengthen nationalist sentiments. The second type of moral communities of solidarity are those that demand ‘rights’ and claim ‘duties’ for promoting particular sectoral agendas. In the third type, the shoes serve to build solidarities that are future‐oriented and aim at promoting universal human rights. By using Goffman's Frame Theory and Collins' Interaction Ritual Chain Theory, this article analyses protests from around the world in which the victims' shoes trope has been utilised to tackle a wide range of subjects—gun and domestic violence, unemployment, Covid‐19 policies, institutional abuse, road safety, commemorations, antiwar and climate protests and more.
Geographic variation in kidney failure and transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand: A population‐based data linkage study
Authors: Birrell Johanna M. , Webster Angela C. , Cross Nicholas B. , Driscoll Tim , Dunckley Heather , Beaglehole Ben , Dittmer Ian , Walker Curtis , Jones Merryn , Irvine John , Wyld Melanie L. , Wyburn Kate R. , De La Mata Nicole L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to describe the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Aotearoa New Zealand and assess the impact of residential location on access to kidney transplantation.MethodsAcceSS and Equity in Transplantation (ASSET), a health‐linked data platform, was used to identify people commencing KRT in New Zealand from 2006 to 2019 and analyse regional epidemiology. Health services were classified as ‘transplanting’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘remote’ depending on their degree of separation from a transplant centre. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used to assess the predictors of deceased donor waitlisting or living donor transplantation within 6 months after starting KRT. Web‐based mapping software was used to develop interactive geospatial maps.ResultsThe cohort was 7704 people newly starting KRT. Living in an intermediate [odds ratio (OR): 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.88)] or remote [OR: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.27–0.54)) region and Māori (OR: 0.35 (95% CI: 0.28–0.44)], Pacific [OR: 0.32 (95% CI: 0.24–0.42)) and Asian (OR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.50–0.87)] ethnicity were associated with a decreased likelihood of timely waitlisting or transplantation. Regional maps can be explored here.ConclusionThere is marked geospatial and ethnic variation in the epidemiology of kidney failure and access to kidney transplantation across New Zealand. Geospatial mapping of kidney failure epidemiology and transplantation outcomes can provide opportunities to direct resources towards populations at greatest need.image
“No Medication Means No HIV Diagnosis”: A Qualitative Study Based on Dual‐System Theory on HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Decision‐Making
Authors: Zhou Yaqin , Zhang Xiangjun , Meng Jingjing , Li Yixuan , Xiao Xueling , Wang Wenru , Wang Honghong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAt least 30% of newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) have delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation globally, resulting in irreversible impaired immune function and increased risk of HIV transmission. This study aimed to explore the decision‐making process of ART initiation in China. A phenomenological research design was used and semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews based on dual‐system theory were conducted. Participants were selected using purposive sampling between December 11, 2021 and June 25, 2022. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed utilizing the software NVivo 12. A total of 34 PLHIV were interviewed. The heuristic system and the analytic system were involved in the complex decision‐making process for ART initiation. Acceptability, negative emotion, and stigma were all parts of the heuristic system. The analytic system included the perception of ART benefits, positive support, and misconception. Two systems interacted with each other in the decision‐making of ART initiation. PLHIV's initiation decision was determined by the components of the dominant system. This theory‐driven qualitative study provided valuable insights on the decision‐making process of ART initiation among newly diagnosed PLHIV.
mRNA ADENOSINE METHYLASE promotes drought tolerance through N6‐methyladenosine‐dependent and independent impacts on mRNA regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ganguly Diep R. , Li Yongfang , Bhat Susheel Sagar , Tiwari Shalini , Ng Pei Jia , Gregory Brian D. , Sunkar Ramanjulu 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Among many mRNA modifications, adenine methylation at the N6 position (N6‐methyladenosine, m6A) is known to affect mRNA biology extensively. The influence of m6A has yet to be assessed under drought, one of the most impactful abiotic stresses.
We show that Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Arabidopsis) plants lacking mRNA ADENOSINE METHYLASE (MTA) are drought‐sensitive. Subsequently, we comprehensively assess the impacts of MTA‐dependent m6A changes during drought on mRNA abundance, stability, and translation in Arabidopsis.
During drought, there is a global trend toward hypermethylation of many protein‐coding transcripts that does not occur in mta. We also observe complex regulation of m6A at a transcript‐specific level, possibly reflecting compensation by other m6A components. Importantly, a subset of transcripts that are hypermethylated in an MTA‐dependent manner exhibited reduced turnover and translation in mta, compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, during drought. Additionally, MTA impacts transcript stability and translation independently of m6A. We also correlate drought‐associated deposition of m6A with increased translation of modulators of drought response, such as RD29A, COR47, COR413, ALDH2B, ERD7, and ABF4 in WT, which is impaired in mta.
m6A is dynamic during drought and, alongside MTA, promotes tolerance by regulating drought‐responsive changes in transcript turnover and translation.
Features of Idiopathic Halitosis and Its Association With Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Ruan Dan Ping , Li Ye Kan , Qian Xiao Xian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesIdiopathic halitosis is occasionally encountered in clinical practice, yet with scarce reports. This work aimed to investigate its features and potential association with low‐grade systemic inflammation (LGSI).MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed idiopathic halitosis from 2469 halitosis patients and compared them with 63 healthy controls (HCs). Organoleptic score (OLS), exhaled volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), serum inflammatory cytokines, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO200) to indicate LGSI were determined.ResultsTotally, 54 (2.19%) idiopathic halitosis patients were identified and they were extraoral. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the primary exhaled VSC. Inflammatory cytokines were slightly elevated in 5.56% (3/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p = 0.095). FeNO200 was elevated in 79.63% (43/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 79.63% and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of idiopathic halitosis. The FeNO200 level had positive correlations with OLS (r = 0.871) and DMS level (r = 0.485).ConclusionIdiopathic halitosis is a rare condition which is closely associated with LGSI and possibly caused by unexplored extraoral pathologies. FeNO200 is recommended for its diagnosis with a high diagnostic power.
Older Adults’ Descendants and Family Networks in the Context of Global Educational Expansion
Authors: Margolis Rachel , Sheftel Mara Getz , Wang Haowei , Chandler Raeven Faye , Newmyer Lauren , Verdery Ashton M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFamily networks are key to understanding the well‐being of older adults because kin provide instrumental and financial support, help manage health and disability, and encourage social integration. Two momentous societal changes have shaped the families of contemporary older adults: the first and second demographic transitions and global educational expansion. The intersection of these two processes raises questions about how older adults are faring in terms of their kin availability. This paper examines the socioeconomic bifurcation of adults in midlife and beyond in terms of the existence of descendants and other kin. Disparities in kin availability may vary across socioeconomic status and contexts, and so we examine this phenomenon worldwide, analyzing data on two thirds of the world's population of adults aged 50 and above. Our results highlight different kin structures by socioeconomic status. High socioeconomic status adults have fewer descendants but a higher likelihood of having at least one child with tertiary education, a partner, and living parents. Low socioeconomic status older adults have larger families with more younger kin. Our results shed new light on potential mismatches between the contemporary family networks of older adults and longstanding social norms and assumptions about caregiving, family, and health policies.
United States federal indebtedness and fiscal policy trade‐offs
Authors: Gokhale Jagadeesh , Smetters Kent 
Published: October 2024

AbstractProjected federal spending and taxes are distributed by birth year, gender, race, and lifetime education, using the Congressional Budget Office's 10‐year budget estimates and the Penn Wharton Budget Models' microsimulation. This enables measurement of conventional federal fiscal imbalance (FI): $162.6 trillion in present value, which is six‐fold larger than current debt held by the public. FI implies a shortfall of 26.1% in federal taxes, alternatively, an excess of 33.4% of federal expenditures. The equi‐proportional shortfall of expenditures plus taxes equals 14.6%. Excluding taxes and transfers of some groups, such as the elderly, increases the measured shortfall.