bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central and Peripheral Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormones Correlate to Metabolically Obesity Phenotypes in Chinese Euthyroid Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Lu Yayun , Ye Shengchang , Gu Yaping , Xia Qing , Hou Lili 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimsThyroid hormones impact lipid metabolism and glucose homoeostasis through both central and peripheral regulation; however, little research has delved into the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and metabolically obese phenotypes. We aimed to investigate the correlation between indices of central and peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones and metabolically obese phenotypes in euthyroid Chinese adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 20,084 euthyroid individuals. Central thyroid hormone sensitivity was assessed using the thyroid feedback quantile‐based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile‐based index (PTFQI), thyroid‐stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotropin thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), while peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity was measured by FT3/FT4. Metabolically obesity phenotypes included metabolically healthy non‐obesity (MHNO), unhealthy non‐obesity (MUNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), and unhealthy obesity (MUO). Multinomial logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to investigate the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity indices and metabolically obese phenotypes risk. Subgroup analysis was also performed to examine this association stratified by sex and age. Mediation analysis was performed to estimate direct and indirect effects of BMI.ResultsPrevalence of MHNO, MUNO, MHO and MUO was 66.1% (n = 13,273), 21.3% (n = 4271), 5.3% (n = 1055), and 7.4% (n = 1485) respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for MUNO and MUO were increased with all elevated thyroid hormones sensitivity indices (per SD increase) [MUNO: TFQI 1.14(1.09–1.19), PTFQI 1.18(1.23–1.23); TSHI 1.26(1.19–1.33), TT4RI 1.41, (1.31–1.53), FT3/FT4 1.20(1.14–1.25) and [MUO: TFQI 1.20(1.11–1.31), PTFQI 1.26(1.16–1.37), TSHI 1.39 (1.26–1.54), TT4RI 1.70(1.48–1.95), FT3/FT4 1.26 (1.16–1.37)] (p value < 0.001), and only TSHI and TT4RI (per SD increase) significantly increased the risk of MHO (TSHI: OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24; TT4RI: OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.08–1.4) (p value < 0.05). Non‐linear relationships were observed between central thyroid hormones sensitivity indices and MUNO and MUO(p for nonlinearity < 0.05). Conversely, a linear relationship between FT3/FT4 and metabolically obese phenotypes was noted in all subjects (p for nonlinearity > 0.05). Besides, subgroup analysis indicated that this association remained consistent among sex and age (p for interaction > 0.05). The proportions mediated by BMI on the association of TFQI, PTFQI, TSHI, TT4RI, FT3/FT4 and risk of metabolically unhealthy conditions were 13.73%, 25.38%, 22.75%, 17.94% and 62.28%, respectively.ConclusionsIn euthyroid adults, central and peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones indices are positively associated with metabolically obese phenotypes risk, especially MUNO and MUO phenotypes.
Great Gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) in Central Asia Are Spreading to Higher Latitudes and Altitudes
Authors: Liu Xuan , Xu Li , Zheng Jianghua , Lin Jun , Li Xuan , Liu Liang , Tian Ruikang , Mu Chen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) is a gregarious rodent in Central Asia and is one of the major pests found in desert forest and grassland areas. The distribution changes and migration routes of R. opimus in Central Asia under climate change remain unexplored. This study employed multi‐model ensemble, correlation analysis, jackknife method, and minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to simulate the potential habitat of R. opimus under current and future (2030 and 2050) climate scenarios and estimate its possible migration routes. The results indicate that the ensemble model integrating Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) performed best within the present climate context. The model predicted the potential distribution of R. opimus in Central Asia with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.986 and a True Skill Statistic (TSS) of 0.899, demonstrating excellent statistical accuracy and spatial performance. Under future climate scenarios, northern Xinjiang and southeastern Kazakhstan will remain the core areas of R. opimus distribution. However, the optimal habitat region will expand relative to the current one. This expansion will increase with the rising CO2 emission levels and over time, potentially enlarging the suitable area by up to 39.49 × 104 km2. In terms of spatial distribution, the suitable habitat for R. opimus is shifting toward higher latitudes and elevations. For specific migration routes, R. opimus tends to favor paths through farmland and grassland. This study can provide guidance for managing and controlling R. opimus under future climate change scenarios.
Genetic and Phenotypic Divergence in a Dung Beetle 50 Years After Its Introduction to Australia
Authors: Rapalai Boikhutso Lerato , Simmons Leigh W. , Evans Theodore A. , Kennington W. Jason 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSpecies translocations are increasingly being used in conservation and for biological control. The success of a translocation can be strongly influenced by the evolutionary processes occurring during the early phase of the introduction and the subsequent spread to new regions. In this study, morphological variation and population genetic structure were assessed in the African dung beetle Digitonthophagus gazella, a species that was intentionally introduced to Australia for biological control in 1968 and subsequently spread widely across the northern part of the continent. A dataset based on 1594 neutral single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci that were genotyped in 187 individuals from 12 sites revealed significant genetic divergences between sites (global FST = 0.118) and provides evidence of restricted gene flow among established populations at small to moderate spatial scales (74–500 km). Geometric morphometric analyses revealed significant divergence among populations in the shape of the foretibia, a trait ecologically important for tunnelling in soil and dung. Moreover, phenotypic divergence in this trait for both sexes was significantly higher than genetic differentiation at selectively neutral loci (PST > FST), suggesting that directional selection is contributing to the phenotypic divergences among populations. Our study shows how population structure can establish quickly in an introduced species and highlights the importance of considering local adaptation when performing translocations on established populations.
Genetic Variation in Trophic Avoidance Behaviour Shows Fruit Flies are Generally Attracted to Bacterial Substrates
Authors: Monteith Katy M. , Thornhill Phoebe , Vale Pedro F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPathogen avoidance behaviours are often assumed to be an adaptive host defence. However, there is limited experimental data on heritable, intrapopulation phenotypic variation for avoidance, a strong prerequisite for adaptive responses to selection. We investigated trophic pathogen avoidance in 122 inbred Drosophila melanogaster lines, and in a derived outbred population. Using the FlyPAD system, we tracked the feeding choice that flies made between substrates that were either clean or contained a bacterial pathogen. We uncovered significant, but weakly heritable variation in the preference index amongst fly lines. However, instead of avoidance, most lines demonstrated a preference for substrates containing several bacterial pathogens, showing avoidance only for extremely high bacterial concentrations. Bacterial preference was not associated with susceptibility to infection and was retained in flies with disrupted immune signalling. Phenotype–genotype association analysis indicated several novel genes (CG2321, CG2006, and ptp99A) associated with increased preference for the bacterial substrate, while the amino‐acid transporter sobremesa was associated with greater aversion. Given the known fitness benefits of consuming high‐protein diets, our results suggest that bacterial attraction may instead reflect a dietary preference for protein over carbohydrate. More work quantifying intrapopulation variation in avoidance behaviours is needed to fully assess its importance in host–pathogen evolutionary ecology.
Species Diversity, Host Association, and Evolutionary History of Cronartium: An Important Global Fungal Pathogen to Trees
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Tsui Clement K. M. , You Chongjuan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPine stem rust, the most damaging and widespread forest disease occurring in pine trees in the Northern Hemisphere, is primarily caused by Cronartium species (Pucciniales, Melampsorineae). While the phylogenetic relationships of major Cronartium species have been largely elucidated, there is limited understanding of their species diversity and the evolutionary processes shaping their distribution patterns. In this work, we performed broad sampling and sequencing of Cronartium taxa in China together with additional sequence data and other accessions in NCBI to investigate the diversification and to estimate the divergence time of major evolutionary events in this genus. Molecular dating analysis suggested that the divergence of the genus Cronartium probably was around 91.78 Ma during the Upper Cretaceous. It is believed that Cronartium species may have originated in Asia and North America, with intercontinental dispersals occurring primarily during the Middle Eocene, Middle Miocene, and Pliocene. These dispersal events likely took place through the North Atlantic Land Bridge, the De Geer Route, and the Bering Land Bridge, and subsequently diverged through sporadic dispersal and vicariance events. Furthermore, our analysis of host associations revealed that the diversification of Cronartium species was correlated with their telial‐hosts, and some species may have experienced host jump events, indicating a complex interplay between host specificity and pathogen–host interaction during Cronartium evolution.
Long‐Distance, Transfrontier Carnivore Dispersals in Southern Africa
Authors: Beytell Piet , Hanssen Lise , Aschenborn Ortwin , Naidoo Robin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInformation on long‐range dispersal in tropical carnivores is limited compared to their temperate counterparts. Here we present data on long‐range, transboundary dispersals for three species of tropical carnivores: African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), African lion (Panthera leo), and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). The dispersals we document in our savannah system are among the longest that have been recorded for African wild dog and African lion, while for spotted hyena one of our recorded dispersal events is of similar magnitude to the longest documented movements occurring among any carnivore species from around the world.
Temporal increase in ticks and pathogen prevalence in the small mammal part of the Lyme disease cycle in northern Europe
Authors: Lindsø Lars K. , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Mysterud Atle 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLyme disease is an emerging infectious disease and the most common vector‐borne zoonosis in the northern hemisphere. The pathogen that causes Lyme disease in Europe is vectored by the generalist tick Ixodes ricinus, and the emergence of Lyme disease is partly linked to how climate warming affects tick distribution and abundance. However, we lack long‐term data on tick infestations and infection prevalence in the main hosts involved in the transmission cycle. Here, we quantified the temporal trends (2014–2022) of I. ricinus infestations and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in small mammalian hosts and linked annual variation to host abundance and climate in Norway. We found that tick infestations for both larvae (21% per year [95% CI 18–25]) and nymphs (18% [11–26]), and infection prevalence (14% [8–20]) increased over the period and were negatively associated with rodent abundance. Additionally, warmer years were associated with increased larval tick infestations on hosts. The combination of a temporal increase in both larval tick infestation and infection prevalence in hosts likely results in increased production of infected nymphs. Thus, we provide one mechanistic step toward understanding the Lyme disease emergence at northern latitudes of Europe.
Molecular insights into acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) induced toxic effect in HepG2 cells based on multi‐omics integrative analysis
Authors: Ma Bing Jie , Chen Lu , Weng Rui , Liu Jia Xi , Yin Xiao Qian , Lu Yu Shun , Qiu Jing , Qian Yong Zhong , Xu Yan Yang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCitrate esters have become the main alternatives to traditional plasticizers in food packaging materials. However, there is a lack of understanding of their toxic effects, particularly the combined effects and inner mechanisms has not been well studied. Our group pioneered the study on combined toxicity of tributyl citrate (TBC) and acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC), two commonly co‐used citrate esters in food packaging materials. The results showed that exposure to TBC and ATEC can decrease the viability of HepG2 cells in a dose dependent manner. When the mixtures of ATEC and TBC exposed to HepG2 cells, they exhibited antagonism effect. Therefore, ATEC was selected to investigate the molecular mechanisms with multi‐omics techniques at its 1/4 EC50 concentration. A total of 31 metabolites with significant changes were found as potential biomarkers. The LIPG (Lipase G, endothelial type) and GCLM (glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit) were identified as differentially expressed genes based on transcriptomic analysis. Moreover, downregulated l‐glutamate and l‐glutamine which participate in TCA cycle, resulting in the collapse of energy production and cytotoxicity. These findings on major metabolic pathways will provide insight into the mechanism of cytotoxicity of HepG2 cells after ATEC exposure.
Tri‐ and Hexanuclear Gold(I) Systems Based on Tribenzotriquinacene
Authors: Franke Maurice , Stratmann Lukas , Vishnevskiy Yury V. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA tridentate trimethylstannyl substituted alkyne based on the tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) scaffold has been transformed into several gold(I)phosphane complexes by tin‐gold exchange. While the molecular structures of the gold(I) derivatives with less bulky trimethyl and dimethylphenylphosphane ligands exhibit intermolecular aurophilic interactions, the sterically demanding triphenylphosphane ligands inhibit the occurrence of Au⋅⋅⋅Au contacts. In addition, a hexanuclear gold(I) system was synthesised by terminal functionalisation of the hexaalkynyl TBTQ. Investigations of the photophysical properties of the gold(I)phosphane TBTQ compounds revealed their luminescent character at room temperature.
Moving towards the use of artificial intelligence in pain management
Authors: Antel Ryan , Whitelaw Sera , Gore Genevieve , Ingelmo Pablo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWhile the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in medicine has been significant, their application to acute and chronic pain management has not been well characterized. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current state of AI in acute and chronic pain management.Databases and Data TreatmentThis review was registered with PROSPERO (ID# CRD42022307017), the international registry for systematic reviews. The search strategy was prepared by a librarian and run in four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Central, and Web of Science). Collected articles were screened by two reviewers. Included studies described the use of AI for acute and chronic pain management.ResultsFrom the 17,601 records identified in the initial search, 197 were included in this review. Identified applications of AI were described for treatment planning as well as treatment delivery. Described uses include prediction of pain, forecasting of individualized responses to treatment, treatment regimen tailoring, image‐guidance for procedural interventions and self‐management tools. Multiple domains of AI were used including machine learning, computer vision, fuzzy logic, natural language processing and expert systems.ConclusionThere is growing literature regarding applications of AI for pain management, and their clinical use holds potential for improving patient outcomes. However, multiple barriers to their clinical integration remain including lack validation of such applications in diverse patient populations, missing infrastructure to support these tools and limited provider understanding of AI.SignificanceThis review characterizes current applications of AI for pain management and discusses barriers to their clinical integration. Our findings support continuing efforts directed towards establishing comprehensive systems that integrate AI throughout the patient care continuum.
The effects of plyometric versus resistance training on running economy and 5‐km running time in middle‐aged recreational runners
Authors: Eihara Yuuri , Takao Kenji , Sugiyama Takashi , Maeo Sumiaki , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Isaka Tadao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe effects of plyometric training (PT) versus resistance training (RT) on running economy and performance are unclear, especially in middle‐aged recreational runners. We examined (1) the efficacy of PT versus RT on running economy and performance in middle‐aged recreational runners and (2) the relationships between the main training outcomes. Twenty middle‐aged recreational runners were randomly allocated to a PT or RT group (n = 10/group). Training was conducted twice/week for 10 weeks combined with daily running. PT included the countermovement jump (CMJ), rebound jump, hurdle hop, and drop jump. RT consisted of leg press, leg curl, and calf raise with 50%–90% of one‐repetition maximum (1RM). Before and after the intervention, 1RM of the three lifting tasks, CMJ and drop jump performances, oxygen cost at 8–12 km/h, and 5 km running time were assessed. PT enhanced 1RM of leg curl only (8.5% and p = 0.007), whereas RT increased 1RM of the three lifting tasks (19.0%–21.1% and p < 0.001). Both groups improved CMJ height (6.4%–8.3% and p = 0.016) and drop jump performance (height: 9.7%–19.4%, p = 0.005, height/contact time: 11.4%–26.3% and p = 0.009) and oxygen cost regardless of running velocity (2.0% and p = 0.001) without significant group differences. However, neither group changed the 5‐km running time (p ≥ 0.259). A significant correlation was found between the changes in calf raise 1RM and oxygen cost (r = −0.477 and p = 0.046) but not between the other measured variables. These results suggest that for middle‐aged recreational runners, PT and RT can similarly improve running economy albeit not necessarily the 5‐km running time, and enhancing plantarflexion strength may particularly contribute to improving running economy.
Path Planning Approaches in Multi‐robot System: A Review
Authors: Banik Semonti , Banik Sajal Chandra , Mahmud Sarker Safat 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe essential factor in developing multi‐robot systems is the generation of an optimal path for task completion by multiple robots. To ensure effective path planning, this paper studies the recent publications and provides a detailed review of the path planning approaches to avoid collisions in uncertain environments. In this article, path‐planning approaches for multiple robots are categorized primarily into classical, heuristic, and artificial intelligence‐based methods. Among the heuristic approaches, bio‐inspired approaches are mostly employed to optimize the classical approaches to enhance their adaptability. The articles are analyzed based on static and dynamic scenarios, real‐time experiments, and simulations involving hybrid solutions. The increasing focus on using hybrid approaches in dynamic environments is found mostly in the papers employing heuristic and AI‐based approaches. In real‐time applications, AI‐based approaches are highly implemented in comparison to heuristic and classical approaches. Moreover, the findings from this review, highlighting the strengths and drawbacks of each algorithm, can help researchers select the appropriate approach to overcome the limitations in designing efficient multi‐robot systems.
Performance Evaluation of Polygonal and Cylindrical Ball Mills Using Discrete Element Method
Authors: Kyalo Mathew Ndeto , Kimotho James Kuria , Ndiritu Hiram Muriithi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBall mills are frequently utilized in the chemical and mineral processing industries to reduce the size of particles. In mineral processing, cylindrical rotating mills with wear‐resistant materials are used at various operation scales. Polygon‐shaped rotating mills are used in artisanal and small‐scale mining due to technological and economic reasons. It is imperative to thoroughly evaluate polygon‐shaped mills to inform decisions regarding their improvement or replacement based on technological data. Even a minor enhancement in grinding efficiency and mill durability can yield substantial economic and environmental advantages. In this study, the performance of polygonal‐shaped mills was evaluated and compared with cylindrical profiles, taking into account power draw, collision energy dissipation, relative wear, and operational stability. The effect of installing lifters in the mills was also assessed. Simulations using the discrete element method (DEM) were carried out to describe the mechanical behavior of grinding media and its interaction with the mill walls. Notably, polygonal‐shaped mills without lifters facilitated interparticle interaction with limited centrifuging of particles compared to cylindrical mills without lifters. The installation of lifters in polygonal mills increased interparticle collisions and reduced power draw and wear rate. Cylindrical mills with lifters had high interparticle collisions similar to polygonal profiles but with much lower wear rate and high operational stability.
Optimizing Dye Wastewater Purification: Ultrasonic and Flotation With Ozonation Synergy
Authors: Romanovski Valentin , Pilipenko Marina , Dubina Alexandr , Likhavitski Vitaly , Volodko Sergey , Moskovskikh Dmitry , Romanovskaia Elena 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe article presents the results of experimental studies of the efficiency of purification of model and real wastewater from dyeing and finishing industries using pneumatic flotation using an ozone‐air mixture instead of air and a combination of ultrasonic treatment and ozonation. The influence of gas mixture consumption, dye concentration, and ozone concentration in the gas mixture on the cleaning efficiency was studied. The purification efficiency was assessed by optical density and COD. By using an ozone‐air mixture instead of air in the flotation process, an efficiency increase of up to 12 times was achieved. It has also been shown that wastewater treatment efficiency increases by up to 12% when combining ozone‐air flotation with ultrasonic treatment at 630 W and operating frequency 22% ± 10% kHz. This effect may be associated, first of all, with the dispersion of bubbles of the ozone‐air mixture, which leads to an increase in their total surface and, accordingly, to the rise in the kinetics of mass transfer—ozone dissolution.