bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The responsiveness of rural poverty to structural and rural transformations in Ethiopia
Authors: Endale Kefyalew , Alemu Getnet , Gebeyehu Worku 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of economic opportunities created by structural transformation, such as income from labor employment and income from nonlabor sources, on the incidence, depth, and severity of rural poverty using the 2018/2019 Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey data. The effects of rural transformations in terms of nonfarm self‐employment and improved farming systems on poverty are also investigated. Ordinary least square, Probit, Instrumental Variable Probit model, and two stage least square estimation methods are used depending on the nature of outcome variables and the Wald test of exogeneity. The findings show that labor income (especially regular salaried income) and nonlabor income (especially remittance from international sources) are crucial in reducing the incidence of rural poverty. Improvements in crop and livestock practices, on the other hand, reduce the incidence as well as depth and severity of rural poverty. The findings suggest that more attention should be given to enhancing the modernization of crop and livestock sectors by expanding access to farm credit and improved extension systems, among other things.
A novel DNA damage detection method based on a distinct DNA damage response system
Authors: Zhong Shitong , Song Shuang , Wang Linjia , Liu Yufeng , Xu Hong , Wang Liangyan , Lu Huizhi , Hua Yuejin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDNA damage occurs when cells encounter exogenous and endogenous stresses such as long periods of desiccation, ionizing radiation and genotoxic chemicals. Efforts have been made to detect DNA damage in vivo and in vitro to characterize or quantify the damage level. It is well accepted that single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) is one of the important byproducts of DNA damage to trigger the downstream regulation. A recent study has revealed that PprI efficiently recognizes ssDNA and cleaves DdrO at a specific site on the cleavage site region (CSR) loop in the presence of ssDNA, which enables the radiation resistance of Deinococcus. Leveraging this property, we developed a quantitative DNA damage detection method in vitro based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). DdrO protein was fused with eYFP and eCFP on the N‐terminal and C‐terminal respectively, between which the FRET efficiency serves as an indicator of cleavage efficiency as well as the concentration of ssDNA. The standard curve between the concentration of ssDNA and the FRET efficiency was constructed, and application examples were tested, validating the effectiveness of this method.
Performance of DNA metabarcoding, standard barcoding and morphological approaches in the identification of insect biodiversity
Authors: Salis Romana , Sunde Johanna , Gubonin Nikolaj , Franzén Markus , Forsman Anders 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFor two decades, DNA barcoding and, more recently, DNA metabarcoding have been used for molecular species identification and estimating biodiversity. Despite their growing use, few studies have systematically evaluated these methods. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of barcoding methods in identifying species and estimating biodiversity, by assessing their consistency with traditional morphological identification and evaluating how assignment consistency is influenced by taxonomic group, sequence similarity thresholds and geographic distance. We first analysed 951 insect specimens across three taxonomic groups: butterflies, bumblebees and parasitic wasps, using both morphological taxonomy and single‐specimen COI DNA barcoding. An additional 25,047 butterfly specimens were identified by COI DNA metabarcoding. Finally, we performed a systematic review of 99 studies to assess average consistency between insect species identity assigned via morphology and COI barcoding and to examine the distribution of research effort. Species assignment consistency was influenced by taxonomic group, sequence similarity thresholds and geographic distance. An average assignment consistency of 49% was found across taxonomic groups, with parasitic wasps displaying lower consistency due to taxonomic impediment. The number of missing matches doubled with a 100% sequence similarity threshold and COI intraspecific variation increased with geographic distance. Metabarcoding results aligned well with morphological biodiversity estimates and a strong positive correlation between sequence reads and species abundance was found. The systematic review revealed an 89% average consistency and also indicated taxonomic and geographic biases in research effort. Together, our findings demonstrate that while problems persist, barcoding approaches offer robust alternatives to traditional taxonomy for biodiversity assessment.
Identification of AS1842856 as a novel small‐molecule GSK3α/β inhibitor against Tauopathy by accelerating GSK3α/β exocytosis
Authors: He Da‐Long , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Su Jing‐Yang , Zhang Qi , Zhao Ling‐Xiao , Wu Ting‐Yao , Ren Hang , Jia Rong‐Jun , Lei Xian‐Fang , Hou Wen‐Jia , Sun Wen‐Ge , Fan Yong‐Gang , Wang Zhan‐You 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase‐3α/β (GSK3α/β) is a critical kinase for Tau hyperphosphorylation which contributes to neurodegeneration. Despite the termination of clinical trials for GSK3α/β inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment, there is a pressing need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting GSK3α/β. Here, we identified the compound AS1842856 (AS), a specific forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) inhibitor, reduced intracellular GSK3α/β content in a FOXO1‐independent manner. Specifically, AS directly bound to GSK3α/β, promoting its translocation to the multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and accelerating exocytosis, ultimately decreasing intracellular GSK3α/β content. Expectedly, AS treatment effectively suppressed Tau hyperphosphorylation in cells exposed to okadaic acid or expressing the TauP301S mutant. Furthermore, AS was visualized to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) using an imaging mass microscope. Long‐term treatment of AS enhanced cognitive function in P301S transgenic mice by mitigating Tau hyperphosphorylation through downregulation of GSK3α/β expression in the brain. Altogether, AS represents a novel small‐molecule GSK3α/β inhibitor that facilitates GSK3α/β exocytosis, holding promise as a therapeutic agent for GSK3α/β hyperactivation‐associated disorders.
Tracing the origin of the alien pest Cydia pomonella in Algeria through a worldwide comparison of the species’ DNA barcodes
Authors: Mahi Tayeb , Harizia Abdelkader , Canelo Tara , Benguerai Abdelkader , Bonal Raul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
DNA barcodes (i.e., gene sequences used as identifiers for species identification) constitute a very useful tool in invasive pest research. Using them, we studied, for the first time, the origin and population structure of the alien Cydia pomonella in Africa, a major apple pest.
We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from C. pomonella caterpillars collected in northern Algeria and compared them with DNA barcodes from the rest of the world available at public repositories.
The phylogeny built upon that COI database supports the European origin of the species: haplotypes at the base of the phylogeny were registered in this continent. In Algeria, the results suggest that this pest could have been introduced from Europe, with two unique African mutations probably favoured by C. pomonella multivoltinism and large population sizes.
Population genetic analyses at three Algerian localities showed neither structure nor founder effects. However, to confirm the underlying process of the observed population patterns, it is necessary to perform analyses using genes with higher mutation rates.
Compared to higher resolution markers, mitochondrial DNA barcodes are still a cost‐effective tool for taxonomic determination of unknown specimens and, sometimes, may also allow a preliminary tracing of its origin. This is crucial to detect and stop the spread of invasive pests (i.e., borders). We encourage further studies including functional genes to assess whether any mutations are promoting C. pomonella adaptation to the Northern Africa environment.
The capitalization of property rights to groundwater
Authors: Edwards Eric C. , Hendricks Nathan P. , Sampson Gabriel S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThere is limited empirical evidence on the value of formal property rights to natural resources when they are not transferable, and there is regulatory uncertainty about enforcement. This paper takes a hedonic approach to understanding how three core features of groundwater property rights—access, allocation, and seniority—are capitalized into agricultural land values in the High Plains Aquifer region of Kansas. We find that groundwater access rights confer an average land value premium of 71%, or $1445/acre in 2019 dollars. Water rights having larger allocations and more seniority are more highly valued in the land market. The seniority effect is small but is consistent with more junior rights facing greater regulatory risk of curtailment. Taken together, these results suggest that the land market capitalizes constraints to groundwater pumping provided by groundwater property rights. We use our empirical estimates to quantify the distributional costs of modifying existing patterns of pumping, a common challenge of groundwater management organizations seeking to improve the sustainability of extraction.
Comparative motility assessment of sperm retrieved from micro‐testicular sperm extraction: A single‐centre study comparing fresh and frozen–thawed sperm
Authors: Sawaid Kaiyal Raneen , Bryk Darren J. , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Doolittle Johnathan , Parekh Neel V. , Sabanegh Edmund , Desai Nina , Lundy Scott D. , Vij Sarah C. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMicrosurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is crucial for treating non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA), offering both ‘fresh’ and ‘frozen’ options. This study evaluates the impact of fresh versus frozen microTESE on the progression to intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, focusing on sperm motility.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of microTESE procedures at a major medical centre from 2007 to 2021, excluding cases of obstructive azoospermia and cryptozoospermia. Patients were divided into two groups: fresh microTESE (Group FR) and frozen microTESE (Group FZ). Sperm motility was assessed, and ICSI outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsOut of 128 microTESE procedures on 113 NOA patients, 31 were fresh and 97 were frozen. Sperm was found in 67.7% of fresh cases and 45.3% of frozen cases. In fresh cases, 85.7% had motile sperm for ICSI, whereas in frozen cases, 81.8% had motile sperm initially, but only 52.7% retained motility post‐thaw.ConclusionsOur findings indicate a significant drop in motile sperm availability for ICSI in frozen microTESE cases compared to fresh ones. This suggests a potential advantage of fresh microTESE for certain couples, despite the logistical challenges, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and counselling.
An imperial meantime
Authors: Solana Vivian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOn November 13, 2020, the Sahrawi movement for national liberation, known as the Polisario Front, resumed its armed struggle against Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara. With this decision, the movement put an end to a 29‐year‐long peace process throughout which the implementation of international law had been indefinitely deferred. During this cease‐fire, the Polisario used humanitarian aid to strengthen its nation‐state building in exile. This practice formed part of a larger historical narration that was inserted into the cease‐fire's temporal parenthesis, or what I call an imperial meantime. As a result, a disjuncture arose between the movement's political forms and its goal of achieving state sovereignty over Western Sahara. During this imperial meantime, a generation of refugees came of age. Describing the contradictions experienced by young politicized refugees, and highlighting the role that the control over time plays in humanitarian governance, I show how the invisible violence of a humanitarian peace anticipated the return to armed struggle.
Deep learning classification method for boar sperm morphology analysis
Authors: Keller Alexandra , Maus McKenna , Keller Emma , Kerns Karl 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBoar semen quality emphasizes three major criteria: sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Methods to analyze concentration and motility quickly and objectively readily exist, but few exist for analyzing morphology outside of subjective manual counting. Other vital factors for fertilization, like acrosome health, lack efficient detection methods due to limitations in detection by the human eye and costly biomarker analysis, which is rarely used in semen diagnostics.ObjectiveTo overcome these challenges, we propose a novel approach integrating deep‐learning technology with high‐throughput image‐based flow cytometry (IBFC) for objective and accurate analysis of both morphology and label‐free acrosome health of thousands of individual spermatozoa at once, as opposed to manually counting on a microscope slide.Materials and methodsImages of 10,000 spermatozoa were captured using an IBFC and manually annotated based on the primary morphological defect or acrosome health status for the training of the convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN used these images to train and then applied that training to unannotated images to predict the model accuracy.ResultsUsing the CNNs, high F1 scores of 96.73%, 98.55%, and 99.31% for 20x, 40x, and 60x magnifications, respectively, for morphological classification were attained. Additionally, the model demonstrates an F1 score of 99.8% in detecting subtle acrosome health variations at the 60x magnification.Discussion and conclusionsWe have established an integrated approach to rapidly collect and classify morphological defects and acrosome health status, without the use of manual counting or biomarker labeling. Our study underscores the potential of artificial intelligence in semen diagnostics, reducing technician variability, streamlining assays, and facilitating the development of additional label‐free detection methods. This innovative approach addresses the barriers hindering biomarker adoption in semen analysis, offering a promising avenue for enhancing reproductive health assessments.
Utility of interleukin‐6 to identify serious bacterial infections in febrile infants aged ≤60 days
Authors: Orfanos Ioannis , Krusell Emilie Thorén , Elfving Kristina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to investigate the utility of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the early diagnosis of serious bacterial infections (SBI) in febrile infants and to compare it with C‐reactive protein (CRP).MethodsRetrospective study conducted in the paediatric emergency department in Gothenburg, Sweden, on previously healthy, full‐term infants aged ≤60 days with fever without a source (FWS) from 2014 to 2017.ResultsWe included 536 infants with FWS, of whom IL‐6 was analysed in 364 (68%) and CRP was analysed in 494 (92%). Approximately 70% of the infants presented with a fever duration of less than 12 h. The prevalence of SBIs was 14.8% (95% CI,11.3–18.9) in the IL‐6 group and 17.8% (95% CI,14.5–21.5) in the CRP group. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of IL‐6 ≥50 ng/L were 93%, 66%, 98% and 33%, respectively. For CRP ≥20 mg/L, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV were 76%, 89%, 95%, and 55%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that CRP was significantly associated with SBI (p < 0.0001) in the entire population, whereas IL‐6 was not.ConclusionInterleukin‐6 showed high sensitivity and NPV, which might assist in identifying SBIs early in febrile infants. However, IL‐6 was not shown to be superior to CRP and further studies are needed to investigate whether IL‐6 should be incorporated in clinical management.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Effects on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Wen Jimmy , Syed Burhaan , Leapart Jared , Shehabat Mouhamad , Ansari Ubaid , Akhtar Muzammil , Razick Daniel , Pai David 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveSelective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are potential treatments for ameliorating age‐related physical dysfunctions caused by sarcopenia, cachexia and chronic illnesses such as cancer. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse the effect of SARMs on physical performance and body and evaluate their safety profile.MethodsA systematic review search criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed in three databases for studies reporting physical parameter outcomes after SARM intervention. Study variables included title, author, publication date, study year, number of patients, dosage, mean age, mean follow‐up time, pre and post‐intervention outcomes and rates of complications.ResultsNine studies, including 970 patients with a mean age of 57.1 years (35.3−75.9) and a mean follow‐up of 80 days (14−180), were included. Six SARMs were analysed: LGD‐4033, PF‐06260414, GSK2881078, GTx‐024, MK‐0773 and OPK‐88004. Mean pre‐intervention stair climbing power (five studies), one repetition maximum leg press (four studies) and short physical performance battery (SPPB) score (two studies), lean body mass (seven studies) and fat mass (five studies) were 352.24 W (69.79−678.7), 1822.77 N (1176.8−2407.3), 9.15 (7.95−9.9), 49.46 kg (30.94−63.9) and 21.99 kg (13.3−33), respectively. Mean post‐intervention values were 315.16 W (89.46−525.73 W), 2191.27 N (1375.87−2462.9 N), 9.79 (8.88−10.4), 50.86 kg (31.02−67.29) and 21.85 kg (12.54−32.16), respectively.ConclusionSARMs have a positive effect on physical performance and body composition and are associated with moderate rates of mild to moderate adverse effects (AEs) and a low rate of severe AEs.
Drug–drug interactions of icenticaftor (QBW251) with a 5‐probe cytochrome P450 cocktail and oral contraceptives
Authors: Huth Felix , Glaenzel Ulrike , Drollmann Anton , Weis Wendy , Zack Julia , Bebrevska Lidiya 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA drug–drug interaction (DDI) study was conducted to evaluate the effect of icenticaftor (QBW251) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a 5‐probe cytochrome P450 (CYP) substrate cocktail, guided by in vitro studies in human hepatocytes and liver microsomes. Another DDI study investigated the effect of icenticaftor on the PK and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LVG) in premenopausal healthy female subjects. The static‐mechanistic DDI assessment indicated that icenticaftor may moderately induce the metabolic clearance of co‐medications metabolized by CYP3A4 (area under the concentration–time curve [AUC] ratio: 0.47) and potentially CYP2C; icenticaftor may also weakly inhibit the metabolic clearance of co‐medications metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 (AUC ratio: 1.35 and 1.86, respectively) and moderately inhibit CYP2B6 (AUC ratio: 2.11). In the CYP substrate cocktail DDI study, icenticaftor 300 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) moderately inhibited CYP1A2 (AUC ratio: 3.35) and CYP2C19 (AUC ratio: 2.70). As expected from the results of the in vitro studies, weak induction was observed for CYP3A4 (AUC ratio: 0.51) and CYP2C8 (AUC ratio: 0.66). In the OC DDI study, co‐administration of icenticaftor 450 mg b.i.d. with monophasic OC containing 30‐μg EE and 150‐μg LVG once daily reduced the plasma exposure of both components by approximately 50% and led to increased levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These results provide valuable guidance for the use of icenticaftor in patients taking concomitant medications that are substrates of CYP enzymes or patients using OCs.
Utilising paired measurements of phosphatidylethanol to monitor early success in alcohol abstinence
Authors: White Daniel , Salman Sam , Joyce David A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionPhosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a specific and persisting marker of ethanol (alcohol) consumption. Early success of medically necessary abstinence can be assessed by monitoring PEth disappearance at a biologically plausible rate. This requires an understanding of PEth elimination, its variability and its determinants. To achieve this, we characterised PEth elimination in drinkers who voluntarily abstained. We aimed to derive a nomogram from the data to assist practitioners in recognising abstinence.MethodsTwenty‐nine usual drinkers who were prepared to abstain from alcohol consumption for 4 weeks were recruited. Erythrocyte PEth was measured weekly. A population pharmacokinetic model for PEth was developed, describing the time‐course of PEth elimination. Estimates were derived for population average, inter‐individual variability in PEth half‐life and any covariate influences. These estimates informed a nomogram of PEth elimination that incorporated a boundary separating continued abstinence from resumed drinking. The nomogram was tested to identify drinking events among participants.ResultsThe model estimated a population average elimination rate constant (k) of 0.088 day−1, corresponding to a half‐life of 7.9 days with a residual coefficient of variation of 8.5%. Elimination was first order and no covariate influences were identified. The nomogram was internally assessed as predictively accurate for 21 successfully abstinent participants and in detecting alcohol consumption in 2 further participants, using a 99.9% prediction interval.Discussion and ConclusionsThe value of PEth in distinguishing alcohol abstinence from consumption is enhanced by using a nomogram to confirm abstinence within weeks of its medically necessary imposition. Further work will establish the value of this approach in clinical practice.
Chicken embryo cultures in the dorsal‐upward orientation for the manipulation of epiblasts
Authors: Konya Kaho , Watanabe Yusaku , Kawamura Akihito , Nakamura Kae , Iida Hideaki , Yoshihi Koya , Kondoh Hisato 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChicken embryos have many advantages in the study of amniote embryonic development. In particular, culture techniques developed for early‐stage embryos have promoted the advancement of modern developmental studies using chicken embryos. However, the standard technique involves placing chicken embryos in the ventral‐upward (ventral‐up) orientation, limiting manipulation of the epiblast at the dorsal surface, which is the primary source of ectodermal and mesodermal tissues. To circumvent this limitation, we developed chicken embryo cultures in the dorsal‐up orientation and exploited this technique to address diverse issues. In this article, we first review the history of chicken embryo culture techniques to evaluate the advantages and limitations of the current standard technique. Then, the dorsal‐up technique is discussed. These technological discussions are followed by three different examples of experimental analyses using dorsal‐up cultures to illustrate their advantages: (1) EdU labeling of epiblast cells to assess potential variation in the cell proliferation rate; (2) migration behaviors of N1 enhancer‐active epiblast cells revealed by tracking cells with focal fluorescent dye labeling in dorsal‐up embryo culture; and (3) neural crest development of mouse neural stem cells in chicken embryos.