bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Picking up signals” in male genital morphospace and integrating phylogenomics to delimit Neotropical Nylanderia Emery species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Williams Jason L , Punnath Aswaj , Fernández María Belén , Calcaterra Luis Alberto , LaPolla John S , Lucky Andrea 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Genital morphology, a cornerstone in taxonomy that predates Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae, is vital for species delimitation. However, the widely accepted paradigm that genitalia are taxonomically informative lacks robust testing between closely related species, and supporting evidence is often limited to taxonomic literature in which genitalia are assumed a priori to be species-specific. The cosmopolitan ant genus Nylanderia Emery includes 123 described species, with most in the Neotropics still undescribed. Workers are often morphologically cryptic, and males are rare in collections but required for morphological delimitation. Using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) from 236 samples, including 53 Neotropical Nylanderia species, we reconstructed a phylogenetic framework to compare the genitalia (gonopods) of males collected alongside workers. We used geometric morphometrics on images of slide-mounted genitalia from 16 species and nano-CT scans of Nylanderia fulva (Mayr) and Nylanderia pubens (Forel) genital capsules and interpreted results considering phylogeny under maximum likelihood and the multispecies coalescent. We found strong morphological and molecular support for 2 distantly related American clades, identifiable by gonopod shape, with significant differences observed among most species. Three previously reported COI clades of N. fulva were not supported as monophyletic, nor were their gonopods significantly different. However, N. pubens was supported as distinct by all phylogenetic and 3DGM results. Our findings emphasize the importance of male genitalia for delimiting species boundaries and revising Neotropical Nylanderia. Given their importance, particularly in morphologically cryptic taxa, we recommend a greater focus on linking male and worker phenotypes, which can be facilitated through comprehensive nest series collection.
Democratization and Peace after Civil War—What Difference Can International Engagement Make? Insights from Liberia
Authors: Mross Karina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
What role can international engagement play for the relationship between post-conflict democratization and conflict recurrence? Empirical evidence indicates that democratization risks triggering violence. Consequently, some scholars criticize the liberal peacebuilding approach, which centers on the promotion of democracy and competitive elections with the aim of fostering peace after civil wars. This article (1) illustrates the risks and potential of post-conflict democratization and (2) traces the effect of international support in this context. It builds on the existing literature yet goes beyond the concentration on peacekeeping forces and places particular attention on democracy promotion. The analysis draws on rich empirical data from Liberia, which is an ideal case to explore this relationship. Twice, democratic elections followed in the wake of a devastating civil war in Liberia. The first post-war elections in 1997 are often cited as an example of how externally induced democratization triggers renewed violence. The democratization process following the end of the second civil war in 2003, in contrast, is regarded as having strengthened peace. The analysis shows that international (democracy) support constitutes a key explanatory factor in the Liberian case by reducing and even substituting for the weakness and lack of credibility of local democratic institutions and procedures.
Nationalism, Internationalism, and Interventionism: How Overseas Military Service Influences Foreign Policy Attitudes
Authors: Waldie Bradford 
Published: October 2024

Abstracts
How does military experience change individual foreign policy preferences? Prior research on military service focuses on the effects of combat experience on political participation and policy preferences, but combat is not the only military experience that influences attitudes. Living overseas is a common military experience with the potential to shape foreign policy preferences. Using observational data from a sample of military elites and original survey data from a sample of military veterans, I leverage semi-random and non-voluntary assignments to overseas military bases to investigate the relationship between overseas exposure and foreign policy preferences. The data provides evidence that overseas military service increases the likelihood of calling for international engagement, decreases nationalist attitudes, and increases the willingness of military members to assist individual allies. The ability to shape the preferences of military members has important implications for the development of foreign policy and the stability of international engagement.
Effectiveness of temocillin in treatment of non-urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and risk factors for failure
Authors: Mamona Kilu Christel , Menvielle Camille , Cataldi Anne , Hamon Antoine , Duran Clara , Mwanba Cedric , Tesmoingt Chloé , Bouabdallah-Perrin Laura , Touche Pauline , Chanh Hew Wai Aurélie , Ourghanlian Clément , Antignac Marie , Bildan Marc-Antoine , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Michelon Hugues , Diamantis Sylvain , Pilmis Benoit , Citerne Antoine , Farfour Eric , Dinh Aurélien ,   Paris Temocillin study group, Dinh Aurélien , Mamona Christel , Duran Clara , Michelon Hugues , Bouchand Frédérique , Farfour Eric , Touche Pauline , Chan Hew Wai Aurélie , Pilmis Benoît , Diamantis Sylvain , Batista Rui , Canouï Etienne , Citerne Antoine , Deconinck Laurène , Tesmoingt Chloé , Bouabdallah Perrin Laura , Lafaurie Matthieu , Touratier Sophie , de Lastours Victoire , Hamon Antoine , Antignac Marie , Leplay Céline , Meynard Jean-Luc , Cataldi Anne , Ourghanlian Clément , Lepeule Raphaël , Bildan Marc-Antoine , Loustalot Marie-Caroline , Calin Ruxandra , Mwamba Cédric , Pain Jean Baptiste , Escaut Lelia , Wyplosz Benjamin , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Junot Helga 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To describe the real-life use of temocillin for non-urinary tract infections, to assess its effectiveness in infections caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, and to identify risk factors for treatment failure.

Method
Retrospective multicentric study in 14 tertiary care hospitals, including all patients who received at least one dose of temocillin for ESBL infections from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021 for non-urinary tract infections. Failure was a composite criterion defined within 28 day follow-up by persistence or reappearance of signs of infection, and/or switch to suppressive antibiotic treatment and/or death from infection. Logistic regression with univariable and multivariable analysis was performed to identify risks associated with failure.

Results
Data on 163 infection episodes were collected; 133 were due to ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and 128 were included in the effectiveness analysis. Median (IQR) age was 61 (53–70) years and 61.7% of patients were male. Main indications were lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI; 28.9%), intra-abdominal infections (IAI; 28.1%) and cutaneous infections (12.5%). The main bacteria involved were Klebsiella pneumoniae (48.4%), Escherichia coli (25.0%) and Enterobacter cloacae (24.2%). Polymicrobial infections occurred in 45.3% of cases. Temocillin was used as monotherapy in 86/128 (67.2%). Failure was found in 36/128 (28.1%) cases. In multivariable analysis, the only factor associated with failure was initial severity of the episode [adjusted OR 3.0 (95% CI: 1.06–8.69)].

Conclusions
During non-urinary tract infections, the main use of temocillin was for LRTIs and IAIs due to ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The main risk factor for failure was initial severity of the disease.
Indications of digital literacy during Latino-focused, community-based COVID-19 testing implementation
Authors: Prado Patric V , Arechiga Carina , Marson Kara , Oviedo Yolanda , Vizcaíno Tatiana , Gomez Monica , Alvarez Arandu , Jimenez-Diecks Laura , Guevara Sindy , Nava Alexandra , Lopez Zully , Carrera Omar , Hypes Robert , Marquez Carina , Chamie Gabriel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
We sought to characterize indicators of digital literacy among persons testing for COVID-19 and community health workers (CHWs) providing testing via a digital platform in low-income, majority-Latino communities in California.

Materials and Methods
From March 2021 to March 2022, we trained CHWs to provide community-based COVID-19 testing that relied on a digital platform for registration, recording and reporting of results. Among community members, we examined factors associated with accessing test results digitally and time to results receipt. Among CHWs, we evaluated factors associated with self-reported difficulty using the digital platform and improvement post-training.

Results
Overall, 5044 community members were tested for COVID-19. Accessing results digitally vs non-digitally was associated with younger age (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.02 [95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.01-1.03], for each year decrease), rural residence (OR:1.61 [95% CI, 1.30-1.99]), and providing an email address at registration (OR: 2.18 [95% CI, 1.80-2.65]). The likelihood of providing an email address at registration was increased among younger, non-Latino, English-speaking, female, and rural testers. Among persons accessing results digitally, median time from testing to result receipt was 41 min, with increased time associated with rural residence and older age. Among 42 CHWs surveyed, 29 (68%) reported technology-related challenges when providing testing: those reporting challenges were more likely to be older and rural CHWs. Rural CHWs were less likely to report technical skill improvement post-training.

Discussion
Email provision may be an indicator of digital literacy among persons testing for COVID-19 in low-income, majority-Latino communities. Rural and older CHWs may need more intensive digital training.

Conclusion
Efforts to improve digital literacy in underserved communities are likely needed to realize the full potential of community-based health interventions that utilize digital platforms.
The effects of denosumab on osteoclast precursors in postmenopausal women: a possible explanation for the overshoot phenomenon after discontinuation
Authors: Schini Marian , Gossiel Fatma , Saini Tanya , Banda Peter , Ward Rachel , Vilaca Tatiane , Eastell Richard , Fontalis Andreas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Upon denosumab discontinuation, an observed overshoot phenomenon in bone turnover may occur, potentially leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and the occurrence of vertebral fractures. Several theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, one of which is that osteoclast precursors might be accumulating during treatment. Our aim was to study the effects of denosumab on osteoclast precursors in postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional observational study included 30 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis, divided into 2 groups: 15 treated with denosumab (mean duration 4 years, range 6 months-9 years) and 15 treatment-naïve controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from whole blood and were stained for CD14, MCSFR, CD11b, and TNFRII. Osteoclast precursors (CD14+/MCSFR+, CD14+/CD11b + OR CD14+/TNFRII+) were identified with fluorescent activated cell sorting. The proportion of osteoclasts was determined by calculating their percentage of the total cell population in each whole blood sample. To confirm the expected suppression of bone turnover in the subjects treated with denosumab, we measured serum PINP, CTX, and TRACP5b. Denosumab-treated patients exhibited a significantly higher count of CD14+/CD11b + osteoclast precursors compared with controls (median 4% vs 0.75%, p=.011). There was no correlation with the duration of treatment. Bone turnover markers were significantly lower in the group treated with denosumab than controls. Our findings indicate an increase in osteoclast precursors, which could explain the overshoot phenomenon observed after discontinuing denosumab.
Achondroplasia: aligning mouse model with human clinical studies shows crucial importance of immediate postnatal start of the therapy
Authors: Rico-Llanos Gustavo , Spoutil Frantisek , Blahova Eva , Koudelka Adolf , Prochazkova Michaela , Czyrek Aleksandra , Fafilek Bohumil , Prochazka Jan , Gonzalez Lopez Marcos , Krivanek Jan , Sedlacek Radislav , Krakow Deborah , Nonaka Yosuke , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Krejci Pavel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Achondroplasia is the most common form of human dwarfism caused by mutations in the FGFR3 receptor tyrosine kinase. Current therapy begins at 2 years of age and improves longitudinal growth but does not address the cranial malformations including midface hypoplasia and foramen magnum stenosis, which lead to significant otolaryngeal and neurologic compromise. A recent clinical trial found partial restoration of cranial defects with therapy starting at 3 months of age, but results are still inconclusive. The benefits of achondroplasia therapy are therefore controversial, increasing skepticism among the medical community and patients. We used a mouse model of achondroplasia to test treatment protocols aligned with human studies. Early postnatal treatment (from day 1) was compared with late postnatal treatment (from day 4, equivalent to ~5 months in humans). Animals were treated with the FGFR3 inhibitor infigratinib and the effect on skeleton was thoroughly examined. We show that premature fusion of the skull base synchondroses occurs immediately after birth and leads to defective cranial development and foramen magnum stenosis in the mouse model to achondroplasia. This phenotype appears significantly restored by early infigratinib administration when compared with late treatment, which provides weak to no rescue. In contrast, the long bone growth is similarly improved by both early and late protocols. We provide clear evidence that immediate postnatal therapy is critical for normalization of skeletal growth in both the cranial base and long bones and the prevention of sequelae associated with achondroplasia. We also describe the limitations of early postnatal therapy, providing a paradigm-shifting argument for the development of prenatal therapy for achondroplasia.
Residual effect of commonly used insecticides on key predatory mites released for biocontrol in strawberry
Authors: Busuulwa Allan , Riley Simon S , Revynthi Alexandra M , Liburd Oscar E , Lahiri Sriyanka 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Florida is the second largest producer of strawberries in the United States. However, the production system faces numerous challenges, especially Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infestations. Management of this pest involves applying insecticides and use of predatory mites, particularly Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudemans, and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae). Strawberry growers in Florida are concerned about the compatibility of the commercial formulations of insecticides used in strawberry pest management with predatory mites. This study assessed the residual effect of commercial insecticides used in strawberry production on the survival, feeding, and oviposition of the 3 predators. Using Munger cells, predators were exposed to commercial formulations of spinetoram, cyantraniliprole, azadirachtin + pyrethrin, Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps javanica, capsicum, garlic, and canola oil extracts, and water control. There was a gradual decline in the survival and feeding of predatory mites when exposed to all insecticides. Spinetoram had the highest impact on the survival and feeding of all predators compared to other insecticides, while C. javanica had the lowest impact. Cyantraniliprole and azadirachtin + pyrethrin significantly reduced predator survival after 72 h of exposure, whereas capsicum, garlic, and canola oil extracts caused a similar reduction after 96 h. All predators consumed low proportions of S. dorsalis across all treatments. Oviposition was low in all treatments, with no discernable variation among treatments. These results highlight the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi in conjunction with A. swirskii, N. cucumeris, and N. californicus for the management of S. dorsalis and T. urticae in strawberries.
Characterization of pectinase-producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 and its effects on cull peach fermentations
Authors: Gutierrez-Cano Aaliyah Raquel , Jones Bryce , Macario Jordan , Martin Sofia , Cardenas Derrick , Simpson Hannah , Boundy-Mills Kyria , Edwards Meredith Claire 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fermentation of pectin-rich biomass by Saccharomyces cerevisiae can produce bioethanol as a fuel replacement to combat carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 produces its own pectinase enzymes potentially eliminating the need for commercial pectinases during fermentation. This research assessed growth, pectinase activity, and fermentative activity of S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 and compared its performance to an industrial yeast strain, S. cerevisiae XR122N. Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448’s growth was inhibited by osmotic stress (xylose concentrations above 1 M), ethanol concentrations greater than 5% v/v, and temperatures outside of 30°C–37°C. However, S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 was able to consistently grow in an industrial pH range (3–6). It was able to metabolize glucose, sucrose, and fructose but was unable to metabolize arabinose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The pectinase enzyme produced by S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 was active under typical fermentation conditions (35°C–37°C, pH 5.0). Regardless of S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448’s limitations when compared to S. cerevisiae XR122N in 15% w/v peach fermentations, S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 was still able to achieve maximum ethanol yields in the absence of commercial pectinases (44.7 ± 3.1 g/L). Under the same conditions, S. cerevisiae XR122N produced 39.5 ± 3.1 g/L ethanol. While S. cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 may not currently be optimized for industrial fermentations, it is a step toward a consolidated bioprocessing approach to fermentation of pectin-rich biomass.

One-Sentence Summary
Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCDFST 09-448 demonstrates the potential to ferment pectin-rich biomass as part of a consolidated bioprocess, but is sensitive to industrial stressors.
Effects of the symbiotic bacteria, Caballeronia insecticola, on the life history parameters of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) and their implications for the host population growth
Authors: Kho Jung-Wook , Jung Minhyung , Lee Doo-Hyung 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of symbiosis on the life history of host insects and address their implications at the host population level. We evaluated the effects of symbiotic bacteria Caballeronia insecticola on its host Riptortus pedestris (Fabricus) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) from cohorts for nymphal development, adult survivorship, and female reproduction. Then, life table parameters were compared between symbiotic and apo-symbiotic groups, and the effects of symbiosis on the abundance of R. pedestris were simulated for varying proportions of symbiotic individuals in host populations. We found that symbiosis significantly accelerated the nymphal development and reproductive maturation of females. However, symbiosis incurred survival cost on adult females, reducing their longevity by 28.6%. Nonetheless, symbiotic females laid significantly greater numbers of eggs than the apo-symbiotic during early adult ages. This early reproductive investment negated the adverse effect of their reduced longevity, resulting in the mean lifetime fecundity to not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Indeed, total cohort fecundity of the symbiotic group was 1.3-fold greater than that of the apo-symbiotic group. Life table analysis demonstrated shorter generation time and greater population growth rate in the symbiotic population. Finally, the simulation model results indicate that an increase in the proportion of symbiotic R. pedestris favored the population growth, increasing the population size by 1.9 times for every 25% increase in the proportion of symbiotic individuals. Our study demonstrates that symbiont-mediated changes in the life history parameters of host individuals favor the host population growth, despite substantial reduction in the female longevity.
Idiopathic splenic infarcts in a patient with situs inversus totalis: a case report
Authors: Abunasser Bashar , Shabani Hisham Issa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Situs inversus totalis is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by a mirror-image transposition of both the abdominal and the thoracic organs. Splenic infarctions are considered a rare cause of abdominal pain, although the exact prevalence is unclear. We present a rare case of a 62-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and was found to have large splenic infarcts with situs inversus totalis on computed tomography. The patient was admitted and treated conservatively. In conclusion, diagnosing situs inversus in cases of emergency is important because patients will present with abnormally located symptoms, and splenic infarction should be kept in mind when considering the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain despite its rarity.
A case of solitary metastatic colon adenocarcinoma of the sternum: an unusual metastatic site
Authors: Lahham Elias Edward , Al-Sa'ed Jamal Alddin Bilal Mohammad , Azzam Mosab Mohammed Saleh , Warda Ali Khalid Mahmoud Abu , Al Amleh Hisham 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy; it ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite the effectiveness of surgical intervention for primary tumors, ~30% of patients develop metastases, commonly in the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and peritoneum. Bone metastasis is relatively rare but can occur, typically affecting vertebrae, pelvis, femur, and humerus. This study presents a 68-year-old patient with a history of locally advanced colon cancer who presented with a rapidly enlarging, painful sternal mass. Imaging and biopsy confirmed metastatic colon adenocarcinoma in the sternum. The patient was treated with radiation therapy, resulting in significant symptomatic relief and tumor reduction. This case highlights the rarity of sternal metastasis from colorectal cancer. Given the poor prognosis associated with skeletal metastases in colorectal cancer, this case emphasizes the need for vigilance in monitoring for atypical metastatic sites and the importance of tailored palliative care strategies.