bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The extrafloral nectary traits of woody plants in Brazil’s Caatinga: describing an ecological spectrum
Authors: Cavalcante Nathália Thais , Câmara Talita , Falcão Hiram Marinho , Arnan Xavier 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Plants use extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) as indirect defence mechanisms against herbivores. These structures contain nectar that is offered to ants in exchange for their protection. EFNs display pronounced functional variation, but it is unknown how this variation comes together in phenotypes. Here, we characterized the main functional traits of EFNs and investigated the associations among them. This work was conducted at a study site in the Caatinga that hosts 14 species of woody plants. We characterized the following functional traits: EFN type, position, arrangement, size, and reducing-sugar level. We observed a marked degree of trait variation (~30%) that was manifested in species-specific trait combinations, giving rise to an ‘ecological spectrum’. At one end were Fabaceae species with large, vascularized EFNs that occur individually on the leaf petiole and/or rachis and that produce high levels of reducing sugars. At the other end were Euphorbiaceae species with small, nonvascularized EFNs that are generally grouped on the leaf blade and that produce low levels of reducing sugars. Despite its limited geographical and phylogenetic scale, this study represents an important first step in describing an ecological spectrum that can inform our understanding of the ecological interactions and evolutionary history of this functionally relevant group of plants.
Causal effect estimation in survival analysis with high dimensional confounders
Authors: Jiang Fei , Zhao Ge , Rodriguez-Monguio Rosa , Ma Yanyuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
With the ever advancing of modern technologies, it has become increasingly common that the number of collected confounders exceeds the number of subjects in a data set. However, matching based methods for estimating causal treatment effect in their original forms are not capable of handling high-dimensional confounders, and their various modified versions lack statistical support and valid inference tools. In this article, we propose a new approach for estimating causal treatment effect, defined as the difference of the restricted mean survival time (RMST) under different treatments in high-dimensional setting for survival data. We combine the factor model and the sufficient dimension reduction techniques to construct propensity score and prognostic score. Based on these scores, we develop a kernel based doubly robust estimator of the RMST difference. We demonstrate its link to matching and establish the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator. We illustrate our method by analyzing a dataset from a study aimed at comparing the effects of two alternative treatments on the RMST of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Paradoxical psoriasiform skin eruption in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors
Authors: Hilewitz Daniel , Yacobovitz Sharon , Reiss-Huss Shiran , Matar Manar , Weintraub Yael , Shouval Dror S , Pavlovsky Lev , Friedland Rivka 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitor (TNFi)-induced psoriasiform eruptions are a well-known phenomenon among adults. However, data are limited regarding this reaction in children.

Objectives
To describe in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the clinical characteristics of TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions and the outcomes of various therapeutic options.

Methods
We reviewed the medical charts of paediatric patients (aged &lt; 18 years) with IBD who developed TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions during 2006–2022.

Results
Among 454 patients with IBD treated with TNFis, 58 (12.8%) were diagnosed with TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions, of whom 51 were included in the study. The female to male ratio was 1 : 1.3. The median age at skin eruption was 14.11 [interquartile range (IQR) 12.11–16.05] years. The median elapsed time to eruption appearance was 15.00 months (IQR 7.00–24.00) after initiation of the treatment. All 51 patients were treated with topical steroids and 17 (33%) needed systemic treatment (phototherapy, methotrexate or acitretin). Sixteen of 51 patients (31%) needed to stop TNFi treatment because of an intractable eruption. Female patients, patients with inflammatory alopecia and patients who were treated with methotrexate or phototherapy were more prone to stop TNFis.

Conclusions
TNFi-induced psoriasiform eruptions are common in paediatric patients with IBD. The eruption may appear months or even years after treatment initiation. Almost one-third of the described patients had to replace their treatment because of a recalcitrant cutaneous eruption. This indicates that a multidisciplinary approach is required.
The Heterogeneous Syndrome of Noninfectious Causes of Persistent Fever in Neutropenic Patients With Hematologic Malignancy: Another Opportunity for Stewardship?
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Tarik , Akova Murat , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Although occult fungal, viral, and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections can cause persistent fever in neutropenic patients with hematologic cancer, a variety of noninfectious entities should be considered on a case-by-case basis in the context of negative diagnostic workup for infection.
Carotid sinus massage in clinical practice: the Six-Step-Method
Authors: de Lange Frederik J , de Jong Jelle S Y , van Zanten Steven , Hofland Willem P M E , Tabak Rick , Cammenga Marianne , Francisco-Pascual Jaume , Russo Vincenzo , Fedorowski Artur , Deharo Jean-Claude , Brignole Michele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Carotid sinus massage (CSM) as integral part of cardiovascular autonomic testing is indicated in all patients &gt; 40 years with syncope of unknown origin and suspected reflex mechanism. However, large practice variation exists in performing CSM that inevitably affects the positivity rate of the test and may result in an inaccurate diagnosis in patients with unexplained syncope. Even though CSM was introduced into medical practice more than 100 years ago, the method of performing CSM is still largely operator- and centre-dependent, while in many places, the test has been entirely abandoned. Here, we describe a standardized protocol on how to perform CSM, which basic monitoring equipment is necessary and why CSM is a safe procedure to perform. Our aim is to create a uniform approach to perform CSM. The new proposed algorithm, the Six-Step-Method, includes: (i) check history for exclusion CSM; (ii) turn head slightly contralaterally and posterior (see also explanatory video and poster provided as Supplementary material; (iii) palpation to identify carotid sinus location; (iv) massage for 10 s; (v) monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate to assess of the haemodynamic response type; and (vi) include time intervals between subsequent massages. Carotid sinus massage should be performed on both the left and right and in the supine and upright position. The recommended equipment to perform CSM consists of: (i) a tilt table in order to perform CSM in supine and standing position, (ii) a continuous blood pressure monitor or cardiac monitor, and (iii) at least two persons.
Making sense of recent models of the “sheltering” hypothesis for recombination arrest between sex chromosomes
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Olito Colin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In their most extreme form, sex chromosomes exhibit a complete lack of genetic recombination along much of their length in the heterogametic sex. Some recent models explain the evolution of such suppressed recombination by the “sheltering” of deleterious mutations by chromosomal inversions that prevent recombination around a polymorphic locus controlling sex. This sheltering hypothesis is based on the following reasoning. An inversion that is associated with the male-determining allele (with male heterogamety) is present only in the heterozygous state. If such an inversion carries a lower-than-average number of deleterious mutations, it will accrue a selective advantage and will be sheltered from homozygosity for any mutations that it carries due to the enforced heterozygosity for the inversion itself. It can, therefore, become fixed among all carriers of the male-determining allele. Recent population genetics models of this process are discussed. It is shown that, except under the unlikely scenario of a high degree of recessivity of most deleterious mutations, inversions of this type that lack any other fitness effects will have, at best, a modest selective advantage; they will usually accumulate on proto-Y chromosomes at a rate close to, or less than, the neutral expectation. While the existence of deleterious mutations does not necessarily prevent the spread of Y-linked inversions, it is unlikely to provide a significant selective advantage to them.
The role of pleiotropy and population structure in the evolution of altruism through the greenbeard effect
Authors: Aubier Thomas G , Lerch Brian A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Several empirical examples and theoretical models suggest that the greenbeard effect may be an important mechanism in driving the evolution of altruism. However, previous theoretical models rely on assumptions such as spatial structure and specific sets of pleiotropic loci, the importance of which for the evolution of altruism has not been studied. Here, we develop a population-genetic model that clarifies the roles of extrinsic assortment (e.g., due to population structure) and pleiotropy in the maintenance of altruism through the greenbeard effect. We show that, when extrinsic assortment is too weak to promote the evolution of altruism on its own, the greenbeard effect can only promote altruism significantly if there is a pleiotropic locus controlling both altruism and signaling. Further, we show that indirect selection via genetic associations is too weak to have a noticeable impact on altruism evolution. We also highlight that, if extrinsic assortment is strong enough to promote the evolution of altruism on its own, it also favors the spread of alleles encoding the other functions of a greenbeard trait (signaling and discriminatory behavior), as well as genetic associations. This occurs despite the fact that the greenbeard effect did not favor the evolution of altruism in the first place. This calls for caution when inferring the causality between greenbeard traits and the evolution of altruism.
Pseudogymnoascus destructans invasion stage impacts the skin microbial functions of highly vulnerable Myotis lucifugus
Authors: Lemieux-Labonté Virginie , Pathmanathan Jananan S , Terrat Yves , Tromas Nicolas , Simard Anouk , Haase Catherine G , Lausen Cori L , Willis Craig K R , Lapointe François-Joseph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The role of the skin microbiome in resistance and susceptibility of wildlife to fungal pathogens has been examined from a taxonomic perspective but skin microbial function, in the context of fungal infection, has yet to be studied. Our objective was to understand effects of a bat fungal pathogen site infection status and course of invasion on skin microbial function. We sampled seven hibernating colonies of Myotis lucifugus covering three-time points over the course of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) invasion and white nose syndrome (pre-invasion, epidemic, and established). Our results support three new hypotheses about Pd and skin functional microbiome: (1) there is an important effect of Pd invasion stage, especially at the epidemic stage; (2) disruption by the fungus at the epidemic stage could decrease anti-fungal functions with potential negative effects on the microbiome and bat health; (3) the collection site might have a larger influence on microbiomes at the pre-invasion stage rather than at epidemic and established stages. Future studies with larger sample sizes and using meta-omics approaches will help confirm these hypotheses, and determine the influence of the microbiome on wildlife survival to fungal disease.
Limited gut bacterial response of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) to dietary manipulation and captivity
Authors: Hoffbeck Carmen , Middleton Danielle R M L , Keall Susan N , Huang Chye-Mei , Pas An , Irving Kate , Nelson Nicola J , Taylor Michael W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The bacteria of a host’s digestive tract play crucial roles in digestion and pathogen resistance. Hosts living in captivity often have more human interaction and antibiotic use, in addition to differences in diet and environment, compared to their wild counterparts. Consequently, wild and captive animals frequently harbour different bacterial communities. We tested whether diversity of diet provided in captivity shifts the gut bacteria of tuatara, an endemic New Zealand reptile, at three captive sites, and examined how the gut community of these tuatara compares to those in the wild. Dietary manipulation did not cause a strong overall shift in tuatara gut bacteria, but individual tuatara did experience bacterial shifts during manipulation, which subsequently reverted after manipulation. We found that Bacteroides, a genus common in most vertebrate guts but rare in tuatara, increased significantly in the gut during manipulation, then decreased post-manipulation. Finally, the gut bacteria of captive tuatara significantly differed from those of wild tuatara, though most of the dominant bacterial genera found in wild tuatara persisted in captive tuatara. This work represents a first investigation of the captive tuatara bacterial community and establishes the sensitivity of the gut community to dietary manipulation and captivity for this relict reptile.
CRISPR/Cas9-edited duck enteritis virus expressing Pmp17G of Chlamydia psittaci induced protective immunity in ducklings
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Wang Yihui , Tang Na , He Cheng , Li Fuhuang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is threatening to the animal industry and human beings. Live attenuated duck enteritis virus (DEV) is considered a good vaccine vector. In the present study, the Pmp17G antigen of C. psittaci was expressed in DEV to construct a recombinant DEV–Pmp17G vaccine. The growing curve of the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine was comparable to the parental DEV strain, and Pmp17G protein expression was detected in the cytosol and membrane of the infected host cells. A total of 30 ducklings assigned to 5 groups were used to evaluate the vaccine efficacy. The birds in the vaccine groups received 15 000 plaque forming units of the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine via hypodermic injection. In contrast, the control groups received intramuscular inoculation with 1 × 103 embryo lethal dose of DEV vector or 50 µg of commercial recombinant major outer membrane protein (MOMP) vaccine. The rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine induced significantly higher levels of IgG antibodies than the commercial MOMP did on day 14, and the IgG antibodies persisted for 28 days. Moreover, the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine also induced higher levels of lymphocyte proliferations compared to the DEV vector. The vaccinated animals significantly reduced lesions and enhanced bacterial clearance in the lungs and throats compared to the MOMP immunization. Thus, the rDEV–Pmp17G vaccine induced persistent IgG antibodies and lymphocyte proliferation against C. psittaci infection.
Capitalizing on Dementia Care Mapping in an Evaluation of a Montessori-Based Intervention for Individuals Living with Dementia
Authors: Kinney Jennifer M , Janssen Leah M , Farfsing Kathleen M , Hughes Michael R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Montessori-based interventions (MBIs) promote quality of life among older adults living with dementia. We used Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) to evaluate the impact of a small-scale MBI. DCM is a systematic observation tool that records the behavior and mood/engagement of individuals living with dementia and can be used to improve quality of care and well-being.

Research Design and Methods
Pre- and post-intervention data from 15 care community residents compared: 1) residents’ range and types of behaviors, 2) their mood/engagement and 3) staff behaviors that facilitated and impeded residents’ personhood. In this mixed-methods study, deductive qualitative content analysis of DCM field notes further explored staff behaviors.

Results
Post-intervention, a significantly higher proportion of residents’ behaviors had the potential to promote their well-being, although there was little change in mood/engagement while engaging in those behaviors. Post-intervention, there was also a significant increase in staff behaviors that facilitated, and a decrease in staff behaviors that impeded, residents’ personhood. Further, post-intervention, staff interactions with residents were more open-ended and inclusive. Although some staff behaviors still excluded residents, the exclusion was more benign than pre-intervention.

Discussion and Implications
DCM documented incremental changes toward person-centered care, and DCM field notes provided insight into missed opportunities for effective staff interactions with residents. Taken together, findings provide additional support for the use of MBIs and highlights the usefulness of DCM, especially its associated field notes, to help researchers and practitioners create environments that promote the personhood that individuals living with dementia deserve.
The Spectre of Re-Fencing Off the Public Domain: Italian Copyright and Cultural Heritage Legal Scenarios
Authors: Dore Giulia , Priora Giulia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
International and European Union (EU) law jointly promote cultural development as a global and cross-border value, mandating national efforts for the preservation, enjoyment, and enhancement of cultural heritage. Cultural development is also the specific objective underlying Art. 14 of the EU Copyright in Digital Single Market Directive (CDSMD), designed to ensure that works of visual arts in the public domain remain a vital source of cultural enrichment across the Union. Against this backdrop, the Italian legal system is currently showing some resistance against such legal obligations. Its transposition of Art. 14 CDSMD explicitly refers to the applicability of the Italian Cultural Heritage Code, which typically requires permission and, in many cases, a fee payment to use reproductions of works of cultural significance, notwithstanding their public domain status. Concurrently, Italian courts have engineered new forms of exclusivity over cultural heritage belonging to the public domain, ignoring copyright law and other applicable norms. The study examines the Italian legal framework on public domain cultural heritage, unveiling a significant degree of incompatibility with international and EU legal obligations. Through a literal, systematic, and teleological legal analysis, the authors unearth how the Italian legal system fails to balance norms regarding cultural heritage, copyright, and data, thus calling for coordinated EU and national interventions towards a sound application of legal rules safeguarding the public domain.
Alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals: a call for action
Authors: Waithera Hannah W , Ndumwa Harrieth P , Njiro Belinda J , Chande-Mallya Rehema , Julius William , Swahn Monica , Staton Catherine A , Francis Joel M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Alcohol consumption and harmful and hazardous drinking are significant contributors to the global burden of disease, accounting for about 3 million deaths each year globally. Owing to their stressful work environment, healthcare professionals are at a high risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems, particularly alcohol use disorders. Alcohol use disorder among healthcare professionals is of concern as it is associated with decreased work productivity and performance and associated ill health and cognitive impairment. This review, therefore, aimed to gather evidence on the prevalence and associated factors for alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals. The findings revealed a high prevalence of alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals, which were worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a glaring dearth of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Urgent interventions and support systems are therefore needed to address these issues. A comprehensive approach, considering individual and organizational factors, alongside evidence-based interventions, training and support programs, can promote workforce well-being and improve the quality of patient care. It is imperative to integrate alcohol use screening, preventive and treatment interventions with primary healthcare and psychiatry services. This will help ensure early diagnosis and timely initiation of preventive and therapeutic measures, reducing the risk of missed opportunities. Furthermore, offering effective human resource management support services to healthcare professionals would significantly enhance their well-being and help prevent alcohol use disorders.
Viral and Symptom Rebound Following Anti–Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chew Kara W , McGinley Brooke , Moser Carlee , Li Jonathan Z , Evering Teresa H , Ritz Justin , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Margolis David , Wohl David A , Hughes Michael D , Daar Eric S , Currier Judith S , Eron Joseph J , Smith Davey M ,   for the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV)-2/A5401 Study Team, Study Sites, and Investigators, Chew Kara , Smith David (Davey) , Daar Eric , Wohl David , Currier Judith , Eron Joseph , Javan Arzhang Cyrus , Hughes Michael , Moser Carlee , Giganti Mark , Ritz Justin , Hosey Lara , Roa Jhoanna , Patel Nilam , Colsh Kelly , Rwakazina Irene , Beck Justine , Sieg Scott , Li Jonathan , Fletcher Courtney , Fischer William , Evering Teresa , Ignacio Rachel Bender , Cardoso Sandra , Corado Katya , Jagannathan Prasanna , Jilg Nikolaus , Perelson Alan , Pillay Sandy , Riviere Cynthia , Singh Upinder , Taiwo Babafemi , Gottesman Joan , Newell Matthew , Pedersen Susan , Dragavon Joan , Jennings Cheryl , Greenfelder Brian , Murtaugh William , Kosmyna Jan , Gapara Morgan , Shahkolahi Akbar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We explored viral and symptom rebound after coronavirus disease 2019 amubarvimab-romlusevimab monoclonal antibody therapy versus placebo in the randomized ACTIV-2/A5401 trial. Participants underwent nasal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction testing at study days 3, 7, 14, and 28. Viral rebound was defined as RNA ≥3 and ≥0.5 log10 copies/mL increase from day 3 or 7, and symptom rebound as hospitalization or any moderate/severe symptom for ≥2 days after initial symptom improvement. There was no difference in viral rebound (∼5%/arm) (analysis population n = 713) or symptom rebound among participants who initially improved (hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% confidence interval, .52–1.75]; analysis population n = 574); &lt;1% had both viral/symptom rebound.