bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased nest temperature during winter does not affect residual yolk metabolism of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Authors: WARNER Daniel A. , MITCHELL Timothy S. , JANZEN Fredric J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRising global temperatures have a wide range of effects at organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Increased winter temperatures are expected to alter the energetics of species that are dormant during this time. Hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) spend their first ∼8 months in shallow nests on land, where they putatively rely on residual yolk reserves to fuel energetic demands during this period of inactivity before they emerge in the spring. We performed a laboratory experiment to characterize changes in residual yolk quantity in hatchling C. picta and experimentally tested the effect of temperature on residual yolk, hatchling size, and survival over the winter brumation period. We manipulated winter nest temperature by simulating two natural thermal regimes (“low” vs “high” treatments) and one regime that approximates warmer temperatures expected by 2100 (“future” treatment). Because high temperature increases metabolism, we predicted that the future temperature treatment would decrease the amount of residual yolk remaining by the end of winter and reduce hatchling mass and survival. Residual yolk over winter did not differ from that before winter, and the temperature had no effect on the quantity of residual yolk or hatchling survival by the following spring. However, hatchlings that experienced future temperatures lost more mass over winter than those from the other treatments. These results correspond with previous work indicating that residual yolk does not fuel the energetic needs of hatchlings during winter. The effect of future warming temperatures on body mass may have negative consequences during energetically demanding activities during spring emergence and dispersal.
Analysis of the senescence‐associated cell surfaceome reveals potential senotherapeutic targets
Authors: Deng Yushuang , Liu Ting , Scifo Enzo , Li Tao , Xie Kan , Taschler Bernd , Morsy Sarah , Schaaf Kristina , Ehninger Armin , Bano Daniele , Ehninger Dan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe accumulation of senescent cells is thought to play a crucial role in aging‐associated physiological decline and the pathogenesis of various age‐related pathologies. Targeting senescence‐associated cell surface molecules through immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for the selective removal of these cells. Despite its potential, a thorough characterization of senescence‐specific surface proteins remains to be achieved. Our study addresses this gap by conducting an extensive analysis of the cell surface proteome, or “surfaceome”, in senescent cells, spanning various senescence induction regimes and encompassing both murine and human cell types. Utilizing quantitative mass spectrometry, we investigated enriched cell surface proteins across eight distinct models of senescence. Our results uncover significant changes in surfaceome expression profiles during senescence, highlighting extensive modifications in cell mechanics and extracellular matrix remodeling. Our research also reveals substantive heterogeneity of senescence, predominantly influenced by cell type and senescence inducer. A key discovery of our study is the identification of four unique cell surface proteins with extracellular epitopes. These proteins are expressed in senescent cells, absent or present at low levels in their proliferating counterparts, and notably upregulated in tissues from aged mice and an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. These proteins stand out as promising candidates for senotherapeutic targeting, offering potential pathways for the detection and strategic targeting of senescent cell populations in aging and age‐related diseases.
ZFAT (isoform‐specific) and its antisense RNA 1 (ZFAT‐AS1) are two allele‐specific monoallelically expressed genes in cattle
Authors: Zhang Yinjiao , Zheng Yunchang , Yu Wenli , Yang Lidan , Zhang Cui , Li Shujing , Li Shijie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn mammals, imprinted genes are characterised by a monoallelic expression, which is based on parental origin and is essential for both foetal and placental development. The ZFAT gene encodes a transcriptional factor, and its non‐coding antisense RNA, ZFAT‐AS1, overlaps with the ZFAT locus. Both ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 are maternally imprinted in human placentas. In bovines, the imprinting status of the ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 genes has yet to be reported. In this study, we analysed the allelic expression of three transcript variants (X1–X3) of the bovine ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 genes in somatic tissues and placentas using a single nucleotide polymorphism‐based method. The results showed that bovine ZFAT exhibited isoform‐specific paternal expression. The ZFAT X2 variant exhibited monoallelic expression in the bovine placentas and biallelic expression in the six bovine somatic tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain). However, the ZFAT X1 and X3 variants were biallelically expressed in both bovine tissues and placentas. A 311 bp bovine ZFAT‐AS1 complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence was obtained by aligning the human ZFAT‐AS1 cDNA sequence with the bovine genome and conducting reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification. Bovine ZFAT‐AS1 have monoallelic expression in bovine placentas and somatic tissues. In addition, the DNA methylation of two regions was characterised, including the partial promoter, and exon 1 and intron 1 regions of ZFAT, and there were no differentially methylated regions.
People have different expectations for their own versus others' use of AI‐mediated communication tools
Authors: Purcell Zoe A. , Dong Mengchen , Nussberger Anne‐Marie , Köbis Nils , Jakesch Maurice 
Published: September 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human communication, for example, by improving the quality of our writing, voice or appearance. However, AI mediated communication also has risks—it may increase deception, compromise authenticity or yield widespread mistrust. As a result, both policymakers and technology firms are developing approaches to prevent and reduce potentially unacceptable uses of AI communication technologies. However, we do not yet know what people believe is acceptable or what their expectations are regarding usage. Drawing on normative psychology theories, we examine people's judgements of the acceptability of open and secret AI use, as well as people's expectations of their own and others' use. In two studies with representative samples (Study 1: N = 477; Study 2: N = 765), we find that people are less accepting of secret than open AI use in communication, but only when directly compared. Our results also suggest that people believe others will use AI communication tools more than they would themselves and that people do not expect others' use to align with their expectations of what is acceptable. While much attention has been focused on transparency measures, our results suggest that self‐other differences are a central factor for understanding people's attitudes and expectations for AI‐mediated communication.
Congenital cytomegalovirus and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Alkoby‐Meshulam Layah , Amir Jacob , Lubin Daniel , Klinger Gil , Guttesman Giora , Zangen Samuel , Bilavsky Efraim 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLung involvement in children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection has been scarcely described. We describe three new cases of persistent pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital cytomegalovirus and review the other seven cases reported in the literature since 1988. All children had a symptomatic infection, including severe central nervous system or visceral findings. Morbidity and mortality were high. Persistent pulmonary hypertension may be a rare complication in severely symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infants. It is important to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus in cases of idiopathic refractory persistent pulmonary hypertension. Intensive treatment should be undertaken to treat this potentially rare lung involvement in combination with antiviral treatment.
Therapeutic inertia in obesity management among people living with obesity from the perspective of general/family practitioners in Canada: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Lau David C. W. , Patton Ian , Lavji Reena , Belloum Adel , Ng Ginnie , Modi Renuca 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThis mixed‐methods study aimed to explore factors contributing to therapeutic inertia among people living with obesity in Canada from the perspective of general/family practitioners (GP/FPs). One‐on‐one interviews and online surveys guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted. A total of 20 general/family practitioners were interviewed and 200 general/family practitioners were surveyed. Key findings from interviews were used to guide the development of the survey. Spearman's correlation analysis evaluated the association between general/family practitioners theme domain scores and their familiarity with the 2020 Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. The 200 general/family practitioners surveyed provided representation across Canada, with diversity in age, background, and gender. The most prominent domains related to therapeutic inertia that were positively influenced by familiarity with Clinical Practice Guidelines were Beliefs about Capabilities (rs = .27; p < .01), Skills (rs = .23; p < .01), Behavioural Regulation (rs = .24; p < .01) and Emotions (rs = .23; p < .01). Irrespective of their familiarity with Clinical Practice Guidelines, most general/family practitioners reported that environmental and contextual barriers impact obesity management. Particularly, while financial barriers were reported by participants regardless of Clinical Practice Guidelines familiarity, general/family practitioners familiar with Clinical Practice Guidelines more often reported having time to discuss obesity management with patients. This study identified perceptions, resource and training considerations that contribute to healthcare decision‐making and therapeutic inertia in obesity management among general/family practitioners and highlighted key areas to target with interventions in primary care to facilitate obesity management, which should be multi‐faceted, with a focus on incorporating obesity education into healthcare providers training programs and improving systemic and financial support.
A primer for the practice of reflexivity in conservation science
Authors: Kaechele Nicole , Beveridge Rachelle , Adams Megan , Boyce Paul , Artelle Kyle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRigorous scientific practice relies on the tenet of transparency. However, despite regular transparency in areas such as data availability and methodological practice, the influence of personal and professional values in research design and dissemination is often not disclosed or discussed in conservation science. Conservation scientists are increasingly driven to work in collaboration with communities where their work takes place, which raises important questions about the research process, especially as the field remains largely represented by a Western scientific worldview. The process of reflexivity, and the creation of positionality statements as one form of a reflexive practice, is an important component of transparency, rigor, and best practice in contemporary conservation science. In our own professional practices, however, we have found that guidance on how to produce positionality statements and maintain reflexivity throughout the lifecycle of research is too often lacking. In response, we build on existing literature and our own experience to offer a primer as a starting point to the practice of reflexivity. Rather than being prescriptive, we seek to demonstrate flexible approaches that researchers may consider when communicating reflexive practice to enhance research transparency. We explore the challenges and potential pitfalls in a reflexive practice and offer considerations and advice based on our collective professional experience.
Mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in the causal effect of body composition on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fu Liwan , Cheng Hong , Xiong Jingfan , Xiao Pei , Shan Xinying , Li Yanyan , Li Yan , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Mi Jie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in the causal effect of body composition on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes.MethodsA retrospective observational study and a Mendelian randomization (MR) study were used. Observational analyses were performed using data from 4717 Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for body composition. MR analyses were based on summary statistics from UK Biobank, deCODE2021, Meta‐Analysis of Glucose and Insulin‐Related Traits Consortium (MAGIC) and other large consortiums. Inflammatory biomarkers included leptin, adiponectin, osteocalcin, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH).ResultsIn a retrospective observational study, increased fat mass had a positive effect on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA‐β) through FGF23, whereas fat‐free mass produced the opposite effects. PTH and osteocalcin played significant roles in the association of fat mass and fat‐free mass with fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR (all p < 0.05). Mediation MR results indicated that childhood body mass index affected glycaemic traits through leptin and adiponectin. There existed a causal effect of fat‐free mass on type 2 diabetes via FGF23 (indirect effect: OR [odds ratio]: 1.14 [95% CI, confidence interval: 1.01–1.28]) and adiponectin (OR: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.77–0.93]). Leptin mediated the causal association of fat mass (indirect effect: β: −0.05 [95% CI: −0.07, −0.02]) and fat‐free mass (β: 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.04]) with fasting glucose.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that different body compositions have differential influences on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes through distinct inflammatory biomarkers. The findings may be helpful in tailoring management of body composition based on inflammatory biomarkers with different glycaemic statuses.
Lethal and sublethal effects of calcium carbonate formulation against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Hidayat Yusup , Octaviani Widya Salsabila , Meliansyah Rika , Sudarjat  , Maharani Yani , Dono Danar , Ang Gurion 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important insect pest of maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae). The use of synthetic insecticides to control this pest remains the most popular option amongst growers. Natural insecticides offer a safer alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling FAW. This study aimed to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects of a calcium carbonate formulation against this invasive insect pest. The tested formulation was a mixture of calcium carbonate (five concentrations), wetting agent and dispersant agent. Four experiments were conducted including a direct contact test, a no‐choice feeding test, a choice feeding test and an oviposition test. The application of the calcium carbonate formulation on maize leaves had a strong anti‐oviposition effect for adult female FAW, but a low‐to‐moderate antifeedant effect on FAW larvae. The growth and development of FAW larvae were only slightly affected by the calcium carbonate formulation in the feeding and the direct contact tests. The lethal effects of the calcium carbonate formulation against FAW larvae were low in direct contact and feeding tests. These results indicate that a calcium carbonate formulation has the potential to be used as the push component in a push–pull strategy for FAW control. Considering its low toxicity, both through direct contact and feeding, calcium carbonate can be an environmentally friendly alternative for the management of FAW.
Low moisture texturised protein from sunflower press cake
Authors: Morejón Caraballo Sophie , Fischer Simon Vincent , Masztalerz Klaudia , Lech Krzysztof , Rohm Harald , Struck Susanne 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to texturise protein from sunflower press cake (SPC) for being consumed as dry snack or, in its hydrated state, as a meat analogue. In preliminary experiments, feed moisture (15–25 g 100 g−1) and extrusion temperature (180 °C–200 °C) were varied when processing commercial sunflower protein flour with a protein content of 51.8 g per 100 g dry matter using low moisture single‐screw extrusion. The extrudates were analysed with regard to specific mechanical energy needs, texture properties in dry and hydrated state, colour, expansion ratio and water binding capacity. Extrusion parameters for achieving maximum expansion, textural force and minimal product moisture were found to be 180 °C and 15 g 100 g−1. Consequently, texturised protein was derived from deoiled SPC using these extrusion parameters. Initial deoiling of the press cake was necessary as it improved texturisation; a higher SME input reached led to increased cross‐linking of the protein matrix. The light coloured and significantly expanded extrudates with high water binding capacity and could serve as basis for further development of snack products or meat analogues.
Dismissal protection and long‐term sickness absence: Evidence from a policy change
Authors: Gürtzgen Nicole , Hiesinger Karolin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper studies whether a decline in employment protection reduces workers' long‐term sickness absences (of >6 weeks). We exploit exogenous variation from a German policy change that shifted the threshold exempting small establishments from dismissal protection from 5 to 10 workers. Using German register data, we find that the reform significantly reduced employees' transitions into long‐term sickness during their second year after being hired. This response is due to a behavioral rather than a compositional effect and is particularly pronounced among the medium‐skilled and younger males. Further results indicate that the reform did not alter the probability of involuntary unemployment after sickness.
Enhancing experiential science learning with virtual labs: A narrative account of merits, challenges, and implementation strategies
Authors: Reyes Ronald L. , Isleta Kristina P. , Regala Jennifer D. , Bialba Daisy Mae R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe adoption of virtual laboratories (VLs) has experienced a significant surge, catalysed by the global changes in the educational landscape, notably influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Originally supplementary to traditional in‐person laboratory experiments, VLs swiftly transitioned into a primary source of hands‐on laboratory activities for educational institutions worldwide during the pandemic. As restrictions have eased, virtual, computer‐assisted learning platforms continue to be used, though now as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, hands‐on experimentation opportunities. However, their adoption presents both opportunities and challenges that require thorough investigation to maximize their effectiveness and equity.ObjectivesThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of VL resources utilized across various scientific disciplines. It evaluates their potential to enhance traditional hands‐on laboratory activities and examines the efficacy of computer‐assisted learning platforms from a constructivist learning perspective. By doing so, the study seeks to identify best practices, challenges, and strategies for the effective integration of VLs in science education.MethodsA content analysis was conducted on literature published from 2013 to 2023, focusing on VLs in educational settings. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize the findings into three primary pillars: Merits, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies. Multiple researchers participated in the analysis to ensure reliability and consistency. To further enhance reliability, regular cross‐checks and consensus meetings were held to resolve any discrepancies and maintain the integrity of the thematic categorization. A constructivist learning perspective was used to analyse the instructional implications, focusing on active learning to evaluate alignment with educational goals, adapted teaching methods, and assessments.Results and ConclusionsThe analysis revealed that VLs offer significant benefits, including enhanced accessibility, flexibility, and opportunities for active learning. Virtual labs provide scalable, safe opportunities for inquiry‐based science learning by replicating experiments in an accessible digital environment, enhancing understanding of scientific concepts based on research demonstrations of improved learning outcomes. However, challenges such as high initial setup costs, technological barriers, and the need for effective integration with traditional curricula were also identified. Despite these challenges, VLs have the potential to complement and enhance hands‐on laboratory experiences, provided they are implemented thoughtfully and equitably. Future research should focus on improving the efficacy, accessibility, collaboration among stakeholders, and economic feasibility of VLs to maximize their educational impact.
Advances in image‐based diagnosis of nail disorders
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Wortsman Ximena , Tosti Antonella , Iorizzo Matilde 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper provides a comprehensive overview of image‐based techniques, particularly focusing on their applications and advancements in the context of nail disorders. Nowadays, high‐resolution digital cameras and dermoscopes enable dermatologists to capture detailed images of nail abnormalities, facilitating early diagnosis and meticulous tracking of disease progression. Onychoscopy is now a routine technique with well‐known criteria for the diagnosis, but recent developments allow us to visualize certain diseases better. Imaging modalities like high‐frequency ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy are being increasingly adopted for their superior diagnostic capabilities. These techniques are described in their technology, scanning protocols, normal findings, advantages and limitations. Moreover, the integration of technology in patient education has fostered a more informed patient population, capable of actively participating in their disease monitoring and treatment regimens. Proper training, validation, regulation and ethical considerations are, however, essential when integrating technology into healthcare practices. Imaging technologies that present the potential to add critical anatomical information to clinical diagnoses within reasonable costs and are available worldwide are the ones that will probably be used the most.