bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functioning of unidirectional ventilation in flying hawkmoths evaluated by pressure and oxygen measurements and X-ray video and tomography
Authors: Wasserthal Lutz Thilo , Cloetens Peter 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Flying sphingids generate unidirectional ventilation with an inflow through the anterior thoracic spiracles and an outflow through the posterior thoracic spiracles. This phenomenon was documented by the CO2 emission and tracheal air pressure in split-chamber experiments in preceding studies. In the present study, we evaluated the function of the air pump mechanism by measuring the tracheal pressure and PO2 in the air sacs and monitoring the wing beat using photocells. Microelectrodes recorded the abdomen flexing muscles and abdominal transverse muscle septum. The crucial structure was the vertical mesophragma, with longitudinal flight muscles attached anteriorly and large fused metathoracic air sacs posteriorly, continuous to the first abdominal segment. Longitudinal flight muscles and abdomen lifting muscles contracted synchronously, producing positive pressure pulses within the mesothoracic air sacs. In the scutellar air sacs, the PO2 with starting full flight was elevated to 18–20 kPa, with a pressure increase of 35–50 Pa. In contrast, in the metathoracic air sacs, the O2 concentration during flight could rise to 10 kPa, then decline to 5±1 kPa. The metathoracic air sacs provided compliance for ventilation by the flight muscles. The initial rise and subsequent decrease of the PO2 in these posterior metathoracic air sacs indicated the unidirectional flow path of the air used. Serial X-ray frames of flying Acherontia atropos visualised the cyclic phragma movement and volume changes in the metathoracic air sacs. The results showed that the contracting dorsolongitudinal flight muscles expanded the metathoracic air sacs, acting as a suction pump.
Big data and experimental biology: the complementary roles of hypothesis-led and blue skies research
Authors: Dow Julian A. T. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
JEB has broadened its scope to include non-hypothesis-led research. In this Perspective, based on our lab's lived experience, I argue that this is excellent news, because truly novel insights can occur from ‘blue skies’ idea-led experiments. Hypothesis-led and hypothesis-free experimentation are not philosophically antagonistic; rather, the latter can provide a short-cut to an unbiased view of organism function, and is intrinsically hypothesis generating. Insights derived from hypothesis-free research are commonly obtained by the generation and analysis of big datasets – for example, by genetic screens – or from omics-led approaches (notably transcriptomics). Furthermore, meta-analyses of existing datasets can also provide a lower-cost means to formulating new hypotheses, specifically if researchers take advantage of the FAIR principles (findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability) to access relevant, publicly available datasets. The broadened scope will thus bring new, original work and novel insights to our journal, by expanding the range of fundamental questions that can be asked.
Flight activity and effort of breeding pied flycatchers in the wild, revealed with accelerometers and machine learning
Authors: Yu Hui , Liang Shujie , Muijres Florian T. , te Lindert Jan Severin , de Knegt Henrik J. , Hedenström Anders , Lamers Koosje P. , Henningsson Per 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Flight behaviours of birds have been extensively studied from different angles such as their kinematics, aerodynamics and, more generally, their migration patterns. Nevertheless, much is still unknown about the daily foraging flight activity and behaviour of breeding birds, and potential differences among males and females. The recent development of miniaturized accelerometers allows us a glimpse into the daily life of a songbird. Here, we tagged 13 male and 13 female pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) with accelerometers and used machine learning approaches to analyse their flight activity and effort during the chick rearing period. We found that during 2 h of foraging, chick-rearing pied flycatchers were flying on average 13.7% of the time. Almost all flights (&gt;99%) were short flights lasting less than 10 s. Flight activity changed throughout the day and was highest in the morning and lowest in the early afternoon. Male pied flycatchers had lower wing loading than females, and in-flight accelerations were inversely correlated with wing loading. Despite this, we found no significant differences in flight duration and intensity between sexes. This suggests that males possess a higher potential flight performance, which they did not fully utilize during foraging flights.
Evaluating the Impact of Post-Esophagectomy Exercise on 2- and 5-Yr Survival: Findings from the PERFECT Trial
Authors: BINYAM DAVID , VAN VULPEN JONNA K. , VAN HILLEGERSBERG RICHARD , RUURDA JELLE P. , NIEUWENHUIJZEN GRARD A. P. , KOUWENHOVEN EWOUT A. , VAN DER WALL ELSKEN , GROENENDIJK RICHARD P. R. , VAN DER PEET DONALD L. , ROSMAN CAMIEL , WIJNHOVEN BAS P. L. , VAN BERGE HENEGOUWEN MARK I. , VAN LAARHOVEN HANNEKE W. M. , SIERSEMA PETER D. , MAY ANNE M. , HIENSCH ANOUK E. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Despite recent treatment advances, esophageal cancer still has poor survival and a high morbidity. Exploratory evidence suggests that exercise can reduce cancer-related mortality and recurrence rates. Here, we investigated the effects of an exercise intervention in the first year after esophagectomy on survival in participants of the Physical ExeRcise Following Esophageal Cancer Treatment (PERFECT) trial.

Methods
In the PERFECT trial, esophageal cancer patients who had undergone esophagectomy were randomized to a 12-wk exercise program (EX) or the control group (CG). We assessed 2- and 5-yr (progression-free) survival. (Un)adjusted Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for comparison between the trial arms. Sensitivity analyses, excluding patients with events within the exercise intervention period, were performed.

Results
In total, 120 participants (EX = 61; CG = 59) were included in the PERFECT trial. After 2-yr follow-up, no significant difference in the risk of death or progression between EX and CG was found (adjusted HR = 1.65 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75–3.63) and 1.38 (95% CI, 0.76–2.50), respectively). After excluding patients with events during the intervention period (EX = 8; CG = 4), 2-yr HRs for death (1.03; 95% CI, 0.41–2.56) and progression (1.26; 95% CI, 0.64–2.48) both decreased and remained insignificant. No significant effects were found on 5-yr mortality (1.03; 95% CI, 0.57–1.84) and progression (1.21; 95% CI, 0.72–2.04) either. Sensitivity analysis resulted in attenuated 5-yr HRs for mortality (0.82; 95% CI, 0.42–1.58) and progression (1.08; 95% CI, 0.61–1.92).

Conclusions
The results indicate no benefit of a 12-wk exercise program in the first year post-esophagectomy on 2- and 5-yr (progression-free) survival in esophageal cancer patients. The absence of beneficial effects may be explained by the relatively short exercise program, which was performed after treatment completion.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-like cases
Authors: Akpan Inemesit , Akhdar Ghida , Dawson Kaelan , Hathaway Amanda 
Published: September 2024

Background: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are characterized by a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ damage which occur in the setting of endothelial damage and platelet activation. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency could lead to a picture that resembles TMA, termed metabolic mediated TMA (MM -TMA). Case Presentation: A 60-year-old female was brought to the hospital after she was found unresponsive. On presentation, she was pale, lethargic, tachycardic, and febrile. Laboratory investigations revealed normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated bilirubin. Blood smear revealed schistocytes and tear drop cells. Given the presence of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure, and altered mental status, a presumptive diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was made with a PLASMIC score of 7 indicating high risk. She received plasma exchange, caplacizumab, and intravenous methylprednisolone. Given the patient’s low level of vitamin B12, she was initiated on intramuscular cyanocobalamin 1000 µg daily. The encephalopathy resolved and renal function improved. On day 6, ADAMTS13 activity was normal ruling out the diagnosis of TTP. Accordingly, plasmapheresis, steroids, and caplacizumab were discontinued. With continued aggressive B12 replacement, hemolysis resolved indicating severe vitamin B12 deficiency was the likely culprit of this patient’s microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Conclusion: This case serves to highlight the variable presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can even mimic TTP. If patients have markers of hemolysis, a low vitamin B12 level, and low reticulocyte count we should consider vitamin B12 deficiency as a likely cause of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia as early detection allows for early initiation of appropriate management.
Effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among the adolescent girls of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Saraswati , Gahatraj Nand Ram , Shrestha Niranjan , Manandhar Smriti , Dhital Shalik Ram 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPoor menstrual hygiene practices are one of the major public health problems in Nepal. Due to persistent taboos and socio-cultural constraints, adolescent girls are often unaware of scientific facts, knowledge, and practices related to menstrual hygiene. This paper aims to assess the effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal.Materials and methodsA true experimental study was conducted in two government basic schools in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. The study population was adolescent girls who had attended the menarche. Firstly, a pretest with the help of a self-administered questionnaire was done to find out the socio-demographic information, knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene. Next, health education sessions were conducted among the intervention group. Finally, after one month of intervention, a post-test was conducted among the intervention and non-intervention group. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThe findings showed significant improvement in the knowledge and practice level of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene after health education intervention. Participants in the intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores from 10.0% to 67.0%, while the non-intervention group remained unchanged at 7.5%. Good menstrual hygiene practices scores in the intervention group increased significantly from 22.5% to 67.0%, whereas the non-intervention group saw a slight rise from 20.0% to 22.5%. Regarding observed practice scores in menstrual hygiene, significant improvement was observed in the intervention group (45.0% to 100.0%) in contrast to the non-intervention group (25.0% to 27.5%).ConclusionsThis study highlights the crucial role of school health education interventions in promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive educational programs tailored to early teenage girls, addressing timing, content, and delivery methods alongside ensuring the availability of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in Australian children: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Koirala Archana , McRae Jocelynne , Britton Philip N. , Downes Marnie , Prasad Shayal A. , Nicholson Suellen , Winkler Noni E. , O’Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Gondalwala Fatima , Castellano Cecile , Carey Emma , Hendry Alexandra , Crawford Nigel , Wadia Ushma , Richmond Peter , Marshall Helen S. , Clark Julia E. , Francis Joshua R. , Carr Jeremy , Bartlett Adam , McMullan Brendan , Skowno Justin , Hannah Donald , Davidson Andrew , von Ungern-Sternberg Britta S. , Lee-Archer Paul , Burgoyne Laura .L , Waugh Edith B. , Carlin John B. , Naing Zin , Kerly Nicole , McMinn Alissa , Hunter Guillian , Heath Christine , D’Angelo Natascha , Finucane Carolyn , Francis Laura A. , Dougherty Sonia , Rawlinson William , Karapanagiotidis Theo , Cain Natalie , Brizuela Rianne , Blyth Christopher C. , Wood Nicholas , Macartney Kristine 
Published: September 2024

Background
Following reduction of public health and social measures concurrent with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron emergence in late 2021 in Australia, COVID-19 case notification rates rose rapidly. As rates of direct viral testing and reporting dropped, true infection rates were most likely to be underestimated.

Objective
To better understand infection rates and immunity in this population, we aimed to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Australians aged 0–19 years.

Methods
We conducted a national cross sectional serosurvey from June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022, in children aged 0–19 years undergoing an anesthetic procedure at eight tertiary pediatric hospitals. Participant questionnaires were administered, and blood samples tested using the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 total spike and nucleocapsid antibody assays. Spike and nucleocapsid seroprevalence adjusted for geographic and socioeconomic imbalances in the participant sample compared to the Australian population was estimated using multilevel regression and poststratification within a Bayesian framework.

Results
Blood was collected from 2,046 participants (median age: 6.6 years). The overall adjusted seroprevalence of spike-antibody was 92.1% (95% credible interval (CrI) 91.0–93.3%) and nucleocapsid-antibody was 67.0% (95% CrI 64.6–69.3). In unvaccinated children spike and nucleocapsid antibody seroprevalences were 84.2% (95% CrI 81.9–86.5) and 67.1% (95%CrI 64.0–69.8), respectively. Seroprevalence was similar across geographic remoteness index and socioeconomic quintiles. Nucleocapsid antibody seroprevalence increased with age while the point seroprevalence of the spike antibody seroprevalence decreased in the first year of life and then increased to 97.8 (95% Crl 96.1–99.2) by 12–15 years of age.

Conclusion
Most Australian children and adolescents aged 0–19 years, across all jurisdictions were infected with SARS-CoV-2 by August 2022, suggesting rapid and uniform spread across the population in a very short time period. High seropositivity in unvaccinated children informed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in Australia.
PDE5 inhibitor potentially improves polyuria and bladder storage and voiding dysfunctions in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Kabuto Takafumi , Inamura So , Kobayashi Hisato , Zha Xinmin , Nagase Keiko , Taga Minekatsu , Seki Masaya , Tanaka Nobuki , Okumura Yoshinaga , Yokoyama Osamu , Terada Naoki 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Bladder dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) includes urine storage and voiding disorders. We examined pathological conditions of the bladder wall in a rat T2DM model and evaluated the effects of the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor tadalafil.

Materials and methods
Male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as the T2DM and control groups, respectively. Tadalafil was orally administered for 12 weeks. Micturition behavior was monitored using metabolic cages, and bladder function was evaluated by cystometry. Bladder blood flow was evaluated by laser speckle imaging, and an organ bath bladder distention test was used to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from the bladder urothelium. The expression levels of vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT), hypoxia markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the bladder wall were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bladder wall contractions in response to KCl and carbachol were monitored using bladder-strip tests.

Results
With aging, OLETF rats had higher micturition frequency and greater urine volume than LETO rats. Although bladder capacity was not significantly different, non-voiding bladder contraction occurred more frequently in OLETF rats than in LETO rats. Bladder blood flow was decreased and ATP release was increased with higher VNUT expression in OLETF rats than in LETO rats. These effects were suppressed by tadalafil administration, with accompanying decreased HIF-1α, 8-OHdG, IL-6, TNF-α, IGF-1, and bFGF expression. The impaired contractile responses of bladder strips to KCl and carbachol in OLETF rats with aging were restored by tadalafil administration.

Conclusions
The T2DM rats had polyuria, increased ATP release induced by decreased bladder blood flow and impaired contractile function. PDE5 inhibition improved these changes and may prevent T2DM-associated urinary frequency and bladder storage and voiding dysfunctions.
Effects of an instructional WhatsApp group on self-care and HbA1c among female patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alhazmy Riham Saud , Khalil Asmaa Hamdi , Almutary Hayfa 
Published: September 2024

Aims and objectives
To assess the effect of an instructional WhatsApp group on self-care and HbA1c levels among female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Background
T2DM is a chronic disease that requires effective self-care. WhatsApp is a free application that can be effectively used for patient education.

Design
This study used a quasi-experimental design.

Methods
A convenience sample of 62 female participants was recruited from the medical outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. The Diabetes Self-Care Scale was used to assess the self-care profiles of the participants pre- and post-intervention. HbA1c samples were also collected at baseline and three months after receiving instructions from the WhatsApp group. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected during the pre-intervention stage.

Results
The mean HbA1c level decreased from 8.61 ± 1.70 to 7.92 ± 1.60 after implementing the WhatsApp group instructions; the values showed a significant difference (t-value = 5.107 and P-value < 0.001). The post-test mean score of total self-care was higher than the pre-test mean score (t-value = 12.359, P-value <0.001), indicating a highly significant difference.

Conclusions
The study demonstrated that the instructional WhatsApp group is an effective method for improving self-care and HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM. This study suggests the use of WhatsApp group instructions as a teaching method in the healthcare system for the education and follow-up of patients with T2DM.

Relevance to clinical practice
The findings support the need to initiate effective and dynamic interventional follow-ups through WhatsApp groups for patients with T2DM to improve their self-care and HbA1c levels and ultimately reduce the burden on hospitals and governments.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Capital Enhancement and Investment Constraints in Life Insurance Supervision
Authors: Chang Shih-Chieh Bill , Hsuan Wei , Lee Yen-Kuan , Tzeng Yu-Ying 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study addresses the critical public concern of effectively mitigating solvency risks in insurance companies through supervisory intervention. Building upon existing research, we extend our analysis to incorporate the effects of foreign investment and examine the impact of varying degrees of risk aversion among insurers. Furthermore, we investigate the optimal expected terminal utility in relation to initial insurance company premiums, integrating interest and exchange rates into our analytical framework. Additionally, we evaluate the impact of regulatory interventions, specifically capital injection schemes and risk-constrained asset allocation, on insurers’ default risk and certainty equivalent wealth using a utility-based approach. Our findings indicate that: (1) when policyholders exhibit higher degrees of risk aversion, a reduced propensity to allocate funds to riskier assets, such as stock index funds and foreign assets, is observed; (2) when exchange rates offer higher returns, an increased allocation to foreign assets is advisable; (3) conversely, when exchange rate returns exhibit greater uncertainty, a reduction in foreign asset allocation is recommended; (4) in scenarios where foreign risk-free rates yield higher returns, an increased allocation to foreign assets is suggested; and (5) under conditions of capital minimization, the influence of exchange rates and foreign interest rates on optimization becomes less discernible.
Financial Sustainability of Social Insurance: The Case of Korean Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Possibility of Triple Moral Hazard
Authors: Jung Hongjoo , Kim Changseob , Lim Soyoung 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This study examines the economic stability of Korean Workers’ Compensation Insurance (WCI), highlighting the system’s vulnerability to triple moral hazard. Korean WCI features more generous worker compensation, lower employer premiums, and more active government involvement in accident prevention in addition to a higher industrial accident rate, compared to the system in Germany and Japan. The negotiation process of the WCI among workers, employers, and insurance managers often prioritizes short-term benefits, undermining long-term financial health. Workers seek greater compensation, employers push for lower premiums, and insurance managers may prioritize collective interests, exacerbating the system’s economic instability. Over recent years, applications for occupational disease recognition have surged, and premium rates have decreased, indicating increasing strain. To mitigate these issues, the study proposes enhancing transparency and rationality, involving non-political experts in decision-making, and clearly defining the government’s role in managing WCI. These measures aim to balance stakeholder interests and ensure the WCI system’s sustainability for future generations.
Airborne Toxicity in Don DeLillo’s White Noise
Authors: Ömerali Uslu Mine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the world came to realize the significant relationship between air and human health. This pandemic, which changed the course of many lives, demonstrated how air serves as a transmitter of viruses. However, this quality of air is not new, with air acting as a significant tool in transmitting diseases, pollution, and even death. It is crucial to understand that airborne diseases include but are not limited to epidemics or pandemics such as the black death, influenza, or COVID-19. Since the Chernobyl disaster, it is perceived that the previously feared disasters were replaced by new and human-made hazards such as toxicity and radioactivity. Environmental disasters such as the Bhopal disaster, Donora Smog, and the Chernobyl disaster emphasize the impact of toxic chemicals on humans and more-than-human lives. These disasters show that toxic substances that threaten the lives of all living things imperceptibly seep into the soil, water, and air, causing harm to ecosystems, and entering into human and more-than-human bodies. Exposure to toxicity and radioactivity can happen in the blink of an eye, transmitted through the air we breathe. Don DeLillo’s novel White Noise presents a significant example of toxicity through its striking portrayal of an airborne toxic event. This event, the appearance of a cloud of the fictional chemical Nyodene D., presents an environmental crisis through which relationships between air and environments can be explored. Similar to the issues and reflections experienced after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the characters in White Noise experience chaos, uncertainty, and fear following the abrupt occurrence of an airborne toxic event.