bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change adaptation: Challenges for agricultural sustainability
Authors: Verma Krishan K. , Song Xiu‐Peng , Kumari Aradhna , Jagadesh M. , Singh Santosh Kumar , Bhatt Rajan , Singh Munna , Seth Chandra Shekhar , Li Yang‐Rui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClimate change poses a substantial threat to agricultural sustainability globally. Agriculture is a vital component of the gross domestic production of developing countries. The multifaceted impacts of climate change on agriculture, highlighting how extreme weather events such as water stress, heatwaves, erratic rainfall, storms, floods, and emerging pest infestations are disrupting agricultural productivity. The socioeconomic status of farmers is particularly vulnerable to climatic extremes with future projections indicating significant increment in ambient air temperatures and unpredictable, intense rainfall patterns. Agriculture has historically relied on the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, combined with advancements in irrigation and biotechnological approaches to boost productivity. It encompasses a range of practices designed to enhance the resilience of agricultural systems, improve productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting climate‐smart practices, farmers can better adapt to changing climatic conditions, thereby ensuring more sustainable and secure food production. Furthermore, it identifies key areas for future research, focusing on the development of innovative adaptation and mitigation strategies. These strategies are essential for minimizing the detrimental impacts of climate change on agriculture and for promoting the long‐term sustainability of food systems. This article underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of advanced technologies to address the challenges posed by climate change. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about effective strategies to safeguard agricultural productivity and food security in the face of changing climate.
Punishment Moralism
Authors: MirzaeiGhazi Shervin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this paper, I try to reconcile the vulgar (normative) definition of punishment with the positivistic (purely descriptive) definition that separates the ethics of punishment from its definition—punishment positivism. I will argue that although the vulgar definition has critical issues, this does not mean that we should stop using normative concepts in the definition of punishment. I will attempt this reconciliation by considering one of the prime arguments in favour of punishment positivism—namely, definitional stop—and show why it doesn't work. I will proceed by presenting a functional argument in favour of what I call punishment moralism: the idea that punishment should be considered as a response to perceived wrongdoing. This definition, while using normative concepts, still remains descriptive. In this way, I hope to be able to solve the problem of both views by combining their insights.
Seasonality of common respiratory viruses: Analysis of nationwide time‐series data
Authors: An Tai Joon , Lee Jangwon , Shin Myoungin , Rhee Chin Kook 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveUnderstanding the seasonal behaviours of respiratory viruses is crucial for preventing infections. We evaluated the seasonality of respiratory viruses using time‐series analyses.MethodsThis study analysed prospectively collected nationwide surveillance data on eight respiratory viruses, gathered from the Korean Influenza and Respiratory Surveillance System. The data were collected on a weekly basis by 52 nationwide primary healthcare institutions between 2015 and 2019. We performed Spearman correlation analyses, similarity analyses via dynamic time warping (DTW) and seasonality analyses using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA).ResultsThe prevalence of rhinovirus (RV, 23.6%–31.4%), adenovirus (AdV, 9.2%–16.6%), human coronavirus (HCoV, 3.0%–6.6%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 11.7%–20.1%), influenza virus (IFV, 11.7%–21.5%), parainfluenza virus (PIV, 9.2%–12.6%), human metapneumovirus (HMPV, 5.6%–6.9%) and human bocavirus (HBoV, 5.0%–6.4%) were derived. Most of them exhibited a high positive correlation in Spearman analyses. In DTW analyses, all virus data from 2015 to 2019, except AdV, exhibited good alignments. In SARIMA, AdV and RV did not show seasonality. Other viruses showed 12‐month seasonality. We describe the viruses as winter viruses (HCoV, RSV and IFV), spring/summer viruses (PIV, HBoV), a spring virus (HMPV) and all‐year viruses with peak incidences during school periods (RV and AdV).ConclusionThis is the first study to comprehensively analyse the seasonal behaviours of the eight most common respiratory viruses using nationwide, prospectively collected, sentinel surveillance data.image
Effectiveness of two visual‐pedagogical methods for toothbrushing skills in autistic children: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gharavi Matine , Salem Katayoun , Adabdokht Rojin , Ghasemi Mahmoud 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two visual pedagogy methods, video modeling and educational posters, on improving tooth‐brushing autonomy in 10–12‐year‐old children with mild autism.MethodsSixty‐four autistic children were randomly assigned to either the video or poster groups using the Rand function in Excel. Toothbrushing skills were divided into five stages: preparation, buccal, occlusal, lingual surfaces, and the end. These five stages comprised a total of 20 steps, with each step scored from 1 (not done at all) to 5 (done independently). The final score was calculated by averaging the scores of the five stages. The FONES method of toothbrushing was used for training. Follow‐up assessments were conducted after 1 and 3 months. The data were analyzed using SPSS V26, including t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and repeated‐measures ANOVA.ResultsAfter 3 months, there were significant improvements in autonomy scores for both groups, with the video group showing greater benefits (4.37 ± 0.43) compared to the poster group (4.11 ± 0.49) (p = .03), with an effect size of η2 = .07.ConclusionBoth video and poster methods were effective in improving tooth‐brushing skills, but video modeling was associated with a higher total autonomy score.
Overactivation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 in Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Prognostic Significance
Authors: Shin Hun Kyeong , Chung Hea Ji , Kim Wan Hee 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPhosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), which is related to anti‐apoptosis, cellular proliferation, invasion and migration of tumours, has prognostic significance in malignant tumours in humans as well as in canine melanoma. However, the significance of pSTAT3 in canine liver tissues has not yet been evaluated. This study's objective was to compare its expression in canine normal, non‐neoplastic hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, the association between pSTAT3 immunostaining and clinicopathological factors was investigated. Overall, 68 canine liver tissues, including 10 normal liver tissues, 30 non‐neoplastic hepatic disease tissues and 28 HCC tissues were examined, revealing distinct differences in pSTAT3 immunostaining among the groups. (p < 0.001). Additionally, high pSTAT3 immunostaining was significantly associated with increased tumour size (5 > cm) (p = 0.041), and metastasis (p = 0.046). Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis revealed a correlation between high pSTAT3 immunostaining and poor disease‐free survival (p = 0.013) and overall survival (p = 0.011). These findings suggest that overactivation of STAT3 is associated with poor prognosis in canine HCC. Therefore, pSTAT3 is considered a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for canine HCC.
Repeated apheresis donations cause important iron deficiency in male Japanese donors
Authors: Odajima Takeshi , Tsuno Nelson H. , Iwasaki Junko , Matsuzaki Koji , Ishimaru Fumihiko , Okubo Rie , Murakami Junko , Kitsukawa Kaori , Ikuta Katsuya , Muroi Kazuo , Satake Masahiro , Kino Shuichi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn Japan, apheresis donation of plasma is allowed to a maximum of 24 times a year, and plateletpheresis are counted as two plasmapheresis donations. Diversion of the initial blood flow is conducted for all donations, and additionally, blood remaining in apheresis machine circuit is lost. Here, we aimed to investigate on the health impact of frequent apheresis donations, as measured by the serum ferritin (sFer).Materials and MethodsA total of 538 male apheresis donors and 538 age‐matched whole blood (WB) donors, who gave informed consent to join the study, were enrolled. sFer were compared, according to age. Another group of 19 apheresis donors were followed during four consecutive donations.ResultsAbout half (48%) of repeat male apheresis donors had iron deficiency (sFer < 26 ng/mL), compared with lower rates (13.9%) among male WB donors. It was evident in all age groups, except for teenagers, possibly because of the lower number of donations. Follow‐up of the 19 donors for 4 months revealed a progressive decrease in sFer.ConclusionBlood remaining in the apheresis machine circuit and diversion of the initial blood flow have been implicated in iron deficiency for many years. Taking the present results, the manufacturer of apheresis equipment was requested to improve it to allow rinseback of the remaining blood, which was achieved only for plateletpheresis. Until further improvement, plasmapheresis frequency was reduced to 12 times a year. Additional measures, such as oral supplementation of iron, need to be considered.
Current practices in equine minimally invasive soft tissue surgery
Authors: Hackett Eileen S. , McOnie Rebecca C. , Buote Nicole J. , Fubini Susan L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEquine minimally invasive surgical techniques are frequently utilized in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Standing sedated endoscopic surgery is commonly selected in horses, requiring specialized facilities, anesthetic protocols, and surgeon and assistant expertise. This review examines current methods and potential strategies in equine soft tissue surgery, in which there is an emphasis on laparoscopic urogenital and gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thoracoscopy is less frequently reported in horses and may be underutilized. Optimizing procedures and outcomes in soft tissue surgery relies on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Modern advances in surgical equipment and emerging medical technologies support development in these fields. Participation in continuing education is effective in acquiring and sustaining knowledge and skills and improving clinical practice. Forums with an integrated approach could rapidly expand knowledge across species.
A Portable, Wireless and Low-cost Electroencephalogram Monitor using Raspberry Pi
Authors: Abdulaziz Al-Awadhi Khaled Abdulrahman , A. Harris Arief Ruhullah 
Published: August 2024

Portable EEG devices have a great potential to become efficient computer interfaces. However, observing brain activity in real-world settings offers exciting possibilities like the support of physical health, mental well- being, and thought-controlled interaction modalities. The development of such applications is, however, strongly impeded by poor accessibility to research-grade neural data and by a lack of easy-to-use and comfortable sensors. An integrated system design is described, that combines publicly available electronics components to form an easily replicable, versatile, EEG recording system for prolonged use and easy application development. Most of the commercial EEG monitors in the market does not have wireless connection and usually serially connected with a monitor to display the data collected. A portable, wireless, and low-cost EEG system was developed by using a commercial amplifier Open BCI ganglion and a small single-board computer Raspberry Pi. The objective of this project is to design a portable, wireless, and low-cost EEG monitor, to implement Brain Flow libraries in Raspberry pi, and to display the graphs of real-time EEG, real-time power spectral density, and real-time band power. This system can acquire EEG signals through the electrode, transmit the EEG signal through the amplifier and display the signals in real-time on a touch screen. Based on the results, a mental task was given to the subject which needs concentration, the system was able to detect the targeted band which is beta, and this was supported by a previous study. Finally, the scope of this project has been fulfilled. However, the system designed still has some limitations and has plenty of room for improvement.
DISASTER MITIGATION FOR PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY BASED ON BEHAVIORAL ARCHITECTURE IN RESIDENTIAL USING WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: Fath Nifty , Iskandaria Harfa , Saputra Moh Adinur , Fatima Jasmine 
Published: August 2024

At this time, most houses for persons with disabilities are not yet equipped with a disaster mitigation system. It may be difficult for persons with disabilities to be able to save themselves when a disaster occurs. Therefore, in this study, a system for disaster mitigation, especially fires in the residence of a child with cerebral palsy, has been successfully designed. The optimal placement of the wireless sensor network is decided based on a behavioral architectural analysis using the DepthMapX-0.7.0 software. Behavioral architecture assessment begins by observing patterns of daily activities and a simulation of human movement in the house to find out the most frequent activity places used by children with cerebral palsy. Based on the test results with DepthMapX-0.7.0, it can be concluded that the optimal location of the sensor node points is in the child's bedroom, kitchen, and TV room. The designed wireless sensor network consists of three sensor nodes and a gateway node. Data sampling is performed every 15 seconds. If a fire is identified, the buzzer will emit a warning signal. In addition, the child's family can monitor home conditions from the ThingSpeak.com website and Telegram.
On the maximum field of linearity of linear sets
Authors: Csajbók Bence , Marino Giuseppe , Pepe Valentina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLet denote an ‐dimensional ‐vector space. For an ‐dimensional ‐subspace of , assume that for each nonzero vector . If , then we prove the existence of an integer such that the set of one‐dimensional ‐subspaces generated by nonzero vectors of is the same as the set of one‐dimensional ‐subspaces generated by nonzero vectors of . If we view as a point set of , it means that and determine the same set of directions. We prove a stronger statement when . In terms of linear sets, it means that an ‐linear set of has maximum field of linearity only if it has a point of weight one. We also present some consequences regarding the size of a linear set.
The regulatory functions of ESX-1 substrates, EspE and EspF, are separable from secretion
Authors: Prest Rebecca J. , Korotkov Konstantin V. , Champion Patricia A. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic mycobacteria are a significant global health burden. The ESX-1 secretion system is essential for mycobacterial pathogenesis. The secretion of ESX-1 substrates is required for phagosomal lysis, which allows the bacteria to enter the macrophage cytoplasm, induce a Type I IFN response, and spread to new host cells. EspE and EspF are dual-functioning ESX-1 substrates. Inside the mycobacterial cell, they regulate transcription of ESX-1-associated genes. Following secretion, EspE and EspF are essential for lytic activity. The link between EspE/F secretion and regulatory function has not been investigated. We investigated the relationship between EspE and EspF using molecular genetics in
Mycobacterium marinum
, a non-tuberculous mycobacterial species that serves as an established model for ESX-1 secretion and function in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Our data support that EspE and EspF, which require each other for secretion, directly interact. The disruption of the predicted protein-protein interaction abrogates hemolytic activity and secretion but does not impact their gene regulatory activities in the mycobacterial cell. In addition, we predict a direct protein-protein interaction between the EsxA/EsxB heterodimer and EspF. Our data support that the EspF/EsxA interaction is also required for hemolytic activity and EspE secretion. Our study sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between ESX-1 substrates, regulatory function, and ESX-1 secretion, moving the field forward.

IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is a historical and pervasive disease responsible for millions of deaths annually. The rise of antibiotic and treatment-resistant TB, as well as the rise of infection by non-tuberculous mycobacterial species, calls for a better understanding of pathogenic mycobacteria. The ESX-1 secreted substrates, EspE and EspF, are required for mycobacterial virulence and may be responsible for phagosomal lysis. This study focuses on the mechanism of EspE and EspF secretion from the mycobacterial cell.
CRISPR-prime editing, a versatile genetic tool to create specific mutations with a single nucleotide resolution in
Leptospira
Authors: Fernandes Luis Guilherme Virgilio , Hamond Camila , Tibbs-Cortes Bienvenido W. , Putz Ellie J. , Olsen Steven C. , Palmer Mitchell V. , Nally Jarlath E. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic bacteria from the genus
Leptospira
, is a global zoonosis responsible for more than one million human cases and 60,000 deaths annually. The disease also affects many domestic animal species. Historically, genetic manipulation of
Leptospira
has been difficult to perform, resulting in limited knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms of disease and the identification of virulence factors. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 and its variations have helped fill these gaps but the generation of knockout mutants remains challenging because double-strand breaks (DSBs) inflicted by Cas9 nuclease are lethal to
Leptospira
cells. The novel CRISPR prime editing (PE) strategy is the first precise genome-editing technology that allows deletions, insertions, and base substitutions without introducing DSBs. This revolutionary technique utilizes a nickase Cas9 that cleaves a single strand of DNA, coupled with an engineered reverse transcriptase and a modified single-guide RNA (termed prime editing guide RNA) containing an extended 3′ end with the desired edits. We demonstrate the application of CRISPR-PE in both saprophytic and pathogenic
Leptospira
from multiple species and serovars by introducing deletions or insertions into target DNA with a remarkable precision of just one nucleotide. Additionally, we demonstrate the ability to genetically manipulate
Leptospira borgpetersenii
, a prevalent pathogenic species of humans, domestic cattle, and wildlife animals. Rapid plasmid loss by mutated strains in liquid culture allows for the generation of knockout strains without selective markers, which can be readily used to elucidate virulence factors and develop optimized bacterin and/or live vaccines against leptospirosis.

IMPORTANCE

Leptospirosis is a geographically widespread bacterial zoonosis. Genetic manipulation of pathogenic
Leptospira
spp. has been laborious and difficult to perform, limiting our ability to understand how leptospires cause disease. The application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to
Leptospira
enhanced our ability to generate knockdown and knockout mutants; however, the latter remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate the application of the CRISPR prime editing technique in
Leptospira
, allowing the generation of knockout mutants in several pathogenic species, with mutations comprising just a single nucleotide resolution. Notably, we generated a mutant in the
Leptospira borgpetersenii
background, a prevalent pathogenic species of humans and cattle. Our application of this method opens new avenues for studying pathogenic mechanisms of
Leptospira
and the identification of virulence factors across multiple species. These methods can also be used to facilitate the generation of marker-less knockout strains for updated and improved bacterin and/or live vaccines.
Cellulose binding and the timing of expression influence protein targeting to the double-layered cyst wall of
Acanthamoeba
Authors: Kanakapura Sundararaj Bharath , Goyal Manish , Samuelson John 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

The cyst wall of the eye pathogen
Acanthamoeba castellanii
contains cellulose and has ectocyst and endocyst layers connected by conical ostioles. Cyst walls contain families of lectins that localize to the ectocyst layer (Jonah) or the endocyst layer and ostioles (Luke and Leo). How lectins and an abundant laccase bind cellulose and why proteins go to locations in the wall are not known and are the focus of the studies here. Structural predictions identified β-jelly-roll folds (BJRFs) of Luke and sets of four disulfide knots (4DKs) of Leo, each of which contains linear arrays of aromatic amino acids, also present in carbohydrate-binding modules of bacterial and plant endocellulases. Ala mutations showed that these aromatics are necessary for cellulose binding and proper localization of Luke and Leo in the
Acanthamoeba
cyst wall. BJRFs of Luke, 4DKs of Leo, a single β-helical fold (BHF) of Jonah, and a copper oxidase domain of the laccase each bind to glycopolymers in both layers of deproteinated cyst walls. Promoter swaps showed that ectocyst localization does not just correlate with but is caused by early encystation-specific expression, while localization in the endocyst layer and ostioles is caused by later expression. Evolutionary studies showed distinct modes of assembly of duplicated domains in Luke, Leo, and Jonah lectins and suggested Jonah BHFs originated from bacteria, Luke BJRFs share common ancestry with slime molds, while 4DKs of Leo are unique to
Acanthamoeba
.

IMPORTANCE

Acanthamoebae
is the only human parasite with cellulose in its cyst wall and conical ostioles that connect its inner and outer layers. Cyst walls are important virulence factors because they make
Acanthamoebae
resistant to surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, contact lens sterilizers, and antibiotics applied to the eye. The goal here was to understand better how proteins are targeted to specific locations in the cyst wall. To this end, we identified three new proteins in the outer layer of the cyst wall, which may be targets for diagnostic antibodies in corneal scrapings. We used structural predictions and mutated proteins to show linear arrays of aromatic amino acids of two unrelated wall proteins are necessary for binding cellulose and proper wall localization. We showed early expression during encystation causes proteins to localize to the outer layer, while later expression causes proteins to localize to the inner layer and the ostioles.