bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change impact on yield and income of Italian agriculture system: a scoping review
Authors: Pulighe Giuseppe , Di Fonzo Antonella , Gaito Marco , Giuca Sabrina , Lupia Flavio , Bonati Guido , De Leo Simonetta 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClimate change poses significant challenges to agricultural systems in the Mediterranean region, with Italy being significantly affected. This literature scoping review aims to examine existing research on the impact of climate change on yield and income on the three agri-food value chains in Italy: viticulture, fruit and vegetables, and dairy cattle. By analysing the available literature, this study seeks to outline the pros and cons, knowledge gaps, and potential areas for future research. A systematic search of scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2000 and 2022. The search terms included climate change, agriculture, Italy, yield, income, and related keywords. Articles were screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a final selection of studies. Quantitative information was collected and organized into descriptive tables. The review encompassed 44 studies that investigated the impact of climate change on yield and income in various agricultural sectors across different regions of Italy. The findings indicate that climate change is already impacting crop productivity and income levels, with increased temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events being identified as the primary drivers. Additionally, disparities were observed between different agricultural regions, crops, and farming systems, highlighting the need for location-specific and crop-specific assessments. The scoping review provides a prospective overview of the existing literature on climate change impacts on yield and income within the Italian agriculture system. It underscores the urgency for targeted adaptation strategies to minimize the negative consequences of climate change. Further research should focus on understanding the complex interactions between climate change, agricultural practices, socio-economic factors, and policy interventions to develop context-specific solutions for sustainable agriculture in Italy.
Graphical abstract
Whole-genome analysis reveals distinct adaptation signatures to diverse environments in Chinese domestic pigs
Authors: Wang Zhen , Song Bangmin , Yao Jianyu , Li Xingzheng , Zhang Yan , Tang Zhonglin , Yi Guoqiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Long-term natural and artificial selection has resulted in many genetic footprints within the genomes of pig breeds across distinct agroecological zones. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which these signatures contribute to phenotypic diversity and facilitate environmental adaptation remain unclear.

Results
Here, we leveraged whole-genome sequencing data from 82 individuals from 6 domestic pig breeds originating in tropical, high-altitude, and frigid regions. Population genetic analysis suggested that habitat isolation significantly shaped the genetic diversity and contributed to population stratification in local Chinese pig breeds. Analysis of selection signals revealed regions under selection for adaptation in tropical (55.5 Mb), high-altitude (43.6 Mb), and frigid (17.72 Mb) regions. The potential functions of the selective sweep regions were linked to certain complex traits that might play critical roles in different geographic environments, including fat coverage in frigid environments and blood indicators in tropical and high-altitude environments. Candidate genes under selection were significantly enriched in biological pathways involved in environmental adaptation. These pathways included blood circulation, protein degradation, and inflammation for adaptation to tropical environments; heart and lung development, hypoxia response, and DNA damage repair for high-altitude adaptation; and thermogenesis, cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD), and the cell cycle for adaptation to frigid environments. By examining the chromatin state of the selection signatures, we identified the lung and ileum as two candidate functional tissues for environmental adaptation. Finally, we identified a mutation (chr1: G246,175,129A) in the cis-regulatory region of ABCA1 as a plausible promising variant for adaptation to tropical environments.

Conclusions
In this study, we conducted a genome-wide exploration of the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptability of local Chinese pig breeds to tropical, high-altitude, and frigid environments. Our findings shed light on the prominent role of cis-regulatory elements in environmental adaptation in pigs and may serve as a valuable biological model of human plateau-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Genetic diversity and prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales in Yunnan Province: a large-scale study
Authors: Du Chun-Hong , Xiang Rong , Bie Shuang-Shuang , Yang Xing , Yang Ji-Hu , Yao Ming-Guo , Zhang Yun , He Zhi-Hai , Shao Zong-Ti , Luo Chun-Feng , Pu En-Nian , Li Yu-Qiong , Wang Fan , Luo Zhi , Du Chao-Bo , Zhao Jie , Li Miao , Cao Wu-Chun , Sun Yi , Jiang Jia-Fu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Rickettsia and related diseases have been identified as significant global public health threats. This study involved comprehensive field and systematic investigations of various rickettsial organisms in Yunnan Province.

Methods
Between May 18, 2011 and November 23, 2020, field investigations were conducted across 42 counties in Yunnan Province, China, encompassing small mammals, livestock, and ticks. Preliminary screenings for Rickettsiales involved amplifying the 16S rRNA genes, along with additional genus- or species-specific genes, which were subsequently confirmed through sequencing results. Sequence comparisons were carried out using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed using the default parameters in the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) program. The chi-squared test was used to assess the diversities and component ratios of rickettsial agents across various parameters.

Results
A total of 7964 samples were collected from small mammals, livestock, and ticks through Yunnan Province and submitted for screening for rickettsial organisms. Sixteen rickettsial species from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, and Wolbachia were detected, with an overall prevalence of 14.72%. Among these, 11 species were identified as pathogens or potential pathogens to humans and livestock. Specifically, 10 rickettsial organisms were widely found in 42.11% (24 out of 57) of small mammal species. High prevalence was observed in Dremomys samples at 5.60%, in samples from regions with latitudes above 4000 m or alpine meadows, and in those obtained from Yuanmou County. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis were broadly infecting multiple genera of animal hosts. In contrast, the small mammal genera Neodon, Dremomys, Ochotona, Anourosorex, and Mus were carrying individually specific rickettsial agents, indicating host tropism. There were 13 rickettsial species detected in 57.14% (8 out of 14) of tick species, with the highest prevalence (37.07%) observed in the genus Rhipicephalus. Eight rickettsial species were identified in 2375 livestock samples. Notably, six new Rickettsiales variants/strains were discovered, and Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii was unambiguously identified.

Conclusions
This large-scale survey provided further insight into the high genetic diversity and overall prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales within endemic hotspots in Yunnan Province. The potential threats posed by these emerging tick-borne Rickettsiales to public health warrant attention, underscoring the need for effective strategies to guide the prevention and control of emerging zoonotic diseases in China.

Graphical Abstract
Validation of a German version of the caregiver strain questionnaire-short form 11 (CGSQ-SF11)
Authors: Göldel Julia M. , Warschburger Petra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
Caring for a child, particularly one with special healthcare needs, is a demanding task that can lead to the experience of caregiver strain. This in turn has an effect on the caregiver’s mental health, as well as on the child and his or her treatment. To enable the identification of afflicted parents, this study aims to provide a German version of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire–Short Form 11 (CGSQ-SF11) and to examine its factor structure and psychometric properties.

Methods
Data from 698 caregivers were included in the analyses. Caregivers completed the CGSQ-SF11 along with measures of parenting stress (PSI-SF), stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), family-related quality of life (FLQ), and social desirability (SES-17) as additional instruments for validation. A two-week follow-up questionnaire included only the CGSQ-SF11. Exploratory factor analysis followed by a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for parents of children with and without special healthcare needs, separately. Further analyses examined the validity and reliability of the instrument.

Results
For parents of children with special healthcare needs, a three-factor structure (objective, internalized subjective, externalized subjective strain) with a second-order factor (caregiver strain) was supported. For parents of children without special healthcare needs, a similar three-factor structure was found, although the second-order factor was not supported. Measurement invariance between the two groups was not confirmed. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity were largely supported in both groups.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the German version of the CGSQ SF-11 is a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring caregiver strain.
Using radio occultation-based electron density profiles for studying sporadic E layer spatial and temporal characteristics
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Xu Xiaohua , Luo Jia , Hu Tianyang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn improved method for identifying sporadic E (Es) layer properties from radio occultation (RO) electron density profiles (EDPs) is presented. The data used are sourced from COSMIC-1 RO EDPs collected between 2006 and 2019, which cover altitudes from 75 to 145 km. Initially, we evaluate the reliability of EDPs using the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 (IRI-2016) model and select only those profiles with a reliability score of 0.6 or higher (on a scale up to 1) for further analysis. Preliminary Es layer inversion results are obtained and validated against electron density data derived from ionosonde fbEs measurements, demonstrating a linear correlation with a coefficient of 0.72 and a mean absolute percentage error of 36.08%. Further verification using RO S4max data shows that this research method achieved an accuracy of 85.3% in identifying Es events. We perform a detailed analysis of Es layer relative occurrence rates, intensity, and thickness. The Es intensity is expressed by NmμEs (the layer’s maximum electron density (Nm) corresponding to the metal (μ) ion), which is estimated from the measured layer peak electron density NmEs by subtracting the ambient E region electron density NeE(hEs) at the height of the layer’s peak hEs, computed from the IRI-2016 model. Our findings reveal that Es layers predominantly occur in mid-latitude regions during summer, with average intensities between $$5\times {10}^{4 }\text{ and }8\times {10}^{4 }\text{el}/{\text{cm}}^{3}$$

5
×

10

4

and

8
×

10

4

el
/

cm

3

. The most likely thickness of Es layers is approximately 1.4 km. Additionally, the present study shows that because NeE(hEs) increases during daytime, which leads to increases in NmEs, confirming that NmμEs is the proper parameter for assessing the Es layer intensity, in line with what is suggested by Haldoupis et al. (Haldoupis et al., J Atmos Sol Terr Phys 206:105327, 2020).
Graphical Abstract
Assessing the relative activity of faulting along both flanks of the Ou Backbone Range, Tohoku Region, Japan, from fluvial geomorphic analyses
Authors: Shyu J. Bruce H. , Liao Jhih-Hao , Chen Chia-Yu , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki , Iryu Yasufumi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Ou Backbone Range in the Tohoku Region of Japan is bounded on its both sides by two major active fault systems: the Western Fault Zone of Kitakami Lowland in the east and the Eastern Fault Zone of Yokote Basin in the west. Although these two systems are primary active fault systems in the region, information on their long-term activity characteristics is still quite limited. Therefore, we analyzed the normalized channel steepness indexes of river valleys trending perpendicular to the range front along both flanks of the Ou Backbone Range. Our results show that the eastern flank has gentler river valleys, whereas rivers along the northwestern flank are steeper. Our field investigation shows that knickpoints in this area are mostly related to local lithologic boundaries or are check dams along the valleys, thus the river systems are likely under steady-state conditions. Hence, the steeper river valleys in northwestern Ou Backbone Range indicate a higher uplift rate of the area. Because both fault systems are primarily dip-slip reverse faults and do not have significant variations in their subsurface geometry, the faster uplift suggests that the northern segment of the Eastern Fault Zone of Yokote Basin has a higher slip rate. This is consistent with results of previous studies, and the fact that the rupture of the 1896 Rikuu earthquake, the only historical surface-rupturing event in this region, was only limited along the northern segment of this fault system.
Radiomics incorporating deep features for predicting Parkinson’s disease in 123I-Ioflupane SPECT
Authors: Jiang Han , Du Yu , Lu Zhonglin , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Yonghua , Wang Ruibing , Zhang Hong , Mok Greta S. P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
123I-Ioflupane SPECT is an effective tool for the diagnosis and progression assessment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Radiomics and deep learning (DL) can be used to track and analyze the underlying image texture and features to predict the Hoehn-Yahr stages (HYS) of PD. In this study, we aim to predict HYS at year 0 and year 4 after the first diagnosis with combined imaging, radiomics and DL-based features using 123I-Ioflupane SPECT images at year 0.

Methods
In this study, 161 subjects from the Parkinson’s Progressive Marker Initiative database underwent baseline 3T MRI and 123I-Ioflupane SPECT, with HYS assessment at years 0 and 4 after first diagnosis. Conventional imaging features (IF) and radiomic features (RaF) for striatum uptakes were extracted from SPECT images using MRI- and SPECT-based (SPECT-V and SPECT-T) segmentations respectively. A 2D DenseNet was used to predict HYS of PD, and simultaneously generate deep features (DF). The random forest algorithm was applied to develop models based on DF, RaF, IF and combined features to predict HYS (stage 0, 1 and 2) at year 0 and (stage 0, 1 and ≥ 2) at year 4, respectively. Model predictive accuracy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were assessed for various prediction models.

Results
For the diagnostic accuracy at year 0, DL (0.696) outperformed most models, except DF + IF in SPECT-V (0.704), significantly superior based on paired t-test. For year 4, accuracy of DF + RaF model in MRI-based method is the highest (0.835), significantly better than DF + IF, IF + RaF, RaF and IF models. And DL (0.820) surpassed models in both SPECT-based methods. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) highlighted DF + RaF model (0.854) in MRI-based method at year 0 and DF + RaF model (0.869) in SPECT-T method at year 4, outperforming DL models, respectively. And then, there was no significant differences between SPECT-based and MRI-based segmentation methods except for the imaging feature models.

Conclusion
The combination of radiomic and deep features enhances the prediction accuracy of PD HYS compared to only radiomics or DL. This suggests the potential for further advancements in predictive model performance for PD HYS at year 0 and year 4 after first diagnosis using 123I-Ioflupane SPECT images at year 0, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and treatment for PD patients. No significant difference was observed in radiomics results obtained between MRI- and SPECT-based striatum segmentations for radiomic and deep features.
Influence of ensitrelvir or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir on tacrolimus clearance in kidney transplant recipients: a single-center case series
Authors: Naganawa Hanako , Katada Yoshiki , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Umemura Keisuke , Ishimura Hiroki , Kajiwara Moto , Endo Hiroki , Sugimoto Mitsuhiro , Katsube Yurie , Kotani Kinuka , Ohta Saki , Hira Daiki , Tsuda Masahiro , Kita Yuki , Kobayashi Takashi , Terada Tomohiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Among the oral antivirals used for treating patients with mild-to-moderate novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/RTV) and ensitrelvir (ESV) are inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A, and therefore, can cause drug–drug interactions with concomitant medications. Tacrolimus (TAC), a substrate of CYP3A4/5, is administered for a long period to prevent rejection after kidney transplantation. TAC should be discontinued while using NMV/RTV because blood TAC levels significantly increase when these drugs are concomitantly administered. However, the influence of ESV on blood TAC levels has not yet been reported, and the management of TAC doses during the use of ESV remains unclear.

Case presentation
We experienced three kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19, whose blood trough levels of TAC increased by the concomitant use of NMV/RTV or ESV. In two patients administering NMV/RTV, blood trough levels of TAC increased more than tenfold after combination therapy, whereas in one patient administering ESV, TAC level increased approximately threefold.

Conclusions
These cases suggest that TAC administration should be discontinued during NMV/RTV treatment to maintain blood TAC levels within the therapeutic range, and a reduced TAC dose is sufficient during ESV treatment.
The combination operation of grouping and ensemble coding for structured biological motion crowds in working memory
Authors: Chen Wei , Ye Shujuan , Yan Xin , Ding Xiaowei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMassive studies have explored biological motion (BM) crowds processing for their remarkable social significance, primarily focused on uniformly distributed ones. However, real-world BM crowds often exhibit hierarchical structures rather than uniform arrangements. How such structured BM crowds are processed remains a subject of inquiry. This study investigates the representation of structured BM crowds in working memory (WM), recognizing the pivotal role WM plays in our social interactions involving BM. We propose the group-based ensemble hypothesis and test it through a member identification task. Participants were required to discern whether a presented BM belonged to a prior memory display of eight BM, each with distinct walking directions. Drawing on prominent Gestalt principles as organizational cues, we constructed structured groups within BM crowds by applying proximity and similarity cues in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 3, we deliberately weakened the visibility of stimuli structures by increasing the similarity between subsets, probing the robustness of results. Consistently, our findings indicate that BM aligned with the mean direction of the subsets was more likely to be recognized as part of the memory stimuli. This suggests that WM inherently organizes structured BM crowds into separate ensembles based on organizational cues. In essence, our results illuminate the simultaneous operation of grouping and ensemble encoding mechanisms for BM crowds within WM.
Hepatitis B virus in Egypt: the whole story
Authors: Abdelhamed Walaa , El-Kassas Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global public health threat with variable geographical distribution. Chronic infection with HBV could be complicated by chronic hepatitis state, progression to liver cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For years, the magnitude of HBV problem in Egypt was masked by the great prevalence of hepatitis C virus in the country. The exact epidemiological data regarding HBV in Egypt are defective. The prevalence rate of HBV in Egypt has declined after the universal immunization program introduced for infants in 1992. This review addresses the whole story of HBV in Egypt: the epidemiology, risk factors, vaccination programs, and treatment efforts.
The impact of top management team members diversity on corporations’ performance and value: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Wagdi Osama , Fathi Atef 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe study contributes to understanding the impact of top management team (TMT) member diversity on corporations’ performance and value in emerging markets. It examines three dimensions of diversity in TMT: gender, education, and foreign nationalities, providing insights into how these factors influence corporate performance and value. The study’s quantitative analysis of 70 non-financial corporations from Brazil, Egypt, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey from 2013 to 2022 using cross-sectional unit analyzes helps establish empirical evidence on the relationship between TMT diversity and corporate performance in emerging markets. Study’s findings can inform corporations in emerging markets about the importance of promoting diversity in their top management teams to improve performance and value. The study found a significant impact of top management team diversity based on education and foreign nationalities but a non-significant impact on gender on some key performance indicators (KPIs). The study can explain the non-significant impact of gender according to shifting the prevailing theory from sexual selection theory to prospect theory. On the other hand, the study believes that the optimal mass of diversification, or the weight of members with diverse backgrounds, determines whether the impact of diversification is positive (it leads to increased creativity, innovation, problem-solving ability, talent attraction and retention, and employee engagement and productivity) or negative (it leads to increased organizational conflict and communication difficulties). If it is less than this mass, the benefits of diversity are limited, but if the mass is greater than it, the harms of diversity are greater than the benefits. The study also highlights the need for future research in the area of diversity in top management and provides a plan outlining steps to enhance diversity in top management teams.