bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in dietary patterns of living sloths revealed by finite element analysis of jaws
Authors: Melki Luiza B. , Barbosa Fernando H. S. , Alves‐Silva Laís , Bergqvist Lilian P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlthough extinct sloths exhibited a wide range of dietary habits, modes of locomotion, and occupied various niches across the Americas, modern sloths are considered quite similar in their habits. The dietary habits of living sloths can be directly observed in the wild, and understanding the mechanical behavior of their jaws during chewing through finite element analysis (FEA) provides a valuable validation tool for comparative analysis with their extinct counterparts. In this study, we used FEA to simulate the mechanical behavior of sloth mandibles under lateral mastication loads, using it as a proxy for oral processing. Our research focused on the six extant sloth species to better understand their diets and validate the use of FEA for studying their extinct relatives. We found that all living sloths have the predominancy of low‐stress areas in their mandibles but with significant differences. Choloepus didactylus had larger high‐stress areas, which could be linked to a reduced need for processing tougher foods as an opportunistic generalist. Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni are shown to be similar, displaying large low‐stress areas, indicating greater oral processing capacity in a seasonal and more competitive environment. Bradypus torquatus, Bradypus pygmaeus, and Bradypus tridactylus exhibited intermediary processing patterns, which can be linked to a stable food supply in more stable environments and a reduced requirement for extensive oral processing capacity. This study sheds light on extant sloths' dietary adaptations and has implications for understanding the ecological roles and evolutionary history of their extinct counterparts.
Attentional Uniqueness and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Growth Actions
Authors: Shimizu Takumi , Nagayama Susumu , Yamanoi Junichi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe attention‐based view posits that a firm's allocation of attention to particular issues directly influences its actions and performance. Yet, the impact of attentional uniqueness – how the pattern of a firm's attentional allocation diverges from its competitors within the same industry – on behaviour and performance remains underexplored. We argue for an inverted U‐shaped relationship between attentional uniqueness and firm performance, mediated by the frequency of growth actions. This is because a firm's attentional allocation shapes its reaction to problems, opportunities, and threats in the competitive landscape, resulting in its competitive advantage. To generate growth actions, a firm needs to have both a unique perspective and a general understanding of its industry. Furthermore, we propose that this relationship is contingent on environmental munificence, which reflects the presence of growth opportunities. Our analysis, leveraging structural topic modelling on annual security reports from 986 Japanese listed companies between 2004 and 2016, broadly supports these theoretical predictions.
Stakeholder perspectives on continuous observation in inpatient psychiatric wards
Authors: Anstee Lottie , Chifamba Denford , Loothfaully Wasim , Suleiman Suleiman , Shah Chetan , Littlechild Brian , Zia Asif 
Published: June 2024

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject?

Continuous observation is often used in mental health wards to support the safety of service users, where they will be constantly watched by a member of staff.

Evidence suggests that continuous observations may be unhelpful and restrictive, but not enough is known about the practice or the best ways to improve it.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This evaluation integrates the perspectives of service users, informal carers and staff to explore current continuous observation experiences and inform future improvements.

While previous research highlights the importance of therapeutic engagement, this study additionally emphasizes how the observation procedure could be adapted to individual needs.

What are the implications for practice?

Continuous observations could be more beneficial if they are therapeutic, proportional to the level of risk and co‐developed with the service user, informal carer and staff.

Further training about communication could support staff engagement and the observation process could be formalized to ensure regular collaborative reviews.

AbstractIntroductionContinuous observation is a frequently used tool to manage high levels of risk on psychiatric wards. However, there is little previous research on its use in practice.AimThis qualitative service evaluation aims to explore the continuous observation experiences of service users, informal carers and staff in a local NHS Mental Health Trust, informing suggested future improvements to current practice.MethodFive service users, three informal carers and seven healthcare staff completed semi‐structured interviews, which were thematically analysed to create four themes.ResultsPositive interaction and engagement in activities were critical for a therapeutic approach to observations, supporting service users and staff to minimize the unproductive behaviours that can arise. Difficulties balancing safety with privacy could suggest the importance of proportionate and tailored observation procedures for each service user. Ensuring the voices of service users and informal carers remain central to decisions regarding care could further improve the observation experience.Implications for PracticeThis study highlights therapeutic, proportionate and co‐produced observations as key characteristics to improve practice. Further training and formalization of the observation process could foster cultural changes towards more long‐term approaches to risk management.
Pandemic policies and sleeping problems in older adults
Authors: Rodrigues Paula Maria Fernandes , Silva Paulo Gabriel Salgado , Voss Gina , Martinez‐Pecino Roberto , Delerue‐Matos Alice 
Published: June 2024

SummarySleep quality is fundamental to physical and mental health. Recent research shows that the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected individuals’ sleep quality. This study aims to investigate whether the containment and health policies (Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker indexes) adopted by European countries and Israel during the pandemic are related to sleep problems in people aged 50 and over. A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a logistic regression analysis based on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, collected in 27 European countries and Israel, in 2021. The results show that containment and health policies affect older adults’ sleep, once we neutralise the influence of the sociodemographic, economic, and health characteristics of the individuals and close contact with COVID‐19. In fact, the more containment and health policies, the fewer chances of sleep problems. A possible explanation for this is that these policies give people over 50 a sense of safety and security in relation to COVID‐19, which may reduce sleep problems.
Asteroid (101955) Bennu in the laboratory: Properties of the sample collected by OSIRIS‐REx
Authors: Lauretta Dante S. , Connolly Harold C. , Aebersold Joseph E. , Alexander Conel M. O'D. , Ballouz Ronald‐L. , Barnes Jessica J. , Bates Helena C. , Bennett Carina A. , Blanche Laurinne , Blumenfeld Erika H. , Clemett Simon J. , Cody George D. , DellaGiustina Daniella N. , Dworkin Jason P. , Eckley Scott A. , Foustoukos Dionysis I. , Franchi Ian A. , Glavin Daniel P. , Greenwood Richard C. , Haenecour Pierre , Hamilton Victoria E. , Hill Dolores H. , Hiroi Takahiro , Ishimaru Kana , Jourdan Fred , Kaplan Hannah H. , Keller Lindsay P. , King Ashley J. , Koefoed Piers , Kontogiannis Melissa K. , Le Loan , Macke Robert J. , McCoy Timothy J. , Milliken Ralph E. , Najorka Jens , Nguyen Ann N. , Pajola Maurizio , Polit Anjani T. , Righter Kevin , Roper Heather L. , Russell Sara S. , Ryan Andrew J. , Sandford Scott A. , Schofield Paul F. , Schultz Cody D. , Seifert Laura B. , Tachibana Shogo , Thomas‐Keprta Kathie L. , Thompson Michelle S. , Tu Valerie , Tusberti Filippo , Wang Kun , Zega Thomas J. , Wolner C. W. V. ,   the OSIRIS‐REx Sample Analysis Team
Published: June 2024

AbstractOn September 24, 2023, NASA's OSIRIS‐REx mission dropped a capsule to Earth containing ~120 g of pristine carbonaceous regolith from Bennu. We describe the delivery and initial allocation of this asteroid sample and introduce its bulk physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties from early analyses. The regolith is very dark overall, with higher‐reflectance inclusions and particles interspersed. Particle sizes range from submicron dust to a stone ~3.5 cm long. Millimeter‐scale and larger stones typically have hummocky or angular morphologies. Some stones appear mottled by brighter material that occurs as veins and crusts. Hummocky stones have the lowest densities and mottled stones have the highest. Remote sensing of Bennu's surface detected hydrated phyllosilicates, magnetite, organic compounds, carbonates, and scarce anhydrous silicates, all of which the sample confirms. We also find sulfides, presolar grains, and, less expectedly, Mg,Na‐rich phosphates, as well as other trace phases. The sample's composition and mineralogy indicate substantial aqueous alteration and resemble those of Ryugu and the most chemically primitive, low‐petrologic‐type carbonaceous chondrites. Nevertheless, we find distinct hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions, and some of the material we analyzed is enriched in fluid‐mobile elements. Our findings underscore the value of sample return—especially for low‐density material that may not readily survive atmospheric entry—and lay the groundwork for more comprehensive analyses.
Arsenate reductase of Rufibacter tibetensis is a metallophosphoesterase evolved to catalyze redox reactions
Authors: Shen Jie , Song Xin‐Wei , Bickel David , Rosen Barry P. , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Messens Joris , Zhang Jun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn arsenate reductase (Car1) from the Bacteroidetes species Rufibacter tibetensis 1351T was isolated from the Tibetan Plateau. The strain exhibits resistance to arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] and reduces As(V) to As(III). Here we shed light on the mechanism of enzymatic reduction by Car1. AlphaFold2 structure prediction, active site energy minimization, and steady‐state kinetics of wild‐type and mutant enzymes give insight into the catalytic mechanism. Car1 is structurally related to calcineurin‐like metallophosphoesterases (MPPs). It functions as a binuclear metal hydrolase with limited phosphatase activity, particularly relying on the divalent metal Ni2+. As an As(V) reductase, it displays metal promiscuity and is coupled to the thioredoxin redox cycle, requiring the participation of two cysteine residues, Cys74 and Cys76. These findings suggest that Car1 evolved from a common ancestor of extant phosphatases by incorporating a redox function into an existing MPP catalytic site. Its proposed mechanism of arsenate reduction involves Cys74 initiating a nucleophilic attack on arsenate, leading to the formation of a covalent intermediate. Next, a nucleophilic attack of Cys76 leads to the release of As(III) and the formation of a surface‐exposed Cys74‐Cys76 disulfide, ready for reduction by thioredoxin.
Analysis of LRBA pathogenic variants and the association with functional protein domains and clinical presentation
Authors: Perez‐Perez D. , Santos‐Argumedo L. , Rodriguez‐Alba J. C. , Lopez‐Herrera G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLRBA is a cytoplasmic protein that is ubiquitously distributed. Almost all LRBA domains have a scaffolding function. In 2012, it was reported that homozygous variants in LRBA are associated with early‐onset hypogammaglobulinemia. Since its discovery, more than 100 pathogenic variants have been reported. This review focuses on the variants reported in LRBA and their possible associations with clinical phenotypes. In this work LRBA deficiency cases reported more than 11 years ago have been revised. A database was constructed to analyze the type of variants, age at onset, clinical diagnosis, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cellular and immunoglobulin levels. The review of cases from 2012 to 2023 showed that LRBA deficiency was commonly diagnosed in patients with a clinical diagnosis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency, followed by enteropathy, neonatal diabetes mellitus, ALPS, and X‐linked‐like syndrome. Most cases show early onset of presentation at <6 years of age. Most cases lack protein expression, whereas hypogammaglobulinemia is observed in half of the cases, and IgG and IgA levels are isotypes reported at low levels. Patients with elevated IgG levels exhibited more than one autoimmune manifestation. Patients carrying pathogenic variants leading to a premature stop codon show a severe phenotype as they have an earlier onset of disease presentation, severe autoimmune manifestations, premature death, and low B cells and regulatory T cell levels. Missense variants were more common in patients with low IgG levels and cytopenia. This work lead to the conclusion that the type of variant in LRBA has association with disease severity, which leads to a premature stop codon being the ones that correlates with severe disease.
Zaxinone Synthase overexpression modulates rice physiology and metabolism, enhancing nutrient uptake, growth and productivity
Authors: Ablazov Abdugaffor , Jamil Muhammad , Haider Imran , Wang Jian You , Melino Vanessa , Maghrebi Moez , Vigani Gianpiero , Liew Kit Xi , Lin Pei‐Yu , Chen Guan‐Ting Erica , Kuijer Hendrik N. J. , Berqdar Lamis , Mazzarella Teresa , Fiorilli Valentina , Lanfranco Luisa , Zheng Xiongjie , Dai Nai‐Chiang , Lai Ming‐Hsin , Caroline Hsing Yue‐Ie , Tester Mark , Blilou Ikram , Al‐Babili Salim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe rice Zaxinone Synthase (ZAS) gene encodes a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) that forms the apocarotenoid growth regulator zaxinone in vitro. Here, we generated and characterized constitutive ZAS‐overexpressing rice lines, to better understand ZAS role in determining zaxinone content and regulating growth and architecture. ZAS overexpression enhanced endogenous zaxinone level, promoted root growth and increased the number of productive tillers, leading to about 30% higher grain yield per plant. Hormone analysis revealed a decrease in strigolactone (SL) content, which we confirmed by rescuing the high‐tillering phenotype through application of a SL analogue. Metabolomics analysis revealed that ZAS overexpressing plants accumulate higher amounts of monosaccharide sugars, in line with transcriptome analysis. Moreover, transgenic plants showed higher carbon (C) assimilation rate and elevated root phosphate, nitrate and sulphate level, enhancing the tolerance towards low phosphate (Pi). Our study confirms ZAS as an important determinant of rice growth and architecture and shows that ZAS regulates hormone homoeostasis and a combination of physiological processes to promote growth and grain yield, which makes this gene an excellent candidate for sustainable crop improvement.
Microwave treatment ameliorates beaded eyelid papules caused by lipoid proteinosis
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Zeng Xiandong , Jiang Yanhua , Chen Linlin , Xu Xuegang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old girl presented with white papules on the eyelid margins due to lipoid proteinosis. Microwave therapy resulted in significant reduction of the lesions. The case highlights a safe and effective treatment for eyelid lesions associated with lipoid proteinosis. In addition, we report two novel heterozygous variants in the extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) gene.
Private discrimination, marriage markets, and caste
Authors: Steuwer Bastian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnti‐discrimination laws draw a distinction between two kinds of discrimination by non‐state actors. Intimate choices are protected even if they are morally wrong. For example, even if it is morally wrong to discriminate on the basis of race in deciding whom to date, marry or befriend, anti‐discrimination laws permit these acts. By contrast, commercial decisions are commonly regulated. I argue that the reasons for regulating commercial decisions also extend to an intermediate case, commercial facilitators of marriage choices. In the context of the caste system, I argue that commercial facilitators should be banned from allowing customers to filter by caste. The argument is based on two considerations. First, this could mitigate the harmful effects of such discriminatory marriages choices in the (re)production of the oppressive caste system. Second, even if the ban fails in changing behaviour, it serves as an expressive goal of communicating the state's opposition to the caste system.
On roots of quadratic congruences
Authors: Ngo Hieu T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe equidistribution of roots of quadratic congruences with prime moduli depends crucially upon effective bounds for special Weyl linear forms. Duke, Friedlander and Iwaniec discovered strong estimates for these Weyl linear forms when the quadratic polynomial has negative discriminant. Tóth proved analogous but weaker bounds when the quadratic polynomial has positive discriminant. We establish strong estimates for these Weyl linear forms for quadratics of positive discriminants. As an application of our bounds, we derive a quantitative uniform distribution of modular square roots with integer moduli in an arithmetic progression.
The giant panda gut harbors a high diversity of lactic acid bacteria revealed by a novel culturomics pipeline
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Zheng Lijun , Xie Junjin , Su Xiaoyan , Zhang Mingchun , Huang He , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Du Shizhang , Yang Yu , Xie Jiqin , Zhang Qinrong , Yu Shuran , Guo Qiang , Wang Hairui , Zhang Liang , Yang Kong , Hou Rong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can provide significant health benefits, which are critically important for the conservation of endangered animals, such as giant pandas. However, little is known about the diversity and culturability of LAB in the giant panda gut microbiota. To understand the roles of LAB in giant panda conservation, it is critical to culture bacterial strains of interest. In this study, we established a pipeline to culture bacterial strains using enrichment of target bacteria with different liquid media and growth conditions. Then, the strains were isolated in solid media to study their functions. Using 210 samples from the culture enrichment method and 138 culture-independent samples, we obtained 1120 amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) belonging to
Lactobacillales
. Out of the 1120 ASVs, 812 ASVs from the culture enrichment approach were twofold more diverse than 336 ASVs from the culture-independent approach. Many ASVs of interest were not detected in the culture-independent approach. Using this pipeline, we isolated many relevant bacterial strains and established a giant panda gut bacteria strain collection that included strains with low-abundance in culture-independent samples and included most of the giant panda LAB described by other researchers. The strain collection consisted of 60 strains representing 35 species of 12 genera. Thus, our pipeline is powerful and provides guidance in culturing gut microbiota of interest in hosts such as the giant panda.

IMPORTANCE
Cultivation is necessary to screen strains to experimentally investigate microbial traits, and to confirm the activities of novel genes through functional characterization studies. In the long-term, such work can aid in the identification of potential health benefits conferred by bacteria and this could aid in the identification of bacterial candidate strains that can be applied as probiotics. In this study, we developed a pipeline with low-cost and user-friendly culture enrichment to reveal the diversity of LAB in giant pandas. We compared the difference between culture-independent and culture enrichment methods, screened strains of interest that produced high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and we investigated the catalog of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, butyrate and lactate synthesis genes of the strains at a genomic level. This study will provide guidance for microbiota cultivation and a foundation for future research aiming to understand the functions of specific strains.
Modelling years of life lost due to acute type A aortic dissection in the German healthcare setting: a predictive study
Authors: Schiele Philipp , König Adriana N , Meyer Alexander , Falk Volkmar , Nienaber Christoph A , Kurz Stephan D 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a patient-centred approach to the burden of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) through modelling. The main objective was to identify potential improvements in managing this life-threatening cardiovascular condition and to provide evidence-based recommendations to optimise outcomes.DesignWe developed a predictive model along patient pathways to estimate the burden of ATAAD through the years of life lost (YLLs) metric. The model was created based on a systematic review of the literature and was parameterised using demographic data from the German healthcare environment. The model was designed to allow interactive simulation of different scenarios resulting from changes in key impact factors.SettingThe study was conducted using data from the German healthcare environment and results from the literature review.ParticipantsThe study included a comprehensive modelling of ATAAD cases in Germany but did not directly involve participants.InterventionsThere were no specific interventions applied in this study based on the modelling design.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe single outcome measure was the estimation of YLL due to ATAAD in Germany.ResultsOur model estimated 102 791 YLL per year for ATAAD in Germany, with 62 432 and 40 359 YLL for men and women, respectively. Modelling an improved care setting yielded 93 191 YLL or 9.3% less YLL compared with the current standard while a worst-case scenario resulted in 113 023 or 10.0% more YLL. The model is accessible athttps://acuteaorticdissection.com/to estimate custom scenarios.ConclusionsOur study provides an evidence-based approach to estimating the burden of ATAAD and identifying potential improvements in the management of pathways. This approach can be used by healthcare decision-makers to inform policy changes aimed at optimising patient outcomes. By considering patient-centred approaches in any healthcare environment, the model has the potential to improve efficient care for patients suffering from ATAAD.