bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leveraging genomic load estimates to optimize captive breeding programmes
Authors: Jensen Evelyn L. , Gray Rachel , Miller Joshua M. 
Published: August 2024

Rapid biodiversity loss threatens many species with extinction. Captive populations of species of conservation concern (such as those housed in zoos and dedicated breeding centres) act as an insurance should wild populations go extinct or need supplemental individuals to boost populations. Limited resources mean that captive populations are almost always small and started from few founding individuals. As a result, captive populations require careful management to minimize negative genetic impacts, with decisions about which individuals to breed together often guided by the principle of minimizing relatedness. Typically this strategy aims to retain 90% of genetic diversity over 200 years (Soulé et al., Zoo Biology, 1986, 5, 101), but it has a weakness in that it does not directly manage for genetic load. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Speak et al. (Molecular Ecology Resources, 2024, e13967) present a novel proof‐of‐concept study for taking this next step and incorporating estimates of individual genetic load into the planning of captive breeding, using an approach that is likely to be widely applicable to many captive populations.
Circ‐PITX1 promotes non‐small‐cell lung cancer progression through regulating ETS1 expression via miR‐615‐5p
Authors: Guo Yang , Pan Jianfang , Gao Xiaofei , Zheng Yan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs), produced by reverse splicing, act as important players in human cancers. We aimed to assess the biological functions of circRNA pituitary homeobox 1 (circ‐PITX1) in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsqRT‐PCR was employed to determine RNA expression. Biological behaviors of NSCLC cells were assessed by CCK‐8, colony formation, EdU assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays. Glutamine catabolism was examined via the measurement of glutamine consumption, α‐ketoglutarate levels, as well as ATP levels. Protein levels were detected by western blot assays. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to reveal the mechanism responsible for circ‐PITX1 regulating NSCLC cell malignancy. The murine xenograft model was established to investigate circ‐PITX1's effect on tumor formation.ResultsCirc‐PITX1 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissue samples and cells. Its low expression repressed NSCLC cell proliferation and motility. Moreover, our data revealed its downregulation inhibited glutamine catabolism and tumor formation and promoted cell apoptosis. In addition, circ‐PITX1 bound to miR‐615‐5p, and its inhibitory effect on tumor cellular behaviors could be reversed after decreasing miR‐615‐5p expression. The miRNA targeted E26 transformation specific‐1 (ETS1), whose upregulation abolished miR‐615‐5p overexpression‐induced effects in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, circ‐PITX1 positively modulated ETS1 production through interaction with miR‐615‐5p.ConclusionCirc‐PITX1 facilitated NSCLC progression via modulating miR‐615‐5p/ETS1 pathway.
Alternative Alpha Seeking Strategy with EVA Long‐Short: Evidence from the Korean Stock Market*
Authors: Kang Hyoung‐Goo , Lee Hyunyul , Han Byungsuk 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEconomic value added (EVA) is a useful concept for creating investment strategies for fund managers and scholars. This paper analyzes an alpha‐seeking strategy with EVA. We use a long‐short portfolio with high EVA and low EVA stocks. Using the normalized EVA, we construct a portfolio from the first to the fifth quintile and test the effectiveness of the strategy with the Carhart four‐factor model. We find the following: (1) The portfolios with high EVA stocks outperform those with low ones; (2) EVA‐based long‐short portfolio generates 6.5% return per annum. This paper provides an empirical basis for launching a new equity fund with EVA in Korea. This strategy suggestion could also be extended to introduce new EVA investment strategies in other global markets.
Arthropods to Eutherians: A Historical and Contemporary Comparison of Sparse Prenatal Microbial Communities Among Animalia Species
Authors: Hummel Gwendolynn , Aagaard Kjersti 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTSince the advent of next‐generation sequencing, investigators worldwide have sought to discern whether a functional and biologically or clinically relevant prenatal microbiome exists. One line of research has led to the hypothesis that microbial DNA detected in utero/in ovo or prior to birth/hatching is a result of contamination and does not belong to viable and functional microbes. Many of these preliminary evaluations have been conducted in humans, mice, and nonhuman primates due to sample and specimen availability. However, a comprehensive review of the literature across animal species suggests organisms that maintain an obligate relationship with microbes may act as better models for interrogating the selective pressures placed on vertical microbial transfer over traditional laboratory species. To date, studies in humans and viviparous laboratory species have failed to illustrate the clear presence and transfer of functional microbes in utero. Until a ground truth regarding the status and relevance of prenatal microbes can be ascertained, it is salient to conduct parallel investigations into the prevalence of a functional prenatal microbiome across the developmental lifespan of multiple organisms in the kingdom Animalia. This comprehensive understanding is necessary not only to determine the role of vertically transmitted microbes and their products in early human health but also to understand their full One Health impact. This review is among the first to compile such comprehensive primary conclusions from the original investigator's conclusions, and hence collectively illustrates that prenatal microbial transfer is supported by experimental evidence arising from over a long and rigorous scientific history encompassing a breadth of species from kingdom Animalia.
Multivariate brain‐cognition associations in euthymic bipolar disorder
Authors: Little Bethany , Flowers Carly , Blamire Andrew , Thelwall Peter , Taylor John‐Paul , Gallagher Peter , Cousins David Andrew , Wang Yujiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople with bipolar disorder (BD) tend to show widespread cognitive impairment compared to healthy controls. Impairments in processing speed (PS), attention and executive function (EF) may represent ‘core’ impairments that have a role in wider cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive impairments appear to relate to structural brain abnormalities in BD, but whether core deficits are related to particular brain regions is unclear and much of the research on brain‐cognition associations is limited by univariate analysis and small samples.MethodsEuthymic BD patients (n = 56) and matched healthy controls (n = 26) underwent T1‐weighted MRI scans and completed neuropsychological tests of PS, attention and EF. We utilised public datasets to develop normative models of cortical thickness (n = 5977) to generate robust estimations of cortical abnormalities in patients. Canonical correlation analysis was used to assess multivariate brain‐cognition associations in BD, controlling for age, sex and premorbid IQ.ResultsBD showed impairments on tests of PS, attention and EF, and abnormal cortical thickness in several brain regions compared to healthy controls. Impairments in tests of PS and EF were most strongly associated with cortical thickness in the left inferior temporal, right entorhinal and right temporal pole areas.ConclusionImpairments in PS, attention and EF can be observed in euthymic BD and may be related to abnormal cortical thickness in temporal regions. Future research should continue to leverage normative modelling and multivariate methods to examine complex brain‐cognition associations in BD. Future research may benefit from exploring covariance between traditional brain structural morphological metrics such as cortical thickness, cortical volume and surface area.
Assessing patient autonomy in the context of TeamBirth, a quality improvement intervention to improve shared decision‐making during labor and birth
Authors: Neergheen Vanessa L. , Chaer Lynn El , Plough Avery , Curtis Elizabeth , Paterson Victoria J. , Short Trisha , Bright Amani , Lipsitz Stuart , Murphy Aizpea , Miller Kate , Subramanian Laura , Radichel Evelyn , Ervin John , Castleman Lindsay , Brown Erin , Yeboah Tracy , Simas Tiffany Moore , Terk Daniel , Vedam Saraswathi , Shah Neel , Weiseth Amber 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundRespectful maternity care includes shared decision‐making (SDM). However, research on SDM is lacking from the intrapartum period and instruments to measure it have only recently been developed. TeamBirth is a quality improvement initiative that uses team huddles to improve SDM during labor and birth. Team huddles are structured meetings including the patient and full care team when the patient's preferences, care plans, and expectations for when the next huddle will occur are reviewed.MethodsWe used patient survey data (n = 1253) from a prospective observational study at four U.S. hospitals to examine the relationship between TeamBirth huddles and SDM. We measured SDM using the Mother's Autonomy in Decision‐Making (MADM) scale. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between any exposure to huddles and the MADM score and between the number of huddles and the MADM score.ResultsIn our multivariable model, experiencing a huddle was significantly associated with a 3.13‐point higher MADM score. When compared with receiving one huddle, experiencing 6+ huddles yielded a 3.64‐point higher MADM score.DiscussionPatients reporting at least one TeamBirth huddle experienced significantly higher SDM, as measured by the MADM scale. Our findings align with prior research that found actively involving the patient in their care by creating structured opportunities to discuss preferences and choices enables SDM. We also demonstrated that MADM is sensitive to hospital‐based quality improvement, suggesting that future labor and birth interventions might adopt MADM as a patient‐reported experience measure.
The efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation versus placebo in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sharabati Israa , Qafesha Ruaa M. , Hindawi Mahmoud D. , Amro Sarah , Ayesh Baraa M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSelenium is a trace element crucial for thyroid function, and has potential therapeutic benefits in Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Therefore, we aim to evaluate its efficacy and safety in GO patients to provide valuable insights into its role as a therapeutic option for this condition.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.PatientsGO Patients treated with selenium compared to placebo.MeasurementsClinical activity score (CAS), Graves' orbitopathy quality of life (GO‐QOL), eye symptoms and signs, and adverse events.ResultsOut of 1684 records screened, four randomised controlled trials were included. Selenium was superior at 6 months in lowering the CAS (MD = −1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.68, −0.85], p < .0001]), improving total GO‐QOL (RR = 2.54, 95% CI [1.69–3.81], p < .00001), and improving the visual and the psychological functioning scores (MD = 10.84, 95% CI [4.94–16.73], p = .003), (MD = 12.76, 95% CI [8.51–17.00], p < .00001) respectively. Similarly, it significantly improved these outcomes at 12 months. It also showed a significant decrease in the palpebral aperture at 6 months (MD = −1.49, 95% CI [−2.90, −0.08], p = .04). However, no significant differences were observed in proptosis, soft tissue involvement, ocular motility, and adverse effects.ConclusionsSelenium is effective in reducing CAS and improving the palpebral aperture and GO‐QOL in patients with GO. Additionally, it is safe and has promising therapeutic implications. However, further research is needed to validate its long‐term efficacy and safety.
Cristiano of Arabia: Did Ronaldo increase Saudi Pro League attendances?
Authors: Schreyer Dominik , Singleton Carl 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo, five‐time Ballon d’Or winner and the most‐followed person on Instagram, signed for Al‐Nassr in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marked one of several expensive, recent interventions by the kingdom in global sports markets. We exploit the timing of this event to estimate superstar effects. Ronaldo alone increased stadium attendance demand, even before the influx of further stars in the summer of 2023. On average, Ronaldo filled an additional 20% of the seats in his home team's stadium when he played, 15% in the stadiums he visited, and 3% where he did not even play.
Developing new tools to de‐risk wildlife occupancy on private lands
Authors: Regan Shawn , Foster Benjamin T. , Yablonski Brian , Barker Kristin J. , Middleton Arthur D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrivate lands support much of the biodiversity in North America, but supporting wildlife can be costly for landowners. Innovative tools are needed to reduce the risks that wildlife pose to private landowners while conserving biodiversity. Here, we present a range of innovative tools that have effectively been used to “de‐risk” wildlife occupancy of private lands in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Lessons learned from these risk reduction strategies inform conservation more broadly by highlighting the importance of economic and risk‐management considerations to wildlife conservation on private lands. Incorporating de‐risking tools into the wildlife conservation toolbox can help conservation practitioners more strategically allocate resources to benefit wildlife and the private lands that help support them.
Impact of Heart Failure Etiology on Waitlist Mortality in Heart Transplant Candidates Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Shah Manuj M. , Rodriguez Emily , Shou Benjamin L. , Jenkins Reed T. , Rando Hannah , Kilic Ahmet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has gained traction as a bridge to heart transplantation (HT) but remains associated with increased waitlist mortality. This study explores whether this risk is modified by underlying heart failure (HF) etiology.MethodsUsing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network registry, we conducted a retrospective review of first‐time adult HT candidates from 2018 through 2022. Patients were categorized as “ECMO”, if ECMO was utilized during the waitlisting period, or “No ECMO” otherwise. Patients were then stratified according to the following HF etiology: ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP), dilated nonischemic CMP, restrictive CMP, hypertrophic CMP, and congenital heart disease (CHD). After baseline comparisons, waitlist mortality was characterized for ECMO and HF etiology using the Fine–Gray regression.ResultsA total of 16 143 patients were identified of whom 7.0% (n = 1063) were bridged with ECMO. Compared to No ECMO patients, ECMO patients had shorter waitlist durations (46.3 vs. 185.0 days, p < 0.01) and were more likely to undergo transplantation (75.3% vs. 70.3%, p < 0.01). Outcomes analysis revealed that ECMO was associated with increased mortality risk (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 3.42, p < 0.01), a risk that persisted in all subgroups and was notably high in CHD (SHR: 4.83, p < 0.01) and hypertrophic CMP (SHR: 9.78, p < 0.01). HF etiology comparison within ECMO patients revealed increased mortality risk with CHD (SHR: 3.22, p < 0.01). Within No ECMO patients, hypertrophic CMP patients had lower mortality risk (SHR: 0.64, p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe increased waitlist mortality risk with ECMO persisted after stratification by HF etiology. These findings can help decision‐making surrounding candidacy for cannulation and prognostic evaluation.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance for autistic children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Kangarani‐Farahani Melika , Thompson‐Hodgetts Sandy , Zwicker Jill G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo determine if the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) intervention is effective in improving motor skills of autistic children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and whether motor gains are maintained 3 months after therapy.MethodIn this quasi‐experimental study, we recruited 27 autistic children (8–12 years) with DCD without intellectual disability. The treatment group received CO‐OP intervention once weekly for 10 weeks, focusing on three child‐chosen motor goals. The waitlist group received CO‐OP 3 months later. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (child ratings of motor performance and satisfaction), Performance Quality Rating Scale (therapist‐observed movement quality), and the Bruninks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (motor ability).ResultsNon‐parametric analyses showed significant improvements (p < 0.013) in all outcomes. Follow‐up analysis revealed significant improvements in performance (p < 0.001, W = 0.69), satisfaction (p < 0.001, W = 0.72), and movement quality (p < 0.001, W = 0.62). Despite slight declines at follow‐up, overall improvements from pretest remained evident.InterpretationThe CO‐OP intervention effectively improved motor skills of autistic children.
The effects of antihypertensive drugs on glucose metabolism
Authors: Li Zhe , Wei Hongxia , Li Ru , Wu Baofeng , Xu Ming , Yang Xifeng , Zhang Yi , Liu Yunfeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAbnormal glucose metabolism is a common disease of the endocrine system. The effects of drugs on glucose metabolism have been reported frequently in recent years, and since abnormal glucose metabolism increases the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications, metabolic disorders, and infection, clinicians need to pay close attention to these effects. A variety of common drugs can affect glucose metabolism and have different mechanisms of action. Hypertension is a common chronic cardiovascular disease that requires long‐term medication. Studies have shown that various antihypertensive drugs also have an impact on glucose metabolism. Among them, α‐receptor blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers can improve insulin resistance, while β‐receptor blockers, thiazides and loop diuretics can impair glucose metabolism. The aim of this review was to discuss the mechanisms underlying the effects of various antihypertensive drugs on glucose metabolism in order to provide reference information for rational clinical drug use.
Mistletoes benefit from initiating cascading effects in a cactus–stem borers–arthropods system: A positive feedback
Authors: Guerra Patricia C. , Escobedo Víctor M. , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem‐borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthropod community.
We evaluated whether those cascading effects initiated by Tristerix generate a positive or negative feedback loop on this parasitic plant. A positive or negative feedback loop would occur if the mistletoe‐elicited indirect effects on arthropod community result in increased or decreased mistletoe fitness, respectively. Specifically, by way of field sampling, experimental manipulation of number of brood chambers, and structural equation modelling, we assessed the indirect impact of number of brood chambers on Tristerix fitness mediated by its influence on the abundance of arthropod trophic guilds (omnivores, nectarivores, herbivores and predators).
We found that the number of brood chambers had a positive indirect effect on mistletoe fitness, likely mediated by the increased abundance of nectarivores. The number of brood chambers was positively associated with the abundance of predators, nectarivores and herbivores. However, nectarivores were the only trophic guild showing a positive association with both number of brood chambers and Tristerix fitness.
This positive feedback loop, together with the known pattern of specific disperser‐mediated cyclic reinfection of cacti by Tristerix, would indicate that mistletoe infection may ultimately threaten cactus survival.
Enhancing pre‐service teacher effectiveness: Integration of 21st‐century skills during off‐campus teaching experiences
Authors: Annan‐Brew Ruth Keziah , Ezugwu Ifesinachi Jude , Surman Stacy Hughey , Dadzie Justice 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the integration of 21st‐century skills into the teaching practices of pre‐service teachers during their off‐campus experiences. Focusing on essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, self‐direction, and the use of technology, this research aims to identify which skills are most effectively applied by pre‐service teachers in real‐world settings. Data were collected from 370 final‐year pre‐service teachers using a cross‐sectional design and a tailored survey instrument adapted from Ravitz's work. The findings indicate that pre‐service teachers most frequently integrated technology use and self‐direction into their teaching practices. Conversely, skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and fostering creativity were less commonly applied. No significant gender differences were found in the application of these skills among pre‐service teachers in the Central Region of Ghana. These results reveal insights into the readiness and capabilities of future teachers to integrate essential 21st‐century skills into their teaching practices, underscoring the critical role of teacher education programmes in preparing educators for the demands of modern classrooms. The study highlights the importance of continuous professional development and the incorporation of innovative teaching methodologies to enhance educational outcomes.