bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable Craniofacial Shape and Development among Multiple Cave-Adapted Populations of Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Holtz N , Albertson R C 
Published: August 2024

Synopsis
Astyanax mexicanus is a freshwater fish species with blind cave morphs and sighted surface morphs. Like other troglodytic species, independently evolved cave-dwelling A. mexicanus populations share several stereotypic phenotypes, including the expansion of certain sensory systems, as well as the loss of eyes and pigmentation. Here, we assess the extent to which there is also parallelism in craniofacial development across cave populations. Since multiple forces may be acting upon variation in the A. mexicanus system, including phylogenetic history, selection, and developmental constraint, several outcomes are possible. For example, eye regression may have triggered a conserved series of compensatory developmental events, in which case we would expect to observe highly similar craniofacial phenotypes across cave populations. Selection for cave-specific foraging may also lead to the evolution of a conserved craniofacial phenotype, especially in regions of the head directly associated with feeding. Alternatively, in the absence of a common axis of selection or strong developmental constraints, craniofacial shape may evolve under neutral processes such as gene flow, drift, and bottlenecking, in which case patterns of variation should reflect the evolutionary history of A. mexicanus. Our results found that cave-adapted populations do share certain anatomical features; however, they generally did not support the hypothesis of a conserved craniofacial phenotype across caves, as nearly every pairwise comparison was statistically significant, with greater effect sizes noted between more distantly related cave populations with little gene flow. A similar pattern was observed for developmental trajectories. We also found that morphological disparity was lower among all three cave populations versus surface fish, suggesting eye loss is not associated with increased variation, which would be consistent with a release of developmental constraint. Instead, this pattern reflects the relatively low genetic diversity within cave populations. Finally, magnitudes of craniofacial integration were found to be similar among all groups, meaning that coordinated development among anatomical units is robust to eye loss in A. mexicanus. We conclude that, in contrast to many conserved phenotypes across cave populations, global craniofacial shape is more variable, and patterns of shape variation are more in line with population structure than developmental architecture or selection.
Comrades in arms, or comrades in angst? Interest convergence, regime security, and the Vietnam factor in Cambodia’s and Laos’ relations with China
Authors: Boon Hoo Tiang , To Minh Son 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Cambodia and Laos are often perceived as the states most geo-politically aligned with China in Southeast Asia. By engaging indigenous sources, we dive deeper into this claim through a comparative approach in this article. Parsing two primary parameters for comparisons—the degree of interest convergence and sources of regime security in Cambodia and Laos—it is argued that even as Phnom Penh and Vientiane both maintain largely China-friendly policies and positions, they also differ in their degree of tilt toward Beijing, with Laos pursuing a relatively more careful and calibrated approach toward its neighboring giant. This distinction can be explained by the relative difference in both countries’ calculations on Vietnam, an intervening factor that affects their management of asymmetry with China.
Calendar versus Analysis Time: Reanalyzing the Relationship between Humanitarian Aid and Civil Conflict Duration
Authors: Metzger Shawna K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Previous work in International Studies Quarterly shows higher levels of humanitarian aid prolong civil conflicts. It also finds, among conflict–years in which aid is received, that this conflict-prolonging effect is more acute in insurgency-based civil conflicts, albeit with weaker supporting evidence. However, I show this work accidentally generated its conflict duration variable incorrectly, with the duration measuring time since January 1, 1960, not time since civil conflict onset. The duration values also exclude the first at-risk day for the first observation in each conflict, which drops true one-day durations from the estimation sample. I rerun the original analysis with the corrected duration coding and find evidence that supports the opposite of the author's main hypothesis: higher levels of humanitarian aid either have no effect on or shorten civil conflict duration. Additionally, the weak evidence for the author's second hypothesis mostly disappears, depending on the conflict's duration.
Enhanced bioremediation of soils contaminated with nicosulfuron using the bacterial complex A12
Authors: Wang Siya , Dong Meiqi , Xiao Yufeng , Yang Bingbing , Zhang Hao , Wu Xian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
To construct an efficient bacterial complex to degrade nicosulfuron and clarify its degradative characteristics, promote the growth of maize (Zea mays), and provide a theoretical foundation for the efficient remediation of soil contaminated with nicosulfuron.

Methods and results
Biocompatibility was determined by the filter paper sheet method by mixing Serratia marcescens A1 and Bacillus cereus A2 in a 1:1 ratio, yielding A12. The optimum culture conditions for the bacterial composite were obtained based on a three-factor, three-level analysis using response surface methodology, with 29.25 g l−1 for maltodextrin, 10.04 g l−1 for yeast extract, and 19.93 g l−1 for NaCl, which resulted in 92.42% degradation at 4 d. The degradation characteristics of A12 were clarified as follows: temperature 30°C, pH 7, initial concentration of nicosulfuron 20 mg l−1, and 4% inoculum. The ability to promote growth was determined by measuring the ratio of the lysosphere diameter (D) to the colony diameter (d), and the ability of the complex A12 to promote growth was higher than that of the two single strains.

Conclusions
Nicosulfuron degradation in sterilized and unsterilized soils reached 85.4% and 91.2% within 28 d, respectively. The ability of the strains to colonize the soil was determined by extraction of total soil DNA, primer design, and gel electrophoresis. The bioremediation effect of A12 was confirmed by the maximum recovery of fresh weight (124.35%) of nicosulfuron-sensitive crop plants and the significant recovery of soil enzyme activities, as measured by the physiological indices in the sensitive plants.
Mitochondrial background can explain variable costs of immune deployment
Authors: Kutzer Megan A M , Cornish Beth , Jamieson Michael , Zawistowska Olga , Monteith Katy M , Vale Pedro F 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Organismal health and survival depend on the ability to mount an effective immune response against infection. Yet immune defence may be energy-demanding, resulting in fitness costs if investment in immune function deprives other physiological processes of resources. While evidence of costly immunity resulting in reduced longevity and reproduction is common, the role of energy-producing mitochondria on the magnitude of these costs is unknown. Here, we employed Drosophila melanogaster cybrid lines, where several mitochondrial genotypes (mitotypes) were introgressed onto a single nuclear genetic background, to explicitly test the role of mitochondrial variation on the costs of immune stimulation. We exposed female flies carrying one of nine distinct mitotypes to either a benign, heat-killed bacterial pathogen (stimulating immune deployment while avoiding pathology) or to a sterile control and measured lifespan, fecundity, and locomotor activity. We observed mitotype-specific costs of immune stimulation and identified a positive genetic correlation in immune-stimulated flies between lifespan and the proportion of time cybrids spent moving while alive. Our results suggests that costs of immunity are highly variable depending on the mitochondrial genome, adding to a growing body of work highlighting the important role of mitochondrial variation in host–pathogen interactions.
Financial distress and medical financial hardship among young adult survivors of blood cancer
Authors: Parsons Susan K , Murphy-Banks Rachel , Rodday Angie Mae , Roth Michael E , Miller Kimberly , Linendoll Nadine , Chan Randall , Crosswell Howland E , Xiang Qingyan , Freyer David R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The long-term financial impact of cancer care has not been adequately addressed in young adults. As part of a remote intervention study, we describe medical financial distress and hardship among young adult survivors of blood cancer at study entry.

Methods
Young adults were recruited from 6 US hospitals. Using a Research Electronic Data Capture link, young adults confirmed their eligibility—namely, currently 18 to 39 years of age, blood cancer diagnosis 3 or more years ago, off active treatment, and not on parent’s insurance. Following consent, the baseline assessment was sent. The primary outcome measure, the Personal Financial Wellness Scale, measured financial distress (scored as severe, 1-2; high, 3-4; average, 5-6; and low to no, 7-10). Medical financial hardship encompassed material hardship, psychological impact, and coping behaviors. Descriptive summary statistics and linear regression were used.

Results
Among the 126 participants, 54.5% came from minority racial or ethnic groups. Median time since diagnosis was 10 years (interquartile range = 6-16 years), with 56% having received a diagnosis when they were between 18 and 39 years of age. The overall mean (standard deviation) Personal Financial Wellness Scale score was 5.1 (2.4), but 49% reported severe or high distress. In multivariable analysis, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and lower income were strongly associated with worse Personal Financial Wellness Scale scores. Among participants with severe financial distress (n = 26), 72% reported 2 or more household material hardships, had worse scores across all psychological domains, and altered survivorship care because of cost (68%).

Conclusions
Nearly half of long-term young adult cancer survivors reported severe or high levels of financial distress. Individuals with severe or high distress also reported more medical financial hardship than other participants. This finding highlights the need for ongoing financial intervention in this vulnerable population.

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT05620979
Revisiting the effects of baryon physics on small-scale redshift space distortions
Authors: Kwan Juliana , McCarthy Ian G , Salcido Jaime 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Redshift space distortions are an important probe of the growth of large-scale structure and for constraining cosmological parameters in general. As galaxy redshift surveys approach per cent level precision in their observations of the two point clustering statistics, it is timely to review what effects baryons and associated processes such as feedback may have on small-scale clustering in redshift space. Contrary to previous studies in the literature, we show using the large-volume Bahamas hydrodynamic simulations that the effect of baryons can be as much as 1 per cent in the $k \sim 0.1\, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ range for the monopole and 5 per cent for quadrupole, and that this could rise to as much as 10 per cent at $k \sim 10 \, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ in both measurements. For the halo power spectra, this difference can be as much 3-4 per cent in the monopole on scales of $0.05 \lt k \lt 0.3 \, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ for 10$^{13}\, h^{-1}$ M$_{\odot }$ haloes. We find that these deviations can be mitigated to the sub- per cent level in the both the monopole and quadrupole up to $k\sim 0.3\, h$ Mpc$^{-1}$ if the baryon corrected halo masses are used to calculate the redshift space power spectra. Finally, we use the cosmo-OWLS simulation suite to explore the changes in the redshift space power spectra with different feedback prescriptions, finding that there is a maximum of 15–20 per cent difference between the redshift space monopole and quadrupole with and without baryons at $k \sim 1\!-\!2\, h\,$Mpc$^{-1}$ within these models.
Consistent extinction model for type Ia supernovae in Cepheid-based calibration galaxies and its impact on H0
Authors: Wojtak Radosław , Hjorth Jens 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
The most recent SH0ES measurement of the Hubble constant employs corrections of type Ia supernova magnitudes due to extinction in their host galaxies. These corrections are estimated using a probabilistic model which is trained on Hubble flow ($z\gt 0.03$) supernovae and extrapolated to the calibration galaxies (those with observed Cepheids), despite the fact that the latter are selected based on criteria favouring discy and dust-rich systems. We show that this standard approach underestimates the brightness of reddened supernovae in the high stellar-mass ($M_{\star }\gt 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) calibration galaxies. This can be traced back to the fact that for these galaxies, a low total-to-selective extinction coefficient ($R_{\rm B}\sim 3$) is assumed, while for the low stellar-mass analogues a more standard $R_{\rm B}\sim 4$ is adopted. We propose a minimalistic modification of the extinction model in the calibration galaxies in order to alleviate this systematic effect. The modification is twofold and it involves: (i) the same, Milky Way-like distribution of $R_{\rm B}$ (with mean $R_{\rm B}$ of 4.3 – consistent with the extinction curve used for colour corrections of the Cepheids – and scatter 0.4) and (ii) a modified shape of the $E(B-V)$ reddening distribution while keeping the same effective slope of the supernova peak magnitude–colour relation and the same mean $E(B-V)$ reddening as measured for supernovae in the Hubble flow. We show that this new approach yields a significantly better fit ($\Delta \mathrm{ BIC}=-11$) to the calibration data and results in a lower value of $H_{0}$. Our result is $H_{0}=70.5\pm 1$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$ implying a reduction of the Hubble constant tension from $5.2\sigma$ to $2.8\sigma$.
Mitigating black carbon emissions: key drivers in residential usage and coke/brick production
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Yuanzheng , Zheng Shuxiu , Wang Jinghang , Dai Rong , Zhang Wenxiao , Xu Haoran , Shen Huizhong , Shen Guofeng , Cheng Hefa , Ma Jianmin , Tao Shu 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Black carbon (BC) is a crucial air pollutant that contributes to short-lived climate forcing and adverse health impacts. BC emissions have rapidly declined over the past three decades and it is important to uncover the major factors behind this decline. Herein, the temporal trends in BC emissions were compiled from 146 detailed sources from 1960 to 2019. Results revealed that the major emission sources were residential solid fuel usage, coke production and brick production. Furthermore, 96.9% of the emission reduction from 3.03 Tg in 1995 to 1.02 Tg in 2019 was attributed to these three sources. It was determined that the transition in residential energy/stove usage, phasing-out of beehive coke ovens and brick kiln upgrading were the most important drivers leading to this reduction and will continue to play a key role in future emission mitigation. In addition, this study identified the need to address emissions from coal used in vegetable greenhouses and the commercial sector, and diesel consumption in on/off-road vehicles.
The alleviating effect of Phillygenin on the regulation of respiratory microbiota and its metabolites in IBV‐infected broilers by inhibiting the TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Feng Haipeng , Zhang Kang , Zhang Jingyan , Wang Xuezhi , Guo Zhiting , Wang Lei , Chen Fubing , Han Songwei , Li Jianxi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhillygenin (PHI) is an active ingredient derived from the leaf of Forsythia suspensa that has been found to alleviate inflammation and peroxidation response. Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major threat to poultry industry viral respiratory tract disease that infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This study investigated the protection of PHI to CEK cell and broiler's tracheal injury triggered by avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The results showed that IBV infection did not cause serious clinical symptoms and slowing‐body weight in PHI‐treated broilers. The expression of virus loads, pro‐inflammation factors (IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) in CEK cell, and tracheas were decreased compared to the IBV group, exhibiting its potent anti‐inflammation. Mechanistically, the study demonstrated that the inhibition of TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway was mainly involved in the protection effect of PHI to inflammation injury. Interestingly, a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in respiratory tract was observed in PHI‐treated broilers than in the IBV group. Significant differences were observed between the IBV group and PHI‐treated group in the Ferroptosis, Tryptophan metabolism, and Glutathione metabolism pathways. PHI exhibited potent protection effect on IBV infection and alleviated inflammation injury, mainly through inhibiting TLR7/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway. The study encourages further development of PHI, paving the way to its clinical use as a new candidate drug to relieve IBV‐induced respiratory symptoms.
Term Planned Delivery Based on Fetal Growth Assessment With or Without the Cerebroplacental Ratio in Low-Risk Pregnancies (RATIO37): An International, Multicentre, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rial-Crestelo Marta , Lubusky Marek , Parra-Cordero Mauro , Krofta Ladislav , Kajdy Anna , Zohav Eyal , Ferriols-Perez Elena , Cruz-Martinez Rogelio , Kacerovsky Marian , Scazzocchio Elena , Roubalova Lucie , Socias Pamela , Hašlík Lubomir , Modzelewski Jan , Ashwal Eran , Castellá-Cesari Julia , Cruz-Lemini Monica , Gratacos Eduard , Figueras Francesc ,   on behalf of the RATIO37 Study Group
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from Lancet 2024;403(10426):545–553
Up to 3% of term pregnancies result in adverse perinatal outcomes, often caused by placental insufficiency. Detecting placental insufficiency can facilitate the prevention of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Prescription Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery
Authors: Bosworth Olivia M. , Padilla-Azain Maria C. , Adgent Margaret A. , Spieker Andrew J. , Wiese Andrew David , Pham Amelie , Leech Ashley A. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Osmundson Sarah S. 
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from JAMA Network Open 2024;7(2):e2355990
Up to 21% of pregnant people use opioids to treat acute pain at some point in their pregnancies. Several studies have examined the impact of medication-assisted therapy among women with opioid use disorders and their outcomes, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Natural Proliferative Phase Frozen Embryo Transfer—A New Approach Which May Facilitate Scheduling Without Hindering Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Godinho Catarina Mendes , Soares Sergio Reis , Nunes Sofia Gouveia , Mascaros Martınez Juan M. , Santos-Ribeiro Samuel 
Published: August 2024

(Abstracted from Hum Reprod 2024;39(5):1089–1097
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) use is increasing worldwide due to continuous cryopreservation technique improvements, reassuring safety data, and a growing list of indications. Different FET protocols include artificial (AC) and natural cycle (NC), and further exploration of the efficacy and safety of these protocols is of utmost importance.
Current opinion: optimize radiofrequency ablation through electrophysiological principles, modeling, and clinical recommendations
Authors: Provenzano David A. , Heller Jared A. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose of reviewThis article aims to empower the interventional pain physician to utilize RFA effectively by explaining the technical and electrophysiological features of monopolar, bipolar, and internally cooled RFA. Scientific data are used to provide advice on the effective, well tolerated, and rational application of these techniques. Moreover, physicians need to know how to analyze and generalize ex-vivo and in-vivo models to the clinical setting to optimize clinical outcomes.Recent findingsRecent studies suggest that there are many ways to enhance the technical effectiveness of interventional pain medicine RFA through adjustments in the equipment selection and settings and the local tissue conditions specific to the targeted anatomical area. These modifications could assist in improving clinical and safety outcomes.SummaryTo optimize both the efficacy and safety of RFA, physicians must understand, conceptualize, interpret, and clinically translate the basic science of RFA. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing equipment selection and settings based on target location to enhance clinical outcomes and limit technical failures.
A Cadaveric Comparison of Discectomy Performance During Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Approach Using an Endoscopic Technique versus a Minimally Invasive Tubular Approach
Authors: Boddapati Venakat , Yuk Frank , Virk Sohrab 
Published: August 2024

Study Design.
Cadaveric study.

Objective.
Compare discectomy performance between transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) done via an endoscopic versus a tubular technique.

Summary of background data.
Performance of an adequate discectomy is essential to lumbar fusion when performing a TLIF. Previous cadaveric studies comparing open and minimally invasive techniques have reported 36.6%-80% discectomy. There is controversy whether an endoscopic TLIF (E-TLIF) can allow for an adequate discectomy.

Materials/Methods.
An E-TLIF was performed on 14 discs (T12-L5) and a minimally invasive tubular TLIF (T-TLIF) was performed on 15 discs (T12-L4, L5-S1). Fellowship trained surgeons performed the TLIFs. Each disc was transected after discectomy and a digital image was analyzed using an imaging processing software to determine the percent of discectomy. Each quadrant of the discectomy was compared. Quadrant one was defined as the left posterior-ipsilateral quadrant of the disc, with each quadrant numbered 2-4 clockwise around the disc. The time to perform the discectomy was compared. Pedicle screws were placed contralaterally to the TLIF and the change in interpedicular distance was compared between techniques after expandable cage implantation as a marker for indirect decompression. A student’s t-test was used to determine statistical significance.

Results.
There was no difference in discectomy performance between techniques (48.86%+/−6.98% T-TLIF vs. 50.26%+/−7.38% E-TLIF, P=0.61). There was no statistical difference between T-TLIF vs E-TLIF at quadrants 1, 3 and 4. There was a difference in discectomy performance at quadrant 2 (39.02%+/−10.18% T-TLIF vs 50.13%+/−14.00% E-TLIF, P=0.02). There was no statistical difference between interpedicular distance created (2.20 mm+/−1.97 mm T-TLIF vs 1.36 mm+/−1.82 mm E-TLIF, P=0.24). E-TLIF took less time than MIS-TLIF (20.00 min+/−7.12 min vs 15.22 min+/−4.42 min, P=0.048).

Conclusion.
Our cadaveric study demonstrates that an adequately performed E-TLIF discectomy may be comparable to a T-TLIF discectomy. Further research is required to maximize the efficiency and instrumentation of this technique.