bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of nasopharyngeal myiasis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from an area with high sympatry between wild and domestic ungulates in Central Spain
Authors: Martínez-Calabuig Néstor , Panadero Rosario , Varas Gonzalo , Remesar Susana , López Ceferino M. , Saldaña Ana , Díaz Pablo , Díez-Baños Pablo , Morrondo Patrocinio , García-Dios David 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInfestation by the sheep bot fly Oestrus ovis was firstly reported in a single roe deer from Central Spain in 2022. For assessing the current situation of nasal myiases in this ungulate in this area, the nasopharyngeal cavities of 184 roe deer hunted in Central Spain between January-June 2023 were examined. All larvae were recovered and morphologically identified; in addition, species identification was molecularly confirmed in a subset of specimens. Forty-four roe deer (23.9%; CI 95 17.95–30.74) were positive for different Oestrinae larval stages. Twenty-six animals (14.1%; CI 95 9.44–20.02%) were infested by the roe deer nasal bot fly (Cephenemyia stimulator) with a mean intensity of 35.2 (SD 49.71) larvae/infested animal, and eighteen (9.8%; CI 95 5.90-15.02%) roe deer harboured the sheep bot fly (O. ovis), with a mean intensity of 2.0 (SD 1.33) larvae/infested animal. No mixed infestations by both Oestrinae were found in a single animal. All larval instars (L1, L2 and L3) of both species were identified. Most C. stimulator specimens were located at the nasal turbinates, and a small percentage (3.2%) at the pharynx; all O. ovis larvae were found at the nasal turbinates. Since O. ovis is highly prevalent in sheep and goat flocks from Central Spain, the high sympatry between roe deer and small ruminant populations in the studied area may have increased the risk of cross-infection. Moreover, the finding of mature L3 of O. ovis suggests that this species can complete its life cycle in roe deer. Therefore, monitoring bot flies in sheep and goat flocks as well as in sympatric wild ruminants is strongly recommended for achieving an optimum control of nasal myiases.
Differential endothelial cell cycle status in postnatal retinal vessels revealed using a novel PIP-FUCCI reporter and zonation analysis
Authors: Liu Ziqing , Tanke Natalie T. , Neal Alexandra , Yu Tianji , Branch Tershona , Sharma Arya , Cook Jean G. , Bautch Victoria L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCell cycle regulation is critical to blood vessel formation and function, but how the endothelial cell cycle integrates with vascular regulation is not well-understood, and available dynamic cell cycle reporters do not precisely distinguish all cell cycle stage transitions in vivo. Here we characterized a recently developed improved cell cycle reporter (PIP-FUCCI) that precisely delineates S phase and the S/G2 transition. Live image analysis of primary endothelial cells revealed predicted temporal changes and well-defined stage transitions. A new inducible mouse cell cycle reporter allele was selectively expressed in postnatal retinal endothelial cells upon Cre-mediated activation and predicted endothelial cell cycle status. We developed a semi-automated zonation program to define endothelial cell cycle status in spatially defined and developmentally distinct retinal areas and found predicted cell cycle stage differences in arteries, veins, and remodeled and angiogenic capillaries. Surprisingly, the predicted dearth of S-phase proliferative tip cells relative to stalk cells at the vascular front was accompanied by an unexpected enrichment for endothelial tip and stalk cells in G2, suggesting G2 stalling as a contribution to tip-cell arrest and dynamics at the front. Thus, this improved reporter precisely defines endothelial cell cycle status in vivo and reveals novel G2 regulation that may contribute to unique aspects of blood vessel network expansion.
Gender and endogenous knowledge inclusion for agroforestry systems improvement in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Houndjo Kpoviwanou Marie Reine Jésugnon , Wédjangnon Adigla Appolinaire , Houètchégnon Towanou , Sourou Bienvenue Nawan Kuiga , Ouinsavi Christine A. I. Nougbodé 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn West Africa, and Benin particularly, local forest resources can potentially contribute to both increasing and stabilizing soil productivity. However, these resources continue to be neglected with efforts instead concentrated on promoting exotic species. This study aimed to prioritize local agroforestry species on agricultural landscape by investigating the gendered, socio-demographic and agro-pedological factors of local knowledge and use of agroforestry species amongst small-holder farmers in Benin. An agroforestry inventory combined with an ethno-agroforestry survey was conducted on 364 farms with 364 farmers. A cluster analysis based on farmers' socio-demographic and agroecological factors was used to cluster farmers into two homogeneous agroforestry systems. Median score, species diversity and ecological networks were established for these two systems. Results illustrate that gendered difference exist between the priority that farmers give to multi-purpose species and this prioritization depends on priority ecosystem services for farmers and gender. Therefore, it would be useful first to consider gender and specific needs of each category of farmer to optimize the choice of agroforestry species to be promoted in such systems. The successful introduction of identified species through extension programs requires more advanced research related to the real contribution of these species to farmland fertilization, as well as the nutrient transmission pathways to associated crops in an agroforestry system to address simultaneously specific ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability criteria, as well as improved crop production.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Family Assessment and Feedback Intervention (FAFI): Effects on Mental Health Literacy and Attitudinal Engagement with Health Supports and Services
Authors: Ivanova Masha Y. , Hall Allison , Weinberger Stanley , Buckingham Sara L. , Copeland William E. , Crockett Phoenix , Dainer-Best Justin , D’Alberto Casey , Dewey Lauren , Foret DeShan , Galano Maria , Goodrich Lisa , Holly Lindsay , Lane Nalini Emily , Leahy Maureen , Lerner Mathew , Marsh Jasmine , McGinnis Ellen W. , Paiva-Salisbury Melissa , Shaw Judith S. , Swift Pamela , Tinker Rebekah , Hudziak James J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial tested the Family Assessment and Feedback Intervention (FAFI), a new intervention to enhance family engagement with emotional and behavioral health services. The FAFI is a guided conversation with families about results of their multidimensional assessment that is set in the context of motivational enhancement. It differs from other assessment-with-feedback interventions by extending the focus of assessment beyond the target child to parents and the family environment, addressing parental emotional and behavioral problems and competencies, spanning a broad range of children’s and parents’ strengths and difficulties, and being generalizable to many settings and practitioners. Participants were 81 families in primary care pediatrics. The FAFI was associated with a significant increase in parental mental health literacy and with an increase in parental attitudinal engagement with health supports and services that closely approached statistical significance (p = .052), while controlling for children’s age and gender and family socioeconomic status.
Non-linear Mendelian randomization: detection of biases using negative controls with a focus on BMI, Vitamin D and LDL cholesterol
Authors: Hamilton Fergus W. , Hughes David A. , Spiller Wes , Tilling Kate , Davey Smith George 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMendelian randomisation (MR) is an established technique in epidemiological investigation, using the principle of random allocation of genetic variants at conception to estimate the causal linear effect of an exposure on an outcome. Extensions to this technique include non-linear approaches that allow for differential effects of the exposure on the outcome depending on the level of the exposure. A widely used non-linear method is the residual approach, which estimates the causal effect within different strata of the non-genetically predicted exposure (i.e. the “residual” exposure). These “local” causal estimates are then used to make inferences about non-linear effects. Recent work has identified that this method can lead to estimates that are seriously biased, and a new method—the doubly-ranked method—has been introduced as a possibly more robust approach. In this paper, we perform negative control outcome analyses in the MR context. These are analyses with outcomes onto which the exposure should have no predicted causal effect. Using both methods we find clearly biased estimates in certain situations. We additionally examined a situation for which there are robust randomised controlled trial estimates of effects—that of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction onto myocardial infarction, where randomised trials have provided strong evidence of the shape of the relationship. The doubly-ranked method did not identify the same shape as the trial data, and for LDL-C and other lipids they generated some highly implausible findings. Therefore, we suggest there should be extensive simulation and empirical methodological examination of performance of both methods for NLMR under different conditions before further use of these methods. In the interim, use of NLMR methods needs justification, and a number of sanity checks (such as analysis of negative and positive control outcomes, sensitivity analyses excluding removal of strata at the extremes of the distribution, examination of biological plausibility and triangulation of results) should be performed.
Sampling efficiency and nucleic acid stability during long-term sampling with different bioaerosol samplers
Authors: Bøifot Kari Oline , Skogan Gunnar , Dybwad Marius 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAerosol microbiome studies have received increased attention as technological advancements have made it possible to dive deeper into the microbial diversity. To enhance biomass collection for metagenomic sequencing, long-term sampling is a common strategy. While the impact of prolonged sampling times on microorganisms’ culturability and viability is well-established, its effect on nucleic acid stability remains less understood but is essential to ensure representative sample collection. This study evaluated four air samplers (SKC BioSampler, SASS3100, Coriolis μ, BioSpot-VIVAS 300-P) against a reference sampler (isopore membrane filters) to identify nucleic acid stability during long-term sampling. Physical sampling efficiencies determined with a fluorescent tracer for three particle sizes (0.8, 1, and 3 μm), revealed high efficiencies (> 80% relative to reference) for BioSampler, SASS3100, and BioSpot-VIVAS for all particle sizes, and for Coriolis with 3 μm particles. Coriolis exhibited lower efficiency for 0.8 μm (7%) and 1 μm (50%) particles. During 2-h sampling with MS2 and Pantoea agglomerans, liquid-based collection with Coriolis and BioSampler showed a decrease in nucleic acid yields for all test conditions. BioSpot-VIVAS displayed reduced sampling efficiency for P. agglomerans compared to MS2 and the other air samplers, while filter-based collection with SASS3100 and isopore membrane filters, showed indications of DNA degradation for 1 μm particles of P. agglomerans after long-term sampling. These findings show that long-term air sampling affects nucleic acid stability in both liquid- and filter-based collection methods. These results highlight bias produced by bioaerosol collection and should be considered when selecting an air sampler and interpreting aerosol microbiome data.
Quantum Reference Frames on Finite Homogeneous Spaces
Authors: Głowacki Jan , Loveridge Leon , Waldron James 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe present an operationally motivated treatment of quantum reference frames in the setting that the frame is a covariant positive operator valued measure (POVM) on a finite homogeneous space, generalising the principal homogeneous spaces studied in previous work. We focus on the case that the reference observable is the canonical covariant projection valued measure on the given space, and show that this gives rise to a rank-one covariant POVM on the group, which can be seen as a system of coherent states.
Farming non-typical sentient species: ethical framework requires passing a high bar
Authors: Mullan Siobhan , Nogueira Selene S. C. , Nogueira-Filho Sérgio , Zanella Adroaldo , Rooney Nicola , Held Suzanne D. E. , Mendl Michael 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMore widespread farming of species not typically used as livestock may be part of a sustainable approach for promoting human health and economic prosperity in a world with an increasing population; a current example is peccary farming in the Neotropics. Others have argued that species that are local to a region and which are usually not farmed should be considered for use as livestock. They may have a more desirable nutrient profile than species that are presently used as livestock. It may also reduce the pressure from hunting on other wild species, and cause less environmental damage than exotic species. We propose a sentiocentric utilitarian framework that could be used to decide whether species that are local, but generally not used as livestock, should be farmed. To illustrate the use of our decision-making framework, we employ two contrasting neotropical case studies: the Spotted Paca (Cuniculus paca) and the Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). We argue that it may be acceptable to use non-sentient species that are typically not farmed as livestock. However, research should determine whether farming them offers human, environmental or sustainability benefits. In addition, we recommend that if invertebrate species are considered for farming, research should be conducted to determine the likelihood that they are sentient. Finally, given the ethical failings of current livestock farming practices, we argue that a high bar must be met if ‘new’ species that are sentient are to be farmed.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Metacognitions Questionnaire – Short Form (MCQ-30) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Reliability, Validity and Utility in a Clinical Sample
Authors: White Julia A. , Rapee Ronald M. , Stapinski Lexine A. , Abbott Maree J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Metacognitions Questionnaire – Short Form (MCQ-30) was designed as a parsimonious measure of the metacognitive beliefs and processes implicated in the maintenance of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The present study sought to examine the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the MCQ-30 among people with GAD. One hundred and thirty-nine adults diagnosed with GAD and 76 non-clinical controls completed the MCQ-30 and self-report measures of worry, fear of anxiety, attempted thought suppression, distress, GAD symptoms, and interference. A five-factor structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Among the clinical sample, CFA supported the construct validity of the scale, although the relationship between the factors differed from community samples. Evidence was found for the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent, convergent and criterion validity of the MCQ-30 in people with GAD. The treatment sensitivity and clinical responsiveness of the scale were also demonstrated, with the Uncontrollability and Danger Beliefs subscale identified as the most accurate predictor of clinical status. This subscale also exhibited the strongest correlations with most symptom measures, highlighting the cardinal role played by negative beliefs about worry in maintaining clinical levels of GAD. This study provides the first evidence of the reliability, validity and clinical utility of the MCQ-30 with people diagnosed with GAD.
Global health, planetary health, One Health: conceptual and ethical challenges and concerns
Authors: Missoni Eduardo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically shown the level of interconnectedness of the human population, the direct relation between human health and the ecosystem, as well as the enormous ethical challenges required for a global response. Relatedly, society has been directly confronted by issues of ‘Global health,’ both in terms of awareness of health conditions and health systems resiliency all around the world, as well as in terms of governance of the worldwide response and its implications at national and local levels. While Global health is often used as a cosmetic label for neocolonial approaches, it is really an interdisciplinary approach consisting of the interaction between globalization and the determinants of health. Thus, it involves the ecosystem and its transformation and implies a systemic ‘One Health’ decolonized approach in the definition of its strategies. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the inequities and the limits of the current hegemonic Global health system governance; calling for ethics to provide a renewed, comprehensive, inclusive, and decolonized conceptualization of Global health.
Black-Box Testing and Auditing of Bias in ADM Systems
Authors: Krafft Tobias D. , Hauer Marc P. , Zweig Katharina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFor years, the number of opaque algorithmic decision-making systems (ADM systems) with a large impact on society has been increasing: e.g., systems that compute decisions about future recidivism of criminals, credit worthiness, or the many small decision computing systems within social networks that create rankings, provide recommendations, or filter content. Concerns that such a system makes biased decisions can be difficult to investigate: be it by people affected, NGOs, stakeholders, governmental testing and auditing authorities, or other external parties. Scientific testing and auditing literature rarely focuses on the specific needs for such investigations and suffers from ambiguous terminologies. With this paper, we aim to support this investigation process by collecting, explaining, and categorizing methods of testing for bias, which are applicable to black-box systems, given that inputs and respective outputs can be observed. For this purpose, we provide a taxonomy that can be used to select suitable test methods adapted to the respective situation. This taxonomy takes multiple aspects into account, for example the effort to implement a given test method, its technical requirement (such as the need of ground truth) and social constraints of the investigation, e.g., the protection of business secrets. Furthermore, we analyze which test method can be used in the context of which black box audit concept. It turns out that various factors, such as the type of black box audit or the lack of an oracle, may limit the selection of applicable tests. With the help of this paper, people or organizations who want to test an ADM system for bias can identify which test methods and auditing concepts are applicable and what implications they entail.
What is the Space for “Place” in Social Studies of Astronomy?
Authors: Velho Raquel , Gastrow Michael , Mason Caroline , Ulguim Marina , Sikhosana Yoliswa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAll large-scale telescope facilities are constructed within a geographical, social, historical, and political context that includes nested layers at the global, national, and local levels. However, discussions about the geographic siting of astronomy facilities, for example, the communities in which they are embedded or the interactions between the facility and its locale, are uncommon in social science studies of astronomy, and no extant review focused on this gap in the literature. In this literature review and discourse analysis, we explore the ways in which research about astronomy facilities and their local communities has emerged, and the extent to which it focuses on the Global South. We find that literature addressing the social and policy aspects of astronomy facilities has an emphasis on the Global North. However, literature addressing host communities has an emphasis on the Global South. Broadly, the discourses related to host communities in the Global South have emerged from reflections on the controversies related to large-scale telescopes in Hawai’i, Chile, and South Africa. One common theme linking these discourses is that a focus on benefits at the national and international levels obscures a range of problematic power dynamics and outcomes at the local level. The notion of the Global South as an ‘empty space’ in which astronomical observation does not constitute impactful action amongst local communities, is challenged by discourses that centre local contexts, and challenged by discourses that employ conceptual frameworks with a focus on revealing power dynamics.
The ilv2 gene, encoding acetolactate synthase for branched chain amino acid biosynthesis, is required for plant pathogenicity by Leptosphaeria maculans
Authors: Chong Nicholas F. , Van de Wouw Angela P. , Idnurm Alexander 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Control of blackleg disease of canola caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans relies on strategies such as the inhibition of growth with fungicides. However, other chemicals are used during canola cultivation, including fertilizers and herbicides. There is widespread use of herbicides that target the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme involved in branched chain amino acid synthesis and low levels of these amino acids within leaves of Brassica species. In L. maculans the ilv2 gene encodes ALS and thus ALS-inhibiting herbicides may inadvertently impact the fungus.

Methods and results
Here, the impact of a commercial herbicide targeting ALS and mutation of the homologous ilv2 gene in L. maculans was explored. Exposure to herbicide had limited impact on growth in vitro but reduced lesion sizes in plant disease experiments. Furthermore, the mutation of the ilv2 gene via CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing rendered the fungus non-pathogenic.

Conclusion
Herbicide applications can influence disease outcome, but likely to a minor extent.
Expression of CD44 is associated with aggressiveness in seminomas
Authors: Labropoulou Vasiliki T. , Manou Dimitra , Ravazoula Panagiota , Alzahrani Fatimah Mohammed , Kalofonos Haralabos P. , Theocharis Achilleas D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) exhibit diverse biological and pathological features and are divided in two main types, seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). CD44 is a cell surface receptor, which is highly expressed in malignancies and is implicated in tumorigenesis affecting cell-matrix interactions and cell signaling.

Methods and results
Here, we examined the expression of CD44 in tumor cell lines and in patients’ material. We found that CD44 is over-expressed in TGCTs compared to normal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining in 71 tissue specimens demonstrated increased expression of CD44 in some patients, whereas CD44 was absent in normal tissue. In seminomas, a high percentage of tumor and stromal cells showed cytoplasmic and/or cell surface staining for CD44 as well as increased staining for CD44 in the tumor stroma was found in some cases. The increased expression of CD44 either in tumor cells or in stromal components was associated with tumor size, nodal metastasis, vascular/lymphatic invasion, and disease stage only in seminomas. The increased stromal expression of CD44 in TGCTs was positively associated with angiogenesis.

Conclusions
CD44 may exhibit diverse biological functions in seminomas and NSGCTs. The expression of CD44 in tumor cells as well as in tumor stroma fosters an aggressive phenotype in seminomas and should be considered in disease treatment.