bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic Function of the Slimy and Scaly Surfaces of Teleost Fishes
Authors: Wainwright Dylan K , Lauder George V , Gemmell Bradford J 
Published: June 2024

Synopsis
The scales and skin mucus of bony fishes are both proposed to have a role in beneficially modifying the hydrodynamics of water flow over the body surface. However, it has been challenging to provide direct experimental evidence that tests how mucus and fish scales change the boundary layer in part due to the difficulties in working with live animal tissue and difficulty directly imaging the boundary layer. In this manuscript, we use direct imaging and flow tracking within the boundary layer to compare boundary layer dynamics over surfaces of fish skin with mucus, without mucus, and a flat control surface. Our direct measurements of boundary layer flows for these three different conditions are repeated for two different species, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Our goals are to understand if mucus and scales reduce drag, shed light on mechanisms underlying drag reduction, compare these results between species, and evaluate the relative contributions to hydrodynamic function for both mucus and scales. We use our measurements of boundary layer flow to calculate shear stress (proportional to friction drag), and we find that mucus reduces drag overall by reducing the velocity gradient near the skin surface. Both bluegill and tilapia showed similar patterns of surface velocity reduction. We also note that scales alone do not appear to reduce drag, but that mucus may reduce friction drag up to 50% compared to scaled surfaces without mucus or flat controls.
Risk of cardiovascular events following COVID-19 in people with and without pre-existing chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Whittaker Hannah , Kallis Constantinos , Bolton Thomas , Wood Angela , Walker Samantha , Sheikh Aziz , Brownrigg Alex , Akbari Ashley , Sterniczuk Kamil , Quint Jennifer K ,   CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population, but it is unknown whether people with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events post-COVID-19 compared with the general population and, if so, what respiratory-related factors may modify this risk in these people.

Methods
Primary and secondary care data from the National Health Service England were used to define a population of adults in England with COVID-19 (index date) between 1 January 2020 and 30 November 2021. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression was used to quantify the association between CRD, asthma-related factors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related factors, and risk of cardiovascular events. Asthma-specific factors included baseline asthma control, exacerbations, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose. COPD-specific risk factors included baseline ICS and exacerbations. Secondary objectives quantified the impact of COVID-19 hospitalisation and vaccine dose on cardiovascular outcomes.

Results
Of 3 670 455 people, those with CRD had a higher risk of cardiovascular events [adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj), 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.11], heart failure (HRadj, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12–1.22), angina (HRadj, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.20) and pulmonary emboli (HRadj, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15–1.33) compared with people without CRD. In people with asthma or COPD, baseline exacerbations were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes (HRadj, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.27–1.00 and HRadj, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.24–1.46, respectively). Regardless of CRD, the risk of cardiovascular events was lower with increasing COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Conclusions
Higher risk of cardiovascular events post-COVID-19 might be explained by the underlying severity of the CRD, and COVID-19 vaccines were beneficial to both people with and those without CRD with regards to cardiovascualr events.
Association between women's empowerment and fertility preferences in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Louis Kobina , Yengnone Hilda , Frimpong James Boadu , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
As Ghana has embraced the concept of women’s empowerment as a vital tool for sustainable development, it has become crucial to evaluate the role that women’s empowerment plays in the fertility preferences of married and cohabiting women in the country. The study's objective was to examine the association between women's empowerment, the ideal number of children and women's ability to have their desired number of children. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Both Poisson and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Women who had justification for wife-beating (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.98 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.96 to 0.99]) and those who were autonomous (IRR 0.94 [95% CI 0.93 to 0.95]) had lower rates of having the ideal number of children. Moreover, women who had justification for wife-beating (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.25 [95% CI 1.13 to 1.39]) and those who were involved in decision-making (aOR 1.31 [95% CI 1.19 to 1.44]) had higher odds of having the ability to have the desired number of children. However, autonomous women (aOR 0.78 [95% CI 0.71 to 0.86]) had lower odds of having the ability to have the desired number of children. Significant associations were found between women's empowerment (women's attitude towards justification for wife-beating, autonomy), an ideal number of children and the ability to have the desired number of children. These findings present target areas for policies and interventions aimed at determining Ghanaian women's fertility preferences and empowering them.
Dissemination and Implementation Gaps in Policy Efforts to Prevention and Responses to Female Statutory Rape: A Case Study Analysis of the 2006–2018 Liberian Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathway
Authors: Hanson-DeFusco Jessi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In recent decades, development policy research has increasingly turned to the field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science for improving policy adoption and sustainability toward health and gender equity. The Johnson Sirleaf administration prioritized reforming national rape laws and launching the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathway to mitigate institutionalized sexual gender-based violence targeting vulnerable girls. Applying a D&I framework, this study explores key D&I issues hindering effective utilization of the Pathway to prevent and respond to female statutory rape. We present the findings from a 2018 mixed-method field study. A total of 35.1 percent of young women experienced unreported early sexual activity legally categorized as statutory rape. Most perpetrators held positions of trust, including 38 percent working in school environments. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of data from a literature synthesis and key informant interviews explores in depth the reasons behind identified D&I issues. Findings indicate that the top-down intervention was hurried in initial phases of exploration and adoption, leading to cracks in later implementation and sustainability. There was insufficient demand among county and community stakeholders to utilize the system. Additionally, governmental capacity was constrained, including dependency on external resourcing, overburdened public services, poor policy dissemination at decentralized levels, low investigation and prosecution rates, and distrust in the value and effectiveness of the formal legal process. This analysis highlights the need for global developmental policy efforts to better explore mechanisms to authentically incorporate bottom-up feedback from street-level bureaucrats and community stakeholders.
Aesthetics in Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Mikkonen Jukka , Raatikainen Kaisa J 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Biodiversity loss is an immense ecological crisis of our time. But while “biodiversity” has become a buzzword in media and policy, conservationists have found it difficult to build a common understanding on the nature and severity of biodiversity loss and the means to tackle it. Perhaps surprisingly, many biologists and philosophers have proposed that biodiversity might be best defended with reference to its aesthetic value. This article explores whether aesthetic values could provide strong support for biodiversity conservation. By exploring the question from the viewpoints of species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity, we argue that there is a mismatch between apparent and real biodiversity and that aesthetics can, at best, give only limited support for biodiversity conservation.
Gut microbial signatures of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and their healthy relatives
Authors: Chen Jie , Lan Haibo , Li Chenmeng , Xie Yongli , Cheng Xianhui , Xia Rongmu , Ke Chunlin , Liang Xuyang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, encompassing diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Here, we utilized 16S rDNA gene sequencing to identify potential microbial drivers of IBS-D.

Methods and Results
A total of 30 healthy relatives and 27 patients with IBS-D were recruited. Clinical data and fecal samples were collected from patients and controls. 16S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to obtain fecal bacterial data. Differences in community composition were evaluated utilizing analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) using Bray–Curtis dissimilarity. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare differences in taxa and functional pathways. Finally, the key gut microbiota was identified using the random forest algorithm. Gut microbiota diversity, estimated through the Observe, Chao1, and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) indices, was significantly lower in the IBS-D patients than in the healthy relatives. ANOSIM analysis further confirmed significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between IBS-D patients and healthy relatives, with an R value of 0.106 and a P-value of 0.005. Notably, the IBS-D patients exhibited a significant enrichment of specific bacterial genera, including Fusicatenibacter, Streptococcus, and Klebsiella, which may possess potential pathogenic properties. In particular, the bacterial genus Klebsiella demonstrated a positive correlation with irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system scores. Conversely, healthy subjects showed enrichment of bacterial genera such as Alistipes, Akkermansia, and Dialister, which may be beneficial bacteria in IBS-D. Utilizing the random forest model, we developed a discriminative model for IBS-D based on differential bacterial genera. This model exhibited impressive performance, with an area under the curve value of 0.90. Additionally, our analysis did not reveal any gender-specific differences in the microbiota community composition among IBS-D patients.

Conclusions
Our findings offer preliminary insights into the potential relationship between intestinal microbiota and IBS-D. The identification model for IBS-D, grounded in gut microbiota, holds promising prospects for improving early diagnosis of IBS-D.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the humic acids and chitosan suppressing Alternaria solani growth
Authors: Qiu Cunpu , Bao Ying , Yan Mengyuan , Li Guilong , Liu Kai , Wu Meng , Li Zhongpei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Understanding the inhibitory effects of natural organic substances on soil-borne pathogenic fungi and the relevant molecular mechanisms are highly important for future development of green prevention and control technology against soil-borne diseases. Our study elucidates the inhibitory effect of the combined application of humic acids (HAs) and chitosan on Alternariasolani and the light on the corresponding mechanism.

Methods and Results
The effect on A. solani growth by HAs incorporated with chitosan was investigated by plate culture and the corresponding mechanism was revealed using transcriptomics. The colony growth of A. solani was suppressed with the highest inhibition rate 33.33% when swine manure HAs was compounded with chitosan at a ratio of 1:4. Chitosan changed the colony morphology from round to irregularly. RNA-seq in the HAs and chitosan (HC) treatment revealed 239 differentially expressed genes compared with the control. The unigenes associated with enzymes activities related to growth and biological processes closely related to mycelial growth and metabolism were downregulated. RNA-seq also revealed that chitosan altered the expression of genes related to secondary metabolism, fungal cell wall formation and polysaccharide synthesis, and metabolism. Meanwhile, weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that, genes expression in the module positively correlated with mycelial growth was significantly reduced in the HC treatment; and the results were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions
The co-inhibition effect of HAs and chitosan on A. solani is associated with downregulated genes expression correlated with mycelial growth.
Whole genome sequencing analysis of seven unknown resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam
Authors: Chen Yabin , Huang Jianxin , Chen Huidan , Xiao Han , Shen Xiuqing , Chen Qingqing , Zhang Zhishan , Huang Yi , Wu Shaolian , Chen Dongjie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
To investigate alternative resistance mechanisms among seven ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA)-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains lacking common antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) using whole genome sequencing.

Methods and Results
ARG and virulence factors (VFs) were screened using the ARG database CARD and the VF database, respectively, and identified using genomic annotation data with BLAST+. Six strains were ST11 sequence types (STs), and one was ST2123. ST11 strains harbored more ARGs than the ST2123 strains. All seven strains carried multiple ARGs with efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance, including oqxA, oqxB, tet (A), qacEdltal, CRP, H-NS, Kpn-E, F, G, H, acrA, LptD, acrB, acrD, cpxA, mdtB, and mdtC. These efflux-mediated ARGs were identified in most strains and even all strains. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the ST11 strain carried multiple potential prophages, genomic islands, and integrative and conjugative elements, while the ST2123 strain carried an independent potential prophages and a genomic island.

Conclusions
Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed that these seven CZA-resistant CRKP strains lacking common ARGs exhibited efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance-associated ARGs. The main mechanism by which CRKP resists CZA is antibiotic inactivation. Except for tet (A), no ARGs and validation experiments related to efflux were found. This study's results provide a new possibility for the resistance mechanism of CRKP to CZA, and we will verify this conclusion through experiments in the future.
The art of establishing mineral tolerances of dogs and cats
Authors: Fahey George C , Campion Marcie , Collings George F , Donadelli Renan , Lambrakis Leah , Panasevich Matthew R , Peters J C , Templeman James R , Hancock Leslie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
For over six decades, nutritional science has provided well-developed, peer-reviewed nutrient recommendations to support the health of dogs and cats. These guidelines are updated based on new scientifically valid research and appropriate peer-review. Recent regulatory and scientific positions around health issues have resulted in strong opinions and desires for rapid regulatory action surrounding mineral nutrition, but with limited and conflicting scientific evidence.
Pet Food Institute nutrition experts have come together to jointly author an article on the complexities of establishing mineral tolerances of dogs and cats to illustrate the limitations in defining mineral tolerances. This discussion covers how mineral requirements were determined, including the opportunities and pitfalls encountered. Scientific councils must review and clarify any proposed changes in conducting mineral nutrition research that might impact complete and balanced foods and surrounding regulations. It is important to clarify the multiple issues in mineral nutrition research and the necessity for thorough evaluation of data while avoiding arbitrary and potentially harmful guidelines.
Difficulties associated with the interpretation of postmortem toxicology
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Van Den Heuvel Corinna , Scott Timothy , Byard Roger W 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
While postmortem (PM) toxicology results provide valuable information towards ascertaining both the cause and manner of death in coronial cases, there are also significant difficulties associated with the interpretation of PM drug levels. Such difficulties are influenced by several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors including PM redistribution, diffusion, site-to-site variability in drug levels, different drug properties and metabolism, bacterial activity, genetic polymorphisms, tolerance, resuscitation efforts, underlying conditions, and the toxicity profile of cases (i.e. single- or mixed-drug toxicity). A large body of research has been dedicated for better understanding and even quantifying the influence of these factors on PM drug levels. For example, several investigative matrices have been developed as potential indicators of PM redistribution, but they have limited practical value. Reference tables of clinically relevant therapeutic, toxic, and potentially fatal drug concentrations have also been compiled, but these unfortunately do not provide reliable reference values for PM toxicology. More recent research has focused on developing databases of peripheral PM drug levels for a variety of case-types to increase transferability to real-life cases and improve interpretations. Changes to drug levels after death are inevitable and unavoidable. As such, guidelines and practices will continue to evolve as we further our understanding of such phenomena.
Effects of Different Anesthesia Applications on Mood, Depression, and Anxiety Levels in Burn Patients
Authors: Dumanlı Özcan Ayça Tuba , Akaycan Betül , Can Serdar Süleyman , Karakaya Özlem , Sönmez Emine , Yastı Ahmet Çınar , Kanbak Orhan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Adequate and effective pain management and prevention of depression are essential in patients with burns. This study aims to explore the effects of ketamine sedation in patients with burns in terms of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicidality during postoperative follow-up in the intensive care unit. This study targeted subjects aged 18-65 years, in the ASA I-II class, with basic communication skills, no history of diagnosed mental illness, and no history of neuropsychiatric or cognitive disorders or related treatment. The study was conducted on 67 patients. After preoxygenation, anesthesia induction was practiced with 2 mg/kg intravenous (IV) propofol and 1 mcg/kg IV fentanyl in the general anesthesia group. Anesthesia was continued with a mixture of 0.3-0.5 mcg/kg/min remifentanil, 2% sevoflurane, 50% air, and 50% oxygen. In the sedation group, 1 mcg/kg IV fentanyl and 1 mg/kg IV ketamine were administered at induction; anesthesia was maintained by adding 30-50 mg IV propofol if necessary. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) have been administered via way of means of a psychiatrist preoperatively and on the primary postoperative day. In intragroup evaluations, MADRS values for the sedation anesthesia group decreased statistically significantly after the anesthesia (11.63 ± 5.49) compared to the preanesthesia period (14.44 ± 7.22) (P &lt; .001). HAM-A scores of both anesthesia groups decreased statistically significantly after anesthesia. No patient was found to have suicidal ideation in all evaluations in which BSSI was used. Patients with burns may have a high potential for depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal tendencies due to the trauma they have experienced. In these patients, sedation anesthesia with ketamine may reduce negative mood, depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies in the postoperative period.
The ‘Living Instrument’ at the Service of Climate Action: The ECtHR Long-Standing Doctrine Confronted to the Climate Emergency
Authors: Jelić Ivana , Fritz Etienne 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The evolving landscape of climate change litigation within human rights frameworks presents a complex challenge for courts worldwide. Recent landmark decisions by international court and treaty bodies have expanded the jurisdiction of human rights courts to address climate-related disputes. However, the most recent case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) emphasises the delicate balance between recognising the urgency of climate action and upholding the integrity of a regional human rights system. This article explores the ECtHR’s use of the living instrument doctrine in response to climate change-related legal claims. It submits that climate change cases highlight the circumscribed role of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR or the Convention) in dealing with the climate emergency and reveal the tension between addressing climate change impacts and maintaining the functioning of the European human rights system.
Temporal Trends in the Characteristics of USDA Forest Service Chiefs
Authors: Baral Nabin , Cerveny Lee K 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) chiefs have significant influence on the agency and publics they serve, yet little scholarly attention is given to understand their characteristics. Using a quantitative biographical approach, we examine the demographics, education, career length, and leadership tenure of the chiefs and the trend in those characteristics over the century. Of the twenty Forest Service chiefs who served between 1905 and 2022, the vast majority (85%) were white and male with an average age of 52.0 years at appointment. The average career length of chiefs was 30.2 years, including 22.8 years spent with the Forest Service prior to appointment. although chiefs’ age at appointment and career length showed an increasing trend over the century, tenure length displayed a decreasing trend. Average duration of the chiefs’ tenure in office was 5.8 years and it was negatively correlated with career length, age at appointment, and year of appointment. On average, chiefs had 6 years of postsecondary education, with most earning degrees in forestry or biophysical sciences. A retrospective examination of Forest Service chiefs helps us to consider changes in this position over time.
Study Implications: The study compiles quantitative data on multiple attributes (characteristics) of all Forest Service chiefs who have served since 1905 and presents quantitative analyses of trends over time. As such, the study contributes to the compilation of biographical data related to the chiefs, consolidating the information from many sources. The findings suggest that tracking chiefs would help to understand the organizational and cultural change of the agency over time.