bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of rhodopsin in flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) is associated with depth and migratory behavior
Authors: Macpherson Esme S. B. , Hauser Frances E. , Van Nynatten Alexander , Chang Belinda S. W. , Lovejoy Nathan R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractVisual signals are involved in many fitness‐related tasks and are therefore essential for survival in many species. Aquatic organisms are ideal systems to study visual evolution, as the high diversity of spectral properties in aquatic environments generates great potential for adaptation to different light conditions. Flatfishes are an economically important group, with over 800 described species distributed globally, including halibut, flounder, sole, and turbot. The diversity of flatfish species and wide array of environments they occupy provides an excellent opportunity to understand how this variation translates to molecular adaptation of vision genes. Using models of molecular evolution, we investigated how the light environments inhabited by different flatfish lineages have shaped evolution in the rhodopsin gene, which is responsible for mediating dim‐light visual transduction. We found strong evidence for positive selection in rhodopsin, and this was correlated with both migratory behavior and several fundamental aspects of habitat, including depth and freshwater/marine evolutionary transitions. We also identified several mutations that likely affect the wavelength of peak absorbance of rhodopsin, and outline how these shifts in absorbance correlate with the response to the light spectrum present in different habitats. This is the first study of rhodopsin evolution in flatfishes that considers their extensive diversity, and our results highlight how ecologically‐driven molecular adaptation has occurred across this group in response to transitions to novel light environments.
Dyslipidaemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome referred to a teaching hospital in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Marais Adrian David , Hoffman Anne , Blackhurst Diane Mary , van der Spuy Zephne Margeret 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) imparts health risks including dyslipidaemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease that are amenable to lifestyle adjustment and/or medication. We describe dyslipidaemia in women referred to a gynaecological endocrine clinic. Clinical data and endocrine and lipoprotein investigations comprising fasting triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and calculated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) were studied along with electrophoresis patterns of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins. The 1721 participants comprised black, mixed ancestry, white and Indian individuals (9.8%, 83.2%, 5.8% and 1.2%, respectively). The mean ± standard deviation of the age, body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio were 26.0 ± 5.9 years, 32.3 ± 8.3 kg/m2 and waist/hip ratio 0.88 ± 0.11, respectively. Overweight status (BMI 26–30 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) involved 272 (15.8%) and 1010 (58.7%) individuals, respectively. Morbid obesity (BMI >40 kg/m2) was present in 309 (17.9%) individuals. The TG, TC, HDLC and LDLC concentrations were 1.22 ± 0.86, 4.77 ± 1.02, 1.3 ± 0.36, 2.94 ± 0.94 mmol/L, respectively. LDL hypercholesterolaemia occurred in 753 (43.7%) and exceeded 5 mmol/L in 39 (2.3%) women. Low HDLC (<0.9 mmol/L) affected 122 (7%), hypertriglyceridaemia (>1.7 mmol/L) affected 265 (15.4%) and exceeded 2.5 mmol/L in 91 (5.3%) women. Mixed hyperlipidaemia (TG >1.7, TC >5.0 mmol/L) occurred in 176 (10.2%). Electrophoresis revealed small LDL particles in 79 (4.6%) and dysbetalipoproteinaemia in 13 (0.76%) of the cohort. Small LDL associated with obesity, blood pressure, TG and glucose concentration and higher androgenic state. Many women with PCOS had unfavourable lipoprotein results: mostly moderate changes in TG, HDLC and LDLC. Small LDL is not rare, may aid risk assessment and is best determined directly. Incidental monogenic disorders of lipoprotein metabolism included dysbetalipoproteinaemia, familial hypercholesterolaemia and severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Dyslipidaemia in PCOS requires more careful diagnosis, individualised management and research.
Breaking the concrete ceiling: Resources and strategies for career success amongst Black and Asian minority ethnic women leaders
Authors: Otaye‐Ebede Lilian , Shaffakat Samah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite ongoing research efforts to resolve the pertinent issues with the underrepresentation of women from Black and Asian Minority Ethnic backgrounds in senior leadership positions, the problem persists. We suggest that one reason for the lack of progress is that management research has predominantly focused on the manifestation of race and gender inequality, the barriers experienced by these women, and the resulting adverse outcomes, with inadequate attention given to practical interventions for resolving these issues. We argue that an urgent and critical paradigm shift from problems to solutions is required in order to advance the field. Using the conservation of resource theory as a lens, we explore the lived experiences of 50 highly successful Black and Asian women and how they navigated the organizational labyrinth to achieve success in their careers. Our findings revealed that despite discriminatory experiences that threatened their career advancement, there were several personal and contextual resources which they drew upon to achieve career success. We develop a resource taxonomy framework illustrating these salient career advancement resources across their career journey, alongside strategies they used to protect these valuable resources. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications for career, leadership and diversity scholars and practitioners.
Short‐term mindsets show co‐development with adolescent delinquency, but not with adolescent cannabis use
Authors: Defoe Ivy N. , van Gelder Jean‐Louis , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGuided by General Theory of Crime and Psychosocial Maturity Hypothesis, we investigated co‐development between short‐term mindsets (impulsivity and future orientation) and risk behaviors (cannabis use and delinquency). Parallel process latent growth modeling on three‐wave data from ethnically diverse Swiss adolescents (N = 1365; Mage 13.67 years, 48.6% female), showed baseline‐level associations between short‐term mindsets and risk behaviors, and between the two risk behaviors. Additionally, correlated change (co‐development) existed between short‐term mindsets—particularly impulsivity—and delinquency, but not between short‐term mindsets and cannabis use. These results support the above‐mentioned theories and emphasize the importance of investigating the correlates of change in delinquency and cannabis use separately, as divergent findings might emerge. These divergent findings could partially stem from Switzerland's liberal views on cannabis use.
Perception of Facial Cues to Trustworthiness in Infancy: Insights from the Spatial Frequency Filtering Approach
Authors: Silvestri Valentina , Macchi Cassia Viola 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA crucial aspect of human social competence is the ability to spontaneously and rapidly infer from facial cues whether others are likely to approach us with friendliness or hostility—that is, trustworthiness. The rapid and automatic nature of these inferences has prompted the claim that they may originate from evolutionary pressures to detect potential threats, thus enhancing our chances of survival. However, the developmental origins of this social skill remain a topic of ongoing debate. Recent evidence shows that infants' brains and looking time behaviors differentiate between faces varying along the trustworthiness continuum, but the question about the nature of the facial cues they rely on remains open. In this review, we propose the spatial frequency (SF) filtering approach (i.e., the selective removal of spatial frequency bands from the image) as a useful tool for investigating this question, and specifically whether infants' discrimination of facial expressions of emotion share common visual and neural mechanisms with discrimination of facial cues associated with trustworthiness inferences. The SF filtering approach could shed light on the neural and perceptual mechanisms underlying trustworthiness perception in infancy, providing insights into whether and how these mechanisms change across development. The evidence gathered through this method would prove critical to the understanding of the developmental origins of trustworthiness perception.
Adherence to AUA guidelines for the work‐up, medical management, surgical evaluation and treatment of BPH: Work from a quality improvement collaborative
Authors: Wahlstedt Eric , Graves John Lee , Wahlstedt John , D'Alessandro Alison , Cranford Will , Freidberg Nicholas A. , Bhalodi Amul , Bell John R. , James Andrew , Bylund Jason , Strup Stephen E. , Harris Andrew 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies noted varied adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), but studies are yet to quantify adherence to American Urological Association BPH guidelines. We studied guideline adherence in the context of a new quality improvement collaborative (QIC).MethodsData were collected as part of a statewide QIC. Medical records for patients undergoing select CPT codes from January 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for adherence to selected BPH guidelines.ResultsMost men were treated with transurethral resection of the prostate. Notably, 53.3% of men completed an IPSS and 52.3% had a urinalysis. 4.7% were counseled on behavioral modifications, 15.0% on medical therapy, and 100% on procedural options. For management, 79.4% were taking alpha‐blockers and 59.8% were taking a 5‐ARI. For evaluation, 57% had a PVR, 63.6% had prostate size measurement, 37.4% had uroflowmetry, and 12.3% were counseled about treatment failure. Postoperatively, 51.6% completed an IPSS, 57% had a PVR, 6.50% had uroflowmetry, 50.6% stopped their alpha‐blocker, and 75.0% stopped their 5‐ARI.ConclusionsThere was adherence to preoperative testing recommendations, but patient counseling was lacking in the initial work‐up and preoperative evaluation. We will convey the data to key stakeholders, expand data collection to other institutions, and devise an improvement implementation plan.
Bridging the digital divide: Promoting equal access to online learning for health professions in an unequal world
Authors: Han Siew Ping , Kumwenda Ben 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOnline learning has the potential to enhance open and equitable access to medical education resources globally. Conversely, there are also concerns that it can perpetuate and exacerbate digital inequalities between developed (global North) and developing (global South) countries. In this article, we describe the historical lack of representation of the global South in the design of online medical education, as well as the resulting consequences and potential solutions. We compare the Northern and Southern views of online learning in medical education and identify the different types of barriers to its adoption. We describe how socioeconomic disparities and the historical dominance of the global North over the global South have led to systemic digital inequalities in the design and implementation of online learning in education generally, and in medical education particularly. The lack of representation of global South voices hinders the development of digital learning solutions relevant to local contexts, therefore limiting their effectiveness and sustainability. Thus, we propose approaches to build more equitable partnerships by soliciting local input and local expertise. Further, we discuss the need to maintain local relevance while setting global standards. Overall, we hope to inform and guide the development of more equitable and accessible online education training for a diverse global population.
The invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) disrupts the adaptive function of heteranthery by indiscriminately visiting the pollinating and feeding anthers of Senna arnottiana flowers
Authors: Rego J. O. , Monzón V. H. , Mesquita‐Neto J. N. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Heteranthery, the presence of different types of anthers on the same flower, is a floral adaptation that aims to balance the need for pollinators to collect pollen as a food resource while ensuring sufficient pollen for pollination. We investigate the role of heteranthery in the pollination of Senna arnottiana flowers and how it is affected by the behaviour of visiting bee species, with a particular focus on the impact of the invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris.

In three populations of S. arnottiana we measured the size of three sets of anthers and style, stigma–anther separation, pollen quantity and fruit set, and contrasted it with the body size, behaviour, and pollination effectiveness of all floral visitors.

Different bee species visited S. arnottiana flowers, and their foraging behaviour varied. Large‐bodied native bees, including Centris cineraria, Caupolicana sp. and Cadeguala occidentalis, preferentially visited short anthers, whereas B. terrestris, an exotic bumblebee, foraged from both short and long anthers without distinction. In addition, B. terrestris contacted the stigma at a lower rate than large‐bodied native bees.

Instead of concentrating its pollen‐gathering efforts on the feeding anthers, as predicted by the “division of labor” hypothesis, B. terrestris indiscriminately visited both types of anthers similarly. This behaviour of B. terrestris may disrupt the adaptive significance of heteranthery by mixing the roles of pollination and feeding anthers of S. arnottiana. Therefore, our results highlight the potential disruption of this relationship by exotic pollinators and the need to consider it in conservation efforts.
Income‐linked pathways towards sustainable development goals: Analyzing the interplay of green energy, financial inclusion, and militarization in shaping aggregated economic sustainability
Authors: Murtaza Muhammad Ramiz , Hongzhong Fan , Ullah Atta , Kashif Muhammad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis research examines the dynamic impact of green energy (GE), financial inclusion (FI), and militarization (MS) on attaining global economic sustainability (EGS, SDG‐8) in 121 nations from 2003 to 2022. Further, explore and compare 44 high‐income, 33 upper‐middle‐income, and 44 low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries for a better understanding of empirical and policy contributions. This study utilized second‐generation econometric methods. Consequently, it employed a two‐step system GMM model, which was validated using the D‐K regression approach. The findings revealed that green energy and financial inclusion benefit EGS across all income levels having a significant and positive impact on economic sustainability. In contrast, militarization has a negative relationship with EGS, which proves it is detrimental to EGS in the overall sample and high‐income countries. However, it positively influences economic sustainability in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. Moreover, other factors, such as institutional quality and armed conflicts, have mixed effects on ESG at different income levels. This study also provides persuasive policy measures and implications for achieving global economic sustainability.
Genome‐wide mapping of DNase I hypersensitive sites revealed differential chromatin accessibility and regulatory DNA elements under drought stress in rice cultivars
Authors: Rajkumar Mohan Singh , Tembhare Kunal , Garg Rohini , Jain Mukesh 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYDrought stress (DS) is one of the major constraints limiting yield in crop plants including rice. Gene regulation under DS is largely governed by accessibility of the transcription factors (TFs) to their cognate cis‐regulatory elements (CREs). In this study, we used DNase I hypersensitive assays followed by sequencing to identify the accessible chromatin regions under DS in a drought‐sensitive (IR64) and a drought‐tolerant (N22) rice cultivar. Our results indicated that DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) were highly enriched at transcription start sites (TSSs) and numerous DHSs were detected in the promoter regions. DHSs were concurrent with epigenetic marks and the genes harboring DHSs in their TSS and promoter regions were highly expressed. In addition, DS induced changes in DHSs (∆DHSs) in TSS and promoter regions were positively correlated with upregulation of several genes involved in drought/abiotic stress response, those encoding TFs and located within drought‐associated quantitative trait loci, much preferentially in the drought‐tolerant cultivar. The CREs representing the binding sites of TFs involved in DS response were detected within the ∆DHSs, suggesting differential accessibility of TFs to their cognate sites under DS in different rice cultivars, which may be further deployed for enhancing drought tolerance in rice.
IFI207, a young and fast‐evolving protein, controls retroviral replication via the STING pathway
Authors: Moran Eileen A. , Salas-Briceno Karen , Zhao Wenming , Enya Takuji , Aguilera Alexya N. , Acosta Ivan , Alonzo Francis , Kiani Dara , Behnsen Judith , Alvarez Catalina , Keane Thomas M. , Adams David J. , Lilue Jingtao , Ross Susan R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Mammalian AIM-2-like receptor (ALR) proteins bind nucleic acids and initiate production of type I interferons or inflammasome assembly, thereby contributing to host innate immunity. In mice, the
Alr
locus is highly polymorphic at the sequence and copy number level, and we show here that it is one of the most dynamic regions of the genome. One rapidly evolving gene within this region,
Ifi207
, was introduced to the
Mus
genome by gene conversion or an unequal recombination event a few million years ago.
Ifi207
has a large, distinctive repeat region that differs in sequence and length among
Mus
species and even closely related inbred
Mus musculus
strains. We show that IFI207 controls murine leukemia virus (MLV) infection
in vivo
and that it plays a role in the STING-mediated response to cGAMP, dsDNA, DMXXA, and MLV. IFI207 binds to STING, and inclusion of its repeat region appears to stabilize STING protein. The
Alr
locus and
Ifi207
provide a clear example of the evolutionary innovation of gene function, possibly as a result of host–pathogen co-evolution.

IMPORTANCE

The Red Queen hypothesis predicts that the arms race between pathogens and the host may accelerate evolution of both sides, and therefore causes higher diversity in virulence factors and immune-related proteins, respectively . The
Alr
gene family in mice has undergone rapid evolution in the last few million years and includes the creation of two novel members,
MndaL
and
Ifi207. Ifi207
, in particular, became highly divergent, with significant genetic changes between highly related inbred mice. IFI207 protein acts in the STING pathway and contributes to anti-retroviral resistance via a novel mechanism. The data show that under the pressure of host–pathogen coevolution in a dynamic locus, gene conversion and recombination between gene family members creates new genes with novel and essential functions that play diverse roles in biological processes.
Draft genome sequence of
Intrasporangium
sp. DVR, an actinobacterium of the family
Intrasporangiaceae
isolated from soil in Japan
Authors: Amachi Seigo , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Yamamura Shigeki 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Intrasporangium
sp. strain DVR is an actinobacterium of the family
Intrasporangiaceae
isolated from soil in Japan. Here we report the draft genome sequence of strain DVR.
Virulent properties and genomic diversity of
Vibrio vulnificus
isolated from environment, human, diseased fish
Authors: Naknaen Ampapan , Surachat Komwit , Manit Jutamas , Jetwanna Korakot Wichitsa-nguan , Thawonsuwan Jumroensri , Pomwised Rattanaruji 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The incidence of
Vibrio vulnificus
infections, with high mortality rates in humans and aquatic animals, has escalated, highlighting a significant public health challenge. Currently, reliable markers to identify strains with high virulence potential are lacking, and the understanding of evolutionary drivers behind the emergence of pathogenic strains is limited. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of virulent genotypes and phenotypes to discern the infectious potential of
V. vulnificus
strains isolated from three distinct sources. Most isolates, traditionally classified as biotype 1, possessed the virulence-correlated gene-C type. Environmental isolates predominantly exhibited YJ-like alleles, while clinical and diseased fish isolates were significantly associated with the
nanA
gene and pathogenicity region XII. Hemolytic activity was primarily observed in the culture supernatants of clinical and diseased fish isolates. Genetic relationships, as determined by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis, suggested that strains originating from the same source tended to cluster together. However, multilocus sequence typing revealed considerable genetic diversity across clusters and sources. A phylogenetic analysis using single nucleotide polymorphisms of diseased fish strains alongside publicly available genomes demonstrated a high degree of evolutionary relatedness within and across different isolation sources. Notably, our findings reveal no direct correlation between phylogenetic patterns, isolation sources, and virulence capabilities. This underscores the necessity for proactive risk management strategies to address pathogenic
V. vulnificus
strains emerging from environmental reservoirs.

IMPORTANCE

As the global incidence of
Vibrio vulnificus
infections rises, impacting human health and marine aquacultures, understanding the pathogenicity of environmental strains remains critical yet underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the virulence potential and genetic relatedness of
V. vulnificus
strains, focusing on environmental origins. We conduct an extensive genotypic analysis and phenotypic assessment, including virulence testing in a wax moth model. Our findings aim to uncover genetic and evolutionary factors that drive pathogenic strain emergence in the environment. This research advances our ability to identify reliable virulence markers and understand the distribution of pathogenic strains, offering significant insights for public health and environmental risk management.
Medical student interactions with children in their daily lives
Authors: Uther Penelope , Thomson Johanna , Bartlett Adam William , Kennedy Sean E 
Published: June 2024

Learning to communicate effectively with children in clinical interactions can be challenging. This study aimed to determine the extent to which medical students are exposed to children in their daily lives, in order to understand the experience students bring when entering paediatric rotations.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of medical students entering paediatric rotations from two medical schools was conducted. Students were asked to rate the frequency of their interactions with infants, preschool-aged and school-aged children and their confidence in doing so.Results339 out of 476 students participated in this study. Interactions with infants and preschool-aged children were rare, with most students reporting interactions once or two times per year or less (83% and 67%, respectively). Students interacted with school-aged children more frequently (43% most weeks or days). Students who interacted more frequently with children were more confident when entering their paediatric placements.ConclusionsMedical students have limited exposure to infants and preschool-aged children in their daily lives and this affects their confidence. Supervisors should incorporate activities aimed at building confidence interacting with young children early in clinical attachments.