bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of swine manure mixed with circulating fluidized bed fly ash on black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae and larval frass
Authors: Hao Jianwei , Liu Shuang , Wang Mengliang , Hu Wenfeng , Zhao Jia 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBlack soldier fly larvae (BSFL) were reared on mixtures of swine manure and circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFA) in different ratios. The aim was to evaluate the impacts of insoluble inorganic matter on BSFL and larval frass. The growth performance and nutrient composition of the BSFL were measured under different treatments. The intestinal microbiota structure, morphological characteristics, and total proteolytic activity of the gut were analyzed. The larval frass was tested for nutrients and analyzed using energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron micrographs. In particular, the surface areas of microparticles from the larval frass (diameter < 0.0074 mm) were measured using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. It was found that CFA addition prolonged larval development and reduced the maximum larval weights. The mean larval length, crude protein, and highest larval weight showed negative regression with an increase in the CFA ratio (P < 0.05). Morphological images indicated that physical clogging might be the main influencing factor on larval growth. Moreover, the microbial diversity and complexity in the larval gut increased with CFA addition, but CFA addition had little effect on the composition of dominant phyla or genera (P > 0.05). Finally, the nutrient composition revealed that the frass met the organic fertilizer standard when the CFA addition ratio was less than 7.5%. The optimal addition ratio was 5%, at which the larvae had a more stable and healthier gut environment, but there was less of an effect on larval growth and nutrient composition. Moreover, particles from 5% CFA mixture had the highest surface area.
Climate Sustainability as a Catalyst for Quality and Excellence in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe significant contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to global warming and the resultant negative impact on health is well established. Within the hospital setting, the endoscopy center has been ranked third—after the operating theater complex and intensive care unit—in terms of the volume of hazardous medical waste generated. Such regulated medical waste cannot be recycled, and the disposal process results in higher costs and a larger carbon footprint. There have been clarion calls to reduce the number of endoscopic procedures as a means of reducing GHG emissions. Previous studies have demonstrated the carbon footprint of inappropriate endoscopic procedures. However, endoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool that has been shown to be cost‐effective. A focus simply on reduction in procedural case volume alone raises the unintended consequences of inequitable access to endoscopy for those in need. A more nuanced approach that is aligned with the innate sense of healthcare professional aspirations and pride, in terms of seeking quality and clinical excellence, should be considered. An evidence‐based approach, with a focus on quality and efficiency, as well as appropriate and timely use of new technology, will serve as a catalyst for positive behavioral change toward quality procedures and excellence. This will improve patient satisfaction, increase professional expertise and pride, and reduce carbon footprint through minimization of inappropriate and avoidable repeat procedures.
Stability of Thermoablation Antenna Using a Patient‐Mounted Navigation System: Initial Clinical Experience
Authors: Shamseldin Mohammed , Sayer Herbert , Puls Ralf 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPurposeCT‐guided microwave ablation (MWA) has become a standard procedure for a range of therapeutic and diagnostic indications, but accurate and stable positioning of the antenna is critical. In this retrospective case series, a navigation guide with a physical cube component, the Access Cube (AC), was investigated as a stability support in addition to its use as a navigation system. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of stability in MWA.Materials and MethodsEight MWAs performed at one centre using the AC were reviewed for clinical and technical success. The stability of the antenna was assessed by subjectively comparing the Euclidian distance (ED) between the needle tip location in the final control scan and confirmation scan. A practising radiologist not associated with the study independently assessed the coordinates, and the mean was calculated from the results.ResultsSix patients (eight procedures) were included (4 females). Mean age of the patients was 75.8 years (range 58–87). Diagnoses included liver metastasis (4, 50%), renal cell carcinoma (2, 25%) and 1 case each (12.5%) of hepatocellular carcinoma and lung metastasis. Mean tumour size was 2.4 cm (range 1.0–4.3 cm), with a mean depth of 10.6 cm (range 5–18 cm). Mean ED of needle tip between final control scan and confirmation scan was 5.82 mm. Technical and clinical success were achieved in all cases with one Grade 2 complication arising.ConclusionUsage of the AC was a beneficial addition to the MWA process. Good stability of the antenna was achieved when placed through the AC, eliminating the need for the clinician to manually hold the antenna in place during ablation.Level of EvidenceLevel 4, Case Series.
A High‐Throughput Ancient DNA Extraction Method for Large‐Scale Sample Screening
Authors: Gilardet Alexandre , Lord Edana , García Gonzalo Oteo , Xenikoudakis Georgios , Douka Katerina , Wooller Matthew J. , Rowe Timothy , Martin Michael D. , Le Moullec Mathilde , Anisimov Michail , Heintzman Peter D. , Dalén Love 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLarge‐scale DNA screening of palaeontological and archaeological collections remains a limiting and costly factor for ancient DNA studies. Several DNA extraction protocols are routinely used in ancient DNA laboratories and have even been automated on robotic platforms. Robots offer a solution for high‐throughput screening but the costs, as well as necessity for trained technicians and engineers, can be prohibitive for some laboratories. Here, we present a high‐throughput alternative to robot‐based ancient DNA extraction using a 96‐column plate. When compared to routine single MinElute columns, we retrieved highly similar endogenous DNA contents, an important metric in ancient DNA screening. Mitogenomes with a coverage depth greater than 0.1× could be generated and allowed for taxonomic assignment. However, average fragment lengths, DNA damage and library complexities significantly differed between methods but these differences became nonsignificant after modification of our library purification protocol. Our high‐throughput extraction method allows generation of 96 extracts within approximately 4 hours of laboratory work while bringing the cost down by ~39% compared to using single columns. Additionally, we formally demonstrate that the addition of Tween‐20 during the elution step results in higher complexity libraries, thereby enabling higher genome coverage for the same sequencing effort.
The Competitive Conduct of Consumer Cooperatives
Authors: Duarte Marco , Magnolfi Lorenzo , Roncoroni Camilla 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTConsumer cooperatives are firms owned by their customers. Although their organizational form should commit these firms not to exploit their market power, in practice, weak governance may allow managers to pursue other objectives. Using data and a structural model, we test whether consumer cooperatives in the Italian supermarket industry act as profit‐maximizing firms. We find no significant deviations from profit maximization. Based on a counterfactual exercise, even a mild degree of internalization of consumer welfare by the cooperatives that we study would yield consumer welfare gains comparable to the regulatory advantages they enjoy.
Is Resale Needed in Markets with Refunds? Evidence from College Football Ticket Sales
Authors: Vollmer Drew 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn what circumstances is allowing resale more efficient than providing refunds? I study common aftermarket policies in perishable goods markets with demand uncertainty. Using primary and resale market data on college football ticket sales, I estimate a structural model comparing resale, which has flexible prices but incurs frictions, to a partial refund scheme, which is centralized but has rigid prices. In the model, consumers anticipate shocks when making initial purchases, then engage in resale after shocks are realized. Because of resale frictions, refunds are more efficient on average. However, flexible prices make resale more efficient after large aggregate shocks.
Endogenous Prices in Markets with Reputational Concerns
Authors: Knutsen Magnus Våge 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTI set up a dynamic experience goods model where a long‐lived seller interacts with a sequence of short‐lived buyers and where the seller has reputational concerns. The key innovation of the article is to endogenize prices in this framework, specifically by endowing either the seller or the buyers with the ability to post price. I show that influence over prices has a strong impact on equilibrium characteristics. If the seller posts price, equilibria will display work‐shirk dynamics. If the buyers post price, however, there is always an equilibrium where the seller builds and perpetually maintains her reputation.
Novel TORC1 inhibitor Ecl1 is regulated by phosphorylation in fission yeast
Authors: Ohtsuka Hokuto , Kawai Sawa , Ito Yurika , Kato Yuka , Shimasaki Takafumi , Imada Kazuki , Otsubo Yoko , Yamashita Akira , Mishiro‐Sato Emi , Kuwata Keiko , Aiba Hirofumi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractExtender of chronological lifespan 1 (Ecl1) inhibits target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and is necessary for appropriate cellular responses to various stressors, such as starvation, in fission yeast. However, little is known about the effect of posttranslational modifications on Ecl1 regulation. Thus, we investigated the phosphorylation levels of Ecl1 extracted from yeast under conditions of sulfur or metal starvation. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Ecl1 was phosphorylated at Thr7, and the level was decreased by starvation. The phosphorylation‐mimetic mutation of Thr7 significantly reduced the effects of Ecl1‐induced cellular responses to starvation, suggesting that Ecl1 function was suppressed by Thr7 phosphorylation. By contrast, regardless of starvation exposure, TORC1 was significantly suppressed, even when Thr7 phosphorylation‐mimetic Ecl1 was overexpressed. This indicated that Ecl1 suppressed TORC1 regardless of Thr7 phosphorylation. We newly identified that Ecl1 physically interacted with TORC1 subunit RAPTOR (Mip1). Based on these evidences, we propose that, Ecl1 has dual functional modes: quantity‐dependent TORC1 inhibition and Thr7 phosphorylation–dependent control of cellular function.
“He was not listening to hear me”: Parent experiences with communication, inclusion, and marginalization in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Gutman Colleen K. , McFarlane Antionette , Fernandez Rosemarie , Lion K. Casey , Aronson Paul L. , Bylund Carma L. , Joseph Nancy , Mecias Maria L. , Fisher Carla L. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveInequities in pediatric emergency department (ED) care may be influenced by disparities in clinician communication. We sought to examine, from the perspective of parents from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds, how clinician–parent communication is characterized during pediatric ED visits.MethodsWe conducted and analyzed in‐depth semistructured individual interviews with parents of pediatric ED patients from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds. We applied a constant comparative method approach to conduct a thematic analysis informed by grounded theory. To ensure rigor, we collected and analyzed data concurrently. We used the patient‐centered communication (PCC) framework and the 10 principles of Public Health Critical Race Praxis as sensitizing constructs during analysis. Two coders followed several analytical steps: (1) open coding for concept discovery, (2) grouping concepts into themes, (3) axial coding to identify thematic properties, and (4) identification of exemplar excerpts for rich description. Thematic saturation was based on repetition, recurrence, and forcefulness.ResultsNineteen parents participated. Parents described three clinician communicative behaviors that facilitated their sense of inclusion or marginalization: information exchange, empathic communication, and partnership‐building. Parents also stressed the importance of their own proactive communication in facilitating their inclusion. Few participants described experiencing racism during their child's ED visit, yet many did during prior health care encounters, which they connected to their current experience. In particular, parents described how their use of proactive communication was motivated by their past experiences of racism in medical encounters.ConclusionsThese narratives demonstrate ways in which experienced racism, both past and present, may inform how parents receive and respond to gaps in PCC. Communication focused interventions that adapt a race‐conscious perspective may have a role in promoting health equity.
Quality traits of the lady beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) resistant to pyrethroids over 130 generations of rearing
Authors: Costa Leandra O. , Lira Rogério , Silva‐Torres Christian S. A. , Torres Jorge Braz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Augmentative biological control requires the rearing of large quantities of natural enemies to meet customers' demands. We hypothesise that successive generations of an insecticide‐resistant lady beetle population, under constant physical conditions and fed alternative prey, could compromise its quality as a natural enemy. Adaptive costs of resistance are particularly high in insecticide‐resistant populations.
The predatory lady beetle, Eriopis connexa (Germar), exhibits resistance to λ‐cyhalothrin (EcViR), and others pyrethroids. We compared the biological and predatory traits of the EcViR population to those of a field‐collected and susceptible population (EcCV).
During 35 days of observations, when females from both populations faced food shortages, EcViR females demonstrated higher fecundity and similar survival rates. Predation of the aphid, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis), resulted in a similar response for both populations and greater aphid consumption by EcViR beetles in the presence of λ‐cyhalothrin residue. Rearing larvae and adults at three constant temperatures (18, 25, and 32°C) resulted in similar developmental times between populations, but adult EcCV beetles were larger and produced more eggs at 25 and 32°C. The results show that food shortages did not affect the reproductive output or the developmental time at 18, 25, and 32°C in EcViR compared with EcCV. Nevertheless, egg production at 25 and 32°C was lower for EcViR females than for EcCV.
Among the studied traits, only an effect on fecundity was observed, as predicted previously, due to the adaptive cost of resistance in EcViR, which became more evident at higher temperatures.
Evaluation of Complete Blood Parameters and Inflammation Markers in Spontaneous Preterm Labor
Authors: Tokgöz Çakır Betül , Aktemur Gizem , Karabay Gülşan , Şeyhanlı Zeynep , Sucu Sadun , Bucak Mevlüt , Filiz Ahmet Arif , Vanlı Tonyalı Nazan , Aydoğan Seda , Özgürlük İzzet , Çelen Şevki 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimThis study aims to evaluate the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers, derived from complete blood count (CBC) parameters, and spontaneous preterm labor. By comparing these markers between preterm and term pregnancies, the study seeks to determine their potential predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.MethodsThis study evaluated inflammatory markers in 478 women with spontaneous preterm labor and a gestational age‐matched control group. Blood samples were collected prior to the onset of labor to assess CBC parameters (white blood cells [WBC], red blood cells [RBC], neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet counts), as well as various inflammatory ratios, such as the systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI). Neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight, APGAR scores, and NICU admission, were recorded.ResultsThe preterm group showed significantly higher WBC, RBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts compared to the control group. MLR, MPR, and MPVLR were notably lower in the preterm group. However, these hematological parameters and inflammatory markers demonstrated limited predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes, with area under the curve (AUC) values hovering around 0.5.ConclusionsWBC, RBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet counts, along with inflammatory markers such as MLR, MPR, and MPVLR differ between preterm and term groups and can be derived from a simple CBC test. However, their predictive value for adverse neonatal outcomes remains limited.
Unilateral hypertrophy of the tensor fascia lata muscle: a need to revisit and review
Authors: Bonner Brady , Rowell Phillip , Boyle Richard , Johnson Luke , Jagiello Jakub , Lloyd Thomas , Sommerville Scott 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundUnilateral hypertrophy of the tensor fascia lata muscle is a rare phenomenon with a variety of aetiological causes. It may mimic soft tissue sarcoma, which can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary invasive procedures.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all adult patients referred to a statewide sarcoma service lata between January 2010 to June 2023 with confirmed unilateral hypertrophy of the tensor fascia. Their medical records and imaging were reviewed to identify the likely cause. All patients' histories, clinical findings and radiological investigations were reviewed by subspecialised radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons.ResultsWe identified nine patients with unilateral hypertrophy of the tensor fascia lata muscle. Conservative treatment was recommended to all patients, however one patient who experienced hip pain pursued surgical excision of the tensor fascia lata at another centre, with ongoing pain in the region post‐operatively.ConclusionsWith ample awareness of the diagnosis and the imaging findings, this condition can be diagnosed based on history, examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Tissue biopsy and surgical excision are not indicated.
Building Hype: Libertarian Cities, Fictitious Development, and Speculative Dispossession in El Salvador's “Bitcoin City”
Authors: Gutiérrez Julio 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLibertarian city projects are emerging as a new trend in capitalist urbanisation. One aspect about this trend is their location in rural Global South regions. The former raises questions about the role of these projects in the global land grab. This paper analyses the connection of libertarian city projects and land dispossession through the case of Bitcoin City in El Salvador. Data from news reports, surveys, and cadastral records show that the land dispossession associated with Bitcoin City is connected to a speculative dynamic generated by the project's intensive publicity. The media spectacle created by this publicity is intensifying pre‐existing land grabbing patterns oriented toward the construction of real estate projects. I argue that this phenomenon is a result of the ruling elite's attempt to construct a strategy of economic growth around a logic of financial accumulation. To explain the rationality behind this effort and its material impacts, I introduce the concept of fictitious development.
Generic Health‐Related Quality of Life of Children With Severe Peanut or Tree Nut Allergy
Authors: Saarimäki Lasse , Kivistö Juho E. , Ojaniemi Iida , Sintonen Harri , Huhtala Heini , Protudjer Jennifer L. P. , Ekström Sandra , Kull Inger , Karjalainen Jussi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimFood allergies may decrease health‐related quality of life. We assessed health‐related quality of life in Finnish children at risk of a severe peanut or tree nut allergy and their parents.MethodsStudy included children aged 3–15 years referred to Tampere University Hospital for suspected severe nut allergy. Eligibility criteria included a history of anaphylaxis and/or molecular immunology testing referring for severe peanut and/or tree nut allergy. Health‐related quality of life was assessed with generic questionnaires 15D for adults, 16D for teenagers or 17D for children, with scores compared with age group‐matched population references.ResultsA total of 101 children (mean age 7.7 ± 2.9 years) and parent pairs were enrolled. The mean 16D score for 11 teenagers aged 12–15 years and mean 15D score for 101 parents was similar to reference populations; parental distress was borderline statistically worse (0.890 vs. 0.932, p = 0.013). The mean 17D score for 90 children aged 3–11 years was significantly higher (0.959 vs. 0.938) than in references (p < 0.01).ConclusionChildren with a suspected severe peanut or tree nut allergy had a comparable health‐related quality of life to the reference population. Distress among their parents seemed to be increased, warranting more focus on parental counselling.
Context effects on healthy food choice under situational modes of consumer thinking: A case study with poke bowls
Authors: Choi Byung‐Joon , Kim Jinwon 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn the context of healthy food consumption, this research aims to explore the moderating role of situational modes of thinking for both 1) the attraction effect (individuals tend to choose options that are similar to others but dominate inferior alternatives) and 2) the compromise effect (individuals prefer intermediate options over those with high‐ and low‐end extremes). With the experimental priming of thinking style (analytic vs. holistic), these context effects were investigated by measuring French participants' purchase intention and willingness to pay for poke bowls—a lower‐calorie, nutrient‐dense food. The results demonstrate that situational induction of thinking style has a differential impact on the relative increase in consumers' purchase preferences for options offering either a dominant value in a specific attribute or an intermediate value throughout the available attributes. The attraction (compromise) effect was amplified with analytic (holistic) thinking style, leading consumers to have a higher purchase intention and willingness to pay for the dominating (intermediate) option of poke bowls. This research highlights the shifts in purchase preferences depending on consumer thinking in either the analytic or holistic mode and suggests effective global strategies to facilitate target consumers' purchase orientation toward a specific option of lower‐calorie packaged foods.