bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a DNA‐based multi‐species biomonitoring toolkit using a high‐throughput qPCR platform: A case study of Irish shellfish species
Authors: van der Pouw Kraan Dennis , Graham Conor T. , Kavanagh Fiona , Mirimin Luca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBiomonitoring of marine life has been enhanced in recent years by the integration of innovative DNA‐based approaches, which offer advantages over more laborious techniques (e.g. microscopy). However, trade‐offs between throughput, sensitivity and quantitative measurements must be made when choosing between the prevailing molecular methodologies (i.e. metabarcoding or qPCR/dPCR). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the utility of a microfluidic‐enabled high‐throughput quantitative PCR platform (HTqPCR) for the rapid and cost‐effective development and validation of a DNA‐based multi‐species biomonitoring toolkit, using larvae of 23 commercially targeted bivalve and crustacean species as a case study. The workflow was divided into three main phases: definition of (off‐) target taxa and establishment of reference databases (PHASE 1); selection/development and assessment of molecular assays (PHASE 2); and protocol optimization and field validation (PHASE 3). 42 assays were eventually chosen and validated. Genetic signal not only showed good correlation with direct visual counts by microscopy but also showed the ability to provide quantitative data at the highest taxonomic resolution (species level) in a time‐ and cost‐effective fashion. This study developed a biomonitoring toolkit, demonstrating the considerable advantages of this state‐of‐the‐art technology in boosting the developmental testing and application of panels of molecular assays for the monitoring and management of natural resources. Once developed, this approach provides a cost and time‐effective alternative compared to other multi‐species approaches (e.g. metabarcoding). In addition, it is transferable to a wide range of species and will aid future monitoring programmes.
Epigenetic aging of human blood cells is influenced by the age of the host body
Authors: Holland Petter , Istre Mette , Ali Maryan M. , Gedde‐Dahl Tobias , Buechner Jochen , Wildhagen Mari , Brunvoll Sonja H. , Horvath Steve , Matsuyama Shigemi , Dahl John Arne , Stölzel Friedrich , Søraas Arne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAllogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a therapeutic procedure performed over a wide range of donor and recipient age combinations, representing natural experiments of how the age of the recipient affects aging in transplanted donor cells in vivo. We measured DNA methylation and epigenetic aging in donors and recipients and found that biological epigenetic clocks are accelerated in cells transplanted into an older body and decelerated in a younger body. This is the first evidence that the age of the circulating environment influences human epigenetic aging in vivo.
A pilot study of virtual reality for inpatients with opioid use disorder
Authors: Greenwald Herbert J. , Berger Amy , Wilson Ronan L. H. , Greenwald Daniel J. , Lannon Eileen , Johnson‐Smith Phyllis , Bergman Brandon G. , Wilens Timothy E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWhile inpatient withdrawal management/acute stabilization can improve outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), patients often leave treatment early due to mood, tension, and cravings associated with opioid withdrawal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel virtual reality (VR) based intervention; 3D Therapy Thrive (3DTT).MethodsSubjects with OUD (N = 32) were recruited from a community acute stabilization program and received up to two sessions of 3DTT. They completed questionnaires related to their overall satisfaction with the experience and side effects; as well as those related to mood, tension, and cravings.ResultsThere were no reported side effects and the majority of subjects (94%) reported high satisfaction with the experience. Out of 62 patients approached, 33 patients agreed to participate (53%) 33 patients completed one, and 17 of these patients (52%) completed both sessions of 3DTT, with 19 participants (58%) completing their treatment protocols. Compared to baseline, 3DTT participants reported significant reductions in depression, tension, and cravings (p's < 0.001).Discussion and ConclusionsThis pilot study supports the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of 3DTT for improving outcomes for inpatients with OUD. Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of 3DTT for improving retention, reducing cravings, and improving mood and tension.Scientific SignificanceThis is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a psychologically informed VR intervention in inpatients with OUD.
Commodity price volatility and the psychological well‐being of farmers
Authors: Singhal Saurabh , Tarp Finn 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe examine the effects of income uncertainty on mental health in Vietnam. We assess this issue using volatility in the price of coffee, a key export commodity, that exposes small coffee farmers to income uncertainty. Using household panel data collected over 2016–2020, we find an increase in volatility of the international coffee price to be positively associated with psychological distress among coffee farmers. The magnitude is greater for men, and the findings are robust to several checks. These results are further substantiated by corresponding estimates for related health measures and self‐reported happiness. Channels include an increase in mental stress due to pessimistic expectations of future economic well‐being, increased cognitive load and alcohol consumption, and reduced social capital. The results highlight the psychological toll of living with income uncertainty and provide support for the provision of social safety nets that protect farmers from frequent commodity price fluctuations.
NUM‐score: A clinical‐analytical model for personalised imaging after urinary tract infections
Authors: González‐Bertolín Isabel , Barbas Bernardos Guillermo , Zarauza Santoveña Alejandro , García Suarez Leire , López López Rosario , Plata Gallardo Marta , De Miguel Cáceres Cristina , Calvo Cristina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimTo identify predictive variables and construct a predictive model along with a decision algorithm to identify nephrourological malformations (NUM) in children with febrile urinary tract infections (fUTI), enhancing the efficiency of imaging diagnostics.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients aged <16 years with fUTI at the Emergency Department with subsequent microbiological confirmation between 2014 and 2020. The follow‐up period was at least 2 years. Patients were categorised into two groups: ‘NUM’ with previously known nephrourological anomalies or those diagnosed during the follow‐up and ‘Non‐NUM’ group.ResultsOut of 836 eligible patients, 26.8% had underlying NUMs. The study identified six key risk factors: recurrent UTIs, non‐Escherichia coli infection, moderate acute kidney injury, procalcitonin levels >2 μg/L, age <3 months at the first UTI and fUTIs beyond 24 months. These risk factors were used to develop a predictive model with an 80.7% accuracy rate and elaborate a NUM‐score classifying patients into low, moderate and high‐risk groups, with a 10%, 35% and 93% prevalence of NUM. We propose an algorithm for approaching imaging tests following a fUTI.ConclusionOur predictive score may help physicians decide about imaging tests. However, prospective validation of the model will be necessary before its application in daily clinical practice.
CEO career horizons, foreign experience, and state ownership impact on the adoption of the Global Reporting Initiative standards for corporate social responsibility reporting
Authors: Ashraf Adnan , Qi Baolei , Meile Zhu , Marie Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of chief executive officers' (CEOs) career horizon on the adoption of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. Using data from A‐share Chinese listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2010 to 2020, we employ logistic regression analysis to examine the empirical relationship. Our findings indicate that companies led by CEOs with shorter career horizons (older CEOs) are less inclined to adopt GRI reporting standards for CSR reporting. This association is particularly pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises compared to state‐owned enterprises. Additionally, we observe a weaker relationship between CEO career horizon and GRI adoption when the CEO possesses foreign experience. These results remain robust across various measures of CEO career horizons and econometric methodologies as well. The implications of our findings are significant for understanding the development and implementation of GRI standards for CSR reporting, particularly within the context of China.
Smouldering multiple myeloma: To seek or not to seek? To treat or not to treat. That is the question
Authors: Vaxman Iuliana , Gatt Moshe E. 
Published: March 2024

In this issue, the British Society for Haematology presents guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM). The authors provide a practical, evidence‐based approach to managing these patients. Key questions remain yet unsolved.Commentary on: Hughes et al. Diagnosis and management of smouldering myeloma: A British Society for Haematology Good Practice Paper. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1193‐1206.
Direct vagus nerve stimulation: A new tool to control allergic airway inflammation through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Sévoz‐Couche Caroline , Liao Wupeng , Foo Hazel Y. C. , Bonne Isabelle , Lu Thong Beng , Tan Qi Hui Caris , Azhar Syaza Hazwany , Peh Wendy Yen Xian , Yen Shih‐Cheng , Wong W. S. Fred 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeAsthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The use of nicotinic agents to mimic the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) controls experimental asthma. Yet, the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)‐induced CAP on allergic inflammation remain unknown.Experimental ApproachBALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with house dust mite (HDM) extract and treated with active VNS (5 Hz, 0.5 ms, 0.05–1 mA). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was assessed for total and differential cell counts and cytokine levels. Lungs were examined by histopathology and electron microscopy.Key ResultsIn the HDM mouse asthma model, VNS at intensities equal to or above 0.1 mA (VNS 0.1) but not sham VNS reduced BAL fluid differential cell counts and alveolar macrophages expressing α7 nicotinic receptors (α7nAChR), goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen deposition. Besides, VNS 0.1 also abated HDM‐induced elevation of type 2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and was found to block the phosphorylation of transcription factor STAT6 and expression level of IRF4 in total lung lysates. Finally, VNS 0.1 abrogated methacholine‐induced hyperresponsiveness in asthma mice. Prior administration of α‐bungarotoxin, a specific inhibitor of α7nAChR, but not propranolol, a specific inhibitor of β2‐adrenoceptors, abolished the therapeutic effects of VNS 0.1.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data revealed the protective effects of VNS on various clinical features in allergic airway inflammation model. VNS, a clinically approved therapy for depression and epilepsy, appears to be a promising new strategy for controlling allergic asthma.
Aberrant dynamic properties of whole‐brain functional connectivity in acute mild traumatic brain injury revealed by hidden Markov models
Authors: Lu Liyan , Li Fengfang , Li Hui , Zhou Leilei , Wu Xinying , Yuan Fang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the temporal dynamics of brain activity and characterize the spatiotemporal specificity of transitions and large‐scale networks on short timescales in acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients and those with cognitive impairment in detail.MethodsResting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) was acquired for 71 acute mTBI patients and 57 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched healthy controls (HCs). A hidden Markov model (HMM) analysis of rs‐fMRI data was conducted to identify brain states that recurred over time and to assess the dynamic patterns of activation states that characterized acute mTBI patients and those with cognitive impairment. The dynamic parameters (fractional occupancy, lifetime, interval time, switching rate, and probability) between groups and their correlation with cognitive performance were analyzed.ResultsTwelve HMM states were identified in this study. Compared with HCs, acute mTBI patients and those with cognitive impairment exhibited distinct changes in dynamics, including fractional occupancy, lifetime, and interval time. Furthermore, the switching rate and probability across HMM states were significantly different between acute mTBI patients and patients with cognitive impairment (all p < 0.05). The temporal reconfiguration of states in acute mTBI patients and those with cognitive impairment was associated with several brain networks (including the high‐order cognition network [DMN], subcortical network [SUB], and sensory and motor network [SMN]).ConclusionsHidden Markov models provide additional information on the dynamic activity of brain networks in patients with acute mTBI and those with cognitive impairment. Our results suggest that brain network dynamics determined by the HMM could reinforce the understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms of acute mTBI patients and those with cognitive impairment.
Challenges to epilepsy management in Rwandan women living with epilepsy
Authors: Teuwen Dirk E. , Ndayisenga Arlène , Garrez Ieme , Sebera Fidèle , Mutungirehe Sylvestre , Umwiringirwa Josiane , Ndiaye Mustapha , Umuhoza Georgette , Boon Paul A. J. M. , Dedeken Peter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeIn Rwanda, epilepsy prevalence ranges between 29‰ and 49‰. Many women living with epilepsy (WwE) are of childbearing age. Epilepsy characteristics and management, contraception, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE presenting at the neurology clinic of Ndera, Rwanda, were investigated.MethodsThis prospective cross‐sectional study investigated demographics, epilepsy characteristics, treatment, contraception, folic acid use, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE aged ≥18 years. Subgroups were analysed by status of any pregnancy and time of epilepsy diagnosis relative to pregnancy, with significant differences expected.ResultsDuring December 2020 and January 2021, a hundred WwE were enrolled (range 18–67 years). Fifty‐two women had never been pregnant, 39 women had epilepsy onset before pregnancy and nine were diagnosed after pregnancy. No significant differences in age, marital status or occupation were observed. Contraception was used by 27%, of whom 50% were taking enzyme‐inducing anti‐epileptic medication. Valproate was used by 46% of WwE of reproductive age. Thirty‐nine women with epilepsy onset before pregnancy reported 91 pregnancies, with 14% spontaneous abortions. None used folic acid before conception, and 59% only during pregnancy. Five of 78 newborns were preterm. No offspring had major congenital malformations. Nearly 25% of WwE were not compliant with their anti‐epileptic medication schedule during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Internalized stigma was observed in more than 60%. Up to 25% had been discriminated against at school or work.ConclusionA comprehensive strategy considering the reproductive health and societal challenges of WwE is needed to drive optimal epilepsy management, reproductive health outcomes and societal inclusion.
Characterization of the agonistic behavior of the weakly electric fish Gymnotus sylvius
Authors: Perrone Rossana , Hurtado Alejandra , Silva Ana , Black‐Décima Patricia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractElectric fish are good models in neuroethology as any behavior in electric fish involves both locomotor and electrical displays, which are experimentally accessible and controlled by well‐known neural circuits. The agonistic behavior within the genus Gymnotus has been evaluated in Gymnotus carapo and Gymnotus omarorum, providing an advantageous model system to address comparative analyses. Gymnotus sylvius is a weakly electric fish which occurs in sympatry with G. omarorum in freshwater environments of Argentina. Here, we describe the agonistic behavior of G. sylvius in laboratory conditions. All dyads engaged in intense fights, with a latency to the first attack of 8 ± 7.8 s and a contest phase of 42.71 ± 31.7 s. Individual initiative in the first attack predicted contest outcome with no apparent influence of body weight asymmetry between contenders. Contenders did not escalate in their aggression during the short contest; in turn, subordinates tended to retreat in response to dominants' attacks. Submission and dominance were expressed by electric signals: dominants increased their basal electric organ discharge (EOD) rate after contest resolution, resulting in a persistent EOD rate rank. Subordinates also emitted chirps and offs during the contest and post‐resolution phases without a clear temporal pattern. The agonistic behavior of G. sylvius presents some similarities with other species of the genus Gymnotus: EOD rank between dominants and subordinates, electric signals of submission, and the presence of attacks in the post‐resolution phase. On the other hand, it also presents differences: a shorter evaluation phase in G. sylvius, initiative as a determinant of outcome, a higher attack rate of dominants in G. sylvius, a different temporal pattern of chirps, and different mechanisms to separate EOD rate of dominants and subordinates. These facts open a promising road to analyze the evolution of different neuroendocrine strategies, operating on homologous neural pathways, to command the same behavior.
Introducing ‘ministerial politics’: Analyzing the role and crucial redistributive impact of individual ministries in policy‐making
Authors: Garritzmann Julian L. , Siderius Katrijn 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolicy‐making is a complex business. While scholars have studied the politics of policy‐making for decades, we know surprisingly little about the role of individual ministries. We argue that and why individual ministries crucially shape policies' content, particularly their distributive profiles. We explain that it matters whether for example, a Ministry of Labor, of Finance, or of Home Affairs designs a policy. First, we systematically review existing literature on the factors that influence preferences of ministries and their power in policy‐making. Second, we develop a theory explaining that and why ministries have substantive policy impact and introducing a typology of three different ministerial ideal‐types: ministries follow a “social logic”, an “efficiency logic”, or a “law‐and‐order logic”. Third, we offer systematic empirical evidence: Using the least likely case of Germany, we introduce a novel content‐coded dataset on all social policies in the Bundestag since 1969, showing that ministries shape policies' distributive profiles, even when controlling for rival explanations, such as the partisan affiliation of ministers, the policy field, or cabinet type. We conclude by developing a research agenda on ministerial politics and highlight important implications for representation and responsiveness.
Mapping wing morphs of Tetrix subulata using citizen science data: Flightless groundhoppers are more prevalent in grasslands near water
Authors: Willighagen Lars G. , Jongejans Eelke 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The slender groundhopper (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) Tetrix subulata (Linnaeus, 1758), like several other taxa of winged insects, has a long‐winged and a short‐winged form, the latter incapable of flight.
The optimal habitat of T. subulata consists of wet meadows and flat shores, as they feed mostly on algae and mosses in damp, sun‐exposed, open patches. Contrasting hypotheses predict either short‐ or long‐winged morphs to be relatively more prevalent in optimal habitats.
Previous investigations were limited in their spatial extent. To strongly increase the number of study locations, we obtained, through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), geo‐referenced observations made by citizen scientists in the Netherlands.
We determined individuals' wing form based on photographs accompanying these observations and related wing‐form patterns to large‐ and medium‐scale landscape characteristics.
Our analyses revealed that in grasslands near the major rivers, relatively more short‐winged individuals were found. In drier landscapes consisting of coniferous forests and heath on the higher sand areas, more long‐winged individuals were observed. Built‐up areas had no significant effect on the wing length.
These patterns might be caused by the oogenesis‐flight syndrome or small‐scale spatial sorting, but the exact mechanism is yet unknown, as size‐dependency might also play a role.
Although opportunistic observations are biased by where and when observers prefer to go, and by reporting probabilities varying between species groups, these biases are not likely to have affected our conclusions. Citizen science data appear to be suitable for analyses of spatial distribution and sorting of morphological types within species.
A functional variant of ALDH1A2 is associated with hand osteoarthritis in the Chinese population
Authors: Dai Jian , Jiang Haitao , Yang Zhaoqi , Chen Chuan , Tang Xiaoming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGenome‐wide association study identified common variants within the ALDH1A2 gene as the susceptible loci of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) in UK and Iceland populations. Located in chromosome 15, ALDH1A2 encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A2, which is an enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of retinoic acid from retinaldehyde. Our purposes were to replicate the association of functional variant in ALDH1A2 with the development of HOA in the Chinese population. Variant rs12915901 of ALDH1A2 was genotyped in 872 HOA patients and 1223 healthy controls. Subchondral bone samples were collected from 40 patients who had undergone a trapeziectomy, and the tissue expression of ALDH1A2 was analysed. The chi‐square analysis was used to compare the frequency of genotype and risk allele between the HOA cases and controls. The Student t test was used to compare the mRNA expression of ALDH1A2 between patients with genotype AA/AG and those with genotype GG. The frequency of genotype AA was significantly higher in HOA patients than in the controls (7.6% vs. 5.1%, p = .01). The frequency of allele A was significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (28.9% vs. 24.6%, p = .005). The mRNA expression of ALDH1A2 was 1.31‐folds higher in patients with genotype GG than in the patients with genotype AA/AG (0.000617 ± 0.000231 vs. 0.000471 ± 0.000198, p = .04). Variant rs12915901 of ALDH1A2 contributed to the susceptibility of HOA in the Chinese population. Allele A of rs12915901 can add to the risk of HOA possibly via down‐regulation of ALDH1A2 expression.