bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Season‐driven climatic variables influence the temporal patterns of functional diversity and taxonomic dissimilarity of dung beetles in introduced Brazilian pasture ecosystem
Authors: Correa César M. A. , da Silva Pedro Giovâni , Abot Alfredo R. , Noriega Jorge Ari , Puker Anderson , Vaz‐De‐Mello Fernando Z. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms that underlie the spatiotemporal patterns of biodiversity is of paramount relevance, given the ongoing global climate and land cover changes. Here, we investigated the influence of season‐related climatic variables on two dimensions of dung beetle diversity (taxonomic and functional) and at different scales (alpha and beta) within an introduced Brazilian pasture ecosystem.
We sampled dung beetles over 52 consecutive weeks, comprising the dry and rainy seasons. We related taxonomic and functional variables to season‐related climate variables (temperature, precipitation and humidity) using absolute values and changes from consecutive samplings (Δ, differences between samplings).
We found higher species richness and abundance values in the rainy season. Changes in climatic variables between consecutive samplings caused effects only in functional dispersion, temporal β‐diversity and species losses but not in species richness and abundance of dung beetles. However, these effects are dependent on the season. In the rainy season, increased precipitation between samplings caused a decrease in functional dispersion and an opposite pattern was found in the dry season. Similarly, increased temperature values between samplings caused decreases in both temporal β‐diversity and species losses of dung beetles, with an opposite pattern in the dry season.
Season‐associated climatic variables showed contrasting effects on dung beetle taxonomic and functional metrics. Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity may be driven by different climatic variables, which can be associated with the sorting of species or species traits related to their thermal niche.
Identification of the molecular etiology in rare congenital hemolytic anemias using next‐generation sequencing with exome‐based copy number variant analysis
Authors: Isik Esra , Aydinok Yesim , Albayrak Canan , Durmus Basak , Karakas Zeynep , Orhan Mehmet Fatih , Sarper Nazan , Aydın Sultan , Unal Selma , Oymak Yesim , Karadas Nihal , Turedi Aysen , Albayrak Davut , Tayfun Funda , Tugcu Deniz , Karaman Serap , Tobu Mahmut , Unal Ekrem , Ozcan Alper , Unal Sule , Aksu Tekin , Unuvar Aysegul , Bilici Mustafa , Azik Fatih , Ay Yilmaz , Gelen Sema Aylan , Zengin Emine , Albudak Esin , Eker Ibrahim , Karakaya Taner , Cogulu Ozgur , Ozkinay Ferda , Atik Tahir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesIn congenital hemolytic anemias (CHA), it is not always possible to determine the specific diagnosis by evaluating clinical findings and conventional laboratory tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and clinical‐exome‐based copy number variant (CNV) analysis in patients with CHA.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐three CHA cases from 115 unrelated families referred for molecular analysis were enrolled in the study. Molecular analysis was performed using two different clinical exome panels in 130 patients, and whole‐exome sequencing in nine patients. Exome‐based CNV calling was incorporated into the traditional single‐nucleotide variant and small insertion/deletion analysis pipeline for NGS data in 92 cases. In four patients from the same family, the PK Gypsy variant was investigated using long‐range polymerase chain reaction.ResultsMolecular diagnosis was established in 86% of the study group. The most frequently mutated genes were SPTB (31.7%) and PKLR (28.5%). CNV analysis of 92 cases revealed that three patients had different sizes of large deletions in the SPTB and six patients had a deletion in the PKLR.ConclusionsIn this study, NGS provided a high molecular diagnostic rate in cases with rare CHA. Analysis of the CNVs contributed to the diagnostic success.
Uncovering the determinants of brain functioning, behavior and their interplay in the light of context
Authors: Branchi Igor 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNotwithstanding the huge progress in molecular and cellular neuroscience, our ability to understand the brain and develop effective treatments promoting mental health is still limited. This can be partially ascribed to the reductionist, deterministic and mechanistic approaches in neuroscience that struggle with the complexity of the central nervous system. Here, I introduce the Context theory of constrained systems proposing a novel role of contextual factors and genetic, molecular and neural substrates in determining brain functioning and behavior. This theory entails key conceptual implications. First, context is the main driver of behavior and mental states. Second, substrates, from genes to brain areas, have no direct causal link to complex behavioral responses as they can be combined in multiple ways to produce the same response and different responses can impinge on the same substrates. Third, context and biological substrates play distinct roles in determining behavior: context drives behavior, substrates constrain the behavioral repertoire that can be implemented. Fourth, since behavior is the interface between the central nervous system and the environment, it is a privileged level of control and orchestration of brain functioning. Such implications are illustrated through the Kitchen metaphor of the brain. This theoretical framework calls for the revision of key concepts in neuroscience and psychiatry, including causality, specificity and individuality. Moreover, at the clinical level, it proposes treatments inducing behavioral changes through contextual interventions as having the highest impact to reorganize the complexity of the human mind and to achieve a long‐lasting improvement in mental health.
Functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function in a large cohort of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with glucocorticoids
Authors: Schiava Marianela , Lofra Robert Muni , Bourke John P. , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , James Meredith K. , Elseed Maha A. , Malinova Monika , Michel‐Sodhi Jassi , Moat Dionne , Ghimenton Elisabetta , Mccallum Michelle , Díaz Carla Florencia Bolaño , Mayhew Anna , Wong Karen , Richardson Mark , Tasca Giorgio , Eglon Gail , Eagle Michelle , Turner Cathy , Heslop Emma , Straub Volker , Bettolo Chiara Marini , Guglieri Michela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThe transition to adult services, and subsequent glucocorticoid management, is critical in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study aims (1) to describe treatment, functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status during transition to adulthood and adult stages; and (2) to explore the association between glucocorticoid treatment after loss of ambulation (LOA) and late‐stage clinical outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective single‐centre study on individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (≥16 years old) between 1986 and 2022. Logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models and survival analyses were conducted utilizing data from clinical records.ResultsIn all, 112 individuals were included. Mean age was 23.4 ± 5.2 years and mean follow‐up was 18.5 ± 5.5 years. At last assessment, 47.2% were on glucocorticoids; the mean dose of prednisone was 0.38 ± 0.13 mg/kg/day and of deflazacort 0.43 ± 0.16 mg/kg/day. At age 16 years, motor function limitations included using a manual wheelchair (89.7%), standing (87.9%), transferring from a wheelchair (86.2%) and turning in bed (53.4%); 77.5% had a peak cough flow <270 L/min, 53.3% a forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <50% and 40.3% a left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Glucocorticoids after LOA reduced the risk and delayed the time to difficulties balancing in the wheelchair, loss of hand to mouth function, forced vital capacity percentage of predicted <30% and forced vital capacity <1 L and were associated with lower frequency of left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, without differences between prednisone and deflazacort. Glucocorticoid dose did not differ by functional, respiratory or cardiac status.ConclusionGlucocorticoids after LOA preserve late‐stage functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac function. It is suggested using functional abilities, respiratory and cardiac status at transition stages for adult services planning.
Pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), infesting citrus trees in Morocco
Authors: Mrabti I. , Haddad N. , Watson G. W. , Brhadda N. , Ziri R. , Smaili M. C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the coastal area of North‐Western Morocco, 43 sites in four provinces were surveyed between spring 2022 and autumn 2023 for the presence of pest scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) on citrus trees. A known citrus pest species, pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) (Coccidae), was found at four sites. This is the first paper reporting pyriform scale on citrus in Morocco so a species description based on 62 slide‐mounted adult females is provided. Currently, P. pyriformis is not causing damage on citrus in Morocco, but potentially it might become a pest on this crop or other commercial fruit crops, such as avocado. Populations of P. pyriformis therefore should be monitored to detect any spread of the scale to other areas and crops. The infestations were found to be associated with a predator Chilocorus bipustulatus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and two parasitic wasps: an ectoparasitoid, Aphytis sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and an unidentified endoparasitoid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea).
Fracture criteria and initiation mechanism of concrete based on material configurational mechanics
Authors: Wang Chao , Feng Jili 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, the interaction force between an in‐plane elliptical inclusion and a crack is evaluated using the Eshelby equivalent inclusion and material configurational force method. The toughening effect of coarse aggregates on concrete is investigated. The fracture criteria for mixed‐mode cracks based on the characteristics of the crack‐tip plastic zone assessed by the principal configurational stress difference are proposed and verified by experimental results in the literature. The fracture probability is then used to improve the fracture criteria, and the dimensionless factor associated with stress intensity factors is introduced to determine the fracture probability. Additionally, the volume fraction of coarse aggregates, the age and fatigue life of concrete are considered in the present fracture criteria. Theoretical studies show that the interaction between a crack and a hard or soft inclusion exhibits mutual repulsion and attraction. The size and shape of the crack‐tip plastic zones assessed by the Mises stress and the principal configurational stress difference are essentially the same. The fracture load envelopes increase with the increase in the volume fraction of coarse aggregates and the age of concrete and shrink with the increase in the life ratio.
Fishes move to transient local refuges, not persistent landscape refuges during river drying experiment
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P. , Gonzales Eric J. , Yackulic Charles B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenically driven flow intermittency is increasing in freshwater streams, with important implications for the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Because most freshwater fishes are mobile, they are expected to emigrate from intermittent reaches, but this may not be true in streams transitioning from perennial to intermittent. Here, we attempt to determine if riverine fishes vacate drying reaches before intermittency or remain in local refuges.

We implemented a controlled, in situ experimental flow reduction resulting in intermittency, reducing flows from ~1.0 to 0 m3/s over a 3‐week period. We monitored fish and fish‐habitat changes over a 5‐week period before, during and after flow reductions.

During flow reductions, total wetted habitat was ultimately reduced by 91%. Habitat loss over time was not equal among habitat types: pool habitat increased slightly as run habit was lost, and backwater and isolated pool habitats were not strongly related to discharge. Likewise, water depth in run habitats decreased faster than other habitats.

Only the river carpsucker Carpiodes carpio appeared to move upstream during flow recession; seven other species remained within drying sites. Habitat loss negatively affected fish populations, but at a lower rate than that at which habitat was lost, until sites dried completely. Overall, two species, red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, had increased population growth during the study, whereas the remaining species had population declines.

Fishes were able to find transient local refuges during flow reductions but did not vacate sites before intermittent conditions. Accounting for lack of emigration from anthropogenic flow‐intermittent reaches will be important for designing conservation actions for fishes threatened by increasing flow intermittency. Creation of refuge habitats may not be effective for widely dispersed species that do not actively seek refuge habitats, unless those habitats support enough individuals to maintain resilience following the intermittent conditions.
Losses of low‐germinating, slow‐growing species prevent grassland composition recovery from nutrient amendment
Authors: Yang Zhongling , Li Junyong , Xiao Rui , Zhang Chunhui , Ma Xiaojun , Du Guozhen , Li Guoyong , Jiang Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNutrient enrichment often alters the biomass and species composition of plant communities, but the extent to which these changes are reversible after the cessation of nutrient addition is not well‐understood. Our 22‐year experiment (15 years for nutrient addition and 7 years for recovery), conducted in an alpine meadow, showed that soil nitrogen concentration and pH recovered rapidly after cessation of nutrient addition. However, this was not accompanied by a full recovery of plant community composition. An incomplete recovery in plant diversity and a directional shift in species composition from grass dominance to forb dominance were observed 7 years after the nutrient addition ended. Strikingy, the historically dominant sedges with low germination rate and slow growth rate and nitrogen‐fixing legumes with low germination rate were unable to re‐establish after nutrient addition ceased. By contrast, rapid recovery of aboveground biomass was observed after nutrient cessation as the increase in forb biomass only partially compensated for the decline in grass biomass. These results indicate that anthropogenic nutrient input can have long‐lasting effects on the structure, but not the soil chemistry and plant biomass, of grassland communities, and that the recovery of soil chemical properties and plant biomass does not necessarily guarantee the restoration of plant community structure. These findings have important implications for the management and recovery of grassland communities, many of which are experiencing alterations in resource input.
Lactic acid bacteria and manganese‐based additives for improved lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover preservation as silage
Authors: Nikodinoska Ivana , Wambacq Eva , Landschoot Sofie , Moran Colm A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used as silage inoculants. Manganese sulphate (MnSO4) has been proposed to protect certain LAB during oxygen exposure and improve silage aerobic stability (ASTA). The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of inoculants in preservation of different forages. A short‐term screening trial investigated the effect of 24 additive treatments, compared to a negative control, on ensiling perennial grass in mini‐silos (2.75 L) for 7 d. The additive treatments comprised different ratios of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [IMI 507026, IMI 507027, and IMI 507028] and Pediococcus pentacaceus [IMI 507024 and IMI 507025], with or without MnSO4. Target parameters, such as low levels of fresh matter loss, pH, acetic acid, ammonia‐nitrogen fraction (NH3–N/Total N), and high levels of lactic acid and ASTA, were considered for treatment selection. Eight treatments were selected based on a principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering of the target parameters. These selected treatments subsequently underwent a 100 d long‐term trial using lucerne, perennial grass, and perennial grass‐white clover forages. All silages treated with the eight additives exhibited an improved homolactic fermentation and a lower (p < .001) pH, acetic acid, and ethanol content than the control. Although DM losses and ASTA markedly improved in the treatments containing MnSO4 in the short‐term trial, these effects were not observed in the long‐term trial. These outcomes suggest that the selected additives can improve silage fermentation quality across a broad range of forages, but further studies are required to assess the impact of MnSO4 on ASTA.
Evaluation of hepatosteatosis and gallstone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Karahan Doğu , Şahin İdris 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis and gallstones are increasing owing to the multifactorial causes of chronic kidney disease, and the prevalence may change with the availability of different forms of renal replacement therapy. We aimed to determine the incidence or prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and acute cholecystitis in patients with chronic kidney disease and compare them between renal replacement therapy modalities.MethodsA total of 270 patients (90 with chronic kidney disease stages III–V, 90 undergoing peritoneal dialysis, and 90 undergoing hemodialysis) were included and categorized into the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups. The patients were questioned about previous gallbladder surgeries and chronic diseases. The results of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively evaluated with respect to the findings on the hepatobiliary system. Hepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were diagnosed by expert radiologists on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography, tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The prevalence rates of hepatosteatosis, cholelithiasis, and other liver findings were compared between the groups.FindingsHepatosteatosis and cholelithiasis were detected in 16.7% and 21.5% of the 270 cases, respectively. Hepatosteatosis was present in 17.8%, 25.6%, and 6.7% of patients in the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively. The prevalence of hepatosteatosis was significantly higher in patients undergoing hemodialysis than in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (p = 0.002). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the peritoneal dialysis and pre‐dialysis groups or between the hemodialysis and pre‐dialysis groups (p >0.05). The prevalence rates of cholelithiasis were 15.6%, 28.9%, and 20.0%, in the pre‐dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis groups, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. The incidence of acute cholecystitis was significantly higher in the hemodialysis group than in the pre‐dialysis group (p = 0.006).DiscussionOur study showed that the hepatobiliary system is frequently affected in chronic kidney disease and that the findings may differ depending on the renal replacement therapy modality.
Poor neighbourhoods as targets for mass incarceration: Notes on the Brazilian war on drugs
Authors: Keese Pedro Bertolucci 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article analyses mass incarceration in Brazil and how the ongoing ‘war on drugs’ results in punitive dynamics involving the police and the judiciary, leading to the imprisonment of residents of poor neighbourhoods. I argue that the war on drugs intensifies the criminalisation of stigmatised and impoverished territories, extending beyond individual cases. In section 2, drawing on research from the United States and Brazil, I explore the key aspects of the spatial concentration of incarceration in both countries. In section 3, I focus on the specific dynamics of the war on drugs in Brazil, encompassing the shifts in drug policy, legislation, police tactics and the judiciary's role in the prisonisation of specific social places. This article intends to bridge a theoretical gap in the study of spatial concentration of incarceration in Brazil, underscoring the relevance of understanding the complex relationship between prisons and marginalised communities within Brazilian cities.
Meat quality evaluation of breast fillets of different strains of chicken broilers with deep pectoral myopathy
Authors: Giampietro‐Ganeco Aline , de Barba Bruna Regina , Galvão Alessandro Cazonatto , Trindade Marco Antonio , Borba Hirasilva , Stefani Lenita Moura , Boiago Marcel Manente , da Silva Robazza Weber 
Published: April 2024

SummaryChicken meat is a significant source of protein and other nutrients. The poultry industry is responsible for creating many jobs and is essential to the global economy. Thus, the sector demands high‐quality products to satisfy consumers' expectations. Advances in poultry production with the rapid creation of heavier birds have increased the incidence of deep pectoral myopathy, provoking substantial losses to the sector. Several quality indicators of breast fillets obtained from chicken broilers of the strains Cobb 500 and Ross AP95 were measured to evaluate the strain influence on the characteristics of broilers' breast fillets with different severities of deep pectoral myopathy (DPM). Overall, the myopathy affected the quality attributes of the breast fillets more significantly than the broilers strain. However, the results of some individual quality attributes are strain‐specific. Moreover, myopathy severity tends to soften the differences between the characteristics of the strains.
Does cash transfer program improve recipients' social participation? Evidence from low‐income households data in China
Authors: Hu Hongwei , He Haotian , Li Yue , Zhang Kairan , Hu Xinyi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnhancing social participation among low‐income households has long been regarded as a component of building an inclusive and equitable society. This study examines the association between China's Dibao program and social participation among beneficiaries. Furthermore, it explores the heterogeneous effects between urban and rural groups as well as across age groups. We analyzed panel data from 2015 to 2017 and combined propensity score matching and differences‐in‐differences methods to examine the effects of Dibao on recipients' social participation in participatory governance (PG) service co‐production (SC), and relational participation. This study demonstrates that receiving Dibao greatly enhances beneficiaries' social participation, PG, and SC, but has minimal impact on relational involvement. According to heterogeneity analysis, urban and middle‐aged recipients are significantly affected by Dibao. Future reforms of Dibao and similar welfare programs need to tailor based on geographic differences and demographic diversity to enhance recipients' social participation.