bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The political process in nations: Civil society participation and income inequality
Authors: Sintos Andreas , Chletsos Michael , Kontos Konstantinos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study delves into the influence of civil society participation on income inequality, a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. Civil society participation refers to the activities of citizens who organize into various groups, known as civil society organizations, to pursue common interests and goals. These organizations span a wide range, including interest groups, labor unions, spiritual bodies engaging in civic or political activities, social movements, professional associations, charities, and other nongovernmental entities. Our research utilizes an extensive panel dataset, encompassing a global sample of countries from 1975 to 2019. We aim to comprehensively analyze the direct effects of civil society participation on income inequality. Our findings reveal that higher levels of civil society participation are effective in reducing inequality over the short, medium, and long term. These results have significant implications for policymakers. They suggest that encouraging and facilitating civil society participation could be a viable strategy for addressing income inequality. By understanding the dynamics of how civil society engagement influences economic disparities, policymakers can better design and implement measures that promote more equitable economic outcomes. This research contributes to the broader discourse on economic inequality and the potential role of civil society in mitigating it.
Patent protection, externalities, and income inequality
Authors: Kao Heng‐Chuan , Hung Hsiao‐Wen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper develops a Schumpeterian growth model with considering consumption and leisure externalities. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of patent protection policy on growth and inequality, as well as the interaction between policy effect and externalities. According to the log form utility function specification, this means that the elasticity of intertemporal substitution is unity. The following are the key findings of this paper. Patent protection policy encourages innovation and increases employment in the R&D industry, which enhances economic growth while increasing income inequality. In regard to externalities, an increase in the degree of consumption (leisure) externalities results in a higher (lower) growth rate and more (smaller) income inequality. When consumption (leisure) externality is greater intensity, the growth effect of patent protection policy becomes stronger (weaker), while its influence on expanding income inequality lessens (enhances). Finally, both the Pareto optimal patent protection policy and the optimal patent policy under the maximization of social welfare positively correlate with consumption externalities, but negatively correlate with leisure externalities.
Microbiome diversity and zoonotic bacterial pathogen prevalence in Peromyscus mice from agricultural landscapes and synanthropic habitat
Authors: Mistrick Janine , Kipp Evan J. , Weinberg Sarah I. , Adams Collin C. , Larsen Peter A. , Craft Meggan E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRodents are key reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and play an important role in disease transmission to humans. Importantly, anthropogenic land‐use change has been found to increase the abundance of rodents that thrive in human‐built environments (synanthropic rodents), particularly rodent reservoirs of zoonotic disease. Anthropogenic environments also affect the microbiome of synanthropic wildlife, influencing wildlife health and potentially introducing novel pathogens. Our objective was to examine the effect of agricultural development and synanthropic habitat on microbiome diversity and the prevalence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in wild Peromyscus mice to better understand the role of these rodents in pathogen maintenance and transmission. We conducted 16S amplicon sequencing on faecal samples using long‐read nanopore sequencing technology to characterize the rodent microbiome. We compared microbiome diversity and composition between forest and synanthropic habitats in agricultural and undeveloped landscapes and screened for putative pathogenic bacteria. Microbiome richness, diversity, and evenness were higher in the agricultural landscape and synanthropic habitat compared to undeveloped‐forest habitat. Microbiome composition also differed significantly between agricultural and undeveloped landscapes and forest and synanthropic habitats. We detected overall low diversity and abundance of putative pathogenic bacteria, though putative pathogens were more likely to be found in mice from the agricultural landscape. Our findings show that landscape‐ and habitat‐level anthropogenic factors affect Peromyscus microbiomes and suggest that landscape‐level agricultural development may be important to predict zoonotic pathogen prevalence. Ultimately, understanding how anthropogenic land‐use change and synanthropy affect rodent microbiomes and pathogen prevalence is important to managing transmission of rodent‐borne zoonotic diseases to humans.
Pan‐azole‐resistant Meyerozyma guilliermondii clonal isolates harbouring a double F126L and L505F mutation in Erg11
Authors: Moreau Jérémy , Noël Thierry , Point Kévin , Tewes Frédéric , Deroche Luc , Clarhaut Jonathan , Fitton‐Ouhabi Valérie , Perraud Estelle , Marchand Sandrine , Buyck Julien M. , Brunet Kévin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMeyerozyma guilliermondii is a yeast species responsible for invasive fungal infections. It has high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to echinocandins, the first‐line treatment of candidemia. In this context, azole antifungal agents are frequently used. However, in recent years, a number of azole‐resistant strains have been described. Their mechanisms of resistance are currently poorly studied.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was consequently to understand the mechanisms of azole resistance in several clinical isolates of M. guilliermondii.MethodsTen isolates of M. guilliermondii and the ATCC 6260 reference strain were studied. MICs of azoles were determined first. Whole genome sequencing of the isolates was then carried out and the mutations identified in ERG11 were expressed in a CTG clade yeast model (C. lusitaniae). RNA expression of ERG11, MDR1 and CDR1 was evaluated by quantitative PCR. A phylogenic analysis was developed and performed on M. guilliermondii isolates. Lastly, in vitro experiments on fitness cost and virulence were carried out.ResultsOf the ten isolates tested, three showed pan‐azole resistance. A combination of F126L and L505F mutations in Erg11 was highlighted in these three isolates. Interestingly, a combination of these two mutations was necessary to confer azole resistance. An overexpression of the Cdr1 efflux pump was also evidenced in one strain. Moreover, the three pan‐azole‐resistant isolates were shown to be genetically related and not associated with a fitness cost or a lower virulence, suggesting a possible clonal transmission.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study identified an original combination of ERG11 mutations responsible for pan‐azole‐resistance in M. guilliermondii. Moreover, we proposed a new MLST analysis for M. guilliermondii that identified possible clonal transmission of pan‐azole‐resistant strains. Future studies are needed to investigate the distribution of this clone in hospital environment and should lead to the reconsideration of the treatment for this species.
Glucocorticoids as a risk factor for infection and adverse outcomes in non‐HIV and non‐transplant patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Kim Luke , Ferraz Carolina , Corbisiero Michaele Francesco , Gorvetzian Sarah , Franco‐Paredes Carlos , Krsak Martin , Shapiro Leland , Thompson George R. , Chastain Daniel B. , Tuells Jose , Henao‐Martínez Andrés F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCryptococcal meningitis (CM), an opportunistic fungal infection affecting immunocompromised hosts, leads to high mortality. The role of previous exposure to glucocorticoids as a risk factor and as an outcome modulator has been observed, but systematic studies are lacking.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of glucocorticoid use on the clinical outcomes, specifically mortality, of non‐HIV and non‐transplant (NHNT) patients diagnosed with CM.MethodsWe queried a global research network to identify adult NHNT patients with CM based on ICD codes or recorded specific Cryptococcus CSF lab results with or without glucocorticoid exposure the year before diagnosis. We performed a propensity score‐matched analysis to reduce the risk of confounding and analysed outcomes by glucocorticoid exposure. We used a Cox proportional hazards model for survival analysis.ResultsWe identified 764 patients with a history of glucocorticoid exposure and 1267 patients without who developed CM within 1 year. After propensity score matching of covariates, we obtained 627 patients in each cohort. The mortality risk in 1 year was greater in patients exposed to prior glucocorticoids (OR: 1.3, CI: 1.2–2.0, p = 0.002). We found an excess of 45 deaths among CM patients with previous glucocorticoid use (7.4% increased absolute risk of dying within 1 year of diagnosis) compared to CM controls without glucocorticoid exposure. Hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, emergency department visits, stroke and cognitive dysfunction also showed significant, unfavourable outcomes in patients with glucocorticoid‐exposed CM compared to glucocorticoid‐unexposed CM patients.ConclusionsPrevious glucocorticoid administration in NHNT patients seems to associate with 1‐year mortality after CM adjusted for possible confounders related to demographics, comorbidities and additional immunosuppressive medications. Serial CrAg screening might be appropriate for higher‐risk patients on glucocorticoids after further cost–benefit analyses.
Electrophysiological evidence of right atrial epicardial connections in a case with recurrent common atrial flutter
Authors: Shinohara Masaya , Fujino Tadashi , Kikushima Hosei , Wada Ryo , Yao Shintaro , Yano Kensuke , Akitsu Katsuya , Ikeda Takanori 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe majority of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) region consists of discretely arranged muscle bundles separated by connective tissue. Heterogeneity in the anatomic arrangement of the muscle bundles results in differences in the endocardial and epicardial activation patterns. We present a case of recurrent atrial flutter (AFL) despite the presence of a complete endocardial CTI block. We found epicardial‐endocardial breakthrough (EEB) sites on the right atrial high septum. In addition, the epicardial excitation confirmed by endocardial activation mapping was detected as far‐field potentials. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at the EEB site. No AFL has recurred for 12 months after the present procedure.
The evaluation of clinical factors affecting oral health impacts on the quality of life of Iranian elderly patients visiting dental clinics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mirhosseini Nazanin , Shoorgashti Reyhaneh , Lesan Simin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIran will soon have an aging population. Healthcare providers must consider factors affecting the quality of life for those 60 and older. Understanding oral health as one of these factors can improve the elderly's quality of life. Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a crucial reflection of individuals' general well‐being and their overall quality of life linked to health. This study aimed to evaluate the OHRQoL among elderly Iranians referring to Azad University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 171 individuals over 65 (93 men and 78 women) were evaluated using OHIP‐14 and GOHAI‐12 questionnaires to analyze their quality of life. Gender, age, systemic diseases, using medications and dentures, the number of remaining teeth, and oral lesions were recorded. Salivary flow and xerostomia were analyzed with the spitting method and xerostomia index questionnaire, respectively. Also, four main flavor solutions were used to evaluate the taste perception. Data were analyzed using PASS11 and p value < .05 was the significance level.ResultsBased on OHIP‐14 and GOHAI‐12, Iranian older people's quality of life can be affected by cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, xerostomia, and the number of remaining teeth (p < .05). The results also showed a significant correlation between the OHIP‐14 and GOHAI‐12 scores (p < .001). Both indexes revealed that the number of remaining teeth, xerostomia, salivary flow, and taste perception greatly influenced participants' quality of life. More remaining teeth, improved salivary flow, and better perception of sweetness and sourness were all linked to a higher quality of life, while increased xerostomia, reduced salivary flow, and bitter taste perception were linked to a decline in overall well‐being. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and medication use were also found to significantly impact quality of life.ConclusionThis study's results indicate that cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dry mouth, and tooth loss can negatively impact the elderly's quality of life. So, improving both systemic and oral health is vital for enhancing life quality in this age group.
Ischemic preconditioning increases spinal excitability and voluntary activation during maximal plantar flexion contractions in men
Authors: Cruz Rogério , Tramontin Artur Ferreira , Oliveira Anderson Souza , Caputo Fabrizio , Denadai Benedito Sérgio , Greco Camila Coelho 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe enigmatic benefits of acute limb ischemic preconditioning (IP) in enhancing muscle force and exercise performance have intrigued researchers. This study sought to unravel the underlying mechanisms, focusing on increased neural drive and the role of spinal excitability while excluding peripheral factors. Soleus Hoffmann (H)‐reflex /M‐wave recruitment curves and unpotentiated supramaximal responses were recorded before and after IP or a low‐pressure control intervention. Subsequently, the twitch interpolation technique was applied during maximal voluntary contractions to assess conventional parameters of neural output. Following IP, there was an increase in both maximum normalized force and voluntary activation (VA) for the plantar flexor group, with negligible peripheral alterations. Greater benefits were observed in participants with lower VA levels. Despite greater H‐reflex gains, soleus volitional (V)‐wave and sEMG amplitudes remained unchanged. In conclusion, IP improves muscle force via enhanced neural drive to the muscles. This effect appears associated, at least in part, to reduced presynaptic inhibition and/or increased motoneuron excitability. Furthermore, the magnitude of the benefit is inversely proportional to the skeletal muscle's functional reserve, making it particularly noticeable in under‐recruited muscles. These findings have implications for the strategic application of the IP procedure across diverse populations.
Advanced practice providers in infectious disease: Enhancing the infectious disease team of the future
Authors: Yoke Leah H. , Miller Whitney , Beieler Alison M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs the infectious disease (ID) workforce encounters increasing demand for services with fewer physicians entering the field, advanced practice providers (APPs) in infectious disease offer a unique ability to enhance high‐quality patient care. However, little is known about their incorporation into ID, their utilization in immunocompromised settings, or their future use. This article reviews currently known data on APPs in ID including how some groups have used APPs and provides a framework for thoughtful, deliberate steps to incorporate APPs into the ID medical team, including transplant infectious disease. Highlighted specifically are education and mentorship opportunities with ideas for curriculum development and onboarding approaches. Strategic steps must be taken for APP inclusion as the medical landscape continues to change, patient complexity increases, and the ID team of the future takes shape.
Host‐induced gene silencing in wild apple germplasm Malus hupehensis confers resistance to the fungal pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Yu Xinyi , Lin Xinxin , Zhou Tingting , Cao Lifang , Hu Kaixu , Li Fangzhu , Qu Shenchun 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARYHost‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an inherent mechanism of plant resistance to fungal pathogens, resulting from cross‐kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by small RNAs (sRNAs) delivered from plants into invading fungi. Introducing artificial sRNA precursors into crops can trigger HIGS of selected fungal genes, and thus has potential applications in agricultural disease control. To investigate the HIGS of apple (Malus sp.) during the interaction with Botryosphaeria dothidea, the pathogenic fungus causing apple ring rot disease, we evaluated whether apple miRNAs can be transported into and target genes in B. dothidea. Indeed, miR159a from Malus hupehensis, a wild apple germplasm with B. dothidea resistance, silenced the fungal sugar transporter gene BdSTP. The accumulation of miR159a in extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both infected M. hupehensis and invading B. dothidea suggests that this miRNA of the host is transported into the fungus via the EV pathway. Knockout of BdSTP caused defects in fungal growth and proliferation, whereas knockin of a miR159a‐insensitive version of BdSTP resulted in increased pathogenicity. Inhibition of miR159a in M. hupehensis substantially enhanced plant sensitivity to B. dothidea, indicating miR159a‐mediated HIGS against BdSTP being integral to apple immunity. Introducing artificial sRNA precursors targeting BdSTP and BdALS, an acetolactate synthase gene, into M. hupehensis revealed that double‐stranded RNAs were more potent than engineered MIRNAs in triggering HIGS alternative to those natural of apple and inhibiting infection. These results provide preliminary evidence for cross‐kingdom RNAi in the apple–B. dothidea interaction and establish HIGS as a potential disease control strategy in apple.
Complete genome assembly provides a high‐quality skeleton for pan‐NLRome construction in melon
Authors: Mo Changjuan , Wang Haiyan , Wei Minghua , Zeng Qingguo , Zhang Xuejun , Fei Zhangjun , Zhang Yongbing , Kong Qiusheng 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARYMelon (Cucumis melo L.), being under intensive domestication and selective breeding, displays an abundant phenotypic diversity. Wild germplasm with tolerance to stress represents an untapped genetic resource for discovery of disease‐resistance genes. To comprehensively characterize resistance genes in melon, we generate a telomere‐to‐telomere (T2T) and gap‐free genome of wild melon accession PI511890 (C. melo var. chito) with a total length of 375.0 Mb and a contig N50 of 31.24 Mb. The complete genome allows us to dissect genome architecture and identify resistance gene analogs. We construct a pan‐NLRome using seven melon genomes, which include 208 variable and 18 core nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs). Multiple disease‐related transcriptome analyses indicate that most up‐regulated NLRs induced by pathogens are shell or cloud NLRs. The T2T gap‐free assembly and the pan‐NLRome not only serve as essential resources for genomic studies and molecular breeding of melon but also provide insights into the genome architecture and NLR diversity.
National evaluation of DNP students' use of the PICOT method for formulating clinical questions
Authors: Milner Kerry A. , Hays Deana , Farus‐Brown Susan , Zonsius Mary C. , Saska Elizabeth , Fineout‐Overholt Ellen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe intent of the PICOT (i.e., Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) method is to formulate focused clinical questions to facilitate the discovery of relevant evidence through systematic searching, with the components of the question serving as the foundation for the search. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduates use evidence‐based practices to institute changes in their organizations' systems and policies, thereby yielding positive effects on both patient and system outcomes. Given that the clinical question is the foundation of the evidence‐based practice process, DNP graduates' competence in the PICOT method needs to be better understood.AimsThis analysis aimed to describe how DNP students used the PICOT method to ask clinical questions in their DNP projects.MethodsProject questions were retrieved from a subset (n = 129, 60.56%) of an existing national random sample of publicly available DNP projects spanning the years 2010 to 2021 from Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education‐accredited schools (n = 213). Project questions using the PICOT method were further evaluated with a scoring system of 0 = no and 1 = yes for missing elements, formatting, directional outcome, and project purpose. Possible scores ranged from 0 to 8, with higher scores indicating more errors. Discussion among five researchers, until agreement was achieved, yielded consensus.ResultsAlthough the PICOT method was project author‐identified in 66 (31.0%) projects, only four (6%) followed the PICOT method. All 66 (100%) were intervention questions. There were 2.74 (SD 1.55) mean errors, ranging from 0 to 6. No questions were missing P or O. Specific errors included missing I 3 (4.5%) or missing C 37 (56%), poor formatting 34 (51.5%), directional outcome 44 (66.7%), and project purpose 38 (57.6%). Thirty‐three (50%) of the questions were missing T; however, T is not used for searching, so researchers recalculated the mean error without T (M = 2.24, SD = 1.28, range 0–5).Linking Evidence to ActionGaps in the accurate use of the PICOT method to construct clinical questions can lead to biased searches, inaccurate clinical problem identification, and, when used as the project purpose, jumping to non‐evidence‐based solutions. Academic faculty and clinical educators can mitigate these skewed outcomes and enhance their impact on quality outcomes by helping DNP‐prepared nurses shore up this foundational skill.