bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic oxidation of ammonium and short-chain gaseous alkanes coupled to nitrate reduction by a bacterial consortium
Authors: Wu Mengxiong , Liu Xiawei , Engelberts J Pamela , Tyson Gene W , McIlroy Simon J , Guo Jianhua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The bacterial species “Candidatus Alkanivorans nitratireducens” was recently demonstrated to mediate nitrate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of short-chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs). In previous bioreactor enrichment studies, the species appeared to reduce nitrate in two phases, switching from denitrification to dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in response to nitrite accumulation. The regulation of this switch or the nature of potential syntrophic partnerships with other microorganisms remains unclear. Here, we describe anaerobic multispecies cultures of bacteria that couple the oxidation of propane and butane to nitrate reduction and the oxidation of ammonium (anammox). Batch tests with 15N-isotope labelling and multi-omic analyses collectively supported a syntrophic partnership between “Ca. A. nitratireducens” and anammox bacteria, with the former species mediating nitrate-driven oxidation of SCGAs, supplying the latter with nitrite for the oxidation of ammonium. The elimination of nitrite accumulation by the anammox substantially increased SCGA and nitrate consumption rates, whereas it suppressed DNRA. Removing ammonium supply led to its eventual production, the accumulation of nitrite, and the upregulation of DNRA gene expression for the abundant “Ca. A. nitratireducens”. Increasing the supply of SCGA had a similar effect in promoting DNRA. Our results suggest that “Ca. A. nitratireducens” switches to DNRA to alleviate oxidative stress caused by nitrite accumulation, giving further insight into adaptability and ecology of this microorganism. Our findings also have important implications for the understanding of the fate of nitrogen and SCGAs in anaerobic environments.
Agency Insights: The first steps of the DMA adventure
Authors: Bacchiega Alberto , Tombal Thomas 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
This piece is a short essay on the first steps of the implementation of the Digital Markets Act. Our paper is divided in three sections. In the first section “Why does the DMA exist?”, we come back on the genesis of the DMA and the complementing role it plays with competition law. In the second section “Challenges of Gatekeeper Designations”, we look back at this first important step in the implementation of the DMA, and highlight that a key topic in the context of these designation proceedings has been the determination of the appropriate delineation of the core platform services to be designated. Finally, in the third section “Challenges of DMA compliance”, we set out our high-level vision and approach for the concrete implementation of the DMA by the gatekeepers and their endeavour to comply with the various obligations and prohibitions contained in the DMA. In this regard, we highlight that our aim with the DMA is to create room for opportunities.
Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in Chinese fermented soybean meal from different sources fed to mid and late-gestating sows
Authors: Li Guowei , Wang Ya , Zhang Junhao , Xu Shengyu , Lin Yan , Hua Lun , Li Jian , Feng Bin , Fang Zhengfeng , Jiang Xuemei , Zhuo Yong , Che Lianqiang , Wu De 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We determined apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal from five different sources (FSBM 1 to 5) in China when fed to mid and late-gestating sows. Twenty-four parity four sows (12 at 30 d in gestation and 12 at 80 d in gestation) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and used in this experiment. Sows were randomly assigned to a replicated 6 × 3 Youden square design including six diets and three periods. Six diets were provided for sows in mid and late gestation, including a nitrogen-free diet and five test diets containing 26% FSBM from different sources. Results showed that there were differences in AID and SID of CP among the different FSBM samples, but no differences between sow physiological stages were observed. Specifically, when mid-gestating sows were fed FSBM 2, the AID of CP was the lowest, whereas FSBM 3 exhibited a greater AID of CP when compared to the other FSBM samples (P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, during late gestation, FSBM 3 consistently had greater SID of CP when compared to other FSBM samples (P &lt; 0.01). The ileal digestibility of most AA varied with different FSBM samples. In both mid and late gestation, differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for AID of lysine, tryptophan, histidine, and arginine across different FSBM samples. Similarly, the AID of dispensable AA (cysteine, glutamine, and serine) also exhibited differences (P &lt; 0.05) across different FSBM samples in both mid and late-gestating sows. For mid-gestating sows, SID differences relating to lysine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine, and arginine were observed among different diets (P &lt; 0.05). In late-gestating sows, SID values for lysine, tryptophan, leucine, and arginine differed across diets (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the ileal digestibility of some dispensable AA was influenced by physiological stage, as evidenced by greater AID and SID values for glycine, glutamine, cysteine, and serine in late-gestating sows when compared to mid-gestating sows (P &lt; 0.01). In summary, our study determined AA ileal digestibility of different FSBM fed to mid and late-gestating sows. We observed that the AA ileal digestibility differed among five FSBM samples, but the physiological stage of sows did not affect the ileal digestibility of CP and most AA. Additionally, when formulating diets for sows, it is crucial to consider the nutritional value differences of FSBM.
Toxicity of isocycloseram, an isoxazoline insecticide, against laboratory and field-collected German cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae)
Authors: Lee Shao-Hung , So John , Kund Gregory S , Lum Jun-Yin , Trinh Ethan , Ta Emily L , Chungsawat Rattanan , Choe Dong-Hwan , Cox David L , Rust Michael K , Lee Chow-Yang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Isocycloseram is a new insecticide in the isoxazoline class that targets insect GABA-gated chloride channels. In this study, we evaluated a cockroach gel bait formulation containing 1% isocycloseram against a susceptible strain (UCR) and 5 field-collected strains (WM, RG386, Ryan, CDR, and SY) of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), and compared it with several commercial insecticide baits in the laboratory. Using the Ebeling choice box method, we also tested a residual deposit of an SC formulation of isocycloseram against the UCR, RG386, and Ryan strains. The isocycloseram bait was among the fastest-performing treatments against adult males (mean survival time: 0.9–2.7 days) and mixed stages and sexes (mean survival time: 1.4–5.4 days) across all strains. Secondary transfer effects of the bait were demonstrated in the UCR strain by exposing new adult males to individuals killed by direct bait treatment. Physiological resistance was not detected in the WM, CDR, and RG386 strains with topical treatment of a diagnostic dose (3× LD95) of isocycloseram developed using the UCR strain. However, topical assays revealed resistance ratios (RR50) of 1.6 and 3.0× in the Ryan and SY strains, respectively. The performance of a 0.05% isocycloseram residual application against the Ryan strain was improved with the addition of piperonyl butoxide.
The Impact of NGO-Provided Aid on Government Capacity: Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Deserranno Erika , Nansamba Aisha , Qian Nancy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates whether NGO-provided basic healthcare crowds out or crowds in similar services provided by the government in rural Uganda. We find that NGO entry reduces the number of government workers, which leads to a reduction in government-provided health services. The results are driven by the NGO often hiring the government worker in places where skilled labor is scarce. In places where skilled labor is relatively abundant, the NGO hires a second person and complements government healthcare.Thus, the effects of NGO entry on government capacity are nuanced.
The clade-specific target recognition mechanisms of plant RISCs
Authors: Iwakawa Hiro-oki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Eukaryotic Argonaut proteins (AGOs) assemble RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) with guide RNAs that allow binding to complementary RNA sequences and subsequent silencing of target genes. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana encodes 10 different AGOs, categorized into three distinct clades based on amino acid sequence similarity. While clade 1 and 2 RISCs are known for their roles in post-transcriptional gene silencing, and clade 3 RISCs are associated with transcriptional gene silencing in the nucleus, the specific mechanisms of how RISCs from each clade recognize their targets remain unclear. In this study, I conducted quantitative binding analyses between RISCs and target nucleic acids with mismatches at various positions, unveiling distinct target binding characteristics unique to each clade. Clade 1 and 2 RISCs require base pairing not only in the seed region but also in the 3′ supplementary region for stable target RNA binding, with clade 1 exhibiting a higher stringency. Conversely, clade 3 RISCs tolerate dinucleotide mismatches beyond the seed region. Strikingly, they bind to DNA targets with an affinity equal to or surpassing that of RNA, like prokaryotic AGO complexes. These insights challenge existing views on plant RNA silencing and open avenues for exploring new functions of eukaryotic AGOs.
Renal Transplantation in HIV-positive and HIV-negative People With Advanced Stages of Kidney Disease: Equity in Transplantation
Authors: Hosseini-Moghaddam Seyed M , Kang Yuguang , Bota Sarah E , Weir Matthew A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
People with HIV are at a greater risk of end-stage kidney disease than the general population. Considering the risk of death after end-stage kidney disease, access to renal transplantation in people with HIV is critically important.

Methods
We included all adult patients on chronic dialysis in Ontario, Canada, between 1 April 2007 and 31 December 2020. We determined the probability of kidney transplantation with competing risk of death over time since the initiation of dialysis by calculating the adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (sdHR; 95% confidence interval [CI]). We also compared long-term renal allograft and posttransplant mortality outcomes between HIV-negative and HIV-positive persons.

Results
Of 40 686 people (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 57–77; 38.4% women), 173 were HIV-positive and 40 513 were HIV-negative. The incidence of kidney transplantation in HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients was 40.5 (95% CI, 39.4-41.6)/1000 person-years and 35.0 (95% CI, 22.8-53.7)/1000 person-years, respectively (P = .51). Considering the competing risk of death, HIV-positive people had a significantly lower chance of receiving kidney transplants than HIV-negative people (sdHR, 0.46 [95% CI, .30–.70]). The long-term allograft failure risk was not significantly different between HIV-negative and HIV-positive people, considering the competing risk of posttransplant death (sdHR, 1.71 [95% CI, .46-6.35]).

Conclusions
Although the incidence and crude probability of kidney transplantation were similar among HIV-negative and HIV-positive persons in this cohort, those with HIV had a significantly lower likelihood of kidney transplantation than those without HIV. Having HIV was not significantly associated with a poor long-term allograft outcome compared with patients without HIV.
Response and Adaptive Mechanism of Flavonoids in Pigmented Potatoes at Different Altitudes
Authors: Wu Xiaojie , Xiao Jiping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Altitude is an important ecological factor affecting plant physiology and ecology, material metabolism and gene expression. Tuber color changes were observed in purple and red potatoes growing at four different elevations ranging from 1,800 ± 50 to 3,300 ± 50 m in the Tiger Leaping Gorge area of Yunnan Province. The results showed that the total phenol content, total flavone content, total anthocyanin content and biological yield of anthocyanin increased with increasing altitude until 2,800 ± 50 m, and the highest anthocyanin content were detected in the purple potato Huaxinyangyu and the red potato Jianchuanhong at the flowering stage and budding stage, respectively. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that the content and diversity of flavonoids are associated with genes expression via the promotion of propane metabolism to improve potato adaptation to different altitudes. These results provide a foundation for understanding the coloring mechanism and creating new potato germplasms with high resistance and good quality via genetic manipulation.
When is problem-oriented policing most effective? A systematic examination of heterogeneity in effect sizes for reducing crime and disorder
Authors: Hinkle Joshua C , Weisburd David , Telep Cody W , Petersen Kevin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article presents results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of problem-oriented policing (POP). The results show an overall 33.8% relative reduction in crime/disorder in treatment groups relative to controls, which adds to evidence that POP is an effective strategy that police leaders should adopt. There is, however, a great deal of variation in effect sizes, and moderator analyses were conducted to examine when POP may work best. Preliminary findings suggest POP may have larger impacts when responses are broader and involve more partner agencies/groups, when more of the agency is involved in the program, and when targeting property crime and disorder. Importantly, our findings also show that shallower implementations of POP still had significant impacts and suggest that POP should be implemented even if an agency cannot initially carry out in-depth problem-solving. Future research should supplement meta-analyses with narrative reviews to further identify what makes POP most effective.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Indirect Signs for Anterior Instability of the Lateral Meniscus in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Niu Emily L. , Kinnard Matthew J. , Hoyt Benjamin W. , Zember Jonathan , Murphy Timothy P. 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Anterior instability (AI) of the LM is potentially debilitating in young patients. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose AI is limited due to the lack of reliable and accurate MRI findings. The ability to identify AI preoperatively would potentially improve the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. This study presents a novel MRI finding (“phantom sign”) for the detection of AI of the LM and demonstrates its reliability and accuracy.

Methods:
Three independent blinded reviewers performed retrospective review of preoperative MRI for all patients who underwent LM repair between July 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022, at a single center. Positive phantom sign was defined as abnormal signal intensity on MRI of the anterior horn of the LM on the coronal sequence at the anterior tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Preoperative MRI was also evaluated for other signs of LM anterior instability. Intrarater and inter-rater reliability was assessed for rater scoring of presence of pathology on MRI. Predictive ability of each imaging finding with at least good (ICC 0.6 or above) reliability was also evaluated based on documented intraoperative findings.

Results:
Fifty-five preoperative MRIs of arthroscopically treated LM tears were reviewed. Median age was 15 years (range 6 to 20), and 21 patients (38.2%) were female. Twenty-seven patients (49.1%) had a discoid meniscus. LM AI was present on arthroscopy for 25 knees (45.45%), and among these, 21 had discoid morphology. Interrater reliability was substantial for phantom sign (ICC 0.71, 97.5% CI: 0.55-0.82), posterior displacement (ICC 0.71, 97.5% CI: 0.55-0.82), and posterior “megahorn” (ICC 0.76, 97.5% CI: 0.62-0.85). On predictive analysis, phantom signs were 98% sensitive and 76.7% specific for LM AI. Posterior displacement and posterior megahorn were specific for AI (both 93.34%), though with limited sensitivity (32% and 28.6%, respectively).

Conclusions:
Phantom sign is a reliable and sensitive MRI finding for anterior instability, even in the absence of frank displacement on preoperative MRI. A positive finding should prompt a thorough arthroscopic evaluation of the anterior horn of the LM.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—case control study.
Additive manufacturing of degradable magnesium alloys and their application in orthopedic implants
Authors: Wang Hanbo , Qiang Lei , Mi Xuelian , Wang Tianchang , Xu Xiang 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Recently, with the continuous research on magnesium alloy materials, the production and processing technology of magnesium alloys are continuously improved, bringing in their improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Therefore, magnesium alloys have once again become one of the research hotspots of orthopedic degradable materials. Meanwhile, the biocompatibility and biosafety properties of magnesium alloys were considered. The magnesium ions generated after the magnesium alloy is degraded in the body, will participate in the human body's metabolism, regulate bone metabolism activities, and contribute to the synthesis of new bone. Some research studied that magnesium ions can regulate the metabolic function of the human body through multiple signaling pathways, and in vitro cells, and experiments have proved this point of view. Therefore, magnesium alloys are expected to become a promising material in orthopedic treatment, due to their good biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical properties. In this review, we provide an overview of the degradable magnesium alloys and some key surface treatments and additive manufacturing of these materials to promote their application in orthopedic implants.
Consequences of Violating Conditions of Counting Statistics Are Not Severe when Measuring Radon Progeny Concentrations with the Thomas and Kusnetz Methods
Authors: Jenkins Phillip H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
When analyzing samples of radon progeny using the Thomas or Kusnetz methods, we violate one of the conditions of counting statistics because we use counting times that are not short compared with the half-lives of the radionuclides. The result is that we overestimate the uncertainties of the counts if we use counting statistics without correction. In this work, I describe the method by which I adjusted the values of variance of the counts theoretically to values that are more accurate and calculated the amounts by which I overestimate the values of counting uncertainty by using counting statistics without correction. These values are surprisingly small: 4–5% for the Thomas method and 2–3% for the Kusnetz method. Now, I can correct uncertainty values of radon progeny measurements if it is appropriate to do so. The detailed calculations I present here may be used for determining corrections to the counting uncertainty for a method for measuring radon progeny concentration using different sampling and/or counting times than those described here. Further, they may be used for any sample, not necessarily radon progeny, that requires a long counting time to acquire a significant number of observed counts.
An Unusual Chorioretinal Manifestation of Relapsing Polychondritis Coexisting with Scleritis: A Case Report
Authors: Akada Masahiro , Muraoka Yuki , Ishihara Kenji , Morooka Satoshi , Hata Masayuki , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
To report an atypical chorioretinal manifestation concomitant with severe scleritis in a patient diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis.

Methods:
A 53-year-old male, with a six-month history of recurrent bilateral auricular cartilage inflammation was admitted to our hospital. Clinical and pathological examinations of the auricular cartilage led to the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis.

Results:
Ophthalmological examination revealed a localized elevation in the superonasal quadrant of the left fundus, where the scleritis was more severe than in other regions. B-mode ultrasonography revealed choroidal thickening and subretinal lesions in this area, along with a white retinal lesion identified during the fundus examination. Further investigation using optical coherence tomography (OCT) unveiled subretinal and retinal lesions in the same region, with dispersed cells into the vitreous cavity in a fountain-like pattern. After treatment with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, there was an improvement in scleritis, conjunctivitis, and retinal vasculitis; however, the white retinal lesion progressed to retinal atrophy. Concurrently, a decrease in the number of vitreous cells emanating from the area of fountain-like leakage was noted.

Conclusions:
Retinal manifestations of relapsing polychondritis are underrepresented in the literature. This report presents a unique case of relapsing polychondritis with a localized retinal manifestation observed on OCT imaging, thereby broadening our understanding of the potential localized retinal presentations associated with this disease.
Prognostic factors and treatment responses among patients with gross residual disease in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Chiew Yvonne Ee Wern , Yang Yi-Ting , Chi Shun-Yu , Chan Yi-Chia , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Lim Lay San , Chen Wen-Chieh , Chen Yung-Nien , Wu Shu-Ting , Chou Chen-Kai 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Various postoperative staging systems were developed to assess the outcome of differentiated thyroid cancer from initial risk after surgery to dynamic changing prognosis during follow-up. The objective of our retrospective cohort study was to identify risk factors contributing to macroscopic positive surgical margin (R2 resection) and parameters in discriminating the treatment responses and prognosis among R2 patients.

Methods:
In total, 242 differentiated thyroid cancer patients with extrathyroidal extension who underwent a thyroidectomy at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2013 and July 2018, were included. The patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of gross residual disease (R2). The R2 patients were further classified into two categories according to their treatment response into excellent and nonexcellent groups. The parameters and treatment outcomes were compared between these groups.

Results:
The mean follow-up time was 45.3 months. Two hundred seven (85.5%) patients had either surgery-free or microscopic margins (R0/R1), while 35 (14.5%) had R2 resection. In the R2 group (n = 35), 15 (42.9%) patients achieved an excellent response, while 20 (57.1%) achieved a nonexcellent response. Statistically significant differences were observed in the extent of neck dissection, TSH-Tg level, post-RAI Tg level, nodal status, and recurrence between the two groups. The Kaplan–Meier curves for 5-year local and distant recurrence-free survival of R0/R1 versus R2 patients were 90.0% versus 66.3%, and 98.4% versus 90.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Among the R2 patients, the excellent responders had a higher local recurrence-free survival than nonexcellent responders (93.3% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.008).

Conclusion:
There are significant disparities in recurrence-free survival among R2 patients with different treatment responses. The nodal status of papillary thyroid cancer and thyroglobulin level after thyroidectomy and RAI were factors contributing to difference in their treatment responses.