bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orange ornamentation increases sex-specific conspicuousness of juvenile males to conspecifics and predators
Authors: Agan Jaina , Macedonia Joseph M , Grindstaff Jennifer L , Fox Stanley F 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Many animal species have evolved striking colour patterns that attract the opposite sex and intimidate rivals. Although conspicuous coloration is usually restricted to adults in the context of reproduction, this is not always the case. Juvenile collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris) are sexually dichromatic, wherein males exhibit ‘dorsolateral bars’ that are bright orange and showy, whereas females are light tan and inconspicuous. Given that adult male collared lizards suffer increased predation because of bright adult coloration, we hypothesized that juvenile males might also be more detectable to predators owing to the conspicuousness of their dorsolateral bars. To test this hypothesis, we measured the reflectance of the dorsolateral bars, non-bar background body regions, and the rocky habitat in which the lizards live. We modelled the vision of our study species and its dominant predators to quantify and compare statistically the contrasts of male and female dorsolateral bars against the natural rock background. We also calculated lizard survivorship over a 4 year study period. We found that male orange bars exhibited significantly higher chromatic contrast, but significantly lower achromatic contrast, than female bars when perceived through all visual models. However, the dorsolateral background colour of juvenile males and females did not differ significantly in chromatic or achromatic contrast from rocks in any visual model. Female lizards survived better than male lizards to the yearling (reproductive) stage. Our findings indicate that juvenile male bars are conspicuous both to conspecifics and to predators and that the bars probably increase predation on juvenile males.
Exponential family measurement error models for single-cell CRISPR screens
Authors: Barry Timothy , Roeder Kathryn , Katsevich Eugene 
Published: April 2024

Summary
CRISPR genome engineering and single-cell RNA sequencing have accelerated biological discovery. Single-cell CRISPR screens unite these two technologies, linking genetic perturbations in individual cells to changes in gene expression and illuminating regulatory networks underlying diseases. Despite their promise, single-cell CRISPR screens present considerable statistical challenges. We demonstrate through theoretical and real data analyses that a standard method for estimation and inference in single-cell CRISPR screens—“thresholded regression”—exhibits attenuation bias and a bias-variance tradeoff as a function of an intrinsic, challenging-to-select tuning parameter. To overcome these difficulties, we introduce GLM-EIV (“GLM-based errors-in-variables”), a new method for single-cell CRISPR screen analysis. GLM-EIV extends the classical errors-in-variables model to responses and noisy predictors that are exponential family-distributed and potentially impacted by the same set of confounding variables. We develop a computational infrastructure to deploy GLM-EIV across hundreds of processors on clouds (e.g. Microsoft Azure) and high-performance clusters. Leveraging this infrastructure, we apply GLM-EIV to analyze two recent, large-scale, single-cell CRISPR screen datasets, yielding several new insights.
Molecular variation and phylogeography within European Isothecium alopecuroides and Pseudisothecium myosuroides (Bryophyta, Lembophyllaceae)
Authors: Draper Isabel , Hedenäs Lars 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Earlier studies on Isothecium s.l. suggested potential interchange of genetic material between species that are nowadays known to belong to separate genera. In this study, we analyse the variation in three molecular markers (nuclear gpd; mitochondrial nad5; and plastid trnG) in a wide selection of Isothecium alopecuroides and Pseudisothecium myosuroides specimens to infer whether this potential exchange of genetic material is frequent. In addition, we explore the phylogeographic structure of these two species in Europe. Our results seem to show repeated genetic interchange for the nuclear and mitochondrial markers in both species, suggesting intergeneric hybridization, although horizontal gene transfer and/or incomplete lineage sorting could also explain the detected incongruences. The genetic lineages found indicate a complex biogeographical history for I. alopecuroides, including both post-glacial immigration from different glacial refugia and developing haplotypes potentially adapted to cold climates. As for P. myosuroides, genetic variants could either indicate a post-glacial immigration history or adaptation to oceanic conditions. Further studies including a larger set of more variable molecular markers could help to reach final conclusions on the results here presented.
An integrated framework for assessing renewable-energy supply chains using multicriteria decision-making: a study on Bangladesh
Authors: Azad A M Almas Shahriyar , Oishi Zarin Tasnim , Haque Md Ariful , Das Pronob , Udoy Sabbir Ahmed , Bhuiya Khaled Mohammad Shifullah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The depletion in non-renewable energy sources and a fast-growing population in Bangladesh are exacerbating the already existing energy scarcity, highlighting the need for an efficient and robust renewable-energy supply chain. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the most optimized renewable-energy supply chain based on natural resource availability and government policies of Bangladesh. In the present study, four renewable energy resources, including solar, biomass, wind and hydropower, are studied and nine subcriteria are defined under four primary criteria for each supply chain. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) are multicriteria decision-making approaches used in this study to compare and choose the best renewable-energy supply chain. The relative significance of four supply-chain criteria for primary renewable energy in this study, namely energy procurement, production, operations and maintenance costs, and social and environmental impact, is gathered via a survey. The results of this research, supported by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, indicate that hydropower is the best renewable-energy supply chain, followed by wind as a compromise solution, biomass and solar. The study also demonstrates that no energy source can satisfy all supply-chain criteria alone; each resource is better for a specific criterion—solar is better for procurement, hydropower is significant for production and wind is remarkable for operations and social impact. Therefore, to maximize output, renewable energy sources must be integrated. From Bangladesh’s perspective, for the first time, by using TOPSIS and VIKOR together, this study offers significant insights to establish an efficient and sustainable renewable-energy supply chain for practitioners, academics and policymakers.
Assessment of energy consumption, environmental effects and fuel costs of the bus rapid transit system in Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Pérez Jhon Jairo , Correa Luis Hernando , Østergaard Poul Alberg , Cabrera Pedro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Colombia aims to boost the utilization of mass transportation systems in its major cities while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, in alignment with the commitments of the COP21 agreement. In 2020, the transport sector in Colombia accounted for 34.4% of the country’s energy demand and was responsible for ~49% of its total CO2 emissions. This article presents an assessment of energy consumption, environmental effects and the fuel costs of Bogotá’s bus rapid transit system based on the Activity, Share, Intensity, Fuel methodology. A long-term analysis spanning from 2021 to 2040 was developed using the long-range energy alternatives planning platform. To conduct this assessment, the tool was calibrated using data from 2019 and 2020. Four distinct scenarios based on energy policies implemented in Bogotá were examined: Business as Usual, Fast Transition, High Growth and Low Growth. Regarding energy consumption and environmental effects, the results underscore the pivotal role of diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as oil. Consequently, the analysis emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate the transition to alternative energy sources such as natural gas and electricity.
Genetic analysis of different subtypes of aseptic pustulosis in the Chinese population
Authors: Chen Jing , Xue Xiaotong , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aseptic pustulosis involves inflammatory skin conditions with nonbacterial pustules on erythema, accompanied by neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in the epidermis. Dysregulation of the interleukin (IL)-36 pathway leads to neutrophil aggregation and pustule formation. Variants in IL36RN, CARD14, AP1S3, MPO, SERPINA3 and BTN3A3 have been identified in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in the past. Some patients with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH), palmoplantar pustulosis and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) also exhibit mutations in IL36RN, CARD14 and AP1S3, albeit with regional and population-specific variations. This study aims to explore a shared genetic foundation among those with aseptic pustulosis. We performed Sanger sequencing on six genes in 126 patients with aseptic pustulosis. Genetic analysis identified IL36RN variants strongly associated with ACH, AGEP and subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD). Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated inflammatory cytokines in all subtypes. This study establishes a significant association between IL36RN variants and ACH, AGEP and SPD, emphasizing the IL-1/IL-36–chemokine–neutrophil axis as a common pathogenic mechanism. Targeting this axis holds promise for therapeutic interventions for aseptic pustulosis.
Compatibility of transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator and vagus nerve stimulation device: a case report
Authors: Thaitirarot Chokanan , Sze Shirley , Hodson Tim , Pathmanathan Ravi , Dhutia Harshil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. While VNS co-existence with cardiac pacemakers is considered safe, its interaction with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) remains poorly understood. The concern revolves around the potential for VNS stimulation to interfere with ICD function, potentially resulting in inappropriate therapy or changes in cardiac pacing.

Case summary
We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent VNS device implantation and subsequent transvenous ICD placement for primary prevention post-myocardial infarction. These devices were thoughtfully situated contralaterally, with a minimum 10 cm separation. Comprehensive testing and follow-up demonstrated no interactions during device programming or serial assessments. Simultaneous interrogation of both devices with their respective telemetry wands caused chaotic artefacts in all channels on the ICD, likely due to electromagnetic interference. Importantly, this interference did not affect ICD sensing.

Discussion
The co-existence of VNS and ICD in a patient is an emerging scenario with limited previous reports, yet our findings align with prior cases involving VNS and pacemakers. Emphasizing the need for optimal device separation and meticulous evaluation, particularly at maximum VNS output and ICD sensitivity settings, ensures their safe and feasible co-existence. As the use of VNS alongside cardiac implantable electronic devices becomes more common, a diligent evaluation for potential interactions is imperative. Our case highlights the successful co-existence of VNS and ICD, underscoring the importance of careful monitoring and evaluation to guarantee the safe utilization of these two devices.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair for a patient with double inferior vena cava: case report
Authors: Kato Riku , Hosoba Soh , Kuroda Masayuki , Yasuda Kenichiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
A transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is disseminating gradually as a treatment for primary and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with high surgical risk. In performing TEER, securing a safe access route is crucial. We report a case with a challenging access route due to the presence of a double inferior vena cava (IVC) and the patient’s small body habitus.

Case summary
An 84-year-old female presented with congestive heart failure due to severe MR. Despite receiving optimal medical therapy, her symptoms did not improve significantly. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair was deemed challenging due to her extremely small body habitus [height: 131 cm; body surface area: 1.17 m2] and the presence of double IVC. However, considering her inoperable risk for surgical repair, she underwent TEER after a multidisciplinary heart team discussion. The steering guide catheter (SGC) encountered resistance, but gradual advancement and use of a bougie with a large bore sheath dilator successfully delivered the SGC to the right atrium. Following the TEER, there was a significant improvement in the symptoms.

Discussion
Extremely small venous system in a small patient with double IVC presented a unique technical hurdle. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is potentially feasible even in such a patient by cautiously applying the technique described.
A case report of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension after nivolumab, an IgG4 anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Lei Yuanli , Wang Weijia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary hypertension has been increasingly reported in association with immunotherapy, but generally lacking invasive haemodynamic confirmation in literature. We present the first case of pulmonary arterial hypertension following nivolumab confirmed with invasive haemodynamic measurements.

Case summary
A 65-year-old male with gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma developed progressive dyspnoea with exertion, decreasing exercise tolerance after receiving nivolumab for seven months. He was admitted with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure after syncope at home. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with pre-capillary aetiology with right heart catheterization (RHC): mean pulmonary artery pressure 49 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 7 mmHg, and cardiac index 1.3 L/min/m2. Based on serial echocardiograms, the development of PAH appeared to be associated with nivolumab. The patient died of cardiac arrest 3 days after admission.

Discussion
Progressive unexplained dyspnoea after receiving programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody should prompt clinicians to consider PAH and RHC.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentina
Authors: Barochiner Jessica , Vázquez Fortunato García , Becerra Pedro , Rojas Cristina , Pesenti Ricardo , Mazzei Noemi A , Kalbermatter Arnoldo , Fuentes Analía , Fita Mariana , Márquez Diego , Ruise Mauro , Beaney Thomas , Janssen-Telders Carolina , Poulter Neil R , Marín Marcos J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hypertension continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in the industrialized world, with a high level of unawareness and unacceptably poor control rates. Therefore, the Argentinian Society of Hypertension, in association with the May Measurement Month (MMM) charity, implemented an awareness campaign during May 2021. A voluntary cross-sectional survey was carried out during the month of May 2021 in public spaces and health centres across 29 cities in Argentina. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg based on the mean of the second and third of three BP measurements or in those volunteers on treatment for high BP. Statistical analysis including multiple imputation followed the MMM protocol. A total of 26 070 individuals (average age 53.4 years, 14 816 women and 11 254 men) were evaluated. The age- and sex-standardized mean BP was 125.1/77.6 mmHg. Of all participants, 54.4% had hypertension. Although 79.8% of the hypertensive participants were aware of their condition and 76.9% were on antihypertensive treatment, only 42.5% of all individuals with hypertension had their BP controlled (&lt;140/90 mmHg). Of those on antihypertensive medication, 55.3% were controlled. The low level of hypertension control highlights the critical need for community-based prevention strategies to increase the awareness and control of hypertension, thereby reducing the enormous health burden attributed to this condition.
Native freshwater lake microbial community response to an in situ experimental dilbit spill
Authors: Kharey Gurpreet S , Palace Vince , Whyte Lyle , Greer Charles W 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
With the increase in crude oil transport throughout Canada, the potential for spills into freshwater ecosystems has increased and additional research is needed in these sensitive environments. Large enclosures erected in a lake were used as mesocosms for this controlled experimental dilbit (diluted bitumen) spill under ambient environmental conditions. The microbial response to dilbit, the efficacy of standard remediation protocols on different shoreline types commonly found in Canadian freshwater lakes, including a testing of a shoreline washing agent were all evaluated. We found that the native microbial community did not undergo any significant shifts in composition after exposure to dilbit or the ensuing remediation treatments. Regardless of the treatment, sample type (soil, sediment, or water), or type of associated shoreline, the community remained relatively consistent over a 3-month monitoring period. Following this, metagenomic analysis of polycyclic aromatic and alkane hydrocarbon degradation mechanisms also showed that while many key genes identified in PAH and alkane biodegradation were present, their abundance did not change significantly over the course of the experiment. These results showed that the native microbial community present in a pristine freshwater lake has the prerequisite mechanisms for hydrocarbon degradation in place, and combined with standard remediation practices in use in Canada, has the genetic potential and resilience to potentially undertake bioremediation.
Ectopic colonization by oral bacteria as an emerging theme in health and disease
Authors: Hernández-Cabanyero Carla , Vonaesch Pascale 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The number of research papers published on the involvement of the oral microbiota in systemic diseases has grown exponentially over the last 4 years clearly demonstrating the growing interest in this field. Indeed, accumulating evidence highlights the central role of ectopic colonization by oral bacteria in numerous noncommunicable diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), undernutrition, preterm birth, neurological diseases, liver diseases, lung diseases, heart diseases, or colonic cancer. There is thus much interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to the colonization and maintenance of ectopic oral bacteria. The aim of this review is to summarize and conceptualize the current knowledge about ectopic colonization by oral bacteria, highlight wherever possible the underlying molecular mechanisms and describe its implication in health and disease. The focus lies on the newly discovered molecular mechanisms, showcasing shared pathophysiological mechanisms across different body sites and syndromes and highlighting open questions in the field regarding the pathway from oral microbiota dysbiosis to noncommunicable diseases.
Antibiofilm activity and synergistic effects of DNase I and lysostaphin against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Lin Quan , Sheng Maokun , Tian Yanjun , Li Bing , Kang Zhaodi , Yang Yingying , Xu Zhenbo , Soteyome Thanapop , Guo Liang , Sun Huzhi , Gao Yan , Yu Lingyun , Pan Qiang , Tan Yulong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
In recent years, food safety has become a global public health concern. Microbial contamination is one of the most common food safety issues. Staphylococcus aureus is a common foodborne pathogen that can form biofilms on the surface of food processing equipment, leading to greater resistance to antimicrobial agents than occurs with planktonic bacteria.

Materials and methods
In this work, recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells expressing optimized lysostaphin (Lst) were constructed, recombinant Lst was produced and purified, and Lst enzymatic assays were performed, followed by antimicrobial testing of Lst. Finally, a mixture of Lst and DNase I was tested for antibiofilm activity.

Results
The protein content of purified Lst was 0.6 mg/mL and the enzyme activity was 240 U/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Lst against S. aureus was 0.1 μg/mL. At 1 MIC, Lst exerted an effect on the growth, cell wall integrity and cell membrane permeability of S. aureus.

Conclusions
Although Lst alone also showed good inhibition and disruption of S. aureus biofilms, the inhibition and disruption of S. aureus biofilms were significantly greater when Lst was mixed with DNase I. This is probably because DNase I removes extracellular DNA, affecting biofilm formation and dispersing mature biofilms, and thereby facilitating the penetration of Lst.
Converted wave tomography based on inverse level set and adjoint formulation
Authors: Niño C A , Duarte C , Agudelo W , Sierra D A , Sacchi M D 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARY
Shear wave velocity (Vs) is a fundamental property of elastic media whose estimation from PS converted waves is challenging and requires modelling the boundary where P to S conversion occurs. This paper presents a PS tomography where seismic wave conversion/reflection points correspond to reflectors modelled with the level-set function set to zero [ϕ(x, z) = 0]. The proposed method aims for stable Vs inversion in a seismic acquisition setting using multicomponent receivers. Synthetic models simulating true Vs, Vp and the location of the geological reflector are used in the study. The inversion starts by locating a flat reflector, ϕ(x, z) = 0, which defines the zone Ω1 between the surface and the reflector, where the initial Vs and Vp fields are also set. To calculate the traveltimes of incident PT (P wave that propagates in Ω1 from source to the reflector), converted PS and reflected PP waves, for both observed and modelled data (forward problem), the methodology proposed by Rawlinson and Sambridge is adopted. This method uses the arrival times of the P waves, Tpt, from the seismic source at each reflector point as secondary sources generating the times Tps and Tpp. These times are calculated as a solution to the eikonal equation by using the Fast Marching method. The PS and PP residual times are minimized by updating Vs, Vp and ϕ(x, z) = 0 through adjoint variables designed from a formulation using Lagrange Multipliers in a variational context. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated for models with synclinal, sinusoidal and monoclinal reflector geometries using numerical tests considering the inversion of: (1) ϕ, given the true values of Vs and Vp; (2) ϕ and Vs, given the true value of Vp; (3) ϕ and Vp, given the true value of Vs and (4) the three parameters ϕ, Vs and Vp, simultaneously. Good results are obtained by inverting Vs and ϕ, given the true value of Vp. The simultaneous inversion of the three parameters exhibits promising results, despite the illumination problems caused by the different distribution of the PS, PP and PT time gradients due to the geometry of the reflectors and the acquisition setting (sources–receivers in the same plane). The proposed tomography estimates Vs and reflector positions which could help in statics corrections and improve the lithological characterization of near surface.