bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pastoral grasses and legumes as potential host plants for Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) development
Authors: Adnan Saleh Mohammad , Cattermole Holly , Saligari Kim , Spafford Helen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda author (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous, migratory pest native to the tropical and subtropical region of Americas. Grass crops particularly corn have been most heavily impacted since fall armyworm invaded Australia in 2020. In northern Western Australia, fall armyworm is primarily a problem in dry season (May to October) crops when there are abundant host plants available in monocultures. During the wet season (November to April) it is not known what host plants may support larval growth and development. Accordingly, this present study undertook a no-choice feeding bioassay to assess larval and pupal development on several grasses and legumes that are present over the wet season in northern Western Australia to evaluate their potential as suitable host plants for fall armyworm. Maize (control) and sorghum were the most suitable hosts for fall armyworm development as they supported greater larval and pupal survival, heavier larvae and pupae, and shorter development period. Following maize and sorghum, pastoral grasses, particularly blue grass, and a weedy grass, barnyard grass, had comparable effects on larval and pupal development. Legume pastures (Cavalcade, butterfly pea, and siratro) were unsuitable hosts in this bioassay as very few larvae completed their development to adults. This study demonstrates the potential for rangeland pasture grasses and weedy grasses as wet season host plants for fall armyworm. They provide the necessary green bridge for fall armyworm populations to survive. It is recommended that pastoralists monitor their grass forage for fall armyworm and consider management if significant reductions in biomass are detected.
Observed northward shift of large hailstorms in the eastern United States since 2000
Authors: Leung Jeremy Cheuk-Hin , Liu Jimmy , Huang Hong , Xu Daosheng , Li Weijing , Qian Weihong , Zhang Banglin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Given its high population density and degree of urbanization, the eastern United States (US) is a region vulnerable to the impacts from hailstorms. Small changes in hail activity may indicate large impacts on the potential hail risks faced by the region. While contrasting hailstorm-favorable environmental changes between the northeastern and southeastern US have been documented, the meridional shift of hail activity in the eastern US has not been directly revealed based on observed hailstorm records. Here, using the official hailstorm database, we find a significant northward migration of hail activity (+0.33°N/decade) in the eastern US since 2000, which is mainly contributed by the increasing proportion of large hailstorm events (hail size 0.75–2.0 inch) hitting the northeastin July and August (+0.93°N/decade). The spatially inhomogeneous climatic mean state changes over the past two decades contribute a leading role: the intensified Bermuda High and the weakened upper-level jet stream over the central US tended to moisten (dry) the atmosphere over the northeastern (southeastern) US by enhancing the low-level poleward moisture transport. This not only provides more moisture for hailstorm formation in the northeast but also destabilizes (stabilizes) the atmosphere in the northeast (southeast) under an overall increase in dry instability over the eastern US. These factors together lead to a northward shift of large hailstorms toward the northeastern US, where hailstorms were relatively seldom reported. Incorporating this shift in knowledge may improve contingency and risk management strategies of both the public and private sectors in future climate change.
Ocular and Orbital Manifestations in VEXAS Syndrome
Authors: Abumanhal Muhammad , Leibovitch Igal ,   Michael Zisapel2, Eviatar Tali , Edel Yonatan , Cnaan Ran Ben 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background VEXAS (V- vacuoles, E- E1 enzyme, X- X-linked, A- autoinflammatory, S- somatic) is an adult onset hematoinflammatory disease, resulting from somatic mutation of the E1 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme encoded by the UBA1 gene. It is frequently accompanied by myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The purpose is to describe the ocular and orbital manifestations of VEXAS patients in a case series in our medical center
Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who were diagnosed with VEXAS syndrome in a tertiary medical center over two years.
Results Eight patients were identified with VEXAS. In six patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by genomic sequencing. Two patients, were identified based on their phenotype. All patients were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 78.7 years. In two patients, the ocular manifestation was the presenting symptom for VEXAS. Seven patients (87.5%) had history of MDS. Systemic inflammation manifestations include: skin rash (n=5), recurrent fevers (n=2), relapsing polychondritis (n=2), pleuritis and pleural effusion (n=2), poly arthritis nodosa- PAN (n=1) and thrombophlebitis (n=1). Seven (87%) patients were presented with periorbital edema. Three patients showed orbital inflammation. Dacryoadenitis was observed in two patients, and extraocular muscle (EOM) myositis was detected in two patients. Four patients demonstrated ocular inflammation such as: episcleritis, scleritis and anterior uveitis.
Conclusion ocular manifestations in VEXAS include orbital inflammation, dacryoadenitis, myositis, uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis and periorbital edema. We recommend that in old male patients, with history of hematological disorder, presenting with ocular symptom, VEXAS investigation should be taken into consideration.
Influence of Sample Size, Feature Set, and Algorithm on Cluster Analyses for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Cox David J. , Sosine Jacob 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Researchers conducting cluster analyses on data collected from autistic individuals have identified two-to-seven clusters depending on data used. Given the spectrum nature of autism spectrum disorders, it seems unlikely only a handful of patient types exist. Past findings might be due to: smaller sample sizes, more focused variables used, or clustering algorithm used. In this study, we systematically analyzed clustering results from 48 combinations of four sample sizes (40, 395, 3948, 39475), three sets of clinically relevant variables (7 medical/diagnostic features; 31 behavioral features; 50 total features), and four clustering algorithms (agglomerative hierarchical, BIRCH, DBSCAN, k-means). Clusters identified ranged 2-to-100 with a median of eight and average of 20. Increasing the sample size led to no change in clusters identified (behavioral features), an increase in the number of clusters identified (medical/diagnostic features), or influenced clusters dependent on the algorithm (all features). On average, the greatest number and most well-defined clusters were identified with the medical/diagnostic features (58) and the fewest clusters were identified using behavioral features (6). Lastly, on average, fewer clusters were identified using the BIRCH (18) and DBSCAN (15) algorithms than agglomerative hierarchical (24) and k-means algorithms (25). In total, this study suggests that the patient sample size, specific feature set used, and the algorithm chosen for clustering will influence the number of clusters identified. The “right” number of clusters likely depends on how the information obtained through clustering analyses are practically used in clinical contexts.
Altitudinal distribution of myopia: big data analysis based on biogeographic regions in India
Authors: Cehelyk Eli , Garrigan Hannah , Das Anthony Vipin , Zhang Qiang (Ed) , Prashanthi Gumpili , Verkicharla Pavan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
Considering the potential role of various aspects of light on myopia, we aimed to investigate the altitudinal distribution of myopia based on 10 distinctive biogeographic regions in India.
Methods
This cross-sectional retrospective study involved analysis of refractive error and demographics of 135,927 individuals with myopia aged 11–30 years seen at a large multi-tiered ophthalmology network in India captured through electronic medical records. Using the refractive error of the eye with worse vision in either eye, individuals were classified as having low (-0.5D to -5.75 D), or high myopia (≤ -6.0D). Residential districts were assigned a biogeographical zone using nationally reported boundaries and altitude was determined using Google Earth at the geographic centroid. Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis were performed.
Results
While low myopia was not associated with altitude, a trend of increased risk of high myopia was observed with higher altitudes. Compared to living at an altitude of 0-100m, the odds of having high myopia compared was 0.96 in the 101-250m range (95% CI: 0.93, 0.99), 2.31 times higher for 251-500m (95% CI: 2.21, 2.42), 1.28 times higher for 501-750m (95% CI: 1.25, 1.32), and 1.62 times higher for > 750m (95% CI: 1.30, 2.04).
Conclusions
The smaller proportion of high myopes observed in lower altitudes compared to those living in higher altitudes hints at a possible association of altitude with myopia which needs further exploration.
Enhancing the efficiency of magnetically-driven carbon nitride-based nanocomposites with magnetic nanoflowers for the removal of methylene blue dye at neutral pH
Authors: Rodovalho Fernanda Lopes , Rosa Eliane Vieira , Silva Atailson Oliveira da , Moya Sergio Enrique , Campos Alex Fabiano Cortez , Sousa Marcelo Henrique 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The present survey focuses on the elaboration of magnetic nanocomposites by the in-situ incorporation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) with spherical and nanoflower-like) morphologies in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets using two different synthetic routes. Nanomaterials are characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, zetametry, vibrating sample magnetometry, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The decoration of the carbon nitride matrix with the magnetic NPs enhanced optical and textural properties. The influence of the shape of the magnetic NPs on the adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposites under different pH conditions was assessed from batch tests to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. In extreme pH conditions, the nanocomposites exhibited lower or equivalent MB removal capacity compared to the pure g-C3N4. However, at neutral medium, the nanocomposite with incorporated Fe3O4 nanoflowers showed a significantly higher removal efficiency due to the combination of a high adsorption capacity and a good photocatalytic activity in this pH region. The proposed nanocomposite is a promising alternative to remove cationic dyes from water by magnetic assistance, since no pH adjustment of the polluted effluent is required, reducing costs and environmental impact in the dyeing industry.
Dysregulated fetal heart contraction underlies complex genetics of congenital heart disease
Authors: Shi Hongjun , Luo Xiaoxi , Liu Lifeng , Rong Haowei , Liu Xiangyang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The etiology of most CHD is believed to be multifactorial, potentially involving multiple concurrent genetic mutations. This study employed a large-scale ENU-based forward dominant screen in mice to explore potential novel oligogenic causes of CHD. Through screening 10,000 mice, we identified over 1,000 CHD fetuses, with ventricular septal defects and bicuspid aortic valves being the most prevalent types of defects. Analysis of whole exomes from 720 CHD and 611 control littermates revealed that the CHD group exhibited a significant excess of induced damaging mutations involved in heart contraction and nervous system development. A subsequent gene-based burden test on rare inherited damaging variants from 1457 human CHD probands also revealed enrichment of genes associated with heart contraction and nervous system development. By combining the data from both mice and humans, we proposed a list of oligo gene groups that were found to co-occur in mice and multiple CHD patients but not in control subjects. Our findings shed light on the importance of early hemodynamic perturbations in the developing heart as a previously unrecognized major risk factor for CHD. Further validation and investigation of the identified candidate genes will contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CHD and may offer insights into novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Avalanche-Induced Risk in Alpine Regions
Authors: Ortner Gregor , Michel Adrien , Kropf Chahan M. , Bründl Michael , Bresch David N. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Climate change is a global challenge with serious impacts on human populations. Numerous studies have highlighted the impacts of climate change on natural hazard processes and associated risks for communities. Understanding future hazard and risks is crucial for effective risk management. This study focuses on assessing snow avalanche risks for inhabited areas in the context of climate-induced changes.Using hazard scenarios based on CH2018 climate projections and the RAMMS avalanche model, we generated large-scale hazard indication maps for future avalanche hazards. By employing the open-source probabilistic risk assessment platform CLIMADA, along with building data and vulnerability functions, we estimated risks for the present time and two future time frames: mid-century (2060) and the end of the century (2085). An uncertainty and sensitivity analysis complemented the study to account for potential fluctuations in model assumptions.Our mean-based approach, considering different CH2018 model chains, indicates an overall decline in avalanche risks for the future. This reduction is driven by assumed decreases in snow accumulation, rising snowpack temperatures, and a rising snowline. To cover more extreme developments, we also examined boundary model chains, which suggest that future risks can both increase and decrease, with a general trend of decreasing affected objects towards the end of the century. It is worth noting that some individual objects depending on their location may remain at consistently high avalanche risk despite climate change.This study provides a valuable tool for decision-makers to compare future risk scenarios with the present situation, supporting effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the challenges of climate change. By providing risk maps and identifying potential future risk hot spots, our approach contributes to enhancing community resilience and protecting their assets in a changing climate.
Precision-cut liver slices as an ex vivo model to assess impaired hepatic glucose production
Authors: Bakker Barbara , Kiyuna Ligia Akemi , Krishnamurthy Kishore Alagere , Langelaar-Makkinje Miriam , Gerding Albert , Bos Trijnie , Oosterhuis Dorenda , Overduin Ruben , Schreuder Andrea B. , De Meijer Vincent , Olinga Peter , Derks Terry G.J. , Eunen Karen van , Oosterveer Maaike H. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Fasting hypoglycemia is a severe and incompletely understood symptom of various inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) represent a promising model to study glucose production ex vivo. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of glucose production in human and murine PCLS. We quantified net glucose production rate of PCLS derived in the presence of commonly used gluconeogenic precursors and from fed and fasted mice. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) yielded the highest rate, which was further stimulated by forskolin and dibutyryl-cAMP. Moreover, using 13C isotope tracing, we assessed the contribution of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to net glucose production over time, showing faster incorporation of DHA than glycerol in the gluconeogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of the glucose 6-phosphate transporter SLC37A4 markedly reduced net glucose production and increased lactate secretion and glycogen storage, while glucose production was completely abolished in PCLS from glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia and Ib patients. This indicates that PCLS allow to model the primary clinical symptoms of GSD type I, an inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, this study identifies PCLS as an effective ex vivo model to study hepatic glucose production and opens opportunities for its future application in IEM research and beyond.
Identification and analysis of Verbena bonariensis WRKY transcription factor gene family members
Authors: Yuan Dandan , Cai Ju , Zhang Tao , Wang Sisi , Yang Xiuliu , Li Yan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: The WRKY transcription factor gene family is one of the unique gene families in plants, it plays an important role in response to abiotic stresses such as cold and drought, hormone signal transduction, regulation of biosynthesis, leaf senescence and seed germination etc. However, little information is available about WRKY transcription factors in Verbena bonariensis.
Results: In this study, 70 members of VbWRKY were identified by bioinformatics tool analysis and named VbWRKY1-VbWRKY70. The phylogenetic analysis of the WRKYgene family in Verbena bonariensis and Arabidopsis shows that the WRKY genes in Verbena bonariensis can be divided into three groups: I, II, and III, which contains 13, 47 and 10 members respectivelys. Group II can be further divided into five subclasses: IIa (5), IIb (10), IIc (18), IId (6), and IIe (8). Conservative motif analysis showed that 64 proteins encoded by VbWRKY gene had conserved motifs 1,2 and 3, and the same subclass motif elements were approximately the same. The collinearity analysis showed that there were 44 homologous gene pairs among the VbWRKRs, and these homologous gene pairs may have the same function. Promoter sequence analysis showed that the VbWRKY gene has multiple cis acting elements, including not only cis acting elements related to low temperature and light responses, but also cis acting elements related to hormone regulation, Among them, most VbWRKY genes contain response elements related to low temperature, 30 VbWRKY genes contain low temperature response elements (LTR) , and 61 VbWRKY genes contain abscisic acid response elements (ABRE), indicating that VbWRKYplays a crucial role in plant growth and abiotic stress. According to the expression of VbWRKY in the cold stress transcriptome, 52 VbWRKYsshowed significant differences in expression, and 37 VbWRKY genes were up-regulated under stress
Conclusions: Ultimately, the present study provides a comprehensive analysis of predicted Verbena bonariensis WRKY family genes, which provided a theoretical basis for the study of low temperature resistance and growth and development of Verbena bonariensis.
Chronic disseminated candidiasis in a patient with acute leukemia - an illustrative case and brief review for clinicians.
Authors: Graeter Allison I , Lee Dasom , Handley Guy , Baluch Aliyah , Klinkova Olga 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) is a severe but rarely seen fungal infection presenting in patients with hematologic malignancies after a prolonged duration of neutropenia. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose CDC as standard culture workup is often negative. While tissue biopsy is the gold standard of diagnosis, it is frequently avoided in patients with profound cytopenias and increased bleeding risks. A presumptive diagnosis can be made in patients with recent neutropenia, persistent fevers unresponsive to antibiotics, imaging findings of hypoechoic, non-rim enhancing target-like lesions in the spleen and liver, and mycologic evidence. Here, we describe the case of an 18-year-old woman with relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with re-induction chemotherapy who subsequently developed CDC with multi-organ involvement. The patient was treated with a long course of amphotericin B, micafungin, and splenectomy. The diagnosis, treatment, and common challenges of CDC are outlined here to assist with better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition.
Depressive symptoms and gender differences in the risk of post-COVID-19 persistent symptoms: a prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Lemogne Cédric , Matta Joane , Pignon Baptiste , Robineau Olivier , Carrat Fabrice , Severi Gianluca , Touvier Mathilde , Blanché Hélène , Deleuze Jean-François , Gouraud Clément , Vedrines Charles Ouazana , Pitron Victor , Tebeka Sarah , Ranque Brigitte , Hoertel Nicolas , Kab Sofiane , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Women are unexplainedly more affected than men by post-COVID-19 persistent symptoms. Depressive symptoms may partially explain these gender differences. In the French population-based CONSTANCES cohort, depressive symptoms were measured with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) between April 6 and May 4, 2020. Between December 2020 and January 2021, among 2093 infected participants [mean (SD) age, 43.0 years (11.9); 55.3% women], 453 (21.6%) reported ≥1 new persistent symptom that emerged from March 2020. Accounting for several confounders, women were more likely than men to have ≥1 symptom [OR (95%CI): 1.45 (1.17-1.80)]. Further adjusting for PHQ-9, participants in the highest (versus the lowest) quartile were more likely to have ≥1 symptom [2.97 (2.09-4.23)], while the association with female gender substantially dropped [1.28 (1.02-1.60)]. Depressive symptoms mediated 38.6% of this association. A biopsychosocial model, integrating gender and mental health, is warranted to understand long COVID and inform preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Hybridization of multi-step iterative process with double direction method for solving a system of nonlinear equations and application to motion control
Authors: Waziri Muhammed Yusuf , Bala Naziru Idris , Halilu Abubakar Sani 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article presents a multi-step algorithm for solving a system of nonlinear equations using a double direction approach with application to motion control. In order to offer a useful derivative-free technique, the acceleration parameter is calculated to rougthly approximate the Jacobian matrix. With the aid of an inexact line search approach, the step-length was calculated. In addition, the proposed method is proving to be globally convergent under some appropriate conditions. Numerical experiment for some large-scale benchmark test problems reported in 1 this article shows the efficiency of the suggested methods compared with the current methods in the literature.