bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size is not everything: Nuanced effects of female multiple mating and annual litter number on testes size in terrestrial mammals
Authors: van der Marel A. , Warrington M. H. , Waterman J. M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSperm production represents a costly reproductive investment by males. High reproductive competition within the female reproductive tract may select for higher sperm counts or quality resulting in selection for larger testes size. In species where females mate multiply or have more offspring per litter (litter size), or more litters per year (litter rate), male reproductive competition may select for larger relative testes size (i.e., scaled by body mass). Given that different mating systems vary in the alternative forms of reproductive investment available to males, sperm production levels may vary with social system. Here, we examined the relationship between testes size and mating systems, litter size, and litter rate while considering male lifespan and investment in paternal care in 224 terrestrial mammalian species in 15 orders. Relative testes size was larger in species where females mated with multiple males. Furthermore, in species with multiple mating females, species with higher litter rates had larger testes compared to species with fewer litters per year. In contrast, in monogamous species, species that had multiple litters per year had smaller relative testes sizes compared to species with fewer litters per year. Neither longevity nor paternal care influenced testes size. Our results elucidate the effect of female reproductive strategies on relative testes size is nuanced and varies between mating systems. Our findings suggest that the interplay between male reproductive investment and female reproductive investment may be different within similar social mating systems.
The effects of presidential breakdowns on foreign policy in Latin America
Authors: Sposito Italo B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPresidents and their ideologies have long been thought to be important explanatory variables in Latin American foreign policy, but little is known about how presidential breakdowns, a common form of leader change, affect foreign policy. I use a qualitative structured comparison to analyze the effects of nine presidential ousters on their successors’ foreign policies. I focus on cases in which the legitimacy of the process is in a gray zone, when narrative disputes are more likely to emerge. The findings indicate that incumbents politicize foreign policy when they use it to attain public support but accommodate it to congressional interests when they need support of Congress; meanwhile, international peers respond to presidential breakdowns according to their strategic and ideological rather than normative concerns. Even though Latin America is dominated by weak states, domestic politics, especially during crises, play a major role in explaining their foreign policies. Considering the role played by presidents in foreign policymaking, understanding this kind of presidential succession is essential.
Photo‐identification and satellite telemetry connect southern right whales from South Georgia Island (Islas Georgias del Sur) with multiple feeding and calving grounds in the southwest Atlantic
Authors: Kennedy Amy S. , Carroll Emma L. , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Baker C. Scott , Bassoi Manuela , Beretta Nazarena A. , Buss Danielle L. , Calderan Susannah , Cheeseman Ted , Collins Martin A. , Costa‐Urrutia Paula , Ensor Paul , Groch Karina , Leaper Russell , Olson Paula , Passadore Cecilia , Riet‐Sapriza Federico G. , Vermeulen Els , Vilches Florencia , Wood Andrew G. , Jackson Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe sub‐Antarctic waters of South Georgia Island (Islas Georgias del Sur, SG/IG) are a regularly visited feeding ground for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis, SRW) in the southwest Atlantic. Satellite telemetry and photo‐identification records were compared to better understand the role of SG/IG in the SRW migratory network. We present the first insights from SRW satellite‐tracked from the SG/IG feeding ground, habitat use patterns in the Scotia Arc, and movements to Antarctic habitats. Photo‐identification comparisons to calving and feeding areas across the South Atlantic and a review of sightings of cetaceans reported from Bird Island (west of SG/IG) since 1979 illuminate long‐term habitat use patterns in SG/IG. We present the first recorded migratory movement between SG/IG and multiple countries: Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Photo‐identification (1) linked SG/IG to a female SRW with a long‐term sighting history in Brazil, and (2) provided the first match between SG/IG and the western Antarctic Peninsula, suggesting the latter could extend the feeding area for southwest Atlantic SRW. Satellite tracking and opportunistic sightings suggest that shelf and coastal waters west of SG/IG represent an important multi‐season SRW feeding habitat and add to our overall understanding of habitats and ranges occupied by recovering southwest Atlantic SRW.
Gastric plication surgery changes gastrointestinal and metabolic parameters in an obesity‐induced high‐fat diet model
Authors: Machado Mariana Pirani Rocha , Gama Loyane Almeida , Beckmann Ana Paula S. , Pinto Leonardo Antônio , de Miranda José Ricardo de Arruda , Marques Rozemeire Garcia , Américo Madileine Francely 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundObesity treatment includes less invasive procedures such as gastric plication (GP) surgery; however, its effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility parameters are underestimated. We aimed to verify the metabolic and gastrointestinal effects of GP surgery in the rat obesity model.MethodsA high‐fat diet‐induced obesity was used. Animals were allocated to four experimental groups: control sham (n = 6); control GP (n = 10); obese sham (n = 6); and obese GP (n = 10). Nutritional and murinometric parameters, gastric motility, glucose tolerance, histopathology, fat depots, leptin, and lipoproteins levels were evaluated 30 days after surgery. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by post Tukey or Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test.Key ResultsGastric plication decreased leptin levels, feed efficiency, and body weight gain. GP does not improve lipid profile in obese animals and however, ameliorates glucose tolerance in control and obese rats. GP did not improve the gastric emptying time or normalize the frequency of contractions disturbed by obesity. Surgery provides a remodeling process in the mucosa and muscularis mucosa layers, evidenced by leukocyte infiltration mainly in the mucosa layer.Conclusions & InferencesOur study revealed the influence of the gastrointestinal tract on obesity is underestimated with pieces of evidence pointing out its important role as a target for surgical treatment.
Characterisation of the normal human ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer using widefield optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tong Janelle , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Kugelman Jason , Phu Jack , Khuu Sieu K. , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeTo describe variations in ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in a healthy cohort from widefield optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans.MethodsWidefield OCT scans spanning 55° × 45° were acquired from 470 healthy eyes. The GCIPL was automatically segmented using deep learning methods. Thickness measurements were extracted after correction for warpage and retinal tilt. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to discern trends between global GCIPL thickness and age, axial length and sex. To further characterise age‐related change, hierarchical and two‐step cluster algorithms were applied to identify locations sharing similar ageing properties, and rates of change were quantified using regression analyses with data pooled by cluster analysis outcomes.ResultsDeclines in widefield GCIPL thickness with age, increasing axial length and female sex were observed (parameter estimates −0.053, −0.436 and −0.464, p‐values <0.001, <0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Cluster analyses revealed concentric, slightly nasally displaced, horseshoe patterns of age‐related change in the GCIPL, with up to four statistically distinct clusters outside the macula. Linear regression analyses revealed significant ageing decline in GCIPL thickness across all clusters, with faster rates of change observed at central locations when expressed as absolute (slope = −0.19 centrally vs. −0.04 to −0.12 peripherally) and percentage rates of change (slope = −0.001 centrally vs. −0.0005 peripherally).ConclusionsNormative variations in GCIPL thickness from widefield OCT with age, axial length and sex were noted, highlighting factors worth considering in further developments. Widefield OCT has promising potential to facilitate quantitative detection of abnormal GCIPL outside standard fields of view.
Neurodevelopment and physical measurements in infants with birthweight of 500 grams or less
Authors: Itoshima Ryo , Oda Arata , Ogawa Ryo , Yanagisawa Toshimitsu , Hiroma Takehiko , Nakamura Tomohiko 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn infants born weighing ≤500 g, little has been studied about the association between neurodevelopmental prognosis and growth. This study aimed to evaluate the association between neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and z‐scores of physical measurements in infants born weighing ≤500 g.MethodsA single‐center, retrospective cohort study in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit in Japan. Infants born weighing ≤500 g between 2010 and 2019 were eligible. Z‐scores in weight, length/height, and head circumference at birth, due date (or discharge), 6 and 18 months of corrected age, and 3 years of age were compared between infants with and without NDI at 3 years of age. Three infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia were excluded from the comparison analyses. NDI was defined as having a developmental quotient of ≤70, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, or hearing impairment.ResultsOf 22 eligible infants, the incidence of NDI at 3 years of age was 54.5%. The z‐score was significantly smaller in the NDI group (n = 10) than that in the non‐NDI group (n = 9) in head circumference at birth (median, −1.94 vs. −0.75; Z = 0.54; p = 0.020), and in height at 18 months of corrected age (median, −2.84 vs. −1.79; Z = 0.58; p = 0.013) and 3 years of age (median, −2.02 vs. −1.21; Z = 0.47; p = 0.046).ConclusionsNDI at 3 years of age was associated with a small head circumference z‐score at birth, height at 18 months of corrected age, and height at 3 years of age in infants born weighing ≤500 g.
Factors affecting guardians' decision‐making regarding the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine
Authors: Korematsu Seigo , Mine Mahito , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Hara Tomokuni , Oyama Shoichi , Tanaka Shuhou , Kobayashi Noriaki , Kawano Yutaka , Suganuma Eisuke , Furuichi Mihoko , Momoki Toshiro , Minakuchi Junichi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, the vaccination rate against the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine for children was low. Therefore, in this study we investigated the factors influencing guardians' decision‐making regarding vaccination of their children.MethodsFrom November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, pediatric clinics, departments, and midwifery clinics in Saitama Prefecture requested guardians of children under the age of 15 to complete an online questionnaire.ResultsResponses were obtained from 894 guardians of children aged 6 months to 15 years; 142 had had one of their children vaccinated at least once and 629 had not had any of their children vaccinated. Among guardians who had not had any of their children vaccinated, “the Age of children” was significantly younger (p < 0.001) and “Prevalence” (p < 0.001), “Free vaccination” (p < 0.001), and “Intentions of national and local governments” (p = 0.005) were selected as reasons significantly less frequently in comparison to guardians who had vaccinated their children. “Japanese adverse reactions” (p < 0.001), “Japanese effectiveness” (p < 0.001), “Adverse reactions” (p < 0.001), “History of adverse reactions” (p < 0.001), and “Reputation of friends” (p = 0.006) were selected significantly more frequently by guardians who had not had any of their children vaccinated.ConclusionsGuardians who had had one of their children vaccinated at least once emphasized the importance of prevalence and free vaccination. On the other hand, guardians who had not had any of their children vaccinated placed particular importance on adverse reactions and the Japanese data on effectiveness. To guide the decision‐making of guardians, it is necessary to quickly collect and publish data on adverse reactions and effectiveness, particularly in Japanese individuals, so that citizens can decide whether to vaccinate themselves and their children.
Identification of compounds produced by male hairpencil glands of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea and their role in male autodetection and female mate acceptance
Authors: Mullegama S. R. , Hillier N. K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeliothine moths represent some of the world's most important agricultural pest species. Helicoverpa zea (Corn Earworm) and Heliothis virescens (Tobacco Budworm) cause billions in damage and control costs worldwide each year. Given their economic importance, sex pheromones of many species have been studied for the development of management techniques such as trapping for population monitoring. The majority of pheromones identified and studied to date have been female‐produced sex pheromones. Less emphasis has been placed on male sex pheromones, associated with abdominal hairpencil structures that often function in courtship or to attract females. The present study examines the composition, detection and behavioural role of male H. zea hairpencil compounds in male autodetection and in courtship. Comparative examination of the hairpencil effluvia of H. zea and H. virescens did not reveal distinct differences in pheromone blend composition produced by males of these species. Electrophysiological testing demonstrated broad antennal neuron response in both males and females of H. zea to nine key stimuli, with sexual dimorphism present in each species. Behavioural assays suggested that odours released by male hairpencils are important in mate acceptance by female H. zea and may play a role in mate choice and species isolation. Wind tunnel observations indicated that key H. zea hairpencil odours (hexadecanyl acetate and octadecanyl acetate) also function in mate competition, antagonising responses of downwind conspecific males following a synthetic female sex pheromone plume. This finding provides insight regarding male–male detection and response to hairpencil compounds in H. zea.
Systematic analysis of Prx genes in the Brachypodium genus and their expression pattern under abiotic constraints
Authors: Farjallah A. , Boubakri H. , Barhoumi F. , Brahmi R. , Gandour M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are ubiquitous peroxidases required for the removal of excess free radicals produced under stress conditions.

Peroxiredoxin genes (Prx) in the Brachypodium genus were identified using bioinformatics tools and their expression profiles were determined under abiotic stress using RT‐qPCR.

The promoter regions of Prx genes contain several cis‐acting elements related to stress response. In silico expression analysis showed that B. distachyon Prx genes (BdPrx) are tissue specific. RT‐qPCR analysis revealed their differential expression when exposed to salt or PEG‐induced dehydration stress. In addition, the upregulation of BdPrx genes was accompanied by accumulation of H2O2. Exogenous application of H2O2 induced expression of almost all BdPrx genes. The identified molecular interaction network indicated that Prx proteins may contribute to abiotic stress tolerance by regulating key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis.

Overall, our findings suggest the potential role of Prx genes in abiotic stress tolerance and lay the foundation for future functional analyses aiming to engineer genetically improved cereal lines.
Support structures for a plural economy in rural areas? Analysing the role of community‐based social enterprises
Authors: Olmedo Lucas , Rinne‐Koski Katja Marika , O'Shaughnessy Mary , Matilainen Anne , Lähdesmäki Merja 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCommunity‐led innovative solutions, including community‐based social enterprises, have been brought to the fore as significant actors with the potential to contribute to neo‐endogenous rural development. Through 34 interviews with stakeholders of four community‐based social enterprises operating in rural Ireland and Finland, we analyse the role of these organisations in the institutionalisation of plural (socio‐)economic relations within different rural areas of Europe. Our findings demonstrate how community‐based social enterprises can act as enablers and supporters of local markets, channels of redistributive resources and coordinators of local reciprocity, thus, contributing to ‘institutional thickness’ within their localities. We also show how structural differences, such as the role of local government in Finland and Ireland, can partially explain the role of these organisations as rural development actors. Finally, our article stresses the relevance of developing research and policies from a socially embedded and pluralistic view of the economy to provide nuanced analysis and realistic solutions to the complex challenges that rural areas face.
Testing the large genome constraint hypothesis in tropical rhizomatous herbs: life strategies, plant traits and habitat preferences in gingers
Authors: Záveská E. , Šída O. , Leong‐Škorničková J. , Chumová Z. , Trávníček P. , Newman M. F. , Poulsen A. D. , Böhmová A. , Chudáčková H. , Fér T. 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYPlant species with large genomes tend to be excluded from climatically more extreme environments with a shorter growing season. Species that occupy such environments are assumed to be under natural selection for more rapid growth and smaller genome size (GS). However, evidence for this is available only for temperate organisms. Here, we study the evolution of GS in two subfamilies of the tropical family Zingiberaceae to find out whether species with larger genomes are confined to environments where the vegetative season is longer. We tested our hypothesis on 337 ginger species from regions with contrasting climates by correlating their GS with an array of plant traits and environmental variables. We revealed 16‐fold variation in GS which was tightly related to shoot seasonality. Negative correlations of GS with latitude, temperature and precipitation emerged in the subfamily Zingiberoidae, demonstrating that species with larger GS are excluded from areas with a shorter growing season. In the subfamily Alpinioideae, GS turned out to be correlated with the type of stem and light requirements and its members cope with seasonality mainly by adaptation to shady and moist habitats. The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models suggested that evolution in regions with humid climates favoured larger GS than in drier regions. Our results indicate that climate seasonality exerts an upper constraint on GS not only in temperate regions but also in the tropics, unless species with large genomes find alternative ways to escape from that constraint.
Labour‐saving automation: A direct measure of occupational exposure
Authors: Montobbio Fabio , Staccioli Jacopo , Virgillito Maria Enrica , Vivarelli Marco 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article represents one of the first attempts at building a direct measure of occupational exposure to robotic labour‐saving technologies. After identifying robotic and labour‐saving robotic patents, the underlying 4‐digit CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) code definitions, together with O*NET (Occupational Information Network) task descriptions, are employed to detect functions and operations which are more directed to substituting the labour input and their exposure to labour‐saving automation. This measure allows us to obtain fine‐grained information on tasks and occupations according to their text similarity ranking. Occupational exposure by wage and employment dynamics in the United States is then studied, and complemented by investigating industry and geographical penetration rates.
Clinical efficacy and patients’ perception of virtual reality during wound care in adults: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Mazaheri Masood , Crooijmans Raoul F. , Vereen Maya , Corten Eveline M. L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study was aimed to review Virtual Reality's (VR) impact on pain, anxiety, opioid usage, physiological and behavioural responses, and patients’ experience during wound care (WC) in adults. We searched multiple databases (Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar) from inception until January 27th, 2023. Included studies compared VR alone or as an adjunct to standard WC with standard WC or other distraction methods, in adults with burn or non‐burn‐related wounds. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomised parallel‐group and crossover trials. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting. Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion. The meta‐analysis was limited to studies comprising solely of adult participants. VR reduced pain intensity compared to standard WC in all study designs. Despite not being included in the meta‐analysis due to reasons such as mixed population or lack of sufficient statistical data, other studies showed significant pain reduction using VR. Additionally, VR improved patients' experience of WC. No clear effect was found on other outcomes including anxiety, opioid usage and physiological and behavioural responses. VR shows promise in reducing acute pain and enhancing patients' experience of WC. The observed variations in the effects of VR at group and individual levels indicate the need for a personalised treatment plan by selecting the right VR for the right patient given at the right time.