bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of the partial sequences of the env and tax BLV genes reveals the presence of genotypes 1 and 3 in dairy herds of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Úsuga-Monroy Cristina , Díaz F. J. , González-Herrera Luis Gabriel , Echeverry-Zuluaga José Julián , López-Herrera Albeiro 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that primarily infects dairy cows. Although few studies have also used the tax gene, phylogenetic studies of BLV use mostly the env gene. The aim of this work was to establish the circulating genotypes of BLV in specialized dairy cattle from Antioquia, Colombia. Twenty blood samples from Holstein Friesian cows were collected, and their DNA was isolated. A PCR was performed for a partial region of the env and tax genes. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods for both genes. Nineteen sequences were identified as genotype 1 by env and tax genes. Only one sequence was clustered with genotype 3 and had the highest proportion of different nucleotide sites compared to other strains. Four amino acid substitutions in the 134 amino acid residue fragment of the Env protein were identified in the Colombian sequences, and three new amino acid substitutions were reported in the 296 amino acid residue fragment of the Tax protein. R43K (Z finger), A185T (Activation domain), and L105F changes were identified in the genotype 3 sample. This genotype has been reported in the United States, Japan, Korea, and Mexico, but so far, not in Colombia. The country has a high rate of imported live animals, semen, and embryos, especially from the United States. Although it is necessary to evaluate samples from other regions of the country, the current results indicate the presence of two BLV genotypes in specialized dairy herds.
Genetic variants of MTHFR gene in relation to folic acid levels and bone mineral density in Polish patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ratajczak-Pawłowska Alicja E. , Hryhorowicz Szymon , Szymczak-Tomczak Aleksandra , Wysocka Ewa , Michalak Michał , Kaczmarek-Ryś Marta , Lis-Tanaś Emilia , Bielawska Lena , Pławski Andrzej , Słomski Ryszard , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLower bone mineral density (BMD) constitutes a common issue in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies often explore the association between BMD and folic acid level. The presented study aimed to evaluate the impact of MTHFR gene polymorphism and folic acid levels on BMD in patients with IBDs: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The study group comprised IBD patients and a healthy control group. BMD, T-score, and Z-score of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck (FN) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Folic acid level was determined using direct chemiluminescence, and the MTHFR 677C > T (rs1801133) and 1298A > C (rs1801131) genotyping were performed by HRMA. Our study found no significant differences in the folic acid levels between the groups. Patients with CD and UC presented a lower BMD, T-score, and Z-score of the FN and L1-L4 than the CG. UC patients who were homozygotes AA in loci c.1298A>C presented lower than controls lumbar spine L1-L4 BMD and T-score values. Regarding MTHFR 677 polymorphism, we found that IBD patients carrying CC genotype demonstrated lower than controls femoral neck Z-score, lumbar spine L1-L4 BMD, T-score and Z-score. MTHFR polymorphisms were found to have no impact on folic acid concentrations. IBD patients presented a higher risk of low BMD than the healthy controls, regardless of MTHFR 677 and 1298 genotypes. However, MTHFR polymorphism may influence on bone in IBD patients. Nevertheless, it appears essential to conduct further studies.
Performance evaluation of microbial fuel cell fabricated using green nano-graphene oxide as coating anode material
Authors: Mohamed Afaf Abdel Razik , Ali Ali El-Dissouky , Hassouna Mohamed Salah El-Din , Elhusseiny Amel F. , Kashyout Abd El-Hady B. , He Zhen , Moustafa Hanan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was fabricated and optimized for electricity generation. Titanium wire, graphite rod, and carbon cloth supported on stainless steel mesh were the best current collector, anode, and cathode electrode materials, respectively. To enhance the efficacy of the system, carbon-based materials in nano-scale (nanocarbonized materials) were prepared from pomegranate peel waste at different hydrothermal temperatures (300, 500, and 700 oC), and were used as anode coating material. The synthesized coating materials were characterized using EDX, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, fluorescence, UV, and XPS analyses. Data showed that nanocarbonized material prepared at 500 oC exhibited high surface area (682 m2/g), high pore size (122 nm), and indicated the presence of graphene oxide (GO) structure. The electrochemical behavior of MFC was monitored by cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. Results revealed that the anode coated with GO provided high MFC performance with a maximum voltage of around 1000 mV, and a maximum current of 0.1 mA, corresponding to a maximum power density of 12.46 W/m2, which is 2.85-fold higher than that of a cell with a free graphite plate as an anode. Furthermore, the large charge transfer resistance and the low diffusive resistance observed upon coating the anode demonstrated the anode is functioning as a capacitor. The reported results proposed graphene oxide prepared from pomegranate peels as a novel coating anode material prepared from waste sustaining the idea of green curricular economy
Towards a grammar of plant stress: modular signalling conveys meaning
Authors: Nick Peter 
Published: October 2023

AbstractStress resilience is central for plant survival. The appropriate adaptive response not only depends on the type of stress, but also on the context with other stresses, the developmental state of the plant, and the history of preceding stress experiences. The response to stress combinations cannot be a mere addition of the responses to the individual factors. For instance, heat stress requires stomatal opening to cool the leaf by increased transpiration, while drought stress needs stomatal closure to reduce water loss by transpiration. However, heat and drought are often coming in concert, such that the plant needs to reach a prioritised decision. Thus, the response to stress combinations constitutes a new quality transcending the addition of individual stress components. In other words: to survive under combined stress, plants need to render real decisions. We propose a model, where different stress inputs share one or more transducing elements, that can be recruited for different downstream pathways. Competition for these shared elements allows for such qualitative decisions, depending on the relative activities in upstream signalling of the individual stress components. Using different types of osmotic stress as paradigm I demonstrates, how signal modularity and differences in temporal sequence can generate qualitatively different outputs. Thus, plant-stress signalling makes use of a limited set of molecular players to generate, by specific rules for their combination and sequence, different “meanings”. This can be compared to human language, where information-bearing elements (words) are combined according to grammatical rules to generate a semantic space. (249 words)
Innovate to Resist: Are Innovators Shielded from External Shocks?
Authors: Iandolo Stefano , Ferragina Anna Maria 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEconomic shocks are often difficult to predict, as they are independent of the will of the economic agents affected and, therefore, exogenous to their choices. However, the effects of such shocks when they occur impact on national economies, business performance, and employment of individuals, thus shaking countries’ economies, and often with long-lasting effects. Although it is difficult to predict their occurrence, it is possible to withstand the consequences of exogenous shocks and be more resilient should they occur. Investing in order to be at the frontier of innovation is one of the tools that economies can adopt to protect their agents, thus defending them from the downturns that can result from unexpected economic events. In this paper, we study whether being more innovative does protect Italian provinces from the negative effects of exogenous shocks, with a focus on employment levels. The object of the analysis is, more specifically, the role of the innovation stock in protecting provinces’ employment levels from trade and economic shocks. The analysis, conducted in the period 2000–2018, examines the effect of trade shock on Italian provinces’ employment levels, and the role of the innovation stock in preserving those levels. Our results confirm that innovative provinces are more protected from external trade and economic shocks, with this effect being evident in both Southern and Northern regions, and despite the level of internationalization of provinces.
Unveiling the Real Madrid effect: the impact of football-related acrimony on elections
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Ercolano Salvatore 
Published: October 2023

AbstractContributing to the literature on so-called irrelevant events, this article aims to investigate the existence of a relation between football results and voters’ behaviour. There are indeed reasons to believe that football-related acrimony could influence electoral behaviour. More precisely, does the rank of a rival team and the distance between it and local teams influence the behaviour of the electorate? Spain seems to be the perfect case for study of this relationship, since the presence of football teams representing both local (comunidad) and central authorities (the Spanish Crown) allows us to study the effect of an important cleavage: the centre-periphery. This means that sport disputes may be reflected in voting preferences for ethno-regionalist parties. Following this reasoning, the better Real Madrid (the team representing the Crown) performs, and the closer the local team is to it (and thus actually competing), the stronger local supporters’ sense of acrimony and desire for payback will be. By means of a quantitative approach, using data on election results and Spanish Liga rankings, our analysis confirms the existence of a negative correlation between Real Madrid’s ranking and distance from local teams, and the share of votes in ethno-regionalist parties.
Between precarity and professionalism: the effect of uncertainty on adult educators’ participation in continuing education
Authors: Werner Karoline , Martin Andreas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractContinuous participation in further education activities is considered to be a driving factor for the professionalism of adult educators. However, especially in this field, the decision to participate is often embedded in a context of disadvantageous socio-economic living conditions and atypical employment, which is described as precarious in research on continuing education. For this reason, we are studying the influence of precarious employment on the participation of adult educators. In doing so, we focus on the uncertainty in planning one’s professional career, which is typical of precarious life situations. Based on a modification of the classical theory of subjective expected utility, we formulate the assumption that uncertainty in the evaluation of one’s own career development opportunities reduces participation in continuing education. To test our hypothesis, we use data from the wb-personalmonitor and estimate linear and logistic regressions using an inverse-probability-weighted regression-adjustment. The results show that uncertainty reduces the number of continuing education courses attended.
The impact of using natural waste biopolymer cement on the properties of traditional/fibrous concrete
Authors: Yehia Sameh , Ibrahim Arafa M. , Ahmed Doaa F. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe naturally occurring wastes contain a large number of active groups. In this study, shrimp shell wastes were modified chemically to form chitosan. When mixing concrete with a natural polymer the result revealed a synergistic impact on the characteristics and functionality of the concrete structure. The formed chitosan was characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Five concrete mixes were designed to achieve the study objective. For certain concrete mixes, admixtures such as a natural polymer (chitosan), and chemical (superplasticizer) were added with 0.05% by weight of the cement content. Those admixtures were added to study their behavior on the characteristics of the concrete mixes, and then compare test results with control concrete mixes. Also, the purpose of the experiment was expanded to study the impact of adding the admixtures to fibrous concrete, as this fibrous concrete faces interlocking due to steel fiber's presence in the fresh concrete mixture. The results indicated that concrete-embedded chitosan exhibited significant enhancement in the mechanical properties. Further, the surface shape of concrete was characterized by the presence of chitosan crystallites which spread and filled the spaces in the chitosan structure. Also, it’s noted that chitosan can delay the rate of cement hydration to a small value, which may help in hot weathering concrete.
Anticonvulsant effects of isopimpinellin and its interactions with classic antiseizure medications and borneol in the mouse tonic–clonic seizure model: an isobolographic transformation
Authors: Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Bojar Hubert , Jankiewicz Katarzyna , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena , Chmielewski Jarosław , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Overwhelming evidence indicates that some naturally occurring coumarins and terpenes are widely used in folk medicine due to their various therapeutic effects affecting the brain. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the principal treatment option for epilepsy patients, although some novel strategies based on naturally occurring substances are intensively investigated. This study was aimed at determining the influence of isopimpinellin (ISOP—a coumarin) when administered either separately or in combination with borneol (BOR—a monoterpenoid), on the antiseizure potencies of four classic ASMs (carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), phenobarbital (PB), and valproate (VPA)) in the mouse model of maximal electroshock-induced (MES) tonic–clonic seizures.

Materials
Tonic–clonic seizures were evoked experimentally in mice after systemic (ip) administration of the respective doses of ISOP, BOR, and classic ASMs. Interactions for two-drug (ISOP + a classic ASM) and three-drug (ISOP + BOR + a classic ASM) mixtures were assessed isobolographically in the mouse MES model.

Results
ISOP (administered alone) had no impact on the anticonvulsant potencies of four classic ASMs. Due to the isobolographic transformation of data, the combination of ISOP + VPA exerted an antagonistic interaction, whereas the two-drug mixtures of ISOP + CBZ, ISOP + PHT, and ISOP + PB produced additive interactions in the mouse MES model. The three-drug combinations of ISOP + BOR with CBZ and PHT produced additive interactions, while the three-drug combinations of ISOP + BOR with PB and VPA exerted synergistic interactions in the mouse MES model.

Conclusions
The most intriguing interaction was that for ISOP + VPA, for which the addition of BOR evoked a transition from antagonism to synergy in the mouse MES model.
Towards a social constructionist, criticalist, Foucauldian-informed qualitative research approach: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Phillips Matthew J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, I delve into the application of a social constructionist, critical, and Foucauldian approach, and shed light on the complexities and nuances that arise when studying human behaviour and societal dynamics. While social constructionism offers valuable insights into how social action is constructed within everyday interactions in political and socio-cultural contexts, it also prompts further inquiries that extend beyond its epistemological scope. To address these broader questions, I propose a threefold approach that combines a critical perspective, a Foucauldian methodology, and social constructionism. By incorporating these complementary lenses, researchers can more effectively explore the intricate relationship between participant meaning and power imbalances within society. Additionally, this approach allows for an examination of how specific ways of being and doing become privileged as truth, while alternative perspectives and experiences are marginalised or excluded. The article serves as a theoretical foundation for understanding social constructionism, critical psychology, and Foucauldian methodology. It offers readers a comprehensive guide and a set of reflective tools to enhance their qualitative research practices. By considering the complexities of social legitimacy, critique, power imbalances, and the construction of truth, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the phenomena they investigate. Ultimately, this multifaceted approach contributes to a more nuanced and insightful analysis of social phenomena and facilitates a more inclusive exploration of diverse perspectives and versions of reality.
Similarity and the coordination of ownership
Authors: Grüning David J. , Krueger Joachim I. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We discuss and expand Boyer's idea of ownership coordination. Interpersonal similarity, we suggest, can moderate the attainment of coordination: Perceived similarity predicts coordination costs, whereas actual similarity dictates coordination success and the severity of illusory assumptions regarding a shared understanding of ownership. The example of similarity highlights the complexity of the social projection process uncritically assumed behind ownership coordination.
The recursive nature of ownership intuitions
Authors: Shechter Anat , Gilead Michael , Bereby-Meyer Yoella 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The proposed model overlooks the self-referential and self-perpetuating nature of ownership intuitions. Human knowledge is primarily formed through social interaction within power dynamics. Accordingly, we suggest that legitimate ownership of one object can influence perceptions of legitimate ownership of another object. Ultimately, we argue that ownership intuitions are not independent but embedded in a self-referential system that perpetuates inequality.
The symptom burden and the assessment of palliative symptoms in patients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal cancer: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Sønderup Tarp Maja , Rosenberg Jacob 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesPatients with metastatic upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer may experience a large physical symptom burden. However, less is known about existential, social, and psychological symptoms. To provide the patient with palliative care, quality-of-life questionnaires are used for structured needs assessment. These are sporadically implemented, and there seems to be uncertainty to the efficiency of current practice. The aim of study was to explore the experienced assessment-process and treatment of palliative symptoms, as well as the experienced symptom burden, in patients with metastatic upper GI cancer.MethodsQualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 10 patients with metastatic upper GI cancer. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsThe patients did not expect treatment for all physical symptoms. Existential symptoms revolved around death and dying, social issues were mainly related to family, and psychological issues were based in the continuous dealing with serious illness. Existential, social, and psychological symptoms were mostly not considered part of the expected care when admitted to hospital. Patients had only vague recollections of their experiences with structured needs assessment, and the process had been inconsequential in the treatment of symptoms.Significance of resultsPatients with upper GI cancer experience symptoms related to all 4 areas of palliative care being physical, existential, social, and psychological, but these are differentiated in the way patients perceive their origins and treatability. Structured needs assessment was not routinely carried out, and in cases where this had been done, no follow-up was effectuated. This calls for increased focus and proper implementation for the process to be relevant in the treatment of palliative symptoms.
Qualitative analysis of expressions used in the end-of-life discussions and their associated factors
Authors: Abe Akiko , Takeuchi Mari , Kobayashi Masato , Kohno Takashi , Mimura Masaru , Fujisawa Daisuke 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesDiscussing end-of-life (EOL) issues with patients remains challenging for health professionals. Physicians may use various expressions, including euphemistic ones, when disclosing the prognosis to their patients to reduce their psychological impact. However, the actual expressions of EOL disclosure in clinical practice are unclear. This study aims to investigate the expressions used in EOL disclosures and explore their associated factors.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted enrolling all the patients who died in a university-affiliated hospital. Expressions used in the EOL disclosure were qualitatively analyzed. The patients’ participation rate and length from the discussion to death were investigated.ResultsEOL disclosures were observed in 341 of 358 patients. The expressions used by the physicians were categorized into 4 groups; Group 1: Clear presentation of life expectancy (n = 106; 31.1%), Group 2: Euphemistic presentation of life expectancy (n = 24; 7.0%), Group 3: Presentation of risk of sudden death (n = 147; 43.1%), Group 4: No mention on life expectancy (n = 64; 18.8%). The proportion of male patients was higher in Group 2 (79%) and lower in Group 4 (56%). Patients with cancer accounted for approximately 70% of Groups 1 and 4, but only approximately 30% of Group 3. The patient participation rate was highest in Group4 (84.4%), followed by Group 2 (50.0%). The median time from EOL disclosure to death was longer in Groups 1 and 4 (26 and 29.5 days, respectively), compared to Groups 2 and 3 (18.5 and 16 days, respectively).Significance of resultsA variety of expressions are used in EOL disclosure. Patterns of communication are influenced by patients’ gender and type of illness (cancer or noncancer). Euphemisms do not seem to facilitate timely disclosure of life expectancy or patient participation. For health professionals, not only devising the expressions to alleviate their patients’ distress when breaking bad news but also considering the communication process and patient background are essential.