bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric local adaptation to host plants (Cirsium spp.) by the phytophagous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna niponica and its implications
Authors: Nakasone Daiki , Matsubayashi Kei W. , Fujiyama Naoyuki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDivergent host specialization by phytophagous insects is often detected as local adaptation and is thought to have played an important role in their diversification even within an ecological specialist. The phytophagous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna niponica Lewis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) predominantly depends on thistles (Cirsium spp., Asteraceae). The distribution of H. niponica occupies multiple areas dominated by different thistle species. This implies the possibility of the occurrence of host‐associated divergent specialization of H. niponica. In this study, we investigated the pattern of host‐use ability of three allopatric H. niponica populations (Aomori, Iwate, and Yamagata) on three thistle species – Cirsium alpicola Nakai, Cirsium nipponicum (Maxim.) Makino, and Cirsium tonense Nakai – under laboratory conditions. The results displayed asymmetric local adaptation by the beetles. The adults and larvae of the Aomori population showed sufficient acceptance and performance on C. nipponicum and C. tonense, the hosts of the Iwate and Yamagata populations, respectively. On the other hand, the Iwate and Yamagata populations fed small amounts of and performed poorly on C. alpicola, the host of the Aomori population. In contrast, the adults from all the populations clearly preferred feeding on C. nipponicum or C. tonense to C. alpicola. We concluded that the small but significant population differentiation and asymmetric local adaptation by beetles to congeneric host plant species could be a sign of the earliest stage of population divergence by divergent natural selection, given that these divergences will act as ‘immigrant inviability’ and ‘habitat isolation’ at least asymmetrically when these populations come into contact.
Antagonistic interactions between native fungi of Minnesota and the root rot pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare
Authors: Otto Eric C. , Blanchette Robert A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe forest pathogen, Heterobasidion irregulare, is a serious threat to conifers in North America including Minnesota. Fungi native to Minnesota were isolated and tested in laboratory and field assays to evaluate their antagonism towards H. irregulare. One management strategy for plant pathogens, and especially H. irregulare, is to use fungi as biological control agents. A successful biological control agent used to manage root rot disease caused by H. irregulare is the fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea. The goal of this research was to screen different native fungi, including P. gigantea, against H. irregulare and examine and quantify their interactions in vitro and ex vitro. A set of four different antagonism assays were conducted. These assays served as a screening process involving both the laboratory and the field. Interactions were first examined with dual inoculation studies on media and wood discs of red pine (Pinus resinosa). These assays demonstrated strong inhibition and limited growth of H. irregulare by select fungi, including Phanerochaete livescens and P. gigantea. Another assay involved using soil microcosms and wood wedges of red pine. This allowed for a different examination, as wood wedges were inoculated with a candidate antagonistic fungus and placed in soil microcosms with H. irregulare. The opposite interaction was also examined with wedges inoculated with H. irregulare and then placed in soil microcosms containing different candidate fungi. In the field, large wood discs were placed around stumps and inoculated with candidate fungi in a red pine plantation infected with H. irregulare. Certain fungi performed well in different assays, but across all assays, P. gigantea performed the best. The antagonism of P. gigantea was most noticeable on wood discs and wood wedges used in vitro, as H. irregulare was not able to be reisolated from these substrates. Overall, these results provide more information on the fungi that appear to be acting as antagonists in forests to prevent H. irregulare from colonizing and provide new information on potential candidate fungi that could be used as a new biological control agent.
Assessment of an online open‐book examination in postgraduate dentistry
Authors: Millar Brian , Hussain Fariha 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the impact of changing from in‐person written assessments to open‐book online assessments and assess grade inflation, student preferences and potential cheating.Materials and MethodsData from the Master of Clinical Dentistry in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics (MClinDent FRP) postgraduate programme in dentistry was analysed. A comparison was made between the results from 3 years of traditional format written examinations (2017–2019) and the same examinations in an open‐book online format over 2 years (2020 and 2021).ResultsA comparison of assignment grades (all in open‐book online format) over the 5 years 2017–2021 showed no significant difference in mean grades, suggesting the academic ability of each cohort was similar. The examination results increased by 2.5% (2020) and 1.9% (2021) compared with the equivalent data from 2017 to 2019. This shows modest grade inflation, which was highly significant (t 4.73, df 937, p < .00001) due to the change in format but suggests that no widespread collusion was taking place to raise the grades. Student feedback strongly endorsed the open‐book online format and was of the opinion that it was less stressful.ConclusionsThe move to open‐book examinations was supported by student feedback, and the comparison of results, while showing an expected grade inflation, did not provide evidence that cheating was taking place through enhanced examination grades.
Fashion as embodied resistance: The case of Jewish ultraorthodox female entrepreneurs
Authors: Wasserman Varda , Baikovich Avital 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDrawing on the qualitative research of Jewish ultraorthodox female fashion entrepreneurs (JUFFE) in Israel, we examine how women's body regulations are collectively negotiated, challenged, and resisted. Our paper shows that, through the disruption of religious clothing and hairstyling, JUFFEs have challenged the patriarchal expectations of women's ideal type in their authoritative society and triggered various changes that allowed for the construction of alternative forms of femininity. Our contributions are twofold: First, we advance the understanding of the body as a site of resistance by exposing the analytical constituents of embodied resistance, namely, the forms of femininity constructed through embodied resistance, which demands are challenged, which types of modesty are resisted, which bodily means are used in women's resistance acts, and the implications of the resistance. By deepening our understanding of the constitutive resources of embodied resistance, we offer a more nuanced and detailed analysis of the various embodied ways and means through which women of religious communities may prompt changes regarding women's visibility and economic status. Second, we broaden the conceptualization of resistance's outcomes in authoritarian regimes by demonstrating how alternative religious femininities are constructed through the collective power of fashion. We present two manifestations of femininity: femininity as a marker of diversity (individualized femininity) and femininity as a marker of economic status (affluent femininity)—both deviate from the one prescribed by their leadership and community. We demonstrate how entrepreneurs' subversive messages are diffused through their clientele's bodies as the carriers of their subversive messages.
Experience of primary care nurses applying nurse‐led management of patients with acute minor illnesses
Authors: Vara‐Ortiz María Ángeles , Marcos‐Alonso Susana , Fabrellas‐Padrés Núria 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to determine the experience of primary health care nurses regarding the application of nurse‐led management in patients with acute minor illnesses.BackgroundNursing leadership of care for acute minor illnesses is a new challenge faced by nurses in Spain.DesignQualitative, hermeneutical, interpretive phenomenological approach is used. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines were applied.MethodsTwenty primary care nurses participated; three focus group discussions and nine semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2019 and October 2020. All the focus group discussions and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.ResultsSeven main themes emerged from the focus group discussions and interviews: concept, perception of the other actors, practice, history and social context, competencies, training, and legality.ConclusionThe study shows the diversity and complexity of nurses' experience when applying nurse‐led management in acute minor illnesses. This work has helped to show the gaps perceived by nurses, including the lack of training in the treatment of conditions historically attended by physicians, the lack of definition of the legal framework and the limitations on nurse prescribing. It also highlighted the power of the nursing profession in terms of autonomy, competencies and role expansion.
Evolution of advanced practice nursing in acute care in Germany: A cross‐sectional study of nurses’ scope of practice
Authors: von der Lühe Verena , Roos Marcelina , Adams Anne , Scholten Nadine , Köpke Sascha , Dichter Martin Nikolaus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimTo describe activities and professional characteristics of nurses in expanded roles in acute care in Germany and achieve a greater understanding of the current situation of advanced practice nursing.BackgroundAdvanced practice nursing plays an important role in meeting increased demands in healthcare and promoting high‐quality care.IntroductionIn Germany, advanced practice nursing is still at an early stage with a lack of studies describing the scope of practice of nurses in expanded roles.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional‐study using a paper‐and‐pencil questionnaire. In a nationwide convenience sample, we surveyed nurses with an academic degree, who work in an acute care hospital and take over expanded roles in direct patient care. Reporting followed the STROBE checklist.ResultsOf 108 eligible nurses, 84 (77%) completed the survey. The majority had a Master's degree (63.1%) and the average work experience was 18.2 years. Participants carried out activities in all the domains that were queried (direct clinical practice, guidance and coaching, consultation, leadership and research) with differences within and between domains. Foci were on direct clinical practice and coaching and guidance.DiscussionIn Germany, qualifications are nearing the international standard of advanced practice nursing. Results suggest that participants partly undertake activities within the scope of registered nurses' practice that do not correspond fully to their formal qualifications.Conclusion and implications for nursing and/or health policyIn order to foster the role development of expanded practice nurses in Germany, political efforts are needed in terms of training (e.g. specific Master's programmes), funding of corresponding positions in practice and control mechanisms (e.g. professional registration).
Extracellular vesicle features are associated with COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Caponnetto Federica , De Martino Maria , Stefanizzi Daniele , Del Sal Riccardo , Manini Ivana , Kharrat Feras , D'Aurizio Federica , Fabris Martina , Visentini Daniela , Poz Donatella , Sozio Emanuela , Tascini Carlo , Cesselli Daniela , Isola Miriam , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Curcio Francesco 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCOVID‐19 is heterogeneous; therefore, it is crucial to identify early biomarkers for adverse outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are involved in the pathophysiology of COVID‐19 and have both negative and positive effects. The objective of this study was to identify the potential role of EV in the prognostic stratification of COVID‐19 patients. A total of 146 patients with severe or critical COVID‐19 were enrolled. Demographic and comorbidity characteristics were collected, together with routine haematology, blood chemistry and lymphocyte subpopulation data. Flow cytometric characterization of the dimensional and antigenic properties of COVID‐19 patients' plasma EVs was conducted. Elastic net logistic regression with cross‐validation was employed to identify the best model for classifying critically ill patients. Features of smaller EVs (i.e. the fraction of EVs smaller than 200 nm expressing either cluster of differentiation [CD] 31, CD 140b or CD 42b), albuminemia and the percentage of monocytes expressing human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA‐DR) were associated with a better outcome. Conversely, the proportion of larger EVs expressing N‐cadherin, CD 34, CD 56, CD31 or CD 45, interleukin 6, red cell width distribution (RDW), N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), age, procalcitonin, Charlson Comorbidity Index and pro‐adrenomedullin were associated with disease severity. Therefore, the simultaneous assessment of EV dimensions and their antigenic properties complements laboratory workup and helps in patient stratification.
Non‐invasive in vivo measurements of metabolic alterations in the type 2 diabetic brain by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Wang Wen‐Tung , Kim Bhumsoo , Hur Junguk , Robbins David C. , Jang Dae‐Gyu , Savelieff Masha G. , Feldman Eva L. , Lee Phil 
Published: November 2023

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia because of insulin resistance. Diabetes with chronic hyperglycemia may alter brain metabolism, including brain glucose and neurotransmitter levels; however, detailed, longitudinal studies of metabolic alterations in T2D are lacking. To shed insight, here, we characterized the consequences of poorly controlled hyperglycemia on neurochemical profiles that reflect metabolic alterations of the brain in both humans and animal models of T2D. Using in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we quantified 12 metabolites cross‐sectionally in T2D patients and 20 metabolites longitudinally in T2D db/db mice versus db+ controls. We found significantly elevated brain glucose (91%, p < 0.001), taurine (22%, p = 0.02), glucose+taurine (56%, p < 0.001), myo‐inositol (12%, p = 0.02), and choline‐containing compounds (10%, p = 0.01) in T2D patients versus age‐ and sex‐matched controls, findings consistent with measures in T2D db/db versus control db+ littermates. In mice, hippocampal and striatal neurochemical alterations in brain glucose, ascorbate, creatine, phosphocreatine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, glutamate, glutamine, glutathione, glycerophosphoryl‐choline, lactate, myo‐inositol, and taurine persisted in db/db mice with chronic disease progression from 16 to 48 weeks of age, which were distinct from control db+ mice. Overall, our study demonstrates the utility of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a non‐invasive tool for characterizing and monitoring brain metabolic changes with T2D progression.image
Axillary arch (of Langer): A large‐scale dissection and simulation study based on unembalmed cadavers of body donors
Authors: Weninger Jeremias T. , Pruidze Paata , Didava Giorgi , Rossmann Tobias , Geyer Stefan H. , Meng Stefan , Weninger Wolfgang J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConnective or muscular tissue crossing the axilla is named axillary arch (of Langer). It is known to complicate axillary surgery and to compress nerves and vessels transiting from the axilla to the arm. Our study aims at systematically researching the frequency, insertions, tissue composition and dimension of axillary arches in a large cohort of individuals with regard to gender and bilaterality. In addition, it aims at evaluating the ability of axillary arches to cause compression of the axillary neurovascular bundle. Four hundred axillae from 200 unembalmed and previously unharmed cadavers were investigated by careful anatomical dissection. Identified axillary arches were examined for tissue composition and insertion. Length, width and thickness were measured. The relation of the axillary arch and the neurovascular axillary bundle was recorded after passive arm movements. Twenty‐seven axillae of 18 cadavers featured axillary arches. Macroscopically, 15 solely comprised muscular tissue, six connective tissue and six both. Their average length was 79.56 mm, width 7.44 mm and thickness 2.30 mm. One to three distinct insertions were observed. After passive abduction and external rotation of the arm, 17 arches (63%) touched the neurovascular axillary bundle. According to our results, 9% of the Central European population feature an axillary arch. Approximately 50% of it bilaterally. A total of 40.74% of the arches have a thickness of 3 mm or more and 63% bear the potential of touching or compressing the neuromuscular axillary bundle upon arm movement.
Perceived social status, socioeconomic status, and preventive dental utilization among a low‐income Medicaid adult population
Authors: Sukalski Jennifer M. C. , Askelson Natoshia M. , Reynolds Julie C. , Damiano Peter C. , Shi Wei , Xie Xian Jin , McKernan Susan C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesPerceived Social Status (PSS) is a measure of cumulative socioeconomic circumstances that takes perceived self‐control into account. It is hypothesized to better capture social class compared to socioeconomic status (SES) measures (i.e., education, occupation, and income). This study examined the association between PSS and dental utilization, comparing the strength of associations between dental utilization and PSS and SES measures among a low‐income adult Medicaid population.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered to a random sample of low‐income adults in Iowa, United States with Medicaid dental insurance (N = 18,000) in the spring of 2018. Respondents were asked about PSS, dental utilization, and demographics. A set of multivariable logistic regression models examined the relative effects of PSS and SES measures on dental utilization, controlling for age, sex, health literacy, whether the respondent was aware they had dental insurance, transportation, and perceived need of dental care.ResultsThe adjusted response rate was 25%, with a final sample size of 2252. Mean PSS (range 1–10) was 5.3 (SD 1.9). PSS was significantly associated with dental utilization (OR = 1.11; CI = 1.05, 1.18) when adjusting for control variables, whereas other SES measures—education, employment, and income—were not.ConclusionsPSS demonstrated a small positive association with dental utilization. Results support the relative importance of PSS, in addition to SES measures, as PSS may capture aspects of social class that SES measures do not. Results suggest the need for future research to consider the effects of PSS on oral health outcomes and behaviors.
The impact of single‐dose trazodone administration on plasma endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs
Authors: Brown Morgan , Lee‐Fowler Tekla , Behrend Ellen N. , Grobman Megan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundConditions affecting the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis are common in dogs. Testing the function of the HPA axis includes measurement of endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (eACTH) and performance of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Trazodone is commonly administered to dogs to decrease stress. In humans, trazodone significantly decreases plasma cortisol concentration via alpha‐1 adrenergic activity.ObjectivesDetermine the influence of trazodone on eACTH and serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs.AnimalsFourteen healthy, adult, companion dogs.MethodsProspective, randomized placebo‐controlled study. Trazodone (8‐10 mg/kg) or placebo was administered PO 1 hour before eACTH measurement and ACTH stimulation testing. After a ≥7‐day wash‐out period, dogs received the opposite treatment. Differences in eACTH, pre‐ and post‐ACTH stimulation cortisol concentrations, and delta (difference between pre‐ and post‐ACTH) cortisol concentrations were analyzed using a paired t or signed‐rank test with a P < .05 significance level.ResultsThe eACTH concentrations were not significantly different (P = .23) between treatments. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the pre‐ACTH cortisol concentrations between treatments (P = .40). Post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations (P = .05) and delta cortisol concentrations (P = .04) were significantly lower when the dogs were treated with trazodone.ConclusionsPreliminary data suggest trazodone administration dampens the adrenocortical response to stimulation in healthy dogs. If similar effects are found in dogs with adrenal disease, the use of trazodone may affect diagnosis and clinical decision making in these populations.
Onychoscopic characteristics of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitalis fungal infections: A multicentric study
Authors: Starace Michela , Milan Elisa , Summa Giovanni , Alessandrini Aurora Maria , Sechi Andrea , Iorizzo Matilde , Di Chiacchio Nilton Gioia , Di Chiacchio Nilton , Piraccini Bianca Maria 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundTrichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes variant interdigitalis are the most frequent etiologic agents of onychomycosis. Diagnosis of certainty requires mycological examination, which often results unfeasible.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to describe pathogen specific dermoscopic features, allowing a differential diagnosis without the need for cultural examination, in order to prescribe the most appropriate treatment anyway.Patients and methodsWe conducted an observational retrospective study on 54 patients with a culture proven diagnosis of distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail, caused by Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes variant interdigitalis. Using a videodermatoscope we collected data on nail colour (white, yellow, orange, brown, dark) and on dermoscopic patterns (aurora, spikes, jagged, ruin, linear edge, dots, striae).ResultsFifty‐four patients, with a total of 72 nails, were eligible for this study. Analysing the association between discoloration of the nail plate and type of infection (T. rubrum or T. interdigitalis), no correlation turned out to be statistically significant. Instead, significant associations between spikes and T. rubrum infection and striae and infection from T. interdigitalis were identified. Finally, a 100% specificity was identified for white colour and ruin pattern for T. rubrum infection, and brown colour, jagged border and aurora pattern for T. interdigitalis.ConclusionsTrying to find relationships between specific pathogens and dermoscopic patterns, we found out an association between spikes and striae and T. rubrum and T. interdigitalis respectively. Further larger studies are however necessary to evaluate our preliminary findings.