bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Groundnut Bud Necrosis Virus (GBNV): A New Record for Mungbean in Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Khalid Pervaiz , Ullah Najeeb , Asghar Muhammad Jawad , Shahid Muhammad 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMungbean is an economically important short‐duration traditional pulse crop in Pakistan. During a routine inspection of mungbean fields in the summer of 2018, unusual disease symptoms reminiscent of Tospovirus were observed for the first time. These symptoms include severe leaf chlorosis, necrosis, plant stunting and death. To identify the causal virus, symptomatic fresh leaves were analysed following RT‐PCR using GBNV‐specific primer pair which resulted in the amplification of ~0.8 kbp fragment specific to CP gene of Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV). A representative amplicon was cloned and sequenced. The analysis of the attained sequence confirmed its high resemblance with GBNV earlier reported from different crops in India. The virus was successfully mechanically inoculated onto the mungbean genotype MH‐21006 which produced similar symptoms as observed under field conditions. Under the present study, based on the visual assessment, 132 mungbean advanced genotypes and approved varieties were also evaluated against GBNV under field conditions. Data showed that 122 genotypes were resistant with percent disease index (PDI) value ranging from 1.3% to 9.9% while 10 were tolerant with PDI value ranging from 10.3% to 14.2%. Present findings confirm the first natural association of GBNV with mungbean in Pakistan.
Nutrient Digestibility in Zoo‐Kept Tapirs (Tapirus spp) as Compared to Other Herbivores
Authors: Clauss Marcus , Lang‐Deuerling Stefanie B. , Baumgartner Katrin , Medici Emilia P. , Janssens Geert P. J. , Kienzle Ellen , Hummel Jürgen 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTapirs are hindgut fermenters with a natural diet dominated by browse, with a certain proportion of wild fruit. By contrast, diets fed to tapirs in zoos are often dominated by domestic fruit and other sources of easily digestible carbohydrates, which have been linked to obesity and various health problems. We aimed at better understanding the digestive physiology of tapirs, measuring the digestive efficiency of 13 lowland (Tapirus terrestris) and five Malayan (Tapirus indicus) tapirs from five zoos on various zoo diets by recording intake and total faecal excretion. Additionally, we aimed at evaluating zoo diets, by assessing relationships between dietary characteristics and data on intake and faeces consistency, and compared the data gained in the zoo study to those of faecal samples of free‐ranging tapirs. Tapirs showed digestive principles reported in other herbivores, such as higher levels of metabolic faecal nitrogen and a lower intake on diets of higher digestibility, or a decrease in digestibility with increasing dietary fibre concentrations. Compared to horses or grazing rhinoceroses, organic matter digestibility in tapirs was more negatively affected by dietary fibre; additionally, tapirs had comparatively low fibre digestibility. This is possibly linked to their comparatively poor chewing efficacy. The readiness to ingest a hay‐only diet was directly proportional to the amount of hay in the usual zoo diet, supporting reports that it may be difficult to achieve high hay intakes in tapirs instantaneously. Faeces consistency was closer to the natural condition with higher proportions of roughage in the diet. Compared to a set of faecal samples from the wild, zoo faeces were generally lower in fibre. This study supports previous suggestions that zoo tapirs could benefit, in terms of mimicking their digestive physiology and feeding behaviour in natural habitats, from diets based on a readily ingested roughage source, especially from browse.
Evaluating Hepatitis B Screening During Pregnancy: A Study on Diagnostic Accuracy and Infection Control in Nigeria
Authors: Ukagebu Chinomso Joel , Alao Jude Oluwapelumi , Bamigboye Favour Oluwadara , Ukaegbu Joel Chimezie , Oladipo Elijah Kolawole 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a critical public health issue in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), particularly among pregnant women in Nigeria. Routine screening using rapid diagnostic kits is common in antenatal care, yet the accuracy of these tests can vary. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalencwe of HBV among pregnant women who had previously undergone screening using rapid diagnostic kits at Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, to assess the effectiveness of initial screening and identify any missed cases. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, involving 263 pregnant women. Blood samples were tested for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb) using ELISA. Sociodemographic data and potential risk factors were also analysed. The study found that 7.6% of women were HBsAg positive, indicating active HBV infection, and 49.6% were susceptible to HBV. There was a significant association between higher education levels and HBV seropositivity. Employment status also correlated with HBV prevalence, with self‐employed women showing higher seroprevalence. Additionally, a history of blood transfusions was linked to higher HBV seropositivity. The findings highlight the limitations of rapid diagnostic kits in detecting HBV and underscore the need for enhanced infection prevention and control measures, including confirmatory testing, robust vaccination programmes and safe delivery practices to reduce HBV transmission in high‐burden regions like Nigeria.
Plasma amino acid profiles of dogs with the hepatocutaneous syndrome and dogs with other chronic liver diseases
Authors: Leela‐arporn Rommaneeya , DeMarle Karah Burns , Heinze Cailin R. , Webster Cynthia R. L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) have marked plasma hypoaminoacidemia, but its occurrence in dogs with chronic liver diseases not associated with HCS (non‐HCS CLD) is unknown.ObjectivesTo determine if plasma hypoaminoacidemia occurs in dogs with non‐HCS CLD, compare plasma amino acid (PAA) profiles between dogs with non‐HCS CLD and HCS, and define a sensitive and specific PAA pattern for diagnosing HCS.AnimalsData were collected from client‐owned dogs, a prospective cohort of 32 with CLD and 1 with HCS, and a retrospective cohort of 7 with HCS.MethodsProspective study. Dogs with chronic serum liver enzyme increases were recruited after hepatic biopsy. Plasma amino acid profiles were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Plasma amino acid concentrations were compared between dogs with non‐HCS CLD and HCS. Regression analysis was performed to identify a unique PAA pattern for HCS diagnosis.ResultsTwelve dogs each with vacuolar hepatopathy or chronic hepatitis and 8 dogs with congenital disorders (primary hypoplasia of the portal vein or ductal plate malformations) were enrolled. Compared to non‐HCS CLD dogs, HCS dogs had significantly lower plasma concentrations of several amino acids. Regression analysis revealed that glutamine, glycine, citrulline, arginine, and proline concentrations less than 30% of the mean reference value had 100% sensitivity, specificity for diagnosing HCS.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGeneralized plasma hypoaminoacidemia does not accompany non‐HCS CLD. Concentrations of 5 specific amino acids less than 30% of the mean reference value can serve as a noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing HCS.
Research Trends on Bats in Morocco: An Overview, Focusing on Gaps and Threats to Species Conservation
Authors: Dbiba Youssef , Dakki Mohamed , El Mouden El Hassan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Moroccan bats are extensively studied in North Africa due to their ecological sensitivity, significant threats and increased field investigations related to wind energy development.

This review updates the list of bat species, identifies key threats and examines research distribution patterns over time, regions, research topics, taxa and endemicity, highlighting gaps and setting future research priorities.

Between 1897 and 2024, around 136 information sources were produced, categorised into five research periods: four lasting about 30 years each and the fifth covering 2020–2024. These researches were analysed based on temporal, regional, topical, taxonomic and endemic trends.

The most recent revision of Moroccan bats identified 29 species. With the addition of two new species and the renaming of one species, the current inventory now includes 31 species across eight families, three of which are endemic.

Research efforts varied over time, with ‘taxonomy and systematics’ being the most studied topic, focusing on classification, evolutionary relationships and species identification. Three genera (Rhinolophus, Myotis and Pipistrellus) appeared in 56% of the studies. Investigations cover progressively a wide geographic range, with a clear preference for Northern regions. However, topics like ‘diseases’ and ‘conservation’ were addressed in less than 10% of articles.

To address major research gaps, we recommend in‐depth studies on bat phenology, parasitology, habitat preferences and migrations. Special attention should be given to the causes of species decline, in both population size and geographical extent, focusing on habitat loss, human disturbances, individuals harvesting and possibly wind farms.

Crucial research needs are identified for 10 prior species: Plecotus gaisleri, Miniopterus maghrebensis, Myotis capaccini, Rhinolophus mehelyi, Rhinolophus euryale, Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis zenatius, Nyctalus lasiopterus, Barbastella barbastellus and Rhinolophus blasii.
New Integrative Vectors Increase Agrobacterium rhizogenes Transformation and Help Characterise Roles for Soybean GmTML Gene Family Members
Authors: Su Huanan , Zhang Mengbai , Grundy Estelle B. , Ferguson Brett J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHairy‐root transformation is widely used to generate transgenic plant roots for genetic functional characterisation studies. However, transformation efficiency can be limited, largely due to the use of binary vectors. Here, we report on the development of novel integrative vectors that significantly increase the transformation efficiency of hairy roots. This includes pHGUS7, for promoter::reporter visualisation studies, and pHOG13, for genetic insertion and overexpression studies. These vectors have been designed to simplify cloning workflows, enhance the selection of positively transformed Agrobacterium colonies, and increase the transformation efficiency and ease of selection of genetically modified hairy roots. To demonstrate the efficacy of the new vectors, Too Much Love (TML) encoding genes acting in the Autoregulation Of Nodulation (AON) pathway of soybeans were investigated. Both constructs provided significantly higher transformation rates than the binary vector control, often resulting in > 70% of the roots being transformed. This was achieved using either whole‐plant seedlings or cotyledonary nodes in tissue culture. Overexpression of each individual TML encoding gene (GmTML1a, GmTML1b and GmTML2) using pHOG13 resulted in a significant reduction in nodule number, demonstrating the role of all three in inhibiting nodule organogenesis. Moreover, reporter‐fusions with the promoter of each TML encoding gene using pHGUS7 revealed that each exhibits a unique pattern of expression in nodules, with GmTML1b displaying considerably stronger expression than GmTML1a or GmTML2. Taken together, these results demonstrate the utility and efficiency of the new pHOG13 and pHGUS7 integrative vectors in hairy‐root transformation, and improve our understanding of the critical TML‐encoding genes in soybean nodulation control.
Enhanced Resistance to Pokkah Boeng Disease in Sugarcane Through Host‐Induced Gene Silencing Targeting FsCYP51 in Fusarium sacchari
Authors: Yin Liuyu , Huang Zhen , Zhou Yuming , Lu Minyan , Zhu Lixiang , Di Ruolin , Duan Zhenzhen , Bao Yixue , Hu Qin , Powell Charles A. , Chen Baoshan , Zhang Jisen , Zhang Muqing , Yao Wei 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPokkah boeng disease (PBD), a common and highly destructive disease of sugarcane, is mainly caused by Fusarium sacchari. Breeding sugarcane resistant to PBD is challenging due to the limited availability of immune or highly resistant germplasm resources. Host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) based on RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising disease‐control method that offers strong disease‐targeting ability with low environmental impact. This study found that silencing either three FsCYP51 genes (FsCYP51A, FsCYP51B and FsCYP51C) simultaneous or two of them (FsCYP51A and FsCYP51C) could inhibit the growth, development, and virulence of F. sacchari. Subsequently, we developed CYP51‐HIGS transgenic sugarcane lines using gene‐gun genetic transformation and obtained seven lines expressing dsFsCYP51. Both the results of laboratory inoculation assays and field trials indicated that all the seven transgenic lines had significant resistance to PBD. Moreover, in the field trials, the yield losses of transgenic sugarcane due to PBD were reduced compared with those of the control. This is the first report using the HIGS strategy to inhibit PBD infection in sugarcane. This breakthrough provides clear guidelines and practical approaches for the future breeding of sugarcane varieties with strong antifungal resistance.
ZmHB53, a Maize Homeodomain‐Leucine Zipper I Transcription Factor Family Gene, Contributes to Abscisic Acid Sensitivity and Confers Seedling Drought Tolerance by Promoting the Activity of ZmPYL4
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Yan Xiaocui , Wang Nan , Zenda Tinashe , Dong Anyi , Zhai Xiuzhen , Yang Qian , Duan Huijun 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPlant‐specific homeodomain‐leucine zipper I (HD‐Zip I) transcription factors (TFs) crucially regulate plant drought tolerance. However, their specific roles in maize (Zea mays L.) regulating drought tolerance remain largely unreported. Here, we screened a maize HD‐Zip I TF family gene, ZmHB53, and clarified its role in drought stress. ZmHB53 overexpression maize plants exhibited sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), tolerant to polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)‐induced stress during germination, along with improved seedling drought resistance. Compared to the wild‐type, ZmHB53 overexpression lines show higher water retention, biomass, and survival rates, and reduced water loss and stomatal size under drought, suggesting ZmHB53′s role in drought adaptation. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐Seq), yeast one hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and dual luciferase showed that ZmHB53 directly bound to and upregulated the expression of ABA receptor ZmPYL4. Meanwhile, transgenic plants overexpressing ZmPYL4 also exhibit ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance. The research results provide novel insights into the regulatory role of ZmHB53 and ZmPYL4 in enhancing maize's drought tolerance, establishing a foundation for future validation and potential application of ZmHB53 in strategies to improve maize resistance to drought.
The Case for “Other”: Measuring Gender and Sexual Identity in Survey Research
Authors: Pao Christina , Donnelly Moran Katie , Compton D′Lane , Kaufman Gayle , Dowling Julie A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAs more people identify outside of binary gender categories and heterosexuality, survey research must adapt to better capture respondents' gender and sexual identities. Making the case for “other,” in this article, we review the history and contemporary measurement of sex/gender and sexuality to show how “other, please specify” options provide more accurate means for collecting data. Drawing from race/ethnicity data collection's long history of employing “other,” we demonstrate what we can learn about gender and sexual identity open‐ended responses. We show that the use of open‐ended responses allows researchers to recognize diversity and complexity in how people identify. Open‐ended responses offer flexibility, adapt to evolving identity language, and are less challenging to use for analyses than often assumed. We conclude by offering practical suggestions: create measures based on research goals; be clear about what one is trying to measure; include a variety of responses to capture as many prevalent identities as possible; and include a text box for people to write in or expand on their answer.
Inhomogeneity of the lacrimal glands is the most important ultrasound finding in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a comprehensive study with 2D-Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Badarinza Maria , Serban Oana , Pelea Michael Andrei , Rosca Roxana , Lenghel Lavinia Manuela , Donci Delia Doris , Fodor Daniela 
Published: January 2025

Aim: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance, interobserver reliability, and practical utility of two lacrimal gland ultrasound (LGUS) scoring systems – LGUS score I, a complex multi-parameter score, and LGUS score II, a simplified single-parameter score – for diagnosing primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The additional role of two-dimensionalshear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in assessing lacrimal gland stiffness was also evaluated.Material and methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 35 pSS patients and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. LGUS score I incorporated four grey-scale ultrasound parameters, while LGUS score II relied solely on glandular homogeneity. Both scoring systems were evaluated for diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement. SWE measurements of lacrimal gland elasticity were also recorded and compared between groups.Results: LGUS score II achieved diagnostic performance comparable to LGUS score I, with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.831 and 0.829, respectively (p=0.961). Sensitivity was higher for LGUS score II (94.29%) than for LGUS score I (85.70%), with both scores demonstrating identical specificity (68.57%). Interobserver agreement was good for LGUS score II (κ=0.707) and moderate for LGUS score I (κ=0.553). SWE measurements showed no significant differences in mean elasticity values between the pSS and control groups (8.78±2.03 kPa vs. 9.27±2.07 kPa, p=0.158).Conclusion: LGUS score II (glandular homogeneity) offers a reliable, time-efficient diagnostic approach for pSS, providing similar accuracy to the more complex LGUS score I with enhanced interobserver reliability, while the potential of 2D-SWE remains limited by methodological inconsistencies and requires further standardization.
Performance on the Concussion Balance Test Is Indicative of Time to Recovery in Athletes Following Sports-Related Concussion: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Quintana Carolina P. , Massingale Shelly , Heebner Nicholas R. , Pardini Jamie , Valovich-McLeod Tamara C. , Olson Anne D. , Stromberg Arnold , Hoch Matthew C. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: Sports-related concussions (SRCs) are commonly occurring injuries among athletic and recreationally active populations. SRCs can result in vestibular dysfunction that should resolve before returning to activity. It has been suggested that vestibular impairment is a factor that may influence recovery time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vestibular function on recovery following SRC. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Multidisciplinary Concussion Clinic. Intervention: A total of 32 patient charts (21 males, 15.34 [1.47] y, 171.29 [8.44] cm, 68.37 [15.47] kg) from patients diagnosed with SRC presenting to a concussion clinic between August of 2016 and July 2017 with clinician-identified vestibular involvement were included. Main Outcome Measures: Scores on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Dynamic Visual Acuity Test, Gaze Stabilization Test, Concussion Balance Test (COBALT), and other clinical data were used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Pearson correlations were used to identify variables related to time to recovery. Variables were entered into a forward linear regression model. Results: Moderate to good relationships were identified between days to recovery and Dynamic Visual Acuity Test lines lost in the leftward direction (1.17 [0.52]; r = .39, P = .04), COBALT-condition 8 sway velocity (1.20 [0.18]; r = .44, P = .01), and days to successful completion of the COBALT (14.72 [8.35]; r = .63, P < .001). Patients’ predicted time to recover was equal to 14.61 (0.86) (days to successful COBALT). The model was significant (P < .001, R2 = .30). Conclusion: The single predictor of time to recover was the number of days to successful completion of the COBALT. Thus, the ability to complete the task may be more informative than the performance on the task in predicting recovery time.
Resting Metabolic Rate and Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Nerrie J. Matthew , Valovich McLeod Tamara C. 
Published: January 2025

Clinical Scenario: Critical appraisal of whole-body metabolism as a measure of concussion recovery is lacking in the available evidence. There has been extensive exploration of options for a gold standard assessment for concussion, including blood biomarkers, electroencephalogram, and neuroimaging, but none have yet to demonstrate good empirical evidence of efficacy. Clinical Question: In patients with sport-related concussion (SRC), can resting metabolic rate (RMR), as measured through indirect calorimetry, be used as a physiologic assessment of recovery? Summary of Key Findings: Three studies demonstrated relevance to the clinical question. Of the selected studies, 2 studies were case–control, and 1 was a case series. All studies observed reduced total energy expenditure and increased energy balance when initially assessed between 24 and 72 hours after injury. Clinical Bottom Line: Evidence exists to suggest that RMR as measured with indirect calorimetry is a poor indicator of SRC recovery. All 3 articles found that RMR was not affected by SRC, even when compared with healthy controls. One article did observe a between sex difference in RMR, but a very small sample size was included in the case series. Strength of Recommendation: The findings of this critically appraised topic suggest a strength of recommendation of grade B, demonstrating that RMR is a poor indicator of recovery from SRC.
The feasibility and effectiveness of telecare consultations in a nurse-led post-acute stroke clinic
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Wang Robbie Mian , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Yuen Bernard Man Kam , Fong Ching Sing , Chan Shun Tim , Kwok Vivian Wai Yan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTelecare may provide an alternative to maintaining post-acute stroke care services in making benefit to both the providers and the stroke survivors, although study is needed to investigate its feasibility and effectiveness in integrating this innovative delivery mode into a routine.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of telecare consultations in a nurse-led post-acute stroke clinic.MethodsA pre- and post-test one group quasi-experimental design was adopted. Subjects were recruited in the clinic and received three secondary stroke care consultations in 3 months via telecare from stroke nurses. Data were collected at pre- and post-intervention. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the two time-points for differences in effectiveness.ResultsNinety-two stroke survivors participated. The drop-out rate was 27%. The majority perceived the programme as time-friendly and cost-saving and as alleviating their health-related worries. At the 3-month follow-up, notable improvements were observed in the activities of daily living and the strength domain of stroke-specific quality of life.ConclusionsIntegrating telecare consultations within nurse-led stroke clinics is a feasible and acceptable strategy for monitoring the health and fostering the self-care abilities of individuals following their discharge from hospital after an acute stroke episode.