bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of white grubs from forestry and sugarcane plantations in South Africa to entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Katumanyane Agil , Slippers Bernard , Wondafrash Mesfin , Malan Antoinette P. , Hurley Brett P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe control of white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) pests of sugarcane and forest plantations is difficult due to their cryptic nature and resistance to chemicals. This study evaluated the potential use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as an alternative control method. Laboratory bioassays were performed with 12 locally isolated EPN species to determine the susceptibility of third instar larvae of the white grubs Schizonycha affinis Boheman, Pegylis sommeri Burmeister, Monochelus sp. and Maladera sp. 4. Concentration trials to determine lethal dosages for three of the white grub species were performed using Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar MJ2C. Bioassays were performed to determine whether nematodes could develop inside the cadavers of S. affinis and P. sommeri as these had shown the lowest susceptibility to EPNs. The mortality percentage of the white grubs, although varying significantly, was found to be low for most of the EPN species, except H. zealandica. The highest percentage mortality of white grubs was observed at four weeks post inoculation with the rate of mortality being highest in the first week. Schizonycha affinis had the lowest LD50 of 38 Infective juveniles (IJs) per larva after 28 days, compared to Maladera sp. 4, with 284 IJs per larva, and P. sommeri, with 1035 IJs per larva. The dissection of insect cadavers revealed possible limiting factors for low susceptibility, due to the nematodes and their associated symbiotic bacteria’s inability to infect the insect haemocoel, with no EPNs being found inside some of the cadavers.
Feeding pressure on meroplankton by the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi
Authors: Schroeder Anna , Camatti Elisa , Pansera Marco , Pallavicini Alberto 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAfter its bloom in the Black and Caspian Sea in the late 1980s and early 90s, there has been an increased interest in understanding the ecology of the invasive zooplanktivorous comb jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi and its potentially severe impacts on the functioning of marine systems. In the last decade, M. leidyi has colonized most of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea, and in 2016 it was recorded in the Venice Lagoon (Malej et al. J Sea Res 124:10–16, 2017). The impact M. leidyi could have on a semi-enclosed ecosystem like the Venice Lagoon is of concern as it is an important nursery and foraging area for several fish species as well as an area of mussel, clam, and crab fishery and aquaculture. Historically, the feeding preference of M. leidyi was determined by morphological identification of gut contents. This is the first study investigating the in-situ gut contents of this species using DNA metabarcoding, which overcomes the limit in identifying partially digested prey. In this study, M. leidyi’s gut contents collected in the Venice Lagoon were evaluated by metabarcoding and compared to the in-situ mesozooplankton community. The results indicate that its blooming period is in the late summer and that it feeds on a variety of prey, mostly coinciding with the zooplankton assemblage. Notably, some groups, like decapod larvae and the slow-swimming larvae of gastropods and bivalves, appear to be favored. Conversely, the relative abundance of copepods was higher in-situ than in the gut contents.
A complex bearing TSPO PIGA ligand coordinated to the [Au(PEt3)]+ pharmacophore is highly cytotoxic against ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Chiaverini Lorenzo , Baglini Emma , Mannelli Michele , Poggetti Valeria , Da Settimo Federico , Taliani Sabrina , Gamberi Tania , Barresi Elisabetta , La Mendola Diego , Marzo Tiziano 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAuranofin ([1-(thio-κS)-β-d-glucopyranose-2,3,4,6-tetraacetato](triethylphosphine)-gold) is a leading gold-based drug clinically used to treat arthritis. In the last years, it entered various drug reprofiling programs, and it has been found promising against various forms of tumor, including ovarian cancer. Evidence showed as its antiproliferative profile mainly depends on the inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), being this mitochondrial system its main target. In this context, we report here the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel complex designed as auranofin analogue obtained through the conjugation of a phenylindolylglyoxylamide ligand (which belongs to the so-called PIGA TSPO ligand family) with the auranofin-derived cationic fragment [Au(PEt3)]+. This complex is characterized by two parts. The phenylindolylglyoxylamide moiety, owing to its high affinity for TSPO (in the low nM range) should drive the compound to target mitochondria, whereas the [Au(PEt3)]+ cation is the actual anticancer-active molecular fragment. Overall, we wanted to offer the proof-of-concept that by coupling PIGA ligands to anticancer gold active moieties, it is possible to preserve and even improve anticancer effects, opening the avenue to a reliable approach for targeted therapy.
A prediction model for distant metastasis after isolated locoregional recurrence of breast cancer
Authors: Murata Takeshi , Yoshida Masayuki , Shiino Sho , Ogawa Ayumi , Watase Chikashi , Satomi Kaishi , Jimbo Kenjiro , Maeshima Akiko , Iwamoto Eriko , Takayama Shin , Suto Akihiko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The impact of progesterone receptor (PR) status on the prognosis of breast cancer after isolated locoregional recurrence (ILRR) remains unclear. This study evaluated the impact of clinicopathologic factors, including PR status of ILRR, on distant metastasis (DM) after ILRR.

Methods
We retrospectively identified 306 patients with ILRR diagnosed at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1993 and 2021 from the database. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to examine factors associated with DM after ILRR. We developed a risk prediction model based on the number of detected risk factors and estimated survival curves using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
During a median follow-up time of 4.7 years after ILRR diagnosis, 86 patients developed DM, and 50 died. Multivariate analysis revealed that seven risk factors were associated with poor distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS): estrogen receptor-positive/PR-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative ILRR, short disease-free interval, recurrence site other than ipsilateral breast, no-resection of ILRR tumor, chemotherapy for the primary tumor, nodal stage in the primary tumor, and no endocrine therapy for ILRR. The predictive model classified patients into 4 groups based on the number of risk factors: low-, intermediate-, high-, and the highest-risk groups with 0 to 1, 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 7 factors, respectively. This revealed significant variation in DMFS among the groups. A higher number of the risk factors was associated with poorer DMFS.

Conclusion
Our prediction model, which considered the ILRR receptor status, may contribute to the development of a treatment strategy for ILRR.
Don’t Shoot the Messenger? A Morality- and Gender-Based Model of Reactions to Negative Workplace Gossip
Authors: Kakarika Maria , Taghavi Shiva , González-Gómez Helena V. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe conducted three studies to examine how the recipients of negative workplace gossip judge the gossip sender’s morality and how they respond behaviorally. Study 1 provided experimental evidence that gossip recipients perceive senders as low in morality, with female recipients rating the sender’s morality more negatively than male recipients. In a follow-up experiment (Study 2), we further found that perceived low morality translates into behavioral responses in the form of career-related sanctions by the recipient on the gossip sender. A critical incident study (Study 3) enhanced the external validity and extended the moderated mediation model by showing that gossip recipients also penalize senders with social exclusion. We discuss the implications for practice and research on negative workplace gossip, gender differences in attributions of morality, and gossip recipients’ behavioral responses.
Effect of Clarithromycin, a Strong CYP3A and P-glycoprotein Inhibitor, on the Pharmacokinetics of Edoxaban in Healthy Volunteers and the Evaluation of the Drug Interaction with Other Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors by a Microdose Cocktail Approach
Authors: Lenard Alexander , Hermann Simon A. , Stoll Felicitas , Burhenne Juergen , Foerster Kathrin I. , Mikus Gerd , Meid Andreas D. , Haefeli Walter E. , Blank Antje 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We assessed the differential effect of clarithromycin, a strong inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, on the pharmacokinetics of a regular dose of edoxaban and on a microdose cocktail of factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI). Concurrently, CYP3A activity was determined with a midazolam microdose.

Methods
In an open-label fixed-sequence trial in 12 healthy volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of a microdosed FXaI cocktail (μ-FXaI; 25 μg apixaban, 50 μg edoxaban, and 25 μg rivaroxaban) and of 60 mg edoxaban before and during clarithromycin (2 x 500 mg/d) dosed to steady-state was evaluated. Plasma concentrations of study drugs were quantified using validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods.

Results
Therapeutic clarithromycin doses increased the exposure of a therapeutic 60 mg dose of edoxaban with a geometric mean ratio (GMR) of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of 1.53 (90 % CI: 1.37–1.70; p < 0.0001). Clarithromycin also increased the GMR (90% CI) of the exposure of microdosed FXaI apixaban to 1.38 (1.26–1.51), edoxaban to 2.03 (1.84–2.24), and rivaroxaban to 1.44 (1.27–1.63). AUC changes observed for the therapeutic edoxaban dose were significantly smaller than those observed with the microdose (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Clarithromycin increases FXaI exposure. However, the magnitude of this drug interaction is not expected to be clinically relevant. The edoxaban microdose overestimates the extent of the drug interaction with the therapeutic dose, whereas AUC ratios for apixaban and rivaroxaban were comparable to the interaction with therapeutic doses as reported in the literature.

Trial Registration
EudraCT Number: 2018-002490-22
Data-Driven Criminal Justice in the age of algorithms: epistemic challenges and practical implications
Authors: Castro-Toledo Francisco J. , Miró-Llinares Fernando , Aguerri Jesús C. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe emergence of algorithmic tools and Artificial Intelligence and their use in criminal justice has raised a relevant theoretical and political debate. This article unpacks and synthesizes the debate on the role of causality for the scientific method to analyze predictive decision support systems, their practical value and epistemic problems. As a result of this discussion, it is argued that the measured usage of theory and causation-based algorithms is preferable over correlational (i.e., causally opaque) algorithms as support tools in the penal system. At the same time, the usage of the latter is supported when it is critically accompanied by abductive reasoning. Finally, the arguments put forth in this article suggest that the field of criminology needs a deeper epistemological understanding of the scientific value of data-driven tools in order to entertain a serious debate on their use.
Population dynamics hide phenotypic changes driven by subtle chemical exposures: implications for risk assessments
Authors: del Arco Ana , Becks Lutz , de Vicente Inmaculada 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEcological risk assessment of chemicals focuses on the response of different taxa in isolation not taking ecological and evolutionary interplay in communities into account. Its consideration would, however, allow for an improved assessment by testing for implications within and across trophic levels and changes in the phenotypic and genotypic diversity within populations. We present a simple experimental system that can be used to evaluate the ecological and evolutionary responses to chemical exposure at microbial community levels. We exposed a microbial model system of the ciliateTetrahymena thermophila(predator) and the bacteriumPseudomonas fluorescens(prey) to iron released from Magnetic Particles (MP-Fedis), which are Phosphorus (P) adsorbents used in lake restoration. Our results show that while the responses of predator single population size differed across concentrations of MP-Fedisand the responses of prey from communities differed also across concentration of MP-Fedis, the community responses (species ratio) were similar for the different MP-Fedisconcentrations. Looking further at an evolutionary change in the bacterial preys’ defence, we found that MP-Fedisdrove different patterns and dynamics of defence evolution. Overall, our study shows how similar community dynamics mask changes at evolutionary levels that would be overlooked in the design of current risk assessment protocols where evolutionary approaches are not considered.
Twenty-year trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors among people with type 2 diabetes by dementia status in England: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lai Heidi T. M. , Chang Kiara , Sharabiani Mansour T. A. , Valabhji Jonathan , Gregg Edward W. , Middleton Lefkos , Majeed Azeem , Pearson-Stuttard Jonathan , Millett Christopher , Bottle Alex , Vamos Eszter P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo assess 20-year retrospective trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors preceding dementia diagnosis among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We identified 227,145 people with T2D aged > 42 years between 1999 and 2018. Annual mean levels of eight routinely measured cardio-metabolic factors were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Multivariable multilevel piecewise and non-piecewise growth curve models assessed retrospective trajectories of cardio-metabolic factors by dementia status from up to 19 years preceding dementia diagnosis (dementia) or last contact with healthcare (no dementia). 23,546 patients developed dementia; mean (SD) follow-up was 10.0 (5.8) years. In the dementia group, mean systolic blood pressure increased 16–19 years before dementia diagnosis compared with patients without dementia, but declined more steeply from 16 years before diagnosis, while diastolic blood pressure generally declined at similar rates. Mean body mass index followed a steeper non-linear decline from 11 years before diagnosis in the dementia group. Mean blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and glycaemic measures (fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c) were generally higher in the dementia group compared with those without dementia and followed similar patterns of change. However, absolute group differences were small. Differences in levels of cardio-metabolic factors were observed up to two decades prior to dementia diagnosis. Our findings suggest that a long follow-up is crucial to minimise reverse causation arising from changes in cardio-metabolic factors during preclinical dementia. Future investigations which address associations between cardiometabolic factors and dementia should account for potential non-linear relationships and consider the timeframe when measurements are taken.
Evaluation of the stability of heavy metal-containing sediments obtained in the wastewater treatment processes with the use of various precipitating agents
Authors: Lejwoda Paweł , Świnder Henryk , Thomas Maciej 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe article presents the results of research on the leachability of selected heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, chromium, cobalt, lead, and copper) from solid waste obtained in laboratory processes involved in the industrial treatment of wastewater generated in metal surface treatment plants. The test sludges were precipitated using sodium hydroxide solution, calcium hydroxide suspension, 45% solution sodium trithiocarbonate (Na2CS3), 15% solution trimercapto-s-triazine, sodium salt (TMT), and 40% solution sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC). The precipitates were treated with artificial acid rain and artificial salt water. After 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of leaching, the concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Ni in the leachate was determined. Artificial acid rain leached Ni and Cd to a maximum concentration of 724 mg/L and 1821 mg/L, respectively, from the sludge obtained after the application of Na2CS3, while artificial salt water leached Ni in the maximum amount of 466 mg/L and Cd—max. 1320 mg/L. When Ca(OH)2/NaOH was used, the leaching of Cr reached a similar level for both leaching agents, i.e., the maximum for artificial acid rain was 72.2 mg/L and the maximum for artificial salt water 71.8 mg/L. The use of Na2CS3 or Ca(OH)2/NaOH poses a risk of some heavy metals entering the environment, which may have a negative impact on living organisms, whereas the sludges obtained with the use of DMDTC and TMT as precipitants were the most stable under the experimental conditions and did not pose a potential environmental hazard.
Large scale phenotypic characterisation of Hierophis viridiflavus (Squamata: Serpentes): climatic and environmental drivers suggest the role of evolutionary processes in a polymorphic species
Authors: Storniolo Federico , Mangiacotti Marco , Zuffi Marco A. L. , Scali Stefano , Sacchi Roberto 
Published: March 2023

AbstractColour variability is largely widespread in the animal world as it is tightly associated with fitness and survivorship. Therefore, the drivers and implications of such variability have been of great interest for zoologists in the past decades. Reptiles are excellent models to investigate colour variations and expression under different conditions. Here, we focused on melanism occurrence in the two main lineages of Hierophis viridiflavus at the scale of the species distribution, by extracting available data from iNaturalist, a citizen science network, with the aim of detecting any pure effect of climate or local habitat on colour expression. Our analyses highlighted that habitat does not explain differences in phenotypes, whereas marked effects of geographic and climatic variables were detected. However, the observed climatic effects could be a proxy of the geographical distribution of the two groups, and thus the high occurrence of bright colourations in western populations of the eastern lineage could be addressed to an ongoing event of asymmetric gene flow in contact zones. The current distribution of phenotypes could be the outcome of the evolutionary history of the species combined with the geological history of the Mediterranean region. This investigation, though, is only preliminary and molecular analyses on highly variable regions of the genome are mandatory to address this issue.
The poetry of the universe, the periodic table, and the scientific progress: a review of new studies on the periodic table of the elements
Authors: Gärditz Klaus Ferdinand 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn 1869, two distinguished scientists, Dimitri Mendeleev and Lothar Meyer, discovered a certain periodicity among the chemical characteristics of the then known elements. Both developed first versions of the periodic table, independently. In the wake of the 150th anniversary, UNESCO proclaimed 2019 the “International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements”. Two lucid and detailed studies on the periodic table—accompanied by smaller studies on the occasion of the anniversary—have been published, recently, one of them analysing the scientific history, contributing to the (philosophical) theory of science (Eric Scerri), the other analysing the structures, patterns, and irregularities of the table (Geoff Rayner-Canham). Both studies are profound and vivid examples how scientific progress works. They illustrate that even in hard sciences—mirroring Merton’s concept of middle range theory—the required degree of exactness can remain on an intermediate level, as imperfection allows interpretations which could not (yet) be reached by pure mathematics and logic. Both of these brilliant studies provide valuable material, especially for a social science, to better understand how scientific ideas develop, how the power of visualization helps shape ideas, and how contingency is absorbed by the scientific process.
Diverse socio-economic backgrounds and international pathways: European mobility opportunities through a scholarship programme for Mexican doctoral students
Authors: Lopez-Murillo Karla 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMexico is the main Latin American country sending students abroad for international education. In 2020, 34,781 Mexican students were enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs) outside their country of origin. From those, 37% studied in a European country. The National Science and Technology Council (CONACYT) has funded international student mobility (ISM) for Mexican students since 1970 for the training and consolidation of human resources. Some debates suggest these scholarships mainly benefit students with privileged backgrounds and reproduce inequalities in HE. This paper examines the socio-demographic profiles of CONACYT scholarship doctoral awardees who studied in Europe between 1997 and 2005, along with their different previous HE trajectories and decisions to study abroad. This paper is drawn from my doctoral research using transformative learning theory concepts and the capability approach, exploring the transformative nature of ISM associated with individual meanings of the mobility experiences, capabilities developed, and implications for social change. This paper presents findings from the socio-demographic data collected in 2017 and 2018, from 85 survey respondents who studied in seven European countries. Moreover, it focuses on the qualitative data gathered from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25 participants who carried out their doctoral studies in the UK, Spain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The findings show significant participation of students from less privileged backgrounds and a complex mix of drivers for outward mobility linked to previous educational opportunities and future life aspirations. This paper brings insights from a human development approach, showing how these scholarships are instrumental in increasing ISM opportunities, contributing to social mobility, and facilitating career development. These findings suggest that investment in these types of scholarships contribute to the democratisation and widening participation of international mobility in the European context.