bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population density affects sexual selection in an insect model
Authors: Winkler Lennart , Eilhardt Ronja , Janicke Tim 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Understanding the impact of demographic and ecological factors on the strength of sexual selection is pivotal to predict eco‐evolutionary dynamics in populations facing environmental change. Density is expected to show pervasive intra‐ and interspecific variation in natural populations, but its effect on sexual selection remains largely unexplored.

We tested experimentally the effect of density on standardized metrics of sexual selection in male and female red flour beetles. Specifically, we explored density effects during mating by manipulating the size of mating groups and the mating arena.

We found that higher densities imposed by a larger group size amplified the opportunity for pre‐copulatory sexual selection in females and, to a smaller extent, also in males. Moreover, in males, we detected a higher opportunity for post‐copulatory sexual selection in larger groups. By contrast, higher densities imposed by differences in the size of the mating arena resulted in a steeper male sexual selection gradient.

Overall, these data suggest that density is an important environmental factor contributing to the tremendous variation in the strength of sexual selection within and among species.

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Silicon supplementation and jasmonate activation synergistically increase phenolic defences against a legume herbivore
Authors: Ryalls J. M. W. , Gherlenda A. N. , Rowe R. C. , Moore B. D. , Johnson S. N. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The accumulation of silicon (Si) is widely reported to have anti‐herbivore defensive properties in grasses. There is emerging, but fragmentary, evidence that Si could play a similar role in legumes.

Here, we sought to understand the effects of Si supplementation on anti‐herbivore defensive properties in lucerne (Medicago sativa), especially in relation to other potential defences (i.e. phenolics) and the phytohormone that regulates anti‐herbivore defences, jasmonic acid or jasmonate (JA), which is also linked to Si accumulation.

We determined how growth, root nodulation and chemistry (carbon, nitrogen and phenolic concentrations) of four genotypes of lucerne responded to Si supplementation, with and without the application of JA, and we used feeding assays to determine the subsequent effects on the feeding success of adult Sitona discoideus weevils.

Si supplementation increased plant mass and root nodulation of M. sativa by 61% and 227%, respectively, and reduced relative consumption (RC) and frass production by S. discoideus by 38% and 30% respectively. Si supplementation had no effect on foliar nitrogen concentrations, most likely due to the dilution effects of increased plant growth and foliar carbon. Phenolic concentrations were negatively correlated with leaf RC; RC also decreased by 34% when JA was applied to plants. When Si was combined with JA application, phenolics were significantly enhanced, demonstrating the potential to stimulate multiple anti‐herbivore properties in M. sativa. Overall, the Si‐ and JA‐induced phytochemical and herbivore feeding responses were consistent between the four lucerne genotypes tested.

Synthesis. The novel findings suggest that Si accumulation may play a more important role in legume resistance to herbivorous animals than previously thought. The ubiquity of soil Si and its emerging functional role in plant biology, including plant–animal interactions, suggest that these patterns could be common among legumes.
Occupations and balance during the transition to motherhood with a lifetime chronic illness: A scoping review examining cystic fibrosis, asthma, and Type‐1 diabetes
Authors: Haines Alena Jane , Mackenzie Lynette , Honey Anne , Middleton Peter G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionThroughout the transition to motherhood, changes are experienced across a woman's physical, mental, social, and occupational self. Maternal chronic illness adds the complexity of increased healthcare needs and navigating a high‐risk, medicalised pregnancy, birth, and post‐natal period. Literature concerning motherhood transitions in chronic illness generally focusses on the mother's medical health and pregnancy outcomes; little is known about the impacts on women's occupations, balance, and quality of life. Understanding these issues may help support women in a more tailored and holistic way.ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to gather, analyse, and synthesise existing empirical research on occupational engagement and occupational balance as they impact on wellbeing and quality of life in women with a lifetime chronic illness before and during pregnancy and in early motherhood.MethodThe review follows the nine‐stage framework described in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020). Five databases were searched: Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and OT Seeker. Data were extracted and examined via content analysis, described in narrative synthesis, summarised into a conceptual framework, and tabulated.FindingsA total of 8,655 papers were discovered on initial search. Following title and abstract screening, 220 full‐text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 46 papers were finally included. Analysis generated four major themes: The Disrupted Transition Journey; Adaptation, Compromise and Choice; Outcomes; and Drawing on What's Available. The themes were conceptualised into a framework to explain how women sought to balance motherhood and illness‐related occupations. Adequate access to information, social support, expert care, and financial resources improved both quality of life and healthcare compliance.ConclusionFindings of this scoping review deepen the understanding of occupational balance during the transition to motherhood in the context of lifetime chronic illness. Healthcare providers and supportive family and friends can use this knowledge to adapt their approach to assisting women with chronic illness on the motherhood journey. These findings may also inform further inquiry into the scope of occupational therapy practice with this population.
Identification and characterization of a novel pathway for aldopentose degradation in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Alberti Lydia , König Patricia , Zeidler Sabine , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Averhoff Beate , Müller Volker 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is well known for its extraordinary metabolic diversity. Recently, we demonstrated growth on L‐arabinose, but the pathway remained elusive. Transcriptome analyses revealed two upregulated gene clusters that code for isoenzymes catalysing oxidation of a pentonate to α‐ketoglutarate. Molecular, genetic, and biochemical experiments revealed one branch to be specific for L‐arabonate oxidation, and the other for D‐xylonate and D‐ribonate. Both clusters also encode an uptake system and a regulator that acts as activator (L‐arabonate) or repressor (D‐xylonate and D‐ribonate). Genes encoding the initial oxidation of pentose to pentonate were not part of the clusters, but our data are consistent with the hypothesis of a promiscous, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)‐dependent, periplasmic pentose dehydrogenase, followed by the uptake of the pentonates and their degradation by specific pathways. However, there is a cross‐talk between the two different pathways since the isoenzymes can replace each other. Growth on pentoses was found only in pathogenic Acinetobacter species but not in non‐pathogenic such as Acinetobacter baylyi. However, mutants impaired in growth on pentoses were not affected in traits important for infection, but growth on L‐arabinose was beneficial for long‐term survival and desiccation resistance in A. baumannii ATCC 19606.
Will tomorrow's mineral materials be grown?
Authors: Cosmidis Julie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBiomineralization, the capacity to form minerals, has evolved in a great diversity of bacterial lineages as an adaptation to different environmental conditions and biological functions. Microbial biominerals often display original properties (morphology, composition, structure, association with organics) that significantly differ from those of abiotically formed counterparts, altogether defining the ‘mineral phenotype’. In principle, it should be possible to take advantage of microbial biomineralization processes to design and biomanufacture advanced mineral materials for a range of technological applications. In practice, this has rarely been done so far and only for a very limited number of biomineral types. This is mainly due to our poor understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms controlling microbial biomineralization pathways, preventing us from developing bioengineering strategies aiming at improving biomineral properties for different applications. Another important challenge is the difficulty to upscale microbial biomineralization from the lab to industrial production. Addressing these challenges will require combining expertise from environmental microbiologists and geomicrobiologists, who have historically been working at the forefront of research on microbe–mineral interactions, alongside bioengineers and material scientists. Such interdisciplinary efforts may in the future allow the emergence of a mineral biomanufacturing industry, a critical tool towards the development more sustainable and circular bioeconomies.
Glycogen phosphorylase inhibition improves cognitive function of aged mice
Authors: Drulis‐Fajdasz Dominika , Krzystyniak Adam , Puścian Alicja , Pytyś Agata , Gostomska‐Pampuch Kinga , Pudełko‐Malik Natalia , Wiśniewski Jerzy Ł. , Młynarz Piotr , Miazek Arkadiusz , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Włodarczyk Jakub , Duś‐Szachniewicz Kamila , Gizak Agnieszka , Wiśniewski Jacek R. , Rakus Dariusz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInhibition of glycogen breakdown blocks memory formation in young animals, but it stimulates the maintenance of the long‐term potentiation, a cellular mechanism of memory formation, in hippocampal slices of old animals. Here, we report that a 2‐week treatment with glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor BAY U6751 alleviated memory deficits and stimulated neuroplasticity in old mice. Using the 2‐Novel Object Recognition and Novel Object Location tests, we discovered that the prolonged intraperitoneal administration of BAY U6751 improved memory formation in old mice. This was accompanied by changes in morphology of dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons, and by “rejuvenation” of hippocampal proteome. In contrast, in young animals, inhibition of glycogen degradation impaired memory formation; however, as in old mice, it did not alter significantly the morphology and density of cortical dendritic spines. Our findings provide evidence that prolonged inhibition of glycogen phosphorolysis improves memory formation of old animals. This could lead to the development of new strategies for treatment of age‐related memory deficits.
Delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol modulates pain sensitivity among persons receiving opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorder: A within‐subject, randomized, placebo‐controlled laboratory study
Authors: De Aquino Joao P. , Meyerovich Julia , Xie Catherine Z. , Ranganathan Mohini , Compton Peggy , Pittman Brian , Rogan Michael , Sofuoglu Mehmet 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe opioid and cannabinoid receptor systems are inextricably linked—overlapping at the anatomical, functional and behavioural levels. Preclinical studies have reported that cannabinoid and opioid agonists produce synergistic antinociceptive effects. Still, there are no experimental data on the effects of cannabinoid agonists among humans who receive opioid agonist therapies for opioid use disorder (OUD). We conducted an experimental study to investigate the acute effects of the delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) among persons receiving methadone therapy for OUD. Using a within‐subject, crossover, human laboratory design, 25 persons on methadone therapy for OUD (24% women) were randomly assigned to receive single oral doses of THC (10 or 20 mg, administered as dronabinol) or placebo, during three separate 5‐h test sessions. Measures of experimental and self‐reported pain sensitivity, abuse potential, cognitive performance and physiological effects were collected. Mixed‐effects models examined the main effects of THC dose and interactions between THC (10 and 20 mg) and methadone doses (low‐dose methadone defined as <90 mg/day; high dose defined as >90 mg/day). Results demonstrated that, for self‐reported rather than experimental pain sensitivity measures, 10 mg THC provided greater relief than 20 mg THC, with no substantial evidence of abuse potential, and inconsistent dose‐dependent cognitive adverse effects. There was no indication of any interaction between THC and methadone doses. Collectively, these results provide valuable insights for future studies aiming to evaluate the risk–benefit profile of cannabinoids to relieve pain among individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy for OUD, a timely endeavour amidst the opioid crisis.
What promotes production contract in Indian agriculture? Managing market risk versus profit orientation
Authors: Saroj  , Paltasingh Kirtti Ranjan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe identify factors influencing farmers’ decision‐making on various production contracts and are explicitly concerned with whether managing market risk or profit orientation promotes contract farming (CF). After controlling for potential endogeneity, the IV‐Tobit regression results indicate that farmers’ risk behavior and profit orientation are vital factors driving CF participation decisions. However, we observed that the impact of profit orientation is relatively more substantial than the risk management motive, suggesting that earning a higher profit, rather than managing market risks, is the primary objective of CF adoption. In addition, other factors such as farm size, mean contract price, education, age, and extension services play a significant role in CF participation. The major policy implications, based on results, call for enhancing the CF network and encouraging farmers to commercialize agriculture as it facilitates access to the market and higher profits. Further, agribusiness firms should share more market risks with farmers to invite risk‐averse smallholders into the fold of commercial farming.
The Fortification Dilemma: Border Control and Rebel Violence
Authors: Blair Christopher W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWhere cross‐border sanctuaries enable rebels to marshal external support, classical theories of counterinsurgency extol the strategic value of border fortification. By sealing borders, counterinsurgents can erode transnational militants’ resources, degrading the quality of rebellion. Extending resource‐centric theories of conflict, I posit a fortification dilemma inherent in this strategy. Externally supplied rebels can afford conventional attacks and civilian victimization. When border fortifications interdict their foreign logistics, insurgents compensate by cultivating greater local support. In turn, rebels prefer more irregular attacks and cooperative relations with civilians. Hence, counterinsurgent border fortification trades off reduced rebel capabilities for greater competition over local hearts and minds. I test this theory using declassified microdata on border fortification and violence in Iraq. Results highlight the central link between border control and cross‐border militancy, and show how governments can contest the transnational dimensions of civil wars, such as external rebel sponsorship.
Stigma toward mental disorders and associated factors among community mental health workers in Wuhan, China
Authors: Chen Mo , Lin Guo‐Rong , Wang Gui‐Yang , Yang Li , Lyu Na , Qian Chen , Lan Jing‐Xi , Zhou Yang , Zhong Bao‐Liang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundStigma toward mental disorders (STMD) is a significant barrier to mental health service delivery. To improve the provision of mental health services for community‐dwelling residents in China, this study investigated STMD and its associated factors in community mental health workers (CMHWs) in Wuhan, China.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, a total of 3869 CMHWs (22.9% men and 37.1 ± 8.4 years old) were randomly selected through multistage sampling and invited to participate in this survey. The perceived devaluation‐discrimination scale (PDD) and the National Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (NMHLQ) were used to assess STMD and mental health knowledge, respectively. The presence of STMD was indicated by a mean item score of 3.0 or higher on the PDD. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with STMD.ResultsOf the CMHWs, 41.9% had poor mental health knowledge (NMHLQ score < 80), and 18.5% exhibited STMD. In multiple regression analysis, factors significantly associated with STMD were social workers (vs. primary care physicians, OR = 1.44, p < .001), poor self‐rated capacity to handle common mental health problems (vs. good, OR = 1.57, p < .001), and poor mental health knowledge (vs. NMHLQ score ≥ 80, OR = 1.46, p < .001).ConclusionSTMD is common among Chinese CMHWs. To reduce STMD among CMHWs, training programs in mental health care skills and mental health education may be necessary.
Revisiting systematic reviews on deprescribing trials to better inform future practice and research
Authors: Spinewine Anne , Reeve Emily , Thompson Wade 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDeprescribing aims to address the problem of medication overuse in older adults. There has been an increasing number of systematic reviews of ‘deprescribing’. We aimed to describe the categories of trials included in recent systematic reviews, and to make recommendations for future research. We categorized 122 trials included in eight recent deprescribing systematic reviews into: discontinuation, deprescribing implementation, medication optimisation (including medication initiation) and non‐initiation trials. We identified heterogeneity and inconsistency in the categories of trials included in deprescribing systematic reviews. For example, 39 trials (32.0%) involved medication initiation in addition to the deprescribing component. It is now time for international researchers to develop and validate terminology used for trials involving discontinuation/deprescribing of medications, and to provide recommendations for evidence synthesis that will better inform future research, and translation into practice and policy.
Intramuscular cabotegravir and rilpivirine concentrations after switching from efavirenz‐containing regimen
Authors: Bettonte Sara , Berton Mattia , Stader Felix , Battegay Manuel , Marzolini Catia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsIntramuscular cabotegravir/rilpivirine (IM CAB/RPV) are metabolized by UGT1A1/CYP3A4. Efavirenz induces both enzymes; therefore, switching from an efavirenz‐containing regimen to IM CAB/RPV could possibly result in suboptimal levels. Due to their long dosing interval, clinical studies with IM CAB/RPV are challenging. We used physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) modelling to simulate the switch from efavirenz to IM CAB/RPV.MethodsFirst, we developed the drug models and verified the performance of the PBPK model to predict the pharmacokinetics of IM cabotegravir, IM rilpivirine and efavirenz by comparing the simulations against observed clinical data. Second, we verified the ability of the model to predict the effect of residual induction with observed data for the switch from efavirenz to dolutegravir or rilpivirine. Finally, we generated a cohort of 100 virtual individuals (20–50 years, 50% female, 18.5–30 kg/m2) to simulate IM CAB/RPV concentrations after discontinuing efavirenz in extensive and slow metabolizers of efavirenz.ResultsIM CAB concentrations were predicted to decrease by 11% (95% confidence interval 7–15%), 13% (6–21%) and 8% (0–18%) at day 1, 7 and 14 after efavirenz discontinuation. CAB concentrations were predicted to remain above the minimal efficacy threshold (i.e., 664 ng/mL) throughout the switch period both in extensive and slow metabolizers of efavirenz. Similarly, IM RPV concentrations were modestly decreased with the lowest reduction being 10% (6–14%) on day 7 post last efavirenz dose.ConclusionOur simulations indicate that switching from an efavirenz‐containing regimen to IM CAB/RPV does not put at risk of having a time window with suboptimal drug levels.
‘An extra fight I didn't ask for’: A qualitative survey exploring the impact of calories on menus for people with experience of eating disorders
Authors: Frances Tanya , O'Neill Kel , Newman Kirsty 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe UK government made it mandatory for large restaurants and cafes in England to display calorie labels on menus. Existing evidence identifies minimal potential for benefit, but significant potential for harm to those with eating disorders. To date, only one published study has directly explored the impact of this legislation on those with eating disorders. This study explores the impact of calorie labelling on menus on adults with experience of eating disorders in England.DesignA qualitative online survey was designed and distributed, and 399 adults with current or past experience/s of eating disorders completed the survey.MethodsReflexive thematic analysis was used, informed by a critical realist approach.ResultsSix themes were developed: (1) impacts on relationships, (2) exclusion and increased isolation, (3) restricted freedom, (4) dis/embodiment, (5) anger and frustration at the perpetuation of diet culture and (6) we are all responsible for ourselves. Most participants felt calorie labels on menus is detrimental to their eating disorder and/or recovery. People are navigating multiple opposing cultural narratives around health, bodies and eating disorder recovery that can put additional barriers in place to developing a relationship with food and body that they would like.ConclusionsCalorie labelling on menus is likely to adversely impact those with eating disorders. Menus with calories should be available separately but should not be the first or only one provided. People with experience of eating disorders should be directly involved in the development of public health legislation and policy that is likely to affect them.