bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal cafeteria diet influences kisspeptin (Kiss1), kisspeptin receptor(Gpr54), and sirtuin (Sirt1) genes, hormonal and metabolic profiles, and reproductive functions in rat offspring in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Matuszewska Julia , Nowacka-Woszuk Joanna , Radziejewska Anna , Grzęda Emilia , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek Ewa , Dylewski Łukasz , Chmurzyńska Agata , Sliwowska Joanna H 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP, encoded by Kiss1, binding to the Gpr54 receptor) is a neuropeptide conveying information on the metabolic status to the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. KP acts together with dynorphin A (encoded by Pdyn) and neurokinin B (encoded by Tac2) to regulate reproduction. KP is crucial for the onset of puberty and is under the control of sirtuin (encoded by Sirt1). We hypothesize that the maternal cafeteria (CAF) diet has adverse effects on the offspring’s hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive functions due to sex-specific alterations in the expression of Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 in the hypothalamus, and Kiss1, Gpr54, and Sirt1 in the liver. Rats were fed a CAF diet before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during lactation. The vaginal opening was monitored. Offspring were sacrificed in three age points: PND 30, PND 35, and PND 60 (females) and PND 40, PND 45, and PND 60 (males). Their metabolic and hormonal status was assessed. mRNA for Kiss1, Gpr54, Pdyn, Tac2, and Sirt1 were measured by real-time PCR in the hypothalamus and/or livers. We found that CAF offspring had lower weight and altered body composition; increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, sex-specific changes in glucose and insulin levels; sex-dependent changes in Sirt1/Kiss1 mRNA ratio in the hypothalamus; sex-specific alterations in Kiss1 and Sirt1 mRNA in the liver with more diversity in males; and a delayed puberty onset in females. We concluded that the mother’s CAF diet leads to sex-specific alterations in metabolic and reproductive outcomes via Kiss1/Gpr54 and Sirt1 systems in offspring.
Germination physiology of Cochlospermum fraseri (Bixaceae), a deciduous tree from Northern Australia with physical seed dormancy
Authors: Just Michael , Turner Shane , Cross Adam , Lewandrowski Wolfgang , Pedrini Simone , Dixon Kingsley 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Cochlospermum fraseri (‘Kapok’, Bixaceae) is a deciduous tree widely distributed throughout semi-arid and monsoon tropical northern Australia, and an important species for ecological restoration in the region. We aimed to better understand the seed biology and ecology of C. fraseri to determine the mechanisms by which seed dormancy might be alleviated, and the conditions that support germination to inform the use of this species in restoration. Dormancy breaking treatments (wet heat, dry heat, scarification) commonly applied to species with physical seed dormancy (PY) were tested along with stratification at 5–35°C (nine treatments). Following dormancy alleviation, seeds were germinated at nine temperatures (5 to 40°C) and five water potentials (0 to −0.8 MPa) to understand environmental thresholds that regulate germination physiology in non-dormant seeds. A proportion of seeds (&lt;0.3) lose dormancy naturally in response to warm (25 to 35°C) moist conditions, which dislodges the hypostase plug that prevents water uptake, whilst neither dry (≥100°C) nor wet (~100°C) heat were effective. Dormancy loss was also achieved by exposing seeds to concentrated (95–98% v/v) sulphuric acid for 3–7 hours, after which high proportions (&gt;0.75) of germination were observed. Cochlospermum fraseri seeds possess PY, which is alleviated by seasonal temperatures that occur when soil moisture is high, allowing seeds to employ a risk-adverse strategy and maximize establishment success in episodic environments with stochastic rainfall events. The understanding of dormancy alleviation requirements gained here adds to our knowledge of PY worldwide and recruitment dynamics in the Australian monsoonal tropics and will aid land managers and restoration practitioners by informing both seeding sites and optimal time for in situ sowing as well as the potential capacity of this species to form a persistent soil seed bank.
Estimating fat content in barred owls (Strix varia) with predictive models developed from direct measures of proximate body composition
Authors: Baumbusch Ryan C , Dugger Katie M , Wiens J David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Body condition indices and related metrics can help assess habitat quality and other ecological processes, and ideally, these metrics are based on measures of lipids directly extracted from the species of interest. In recent decades, barred owls (Strix varia) have become a species of conservation concern as they invaded older forests of the US Pacific Northwest, and caused population declines of the closely related and federally threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). A simple and effective measure of barred owl body condition could help to understand how habitat quality varies within their new range, which in turn can inform their management and other aspects of their ecology. Using 77 barred owl carcasses collected during experimental removals in Washington and Oregon, USA, we measured the amount of lipid in each specimen with proximate body composition analysis. We then fit and compared (with adjusted R2 values) alternative linear regression models to estimate the percent lipids in dry mass of the owls based on morphometric body condition indices, a qualitative fat score of subcutaneous breast fat, sex and the time of year females were collected (relative to egg production). Adjusted R2 values for all models ranged from 0.49 to 0.87, with the best model including mass divided by foot-pad length, fat score, sex and the time of year a female was collected. Most models generated comparable estimates of percent lipids at a population level and we provided correction factors to apply these models when used with live barred owls, allowing for site-specific comparisons of body condition among individuals inhabiting a diversity of environmental conditions.
Anorexia nervosa and adrenal hormones: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thavaraputta Subhanudh , Ungprasert Patompong , Witchel Selma F , Fazeli Pouneh K 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
Anorexia nervosa is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by self-induced negative energy balance. A number of hormonal responses and adaptations occur in response to starvation and low body weight including changes in adrenocortical hormones. Our objective was to systematically review adrenocortical hormone levels in anorexia nervosa.

Design/Methods
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies that reported at least one adrenocortical hormone, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulphate (DHEA-S), progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, pregnenolone, cortisol (serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and hair sample), aldosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in patients with anorexia nervosa and normal-weight healthy controls from inception until October 2021. Means and standard deviations for each hormone were extracted from the studies to calculate a mean difference (MD). A pooled MD was then calculated by combining MDs of each study using the random-effects model.

Results
We included a total of 101 studies with over 2500 females with anorexia nervosa. Mean cortisol levels were significantly higher in anorexia nervosa as compared to normal-weight controls for multiple forms of measurement, including morning cortisol, 12-hour and 24-hour pooled serum cortisol, 24-hour urine cortisol, and after an overnight dexamethasone suppression test. In contrast, mean serum total testosterone and DHEA-S levels were significantly lower among patients with anorexia nervosa.

Conclusions
Women with anorexia nervosa have higher cortisol levels and lower DHEA-S and testosterone levels compared to women without anorexia nervosa. This finding is important to consider when evaluating low-weight women for disorders involving the adrenal axis, especially Cushing's syndrome.
Essays in monetary history
Authors: Avaro Maylis 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The paper summarizes my dissertation, submitted to the Geneva Graduate Institute. I constructed a novel database of the currency composition of European foreign exchange reserves during the Bretton Woods period, from central banks’ archives. The first paper studies the determinants of the composition of the foreign exchange portfolios. The second paper compares the British pound’s international role in Europe and the sterling area. I argue that its persistence as a reserve currency was due to threats and economic sanctions. The final paper focuses on 19th Bank of France, and shows that data was used as collateral at the discount window.
Coordinating monetary and fiscal policies in Britain during the French Wars (1793–1821)
Authors: Antipa Pamfili , Chamley Christophe 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Relying on new quantitative and qualitative data, we analyze how the United Kingdom financed the French Wars (1793–1821). We show that policy makers adjusted monetary and fiscal policies in four regimes. 1) tax-smoothing; 2) suspending the gold standard, real bills, war taxation; 3) the Bank of England's price support of government securities; 4) return to the old order. Under the price support regime, the Bank of England maintained the market value of public short-term debt by purchasing large amounts of it. Our findings suggest that in this context fiscal news shocks rather than fluctuations in the money supply caused inflation.
Unlocking secrets of microbial ecotoxicology: recent achievements and future challenges
Authors: Hellal Jennifer , Barthelmebs Lise , Bérard Annette , Cébron Aurélie , Cheloni Giulia , Colas Simon , Cravo-Laureau Cristiana , De Clerck Caroline , Gallois Nicolas , Hery Marina , Martin-Laurent Fabrice , Martins Jean , Morin Soizic , Palacios Carmen , Pesce Stéphane , Richaume Agnès , Vuilleumier Stéphane 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Environmental pollution is one of the main challenges faced by humanity. By their ubiquity and vast range of metabolic capabilities, microorganisms are affected by pollution with consequences on their host organisms and on the functioning of their environment. They also play key roles in the fate of pollutants through the degradation, transformation, and transfer of organic or inorganic compounds. Thus, they are crucial for the development of nature-based solutions to reduce pollution and of bio-based solutions for environmental risk assessment of chemicals. At the intersection between microbial ecology, toxicology, and biogeochemistry, microbial ecotoxicology is a fast-expanding research area aiming to decipher the interactions between pollutants and microorganisms. This perspective paper gives an overview of the main research challenges identified by the Ecotoxicomic network within the emerging One Health framework and in the light of ongoing interest in biological approaches to environmental remediation and of the current state of the art in microbial ecology. We highlight prevailing knowledge gaps and pitfalls in exploring complex interactions among microorganisms and their environment in the context of chemical pollution and pinpoint areas of research where future efforts are needed.
Understanding the role of the state in dietary public health policymaking: a critical scoping review
Authors: Karreman Nancy , Huang Yuru , Egan Natalie , Carters-White Lauren , Hawkins Benjamin , Adams Jean , White Martin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite evidence that dietary population health interventions are effective and widely accepted, they remain the topic of intense debate centring on the appropriate role of the state. This review sought to identify how the role of the state in intervening in individuals’ food practices is conceptualized across a wide range of literatures. We searched 10 databases and 4 journals for texts that debated dietary population health interventions designed to affect individuals’ health-affecting food practices. Two co-authors independently screened these texts for eligibility relative to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-five texts formed our final corpus. Through critical reflexive thematic analysis (TA), we generated 6 themes and 2 subthemes concerning choice, responsibility for health, balancing benefits and burdens of intervention, the use of evidence, fairness, and the legitimacy of the state’s actions. Our analysis found that narratives that aim to prevent effective regulation are entrenched in academic literatures. Discourses that emphasized liberty and personal responsibility framed poor health as the result of ‘lifestyle choices’. Utilitarian, cost-benefit rationales pervaded arguments about how to best balance the benefits and burdens of state intervention. Claims about fairness and freedom were used to evoke powerful common meanings, and evidence was used politically to bolster interests, particularly those of the food industry. This review identifies and critically analyses key arguments for and against population dietary public health policies. Our findings should motivate public health researchers and practitioners to avoid unreflexively embracing framings that draw on the languages and logics of free market economics.
The Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence: Next Steps for Empirical and Normative Research
Authors: Tallberg Jonas , Erman Eva , Furendal Markus , Geith Johannes , Klamberg Mark , Lundgren Magnus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a technological upheaval with the potential to change human society. Because of its transformative potential, AI is increasingly becoming subject to regulatory initiatives at the global level. Yet, so far, scholarship in political science and international relations has focused more on AI applications than on the emerging architecture of global AI regulation. The purpose of this article is to outline an agenda for research into the global governance of AI. The article distinguishes between two broad perspectives: an empirical approach, aimed at mapping and explaining global AI governance; and a normative approach, aimed at developing and applying standards for appropriate global AI governance. The two approaches offer questions, concepts, and theories that are helpful in gaining an understanding of the emerging global governance of AI. Conversely, exploring AI as a regulatory issue offers a critical opportunity to refine existing general approaches to the study of global governance.
Evaluation of six commercial and in-house phenotypic tests for detection of AmpC β-lactamases: is routine detection possible?
Authors: Al Mamari Azza Mohammed Khalifa , Al Jabri Zaaima , Sami Hiba , Rizvi Syed Gauhar A , Chan Moon Fai , Al Siyabi Turkiya , Al Muharrmi Zakariya , Rizvi Meher 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Phenotypic characterization of the prevalent AmpC β-lactamases in clinical isolates is essential for making informed empirical decisions and critical for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes. This study focused on assessing six assays, two in-house and four commercial phenotypic tests for detection of AmpC, to study the feasibility of making its detection a routine diagnostic microbiology laboratory activity.

Methods
A total of 116 non-duplicate Gram-negative bacteria that were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and resistant or susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems, were screened by cefoxitin discs for AmpC. These isolates were subjected to two in-house (AmpC Tris-EDTA and disc approximation) methods and four commercial tests: D69C AmpC Detection Set; D72C ESBL, AmpC & Carbapenemase Detection Set; combination disc test: ESBL + AmpC Screen Disc Kit; and AmpC MIC Test Strip for confirmation of AmpC production. Ten whole-genome-sequenced AmpC-confirmed Gram-negative isolates were used as positive controls and one as a negative control.

Results
The prevalence of AmpC β-lactamases was 16%. Escherichia coli was a major carrier of plasmid-mediated AmpC (26.5%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.4%). Phenotypically, 61% of AmpCs were detected by Tris-EDTA (accuracy: 73.8%), 76% by disc approximation (accuracy: 89.2%), 75% by the D69C AmpC Detection Set (accuracy: 95.4%), 74% by the D72C AmpC, ESBL & Carbapenemase Detection Set (accuracy: 95.4%), 76% by the combination disc test (accuracy: 95.4%) and 63% by AmpC MIC Test Strip (accuracy: 87.7%). The sensitivity and specificity of D69C were 97.9% and 88.2%, respectively, and 95.9% and 93.8% for the combination disc test, while for the disc approximation test and D72C they were 93.9% and 75%, and 93.9% and 100%, respectively. Screening by cefoxitin screening was less sensitive (75%) and specific (25%). Disc approximation and the combination disc test detect AmpC in Enterobacterales and also Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species.

Conclusions
We recommend the in-house disc approximation test and the commercial D69C, as well as the combination disc test, as excellent tools for detection of AmpC. The cefoxitin test overcalls AmpC and cannot be considered a good stand-alone test for AmpC detection.
Choosing Therapies in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Das Ronit , Steinhart A Hillary 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Those managing ulcerative colitis (UC) must be aware of new treatments. Mesalamine (5-ASA) is the first treatment for mild UC. Steroids have been the first therapy for patients with more severe UC but these are not effective or safe long term. This means that other medicines are needed. Newer advanced therapies are now frequently used. There are several types of advanced therapies. These are the anti-TNF, anti-integrin and anti-IL12/23 agents as well as the JAK inhibitors and sphingosine1-phosphate receptor modulators. All of these are effective in treating UC. Choosing among treatments is complicated. There are multiple factors to think about when choosing a treatment for UC. Without research studies that directly compare the different treatments, the use of any one treatment should be based on effectiveness and safety. Other considerations include specific disease features, patient factors and the preference of patients.
From Canadian Surgeon to Chinese Martyr: Dr. Norman Bethune and the Making of a Medical Folk Hero
Authors: Ross Brendan , Del Maestro Rolando F 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper reexamines the public memory of Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune. In 1938, Bethune traveled to China to serve at the communist front and to treat soldiers fighting against the invading Japanese army. Throughout China, Bethune is a household name and a communist icon. Back in Canada, however, his name does not evoke the same ubiquity. While Canadians remembered Bethune through biographies, a film, statues, and a small museum, his story in the Anglophone world is confined primarily to the telling of distant history. To explain Bethune’s greater notoriety and public presence in China, this essay first turns our attention to Chinese sources that mythologized Bethune’s death in 1939. The essay then revisits Chinese propaganda that established Bethune as a lasting political symbol during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s. These national efforts show how a volunteer surgeon such as Bethune became such an important figure in a remote foreign country. China’s Communist Party turned Bethune’s death into a political event to rally support for their war of resistance against Japan. Later, during the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong used Bethune to symbolize unwavering service and loyalty to leader and party. This essay utilizes primary materials in McGill’s Osler Library and commentary from the field of memory studies to contextualize Bethune and to situate him within the broader narrative of political education that arose in China during the Cultural Revolution. A layered interpretation of Bethune — as doctor, martyr, and symbolic hero — slowly emerges. Political forces in China transformed his memory into legacy and carry this complicated figure into the present day.
Land use supervision and environmental pollution: multitasking bureaucrats and spillovers across regulations
Authors: Fan Haichao , Liu Guanchun , Wang Huanhuan , Zhao Xiaoxue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This article provides evidence on the strong spillover effects of land use regulations on environmental regulation enforcement in China. We find that the establishment of China’s Land Supervision Bureaus, which effectively reduced land use violations, led to a significant relaxation of environmental regulations by local officials and an increase in cities’ pollution intensity and overall pollution. In addition, the detrimental environmental effects of land use supervision are particularly strong among cities governed by officials with stronger promotion incentives. The results are consistent with a model in which multitasking local officials loosen environmental regulations to meet GDP growth targets in response to reduced industrial land supply. We further support the model by documenting land use supervision’s negative effect on new firm entries but significantly positive effect on incumbent firms’ outputs. (JEL D73, H77, P26, Q53, R52)
Blockade of Arf1-mediated lipid metabolism in cancers promotes tumor infiltration of cytotoxic T cells via the LPE-PPARγ-NF-κB-CCL5 pathway
Authors: Wang Na , Yao Tiange , Luo Chenfei , Sun Ling , Wang Yuetong , Hou Steven X 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has achieved breakthroughs in a variety of tumors. However, the systemic absence of T cells in tumors and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment so far limits the efficacy of immunotherapy to a small population of patients. Therefore, novel agents to increase T-cell tumor infiltration are urgently needed in the clinic. We recently found that inhibition of the ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (Arf1)-mediated lipid metabolism not only kills cancer stem cells (CSCs) but also elicits an anti-tumor immune response. In this study, we revealed a mechanism that targeting Arf1 promotes the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) into tumors through the C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)- C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) pathway. We found that blockage of Arf1 induces the production of the unsaturated fatty acid (PE 18:1) that binds and sequestrates peroxisome proliferator-­activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) from the PPARγ-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) cytoplasmic complex. The released NF-κB was then phosphorylated and translocated into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of chemokine CCL5. CCL5 promoted infiltration of CTLs for tumor regression. Furthermore, the combination of the Arf1 inhibitor and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade induced an even stronger anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, targeting Arf1 represents a novel anti-tumor immune approach by provoking T-cell tumor infiltration and may provide a new strategy for tumor immunotherapy.