bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental effects rather than relatedness determine gut microbiome similarity in a social mammal
Authors: Bensch Hanna M. , Lundin Daniel , Tolf Conny , Waldenström Jonas , Zöttl Markus 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn social species, group members commonly show substantial similarity in gut microbiome composition. Such similarities have been hypothesized to arise either by shared environmental effects or by host relatedness. However, disentangling these factors is difficult, because group members are often related, and social groups typically share similar environmental conditions. In this study, we conducted a cross-foster experiment under controlled laboratory conditions in group-living Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) and used 16S amplicon sequencing to disentangle the effects of the environment and relatedness on gut microbiome similarity and diversity. Our results show that a shared environment is the main factor explaining gut microbiome similarity, overshadowing any effect of host relatedness. Together with studies in wild animal populations, our results suggest that among conspecifics environmental factors are more powerful drivers of gut microbiome composition similarity than host genetics.AbstractWhy are gut microbiomes of group members often more similar than non-group members? Is the shared evironment or host relatedness more influential in shaping gut microbiome of social hosts? In this study, we show that the environment overshadowes host relatedness in explaining gut microbiome similarity of experimentally cross-fostered social mole-rats.
Soft selection reduces loss of heterozygosity in asexual reproduction
Authors: Archetti Marco 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The adaptive value of sexual reproduction is still debated in evolutionary theory. It has been proposed that the advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction is to promote genetic diversity, to prevent the accumulation of harmful mutations or to preserve heterozygosity. Since these hypothetical advantages depend on the type of asexual reproduction, understanding how selection affects the taxonomic distribution of each type could help us discriminate between existing hypotheses. Here, I argue that soft selection, competition among embryos or offspring in selection arenas prior to the hard selection of the adult phase, reduces loss of heterozygosity in certain types of asexual reproduction. Since loss of heterozygosity leads to the unmasking of recessive deleterious mutations in the progeny of asexual individuals, soft selection facilitates the evolution of these types of asexual reproduction. Using a population genetics model, I calculate how loss of heterozygosity affects fitness for different types of apomixis and automixis, and I show that soft selection significantly reduces loss of heterozygosity, hence increases fitness, in apomixis with suppression of the first meiotic division and in automixis with central fusion, the most common types of asexual reproduction. Therefore, if sexual reproduction evolved to preserve heterozygosity, soft selection should be associated with these types of asexual reproduction. I discuss the evidence for this prediction and how this and other observations on the distribution of different types of asexual reproduction in nature is consistent with the heterozygosity hypothesis.
Abstract
Competition among offspring promotes the types of asexual reproduction that produce offspring with variation in loss of complementation.
Isotopic‐based evidence for reduced benthic contributions to fish after a whole‐lake addition of nanosilver
Authors: Ripku Tyler , Hayhurst Lauren , Metcalfe Chris D. , Rennie Michael 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are added as antibacterial and anti‐odor agents to a wide range of textiles, with high potential for release into aquatic environments via domestic wastewater. Previous work demonstrating the negative impacts of AgNP exposure on periphyton production suggests benthic primary production could be reduced in aquatic ecosystems impacted by AgNP discharge. To evaluate the potential for AgNPs to alter benthic–pelagic coupling in aquatic ecosystems, tissue‐stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from northern pike (Esox lucius) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were measured before, during, and after the addition of AgNPs to a whole‐lake ecosystem, and compared to those collected from a nearby reference lake. A shift in carbon isotope ratios toward more negative values was observed in both P. flavescens and E. lucius collected from the lake where AgNPs were added, with no shift in similar magnitude observed in E. lucius from the reference lake. Consequently, Bayesian estimates of benthic energy consumed decreased by 32% for P. flavescens and by 40% for E. lucius collected after AgNP additions relative to pre‐addition estimates, greater in magnitude or opposite in direction of trends observed in our reference lake. Analyses suggest no changes in fish nitrogen isotope ratios related to AgNP additions. We hypothesize that the observed reduction in littoral energy use of fish reported here is a response to AgNP settling in littoral benthic habitats—the main habitat in lakes supporting periphyton—as AgNP has been shown elsewhere to significantly reduce the rates of periphyton production. Further, our study highlights the need to broaden the scope of risk assessments for AgNPs and other emerging contaminants prone to settling to consider habitat‐specific impacts on resource utilization by organisms after their release into aquatic ecosystems.
Interaction of total dissolved gas supersaturation and suspended sediment on swimming performance of bighead carp (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis)
Authors: Zhang Qiyu , Liu Xiaoqing , Shi Haoran , Yang Yao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhen dams discharge floodwaters, the river downstream often becomes supersaturated in total dissolved gases (TDG) and contains high volumes of suspended sediments (SS). Supersaturated TDG and high SS concentrations in water may affect fish physiologically in ways that manifest in swimming performance. Despite increasing awareness of the separate effects of TDG supersaturation and SS, knowledge about their synergistic effects remains unknown. To explore the interactive effects of TDG and SS on the swimming performance of bighead carp, the juveniles were exposed to 100, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, and 140% of TDG‐supersaturated water with SS concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, respectively, and the critical swimming ability speed (Ucrit) and burst swimming ability speed (Uburst) were measured. The results indicated that the swimming ability (Ucrit and Uburst) decreased when TDG levels and SS concentrations increased. TDG and SS did not interact significantly to decrease both Ucrit and Uburst. In contrast, exposure to TDG alone significantly decreased both Ucrit and Uburst, whereas exposure to SS alone decreased only Uburst. In addition, our results suggested that there was a negative linear relationship between TDG and fatigue time. Swimming ability can decline significantly due to high TDG levels (>130%). Therefore, high TDG levels (>130%) should be restricted during reservoir operation to prevent the stress caused by TDG.
Pathogenicity characterization of nocardiosis in orange‐spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) via exposure to nine distinct isolates of Nocardia seriolae and four administrative routes
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , Giovanni Andre , Cheng Li‐Wu , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNocardia seriolae causes chronic nocardiosis in various marine and freshwater aquatic animals; however, grouper species have rarely been investigated. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of nocardiosis following N. seriolae infection in the orange‐spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. Nine identified genetic isolates of N. seriolae were tested in vivo using the intraperitoneal method and observed daily for 35 days. The most virulent isolate was then used to evaluate transmission through different routes (intraperitoneal IP, intramuscular IM, oral OR, and immersion IS) in the same fish model and was observed daily for 42 days. The results showed mild variation in virulence among N. seriolae isolates. AOD107132‐2 K and OT103003‐N11 strains displayed the highest and lowest risk virulence, respectively, based on the accumulation and kinetics of mortality. IM and IP administrations showed an early phase response with early mortality by 5 dpc (30%–100%), while slower kinetics of nocardiosis occurred in the OR and IS routes with slow mortality at 35 dpc (4%–8%). Histopathology revealed typical granulomas, confirming the progression of nocardiosis in the diseased fish. These results provide the basis for further studies on the virulence profile of N. seriolae in Taiwan and a well‐suited route of administration in orange‐spotted groupers for further prevention development.
Parental support is not enough: How parental socialization theories can advance LGBTQ+ youth family research, practice, and health
Authors: Fish Jessica N. , Ezra Pond 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLGBTQ+ youth endure health inequities resulting from stigma and would benefit from strategies that help them navigate unique developmental challenges. One promising strategy to address LGBTQ+ youths' health is augmenting parenting behaviors to support youth's adaptive strategies in the face of stigma. There remain limited conceptual frameworks and empirical focus on parenting LGBTQ+ youth. Adjacent research on racial‐ethnic socialization—parental practices that communicate messages about race, ethnicity, and culture to children—offers compelling evidence for the protective influence of adaptive identity‐based socialization strategies for racially and ethnically minoritized youth. In this commentary, we review the current conceptual perspectives of LGBTQ+ youths' family environment and discuss how lessons learned from racial‐ethnic socialization scholarship inform advances in research and practice with LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Throughout, we offer suggestions for advancing scientific understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity‐related socialization for LGBTQ+ youth and its potential impact on youth's development and well‐being.
Regulating the banking sector to support credit access: Evidence from small business
Authors: Vozzella Pietro , Gabbi Giampaolo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the effectiveness of regulatory interventions in mitigating the harmful effects of financial crises on small firms. We examine the impact of a support factor implemented by European policymakers on Italian micro‐, small‐, and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs) between 2007 and 2017. The analysis uses a difference‐in‐differences approach to assess the credit conditions of these firms. Contrary to expectations, our results show that MSMEs in Italy continue to face credit constraints even after the introduction of the support factor. In contrast, we find that structural factors and portfolio effects play a more important role in promoting favorable credit conditions for small firms. Our results highlight the importance of considering these factors in conjunction with regulatory interventions to achieve better outcomes. This study has implications for policymakers and stakeholders, particularly in assessing the appropriateness of extending support factors for different policy purposes.
Clostridium ventriculi in a cynomolgus monkey with acute gastric dilatation and rupture: A case report
Authors: Bae Gyu‐Seo , Jeon Eun‐Su , Son Hee Chang , Kang Philyong , Lim Kyung Seob , Hwang Eun‐Ha , Kim Green , Baek Seung Ho , An You Jung , Shim Gyu Young , Woo Young Min , Kim YuJin , Oh Taehwan , Kim Seok‐Hwan , Hong JungJoo , Koo Bon‐Sang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAcute gastric dilatation (AGD) is one of the most prevalent and life‐threatening diseases in nonhuman primates worldwide. However, the etiology of this syndrome has not been determined. Recently, sudden death occurred in a 7‐year‐old female cynomolgus monkey with a history of fecal microbiota transplantation using diarrheic stools. The monkey had undergone surgery previously. On necropsy, gastric dilatation and rupture demonstrated a tetrad arrangement on histopathologic examination. On 16S rRNA sequencing, a high population of Clostridium ventriculi was identified in the duodenum adjacent to stomach but not in the colon. This paper is the first report of Clostridium ventriculi infection in a cynomolgus macaque with acute gastric dilatation and rupture.
ACTH‐secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A case‐series
Authors: Al‐Toubah Taymeyah , Pelle Eleonora , Hallanger‐Johnson Julie , Haider Mintallah , Strosberg Jonathan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEctopic Cushing's syndrome (CS) occurs rarely in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Early recognition of symptoms is critical given the high morbidity and mortality associated with CS. A database of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) seen at the Moffitt Cancer Center between 1/2008 and 4/2022 was reviewed and cases of ectopic CS were identified. Information was extracted on tumor characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, therapies, and outcomes. Thirteen cases were identified, ranging in age from 16 to 65 years at the initial time of diagnosis (median 42). Twelve of 13 patients had metastatic tumors at presentation. All were well‐differentiated at diagnosis although two were described as transformed to poorly differentiated on rebiopsy. A total of 4 patients also experienced Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome. Three patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy to manage uncontrolled CS. Median overall survival of was 56 months from the time of initial cancer diagnosis but only 18 months from diagnosis of CS. Our study showed that ectopic CS is a highly morbid condition when occurring in pancreatic NENs and is associated with aggressive disease. Bilateral adrenalectomy can be considered for syndrome control. To our knowledge, this is the largest institutional case‐series of ACTH‐secreting metastatic pancreatic NEN.
Sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor‐expressing (OXTR) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in the postpartum female mouse are involved in maternal behavior
Authors: Sharma Kaustubh , Govar Armita A. , Ghimire Bandana , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Hammock Elizabeth , Teruyama Ryoichi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMaternal care is crucial for the survival and development of offspring. Oxytocin modulates maternal behavior by binding to oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in various parts of the brain. Previously, we showed that OXTRs are expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of female, but not male mice. Because the AVPV is involved in the regulation of maternal behavior and oxytocin enhances its induction, this finding leads to the hypothesis that the female specific population of OXTR neurons in the AVPV regulates maternal behavior. To address this hypothesis, OXTR‐Venus reporter mice were used to assess if expression levels of OXTR in the AVPV are changed during the postpartum period. The total number of OXTR‐Venus neurons was significantly greater in postpartum dams compared to virgin females. To assess efferent projections of the AVPV‐OXTR neurons, a Cre‐dependent fluorescent protein (tdTomato) expressing a viral vector was injected into one side of the AVPV of female OXTR‐Cre mice. Fibers expressing tdTomato were found in hypothalamic areas containing oxytocin neurons (the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) and the midbrain areas (the ventral tegmental area and periaqueductal gray) that are involved in the regulation of maternal motivation. To assess if activity of the AVPV‐OXTR neurons is involved in the regulation of maternal behaviors, a chemogenetic approach was employed. Specific inhibition of activity of AVPV‐OXTR neurons completely abolished pup retrieval and nest building behaviors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AVPV‐OXTR neurons in postpartum female mice constitute an important node in the neural circuitry that regulates maternal behavior.
Effects of musical mnemonics on working memory performance in cognitively unimpaired older adults and persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Derks‐Dijkman Marije W. , Schaefer Rebecca S. , Baan‐Wessels Lisa , van Tilborg Ilse A. D. A. , Kessels Roy P. C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEpisodic memory (EM) and working memory (WM) are negatively affected by healthy ageing, and additional memory impairment typically occurs in clinical ageing‐related conditions such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Recent studies on musical mnemonics in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) showed promising results on EM performance. However, the effects of musical mnemonics on WM performance have not yet been studied in (a)MCI or AD. Particularly in (a)MCI the use of musical mnemonics may benefit the optimisation of (working) memory performance. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effects of musical presentation of digits consisting of pre‐recorded rhythms, sung unfamiliar pitch sequences, and their combinations, as compared to spoken presentation. Furthermore, musical expertise was assessed with two perceptual tests and the Self‐Report Inventory of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index. Thirty‐two persons with aMCI and 32 cognitively unimpaired older adults (OA) participated in this study. Confirming and extending previous findings in research on ageing, our results show a facilitating effect of rhythm in both cognitively unimpaired OA and persons with aMCI (p = .001, ηp2 = .158). Furthermore, pitch (p = .048, ηp2 = .062) and melody (p = .012, ηp2 = .098) negatively affected performance in both groups. Musical expertise increased this beneficial effect of musical mnemonics (p = .021, ηp2 = .090). Implications for the future design of music‐based memorisation strategies in (a)MCI are discussed.
The efficacy and safety of microneedling with topical tranexamic acid for melasma treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Xiaowei , Su Hong , Xie Jinwei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveMicroneedling with topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is a novel treatment option for melasma; however, the efficacy and safety of this combined administration therapy is in controversial. This study is conducted to address this issue of this technique in melasma.MethodsAn extensive literature review was performed to identify relevant trials, including randomized split‐face studies, randomized controlled trials and prospective non‐randomized split‐face studies, comparing microneedling plus topical TXA to routine treatments or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes of the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI)/modified MASI (mMASI)/hemi MASI between before and after treatment, as well as the changes between a particular treatment and microneedling plus TXA. The mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the reduction of melasma severity scores from baseline to each time point. In contrast, the standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated for the differences in reduction in melasma severity scores between the experimental and control groups at each time point.ResultsA total of 16 trials were included in the systematic review and data synthesis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that MASI, mMASI, and hemiMASI scores decreased significantly at 4 weeks (MD = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.15–2.54), 8 weeks (MD = 3.28; 95% CI = 2.31–4.24), 12 weeks (MD = 4.73; 95% CI = 2.79–6.50), 16 weeks (MD = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.50–4.85), and 20 weeks (MD = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.95–4.46) after treatment when compared with baseline. The reduction in melasma severity scores of microneedling with TXA group at 4 weeks was more significant than the routine treatment group (SMD = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.09–1.86), while insignificant at 8 weeks (SMD = 1.21; 95% CI = −0.17 to 2.59), 12 weeks (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI = −0.03 to 1.29), 16 weeks (SMD = 0.61; 95% CI = −2.85 to 4.07), or 20 weeks (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI = −1.28 to 3.36).ConclusionDespite the high heterogeneity across these studies, the current findings indicated that microneedling with topical TXA is an alternative treatment option for melasma treatment; and more well‐designed studies are needed to confirm it.
Business cycle accounting: What have we learned so far?
Authors: Brinca Pedro , Costa Filho João Ricardo , Loria Francesca 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhat drives recessions and expansions? Since it was introduced in 2007, there have been hundreds of business cycle accounting (BCA) exercises, a procedure aimed at identifying classes of models that hold quantitative promise to explain economic fluctuations. This paper contributes with a software—a graphical user interface that allows practitioners to perform BCA exercises with minimal effort—and exemplifies the procedure by studying the U.S. recessions in 1973 and 1990 and reflecting upon the critiques BCA has been subject to. We look into the many equivalence theorems that the literature has produced and that allow BCA practitioners to identify the theories that are quantitatively relevant for the economic period under study. The methodological extensions that have been brought forth since BCA's original inception are addressed as well as conclusions regarding the relative contribution of each wedge: GDP and investment are usually driven by an efficiency wedge, hours worked are closely related to the labor wedge and, in an open economy extension, the investment wedge helps to explain country risk spreads on international bonds. Finally, larger changes in interest rates and currency crises are usually associated with the investment and/or the labor wedge.
The effect of visual deprivation on basic taste modalities
Authors: Leszkowicz Emilia , Szymanek Patrycja , Pych Ewelina , Danielczuk Joanna , Skąpska Sylwia , Świergiel Artur H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this pilot study, the effects of temporary visual deprivation on sensitivity to the basic tastes in normal sighted subjects were assessed. The sip‐and‐spit method to assess taste recognition thresholds was applied. The recognition thresholds of five basic tastes were assessed in two conditions: when the participants were blindfolded and when their blindfolds were removed and their eyes were open. In the blindfolded condition, the recognition threshold for sweet taste (saccharose) was lower than in the eyes open condition (means: 2.49 g/L vs. 3.80 g/L, p = .046). For bitter taste, a similar tendency was observed, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (means: 0.11 g/L vs. 0.13 g/L, p = .078). No difference in taste recognition thresholds between these two conditions were noted for salty, sour, and umami. Thus, the impact of temporary visual deprivation on taste experience seems stronger for sweet than for other taste modalities.Practical ApplicationsOur pilot study suggests potential applications, for example, re‐evaluating sugar content in foods served in dim/dark environments, like cinemas or blind cafés where food is consumed in total darkness. The sweet taste recognition threshold for saccharose being lower by 1.3 g/L in dark surroundings than in lit environments may become an incentive for beverages/snacks/desserts producers to lower sugar content. Coco‐Cola Original Taste has 10.6 g of sugar/100 mL, and a 1‐L Coca‐Cola serving (one of the cinema‐sized beverages) contains 106 g of sugar (22 teaspoons). An appropriate reduction of sugar in such beverages should not change their taste/palatability, and may benefit consumers and producers (Valicente et al., 2023, Journal of Sensory Studies, 38(1), e12803). For instance, Coca‐Cola/Coke is produced by mixing a relevant syrup with water and adding CO2 (Coca‐Cola Original Taste/Zero Sugar/Cherry, etc.); producing an additional syrup with lower than original sugar content seems feasible for a company regularly introducing new products to the market.