bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cadmium effects on net N2O production by the deep-sea isolate Shewanella loihica PV-4
Authors: Pizarro Leonor , Magalhães Catarina , Almeida C Marisa R , Carvalho Maria de Fátima , Semedo Miguel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Deep-sea mining may lead to the release of high concentrations of metals into the surrounding seabed, which can disturb important ecosystem functions provided by microbial communities. Among these, the production of N2O and its reduction to N2 is of great relevance since N2O is an important greenhouse gas. Metal impacts on net N2O production by deep-sea bacteria are, however, currently unexplored. Here, we evaluated the effects of cadmium (Cd) on net N2O production by a deep-sea isolate, Shewanella loihica PV-4. We performed a series of Cd exposure incubations in oxic conditions and determined N2O fluxes during induced anoxic conditions, as well as the relative expression of the nitrite reductase gene (nirK), preceding N2O production, and N2O reductase gene (nosZ), responsible for N2O reduction. Net N2O production by S. loihica PV-4 exposed to Cd was strongly inhibited when compared to the control treatment (no metal). Both nirK and nosZ gene expression were inhibited in reactors with Cd, but nirK inhibition was stronger, supporting the lower net N2O production observed with Cd. The Cd inhibition of net N2O production observed in this study poses the question whether other deep-sea bacteria would undergo the same effects. Future studies should address this question as well as its applicability to complex communities and other physicochemical conditions, which remain to be evaluated.
Testosterone and estradiol modify the expression of adhesins and biofilm formation in Actinobacillus seminis
Authors: Ramírez-Paz-y-Puente Gerardo Antonio , Chávez-Flores Carlos I , Montes-García J Fernando , Sanchez-Alonso Patricia G , Cobos-Justo Maria Elena , Vázquez-Cruz Candelario , Zenteno Edgar , Negrete-Abascal Erasmo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Actinobacillus seminis is the causal agent of epididymitis and has other effects on the reproductive tracts of small ruminants and bovines. This bacterium causes infection when luteinizing (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormones increase, and hosts reach sexual maturity. LH induces female ovulation and male testosterone production, suggesting that these hormones affect A. seminis pathogenicity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of testosterone (1–5 ng/ml) or estradiol (5–25 pg/ml) added to culture medium on the in vitro growth, biofilm production, and adhesin expression of A. seminis. Estradiol does not promote the growth of this bacterium, whereas testosterone increased A. seminis planktonic growth 2-fold. Both hormones induced the expression of the elongation factor thermo unstable (EF-Tu) and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM), proteins that A. seminis uses as adhesins. Estradiol (5 or 10 pg/ml) decreased biofilm formation by 32%, whereas testosterone, even at 5 ng/ml, showed no effect. Both hormones modified the concentrations of carbohydrates and eDNA in biofilms by 50%. Amyloid proteins are characterized by their capacity to bind Congo red (CR) dye. Actinobacillus seminis binds CR dye, and this binding increases in the presence of 5–20 pg/ml estradiol or 4 ng/ml testosterone. The A. seminis EF-Tu protein was identified as amyloid-like protein (ALP). The effect of sexual hormones on the growth and expression of virulence factors of A. seminis seems to be relevant for its colonization and permanence in the host.
The role of glycoconjugates as receptors for insecticidal proteins
Authors: Best Hannah L , Williamson Lainey J , Heath Emily A , Waller-Evans Helen , Lloyd-Evans Emyr , Berry Colin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins are an environmentally safe and effective alternative to chemical pesticides and have been used as biopesticides, with great commercial success, for over 50 years. Global agricultural production is predicted to require a 70% increase until 2050 to provide for an increasing population. In addition to agriculture, Bt proteins are utilized to control human vectors of disease—namely mosquitoes—which account for &gt;700 000 deaths annually. The evolution of resistance to Bt pesticial toxins threatens the progression of sustainable agriculture. Whilst Bt protein toxins are heavily utilized, the exact mechanisms behind receptor binding and toxicity are unknown. It is critical to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms in order to engineer novel toxin variants and to predict, and prevent, future resistance evolution. This review focuses on the role of carbohydrate binding in the toxicity of the most utilized group of Bt pesticidal proteins—three domain Cry (3D-Cry) toxins.
Polymorphisms of rDNA genes inCyberlindnerayeast suggest birth-and-death evolution events
Authors: Bizarria Rodolfo , Pietrobon Tatiane de Castro , Ferreira Henrique , Rodrigues Andre 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn eukaryotes, the ribosome machinery is encoded by repeats of the ribosomal RNA genes: 26/28S, 18S, 5.8S, and 5S, structured in tandem arrays and frequently homogenized within a genome. This homogenization is thought to be driven by concerted evolution, evolving as a unit, which contributes to its target as the species barcode in modern taxonomy. However, high heterogeneity of rDNA genes has been reported, including in Saccharomycotina yeasts. Here, we describe the polymorphisms and heterogeneity of D1/D2 domains (26S rRNA) and the intergenic transcribed spacer of a new yeast species with affinities to the genus Cyberlindnera and their evolution. Both regions are not homogenized, failing the prediction of concerted evolution. Phylogenetic network analysis of cloned sequences revealed that Cyberlindnera sp. rDNAs are diverse and evolved by reticulation rather than by bifurcating tree evolution model. Predicted rRNA secondary structures also confirmed structural differences, except for some conserved hairpin loops. We hypothesize that some rDNA is inactive within this species and evolves by birth-and-death rather than concerted evolution. Our findings propel further investigation into the evolution of rDNA genes in yeasts.
Gender differences in sense of coherence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Kayi Ilker , Uzunköprü Gizem , Dadaczynski Kevin , Soylar Pınar , Otludil Buğra , Dündar Pınar , Bakırcı Nadi , Okan Orkan , Sakarya Sibel 
Published: June 2023

SummaryNon-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic halted everyday life in higher education along with social and psychological impacts. The objective of our study was to explore the factors related to sense of coherence (SoC) from a gender perspective among university students in Turkey. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted online with a convenience sampling method as part of the international COVID-Health Literacy (COVID-HL) Consortium. SoC was measured by a nine-item questionnaire that was adapted to the Turkish language, including socio-demographic information and health status, including psychological well-being, psychosomatic complaints, and future anxiety (FA). 1595 students from four universities, of whom 72% were female, participated in the study. Cronbach’s alpha for the SoC scale was 0.75. Based on the median split of the individual scores, levels of SoC showed no statistically significant difference according to gender. Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher SoC was associated with medium and high subjective social status, studying in private universities, high psychological well-being, low FA, and none/one psychosomatic complaint. While results were similar among female students, type of university and psychological well-being showed no statistically significant association with SoC among males. Our results indicate that structural (subjective social status) and contextual (type of university) factors, along with gender-based variations, are associated with SoC among university students in Turkey.
Health literacy education of children in Austrian elementary schools
Authors: Breil Christina , Lillich Michael 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Health literacy (HL) in children is essential for healthy decision-making from early on. At six Austrian elementary schools, all children (aged 6–11 years) received 3 years of health education (HE). The participating schools were equipped with teaching materials to convey lessons in a child-oriented way. The teachers were professionally accompanied during the implementation process and received specific training. HL and its subprocesses (obtain, understand, comprehend and apply) in children &gt;8 years were measured with a standardized test (QUIGK-K) after 1, 2 and 3 years of education and compared with values from two comparison schools without such lessons. t-Tests showed a significant increase in HL at the end of the second year of HE. After this period, the children showed above-average values on all subprocesses of HL and performed better than children without HE. The third year did not lead to a further increase. Hence, child-oriented HE is suitable to promote HL in elementary school students within 2 years. It is therefore recommended to start HE as early as possible in order to lay the foundation for a long and healthy life.
A framework for studying ecological energy in the contemporary marine environment
Authors: Kressler Molly M , Dall Sasha R X , Sherley Richard B 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHistoric limitations have resulted in marine ecological studies usually overlooking some well-established concepts from behavioural ecology. This is likely because the methods available were easily overwhelmed by the scale of ecological processes and sampling resolution in the marine environment. Innovations in technology, data management, and statistical modelling now provide the capacity to fully embrace behavioural ecology concepts and study marine ecological interactions from a more holistic perspective. To facilitate this vision, we propose a novel perspective and workflow for marine ecology: the Seascape of Ecological Energy, or SEE-scapes. SEE-scapes contextualizes the accumulated knowledge from marine biology and behavioural ecology research and provides a guide for marine scientists interested in grounding their research in behavioural ecology’s first principles. SEE-scapes specifies relevant considerations for contemporary seascapes, with special attention to relationships between individuals and their conspecifics, competitors, predators, and the abiotic environment. It is formulated to account for how the unique features of marine vertebrates require revisions to standard, terrestrially focused methodological approaches, and offers solutions for how to sample and model the eco-evolutionary drivers of behaviour across the dynamic and hierarchical seascape. Simply put, SEE-scapes provides the guidance to translate a dynamic system and reveal opportunities for collaborative and integrative research.
Scaling of radial basis functions
Authors: Larsson Elisabeth , Schaback Robert 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This paper studies the influence of scaling on the behavior of radial basis function interpolation. It focuses on certain central aspects, but does not try to be exhaustive. The most important questions are: How does the error of a kernel-based interpolant vary with the scale of the kernel chosen? How does the standard error bound vary? And since fixed functions may be in spaces that allow scalings, like global Sobolev spaces, is there a scale of the space that matches the function best? The last question is answered in the affirmative for Sobolev spaces, but the required scale may be hard to estimate. Scalability of functions turns out to be restricted for spaces generated by analytic kernels, unless the functions are band-limited. In contrast to other papers, polynomials and polyharmonics are included as flat limits when checking scales experimentally, with an independent computation. The numerical results show that the hunt for near-flat scales is questionable, if users include the flat limit cases right from the start. When there are not enough data to evaluate errors directly, the scale of the standard error bound can be varied, up to replacing the norm of the unknown function by the norm of the interpolant. This follows the behavior of the actual error qualitatively well, but is only of limited value for estimating error-optimal scales. For kernels and functions with unlimited smoothness, the given interpolation data are proven to be insufficient for determining useful scales.
The Moduli Space of Cubic Threefolds with a Non-Eckardt Type Involution via Intermediate Jacobians
Authors: Casalaina-Martin Sebastian , Marquand Lisa , Zhang Zheng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
There are two types of involutions on a cubic threefold: the Eckardt type (which has been studied by the first named and the third named authors) and the non-Eckardt type. Here we study cubic threefolds with a non-Eckardt type involution, whose fixed locus consists of a line and a cubic curve. Specifically, we consider the period map sending a cubic threefold with a non-Eckardt type involution to the invariant part of the intermediate Jacobian. The main result is that the global Torelli Theorem holds for the period map. To prove the theorem, we project the cubic threefold from the pointwise fixed line and exhibit the invariant part of the intermediate Jacobian as a Prym variety of a (pseudo-)double cover of stable curves. The proof relies on a result of Ikeda and Naranjo–Ortega on the injectivity of the related Prym map. We also describe the invariant part of the intermediate Jacobian via the projection from a general invariant line and show that the two descriptions are related by the bigonal construction.
The risk-benefit balance of resistance to ionophores in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis for ionophore coccidiostats in broiler chickens
Authors: Simjee S , Tice G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In recent years, publications and debate have emerged in the scientific literature that have linked the use of ionophore coccidiostats, which are themselves not medically important and not related to any therapeutic antibiotics used in human and animal medicine, to resistance development to medically important antibiotics in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, isolated from broilers and broiler meat. This has been based on the discovery of genes, now named NarAB, that appear to result in elevated MICs of the ionophores narasin, salinomycin and maduramycin and that these are linked to genes responsible for resistance to antibiotics that may be clinically relevant in human medicine. This article will seek to review the most significant publications in this regard and will also examine national antimicrobial resistance surveillance programmes in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, in order to further evaluate this concern. The conclusion of the review is that the risk that enterococci may pass from broilers to humans and that antimicrobial resistance gene transfer may occur is negligible, remains unquantified and is highly unlikely to be of significance to human health. Indeed, to date no human nosocomial infections have been linked to poultry sources. Concurrently a review of the possible impact of a policy that limits access for poultry farmers and poultry veterinarians to ionophore coccidiostats in broilers indicates predictable negative consequences with regard to antibiotic resistance of significance to animal welfare and to human health.
Effects of a therapeutic weight loss diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs
Authors: Pan Yuanlong , Spears Julie K , Xu Hui , Bhatnagar Sandeep 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Obesity has become a major health issue in dogs. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of many chronic diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic weight loss (TWL) diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs. Thirty overweight and obese dogs were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs per group based on key baseline parameters and allotted to either a control or TWL diet for 6 months. At the start of the study, the control group had 6 females and 9 males with mean age of 9.12 ± 0.48 (mean ± SEM) years; there were 7 females and 8 males with mean age of 9.73 ± 0.63 years in the TWL group. The control group and the TWL group had comparable body weight (34.78 ± 0.76 kg and 34.63 ± 0.86 kg, respectively), % body fat (39.77 ± 1.18 and 39.89 ± 0.93, respectively), and body condition score (BCS) (7.80 ± 0.14 and 7.67 ± 0.16 on a 9-point BCS scale, respectively). The control diet was formulated based on the macronutrient ratio of a commercial metabolic diet, and the TWL diet was enriched with dietary protein, fish oil, and soy germ meal. Both diets were fortified with essential nutrients to account for caloric restriction during weight loss. Dogs were fed 25% less than baseline maintenance energy requirement (MER) for the first 4 months and if they did not reach a body condition score (BCS) of 5, they were fed 40% less than baseline MER for the last 2 months. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Postprandial glucose profiles were determined by continuous glucose monitoring devices. Serum samples were collected for analyses of blood parameters, hormones, and cytokines. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3, with significance being P &lt; 0.05. At the end of the study, the control group and the TWL group had comparable weight loss (-5.77 ± 0.31 kg and -6.14 ± 0.32 kg, respectively; P = 0.4080). But the TWL group lost significantly (P = 0.034) more body fat (-13.27 ± 1.28%) than the control group (-9.90 ± 1.23%). In addition, the TWL diet completely prevented loss of lean body mass (LBM) in dogs compared with baseline. Dogs fed the TWL diet had significantly lower fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, mean postprandial interstitial glucose, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with dogs fed the control diet. In summary, the TWL diet prevented loss of LBM, promoted weight loss and metabolic health, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in overweight and obese dogs during weight loss.
Interventions to improve outcomes for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chow Ronald , Mathews Jean J , Cheng Emily YiQin , Lo Samantha , Wong Joanne , Alam Sorayya , Hannon Breffni , Rodin Gary , Nissim Rinat , Hales Sarah , Kavalieratos Dio , Quinn Kieran L , Tomlinson George , Zimmermann Camilla 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer often have poor quality of life (QOL) and mental health. We examined the effectiveness of interventions offering support for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer on caregiver QOL and mental health outcomes.

Methods
We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases from inception through June 2021. Eligible studies reported on randomized controlled trials for adult caregivers of adult patients with advanced cancer. Meta-analysis was conducted for primary outcomes of QOL, physical well-being, mental well-being, anxiety, and depression, from baseline to follow-up of 1-3 months; secondary endpoints were these outcomes at 4-6 months and additional caregiver burden, self-efficacy, family functioning, and bereavement outcomes. Random effects models were used to generate summary standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results
Of 12 193 references identified, 56 articles reporting on 49 trials involving 8554 caregivers were eligible for analysis; 16 (33%) targeted caregivers, 19 (39%) patient–caregiver dyads, and 14 (29%) patients and their families. At 1- to 3-month follow-up, interventions had a statistically significant effect on overall QOL (SMD = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10 to 0.39); I2 = 52.0%), mental well-being (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.25; I2 = 0.0%), anxiety (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.49; I2 = 74.0%), and depression (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.52; I2 = 64.4) compared with standard care. In narrative synthesis, interventions demonstrated improvements in caregiver self-efficacy and grief.

Conclusions
Interventions targeting caregivers, dyads, or patients and families led to improvements in caregiver QOL and mental health. These data support the routine provision of interventions to improve well-being in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
Financial outcomes of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a longitudinal population-based registry study
Authors: Siebinga Ties M , Janssen Silvie H M , Boumans Anke W , Van Eenbergen Mies C , Siflinger Bettina , Van Der Graaf Winette T A , Husson Olga 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The patterns and determinants of long-term income among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, and the differences compared with peers, have not yet been fully explored. This study investigated the long-term effects of cancer on the income of AYA cancer survivors.

Methods
The Netherlands Cancer Registry identified all AYA cancer patients (aged 18-39 years) diagnosed in 2013 and alive 5 years postdiagnosis. Clinical data of the selected AYA patients were linked to individual, administrative real-world labor market data of Statistics Netherlands. The control group consisted of a random sample of individuals of the same age, sex, and migration background without cancer. Data on 2434 AYA cancer patients and 9736 controls were collected annually from 2011 until 2019. Changes in income level were measured and compared with the control group using difference-in-difference regression models.

Results
AYA cancer survivors experience, on average, an 8.5% decrease in annual earnings, relative to the control population. The effects are statistically significant and permanent (P &lt; .01). Younger AYAs (those aged 18-25 years 15.5% income reduction), married cancer survivors (12.3%), females (11.6%), those diagnosed with stage IV disease (38.1%), and central nervous system (15.7%) cancer patients experienced the largest decline in income, on average, relative to controls, all else constant.

Conclusion
Although dependent on the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, a cancer diagnosis at AYA age has significant implications on the income of cancer patients. Awareness of vulnerable groups and the development of policies to mitigate the financial impact of cancer are critical.
Retrosternal parathyromatosis in a patient with prior total parathyroidectomy
Authors: Saleh Tariq , Alaswad Marwan , Otry Abdullah , Saleh Waleed 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Parathyromatosis is a rare cause of recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism that often follows surgical removal of the parathyroid gland. Foci of parathyromatosis are most commonly found in the neck, mediastinum, and sites of autotransplantation. A 36-year-old male with renal failure and prior parathyroidectomy presented with generalized bone pain, for which laboratory investigations revealed hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative coil localization was utilized followed by thoracoscopy using fluoroscopy for resection of ectopic parathyroid tissue. The specimen was sent to histopathology, which revealed multiple nodules of hypercellular parathyroid tissue, consistent with the diagnosis of parathyromatosis. Parathyromatosis is a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism, with surgical removal being the only curative option. Follow-up is essential as it can commonly recur.