bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethics without numbers
Authors: Nebel Jacob M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper develops and explores a new framework for theorizing about the measurement and aggregation of well‐being. It is a qualitative variation on the framework of social welfare functionals developed by Amartya Sen. In Sen's framework, a social or overall betterness ordering is assigned to each profile of real‐valued utility functions. In the qualitative framework developed here, numerical utilities are replaced by the properties they are supposed to represent. This makes it possible to characterize the measurability and interpersonal comparability of well‐being directly, without the use of restrictive invariance conditions, and to distinguish between real changes in well‐being and merely representational changes in the unit of measurement. The qualitative framework is shown to have important implications for a range of issues in axiology and social choice theory, including the characterization of welfarism, axiomatic derivations of utilitarianism, the meaningfulness of prioritarianism, the informational requirements of variable‐population ethics, the impossibility theorems of Arrow and others, and the metaphysics of value.
Sensitivity of seed germination to water stress in high‐altitude populations of a threatened palm species
Authors: dos Santos A. S. , Braz M. I. G. , dos Santos de Barros C. , de Cássia Quitete Portela R. , de Mattos E. A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Divergence in seed germination patterns among populations of the same species is important for understanding plant responses to environmental gradients and potential plant sensitivity to climate change. In order to test responses to flooding and decreasing water potentials, over 3 years we germinated and grew seeds from three habitats of Euterpe edulis Mart. occurring along an altitudinal gradient.

Seed germination and root growth were evaluated under different water availability treatments: control, flood, −0.4 MPa, −0.8 MPa, in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, and in the final year of the experiment (2014) at −1.0 MPa and −1.5 MPa.

Seeds from the montane habitat did not germinate in the flooding treatment. Seed germination of all three habitats decreased in the −1.5 MPa treatment and the montane habitat had lowest germination in this treatment. Time required for half of the seeds to germinate increased up to −0.8 MPa. Seeds from montane habitats germinated more slowly in all treatments. The only difference in seed germination synchrony was an increase in the submontane population under the flooding treatment. However, synchrony decreased at the lowest water potentials. Roots of the montane population were more vigorous in most treatments, except at −0.8 MPa.

The unusual ability of these seeds to germinate at low water potentials might be related to early seed germination at the onset of the rainy season, which potentially decreases seed predation pressure. Seeds of the montane population were more sensitive to both types of water stress. A predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme high rainfall or drought events may predispose early stages of this population to adverse factors that might negatively affect population viability with elevational in future climate change scenarios.
Cooling of porcine semen in an extender supplemented with carvacrol
Authors: Restrepo Giovanni , Zapata Kelly , Colorado Paola , Rojano Benjamín 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe addition of antioxidants in boar semen is an alternative to mitigate the reduction of sperm quality during preservation. To evaluate the effect of carvacrol on cooling of boar semen. Fifteen ejaculates from five boars were extended in MR‐A® with 0, 5, 10, 15, 15, 20, 25 and 30 μM of carvacrol (C) and were cooled for 5 days at 16°C. Sperm motility and kinetics were evaluated with computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA). At 0 and 96 h, membrane functionality was determined by hypoosmotic test; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by spectrofluorimetry and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ¥M) by flow cytometry. Linear models, regression analysis and comparison of means by Duncan test, were conducted. The addition of carvacrol did not influence sperm motility, but at low concentrations decreased ROS production, whereas 30 μM C reduced the membrane functionality and 25 μM C decreased Δ¥M. In addition, regression coefficients showed that C produced a lower rate of decrease in different parameters of sperm motility and kinetics. During cooling there is a reduction in sperm quality due to the excessive production of ROS, generating oxidative stress and affecting cell permeability and functionality. In this study, it was possible to demonstrate the protective activity of C as a molecule capable of neutralizing free radicals. In addition, it has been proposed that C is also capable of reducing peroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. Carvacrol can mitigate the reduction of boar semen quality during the storage period under cooling conditions. Likewise, it can reduce ROS production and modulate the mitochondrial activity of porcine sperm.
Advisory opinions on climate change: Some preliminary questions
Authors: Bodansky Daniel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe recent requests for advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Inter‐American Court of Human Rights are understandable, given the slow pace of the climate change negotiations. But are they a good idea? Will an advisory opinion by an international tribunal be likely to strengthen the international response to climate change and, if so, in what ways? Will it complement or compete with the United Nations climate change negotiations? What are the risks, both to the negotiations and to the court's own legitimacy, and do the potential benefits of an advisory opinion justify these risks? To what extent should international climate change law be developed through negotiations or adjudication, by States or by courts? Before jumping on the advisory opinion bandwagon, this article poses some questions to consider.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health—An international study
Authors: Mustuloğlu Şeyma , Özler Cansu Özsin , Tekçiçek Meryem Uzamış , Arslan Selen Serel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of dysphagia clinicians regarding oral health care.Methodology and ResultsAn 11‐question and 37‐statement survey inquiring the clinicians' descriptive information, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health was administered via Google forms. A total of 234 dysphagia clinicians responded on behalf of themselves. The findings showed that 41.5% (n = 97) of the clinicians had a high level of knowledge about oral health. There was a significant relationship between the level of oral health knowledge and the clinicians' oral health education (p < .05). A percentage of 6.4 (n = 15) of the clinicians had a high level of attitude toward oral health. Oral health education status of clinicians and their profession was significantly related to the attitude toward oral health (p < .05). Most of the clinicians (44.0%, n = 103) had low behavior level. The level of behavior was significantly associated with status of receiving oral health education, their professions, duration of experience, and institution (p < .05).ConclusionsThe study showed that clinicians exhibit moderate mean knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors scores, and these states are significantly associated with oral health education. This can serve as a stimulus for clinicians caring for dysphagia patients to receive oral health education during their university education.
Work‐based feedback conversations with GP teachers
Authors: Sturman Nancy Jennifer , MItchell Benjamin , Jennings Warren , Kelly Michaela , O'Reilly Joanne Margaret , King David 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionFeedback may play out in the general practice workplace less usefully than anticipated by educators. We investigated work‐based feedback conversations about directly observed student tasks embedded in the supervisor's clinical consultations with patients.MethodsFeedback conversations between GP teachers and medical students and subsequent student reflections were audio‐recorded. Student and GP teacher focus groups were also conducted and transcribed professionally. An iterative, qualitative descriptive analysis integrating all transcripts was undertaken. Findings are discussed under the descriptive categories of feedback structure, content and perceived value.ResultsTwenty feedback conversations (total duration of 85 min) between five GP teachers, nine students and 20 student reflections (total duration of 58 min) were analysed. GP teachers actively engaged students in reflection and used balancing scripts and soft correction strategies. Students appeared to have some difficulty steering feedback conversations, which focused more on general skills than case‐specific content knowledge. The recorded conversations were fragments of ongoing, in‐practice teaching and learning, explicit and implicit. Student reflections suggested that they were able to grasp learning points effectively and identify room for growth. Praise and positive self‐feedback appeared to reassure students, particularly when they were disappointed by their performances.DiscussionFormal ‘set‐piece’ feedback conversations may be a useful opportunity to explicitly surface and/or reinforce previous ‘in‐practice’ reflection and feedback using a systematic structure. They may also reassure and encourage students and foster positive educational alliances. Students value in‐practice and on‐practice feedback but may prefer more control of the latter conversations.
Changes in religious attitudes and behaviors of Euro‐Turk students with theology education
Authors: Demir Zekiye , Toprak A. Ömer 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper studied a new dimension of international students, who are citizens of another country but came back to Turkey for religious education where their parents or grandparents are citizens. Did a five‐year religious education process based on the main sources of Islam lead to a change in these students' religious attitudes and behaviors, and if yes to what extent did these changes occur? A panel survey is conducted on these students in pre‐education and post‐education periods to answer this question. Without ignoring the effect of the social environment outside of education on religious attitudes, we found that students exhibit a more tolerant, nonstrict attitude toward both their coreligionists and those who have negative attitudes toward their religion. Additionally, in parallel with the deepening of religious knowledge, a questioning and critical perspective was formed with a decrease in superstitions. We found that the attitude change in female students was generally higher than that of male students.
Cowpox to COVID: History of vaccination in the immunocompromised host
Authors: Schaenman Joanna , Avery Robin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe use of vaccination to prevent infection has a long history, starting in the 1700s with Jenner. New innovations have led to improvements in the safety and efficacy of vaccines, from live attenuated viruses to subunit vaccines, to RNA‐based vaccination for SARS‐CoV‐2. Despite this progress, however, solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients on immunosuppression demonstrate an impaired vaccine response compared with healthy controls. This issue is important given the increased vulnerability to infection in immunocompromised patients, especially in the setting of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.MethodsWe reviewed the literature on key topics in vaccination with significant clinical impact on SOT patients.ResultsPrior to COVID‐19, a large amount of data has been published demonstrating impaired humoral and T‐cell responses to multiple vaccinations targeting influenza, hepatitis B, VZV, and Pneumococcus. Poor immunogenicity can be addressed through the use of adjuvants to boost the immune response, even in the setting of senescence related to age or immunosuppression. New vaccines provide hope for preventing infection due to hepatitis C and Cytomegalovirus, and to the emerging infection, monkeypox. The data on the impact of the COVID‐19 vaccine in SOT patients is reviewed, with a focus on seroconversion, antibody titer, and antigen‐specific T cells. Factors associated with impaired response, including mycophenolate, are described.ConclusionThe history of vaccination demonstrates how scientific breakthroughs can be applied to clinical challenges. New approaches using adjuvants, strategic antigen selection, and RNA‐based vaccines offer the potential to improve immune response in SOT recipients. Future innovations are needed to better protect the vulnerable immunocompromised host.
Mutation and sequencing‐based cloning and functional studies of a rust resistance gene in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: Shamimuzzaman Md , Ma Guojia , Underwood William , Qi Lili 
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYRust, caused by the fungus Puccinia helianthi Schwein., is one of the most devastating diseases of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), affecting global production. The rust R gene R11 in sunflower line HA‐R9 shows broad‐spectrum resistance to P. helianthi virulent races and was previously mapped to an interval on sunflower chromosome 13 encompassing three candidate genes annotated in the XRQr1.0 reference genome assembly. In the current study, we combined ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis with targeted region capture and PacBio long‐read sequencing to clone the R11 gene. Sequencing of a 60‐kb region spanning the R11 locus from the R11‐HA‐R9 rust‐resistant line and three EMS‐induced susceptible mutants facilitated the identification of R11 and definition of induced mutations. The R11 gene is predicted to have a single 3996‐bp open reading frame and encodes a protein of 1331 amino acids with CC‐NBS‐LRR domains typical of genes conferring plant resistance to biotrophic pathogens. Point mutations identified in the R11 rust‐susceptible mutants resulted in premature stop codons, consistent with loss of function leading to rust susceptibility. Additional functional studies using comparative RNA sequencing of the resistant line R11‐HA‐R9 and R11‐susceptible mutants revealed substantial differences in gene expression patterns associated with R11‐mediated resistance at 7 days post‐inoculation with rust, and uncovered the potential roles of terpenoid biosynthesis and metabolism in sunflower rust resistance.
Regulation of plant carbon assimilation metabolism by post‐translational modifications
Authors: Balparda Manuel , Bouzid Maroua , Martinez María del Pilar , Zheng Ke , Schwarzländer Markus , Maurino Veronica G. 
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYThe flexibility of plant growth, development and stress responses is choreographed by an intricate network of signaling cascades and genetic programs. However, it is metabolism that ultimately executes these programs through the selective delivery of specific building blocks and energy. Photosynthetic carbon fixation is the central pillar of the plant metabolic network, the functioning of which is conditioned by environmental fluctuations. Hence, regulation of carbon assimilation metabolism must be particularly versatile and rapid to maintain efficiency and avoid dysfunction. While changes in gene expression can adjust the global inventory and abundance of relevant proteins, their specific characteristics are dynamically altered at the post‐translational level. Here we highlight studies that show the extent of the regulatory impact by post‐translational modification (PTM) on carbon assimilation metabolism. We focus on examples for which there has been empirical evidence of functional changes associated with a PTM, rather than just the occurrence of PTMs at specific sites in proteins, as regularly detected in proteomic studies. The examples indicate that we are only at the beginning of deciphering the PTM‐based regulatory network that operates in plant cells. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that targeted exploitation of PTM engineering has the potential to control the metabolic flux landscape as a prerequisite for increasing crop yields, modifying metabolite composition, optimizing stress tolerance, and even executing novel growth and developmental programs.
Metabolic effects of radiation on red blood cells from cold stored whole blood
Authors: Becerra Sandra C. , Christy Barbara A. , Herzig Maryanne C. , Bynum James A. , Darlington Daniel N. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of military and civilian radiation exposure is increasing, and determining the effects of exposure is a high priority. Irradiation of the nearby blood supply after a nuclear event may impede mobilization of blood products for resuscitation at a time of great need. RBCs are administered to patients with trauma and hemorrhage to transport and deliver oxygen and avoid tissue hypoxia. Here we determine the effects of ionizing radiation on the energy metabolome of RBCs isolated from cold stored whole blood to determine if their stability is compromised by radiation exposure.Study Design and MethodsWhole blood from healthy volunteers was subjected to 0, 25, or 75 Gy of X‐irradiation, and stored at 4°C. RBCs were isolated from stored WB at 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. The levels of extracted Krebs cycle intermediates, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides, and phosphorylated derivatives of adenosine and guanosine were determined by tandem mass spectroscopy.ResultsIrradiation at either 25Gy or 75Gy had no significant effect on any parameter measured compared to control (0Gy). However, there was a significant change over time in storage for ATP, GDP, and guanosine.DiscussionIrradiation at doses up to 75Gy had no effect on the energy metabolome of RBCs prepared from blood stored at 4°C for up to 21 days, suggesting that the RBC energy metabolome is not affected by radiation exposure and the blood can still be used for resuscitation in trauma patients.
Prevalence and outcome of lens capsule disruption in routine canine cataract surgery: A retrospective study of 520 eyes (2012–2019)
Authors: Andrews Amy L. M. M. , Kafarnik Christiane , Fischer Maria‐Christine 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and surgical outcome of lens capsule disruption (LCD) in dogs undergoing cataract removal.Animals studiedMedical records of 924 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification were analyzed retrospectively.ProceduresRoutine cataract surgeries with or without LCD were included. Any LCD other than routine anterior capsulorhexis was defined as LCD and classified according to location and etiology. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for maintaining vision, implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), and enucleation.ResultsIn total, 520 eyes were included. A LCD occurred in 145 eyes (27.8%; 145/520) and affected the posterior (85.5%; 124/145), anterior (6.2%; 9/145), and equatorial lens capsule (4.8%; 7/145) and at multiple locations (3.4%; 5/145). The etiology of the LCD was spontaneous preoperative in 41 eyes (28.3%; 41/145), accidental intraoperative in 57 eyes (39.3%; 57/145), and planned in 47 eyes (32.4%; 47/145). Disruption did not increase the odds of enucleation (OR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–3.67;p = .36). The presence of LCD significantly increased the risk of losing vision 1 year post‐operatively (OR = 8.17, 95% CI 1.41–84.93;p = .007) associated with retinal detachment. However, this was not present at 2 years follow‐up or in PCCC cases at any time point. An IOL was implanted in 108 eyes (108/145; 75.2%) with LCD and in 45/47 (95.7%) eyes with a PCCC.ConclusionIncreased surgeon awareness of possible intraoperative, accidental LCDs is important, as LCDs were relatively common and associated with increased odds for vision loss after 1 year in the present study. A prospective study investigating the causes of intraoperative, accidental LCD is warranted.
Epidemiology and clinical significance of canine distichiasis: A retrospective study of 291 cases
Authors: Jondeau C. , Gounon M. , Bourguet A. , Chahory S. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the epidemiological factors and clinical significance of canine distichiasis.Animals studiedTwo hundred and ninety‐one client‐owned dogs.MethodsRetrospective study of medical records for canine patients diagnosed with distichiasis between 2010 and 2019 in an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breed, sex, skull conformation, coat type, age at the time of diagnosis, reason for presentation, clinical examination findings, and affected eyelid(s) were reviewed.ResultsThe prevalence of distichiasis was 5.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9–6.1) in the population of dogs presented to an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breeds with the highest prevalence were English bulldogs (35.2%, 95% CI: 26.7–43.7) and American cocker spaniels (19.4%, 95% CI: 8.3–30.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in brachycephalic dogs (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.8–14.0) than in non‐brachycephalic dogs (4.6%, 95% CI: 4.0–5.3) and in short‐haired dogs (8.2%, 95% CI: 6.8–9.6) than in dogs with other coat types (5.3%, 95% CI: 4.5–6.1). Most dogs were affected bilaterally (63.6%, 95% CI: 58.0–69.1). Among dogs with clinical signs, 39.0% (95% CI: 26.5–51.4) exhibited corneal ulceration, including superficial ulcers (28.8%, 95% CI: 17.3–40.4) and deep stromal ulcers (10.2%, 95% CI: 2.5–17.8). Distichiasis was non‐irritating in 85.0% (95% CI: 80.6–89.4) of affected dogs.ConclusionThis study reports the largest cohort of canine distichiasis to date. In a large proportion of dogs, distichiasis was a non‐irritating condition. However, brachycephalic breeds, especially English bulldogs, were the most frequently and severely affected.
The case for the therapeutic use of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in xenotransplantation
Authors: Maenaka Akihiro , Kinoshita Kohei , Hara Hidetaka , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the systems that are necessary to maintain cell homeostasis, such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation. mTOR inhibitors (mTOR‐Is) are utilized as immunosuppressants and anti‐cancer drugs. In organ allotransplantation, current regimens infrequently include an mTOR‐I, which are positioned more commonly as alternative immunosuppressants. In clinical allotransplantation, long‐term efficacy has been established, but there is a significant incidence of adverse events, for example, inhibition of wound healing, buccal ulceration, anemia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and thrombocytopenia, some of which are dose‐dependent. mTOR‐Is have properties that may be especially beneficial in xenotransplantation. These include suppression of T cell proliferation, increases in the number of T regulatory cells, inhibition of pig graft growth, and anti‐inflammatory, anti‐viral, and anti‐cancer effects. We here review the potential benefits and risks of mTOR‐Is in xenotransplantation and suggest that the benefits exceed the adverse effects.