bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spleen stiffness can predict liver decompensation and survival in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Karagiannakis Dimitrios S. , Voulgaris Theodoros , Markakis George , Lakiotaki Dimitra , Michailidou Elisavet , Cholongitas Evangelos , Papatheodoridis George 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground and AimLiver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been predicting liver decompensation and survival in cirrhotics. The aim of our study was to investigate if spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by 2D shear‐wave elastography could predict better the probability of decompensation and mortality, compared with LSM and other parameters.MethodsConsecutive cirrhotic patients were recruited between 1/2017 and 12/2021. LSM and SSM were performed at baseline and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Clinical events were recorded every 3 months.ResultsTotally, 177 patients were followed for a mean period of 31 ± 18 months. In Cox regression analysis, only SSM was independently associated with the probability of decompensation (HR: 1.063, 95% CI: 1.009–1.120; P = 0.021), offering an AUROC of 0.710 (P = 0.003) for predicting 1‐year liver decompensation (NPV: 81.1% for the cut‐off point of 37 kPa). The occurrence of death/liver transplantation was independently associated only with higher SSM (HR: 1.043; 95% CI:1.003–1.084; P = 0.034). The AUROC of SSM for predicting 1‐year death/liver transplantation was 0.72 (P = 0.006) (NPV: 95% for the cut‐off of 38.8 kPa). The performance of SSM to predict the 1‐year death/liver transplantation increased in high‐risk patients (CTP: B/C plus MELD >10 plus LSM > 20 kPa), giving an AUROC of 0.80 (P < 0.001). Only 1/26 high‐risk patients with SSM < 38.8 kPa died during the first year of follow‐up (NPV: 96.4%).ConclusionsSSM was the only factor independently associated with the probability of decompensation and occurrence of death, showing better diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of 1‐year decompensation or death compared with LSM and MELD score.
Conversion between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Mini‐Mental Status Examination
Authors: Fasnacht Jael S. , Wueest Alexandra S. , Berres Manfred , Thomann Alessandra E. , Krumm Sabine , Gutbrod Klemens , Steiner Luzius A. , Goettel Nicolai , Monsch Andreas U. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundEarly and accurate detection of cognitive changes using simple tools is essential for an appropriate referral to a more detailed neurocognitive assessment and for the implementation of therapeutic strategies. The Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are two commonly used psychometric tests for cognitive screening. Both tests have different strengths and weaknesses. Preferences regarding test selection may therefore differ among clinicians. The aim of this retrospective observational cohort study was to define corresponding scores for the MMSE and the MoCA.MethodsWe examined the relationship between the cognitive screening tests in 803 German‐speaking Memory Clinic outpatients, encompassing a wide range of neurocognitive disorders. We produced a conversion table using the equipercentile equating method with log‐linear smoothing. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of existing MMSE‐MoCA conversions to create a table allowing for the conversion of MoCA scores into MMSE scores and vice versa using the weighted mean method.ResultsThe Memory Clinic sample showed that the prediction of MMSE to MoCA was overall less accurate compared to the conversion from MoCA to MMSE. The 19 studies included after thorough literature search showed that MoCA scores were consistently lower than MMSE scores. Eleven of 19 conversion studies had addressed the conversion of the MoCA to the MMSE, while two studies converted MMSE to MoCA scores. Another six studies applied bi‐directional conversions. We provide an easy‐to‐use table covering the entire range of scores and taking into account all currently existing conversion formulas.ConclusionThe comprehensive MMSE‐MoCA conversion table enables a direct comparison of cognitive test scores at screening examinations and over the course of disease in patients with neurocognitive disorders.
Actigraphy‐measured sleep concordance, night‐wakings, intraindividual sleep variability in parents and their children—Associations with childhood sleep disturbances
Authors: Varma Prerna , Jackson Melinda L. , Junge Moira , Conduit Russell 
Published: November 2022

SummaryThe relationship between the sleep of parents and their children has primarily been studied using self‐reported measures, but data using objective sleep assessments are limited. In particular, objective assessments of sleep disturbance and night‐wakings in parents in relation to their children's night‐wakings is underexamined. This pilot study employed actigraphy to determine concordance in sleep–wake patterns between parents and their children, and examine temporal links between their wakings lasting five min or longer. The study also explored individual variability in parents' sleep based on parent‐reported sleep disturbances in children. A total of 20 parents and children (aged 2–12 years, no co‐sleepers) contributed actigraphy data for the 14‐night study, totalling 280 nights of data. Parents reported their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and children's sleep using the Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Concordance analysis of actigraphy data revealed an average of 70.6% match in sleep/wake state between parents and children. Parents were three times more likely to have an awakening within 10 min of their child waking than vice versa. Parent‐reported sleep disturbances in children were associated with poorer actigraphic sleep outcomes for both the parent and child. Parents of poorly sleeping children demonstrated greater variability in their bedtime, and wake after sleep onset. Further examination of temporal links between parent–child sleep can improve our understanding of factors that predispose or precipitate sleep disturbances across families. Given the high concordance in parent–child sleep and poorer actigraphy sleep outcomes in parents of children with sleep disturbances, there is a need to deliver efficacious sleep interventions at the family level.
Evidence of sweepstakes reproductive success in a broadcast‐spawning coral and its implications for coral metapopulation persistence
Authors: Barfield Sarah , Davies Sarah W. , Matz Mikhail V. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractProcesses governing genetic diversity and adaptive potential in reef‐building corals are of interest both for fundamental evolutionary biology and for reef conservation. Here, we investigated the possibility of “sweepstakes reproductive success” (SRS) in a broadcast spawning coral, Acropora hyacinthus, at Yap Island, Micronesia. SRS is an extreme yearly variation in the number of surviving offspring among parents. It is predicted to generate genetically differentiated, low‐genetic‐diversity recruit cohorts, containing close kin individuals. We have tested these predictions by comparing genetic composition of size classes (adults and juveniles) at several sites on the island of Yap. We did see the genome‐wide dip in genetic diversity in juveniles compared to adults at two of the four sites; however, both adults and juveniles varied in genetic diversity across sites, and there was no detectable genetic structure among juveniles, which does not conform to the classical SRS scenario. Yet, we have identified a pair of juvenile siblings at the site where juveniles had the lowest genetic diversity compared to adults, an observation that is hard to explain without invoking SRS. While further support for SRS is needed to fully settle the issue, we show that incorporating SRS into the Indo‐West Pacific coral metapopulation adaptation model had surprisingly little effect on mean rates of coral cover decline during warming. Still, SRS notably increases year‐to‐year variation in coral cover throughout the simulation.
Fermenting molasses and a synthetic odour blend to attract blood‐fed Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Verhulst Niels O. , Juurlink Malou , Wondwosen Betelehem , Rugaimukamu Sapience , Hill Sharon R. , Ignell Rickard , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Spitzen Jeroen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCollecting blood‐fed mosquitoes to monitor pathogen presence or to gather information on the host blood meal is often challenging. Fermenting molasses can be used to produce carbon dioxide to attract host‐seeking mosquitoes, however, earlier work indicated that it may also attract blood‐fed mosquitoes in the field. In the current study, these field results were validated in an experimental setting using a large cage setup with Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera, Culicidae). Blood‐fed mosquitoes were indeed attracted to fermenting molasses with the highest attraction at 72 hours post feeding, which was used for subsequent experiments. Next, it was tested if fermentation of molasses is required for attraction, and whether it acts as an oviposition attractant, increases egg laying, or increases mosquito survival. The compounds that could be responsible for attraction were identified by combined electrophysiology and chemical analyses and formulated into a synthetic blend. Fermenting molasses attracted blood‐fed mosquitoes in the large cage study, while fermenting sugar and non‐fermenting molasses did not. The fecundity of blood‐fed mosquitoes increased after feeding on fermenting molasses, however, compounds emanating from molasses did not trigger oviposition. The synthetic blend attracted blood‐fed mosquitoes and may be used to determine mosquito host selection and for xenomonitoring, as ‘flying syringes’ to detect non‐vector borne pathogens.
Confirmation of the presence of Rickettsia felis infecting Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Mexico
Authors: Ballados‐González Gerardo G. , Bravo‐Ramos José L. , Grostieta Estefania , Andrade‐López Angélica Nataly , Ramos‐Vázquez José Rodrigo , Chong‐Guzmán Laura Alejandra , Moctezuma‐Díaz Luis Ángel , Colunga‐Salas Pablo , Miranda‐Caballero Carlos I. , Álvarez‐Castillo Lucía , Cruz‐Romero Anabel , Aguilar‐Domínguez Mariel , Becker Ingeborg , Sánchez‐Montes Sokani 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSoft ticks are neglected competent vectors of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, among which bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Borrelia stand out. In Mexico, previous studies have shown the presence of a member of the Ornithodoros talaje complex in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae Kerr) from southeastern Mexico. However, its specific identification has not been achieved. Two D. virginiana were treated in a private clinic during the period of April–May 2022. Tick larvae were manually removed, DNA extraction was performed, and some genes from various bacterial and parasitic pathogens were amplified and sequenced. A total of 96 larvae were recovered, which were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae Fox); the 16 S sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%–99.51% with sequences of O. puertoricensis from Panama and Colombia. The presence of Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae Bouyer et al.) was detected in 15 specimens from one host. The soft tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as an ectoparasite of the Virginia opossum in America and represents the second report for this soft tick in Mexico since 1963. This represents the most northern record of this tick species in its geographic distribution and brings a new soft tick‐Rickettsia association.
Bt maize can provide non‐chemical pest control and enhance food safety in China
Authors: Yang Xianming , Zhao Shengyuan , Liu Bing , Gao Yu , Hu Chaoxing , Li Wenjing , Yang Yizhong , Li Guoping , Wang Lili , Yang Xueqing , Yuan Haibin , Liu Jian , Liu Dazhong , Shen Xiujing , Wyckhuys Kris A. G. , Lu Yanhui , Wu Kongming 
Published: November 2022

SummaryChina is the world's second‐largest maize producer and consumer. In recent years, the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) has adversely affected maize productivity and compromised food security. To mitigate pest‐inflicted food shortages, China's Government issued biosafety certificates for two genetically modified (GM) Bt maize hybrids, Bt‐Cry1Ab DBN9936 and Bt‐Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj Ruifeng 125, in 2019. Here, we quantitatively assess the impact of both Bt maize hybrids on pest feeding damage, crop yield and food safety throughout China's maize belt. Without a need to resort to synthetic insecticides, Bt maize could mitigate lepidopteran pest pressure by 61.9–97.3%, avoid yield loss by 16.4–21.3% (range −11.9–99.2%) and lower mycotoxin contamination by 85.5–95.5% as compared to the prevailing non‐Bt hybrids. Yield loss avoidance varied considerably between experimental sites and years, as mediated by on‐site infestation pressure and pest identity. For either seed mixtures or block refuge arrangements, pest pressure was kept below established thresholds at 90% Bt maize coverage in Yunnan (where S. frugiperda was the dominant species) and 70% Bt maize coverage in other sites dominated by Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Drawing on experiences from other crop/pest systems, Bt maize in se can provide area‐wide pest management and thus, contribute to a progressive phase‐down of chemical pesticide use. Hence, when consciously paired with agroecological and biodiversity‐based measures, GM insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China's agriculture and reduce food systems' environmental footprint.
Dehydration response in Stylosanthes scabra: Transcriptional, biochemical, and physiological modulations
Authors: Ferreira‐Neto José Ribamar Costa , de Araújo Flávia Czekalski , de Oliveira Silva Roberta Lane , de Melo Natoniel Franklin , Pandolfi Valesca , Frosi Gabriella , de Lima Morais David Anderson , da Silva Manassés Daniel , Rivas Rebeca , Santos Mauro Guida , de Tarso Aidar Saulo , Morgante Carolina Vianna , Benko‐Iseppon Ana Maria 
Published: November 2022

AbstractStylosanthes scabra, popularly known as stylo, is native to the Brazilian Caatinga semiarid region and stands out as a drought‐tolerant shrub forage crop. This work provides information about the plant response during the first 48 h of water deficit, followed by a rehydration treatment. Besides root transcriptomics data, 13 physiological or biochemical parameters were scrutinized. Additionally, RNA‐Seq annotated transcripts not associated with the “Viridiplantae” clade were taxonomically categorized. It was found that S. scabra quickly perceives and recovers from the oscillations of the imposed water regime. Physiologically, mechanisms that minimize evapotranspiration or protect the photosynthetic apparatus stood out. Biochemically, it was found that the root tissue invests in synthesizing compounds that can act as osmolytes (proline and sugars), emphasizing the importance of osmoregulation to water deficit acclimation. Consistently, transcriptome and qPCR analyses showed that a set of enriched biological processes with upregulated (UR) transcripts were involved in protective functions against reactive oxygen species or encoding enzymes of important metabolic pathways, which might contribute to S. scabra response to water deficit. Additionally, several UR kinases and transcription factors were identified. Finally, in an innovative approach, some naturally occurring microbial groups (such as Schizosaccharomyces, Bradyrhizobium, etc.) were identified in the S. scabra roots. This study reveals insights into the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying the S. scabra response to water deficit and provides candidate genes that may be useful in developing drought‐tolerant crop varieties through biotechnological applications.
Massive gene rearrangements of mitochondrial genomes and implications for the phylogeny of Trichoptera (Insecta)
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Peng Lang , Vogler Alfried P. , Morse John C. , Yang Lianfang , Sun Changhai , Wang Beixin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMitochondrial genomes have been widely used for phylogenetic reconstruction and evolutionary analysis in various groups of Insecta. Gene rearrangements in the mitogenome can be informative characters for phylogenetic reconstruction and adaptive evolution. Trichoptera is one of the most important groups of aquatic insects. Prior to this study, complete mitogenomes from Trichoptera were restricted to eight families, resulting in a biased view of their mitogenome structure and evolution. Here, we assemble new mitogenomes for 66 species by high‐throughput sequencing. The mitogenomes of 19 families and 47 genera are documented for the first time. Combined with 16 previously published mitogenomes of Trichoptera, we find 14 kinds of gene rearrangement patterns novel for Trichoptera, including rearrangement of protein‐coding genes, tRNAs and control regions. Simultaneously, we provide evidence for the occurrence of tandem duplication and non‐random loss events in the mitogenomes of three families. Phylogenetic analyses show that Hydroptilidae was recovered as a sister group to Annulipalpia. The increased nucleotide substitution rate and adaptive evolution may have affected the mitochondrial gene rearrangements in Trichoptera. Our study offers new insights into the mechanisms and patterns of mitogenome rearrangements in Insecta at large and into the usefulness of mitogenomic gene order as a phylogenetic marker within Trichoptera.
Defensive spines are associated with large geographic range but not diversification in spiny ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Polyrhachis)
Authors: Blanchard Benjamin D. , Moreau Corrie S. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeveral prominent evolutionary theories propose mechanisms whereby the evolution of a defensive trait or suite of traits causes significant shifts in species diversification rate and niche evolution. We investigate the role of cuticular spines, a highly variable morphological defensive trait in the hyperdiverse ant genus Polyrhachis, on species diversification and geographic range size. Informed by key innovation theory and the escape‐and‐radiate hypothesis, we predicted that clades with longer spines would exhibit elevated rates of diversification and larger range sizes compared to clades with shorter spines. To address these predictions, we estimated phylogenetic relationships with a phylogenomic approach utilizing ultraconserved elements and compiled morphological and biogeographic trait databases. In contrast to the first prediction, we found no association between diversification rate and any trait (spine length, body size and range size), with the sole exception of a positive association between range size and diversification in one of three trait‐based diversification analyses. However, we recovered a positive phylogenetic correlation between spine length and geographic range size, suggesting that spines promote expanded geographic range. Notably, these results were consistent across analyses using different phylogenetic inference approaches and spine trait measurement schemes. This study provides a rare investigation of the role of a defensive trait on geographic range size, and ultimately supports the hypothesis that defensive spines are a factor in increased range size in Polyrhachis ants. Furthermore, the lack of support for an association between spines and diversification, which contrasts with previous work demonstrating a positive association between spines and diversification rate, is intriguing and warrants further study.
Regional Language Variation in the German Curriculum
Authors: Pittman Iulia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGerman is a pluricentric language with many standard and nonstandard varieties. Students of German are usually unaware of its rich regional variation, and studies attribute this to limited resources and instructional time (van Kerckvoorde, 2012). The “DACH” model of teaching German, which includes linguistic and cultural elements from Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH), has constituted an effort to go somewhat beyond a model that exclusively teaches Standard German, from Germany. However, when not contextualized properly, DACH itself oversimplifies language variation, shifting the attention from one standard version of German to three. This article proposes that German's variation should be taught to students at all levels and may be considered in the framework of the ACTFL Guidelines and Standards. These strongly support learners' successful functioning in real‐world and authentic situations, including in dealing with varying dialects. This article will offer an overview of German language variation, it will outline how its integration is aligned with the ACTFL Guidelines (2012), and it will discuss some current instructional challenges. Finally, it will offer concrete examples for instructors by using existing sections from popular college German textbooks and by presenting several worksheets on dialect teaching for the novice, intermediate, and advanced levels.
English for specific business purposes in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Nickerson Catherine 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this article, I explore how English is used for Specific Business Purposes (ESBP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with reference to the world Englishes framework. I discuss the current status of English in the Emirate and I speculate on what this might mean for the future. I provide an overview of the ways in which English is used in business, including the co‐construction of English in many of the interactions that take place and the characteristics of those interactions, as well as identifying the models of English that are referred to in a number of common business genres. I use Business English and Business English as a Lingua Franca as significant examples of English for Specific Purposes, as they have contributed greatly to the UAE's economic development specifically, as well as to the development of the GCC region as a whole.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Thermo-Fluid Characteristics of Solar Air Heater Duct Using W-Shaped Rib Roughened Collector Plate
Authors: Shakya Shailesh Kumar , Mahanand Yadaba , Senapati Jnana Ranjan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This study analyzes the thermo-fluid characteristics of the solar air heater duct (SAHD) consisting of W-shaped transverse ribs on the collector plate. The results of the study are presented with the appearance of Nusselt number, friction factor, thermo-hydraulic performance parameter (THPP), and contours of various fluid properties. Different roughness and flow parameters are considered for the computational study, like Reynolds number (Re) and nondimensional pitch (P/e). Re changes from 3800 to 18,000, and the nondimensional pitch changes from 7.5 to 18.75. The nondimensional height remains constant for the computational study. Aluminum was taken as the material of the absorber plate, and an isoheat-flux condition was employed on the plate with 1000 W/m2. The highest value of THPP obtained is 2.05 at P/e = 7.5 for Re = 12,000.