bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the species diversity of Neolyngbya (Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoriales) from subtropical coastal regions of Okinawa, Japan, with descriptions of Neolyngbya intertidalis sp. nov. and Neolyngbya latusa sp. nov.
Authors: Nuryadi Handung , Suda Shoichiro 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARYOkinawan coasts are a rich source of biodiversity, including of filamentous cyanobacteria, owing to their habitat diversity created by coral reefs. Along the coastlines of Okinawa, several undescribed species, including those from Neolyngbya, remain unexplored. In this study, two undescribed cyanobacterial species with morphological resemblance to Neolyngbya were identified using a polyphasic approach. Both taxa had morphological features similar to known species of Neolyngbya; however, the cell size and thallus shape were different. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S‐23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region showed that the two new species formed a highly supported independent subclade within Neolyngbya. Accordingly, three informative domains of the ITS region (D1‐D1′, Box B and V3) also presented distinct secondary structures compared to previously described species of Neolyngbya, both in structure form and configuration. Overall, analyses of morphology and phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S‐23S rRNA ITS region, as well as the secondary structures of ITS region, supported the proposal of two new species within Neolyngbya. Herein, we propose N. intertidalis sp. nov. and N. latusa sp. nov. as new members of Neolyngbya under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (ICN).
The relationship between serum levels of S‐100β and anxiety symptoms in patients with acute stroke
Authors: Wang Qiongzhang , Xu Minjie , Xiao Meijuan , Luan Xiaoqian , Chen Huijun , Ruan Yiting , Wang Liuyuan , Tu Yujie , Huang Guiqian , He Jincai 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPost‐stroke anxiety (PSA) is a common neuropsychiatric affective disorder occurring after a stroke. Animal experiments have indicated that serum S‐100β levels are closely related to anxiety disorder. No clinical study has been done to explore the relationship between serum S‐100β levels and anxiety symptoms in patients with acute stroke. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between serum S‐100β levels and PSA.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐six acute stroke patients were recruited and followed up for 1 month. Blood samples were collected within 24 h after admission. The levels of serum S‐100β were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Patients with significant clinical symptoms of anxiety and a Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score >7 at 1 month after stroke were diagnosed as PSA.ResultsSerum S‐100β levels in the non‐PSA group were lower than the PSA group (838.97 (678.20–993.59) ng/L vs. 961.87 (796.09–1479.59) ng/L, Z = −2.661, P = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, we found that decreased risk of PSA was associated with low tertile serum S‐100β levels (≤753.8 ng/L, OR 0.062, 95% CI 0.008–0.475, P = 0.007).ConclusionsLow serum S‐100β levels at admission may be associated with the decreased risk of PSA.
Edwardsiella ictaluri: A systemic review and future perspectives on disease management
Authors: Machimbirike Vimbai Irene , Crumlish Margaret , Dong Ha Thanh , Santander Javier , Khunrae Pongsak , Rattanarojpong Triwit 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEdwardsiella ictaluri, a non‐zoonotic Gram‐negative bacterium, has been known to science for more than 4 decades. It was reported for the first time in 1979 in Ictalurus punctatus in the USA and later in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Pelteobagrus fulvidraco in Asia. Even though catfish species are more susceptible to E. ictaluri, other fish species are also affected, and up to 44 fish species in four continents are known to be susceptible. The diseases caused by E. ictaluri are known as enteric septicaemia of catfish (ESC) in channel catfish, bacillary necrosis of pangasius (BNP) in striped catfish, red head disease in yellow catfish and edwardsiellosis in tilapia. Outbreaks caused by E. ictaluri can cause up to 100% mortality resulting in substantive economic losses to the industry, threatening food security and undermining sustainability. Although efforts have been made to prevent and control this pathogen using vaccines, antibiotics, disease resistance selective breeding, functional feed ingredients, prebiotics and probiotics, and biosecurity measures, E. ictaluri is still causing health issues in different countries. Here, we provided with a comprehensive review that addressed the current knowledge of E. ictaluri bacteriological characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control and management. Furthermore, we also provided the future perspectives based on advanced technologies and biosecurity management in aquaculture to assist pathogen control and/or eradication.
A Bayesian Framework for the Analysis and Optimal Mitigation of Cyber Threats to Cyber‐Physical Systems
Authors: Żebrowski Piotr , Couce‐Vieira Aitor , Mancuso Alessandro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCritical infrastructures are increasingly reliant on information and communications technology (ICT) for more efficient operations, which, at the same time, exposes them to cyber threats. As the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are increasing, so are the costs of critical infrastructure security. Efficient allocation of resources is thus a crucial issue for cybersecurity. A common practice in managing cyber threats is to conduct a qualitative analysis of individual attack scenarios through risk matrices, prioritizing the scenarios according to their perceived urgency and addressing them in order until all the resources available for cybersecurity are spent. Apart from methodological caveats, this approach may lead to suboptimal resource allocations, given that potential synergies between different attack scenarios and among available security measures are not taken into consideration. To overcome this shortcoming, we propose a quantitative framework that features: (1) a more holistic picture of the cybersecurity landscape, represented as a Bayesian network (BN) that encompasses multiple attack scenarios and thus allows for a better appreciation of vulnerabilities; and (2) a multiobjective optimization model built on top of the said BN that explicitly represents multiple dimensions of the potential impacts of successful cyberattacks. Our framework adopts a broader perspective than the standard cost–benefit analysis and allows the formulation of more nuanced security objectives. We also propose a computationally efficient algorithm that identifies the set of Pareto–optimal portfolios of security measures that simultaneously minimize various types of expected cyberattack impacts, while satisfying budgetary and other constraints. We illustrate our framework with a case study of electric power grids.
A Friendly Critique of Levinasian Machine Ethics
Authors: Gamez Patrick 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this article, I provide a sympathetic critique of a particular orientation or approach in machine ethics, namely, “Levinasian” machine ethics. I am sympathetic insofar as Levinasian machine ethics articulates what I call a “normativity‐first” approach to ethics and uses the particularly striking case of robots, or artificial agents, to illustrate it. However, the particular way in which Levinasians like David Gunkel articulate a normativity‐first ethics is, I think, misguided. In order to be successful, such an ethics would need to be made more Levinasian, but doing so would lead to an ethical theory with undesirable consequences in the context of digital and surveillance capitalism. I will conclude by suggesting that the aims of Levinasian machine ethics might be better served by an ethics of design oriented toward transforming our shared forms of moral life.
Hegemonic whiteness: Expanding and operationalizing the conceptual framework
Authors: Miller Paula K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractConversations about whiteness in the U.S. have become increasingly common in recent years. Yet, there is still much deliberation about what whiteness is. Existing research has demonstrated that whiteness is a homogenizing force, investing all white people in institutions and cultures that maintain white supremacy. Yet, recent studies have also explored the situated nature of whiteness by demonstrating how whiteness varies based on space, time, and the social location of the white people who embody it. Hegemonic whiteness, a framework that explores how inter‐ and intra‐racial hierarchies are sustained via dominant ideologies and practices, provides insights that account for these seemingly opposing trends. In this paper, I further develop the framework of hegemonic whiteness using Connell’s (1987), Connell and Messerchmidt's (2005), and Messerschmidt’s (2019) framework of hegemonic masculinity. Next, I operationalize the dominant affective, attitudinal, behavioral, and cultural standards associated with one particular type of whiteness: notably hegemonic whiteness in the US context. These standards provide important insights into whiteness by demonstrating the baseline expectations whites from disparate backgrounds are expected to embody to fully reap the “wages of whiteness”. Such understandings can contribute to more effective anti‐racist education programs and race‐based social justice movements.
No activation without reconciliation? The interplay between ALMP and ECEC in relation to women's employment, unemployment and inactivity in 30 OECD countries, 1985–2018
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Rense 
Published: March 2022

AbstractComparative welfare state research as examined the outcomes of active labour market policies (ALMP) and work‐family reconciliation policies by and large been separately. As a result, potential complementarities between these policy areas have received scant attention empirically. Using macro‐level data, this study answers the question to what extent, and in which way, governments' efforts in ALMP and in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are complementary to each other in promoting women's employment rates and reducing women's unemployment and inactivity rates in 30 OECD countries from 1985 to 2018. The article theorises about how the various policies that constitute a welfare state relate to each other, distinguishing between pluralism, complementarity and substitutability. These findings provide support for the notion of welfare pluralism, in the sense that ALMP and ECEC policies work together in improving women's employment rates in slightly different ways: ALMP achieve this through reducing women's unemployment rates, whereas ECEC also achieve lower inactivity rates for women. There was, however, more support for the notion of substitution rather than complementarity: the marginal benefits associated with an increase in either ALMP or ECEC were smaller in the context of large investments in the other policy. In other words, the highest rates of women's employment, and the lowest rates of unemployment and inactivity, are found in countries with large investments in both ALMP and ECEC, but such higher investments are associated with diminishing returns.
Ca2+ signalling in interstitial cells of Cajal contributes to generation and maintenance of tone in mouse and monkey lower oesophageal sphincters
Authors: Drumm Bernard T. , Hannigan Karen I. , Lee Ji Yeon , Rembetski Benjamin E. , Baker Salah A. , Koh Sang Don , Cobine Caroline A. , Sanders Kenton M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) generates tone and prevents reflux of gastric contents. LES smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are relatively depolarised, facilitating activation of Cav1.2 channels to sustain contractile tone. We hypothesised that intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐IM), through activation of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (ANO1), set membrane potentials of SMCs favourable for activation of Cav1.2 channels. In some gastrointestinal muscles, ANO1 channels in ICC‐IM are activated by Ca2+ transients, but no studies have examined Ca2+ dynamics in ICC‐IM within the LES. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were used to determine expression of key proteins and genes in ICC‐IM and SMCs. These studies revealed that Ano1 and its gene product, ANO1, are expressed in c‐Kit+ cells (ICC‐IM) in mouse and monkey LES clasp muscles. Ca2+ signalling was imaged in situ, using mice expressing GCaMP6f specifically in ICC (Kit‐KI‐GCaMP6f). ICC‐IM exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ transients from multiple firing sites. Ca2+ transients were abolished by cyclopiazonic acid or caffeine but were unaffected by tetracaine or nifedipine. Maintenance of Ca2+ transients depended on Ca2+ influx and store reloading, as Ca2+ transient frequency was reduced in Ca2+ free solution or by Orai antagonist. Spontaneous tone of LES muscles from mouse and monkey was reduced ∼80% either by Ani9, an ANO1 antagonist or by the Cav1.2 channel antagonist nifedipine. Membrane hyperpolarisation occurred in the presence of Ani9. These data suggest that intracellular Ca2+ activates ANO1 channels in ICC‐IM in the LES. Coupling of ICC‐IM to SMCs drives depolarisation, activation of Cav1.2 channels, Ca2+ entry and contractile tone.Key points
The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) generates contractile tone preventing reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus. LES smooth muscle cells (SMCs) display depolarised membrane potentials facilitating activation of L‐type Ca2+ channels.
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) express Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels encoded by Ano1 in mouse and monkey LES. Ca2+ signalling in ICC activates ANO1 currents in ICC.
ICC displayed spontaneous Ca2+ transients in mice from multiple firing sites in each cell and no entrainment of Ca2+ firing between sites or between cells.
Inhibition of ANO1 channels with a specific antagonist caused hyperpolarisation of mouse LES and inhibition of tone in monkey and mouse LES muscles.

Our data suggest a novel mechanism for LES tone in which Ca2+ transient activation of ANO1 channels in ICC generates depolarising inward currents that conduct to SMCs to activate L‐type Ca2+ currents, Ca2+ entry and contractile tone.
Preserved stem cell content and innervation profile of elderly human skeletal muscle with lifelong recreational exercise
Authors: Soendenbroe Casper , Dahl Christopher L. , Meulengracht Christopher , Tamáš Michal , Svensson Rene B. , Schjerling Peter , Kjaer Michael , Andersen Jesper L. , Mackey Abigail L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMuscle fibre denervation and declining numbers of muscle stem (satellite) cells are defining characteristics of ageing skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for lifelong recreational exercise to offset muscle fibre denervation and compromised satellite cell content and function, both at rest and under challenged conditions. Sixteen elderly lifelong recreational exercisers (LLEX) were studied alongside groups of age‐matched sedentary (SED) and young subjects. Lean body mass and maximal voluntary contraction were assessed, and a strength training bout was performed. From muscle biopsies, tissue and primary myogenic cell cultures were analysed by immunofluorescence and RT‐qPCR to assess myofibre denervation and satellite cell quantity and function. LLEX demonstrated superior muscle function under challenged conditions. When compared with SED, the muscle of LLEX was found to contain a greater content of satellite cells associated with type II myofibres specifically, along with higher mRNA levels of the beta and gamma acetylcholine receptors (AChR). No difference was observed between LLEX and SED for the proportion of denervated fibres or satellite cell function, as assessed in vitro by myogenic cell differentiation and fusion index assays. When compared with inactive counterparts, the skeletal muscle of lifelong exercisers is characterised by greater fatigue resistance under challenged conditions in vivo, together with a more youthful tissue satellite cell and AChR profile. Our data suggest a little recreational level exercise goes a long way in protecting against the emergence of classic phenotypic traits associated with the aged muscle.Key points
The detrimental effects of ageing can be partially offset by lifelong self‐organized recreational exercise, as evidence by preserved type II myofibre‐associated satellite cells, a beneficial muscle innervation status and greater fatigue resistance under challenged conditions.
Satellite cell function (in vitro), muscle fibre size and muscle fibre denervation determined by immunofluorescence were not affected by recreational exercise.
Individuals that are recreationally active are far more abundant than master athletes, which sharply increases the translational perspective of the present study. Future studies should further investigate recreational activity in relation to muscle health, while also including female participants.
Survival for waitlisted kidney failure patients receiving transplantation versus remaining on waiting list: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chaudhry Daoud , Chaudhry Abdullah , Peracha Javeria , Sharif Adnan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the survival benefit of transplantation versus dialysis for waitlisted kidney failure patients with a priori stratification.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesOnline databases MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Collection, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched between database inception and 1 March 2021.Inclusion criteriaAll comparative studies that assessed all cause mortality for transplantation versus dialysis in patients with kidney failure waitlisted for transplant surgery were included. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was done using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model, with heterogeneity investigated by subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and meta-regression.ResultsThe search identified 48 observational studies with no randomised controlled trials (n=1 245 850 patients). In total, 92% (n=44/48) of studies reported a long term (at least one year) survival benefit associated with transplantation compared with dialysis. However, 11 of those studies identified stratums in which transplantation offered no statistically significant benefit over remaining on dialysis. In 18 studies suitable for meta-analysis, kidney transplantation showed a survival benefit (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.54; P<0.001), with significant heterogeneity even after subgroup/sensitivity analyses or meta-regression analysis.ConclusionKidney transplantation remains the superior treatment modality for most patients with kidney failure to reduce all cause mortality, but some subgroups may lack a survival benefit. Given the continued scarcity of donor organs, further evidence is needed to better inform decision making for patients with kidney failure.Study registrationPROSPERO CRD42021247247.
Predictors of adverse perinatal outcome among women who gave birth at Medical Center of Southwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jaleta Debela Dereje , Abdisa Diriba Kumara 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine predictors of adverse perinatal outcome among women who gave birth at Medical Center of Southwest Ethiopia.SettingInstitutional based retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who gave birth at Medical Center of Southwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsMedical record of 777 women was included in the study by using maternity HMIS logbook as entry point. Simple random sampling technique without replacement was employed to select individual medical record using computer generated random numbers.Primary outcome measuredPredictors of adverse perinatal outcome were examined using modified Poisson regression with a robust SE.ResultsMajority, 74.1% of the participants were in the age group of 21–34 years and the median age was 26 (IQR=7) years. More than one-third, 35.9% of the mothers were primigravida and only 21.2% of them had above four antenatal cares (ANC) visit. The overall incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was 31.5% (95% CI: 28.3 to 34.9). Maternal age less than 20 years (adjusted risk ratio, aRR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.5), rural residence (aRR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.59), presence of antepartum haemorrhage in current pregnancy (aRR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.38 to 2.07), maternal anaemia (aRR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.53), lack of ANC visit (aRR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.35 to 3.90), induced labour (aRR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.19) and being positive for venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test in current pregnancy (aRR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.38) were found to be significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome.ConclusionThe incidence of adverse perinatal outcome in the study area is high and maternal age less than 20, rural residency, maternal anaemia, antepartum haemorrhage in the current pregnancy, inadequate ANC visit, induction of labour and being positive for VDRL test were found to predict occurrence of adverse perinatal outcome. Majority of these problems can be managed by providing quality antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal care.
Prevalence ofChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaein the homeless population of Medellín, Colombia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vélez-Gómez Diego Enrique , Torres-Vellojín Natalia , Grajales-Zapata Juan Camilo , McEwen-Ochoa Juan Guillermo , Martínez Alonso , Ramírez-Lopera Verónica , Villegas-Castaño Aracelly 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence ofChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) in the homeless population in Medellín, Colombia, using molecular diagnostic methods. It also intended to develop a demographic profile, exploring associated factors and the dynamics of the social and sexual interactions of this community.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwo homeless care centres in Medellín, Colombia.ParticipantsHomeless individuals that assisted to the main homeless care centres of Medellín, Colombia from 2017 to 2019.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe prevalence of CT and NG in this population using qPCR detection, factors associated with CT and NG infection, and the sociodemographic profile of the community.ResultsThe prevalence of CT infection was 19.2%, while that of NG was 22.6%. Furthermore, being a female was significantly correlated to CT infection p<0.05 (adjusted OR, AOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.47). NG infection was significantly associated with factors such as: sexual intercourse while having a sexually transmitted infection p<0.05 (AOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.85), having more than 11 sexual partners in the last 6 months p=0.04 (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.09) and having daily intercourse p=0.05 (AOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 9.74).ConclusionsThe prevalence of CT and NG was higher than that reported in the general population. Additionally, females had a higher percentage of infection compared with males.