bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação do nível de atividade física e índices antropométricos de gestantes ao fim do 1º trimestre de gestação atendidas em UBS de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Bila Wendell Costa , Magalhães Larissa Ferreira , Silva Andresa Machado e , Santos Meire Cláudia dos , Símola Rauno Álvaro de Paula , Silva Janine Pereira , Silva Valmin Ramos
Published: January 2025

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar índices antropométricos e os níveis de atividade física (NAF) de gestantes ao final do 1º trimestre de gestação atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde (UBS), especialmente o índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência do braço (CB) e classificação do NAF. Trata-se de estudo observacional, transversal, com coleta de dados durante o período pré-natal, como parte de um estudo de coorte. Foi utilizada amostra de conveniência de gestantes ao fim do 1º trimestre da gestação atendidas em UBS do município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade do estado de Minas Gerais. Foram avaliadas gestantes entre a 13ª e 16ª semanas, com a obtenção do IMC, por meio da utilização das medidas de estatura, peso, além da obtenção da CB e do NAF. As gestantes avaliadas apresentaram sobrepeso/obesidade em 63,7% e 36,4% segundo o IMC e CB, respectivamente. 45,5% estavam sedentárias ou irregularmente ativas, 9,1% com baixo peso e 54,5% com estado nutricional adequado por meio da avaliação da CB, diferente do IMC (27,3%). Conclui-se que houve diferentes diagnósticos de sobrepeso/obesidade quando foram utilizados IMC e CB e que uma pequena parcela apresentou baixo peso. A média do IMC ao final do primeiro trimestre de gestação foi menor do que alguns estudos brasileiros, mas com CB superior a outros. Quase metade das voluntárias estava sedentária ou irregularmente ativa, embora menores do que alguns estudos brasileiros.
A interseccionalidade como ferramenta metodológica de análise de políticas organizacionais de diversidade de pessoas Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Transgêneros e Intersexuais (LGBTI) no trabalho em Tecnologia da Informação
Authors: Montenegro Francisco Ferreira Pires de Albuquerque
Published: January 2025

Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar a relevância e a aplicabilidade da interseccionalidade como ferramenta metodológica na análise e na interpretação de políticas organizacionais de diversidade, com especial enfoque na população LGBTI. A partir de uma revisão bibliográfica interdisciplinar, com contribuições provenientes de áreas como o feminismo negro, as ciências sociais e jurídicas, além de gestão de pessoas, o estudo evidencia como a realização de uma análise centrada em apenas um eixo temático, como a sexualidade, pode silenciar diversas formas de opressão e, consequentemente, negligenciar os resultados que seriam obtidos com uma pesquisa que considera uma abordagem contextualizada. Nesse sentido, sugere-se o uso crítico da interseccionalidade para melhor compreender e interpretar as complexas narrativas expostas a quem conduz estudos acerca de políticas organizacionais de diversidade LGBTI. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica interdisciplinar, que possibilitou analisar o tema sob múltiplas perspectivas, de forma rigorosa e sistemática. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de considerar a intersecção de diferentes eixos de opressão, como raça, classe, gênero e sexualidade, para uma análise mais abrangente e precisa das políticas de diversidade nas organizações. Conclui-se que a interseccionalidade se apresenta como uma ferramenta metodológica valiosa para a pesquisa nesse campo, contribuindo para a produção de conhecimentos mais inclusivos e transformadores.
Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável como marco normativo de ações antipobreza e vulnerabilidade ambiental
Authors: Santos Neto Givaldo Correa dos , Espírito Santo Monick Midlej do , Gomes Andréa da Silva
Published: January 2025

Este estudo parte da inquietação dos autores em torno do tema da pobreza multidimensional. Amartya Sen defende cinco tipos de liberdade para que o desenvolvimento seja alcançado e, consequentemente, as forças de privação sejam erradicadas. O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar uma defesa de que, além dos cinco tipos de liberdade preconizados por Amartya Sen, os governos e as instituições não governamentais têm um papel fundamental no planejamento e na execução de políticas públicas orientadas ao desenvolvimento sustentável nas áreas rural e urbana. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre os anos de 2022 e 2024 e utiliza, como materiais e métodos, uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica de cunho descritivo. Como resultado, busca alinhar a conceituação de políticas públicas aos marcos normativos dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) ampliando a possibilidade de ações efetivas, ao integrar dimensões econômicas, sociais e ambientais no enfrentamento das causas da pobreza. A sustentabilidade ambiental, por sua vez, tem um papel crucial, visto que os mais pobres são os mais afetados pelas mudanças nos ecossistemas, o que reforça a interdependência entre bem-estar humano e sustentabilidade.
Fattigdomsfällan
Authors: Eriksson Erik , Davidsson Tobias
Published: January 2025

The Poverty Trap - Over-indebtedness as a Social Problem
Despite the escalation of debt problems in society, over-indebtedness receives limited attention in Swedish social work. This is probably due to the fact that over-indebtedness is seen as a private economic matter rather than a social problem. The article addresses perspectives concerning the financialisation of everyday life and the credit and consumer society and draws on examples from interviews with young adults living with high levels of debt. The analysis is based on three arguments and aims to show that over-indebtedness must be understood as a social problem. The first argument establishes that over-indebtedness is a phenomenon of social origin. The second argument is based on the fact that over-indebtedness arises from social problems, and the third argument is based on the fact that over-indebtedness leads to social problems. In particular, over-indebtedness creates a distinctive form of poverty.
Integrationsfrämjande arbete
Authors: Popoola Margareta , Korp Elvira
Published: January 2025

Integration-promoting efforts - Segregation enhancing consequences
Focusing on Malmö, one of Sweden’s major cities, this analysis examines the strategies implemented over recent decades to counteract segregation. It explores the impact of these initiatives on the development or manifestation of segregation. Key questions guiding the analysis include: What is considered an expression of segregation and integration, respectively? Which approaches to counteract segregation have been prioritised during different periods, and how do these approaches compare? Why does segregation persist despite various efforts to combat it?
The analysis draws on a comprehensive report summarising 25 years of Malmö’s work to counteract segregation. The methods that have been used include reviews of political decisions, guidelines, budget documents, etc., and interviews with eleven stakeholders, including politicians, researchers, and civil servants. Grounded in the view that integration and segregation are linked to welfare, the analysis uses the concepts of cohesion and community as its theoretical foundation.
The results indicate a historical tendency to focus on migrants, employment, and sustenance within specific residential areas, resulting in stigmatisation. Recently, policies have taken a repressive turn, neglecting underlying structural factors which ultimately reinforce rather than mitigating segregation and its negative consequences.
Gör din plikt och kräv din rätt
Authors: Örnlind Henrik , Ulmestig Rickard
Published: January 2025

Navigating Duty and Rights - A Relational Ethnography of Work-First Hegemony in Municipal Service Centres in the Urban PeripheryThe "work-first approach" (arbetslinjen) is a fundamental concept in Swedish welfare policy, shaping both progressive and regressive policy agendas. In contemporary political discourse, marginalised communities have become the focus of initiatives aimed at reinforcing the work-first approach among the unemployed through increased conditionalities. Consequently, the work-first approach has become a site of struggle over the direction of Swedish labour market and welfare policies. This article aims to analyse how the work-first approach is realised as a hegemonic practice within municipal service centres located in marginalised communities. Based on a relational ethnographic approach, we examine how the work-first approach is realised in daily interactions between residents and community guides, as people navigate administrative activation measures, experience hyper-exploitation, and manage life on the margins of poverty. Our findings highlight the fluid nature of the work-first approach, demonstrating how it is both reproduced and contested across different social contexts. We argue that the work-first approach, as a hegemonic idea, faces a significant challenge: increasing social conflict and coercion within the welfare system and labour market are undermining the active consent of marginalised groups—a consent critical for maintaining the work-first approach as a dominant framework in Swedish policy.
Owners’ perceptions of dog treat management in Western Romania
Authors: Daina Sorana , Blaga-Petrean Anamaria , Popescu Silvana , Pop Ioana Delia , Mierlita Daniel , Macri Adrian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Within the broader-than-ever palette of pet foods, dog treats are an assortment sustained by powerful marketing tools and compelling advertising. The wide range and availability of these products often pair with the fondness of owners for their companions, leading to overfeeding them with rewards.

Methods

This study explored owner treat provision behaviors among 890 voluntarily participating dog owners in Western Romania through an online survey conducted between June and November 2023.

Results

The majority of respondents were women (72%) and younger adults aged 18–24 (39%). Emotional attachment was the primary motivation for providing treats (52%), followed by perceived health benefits (35%) and training purposes (25%). However, 84% of respondents did not account for the caloric value of treats in their dogs' daily diet, and only 16% adjusted their dogs' main meals to compensate for treat provision. Preferences leaned toward treats with dental benefits (58%) and biscuits (52%). Many owners reported offering treats multiple times daily, highlighting the role of treats in owner-dog bonding. Chi-square tests of independence, with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc pairwise comparisons, revealed significant associations between treat provision frequency, owner demographics, and dog characteristics. Younger owners (18–24 years) were significantly more likely to provide treats at higher frequencies, with 31.8% giving treats 'multiple times daily' compared to 7.1% of older owners (>55 years) (p<0.002). Similarly, single owners provided treats more frequently, with 31.9% giving treats 'once daily' and 42.1% 'multiple times daily', compared to 7.1% and 22.4%, respectively, among owners in committed relationships (p<0.005). Owners who provided treats less frequently, 'seldom' (80.7%) or 'a few times a week' (87.8%), were more likely to have dogs with an ideal weight, while higher treat frequencies – 'once daily' (40.0%) or 'multiple times daily' (52.7%), were significantly associated with overweight or obese dogs (p<0.003).

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of educating dog owners on aligning treat provision with caloric requirements and promoting responsible feeding practices. Veterinarians play a critical role in guiding owners toward balanced feeding strategies that incorporate treats into comprehensive dietary plans. Addressing treat provision behaviors is essential to mitigating health risks, improving canine nutrition, and promoting overall well-being.
YAP/TAZ-associated cell signaling – at the crossroads of cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Ajongbolo Aderonke O. , Langhans Sigrid A.
Published: January 2025

YAP/TAZ (Yes-associated protein/paralog transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding domain) are transcriptional cofactors that are the key and major downstream effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. Both are known to play a crucial role in defining cellular outcomes, including cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Aside from the canonical Hippo signaling cascade with the key components MST1/2 (mammalian STE20-like kinase 1/2), SAV1 (Salvador homologue 1), MOB1A/B (Mps one binder kinase activator 1A/B) and LATS1/2 (large tumor suppressor kinase 1/2) upstream of YAP/TAZ, YAP/TAZ activation is also influenced by numerous other signaling pathways. Such non-canonical regulation of YAP/TAZ includes well-known growth factor signaling pathways such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ErbB family, Notch, and Wnt signaling as well as cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix interactions and mechanical cues from a cell’s microenvironment. This puts YAP/TAZ at the center of a complex signaling network capable of regulating developmental processes and tissue regeneration. On the other hand, dysregulation of YAP/TAZ signaling has been implicated in numerous diseases including various cancers and neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, in recent years, parallels between cancer development and neurodevelopmental disorders have become apparent with YAP/TAZ signaling being one of these pathways. This review discusses the role of YAP/TAZ in brain development, cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders with a special focus on the interconnection in the role of YAP/TAZ in these different conditions.
Mechanisms and roles of membrane-anchored ATG8s
Authors: Lee Soo-Kyeong , Park Sang-Won , Jang Deok-Jin , Lee Jin-A.
Published: January 2025

Autophagy-related protein 8 (ATG8) family proteins, including LC3 and GABARAP subfamilies, are pivotal in canonical autophagy, driving autophagosome formation, cargo selection, and lysosomal fusion. However, recent studies have identified non-canonical roles for lipidated ATG8 in processes such as LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), LC3-associated endocytosis (LANDO), and lipidated ATG8-mediated secretory autophagy. These pathways expand ATG8’s functional repertoire in immune regulation, membrane repair, and pathogen clearance, as ATG8 becomes conjugated to single-membrane structures (e.g., phagosomes and lysosomes). This review examines the molecular mechanisms of ATG8 lipidation, focusing on its selective conjugation to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in autophagy and phosphatidylserine (PS) in CASM. We highlight LIR-based probes and LC3/GABARAP-specific deconjugases as critical tools that allow precise tracking and manipulation of ATG8 in autophagic and non-autophagic contexts. These advancements hold therapeutic promise for treating autophagy-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, by targeting ATG8-driven pathways that maintain cellular homeostasis.
Establishment and evaluation of a UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of bongkrekic acid and dehydroacetic acid in rice noodles
Authors: Zhao Lingguo , Lv Ronggui , Song Jiang , Chen Xi , Lei Lei , Zeng Weixian , She Miaowen , Li Dabing , Yu Xiaxia , Liu Zhanguo , Wang Xiao , Liu Yong
Published: January 2025

A UPLC-MS/MS method with one-step extraction and simultaneous determination of bongkrekic acid (BA) and dehydroacetic acid (DHA) in rice noodles has been established in this study for the first time. The extraction solvent consisted of a mixture of methanol, ammonia, and water. Electrospray ionization negative ion mode (ESI-) was used for multiple reaction detection and external standard method was used for quantitative determination. The method demonstrated a good linearity range of 0–50 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9998 for BA, and showed a linearity range of 0∼500 ng/mL with r of 0.9993 for DHA. The limits of detection (LOD) were determined to be 0.1 μg/kg for BA and 0.6 μg/kg for DHA. Additionally, the method exhibited good recovery of 90.1%∼105.4% for BA and 80.4%∼102% for DHA. Meanwhile, the method also exhibited good precision with RSD of 0.4%∼7.5% for BA, and with RSD of 4.5%∼11.4% for DHA. Furthermore, the established method was sucessfully applied to the analysis of rice noodles from two production enterprises. BA was detected in one rice noodle sample and DHA was detected in 7 rice noodle samples in the enterprises A which was the manufacturer of food consumed by the poisoned patient. To investigate the cause of death of the poisoned patient, the toxigenic bacterium Burkholderia gladiolus was isolated and cultured to produce BA. The results showed that the established method could also be used to qualitatively screen BA and its isomer isobongkrekic acid (IBA) in GVC enrichment broth, potato glucose agar and rice sample, which facilitates a rapid and accurate judgement of whether the isolated bacterium strain produces BA. With high sensitivity and accuracy, and simple sample pretreatment, the proposed method shows potential for safety assessment of the entire production process of rice-derived products, addressing a significant public health concern.
Identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic associated fatty liver disease by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Wu Guiling , Wu Sihui , Xiong Tian , Yao You , Qiu Yu , Meng Liheng , Chen Cuihong , Yang Xi , Liang Xinghuan , Qin Yingfen
Published: January 2025

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) combined with fatty liver is a subtype of metabolic fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and the relationship between T2DM and MAFLD is close and mutually influential. However, the connection and mechanisms between the two are still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing both conditions.

Methods

We performed differential expression analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) on publicly available data on the two diseases in the Gene Expression Omnibus database to find genes related to both conditions. We utilised protein–protein interactions (PPIs), Gene Ontology, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify T2DM-associated MAFLD genes and potential mechanisms. Candidate biomarkers were screened using machine learning algorithms combined with 12 cytoHubba algorithms, and a diagnostic model for T2DM-related MAFLD was constructed and evaluated.The CIBERSORT method was used to investigate immune cell infiltration in MAFLD and the immunological significance of central genes. Finally, we collected whole blood from patients with T2DM-related MAFLD, MAFLD patients and healthy individuals, and used high-fat, high-glucose combined with high-fat cell models to verify the expression of hub genes.

Results

Differential expression analysis and WGCNA identified 354 genes in the MAFLD dataset. The differential expression analysis of the T2DM-peripheral blood mononuclear cells/liver dataset screened 91 T2DM-associated secreted proteins. PPI analysis revealed two important modules of T2DM-related pathogenic genes in MAFLD, which contained 49 nodes, suggesting their involvement in cell interaction, inflammation, and other processes. TNFSF10, SERPINB2, and TNFRSF1A were the only coexisting genes shared between MAFLD key genes and T2DM-related secreted proteins, enabling the construction of highly accurate diagnostic models for both disorders. Additionally, high-fat, high-glucose combined with high-fat cell models were successfully produced. The expression patterns of TNFRSF1A and SERPINB2 were verified in patient blood and our cellular model. Immune dysregulation was observed in MAFLD, with TNFRSF1A and SERPINB2 strongly linked to immune regulation.

Conclusion

The sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing and predicting T2DM-associated MAFLD can be greatly improved using SERPINB2 and TNFRSF1A. These genes may significantly influence the development of T2DM-associated MAFLD, offering new diagnostic options for patients with T2DM combined with MAFLD.
Interleukin-1 signaling and CD4+ T cells control B cell recruitment to the lungs in chronic beryllium disease
Authors: Gaballa Joseph M. , Valdez Caley , Mack Douglas G. , Minhajuddin Faiz , Raza Masoom , Mohammad Tabrez A. , Martin Allison K. , Getahun Andrew , Dinarello Charles A. , Fontenot Andrew P. , Atif Shaikh M.
Published: January 2025

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a debilitating pulmonary disorder that occurs due to persistent exposure to beryllium (Be) particles in the workplace. Be-exposure causes activation of the innate immune system, resulting in the secretion of interleukins and chemokines that drive the accumulation of B and T cells in the lungs. However, the mechanisms by which innate molecules influence the recruitment of B cells and B cell-mediated protection in CBD are poorly understood. In this study, we employed multiple approaches to examine the role of innate immune signaling and CD4+ T cells in B cell recruitment and function in the lungs. We show that the absence or blocking of IL-1R1 signaling prevents the recruitment of B cells to the lungs of BeO-exposed mice. Additionally, we show that B cell recruitment to the lungs depends on the chemokine receptor, CXCR5, and CD4+ T cells. In BeO-exposed mice, lung B cells down-regulate IgM but showed an increased IgD and CD44 surface expression. Further, RNA sequencing of pulmonary tissue-specific B cells in CBD revealed distinct gene signatures compared to splenic B cells, with increased expression of pathways involved in antigen presentation, tight junction interactions, and interferon signaling. Overall, our study shows that B cell recruitment and aggregate formation during CBD depend on sequential activation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Neutrophils, NETs and multiple sclerosis: a mini review
Authors: Quan Moyuan , Zhang Huining , Deng Xiaohong , Liu Huijia , Xu Yanqiu , Song Xiujuan
Published: January 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory and degenerative autoimmune disease characterized by the activation of various inflammatory cells, leads to demyelination and neuronal injury. Neutrophils, often underestimated in MS, are gaining increased attention for their significant functions in MS patients and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. Neutrophils play multiple roles in mediating the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and numerous studies suggest that neutrophils might have a crucial role through neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Studies on NETs in MS are still in their infancy. In this review, we discuss the clinical perspective on the linkage between neutrophils and MS or EAE, as well as the role of NETs in the pathogenesis of MS/EAE. Further, we analyze the potential mechanisms by which NETs contribute to MS, the protective effects of NETs in MS, and their value as targets for disease intervention. NET formation and/or clearance as a therapeutic approach for MS still requires research in greater depth.
Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends in artificial intelligence for antimicrobial resistance: bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Wang Zhongli , Zhu Gaopei , Li Shixue
Published: January 2025

Objective

To systematically map the knowledge landscape and development trends in artificial intelligence (AI) applications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research through bibliometric analysis, providing evidence-based insights to guide future research directions and inform strategic decision-making in this dynamic field.

Methods

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications from 2014 to 2024. The analysis integrated multiple bibliometric approaches: VOSviewer for visualization of collaboration networks and research clusters, CiteSpace for temporal evolution analysis, and quantitative analysis of publication metrics. Key bibliometric indicators including co-authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and citation impact were analyzed to delineate research evolution and collaboration patterns in this domain.

Results

A collection of 2,408 publications was analyzed, demonstrating significant annual growth with publications increasing from 4 in 2014 to 549 in 2023 (22.7% of total output). The United States (707), China (581), and India (233) were the leading contributors in international collaborations. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (53), Harvard Medical School (43), and University of California San Diego (26) were identified as top contributing institutions. Citation analysis highlighted two major breakthroughs: AlphaFold’s protein structure prediction (6,811 citations) and deep learning approaches to antibiotic discovery (4,784 citations). Keyword analysis identified six enduring research clusters from 2014 to 2024: sepsis, artificial neural networks, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial peptides, drug repurposing, and molecular docking, demonstrating the sustained integration of AI in antimicrobial therapy development. Recent trends show increasing application of AI technologies in traditional approaches, particularly in MALDI-TOF MS for pathogen identification and graph neural networks for large-scale molecular screening.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis shows the importance of artificial intelligence in enhancing the progress in the discovery of antimicrobial drugs especially toward the fight against AMR. From enhancing the fast, efficient and predictive performance of drug discovery methods, current AI capabilities have revealed observable potential to be proactive in combating the ever-growing challenge of AMR worldwide. This study serves not only an identification of current trends, but also, and especially, offers a strategic approach to further investigations.
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on atrial fibrillation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Hu Jiancheng , Zuo Siyuan , Qian Jiahui , Cheng Fangfang , Wang Dengji , Deng Yanyan , Lu Dasheng
Published: January 2025

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) stands as an autonomous risk factor for a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), which is closely associated with heightened morbidity and mortality rates. The intricate pathophysiological pathways linking OSA to AF encompass chronic intermittent hypoxia, disruptions in the autonomic nervous system, inflammatory responses, and alterations in ion channel function. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy emerges as the frontline treatment for moderate to severe OSA, effectively alleviating symptomatic manifestations and potentially mitigating cardiovascular risks. However, the influence of CPAP on AF among OSA patients remains a subject of debate. Some investigations underscore its beneficial effects, including the reversal of atrial remodeling, enhanced atrial conduction, decreased AF incidence, and improved outcomes post-AF ablation in CPAP-treated individuals. Conversely, other studies reveal neutral or insignificant impacts. This review delves into the repercussions of CPAP therapy on AF in OSA patients, exploring potential explanations for the discrepancies observed across existing research endeavors. By consolidating current evidence and pinpointing areas ripe for further inquiry, this review aspires to inform clinical decision-making regarding the management of OSA-related AF.
The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of respiratory pathogens isolated from feedlot cattle in Canada
Authors: Rattanapanadda Porjai , Ramsay Dana , Butters Alyssa , Booker Calvin W. , Hannon Sherry J. , Hendrick Steve , Van Donkersgoed Joyce , Warr Brian N. , Gow Sheryl P. , Morley Paul S.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni isolated from healthy feedlot cattle over 2 years, and investigate factors potentially associated with recovery of resistant isolates.

Methods

Deep-guarded nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were used to sample feedlot cattle in multiple randomly selected feedlots (2019 n = 21, 2020 n = 26) at 2 timepoints. NP swabs were collected from 16 animals in each enrolled group upon entry processing and later in the feeding period. Cattle from the same groups (not necessarily the same animals) were sampled at both timepoints. Susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution.

Results

A total of 1,392 cattle within 47 housing groups were sampled over 2 years, providing 625 bacterial isolates for investigation. Pasteurella multocida (27.4%) was the most frequently isolated BRD organism, followed by H. somni (9%) and M. haemolytica (8.5%). Resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes was detected in 2.4% of M. haemolytica, 3.4% of H. somni, and 21.3% of P. multocida isolates. Potential associations were investigated between recovery of resistant organisms and time of year at sampling (quarter), sampling timepoint (arrival or second sample), days on feed (DOF) at sampling, animal age categories, and BRD risk categories. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in resistance prevalence after arrival for macrolide drugs in M. haemolytica, and for ampicillin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, spectinomycin, gamithromycin, tildipirosin, tulathromycin and tetracycline in P. multocida isolates. Resistance was higher in calves than in yearlings for tulathromycin in H. somni, and for gamithromycin, spectinomycin, tulathromycin, tildipirosin, and tetracycline for P. multocida (p < 0.05) Resistance to tetracycline, tildipirosin, and tulathromycin decreased between 61–80 DOF and 81–100 DOF when compared to 20–40 DOF, whereas for spectinomycin, resistance was lower in cattle sampled between 61–80 DOF than those sampled at 20–40 DOF for P. multocida.

Discussion

The diversity of AMR profiles and associated risk factors between the BRD pathogens studied, underscores the importance of including all three organisms in future AMR studies in beef cattle.
Genome-wide identification of novel flagellar motility genes in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000
Authors: Yang Zichu , Helmann Tyler , Baudin Maël , Schreiber Karl J. , Bao Zhongmeng , Stodghill Paul , Deutschbauer Adam , Lewis Jennifer D. , Swingle Bryan
Published: January 2025

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) is a plant pathogenic bacterium that possesses complicated motility regulation pathways including a typical chemotaxis system. A significant portion of our understanding about the genes functioning in Pst DC3000 motility is based on comparison to other bacteria. This leaves uncertainty about whether gene functions are conserved, especially since specific regulatory modules can have opposite functions in sets of Pseudomonas. In this study, we used a competitive selection to enrich for mutants with altered swimming motility and used random barcode transposon-site sequencing (RB-TnSeq) to identify genes with significant roles in swimming motility. Besides many of the known or predicted chemotaxis and motility genes, our method identified PSPTO_0406 (dipA), PSPTO_1042 (chrR) and PSPTO_4229 (hypothetical protein) as novel motility regulators. PSPTO_0406 is a homolog of dipA, a known cyclic di-GMP degrading enzyme in P. aeruginosa. PSPTO_1042 is part of an extracytoplasmic sensing system that controls gene expression in response to reactive oxygen species, suggesting that PSPTO_1042 may function as part of a mechanism that enables Pst DC3000 to alter motility when encountering oxidative stressors. PSPTO_4229 encodes a protein containing an HD-related output domain (HDOD), but with no previously identified functions. We found that deletion and overexpression of PSPTO_4229 both reduce swimming motility, suggesting that its function is sensitive to expression level. We used the overexpression phenotype to screen for nonsense and missense mutants of PSPTO_4229 that no longer reduce swimming motility and found a pair of conserved arginine residues that are necessary for motility suppression. Together these results provide a global perspective on regulatory and structural genes controlling flagellar motility in Pst DC3000.
Decoding oral cancer: insights from miRNA expression profiles and their regulatory targets
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Shuang , Wang Shuyi , Cao Tao , Fan Hong
Published: January 2025

Oral cancer (OC) is a prevalent malignancy with high mortality rates, largely attributed to late diagnosis and limited therapeutic advancements. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as critical regulators of gene expression, have emerged as key players in modulating plethora of cellular mechanisms. This study analyzed miRNA and gene expression profiles in OC using publicly available datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore their roles in tumorigenesis. A total of 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and 1,233 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses highlighted significant involvement of DEmiRs and their target genes in cell cycle-related processes, including enrichment in the nucleus, transcription factor activity, regulation of nucleosides, nucleotide and nucleic acids, cell growth and/or maintenance, mitotic cell cycle, mitotic M-M/G1 phases an DNA replication. Furthermore, different signaling cascades such as IGF signaling, PDGF signaling and LKB1 signaling and PLK1 signaling pathways were also found associated with DEmiR-related regulation of OC progression. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified key molecular hubs associated with DEmiR and DEGs in OC. Notably, most of these hub genes such as NEK2, NDC80, NUF2, PLK1, SMAD2, TP53, TPX2, TTK, UBE2C, WDHD1, WTAP, YWHAZ are directly or indirectly associated with cell cycle progression, underscoring the role of DEmiRs in driving tumor proliferation and survival in OC via dysregulating cell cycle. This study offers insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying OC and highlights miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to disrupt the cancerous cell cycle and improve treatment outcomes.
Global, regional, and national burden of NAFLD in youths and young adults aged 15–39 years, 1990–2021, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2035: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Wang Jiong , Du Jiqing , Wang Minxiu , Jin Mengyun , Tang Zhihua , Mao Yuqin
Published: January 2025

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health burden in youths and young adults, and the trend toward younger onset of NAFLD is alarming. Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, this study assessed the burden and trends of NAFLD in youths and young adults aged 15–39 from 1990 to 2021 and extracted data from this study on the incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) rates of NAFLD. We evaluated the global temporal trend of NAFLD from 1990 to 2021 with estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rate (ASR). The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends of the NAFLD burden to 2035. We found that the global burden of NAFLD in youths and young adults has risen steadily from 1990 to 2021, and projects to increase to 2035, which places enormous pressure on society. To alleviate this burden, implementing measures targeting risk factors such as glycemic control and smoking cessation is necessary.
Updated Bayesian network meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of PD−1 versus PD−L1 inhibitors in first−line treatment with chemotherapy for extensive−stage small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Ke , Zheng Chuangjie , Chen Xinrong , Lin Penghui , Lin Mengge , Chen Cuizhen , Zhai Linzhu
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death 1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy (PD-1 + Chemo) and programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy (PD-L1 + Chemo) for the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of relevant data using R software, considering overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAES).

Results

PD-1 + Chemo (OS: hazard ratio [HR] 0.71; PFS: HR 0.59) and PD-L1 + Chemo (OS: HR 0.72; PFS: HR 0.73) significantly prolonged survival and did not increase the incidence of grade ≥3 TRAEs compared with chemotherapy. Indirect comparisons showed no significant difference in clinical efficacy (OS: HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86–1.1; PFS: HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.61–1.0) or safety (HR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.93–1.1) between PD-1 + Chemo and PD-L1 + Chemo. Non-cumulative probability ranking plot ranking results showed that PD-1 + Chemo ranked first in OS and PFS. Patients with PD-L1 expression levels < 1%, PD-1 + Chemo showed a trend of disadvantage (OS: HR 1.3; PFS: HR 1.2), whereas for patients with PD-L1 expression levels ≥ 1%, PD-1 + Chemo showed a trend of advantage (OS: HR 0.85; PFS: HR 0.85).

Conclusions

PD-1 + Chemo and PD-L1 + Chemo significantly prolonged OS and PFS in patients with ES-SCLC and did not significantly increase the incidence of grade ≥ 3 TRAES. The efficacy and safety profiles of PD-1 + Chemo and PD-L1 + Chemo appear to be similar.
Case report: a rare case of diffusely metastatic BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer with concomitant infiltration of the skin and parotid gland
Authors: Boukouris Aristeidis E. , Kokkinakis Ioannis , Drakos Elias , Sfakianaki Maria , Tzardi Maria , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Souglakos John
Published: January 2025

Metastastic disease affects up to 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and is associated with particularly poor outcomes in the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation. Herein, we report a patient with initial diagnosis of stage IIIc CRC, who presented during follow-up (adjuvant phase) with dysphagia, left-sided lagophthalmos and multiple skin nodules. The ensuing work-up revealed disseminated metastatic disease from the primary CRC, which was BRAF V600E-mutated (retrospective tissue analysis), affecting, besides the lungs, multiple uncommon sites, such as the skin and parotid gland. The patient’s rapid disease progression did not allow for any therapeutic interventions. This is only the second report of concomitant metastatic infiltration of the skin and parotid gland by CRC, and the first with a documented molecular background of BRAF V600E mutation. BRAF V600E-mutated CRC can follow an aggressive and often unpredictable clinical course in the metastatic setting that physicians should be aware of, and the molecular profile of the tumor at diagnosis could be useful for comprehensive and timely management.
Protective role of ginsenoside Rg1 in the dynamic progression of liver injury to fibrosis: a preclinical meta-analysis
Authors: Dan Lijuan , Li Xiuyan , Chen Shuanglan , You Xiaojie , Wang Dong , Wang Tianyuan , Li Jia , Liu Wenping , Mu Jie , Feng Quansheng
Published: January 2025

Background

The pathological progression from liver injury to fibrosis is a hallmark of liver disease, with no effective strategies to halt this transition. Ginsenoside Rg1 has demonstrated a range of hepatoprotective properties; however, systematic preclinical evidence supporting its therapeutic potential for liver injury and fibrosis remains limited. Purpose. This study evaluated the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 in animal models of liver injury and fibrosis, and providing a basis for future clinical investigation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on preclinical studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to 1 August 2024, adhereing to rigorous quality standards. The methodological quality was assessed using SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed using Revman 5.4 software, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test in STATA 15.0 software. Additionally, a time-dose interval curve was utilized to assess the dose-response relationship and identify the effective dose of ginsenoside Rg1 for treating liver injury and fibrosis.

Results

Twenty-four trials involving 423 animals were included. The findings indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly improved liver function markers (ALT and AST), reduced pathological indicators associated with liver injury and fibrosis, and lowered liver fibrosis-related markers (α-SMA, HYP, and PCIII). Furthermore, it exhibited beneficial effects on mechanistic indicators of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Time-dose interval analysis revealed that the effective dose range of ginsenoside Rg1 was between 4 and 800 mg/kg/d.

Conclusion

Rg1 at a dose of 4–800 mg/kg/d mitigates the progression of liver injury to fibrosis via anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD 42024557878.
Dissection of the genetic basis and molecular mechanism of ovule number per ovary in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Qadir Muslim , Lin Xinyi , Nabi Farhan , Ashok Kishore Kumar , Zhou Xue-Rong , Sun Qingbin , Shi Peiman , Wang Xinfa , Shi Jiaqin , Wang Hanzhong
Published: January 2025

Ovule number per ovary (ONPO) determines the maximum potential of seed number per fruit that is a direct component of seed yield in crops. This study aimed to dissect the genetic basis and molecular mechanism of ONPO using a newly developed doubled haploid (DH) population in oilseed rape. In all the four investigated environments, the ONPO of 201 DH lines exhibited normal distribution with a wide variation from 22.6 to 41.8, suggesting quantitative inheritance appropriate for mapping QTL. A skeleton genetic map of 2111 markers within 19 linkage groups was developed, with a total of 1715.71 cM in length and an average of 0.82 cM between markers. Linkage mapping identified ten QTLs that were distributed on eight chromosomes and explained 7.0-15.9% of the phenotypic variance. Among these, four were identical to the reported and two were repeatedly detected with relatively large effects, highlighting their potential for marker-assisted selection. Phytohormone quantification of ovaries (at the ovule initiation stage) from two pools of high and low ONPO lines showed significant differences in the levels of nine sub-types of phytohormones, suggesting their important roles in regulating ovule number. Transcriptomic analysis identified 7689 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two pools, of which nearly half were enriched into functional categories of reported genes regulating ONPO, including protein, RNA, signalling, miscellaneous, development, hormone metabolism, and tetrapyrrole synthesis. Integration of linkage QTL mapping, transcriptome sequencing and BLAST analysis identified 15 homologues of reported ovule number genes and 327 DEGs in the QTL regions, which were considered as direct and potential candidate genes. These findings propose further insights into the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of ONPO, which will facilitate future gene cloning and genetic improvement for enhancing seed yield in oilseed rape.
Flavonoids and anthocyanins in seagrasses: implications for climate change adaptation and resilience
Authors: Botes Jana , Ma Xiao , Chang Jiyang , Van de Peer Yves , Berger Dave Kenneth
Published: January 2025

Seagrasses are a paraphyletic group of marine angiosperms and retain certain adaptations from the ancestors of all embryophytes in the transition to terrestrial environments. Among these adaptations is the production of flavonoids, versatile phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites that participate in a variety of stress responses. Certain features, such as catalytic promiscuity and metabolon interactions, allow flavonoid metabolism to expand to produce novel compounds and respond to a variety of stimuli. As marine environments expose seagrasses to a unique set of stresses, these plants display interesting flavonoid profiles, the functions of which are often not completely clear. Flavonoids will likely prove to be effective and versatile agents in combating the new host of stress conditions introduced to marine environments by anthropogenic climate change, which affects marine environments differently from terrestrial ones. These new stresses include increased sulfate levels, changes in salt concentration, changes in herbivore distributions, and ocean acidification, which all involve flavonoids as stress response mechanisms, though the role of flavonoids in combatting these climate change stresses is seldom discussed directly in the literature. Flavonoids can also be used to assess the health of seagrass meadows through an interplay between flavonoid and simple phenolic levels, which may prove to be useful in monitoring the response of seagrasses to climate change. Studies focusing on the genetics of flavonoid metabolism are limited for this group, but the large chalcone synthase gene families in some species may provide an interesting topic of research. Anthocyanins are typically studied separately from other flavonoids. The phenomenon of reddening in certain seagrass species typically focuses on the importance of anthocyanins as a UV-screening mechanism, while the role of anthocyanins in cold stress is discussed less often. Both of these stress response functions would be useful for adaptation to climate change-induced deviations in tidal patterns and emersion. However, ocean warming will likely lead to a decrease in anthocyanin content, which may impact the performance of intertidal seagrasses. This review highlights the importance of flavonoids in angiosperm stress response and adaptation, examines research on flavonoids in seagrasses, and hypothesizes on the importance of flavonoids in these organisms under climate change.
Maize transcriptome profiling reveals low temperatures affect photosynthesis during the emergence stage
Authors: Božić Manja , Ignjatović Micić Dragana , Anđelković Violeta , Delić Nenad , Nikolić Ana
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Earlier sowing is a promising strategy of ensuring sufficiently high maize yields in the face of negative environmental factors caused by climate change. However, it leads to the low temperature exposure of maize plants during emergence, warranting a better understanding of their response and acclimation to suboptimal temperatures.

Materials and Methods

To achieve this goal, whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on two maize inbred lines – tolerant/susceptible to low temperatures, at the 5-day-old seedling stage. Sampling was performed after 6h and 24h of treatment (10/8°C). The data was filtered, mapped, and the identified mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were quantified. Expression patterns of the RNAs, as well as the interactions between them, were analyzed to reveal the ones important for low-temperature response.

Results and Discussion

Genes involved in different steps of photosynthesis were downregulated in both genotypes: psa, psb, lhc, and cab genes important for photosystem I and II functioning, as well as rca, prk, rbcx1 genes necessary for the Calvin cycle. The difference in low-temperature tolerance between genotypes appeared to arise from their ability to mitigate damage caused by photoinhibition: ctpa2, grx, elip, UF3GT genes showed higher expression in the tolerant genotype. Certain identified lncRNAs also targeted these genes, creating an interaction network induced by the treatment (XLOC_016169-rca; XLOC_002167-XLOC_006091-elip2). These findings shed light on the potential mechanisms of low-temperature acclimation during emergence and lay the groundwork for subsequent analyses across diverse maize genotypes and developmental stages. As such, it offers valuable guidance for future research directions in the molecular breeding of low-temperature tolerant maize.