bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paullinia cupana peel meal on the growth performance, meat quality, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters of slow-growing broilers
Authors: Santos Adriene Núzia de Almeida , Rufino João Paulo Ferreira , Viana Alisson Lima , Guimarães Cristiane Cunha , Gomes Maria Fernanda da Silva , Barai Alexandre Augusto , Nóbrega Tiago Cabral , Ribeiro Maiko Willas Soares , Silva Antônio José Inhamuns da , Chaves Francisco Alberto de Lima , Mendonça Marco Antonio de Freitas , Silva Junior Joel Lima da , Costa Neto Pedro de Queiroz , Oliveira Adriano Teixeira de
Published: October 2024

Context Animal feed production systems have been suffering from a shortage of feedstuffs because of competition for these resources with human food consumption. The use of by-products can increase efficiency and circularity in production chains, reducing this competition. Aims This study investigated the impacts of Paullinia cupana peel meal (PCPM) on the growth performance, meat quality, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters of slow-growing broilers. Methods Two hundred and forty slow-growing male Label Rouge broilers were distributed in a completely randomised experimental design. The treatments consisted of five inclusion levels of PCPM (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10%) in the diets, with four replicates of 12 birds each. Growth performance data, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were monitored. Twelve broilers per treatment were slaughtered for meat-quality analysis. Key results In the starter stage, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in feed intake and weight gain with and increasing inclusion level of PCPM in the diet. However, this effect diminished in the final stage. Even with a reduction (P < 0.05) in feed intake during the final stage, the broilers showed an increase (P < 0.05) in weight gain and improvement (P < 0.05) in feed efficiency in the cumulative performance. Broilers fed diet with a higher inclusion level of PCPM had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of erythrocytes and blood triglycerides, as well as a decreased haematocrit percentage. However, these broilers exhibited higher (P < 0.05) results for mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Broilers fed diets with a higher inclusion level of PCPM were heavier (P < 0.05) at slaughter, with higher (P < 0.05) carcass yield, greater (P < 0.05) liver, gizzard, and heart weight, increased breast, drumstick, and thigh yields, and higher moisture and lipid contents in the breast. Conclusions The high inclusion levels of PCPM in diets for slow-growing broilers positively affect growth performance, meat quality, and yields of valuable cuts, although they increase moisture and decrease protein in breast meat, affecting some blood parameters. Implications This study showed the potential advantages of using PCPM as an alternative food in diets for slow-growing broilers to improve the productivity and health of a sustainable livestock.
Future constructions in English and Norwegian
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Mikkelsen Olaf
Published: October 2024

The choice between the future constructions will/shall and BE going to is among
the most well-investigated topics in English linguistics. A host of semantic, pragmatic, and syntactic factors has been suggested
to drive the alternation between these constructions. Recent research has taken a contrastive perspective and investigated whether
similar factors also apply to Norwegian, which shows a very similar alternation (skal/vil vs. kommer til
å). This paper follows up on this line of research, taking new data into account. Drawing on the Open American
National Corpus (OANC) and the Spoken BNC2014 for English on the one hand and the NoTa corpus as well as the Big Brother corpus
for Norwegian, we carve out commonalities and differences between the alternation patterns in English and Norwegian, and we argue
that in both languages, it may actually be semantic, rather than structural, aspects that play the most crucial role in language
users’ choice between competing future constructions.
Definiteness matters as a discourse cue in L1 and L2 processing of relative clauses
Authors: Solaimani Ehsan , Marefat Hamideh
Published: October 2024

This study explores how syntactic and discourse-based parsing principles direct English relative clause attachment preferences. Forty-nine highly advanced L1-Persian L2-English and thirty-six English native speakers completed a self-paced reading task involving temporarily ambiguous relative clauses that were semantically associated with either the first or the second noun phrase (NP) in a complex NP (NP1–of–NP2) (The resident called the nurse
NP1 of the patient
NP2 who was injecting penicillin/coughing severely). We manipulated the definiteness of the antecedent (a/the nurse & a/the patient) to examine the extent to which a discourse-based definiteness principle — which motivates attachment to a definite NP — impacts attachment preferences. The results showed no L1/L2 differences, and both groups preferred an NP2 interpretation in relative clauses with a definite antecedent but no strong preference in relative clauses with an indefinite antecedent. The findings highlight the significance of definiteness and cast doubt on the hypothesis that L1 and L2 processing are fundamentally different.
The role of logical reasoning, belief-content and the type of inference in belief revision
Authors: Özdemir Barış , Özdemir Begüm
Published: October 2024

Prior research shows mixed findings regarding individuals’ belief-revision strategies. The current research is aimed to test (a) whether individuals’ reasoning across abstract vs real-world content shows similarity, and (b) whether individuals’ syllogistic reasoning predicts their belief-revision strategies. Experiment 1, testing 76 participants (50 females), provides evidence for the similarity in reasoning across abstract and real-world content (p < .05). In Experiment 2, testing 84 participants (58 females), we find no significant effect of reasoning performance on belief-revision strategies (p > .05). Individuals seem to revise the conditional statement in the AC and DA inferences, especially when the content poses a threat. In contrast, individuals prefer to revise the categorical premise in the MT inferences, especially when the content poses a threat. These findings suggest that in the face of inconsistency individuals’ decision about which of their prior beliefs they should revise is influenced by the structure and content of the belief-contravening problem rather than their reasoning ability.
Discrete modulation continuous variable quantum key distribution under fast fading channel
Authors: Li Jinyi , Zhou Jian , Feng Yanyan , Shi Ronghua , Shi Jinjing
Published: October 2024

After decades of development, continuous variable quantum key distribution technology still cannot meet people’s needs for secure communication over long distances. Free-space quantum communication provides a new way for secure communication over long distances. However, because the communication connected in free space is inevitably affected by atmospheric turbulence, the transmission rate of the channel changes rapidly according to the probability distribution, making it difficult for the communication personnel to determine the transmission rate of the channel. At the same time, discrete modulated continuously variable quantum key Distribution protocol (DM-CVQKD) has certain advantages over Gauss modulated continuously variable quantum key Distribution protocol (GM-CVQKD) in the communication distance. Therefore, this paper analyzes the key rate of DM-CVQKD in this case (that is, in the fast attenuation channel), proves that it can resist the collective attack, and observes the relationship between the parameters and the key rate in the fast attenuation channel by numerical simulation and control variables. Finally, through the analysis of numerical simulation results, it is found that DM-CVQKD can still maintain a high key rate under certain conditions, which proves that long-distance free space quantum communication is feasible under certain conditions. At the same time, it was found that the performance of DM-CVQKD was affected by the extreme case where Eve completely controlled the instantaneous transmittance.
Optimum flow rate of actively deformable particles in the overdamped regime
Authors: Wiebke Lucas E , Textor Johannes , Parisi Daniel R
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigate the behavior of actively deformable particles in a two-dimensional system as they flow through a narrow constriction under overdamped conditions. The model simulates particles that oscillate by harmonically changing their radius over time, with dynamics and interaction forces reflecting general cellular systems. We identify an optimal self-oscillation frequency at which the flow rate is maximized, occurring when the oscillation period matches the time needed for a particle to traverse a few of its own radii. While the model is a highly simplified abstraction and not intended to replicate the complexity of biological systems, it offers valuable insights into the mechanisms that may underlie efficient movement in crowded cellular contexts.
Radial electric field driven by vertical neutral beamlet injection under future fusion reactor conditions
Authors: Xu Xingyuan , Xu Yingfeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Xiao Xiaotao
Published: October 2024

The fast ions and electrons generated by neutral beam injection (NBI) can induce charge separation, resulting in radial electric fields. Employing beamlet injection of small cross-section may effectively generate radial electric field, and adjusting beamlet parameters allows active control over their distribution. A new NBI injection geometry system has been developed in the NEOE code to explore the potential for vertical beamlets injection in future fusion reactor scenarios. Both high-field side and low-field side beamlet vertical injections can establish radial electric fields. In scenarios dominated by collision effects, the direction of the radial electric field is influenced by the toroidal angle of the beamlet. Adjusting the poloidal angle can alter the location of the electric field shear. Injecting particles into the trapped region using broader banana orbits can establish electric fields within the plasma core. Alternatively, injecting particles into the passing region can yield higher electric fields. Under future reactor conditions, conservative estimates of the electric field shear may even surpass critical velocities, potentially contributing to instability suppression.
On the stabilizer formalism and its generalization
Authors: Descamps Éloi , Dakić Borivoje
Published: October 2024

The standard stabilizer formalism provides a setting to show that quantum computations restricted to operations within the Clifford group are classically efficiently simulable: this is the content of the well-known Gottesman–Knill theorem. This work analyzes the mathematical structure behind this theorem to find possible generalizations and derivation of constraints required for constructing a non-trivial generalized Clifford group. We prove that if the closure of the stabilizing set is dense in the set of SU(d) transformations, then the associated Clifford group is trivial, consisting only of local gates and permutations of subsystems. This result demonstrates the close relationship between the density of the stabilizing set and the simplicity of the corresponding Clifford group. We apply the analysis to investigate stabilization with binary observables for qubits and find that the formalism is equivalent to the standard stabilization for a low number of qubits. Based on the observed patterns, we conjecture that a large class of generalized stabilizer states are equivalent to the standard ones. Our results provide better insights into the structure of Gottesman–Knill-type results, consequently allowing us to draw a sharper line between quantum and classical computation.
Spectral fluctuations of multiparametric complex matrix ensembles: evidence of a single parameter dependence
Authors: Ansari Mohd Gayas , Shukla Pragya
Published: October 2024

We numerically analyse the spectral statistics of the multiparametric Gaussian ensembles of complex matrices with zero mean and variances with different decay routes away from the diagonals. As the latter mimics different degree of effective sparsity among the matrix elements, such ensembles can serve as good models for a wide range of phase transitions e.g. localization to delocalization in non-Hermitian systems or Hermitian to non-Hermitian one. Our analysis reveals a rich behaviour hidden beneath the spectral statistics e.g. a crossover of the spectral statistics from Poisson to Ginibre universality class with changing variances for finite matrix size, an abrupt transition for infinite matrix size and the role of complexity parameter, a single functional of all system parameters, as a criteria to determine critical point. We also confirm the theoretical predictions in Ansari and Shukla (2024J. Phys. A: Math. Theor.57095005) and Shukla (2001Phys. Rev. Lett.87194102), regarding the universality of the spectral statistics in non-equilibrium regime of non-Hermitian systems characterized by the complexity parameter.
Interfacial characterization of spinning water film along a concave wall
Authors: Javadi Ardalan , Alexeev Alexander
Published: October 2024

Thin liquid film flowing down the inner concave surface of a vertical cylindrical vessel is examined. At the top of the vessel, the water is injected horizontally at high speed circumferentially along the vessel wall and flows downwards due to the action of gravity. This turbulent film flow is modeled using the large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approaches combined with the volume-of-fluid method. The results of both methods are validated with direct numerical simulation. The Favre-filtered two-phase LES, which is implemented and studied in this paper, can reasonably predict the film thickness similarly to that of the RANS approach using the elliptic blending Reynolds stress model, although it requires fine resolution in the wall region. The effect of volume flow rate on the film structure and thickness is investigated. The film thickness is shown to be nearly constant when the wall is partially wetted and changes as the cubic root of the volume flow rate when the spinning film encloses the entire circumference of the vessel.
DUNE prototype records its first neutrinos
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2024

A prototype argon detector belonging to the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in the US has recorded its first accelerator-produced neutrinos.
Secondary mirror successfully installed on the Vera C Rubin Observatory
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2024

The secondary mirror belonging to the Simonyi Survey Telescope has been installed at the Vera C Rubin Observatory, which is based in Cerro Pachón in the Andes.
Power and sample size calculations for testing the ratio of reproductive values in phylogenetic samples
Authors: D’Agostino McGowan Lucy , Wohl Shirlee , Lessler Justin
Published: October 2024

The quality of the inferences we make from pathogen sequence data is determined by the number and composition of pathogen sequences that make up the sample used to drive that inference. However, there remains limited guidance on how to best structure and power studies when the end goal is phylogenetic inference. One question that we can attempt to answer with molecular data is whether some people are more likely to transmit a pathogen than others. Here we present an estimator to quantify differential transmission, as measured by the ratio of reproductive numbers between people with different characteristics, using transmission pairs linked by molecular data, along with a sample size calculation for this estimator. We also provide extensions to our method to correct for imperfect identification of transmission linked pairs, overdispersion in the transmission process, and group imbalance. We validate this method via simulation and provide tools to implement it in an R package, phylosamp.
Abdominal applications of photon-counting CT
Authors: Khanungwanitkul Khanin , Sliwicka Olga , Schwartz Fides Regina
Published: October 2024

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) has shown promising advancements in clinical abdominal imaging. Though more peer-reviewed primary literature is needed, this commentary explores PCCT’s potential applications, focusing on enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing radiation dose management, and improving patient care. PCCT offers improved spatial and contrast resolution, lower image noise, and reduced radiation dose. Increased spatial resolution provides better detail in abdominal imaging, aiding in the detection of small lesions and subtle pathological changes. However, this generates more images per scan, raising concerns about “image overload” in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), potentially leading to longer reading times and increased stress for radiologists. PCCT’s improved contrast resolution enhances tissue differentiation, which provides several advantages, such as non-invasive and opportunistic liver disease evaluation and improved differentiation of renal and adrenal masses. PCCT’s optimized radiation dose management is crucial for patients requiring frequent scans. Enhanced diagnostic accuracy through spectral information aids in tissue differentiation, improving confidence in diagnoses. Streamlined workflows, particularly in emergency settings, and oncologic imaging, are potential benefits, reducing the need for additional imaging studies. Future integration of PCCT into clinical practice requires collaboration, education, and research to fully harness its potential, ensuring optimized abdominal imaging and improved patient care.
Comprehensive review of post-treatment imaging in head and neck cancers: from expected to unexpected and beyond
Authors: Chakrabarty Nivedita , Mahajan Abhishek , Agrawal Archi , Prabhash Kumar , D’Cruz Anil K
Published: October 2024

Head and neck cancer management requires multidisciplinary approach in which radical surgery with or without flap reconstructions and neck dissection, along with radiotherapy (RT)/chemoradiotherapy (CRT) serve as the key components. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy are used in selected cases based on the institutional preference. Knowledge of expected post-treatment changes on imaging is essential to differentiate it from recurrence. In addition, awareness of various post-treatment complications is imperative for their early detection on imaging. Distorted anatomy after treatment poses diagnostic challenge, hence, proper choice of imaging modality and appropriate timing of scan is pertinent for accurate post-treatment evaluation. In this article, we have comprehensively reviewed expected post-treatment appearances and complications on imaging. We have discussed imaging appearances of recurrences at the primary and lymphnodal sites and discussed documentation of findings using Neck Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (NI-RADS). We have also delved into the patterns of recurrence in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive HNSCC. Furthermore, we have provided flowcharts and discussed recommendations on the site-specific and treatment-related imaging modalities to be used along with their appropriate timing, for adequate evaluation of HNSCC after treatment. In addition, we have also touched upon the role of advanced imaging techniques for post-treatment HNSCC evaluation.
Pseudoarthrogram sign — a rare radiological appearance of implant failure in the knee
Authors: Khan Bilal A , Datta Gorav , Purohit Neeraj
Published: October 2024

We present the radiological findings in the case of a failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Although uncommon, these features are highly specific for implant failure and are an indication to consider revision. The aim of this case report is to highlight these characteristic appearances across multiple imaging modalities to both surgeons and radiologists should they encounter this in their practise.
Sperm competition intensity shapes divergence in both sperm morphology and reproductive genes across murine rodents
Authors: Kopania Emily E K , Thomas Gregg W C , Hutter Carl R , Mortimer Sebastian M E , Callahan Colin M , Roycroft Emily , Achmadi Anang S , Breed William G , Clark Nathan L , Esselstyn Jacob A , Rowe Kevin C , Good Jeffrey M
Published: October 2024

It remains unclear how variation in the intensity of sperm competition shapes phenotypic and molecular evolution across clades. Mice and rats in the subfamily Murinae are a rapid radiation exhibiting incredible diversity in sperm morphology and production. We combined phenotypic and genomic data to perform phylogenetic comparisons of male reproductive traits and genes across 78 murine species. We identified several shifts towards smaller relative testes mass (RTM), presumably reflecting reduced sperm competition. Several sperm traits were associated with RTM, suggesting that mating system evolution selects for convergent suites of traits related to sperm competitive ability. We predicted that sperm competition would also drive more rapid molecular divergence in species with large testes. Contrary to this, we found that many spermatogenesis genes evolved more rapidly in species with smaller RTM due to relaxed purifying selection. While some reproductive genes evolved rapidly under recurrent positive selection, relaxed selection played a greater role in underlying rapid evolution in small testes species. Our work demonstrates that postcopulatory sexual selection can impose strong purifying selection shaping the evolution of male reproduction and that broad patterns of molecular evolution may help identify genes that contribute to male fertility.
Metabarcoding reveals ecologically distinct fungal assemblages in river and groundwater along an Austrian alpine to lowland gradient
Authors: Retter Alice , Griebler Christian , Nilsson R Henrik , Haas Johannes , Birk Steffen , Breyer Eva , Baltar Federico , Karwautz Clemens
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity, the source of origin, and ecological roles of fungi in groundwater are to this day a largely neglected field in fungal and freshwater ecology. We used DNA-based Illumina high-throughput sequence analysis of both fungal gene markers 5.8S and internal transcribed spacers region 2 (ITS2), improving taxonomic classification. This study focused on the groundwater and river mycobiome along an altitudinal and longitudinal transect of a pre-alpine valley in Austria in two seasons. Using Bayesian network modeling approaches, we identified patterns in fungal community assemblages that were mostly shaped by differences in landscape (climatic, topological, and geological) and environmental conditions. While river fungi were comparatively more diverse, unique fungal assemblages could be recovered from groundwater, including typical aquatic lineages such as Rozellomycota and Olpidiomycota. The most specious assemblages in groundwater were not linked to the input of organic material from the surface, and as such, seem to be sustained by characteristic groundwater conditions. Based on what is known from closely related fungi, our results suggest that the present fungal communities potentially contribute to mineral weathering, carbon cycling, and denitrification in groundwater. Furthermore, we were able to observe the effects of varying land cover due to agricultural practices on fungal biodiversity in groundwater ecosystems. This study contributes to improving our understanding of fungi in the subsurface aquatic biogeosphere.
Second messenger c-di-AMP regulates multiple antibiotic sensitivity pathways in Mycobacterium smegmatis by discrete mechanisms
Authors: Pal Aditya Kumar , Ghorai Dipankar , Ge Xueliang , Sarkar Biplab , Sahu Amit Kumar , Chaudhary Vikas , Jhawar Ruchi , Sanyal Suparna , Singh Mahavir , Ghosh Anirban
Published: October 2024

One of the debilitating causes of high mortality in the case of tuberculosis and other bacterial infections is the resistance development against standard drugs. There are limited studies so far to describe how a bacterial second messenger molecule can directly participate in distinctive antibiotic tolerance characteristics of a cell in a mechanism-dependent manner. Here we show that intracellular cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) concentration can modulate drug sensitivity of Mycobacterium smegmatis by interacting with an effector protein or interfering with the 5′-UTR regions in mRNA of the genes and thus causing transcriptional downregulation of important genes in the pathways. We studied four antibiotics with different mechanisms of action: rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tobramycin and subsequently found that the level of drug sensitivity of the bacteria is directly proportional to the c-di-AMP concentration inside the cell. Further, we unraveled the underlying molecular mechanisms to delineate the specific genes and pathways regulated by c-di-AMP and hence result in differential drug sensitivity in M. smegmatis.
Unraveling the genomic diversity of the Pseudomonas putida group: exploring taxonomy, core pangenome, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms
Authors: Udaondo Zulema , Ramos Juan Luis , Abram Kaleb
Published: October 2024

The genus Pseudomonas is characterized by its rich genetic diversity, with over 300 species been validly recognized. This reflects significant progress made through sequencing and computational methods. Pseudomonas putida group comprises highly adaptable species that thrive in diverse environments and play various ecological roles, from promoting plant growth to being pathogenic in immunocompromised individuals. By leveraging the GRUMPS computational pipeline, we scrutinized 26 363 genomes labeled as Pseudomonas in the NCBI GenBank, categorizing all Pseudomonas spp. genomes into 435 distinct species-level clusters or cliques. We identified 224 strains deposited under the taxonomic identifier “Pseudomonas putida” distributed within 31 of these species-level clusters, challenging prior classifications. Nine of these 31 cliques contained at least six genomes labeled as “Pseudomonas putida” and were analysed in depth, particularly clique_1 (P. alloputida) and clique_2 (P. putida). Pangenomic analysis of a set of 413 P. putida group strains revealed over 2.2 million proteins and more than 77 000 distinct protein families. The core genome of these 413 strains includes 2226 protein families involved in essential biological processes. Intraspecific genetic homogeneity was observed within each clique, each possessing a distinct genomic identity. These cliques exhibit distinct core genes and diverse subgroups, reflecting adaptation to specific environments. Contrary to traditional views, nosocomial infections by P. alloputida, P. putida, and P. monteilii have been reported, with strains showing varied antibiotic resistance profiles due to diverse mechanisms. This review enhances the taxonomic understanding of key P. putida group species using advanced population genomics approaches and provides a comprehensive understanding of their genetic diversity, ecological roles, interactions, and potential applications.
Internal Flight Anarchy: Points of Divergence from UNHCR Guidelines in Canadian Decision Making
Authors: Zambelli Pia
Published: October 2024

Over the years, Canadian decision makers have come to apply the concept of ‘internal flight alternative’ (IFA) more expansively than recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Given the significant proportion of refugee claims that are refused on the basis of this concept each year, this divergence of interpretation has a real-life impact. To examine this phenomenon, the article provides a brief overview of the IFA concept, including a review of the scholarly literature and UNHCR guidance. Next, it traces the concept’s development in Canadian law and highlights points of divergence with UNHCR’s position. Finally, the article discusses potential strategies for realignment. The goal is to encourage practitioners and decision makers to think more deeply about the IFA concept, to raise awareness in regard to existing scholarship and applicable norms, and to ensure that these norms are applied in a conscious, humane, and consistent manner.
Methionine supply during mid-gestation modulates the bovine placental mTOR pathway, nutrient transporters, and offspring birth weight in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Gouvêa Vinícius N , Smithyman Mackenzie M , Hentz Fernanda , Bagheri Naghme , Batistel Fernanda
Published: October 2024

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) predominantly regulates the expression and activity of placental nutrient transporters. The mTOR pathway can be activated by several nutrients, including the essential amino acid methionine. Additionally, previous research in nonruminant animals suggests that mTOR is influenced in a sexually dimorphic manner. In bovine, there is limited understanding of how maternal nutrition and offspring sexual dimorphism affect the placental transfer of nutrients. Thus, we investigated the effects of increasing the supply of dietary methionine to beef cattle heifers during mid-gestation on mTOR signaling, placental nutrient transporters, and fetal growth in male and female offspring. Forty purebred Angus heifers were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. From days 90 to 180 of gestation, heifers received a basal diet with no added methionine (CON, n = 20), or the basal diet plus 8.3 g of rumen-protected methionine (MET, n = 20) per animal daily. All animals received a basal diet in the first and third trimesters of gestation. Cotyledonary tissue samples were collected at parturition and utilized to examine the mTOR pathway and nutrient transporters through protein and gene expression analysis. The offspring’s body weight was measured at birth. Data were analyzed using a mixed model that included the fixed effect of treatment, offspring sex, their interactions, and the random effect of block. At day 170 of gestation, MET-supplemented heifers showed higher plasma concentrations of methionine and glutamate (P < 0.01) and lower glycine and proline levels (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the CON group. A treatment × sex interaction was observed for calf birth weight (P = 0.03). In heifers that delivered male calves, MET supplementation increased the birth weight of the calves (P < 0.01). However, the dietary treatments had no effect on the birth weight of female calves (P = 0.32). The increase in birth weight of male calves from MET-fed heifers resembles the upregulation of placental mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (P ≤ 0.03), as well as the amino acid transporters SLC1A5, SLC7A5, SLC38A6, and SLC38A11, and the glucose transporters SLC2A1 and SLC2A8 (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings suggest that increasing the supply of methionine to beef heifers during mid-gestation can modulate placental nutrient transport and fetal growth in a sex-dependent manner and that these effects are mediated, at least in part, by the mTOR pathway.
Osteoclastic ATP6AP2 maintains β-catenin levels to prevent hyper-osteoclastic activation and trabecular bone-loss
Authors: Chen Li , Xiong Lei , Guo Haohan , Feng Xu , Zhu Xiaojuan , Xiong Wen-Cheng
Published: October 2024

Osteoclast (OC) formation and bone resorption are regulated by several factors, including V-ATPase, Wnt/β-catenin, and RANKL/RANK signaling. ATP6AP2, also known as the prorenin receptor (PRR), is an accessory subunit of V-ATPase and a regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. While the V-ATPase subunit ATP6AP1 is essential for OC formation and function, the role of ATP6AP2 in OC-lineage cells is less clear. Here, we provide evidence that ATP6AP2 plays a negative role in osteoclastogenesis and function, contrasting with the positive role of ATP6AP1. Mice with conditional KO (cKO) of ATP6AP2 in OCs (Atp6ap2LysM) exhibit trabecular bone loss, likely due to the increased osteoclastogenesis and activity, since bone formation rates (BFRs) are comparable to control mice. In vitro assays using bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) show that Atp6ap2LysM cultures have more RANKL-induced TRAP+ OC-like cells and increased bone resorptive activity. Further studies reveal that while RANKL signaling and V-ATPase activity are normal, ATP6AP2 KO OCs, but not BMMs, have reduced basal levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins, such as LRP5/6 and β-catenin, compared to controls. Wnt3A treatment induces β-catenin and suppresses OC formation in both control and ATP6AP2 KO OC-lineage cells, indicating that Wnt/β-catenin signaling negatively regulates OC-formation and operates independently of ATP6AP2. Overall, these results suggest that ATP6AP2 is critical for maintaining basal levels of LRP5/6 receptors and β-catenin in OCs, thus acting as a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis and activation.
Variation in thermal courtship activity curves across individuals exceeds variation across populations and sexes
Authors: Fowler-Finn Kasey D , Ahuja Shivika , Hercules Jake , Jocson Dowen , Miller Em , Sasson Daniel
Published: October 2024

The dynamics of mating interactions can vary in response to a wide variety of environmental factors. Here, we investigate the potential for individuals to vary consistently in the environmental conditions under which they actively engage in courtship. Specifically, we quantify variation in how courtship activity changes with environmental temperature across levels of biological organization in Enchenopa binotata treehoppers. Male E. binotata produce vibrational courtship signals and receptive females respond with their own sex-specific vibrational courtship signal. We tested each individual twice for the production of courtship signals across a range of ecologically relevant temperatures (18–36 °C). Then, we measured repeatability and variability in the resulting thermal courtship activity curves, including the temperature of peak activity and tolerance to thermal extremes. We also looked at patterns of variation across populations and sexes. We found minimal variation across populations, but significant variation across individuals. Specifically, we found prevalent repeatability in how thermally generalized or specialized individuals are. However, repeatability was limited to females only. We also found higher variability in female traits than in male traits, although patterns of variability did not always predict patterns of repeatability. These results suggest that thermal variation could alter the dynamics of mate competition and that—due to potentially different selective optima for males and females—the sexes may respond to changes in temperature in different ways. Specifically, females show a higher potential to adapt but males show a higher potential to be more robust to changes in temperature due to overall higher courtship activity across temperatures.
Evaluation of transplant drench and foliar insecticide applications for wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) management in sweetpotato
Authors: Schoeppner Emma , Vann Matthew , Ackerman Renee , Cheek Joseph A , Huseth Anders S
Published: October 2024

The revocation of chlorpyrifos tolerances in 2022 left sweetpotato growers without their most important tool to combat a complex of soil-borne root pests that includes wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Since then, growers have reported increased root damage despite a rapid pivot to pyrethroid-based management systems to replace mechanically incorporated preplant chlorpyrifos broadcast sprays. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy of alternative insecticide chemistries and application methods to expand the portfolio of management options for wireworms, specifically Conoderus spp. and Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal). We tested (i) insecticidal transplant water drenches and (ii) a foliar spray program targeting adult elaterids. We found that incorporating insecticides into transplant water reduced wireworm damage when compared to untreated transplant water. Our treatments included a recently registered meta-diamide, broflanilide, which represents a promising path to diversify active ingredients and shift away from an overreliance on preplant and post-directed pyrethroid soil sprays. Foliar spray plots had less damage than plots that did not receive foliar sprays. One benefit of adult-focused management is the availability of effective monitoring tools such as sex pheromones and blacklight trapping. Developing a robust adult monitoring program would enable more precise applications of foliar insecticides versus season-long prophylactic soil sprays targeting larvae. Our results demonstrated a significant benefit to both alternative delivery methods. These management alternatives could expand treatment options beyond traditional preplant and post-directed pyrethroid sprays.
Severe myelotoxicities related to Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg CD4+ T cells subpopulations and their cytokine profiles in Mexican children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction of chemotherapy
Authors: Saavedra-Velez Jacqueline , Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo , Trujillo-Ochoa Luis , Viera-Segura Oliver , Garcia Samuel , Thomas Paul , Friedrich Paola , Caniza Miguela A
Published: October 2024

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer in the world, and the myelotoxicities due to chemotherapy can lead to severe infections and hemorrhages with high morbidity and mortality. The immune response has implications in the severity of cancer or survival. This immune response is associated with the predominant subpopulations CD4+ T cells and their effector cytokines. However, it is not known if the immune responses are associated with severe myelotoxicities and mortality in children with ALL.

Methods

To evaluate the contributions of immunological factors on ALL severe myelotoxicities, we identified the Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22 and Tregs subpopulations of CD4+ T cells according to their chemokine receptor expression patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. We evaluated also their cytokines levels by Milliplex in serum from 10 children with ALL at diagnosis (day 0), during induction (day 19) and at the end of induction (day 30) between April 2022 and July 2023. Clinical characteristics such age, sex, type and risk of ALL, hemoglobin and platelets levels, absolute neutrophil count, grade of severity and type of myelotoxicities, infections, and hemorrhages were collected. Clinical outcomes as hospitalization care requirements, ICU admission, leukemia remission or relapsed and mortality were followed and documented.

Results

The age of children was 8.9 years, (SD,5.6; range 2-16), 60% were male sex, all children had pre- B ALL diagnosis, and 80% were intermediate risk-ALL. Th1 cells were predominant at diagnosis (8.1%) and at the end of induction (7.8%), and Th2 cells at day 19 (7.4%), whereas Th17 were significantly decreased at day 30 (2.6%) (p<0.05). Four patients presented bloodstream infection, two by Gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus, and Streptococcus), one by Klebsiella pneumoniae antimicrobial resistant, and one by Trichosporum asahii. Severe myelotoxicities were presented in 20% of the patients at day19, and in 30% at day 30. Remission was documented in all patients at day 30 and one was identified with early relapse in the follow-up. Three patients (30%) presented poor outcomes, requiring care in ICU and one died (10%) due to fungal infection. Treg cells were significantly predominant in the children who died by fungal infection (p<0.05), with IL-10 level of 84.6 pg/mL but not detectable IL-35 levels.

Conclusion

Th17 and Treg subpopulations of CD4+ T cells can play an essential role in immune microenvironment during induction related with the severity of the myelotoxicities and infections, and cytokine IL-10 could be used as marker of infection outcome.
Profile Of Infectious Complications in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Experience from Tertiary Referral Hospital in Low and Middle-Income Country
Authors: Adrizain Riyadi , Sari Nur Melani
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer patients are at higher risk of infections and more likely to have higher morbidity and mortality than the general population, While cancer itself is still the main cause of death in children around the world, in countries with limited health facilities, that might cause delay in seeking treatment, cancer death rate in children could reach 90%; most of them are caused by infectious complications such as typhilitis and mucositis, and febrile neutropenia might contribute to it. The aim of the study was to describe that infectious complications that occur in pediatric oncology patients does correlate with febrile neutropenia and prognosis.

Methods

We collected data using Hospital Information System from October 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, in pediatric oncology patients aged 1 to 18 years admitted to Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Data collected included patient characteristics, diagnosis, typhlitis and mucositis, and neutropenia. Mortality data were also collected after auditing by experts from Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.

Results

There were 1982 pediatric oncology patients admitted, 90 (4,5%) were consulted to infectious diseases because of neutropenia; most of these patients (34.4%) were diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia second (24,4%). Most of the patients were <5 years old (42,25%); 77/90 (85,5%) had ANC<500 and most were categorized as high-risk group 62/77 (80,5%). Mucositis and typhlitis occurred more commonly in this group with 17/67 (25,3%) and 2/67 (2,9 %) respectively compared to 3 cases of mucositis and no case of typhlitis in the low-risk group. Mortality rate was 10,4% (7/67) in the high-risk group, and all of them had mucositis and/or typhlitis.

Conclusion

Better quality of care including infection prevention and control is important, especially in high-risk group population with low ANC because infectious complications such as typhlitis and mucositis are much likely to occur and could affect prognosis.
Clinical Epidemiological Characteristics, Diagnosis and Treatment Established in Invasive Fungal Infection in Pediatric Patients: Case Series
Authors: Pérez Ávila Hirad Felipe , Bustamante María Elena Martínez
Published: October 2024

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) represents a public health problem in immunocompromised and critically ill patients, with considerable mortality. Objective is to describe the clinical, epidemiological, diagnostic and treatment characteristics in patients with confirmed invasive fungal infection.

Methods

A case series study was carried out, by reviewing the records of previously healthy pediatric patients, with confirmed invasive fungal infection, from January to December 2022. Information was obtained on sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory variables, cultures, mucormycosis, treatment (antibiotic and antifungal) and complications during the hospital stay. In the statistical analysis, percentages, measures of central tendency and dispersion were obtained according to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test.

Results

Nine patients with invasive fungal infection were analyzed, 55.6% children, mean age 8.6 ± 4.8 years, 91.6% with acute lymphoblastic leukemia type B (50%), 25% with infiltration to the central nervous system, in chemotherapy phase from induction to remission. (88.9%), with jugular central venous catheter (44.4%), mean 29.9 ± 21.6 days-catheter, 88.9% with fever, severe neutropenia and neutropenic colitis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome 55.6%. In blood cultures C. papapsilosis (11.1%) was reported and in mycological culture Aspergillus fumigatus (33.3%), Mucor spp (22.2%) and Fusarium oxysporum (11.1%), 22.2% with fungomas, using amphotericin B (100%), caspofungin (44.4%) and voriconazole (33.3%), with 44.5% mortality.

Conclusion

In immunocompromised or critically ill patients, it is essential to perform strict follow-up to timely identify opportunistic infections and reduce complications.
Dear Malaria: Deer Have Malaria! Prevalence ofPlasmodium odocoilei Infection in White-tailed deer in Pennsylvania
Authors: Reu Kyra , Sundararaman Sesh , Gibison Michelle , John Audrey Odom
Published: October 2024

Background

To combat antimalarial treatment resistance, better understanding of malaria pathogenesis is needed, but existing animal model have various limitations. Notably, prevailing murine models require laboratory infection of non-natural host species. In 2016, the parasite Plasmodium odocoilei was identified in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This was the first non-human mammalian malaria parasite identified in North America, representing a novel naturally occurring model system that allows for integrated examination of host, vector, and systems parasite biology. In addition, sickle hemoglobinopathy is exceptionally common among white-tailed deer, occurring in up to 60% of apparently healthy animals. In humans, the prevalence of sickle hemoglobinopathy in individuals with ancestry from malaria-endemic regions is due to the protective effects of sickle trait against severe malaria. Thus, the white-tailed deer-P. odocoilei system represents the only known naturally occurring model of the association between malaria parasite biology and sickle cell disease. Pennsylvania white-tailed deer have not previously been surveyed for infection. In this study, we determined P. odocoilei prevalence in a sample of 170 Pennsylvania white-tailed deer.

Methods

We amplified the CytB gene of P. odocoilei by nested PCR from DNA extracted from homogenized white-tailed deer tongue tissue obtained from the PennVet Wildlife Futures Program. We confirmed samples screening positive on gel electrophoresis via unprimed sequencing (Plasmidsaurus, USA) and NCBI-BLAST analysis.

Results

We estimate the prevalence of P. odocoilei infection in Pennsylvania white-tailed deer to be 0.6% (1 of 170 samples). Sequencing of the positive sample revealed a 621-bp sequence with close sequence identity to previous North American isolates of P. odocoilei (query cover 91-100%, percent identity 99.34-100.00%). Biobank metadata showed the positive sample originated from a roadkilled yearling male picked up at GPS coordinates (40.8423, -79.0409) on August 15, 2022.

Conclusion

P. odocoilei is endemic to Pennsylvania white-tailed deer. Our future directions include screening of additional samples, determination of host hemoglobin allele frequencies, detailed parasite genetic studies, and entomologic studies to elucidate vector biology. In addition, granular sample metadata collected by the PennVet Wildlife Futures Program will allow us to analyze the effects of geographic, demographic, and temporal variables on epidemiology. In sum, our survey data empowers future Pennsylvania-based studies to take advantage of the only known naturally occurring animal model of sickling and its association with protozoan infection.