bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in fruit and vegetables
Authors: Zhao Xiuming , Li Fujun , Ali Maratab , Li Xiaoan , Fu Xiaodong , Zhang Xinhua
Published: February 2024

With the development of genome sequencing technologies, many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in fruit and vegetables. lncRNAs are primarily transcribed and spliced by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) or plant-specific Pol IV/V, and exhibit limited evolutionary conservation. lncRNAs intricately regulate various aspects of fruit and vegetables, including pigment accumulation, reproductive tissue development, fruit ripening, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, through diverse mechanisms such as gene expression modulation, interaction with hormones and transcription factors, microRNA regulation, and involvement in alternative splicing. This review presents a comprehensive overview of lncRNA classification, basic characteristics, and, most importantly, recent advances in understanding their functions and regulatory mechanisms.
The Smi-miR858a-SmMYB module regulates tanshinone and phenolic acid biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Zhu Butuo , Wang Meizhen , Pang Yongqi , Hu Xiangling , Sun Chao , Zhou Hong , Deng Yuxing , Lu Shanfa
Published: February 2024

Tanshinones and phenolic acids are two major classes of bioactive compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Revealing the regulatory mechanism of their biosynthesis is crucial for quality improvement of S. miltiorrhiza medicinal materials. Here we demonstrated that Smi-miR858a–Smi-miR858c, a miRNA family previously known to regulate flavonoid biosynthesis, also played critical regulatory roles in tanshinone and phenolic acid biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza. Overexpression of Smi-miR858a in S. miltiorrhiza plants caused significant growth retardation and tanshinone and phenolic acid reduction. Computational prediction and degradome and RNA-seq analyses revealed that Smi-miR858a could directly cleave the transcripts of SmMYB6, SmMYB97, SmMYB111, and SmMYB112. Yeast one-hybrid and transient transcriptional activity assays showed that Smi-miR858a-regulated SmMYBs, such as SmMYB6 and SmMYB112, could activate the expression of SmPAL1 and SmTAT1 involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis and SmCPS1 and SmKSL1 associated with tanshinone biosynthesis. In addition to directly activating the genes involved in bioactive compound biosynthesis pathways, SmMYB6, SmMYB97, and SmMYB112 could also activate SmAOC2, SmAOS4, and SmJMT2 involved in the biosynthesis of methyl jasmonate, a significant elicitor of plant secondary metabolism. The results suggest the existence of dual signaling pathways for the regulation of Smi-miR858a in bioactive compound biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza.
PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module functions in the resumption of bud growth after endodormancy by affecting the cell cycle in tree peony
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Xinyu , Yuan Yanchao , Zhu Shoujie , Liu Chunying , Zhang Yuxi , Gai Shupeng
Published: February 2024

Bud endodormancy in perennial plants is a sophisticated system that adapts to seasonal climatic changes. Growth-promoting signals such as low temperature and gibberellins (GAs) are crucial for facilitating budbreak following endodormancy release (EDR). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying GA-mediated budbreak in tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) remain unclear. In tree peony, the expression of PsmiR159b among three differentially expressed miR159 members was inhibited with the prolonged chilling, and overexpression of PsMIR159b delayed budbreak, whereas silencing PsmiR159b promoted budbreak after dormancy. PsMYB65, a downstream transcription factor in the GA pathway, was induced by prolonged chilling and exogenous GA3 treatments. PsMYB65 was identified as a target of PsmiR159b, and promoted budbreak in tree peony. RNA-seq of PsMYB65-slienced buds revealed significant enrichment in the GO terms regulation of ‘cell cycle’ and ‘DNA replication’ among differentially expressed genes. Yeast one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that PsMYB65 directly bound to the promoter of the type-D cyclin gene PsCYCD3;1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that PsMYB65 positively regulate PsCYCD3;1 expression, suggesting that miR159b-PsMYB65 module contributes to budbreak by influencing the cell cycle. Our findings revealed that the PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module functioned in budbreak after dormancy by regulating cell proliferation, providing valuable insights into the endodormancy release regulation mechanism.
Auxin regulates bulbil initiation by mediating sucrose metabolism in Lilium lancifolium
Authors: Xin Yin , Chen Xi , Liang Jiahui , Wang Shaokun , Pan Wenqiang , Wu Jingxiang , Zhang Mingfang , Zaccai Michele , Yu Xiaonan , Zhang Xiuhai , Wu Jian , Du Yunpeng
Published: February 2024

Lily bulbils, which serve as advantageous axillary organs for vegetative propagation, have not been extensively studied in terms of the mechanism of bulbil initiation. The functions of auxin and sucrose metabolism have been implicated in axillary organ development, but their relationship in regulating bulbil initiation remains unclear. In this study, exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatment increased the endogenous auxin levels at leaf axils and significantly decreased bulbil number, whereas treatment with the auxin polar transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), which resulted in a low auxin concentration at leaf axils, stimulated bulbil initiation and increased bulbil number. A low level of auxin caused by NPA spraying or silencing of auxin biosynthesis genes YUCCA FLAVIN MONOOXYGENASE-LIKE 6 (LlYUC6) and TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASERELATED 1 (LlTAR1) facilitated sucrose metabolism by activating the expression of SUCROSE SYNTHASES 1 (LlSusy1) and CELL WALL INVERTASE 2 (LlCWIN2), resulting in enhanced bulbil initiation. Silencing LlSusy1 or LlCWIN2 hindered bulbil initiation. Moreover, the transcription factor BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX 35 (LlbHLH35) directly bound the promoter of LlSusy1, but not the promoter of LlCWIN2, and activated its transcription in response to the auxin content, bridging the gap between auxin and sucrose metabolism. In conclusion, our results reveal that an LlbHLH35-LlSusy1 module mediates auxin-regulated sucrose metabolism during bulbil initiation.
A natural variation in SlSCaBP8 promoter contributes to the loss of saline–alkaline tolerance during tomato improvement
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Chi , Sun Heyao , Zang Yinqiang , Meng Xianwen , Zhai Huawei , Chen Qian , Li Chuanyou
Published: February 2024

Saline–alkaline stress is a worldwide problem that threatens the growth and yield of crops. However, how crops adapt to saline–alkaline stress remains less studied. Here we show that saline–alkaline tolerance was compromised during tomato domestication and improvement, and a natural variation in the promoter of SlSCaBP8, an EF-hand Ca2+ binding protein, contributed to the loss of saline–alkaline tolerance during tomato improvement. The biochemical and genetic data showed that SlSCaBP8 is a positive regulator of saline–alkaline tolerance in tomato. The introgression line Pi-75, derived from a cross between wild Solanum pimpinellifolium LA1589 and cultivar E6203, containing the SlSCaBP8LA1589 locus, showed stronger saline–alkaline tolerance than E6203. Pi-75 and LA1589 also showed enhanced saline–alkaline-induced SlSCaBP8 expression than that of E6203. By sequence analysis, a natural variation was found in the promoter of SlSCaBP8 and the accessions with the wild haplotype showed enhanced saline–alkaline tolerance compared with the cultivar haplotype. Our studies clarify the mechanism of saline–alkaline tolerance conferred by SlSCaBP8 and provide an important natural variation in the promoter of SlSCaBP8 for tomato breeding.
Multiple banking relationships: the role of firm connectedness
Authors: Fracasso Andrea , Peruzzi Valentina , Tomasi Chiara
Published: February 2024

This paper sheds light on the role of firm social connectedness in multiple banking relationships, controlling for other firm-level determinants. Using a large sample of Italian manufacturing firms, we develop novel text-based measures of firm connectedness and multiple banking relationships. We measure firm connectedness by exploiting information on the number of links that a non-financial firm has with any other non-financial firm through individuals who hold a position (such as shareholder, administrator, and technical or administrative employee) in both firms. The paper finds empirical evidence that firm connectedness is positively associated with the number of banks lending to the firm. This effect is stronger for younger, smaller, and more indebted firms, suggesting that firm connectedness favors the diffusion of soft information and ultimately their access to multiple sources of credit by reducing negotiation and transaction costs. Connectedness, on the other hand, does not seem to reduce firms’ incentives to increase the number of lenders in order to minimize hold-up risks.
Effects of natural light on improving the lighting and energy efficiency of buildings: toward low energy consumption and CO2 emission
Authors: Bashir Faizah Mohammed , Dodo Yakubu Aminu , Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed said , Norwawi Norita Md , Shannan Nahla M , Afghan Amirhossein Aghajani
Published: February 2024

Visual information acquisition is essential for our daily lives, with vision relying on the presence of light. Lighting systems serve the fundamental purpose of enabling vision. This study aims to contribute to sustainable architectural design by emphasizing the efficient utilization of natural daylight. Specifically, the design of skylights or light wells in low–lateral-area, deep-depth structures is of significant importance. While current design criteria consider skylight dimensions and the skylight-to-building height ratio, these factors alone may not suffice for optimal skylight design. To achieve an appropriate lighting and architectural design for such structures, it is essential to evaluate the factors influencing the required amount of daylight on different floors. This study aims to investigate the impact of skylights and light wells on the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a four-storey building located in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The physical parameters of skylights and light wells were analyzed, taking into account various aspects that affect the amount of light reaching different levels. The findings highlight the significant influence of skylight size on the light reaching the building’s floors. For square skylights, reducing the well index (increasing skylight size) exponentially increases the daylight factor. Furthermore, this study evaluates the annual energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of the building, considering the daylighting factor. The results demonstrate that skylights contribute to increased solar heat gain, thermal conductance, and artificial lighting efficiency. Notably, as the lighting factor of the building increases from 3% to 6%, there is an annual decrease of 3% in CO2 emissions.
Vδ1 Effector and Vδ2 γδ T-Cell Subsets Shift in Frequency and Are Linked to Plasma Inflammatory Markers During Antiretroviral Therapy-Suppressed HIV Infection
Authors: Pihl Riley M F , Smith-Mahoney Erika L , Olson Alex , Yuen Rachel R , Asundi Archana , Lin Nina , Belkina Anna C , Snyder-Cappione Jennifer E
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic inflammation is prevalent with antiretroviral therapy (ART)-suppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and one immune cell subset putatively driving this phenomenon is TIGIT+ γδ T cells.

Methods

To elucidate γδ T-cell phenotypic diversity, spectral flow cytometry was performed on blood lymphocytes from individuals of a HIV and aging cohort and data were analyzed using bioinformatic platforms. Plasma inflammatory markers were measured and correlated with γδ T-cell subset frequencies.

Results

Thirty-nine distinct γδ T-cell subsets were identified (22 Vδ1+, 14 Vδ2+, and 3 Vδ1−Vδ2−Vγ9+) and TIGIT was nearly exclusively found on the Vδ1+CD45RA+CD27− effector populations. People with ART-suppressed HIV infection (PWH) exhibited high frequencies of distinct clusters of Vδ1+ effectors distinguished via CD8, CD16, and CD38 expression. Among Vδ2+ cells, most Vγ9+ (innate-like) clusters were lower in PWH; however, CD27+ subsets were similar in frequency between participants with and without HIV. Comparisons by age revealed lower ‘naive’ Vδ1+CD45RA+CD27+ cells in older individuals, regardless of HIV status. Plasma inflammatory markers were selectively linked to subsets of Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ cells.

Conclusions

These results further elucidate γδ T-cell subset complexity and reveal distinct alterations and connections with inflammatory pathways of Vδ1+ effector and Vδ2+ innate-like subsets during ART-suppressed HIV infection.
Online health information–seeking behaviours for low back pain in the United Kingdom: analysis of data from Google trends and the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2004–2019
Authors: Patel Harpal , Shepherd Thomas A
Published: February 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of global disability. Timely health-seeking is crucial for early diagnosis and management of pathologies. Despite increases in internet usage, there is sparse literature regarding online health information–seeking behaviours (OHISBs) for LBP and how they correlate with the LBP disease burden in the UK.

Methods

To examine OHISB trends, we conducted Prais–Winsten analyses on monthly search volume data from Google Trends in the UK between 1 January 2004 and 1 December 2019. Cross-correlation analyses assessed the relationship between annual LBP search volume and LBP morbidity and mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease study (2004–2019).

Results

From 2004 to 2019, the trend in LBP search volume was curvilinear (β=1.27, t=5.00, p<0.001), with a slope change around the end of 2006. There was a negative linear trend (β=−0.25, t35=−1.52, p<0.14) from 2004 to 2006 and a positive linear trend (β=0.67, t108=9.17, p<0.001) from 2007 to 2019. Cross-correlations revealed positive associations between search volume and disease burden indicators for LBP such as prevalence and incidence at lags 4 and 5.

Conclusions

A rising trend in OHISBs for LBP was noted between 2004 and 2019. This trend positively correlates with incidence, prevalence and burden measures. These findings emphasise the importance of high-quality online resources to increase awareness around LBP, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of clinically relevantBacteroides,Phocaeicola,ParabacteroidesandPrevotellaspecies, isolated by eight laboratories in the Netherlands
Authors: Boiten K E , Notermans D W , Rentenaar R J , van Prehn J , Bode L G M , Maat I , van der Zwet W , Jansz A , Siebers T J H , Rossen J W A , de Greeff S C , Hendrickx A P A , Kuijper E J , Veloo A C M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Recently, reports on antimicrobial-resistant Bacteroides and Prevotella isolates have increased in the Netherlands. This urged the need for a surveillance study on the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, Parabacteroides and Prevotella isolates consecutively isolated from human clinical specimens at eight different Dutch laboratories.

Methods

Each laboratory collected 20–25 Bacteroides (including Phocaeicola and Parabacteroides) and 10–15 Prevotella isolates for 3 months. At the national reference laboratory, the MICs of amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, imipenem, metronidazole, clindamycin, tetracycline and moxifloxacin were determined using agar dilution. Isolates with a high MIC of metronidazole or a carbapenem, or harbouring cfiA, were subjected to WGS.

Results

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron/faecis isolates had the highest MIC90 values, whereas Bacteroides fragilis had the lowest MIC90 values for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, imipenem and moxifloxacin. The antimicrobial profiles of the different Prevotella species were similar, except for amoxicillin, for which the MIC50 ranged from 0.125 to 16 mg/L for Prevotella bivia and Prevotella buccae, respectively. Three isolates with high metronidazole MICs were sequenced, of which one Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron isolate harboured a plasmid-located nimE gene and a Prevotella melaninogenica isolate harboured a nimA gene chromosomally.

Five Bacteroides isolates harboured a cfiA gene and three had an IS element upstream, resulting in high MICs of carbapenems. The other two isolates harboured no IS element upstream of the cfiA gene and had low MICs of carbapenems.

Conclusions

Variations in resistance between species were observed. To combat emerging resistance in anaerobes, monitoring resistance and conducting surveillance are essential.
Lipopeptides from Bacillus velezensis induced apoptosis-like cell death in the pathogenic fungus Fusarium concentricum
Authors: Chen Meichun , Deng Yingjie , Zheng Meixia , Xiao Rongfeng , Wang Xun , Liu Bo , He Jin , Wang Jieping
Published: February 2024

Aims

Stem rot caused by Fusarium concentricum is a new disease of Paris polyphylla reported by our research group. The present study investigates the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of Bacillus velezensis FJAT-54560 lipopeptide against F. concentricum.

Methods and Results

HPLC preparation and LC-MS analysis results show that the crude lipopeptides secreted by Bacillus velezensis FJAT-54560 isolated from Jasminum sambac consist of C14–17 iturin A, C14 fengycin B, C16 fengycin A/A2, C18 fengycin A, C20 fengycin B2, C21 fengycin A2, C22–23 fengycin A, C12–16 surfactin A, and C15 surfactin A derivatives. The mass ratios (g/g) of iturin, fengycin, and surfactin in lipopeptides are 2.40, 67.51, and 30.08%, respectively. Through inhibition zone and inhibition rate experiments, we found that crude lipopeptides and purified fengycin exhibit strong antifungal activity against F. concentricum, including accumulation of reactive oxygen species, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, Ca2+ accumulation, chromatin condensation, and phosphatidylserine externalization. Transcriptomic analysis indicates that crude lipopeptide-induced apoptosis in F. concentricum cells may be mediated by apoptosis-inducing factors and apoptosis mediators and can serve as a metacaspase-independent model.

Conclusion

Lipopeptides from Bacillus velezensis FJAT-54560 can control the pathogenic fungus F. concentricum by inducing apoptosis.
Mucocele-like Lesions: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Chandora Agni , Kahn Andrea G , Zamora Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Mucocele-like lesions (MLLs) of the breast are rare lesions described as dilated, mucin-filled cysts associated with rupture and extracellular mucin in the surrounding stroma. These lesions are of clinical concern because they can coexist with a spectrum of atypical and malignant findings, including atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma including mucinous carcinoma. Imaging findings of MLLs are nonspecific and varied, although the most common initial finding is that of incidental coarse heterogeneous calcifications on mammography. Occasionally, an asymmetry or mass may be found with or without calcifications, and such MLLs have a higher rate of upgrade to malignancy at excision. Pathology findings are often descriptive given the small sample received from percutaneous biopsy, and the primary consideration is to report any associated atypia, including atypical ductal hyperplasia. There is consensus in the literature that MLLs with atypia on biopsy should undergo excision because of the average reported 17.5% (20/114) upgrade rate to malignancy. The upgrade rate for MLLs without atypia averages 4.1% (14/341). Therefore, imaging surveillance may be a reasonable alternative to excision for MLLs with no atypia on a case-by-case basis. We review MLL imaging findings, pathology findings, and clinical management and present 3 cases from our institution to add to the literature on these rare lesions.
How murine neutrophils are hijacked within the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cassatella Marco Antonio , Scapini Patrizia , Tamassia Nicola
Published: February 2024

Discoveries made in the past decades have brought out that, in addition to their classical primary defensive functions against infections, polymorphonuclear neutrophils play key effector roles not only in chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases but also in cancer. In addition, depending on their differentiation/activation status and/or on the physiological or pathological microenvironment in which they reside, neutrophils have been shown to behave as highly plastic cells, able to acquire new phenotypes/functional states. All these features are well manifested in cancer and modulated during tumor progression. Herein, we discuss intriguing data by Lai Ng's group that have shed light on the origin and development of terminally differentiated, proangiogenic, tumor-associated neutrophils, facilitating tumor growth in a murine orthotopic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. These findings help to progress toward the ambitious goal of selectively targeting only the skewed pathological neutrophil populations present within the tumor microenvironment.
CSPP1 stabilizes microtubules by capping both plus and minus ends
Authors: Wang Zhikai , Wang Wenwen , Liu Shuaiyu , Yang Fengrui , Liu Xu , Hua Shasha , Zhu Lijuan , Xu Aoqing , Hill Donald L , Wang Dongmei , Jiang Kai , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao
Published: February 2024

Although the dynamic instability of microtubules (MTs) is fundamental to many cellular functions, quiescent MTs with unattached free distal ends are commonly present and play important roles in various events to power cellular dynamics. However, how these free MT tips are stabilized remains poorly understood. Here, we report that centrosome and spindle pole protein 1 (CSPP1) caps and stabilizes both plus and minus ends of static MTs. Real-time imaging of laser-ablated MTs in live cells showed deposition of CSPP1 at the newly generated MT ends, whose dynamic instability was concomitantly suppressed. Consistently, MT ends in CSPP1-overexpressing cells were hyper-stabilized, while those in CSPP1-depleted cells were much more dynamic. This CSPP1-elicited stabilization of MTs was demonstrated to be achieved by suppressing intrinsic MT catastrophe and restricting polymerization. Importantly, CSPP1-bound MTs were resistant to mitotic centromere-associated kinesin-mediated depolymerization. These findings delineate a previously uncharacterized CSPP1 activity that integrates MT end capping to orchestrate quiescent MTs.
Features Associated With Radiographic Pneumonia in Children with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Florin Todd A , Freedman Stephen B , Xie Jianling , Funk Anna L , Tancredi Daniel J , Kim Kelly , Neuman Mark I , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Bergmann Kelly R , Breslin Kristen A , Finkelstein Yaron , Ahmad Fahd A , Avva Usha R , Lunoe Maren M , Chaudhari Pradip P , Shah Nipam P , Plint Amy C , Sabhaney Vikram J , Sethuraman Usha , Gardiner Michael A , Sartori Laura F , Wright Bruce , Navanandan Nidhya , Mintegi Santiago , Gangoiti Iker , Borland Meredith L , Chong Shu-Ling , Kwok Maria Y , Eckerle Michelle , Poonai Naveen , Romero Carlos Miguel Angelats , Waseem Muhammad , Nebhrajani Jasmine R , Bhatt Maala , Caperell Kerry , Campos Carmen , Becker Sarah M , Morris Claudia R , Rogers Alexander J , Kam April J , Pavlicich Viviana , Palumbo Laura , Dalziel Stuart R , Morrison Andrea K , Rino Pedro B , Cherry Jonathan C , Salvadori Marina I , Ambroggio Lilliam , Klassen Terry P , Payne Daniel C , Malley Richard , Simon Norma-Jean , Kuppermann Nathan
Published: February 2024

14% of children with SARS-CoV-2 infections had radiographic pneumonia. Hypoxemia, cough, higher temperature, and older age were associated with pneumonias. In children tested, SARS-CoV-2 test results were not associated with radiographic pneumonia.
Percutaneous thrombolysis via cholecystostomy catheter to dissolve biliary clots causing obstructive jaundice
Authors: Smith Sonya A , Simpson Fraser , Bell-Allen Nicholas , Brown Nicholas , Mudaliar Sanjivan , Aftab Khurram , Tam Diana , Chandrasegaram Manju D
Published: February 2024

Haemobilia, or bleeding within the biliary tree, is rare. It can cause biliary obstruction secondary to blood clots. A comorbid 87-year-old was admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and an Escherichia coli bacteremia. He had a partial pancreatectomy and gastrojejunostomy 35 years prior for severe pancreatitis. He was treated with antibiotics and a percutaneous cholecystostomy. He developed atrial fibrillation and was subsequently commenced on warfarin. He re-presented 5 days after discharge with abdominal pain and fevers. Liver function tests revealed cholestasis and a supratherapeutic international normalised ratio. Imaging showed cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, and extensive biliary blood clots. He improved with antibiotics, vitamin K, and alteplase flushes through the percutaneous cholecystostomy. Repeat cholangiogram demonstrated dissolution of the biliary clots. Due to altered anatomy and comorbidities, alteplase flushes were utilized to relieve this patient’s biliary obstruction. Thrombolytics may assist in treating biliary clots when first-line options are not possible or favourable.
First-generation bypass surgery for a giant fusiform aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery: an illustrative case and surgical video
Authors: Bocanegra-Becerra Jhon E , Sánchez José Luis Acha
Published: February 2024

Giant fusiform aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are complex and rare vascular lesions with a poor natural history and challenging treatment decision-making. We report the case of a 46-year-old male with a history of chronic hypertension and a transient ischemic attack who presented with left-sided hemiparesis. A cerebral angiotomography revealed an unruptured giant fusiform aneurysm in the M2 segment of the right MCA. After carefully evaluating the procedure’s risks and benefits with the patient, he underwent a low-flow bypass surgery. An anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and the M3 segment was performed with proximal clipping of the M2 segment. The postoperative course was uneventful, with preserved bypass patency. At follow-up, the patient was neurologically intact. This report illustrates the nuances and operative techniques for treating a giant fusiform aneurysm of the M2 segment that accounted for a preserved bypass patency and optimal patient neurological recovery.
Feeding on lactic acid bacteria isolated from food extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Komura Tomomi , Aoki Motoshi , Nishikawa Yoshikazu
Published: February 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to human health, and LAB functionality has been studied using Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative host. However, many studies have focused on the efficacy of a single strain of LAB, and few reports have compared various LAB strains. In this study, we examined the effects of 15 strains of LAB isolated from vegetables, meat, and fermented foods on nematode longevity and healthy lifespan. To reduce the frequency of laborious survival observations, we performed a lifespan assay on agar plates containing 2′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (FUdR), which inhibits egg hatching and prevents generation mixing. Four beneficial strains showed significant lifespan extension and increased spontaneous nematode mobility, regardless of treatment with or without FUdR and the frequency of survival observation. These results suggested increased longevity and an extended healthy lifespan, confirming the reliability of our method. The four strains are expected to show anti-ageing effects besides longevity and have effects on age-related degenerative diseases. Our labor-saving method can be used as an alternative to conventional methods and enable simultaneous screening of multiple strains. Future research could explore factors contributing to lifespan regulation by comparing and verifying differential strain effects on lifespan.
A Pilot Study Using a Standardized Trauma Assessment Tool After Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course: A Comparison of the United States and Ghana
Authors: Polley Catherine C , Adu-Gyamfi Rossi , Mahama-Toure Tawfik , Okpoti Konney Fattal , Oti-Boateng Emmanuel , Nsohlebna Nsoh Lawrence , Ballard Timothy
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Assessment, monitoring, and evaluation have been a required part of Global Health Engagement but difficult to accomplish. The current assessment, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks require implementation at the start of the project and are not designed to use for already existing programs. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is a standardized course now offered in 89 countries, but there has not been a standardized method of evaluating the quality across programs. Ghana’s TCCC program began in March 2022 and provides a platform for development of a new method of evaluation globally.

Methods

In this study, a standardized trauma scenario was performed by two groups of students, one who completed a TCCC Medical Provider course in Fort Detrick, MD and one who completed the course in Accra, Ghana. The students were scored using a standardized Trauma Assessment Score Sheet and the scores compared across the two groups.

Results

The mean Trauma Assessment Score was 58.5% in the United States and 58.3% in Ghana, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P-value of .97). When regressed for confounding variables such as years of experience and deployment, the two groups still had no statistically significant difference (P-value of .783).

Discussion

The two groups achieved similar mean scores despite significantly different testing environments and experience levels. Written post-test scores did not correlate well due to multiple confounding factors and appear to be a less accurate representation of student understanding and application than the Trauma Assessment Score.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates use of a standardized scenario with graded checklist to compare between international programs. This can be used to and expanded to compare programs and support quality assurance and medical interoperability.
A Baseline Model of PTSD From the ACES Cohort
Authors: Millington Donna J , Blackburn August N , Herrera Dianna , Dalgard Clifton L , Willis Adam M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a primary military psychiatric condition with complex etiology including strong genetic and/or environmental influences. Environmental influences and demographics can play a role in supporting underlying genetic traits for clinical utility evaluation as risk modifying factors. We are undertaking an IRB approved study to evaluate polygenic scores of PTSD risk in the adverse childhood experience and serotonin (ACES) transporter cohort.

Materials and Methods

Baseline demographic characteristics and statistical modeling of 291 active duty service members from ACES cohort were used and excluded individuals with traumatic brain injury-induced loss of consciousness, pre-deployment PTSD or anxiety disorder, and pre-deployment prescription of antidepressants or psychoactive medications. Summary of categorical and numerical variables were evaluated using chi-square and t-test, respectively. We model PTSD risk and associated scores using linear and logistic regressions.

Results

The ACES subset was 79.1% males, multi-ancestry, and mean age of 38.3 years. Most PTSD individuals received behavioral therapy (89.6%) and/or prescribed antidepressants (67%) had higher scores in ACES, combat exposure scales, PTSD checklist military version, neurobehavioral symptom inventory, Pittsburg sleep quality index, insomnia severity index, and composite autonomic symptom score surveys and were less likely to expect future deployment. A positive correlation between age, total months deployed, ACES, CES, PCL-M, and positive-PTSD diagnosis were consistent but not in older individuals, who were more likely and frequently deployed although increasing risk for combat exposure.

Conclusion

Demographic characteristics of the ACES cohort fit a coherent model of risk for PTSD to evaluate polygenic scores. Additional research is merited to understand PTSD effects on these confounding factors.
Molecular epidemiology of Candida africana isolates collected from vagina swabs in French Guiana
Authors: Bigot Jeanne , Kalboussi Yasmine , Bonkoto Nkoy Yannick , Benmostefa Alexis , Vellaissamy Sandra , Benzerara Laurent , Sainte-Rose Vincent , Blanchet Denis , Demar Magalie , Guitard Juliette , Hennequin Christophe
Published: February 2024

Previous molecular studies have shown that Candida africana corresponds to the clade 13 of Candia albicans. It has been mostly involved in vulvovaginal candidiasis worldwide but few data exist in South America. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of C. africana in women living in French Guiana. For this, we first set up a fluorescent-intercalating-dye-real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the hyphal wall protein 1 gene. The test was applied to 212 C. albicans isolates collected from May to August 2019 from vaginal swabs, allowing the identification of six women harboring C. africana (eight isolates). The in vitro susceptibility of these eight isolates to six antifungal drugs was also evaluated. No demographics or clinical-specific features could be demonstrated. Genetic diversity of those isolates was analyzed through multilocus sequence typing and showed that diploid sequence type 182 was predominant (n = 6) and allowed the report of a new diploid sequence type.
The NOEMA observations of GN-z11: constraining the neutral interstellar medium and dust formation in the heart of cosmic reionization at z = 10.6
Authors: Fudamoto Y , Oesch P A , Walter F , Decarli R , Carilli C L , Ferrara A , Barrufet L , Bouwens R , Dessauges-Zavadsky M , Nelson E J , Dannerbauer H , Illingworth G , Inoue A K , Marques-Chaves R , Pérez-Fournon I , Riechers D A , Schaerer D , Smit R , Sugahara Y , van der Werf P
Published: February 2024

We present results of dust continuum and [C ii]$\, 158\, {\rm \mu m}$ emission line observations of a remarkably UV luminous (MUV = −21.6) galaxy at z = 10.603: GN-z11. Using the Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA), observations have been carried out over multiple observing cycles. We achieved a high sensitivity resulting in a $\lambda _{\rm rest}=160\, {\rm \mu m}$ continuum $1\, \sigma$ sensitivity of $13.0\, \rm {\mu Jy \, beam}^{ -1}$ and a [C ii] emission line $1\, \sigma$ sensitivity of $31\, \rm {mJy\, beam^{ -1}\, km \, s}^{ -1}$ using $50\, \rm {km \, s}^{ -1}$ binning with a $\sim 2\, {\rm arcsec}$ synthesized beam. Neither dust continuum nor [C ii]$\, 158\, {\rm \mu m}$ line emission are detected at the expected frequency of ν[C ii]$= 163.791\, \rm {GHz}$ and the sky location of GN-z11. The upper limits show that GN-z11 is neither luminous in LIR nor L[C ii], with a dust mass $3\, \sigma$ limit of ${\rm log}\, (M_{\rm dust}/{\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}) \, \lt\, 6.5-6.9$ and with a [C ii] based molecular gas mass $3\, \sigma$ limit of log (Mmol, [C ii]$/{\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}) \, \lt \, 9.3$. Together with radiative transfer calculations, we also investigated the possible cause of the dust poor nature of the GN-z11 showed by the blue colour in the UV continuum of GN-z11 (βUV = −2.4), and found that ≳3 × deeper observations are crucial to study dust production at very high-redshift. Nevertheless, our observations show the crucial role of deep mm/submm observations of very high-redshift galaxies to constrain multiple phases in the interstellar medium.
Hints of a disrupted binary dwarf galaxy in the Sagittarius stream
Authors: Davies Elliot Y , Monty Stephanie , Belokurov Vasily , Dillamore Adam M
Published: February 2024

In this work, we look for evidence of a non-unity mass ratio binary dwarf galaxy merger in the Sagittarius stream. Simulations of such a merger show that, upon merging with a host, particles from the less massive galaxy will often mostly be found in the extended stream and less so in the central remnant. Motivated by these simulations, we use the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment Data Release 17 chemical data from approximately 1100 stars in both the Sagittarius remnant and stream to look for evidence of contamination from a second dwarf galaxy. We separate the Sagittarius data into its remnant and stream and compare the [Mg/Fe] content of the two populations. In particular, we select [Mg/Fe] to search for hints of unique star formation histories among our sample stars. Comparing the stream and remnant populations, we find regions that have distinct [Mg/Fe] distributions for fixed [Fe/H], in addition to distinct chemical tracks in [Mg/Fe]–[Fe/H] abundance space. We show that there are large regions of the tracks for which the probability of the two samples being drawn from the same distribution is very low (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we show that the two tracks can be fit with unique star formation histories using simple, one-zone galactic chemical evolution models. While more work must be done to discern whether the hypothesis presented here is true, our work hints at the possibility that Sagittarius may consist of two dwarf galaxy progenitors.
Nucleosynthesis in magnetorotational supernovae: impact of the magnetic field configuration
Authors: Reichert Moritz , Bugli Matteo , Guilet Jérôme , Obergaulinger Martin , Aloy Miguel Ángel , Arcones Almudena
Published: February 2024

The production of heavy elements is one of the main by-products of the explosive end of massive stars. A long sought goal is finding differentiated patterns in the nucleosynthesis yields, which could permit identifying a number of properties of the explosive core. Among them, the traces of the magnetic field topology are particularly important for extreme supernova (SN) explosions, most likely hosted by magnetorotational effects. We investigate the nucleosynthesis of five state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamic models with fast rotation that have been previously calculated in full 3D and that involve an accurate neutrino transport (M1). One of the models does not contain any magnetic field and synthesizes elements around the iron group, in agreement with other CC-SNe models in literature. All other models host a strong magnetic field of the same intensity, but with different topology. For the first time, we investigate the nucleosynthesis of MR-SNe models with a quadrupolar magnetic field and a 90° tilted dipole. We obtain a large variety of ejecta compositions reaching from iron nuclei to nuclei up to the third r-process peak. We assess the robustness of our results by considering the impact of different nuclear physics uncertainties such as different nuclear masses, β−-decays and β−-delayed neutron emission probabilities, neutrino reactions, fission, and a feedback of nuclear energy on the temperature. We find that the qualitative results do not change with different nuclear physics input. The properties of the explosion dynamics and the magnetic field configuration are the dominant factors determining the ejecta composition.
Under the light of a new star: evolution of planetary atmospheres through protoplanetary disc dispersal and boil-off
Authors: Rogers James G , Owen James E , Schlichting Hilke E
Published: February 2024

The atmospheres of small, close-in exoplanets are vulnerable to rapid mass loss during protoplanetary disc dispersal via a process referred to as ‘boil-off’, in which confining pressure from the local gas disc reduces, inducing atmospheric loss and contraction. We construct self-consistent models of planet evolution during gaseous core accretion and boil-off. As the surrounding disc gas dissipates, we find that planets lose mass via subsonic breeze outflows which allow causal contact to exist between disc and planet. Planets initially accrete of order $\sim 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in atmospheric mass, however, boil-off can remove $\gtrsim 90~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of this mass during disc dispersal. We show that a planet’s final atmospheric mass fraction is strongly dictated by the ratio of cooling time-scale to disc dispersal time-scale, as well as the planet’s core mass and equilibrium temperature. With contributions from core cooling and radioactivity, we show that core luminosity eventually leads to the transition from boil-off to core-powered mass loss. We find that smaller mass planets closest to their host star may have their atmospheres completely stripped through a combination of boil-off and core-powered mass loss during disc dispersal, implying the existence of a population-level radius gap emerging as the disc disperses. We additionally consider the transition from boil-off/core-powered mass loss to X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) photoevaporation by considering the penetration of stellar XUV photons below the planet’s sonic surface. Finally, we show that planets may open gaps in their protoplanetary discs during the late stages of boil-off, which may enhance mass-loss rates.
Chemical abundances and ionizing mechanisms in the star-forming double-ring of AM 0644-741 using MUSE data
Authors: Gómez-González V M A , Mayya Y D , Zaragoza-Cardiel J , Bruzual G , Charlot S , Ramos-Larios G , Oskinova L M , Sander A A C , Serantes S Reyero
Published: February 2024

We present the analysis of archival Very Large Telescope Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer observations of 179 H ii regions in the star-forming double-ring collisional galaxy AM 0644-741 at 98.6 Mpc. We determined ionic abundances of He, N, O, and Fe using the direct method for the brightest H ii region (ID 39); we report $\log \rm {(\frac{N}{O})}=-1.3\pm 0.2$ and $12+\log \rm {(\frac{O}{H})}=8.9\pm 0.2$. We also find the so-called ‘blue-bump’, broad He ii λ4686, in the spectrum of this knot of massive star formation; its luminosity being consistent with the presence of ∼430 Wolf–Rayet (WR) stars of the nitrogen late-type. We determined the O abundances for 137 H ii regions using the strong-line method; we report a median value of $12+\log \rm {(\frac{O}{H})}=8.5\pm 0.8$. The location of three objects, including the WR complex, coincide with that of an Ultra Luminous X-ray source. Nebular He ii is not detected in any H ii region. We investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed spectral lines using appropriate diagnostic diagrams and ionization models. We find that the H ii regions are being photoionized by star clusters with ages ∼2.5–20 Myr and ionization potential −3.5 <log 〈U〉<−3.0. In these diagrams, a binary population is needed to reproduce the observables considered in this work.
Broad-band spectral and temporal study of Ton 599 during the brightest 2023 January flare
Authors: Manzoor Aaqib , Shah Zahir , Sahayanathan Sunder , Iqbal Naseer , Dar Athar A
Published: February 2024

In this work, we provide a detailed analysis of the broad-band temporal and spectral properties of the blazar Ton 599 by using observations from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) and Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT)/Ultraviolet–Optical Telescope (UVOT), during its brightest γ-ray flaring. The one-day bin γ-ray light curve exhibits multiple substructures with asymmetric and symmetric profiles. Notably, the γ-ray light curve shows a maximum flux of $\rm 3.63 \times 10^{-6}\, photon\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}$ on MJD 59954.50, which is the highest flux ever observed from this source. The correlation between the γ-ray flux and γ-ray spectral indices suggests a moderate ‘harder when brighter’ trend. Taking the γ-ray light curve as the reference, a strong correlation is observed with X-ray, optical, and UV energies. Additionally, the γ-rays and optical/UV emission exhibit higher variability compared with X-rays. To understand the parameter variation during the active state of the source, we conducted a statistical broad-band spectral modelling of the source in 10 flux intervals of equal duration. A one-zone leptonic model involving synchrotron, synchrotron-self-Compton, and external Compton processes successfully reproduces the broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) in each of these flux intervals. We observed that flux variation during the active state is associated mainly with variation in the magnetic field and particle spectral indices.
Transposable Element Insertions Are Associated with Batesian Mimicry in the Pantropical Butterfly Hypolimnas misippus
Authors: Orteu Anna , Kucka Marek , Gordon Ian J , Ng’iru Ivy , van der Heijden Eva S M , Talavera Gerard , Warren Ian A , Collins Steve , ffrench-Constant Richard H , Martins Dino J , Chan Yingguang Frank , Jiggins Chris D , Martin Simon H
Published: February 2024

Hypolimnas misippus is a Batesian mimic of the toxic African Queen butterfly (Danaus chrysippus). Female H. misippus butterflies use two major wing patterning loci (M and A) to imitate three color morphs of D. chrysippus found in different regions of Africa. In this study, we examine the evolution of the M locus and identify it as an example of adaptive atavism. This phenomenon involves a morphological reversion to an ancestral character that results in an adaptive phenotype. We show that H. misippus has re-evolved an ancestral wing pattern present in other Hypolimnas species, repurposing it for Batesian mimicry of a D. chrysippus morph. Using haplotagging, a linked-read sequencing technology, and our new analytical tool, Wrath, we discover two large transposable element insertions located at the M locus and establish that these insertions are present in the dominant allele responsible for producing mimetic phenotype. By conducting a comparative analysis involving additional Hypolimnas species, we demonstrate that the dominant allele is derived. This suggests that, in the derived allele, the transposable elements disrupt a cis-regulatory element, leading to the reversion to an ancestral phenotype that is then utilized for Batesian mimicry of a distinct model, a different morph of D. chrysippus. Our findings present a compelling instance of convergent evolution and adaptive atavism, in which the same pattern element has independently evolved multiple times in Hypolimnas butterflies, repeatedly playing a role in Batesian mimicry of diverse model species.