bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between attitudes toward wildlife and patterns of risk of human–wildlife conflict near Giant Panda National Park
Authors: Qiu Lan , Dai Qiang , Wang Yihong , Zhang Zejun , Yang Zhisong , Qi Dunwu , Gu Haijun , Gu Xiaodong , Yang Xuyu , Wei Wei
Published: December 2024

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is an escalating humanitarian issue and a conservation concern. In terms of protection and management, areas at high risk of HWC are not necessarily afforded the same resources as areas prioritized for protection. To improve allocation of limited protection resources and HWC mitigation efficiency, we determined management priorities based on HWC risk and people's attitudes toward wildlife around the Giant Panda National Park. We constructed an ensemble species distribution model with 1959 species’ distribution loci and 337 conflict event records. This model was used to simulate the spatial distribution patterns of HWC risk and to evaluate the influence of diverse environmental factors. A survey of people's attitudes toward wildlife was conducted in 155 villages around the Giant Panda National Park. Priority areas for HWC management were concentrated near protected areas, where wildlife habitats and populations were recovering and expanding. We obtained 947 questionnaires, which showed that some residents were highly aware of conservation and had a high tolerance for wildlife, even when they were living in areas at high risk of HWC. However, people who had encountered conflicts with wild boar were more likely to have negative attitudes toward other wildlife, even giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Thus, HWC may lead to the generalization of negative attitudes toward wildlife conservation. In our study area, environmental (e.g., building fences and changing crop types) and social measures (e.g., insurance and ecocompensation) have been implemented to mitigate HWC. Our results can provide an important basis for the allocation of compensation resources and improvement of HWC management in areas of high conservation priority. Future studies should further explore how to develop more personalized HWC management plans based on the characteristics of different regions.
Ubiquitin‐Proteasome System in Periodontitis: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Ma Yilin , Jia Ruiwei , Chen Shuhong , Ma Jun , Yin Lei , Pan Xingbei , He Yunuo , Wu Tong , Zhao Zheyu , Ma Lulu , Wu Shengzhuang , Wang Huining , Liang Guang , Huang Shengbin , Sun Xiaoyu
Published: December 2024

The progression of periodontitis, a bacteria‐driven inflammatory and bone‐destructive disease, involves myriad cellular and molecular mechanisms. Protein regulation significantly influences the pathogenesis and management of periodontitis. However, research regarding its regulatory role in periodontitis remains relatively limited. The ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), which mainly involves ubiquitination by E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) and deubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), is the primary intracellular and non‐lysosomal mechanism of protein degradation. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence to support the involvement of UPS in periodontitis progression. Increasing evidence indicated that E3s, such as CUL3, Nedd4‐2, Synoviolin, FBXL19, PDLIM2, TRIMs and TRAFs, modulate inflammatory responses and bone resorption in periodontitis through multiple classical signalling pathways, including NLRP3, GSDMD, NF‐κB, Wnt/β‐catenin and Nrf2. Meanwhile, DUBs, including OTUD1, A20, CYLD, UCH‐L1 and USPs, also broadly modulate periodontitis progression by regulating signalling pathways such as NF‐κB, Wnt/β‐catenin, NLRP3, and BMP2. Therefore, the modulation of E3s and DUBs has proven to be an effective therapy against periodontitis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory role of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes in periodontitis progression and the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we summarise several chemical and genetic methods that regulate UPS enzymes and pave the way for the development of targeted therapies for periodontitis.
Bactogram: Spatial Analysis of Bacterial Colonisation in Epidermal Wounds
Authors: Wallblom Karl , Forsberg Fredrik , Lundgren Sigrid , Fisher Jane , Cardoso José , Petruk Ganna , Strömdahl Ann‐Charlotte , Saleh Karim , Puthia Manoj , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: December 2024

Skin barrier damage and subsequent development of harmful microbiota contribute to conditions such as wound infections, atopic dermatitis and chronic wounds, which impact millions of people globally and pose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Established microbial sampling methods, such as swabs and tissue biopsies, provide limited information on the spatial distribution of bacteria. We here describe a new method that produces a visual map of the distribution of cultivable bacteria, denoted ‘Bactogram’, across the whole wound and surrounding skin, suitable for image‐based quantification. As part of an exploratory endpoint in a clinical trial we applied the Bactogram method to 48 suction blister wounds in 24 healthy volunteers. Bacteria developed in all wounds, predominantly on the skin under the dressing and near wound edges. Two quantification methods, based on visual scoring and image analysis, demonstrated high inter‐, and intra‐rater agreement and were used to characterise bacterial re‐colonisation during epidermal wound healing. We also demonstrated proof of concept that the method can be used with chromogenic agar to enable spatial identification of pathogenic bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, this study introduces a simple method for sampling bacteria over large areas and generating a bacterial map that can identify spatial variations in bacterial composition and abundance in skin and wound conditions.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05378997
Rubidium Isotope Measurements of Low‐Rb Geological Materials by MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Qi , Wei Wei , Zhang Zhuoying , Hu Xia , Yu Hui‐Min , Huang Fang
Published: December 2024

The rubidium (Rb) isotope system has the potential to trace planetary evolution, magmatic‐fluid interaction and chemical weathering. These applications are based on Rb isotope measurement results with precisions fit for purpose, but measurements of low‐Rb geological materials are challenging due to large sample consumption and overload of ion‐exchange resin. Here we developed a measurement procedure for Rb isotope data (δ87RbSRM984) of low‐Rb geological materials using MC‐ICP‐MS. Using an Aridus III desolvator and Ni standard sampler + Ni X skimmer cone combination, the Rb loading amount was reduced significantly to 20 ng. A comparison between two methods for instrumental mass‐bias correction, the sample‐standard bracketing and combined sample‐standard bracketing and internal (Zr) normalisation (C‐SSBIN), shows that C‐SSBIN could produce Rb isotope data with better intermediate measurement precisions but strictly restricted to optimal Zr/Rb ratio. The robustness of this method was demonstrated by monitoring δ87RbSRM984 data of two in‐house Rb isotope standards, replicates, some reference materials with δ87RbSRM984 values previously reported, and element‐doped and matrix‐spiked synthetic solutions. Based on repeated measurements of Rb isotope standards and reference materials, the long‐term (over one year) intermediate precision was better than 0.05‰ (2s, standard deviations). We additionally recommend thirteen reliable reference materials for future Rb isotope ratio measurements.
Recurrent primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma: a comparative study of initial tumours, recurrences, and outcomes in 61 patients
Authors: Beltzung Fanny , Beylot‐Barry Marie , Battistella Maxime , Ram‐Wolff Caroline , de Masson Adèle , Cayuela Jean‐Michel , Balme Brigitte , Donzel Marie , Dalle Stéphane , Grange Florent , Lamant Laurence , Boulinguez Serge , Lorton Marie‐Hélène , Jeudy Géraldine , Ortonne Nicolas , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro Saskia , Carlotti Agnès , Franck Nathalie , Schneider Sophie , Pham‐Ledard Anne , Bidet Audrey , Vergara Rémi , Dubus Pierre , Caumont Charline , Amintas Samuel , Vergier Béatrice
Published: December 2024

Aims

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) is considered a lymphoproliferative disorder (International Consensus Classification, ICC) or an overt lymphoma (WHO‐HAEM5). Seeking evidence for a reactive process or true lymphoma, we retrieved recurrent PCMZLs from the French Study Group of Cutaneous Lymphoma (GFELC) database.

Methods

Histology, phenotype (light‐chain restriction, immunoglobulin, and immune‐receptor translocation‐associated protein‐1 [IRTA1] expression) and B‐cell clonality at diagnosis and recurrence were compared according to recurrence site (local, locoregional, or distant) and outcomes.

Results

Initial lesions of the 61 patients (mean age 52) were mostly isolated on the trunk (48%) and classified T1 (70%). Times to first recurrence for local, locoregional, and distant recurrences, were 20, 29, and 37 months, respectively. Light‐chain restriction type did not differ significantly between local/locoregional recurrences and distal recurrences (P = 0.06; n = 60). The same B‐cell clones were identified for 23/42 local/locoregional recurrences, while 5/19 distant recurrences showed different clonal profiles (P = 0.0003). No tumour expressed IRTA1. Fifty‐eight tumours were heavy‐chain (IgG/IgG4) class‐switched PCMZLs and 3 IgM+/IgD– PCMZLs. All IgM+ tumours underwent either transformation (skin or brain) into diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) and extracutaneous spreading.

Conclusion

As suggested by WHO‐HAEM5, immunoglobulin phenotype assessment (IgM alongside IgD) appears to be a possible valuable tool in the initial diagnosis of PCMZL to differentiate between the indolent class‐switched PCMZL (IgM‐negative) and IgM+ (IgD–) PCMZL, which has an uncertain prognosis. The variation in B‐cell rearrangements and light chain restriction observed in distant recurrences of PCMZL may suggest different antigen‐driven stimulation processes.
Targeted RNA sequencing in diagnostically challenging head and neck carcinomas identifies novel MON2::STAT6, NFATC2::NUTM2B, POC5::RAF1, and NSD3::NCOA2 gene fusions
Authors: Chu Ying‐Hsia , Katabi Nora , Sukhadia Purvil , Mullaney Kerry A , Zaidinski Michael , Cracchiolo Jeniffer R , Xu Bin , Ghossein Ronald A , Ho Alan L , DiNapoli Sara E , Ladanyi Marc , Dogan Snjezana
Published: December 2024

Aims

Although molecular tests developed for a growing list of oncogenic alterations have significantly aided in the classification of head and neck carcinomas, tumours in which prototypical histologic and immunophenotypic features are lacking or only partially developed continue to pose diagnostic challenges. Searching for known diagnostic and therapeutic targets by clinical next‐generation sequencing (NGS) assays can often lead to new discoveries.

Methods and Results

We present our institutional experience in applying targeted RNA NGS in 36 head and neck carcinomas that were morphologically difficult to classify between 2016 and 2023. The patients ranged in age from 5 to 83 years (median, 64), with the majority of tumors occurring in the major salivary glands and the sinonasal tract. Overall, seven (19%) cases showed unusual gene rearrangements, including five novel alterations: MON2::STAT6 in a hard palate adenocarcinoma with mucinous features, POC5::RAF1 in apocrine intraductal carcinoma of the lacrimal gland, EWSR1::CDADC1 fusion in a basaloid carcinoma of the submandibular gland, NFATC2::NUTM2B in myoepithelial carcinoma, and NSD3::NCOA2 fusion in a peculiar high‐grade carcinoma with a peritheliomatous growth pattern, and focal myogenic differentiation. Potential therapeutic actionability was identified in three cases (RAF1 and FGFR2 fusions).

Conclusion

These findings broaden the current spectrum of gene rearrangements in head and neck carcinomas and support the utility of clinical NGS in identifying unusual, actionable alterations in diagnostically challenging cases.
HISTORY, THEORY, VERTIGO: HOMODIEGESIS IN CONTEMPORARY HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: Baird Andrew
Published: December 2024

Enzo Traverso's Singular Pasts: The “I” in Historiography argues that contemporary historical writing is undergoing a “subjectivist turn” characterized by the increasing prevalence of first‐person narration, or homodiegesis. Traverso attributes this shift to the influence of neoliberalism and its emphasis on individual experience. This review essay follows Judith Surkis's analysis of the linguistic turn in questioning whether “turn talk” obscures more than it illuminates about contemporary historiography, especially given the extreme diversity of the field in terms of method, object, and approach. This essay proposes Hayden White's notion of the “practical past” as a better context for understanding the increasing prevalence of first‐person narration in historiography, insofar as it brings to the foreground what is lost or ruled out when history bases its authority and epistemological status on third‐person narration and a rigid distinction between historical and literary writing.
Combustion synthesis and spark plasma sintering processing of (1‐x)Ba(Zr₀.₂Ti₀.₈)O₃‐x(Ba₀.₇Ca₀.₃)TiO₃ ceramics
Authors: Figueroa‐Arteaga Marcela , Oliveira Aloadir L. S. , Garcia Ducinei , Zabotto Fabio L. , Raigoza Claudia F. V.
Published: December 2024

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) has proven to be one of the simplest and fastest methods, using inexpensive materials and resulting in homogeneous stoichiometry with nanometric particle sizes. The spark plasma sintering (SPS) method has been used to obtain high‐density ceramic materials with excellent control of microstructure. This work reports the successful combination of these two techniques for the fabrication of the high‐density lead‐free ferroelectric system (1‐x)Ba(Zr₀.₂Ti₀.₈)O₃‐x(Ba₀.₇Ca₀.₃)TiO₃. The X‐ray diffraction of the powder indicates the majority formation of the perovskite structure and other residual reaction products, indicating a reactive powder. The SPS method resulted in highly densified samples, reaching relative density values close to 99% with a single‐phase perovskite structure. Rietveld refinement revealed the presence of at least two perovskite phases, independent of calcium concentration. Dielectric measurements showed anomalies in both the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric permittivity, which are typical of phase transitions and a low dielectric loss for all compositions. This study shows that the combined use of SCS and SPS technique can be a powerful protocol to produce dense, fine‐grained lead‐free ferroelectric ceramics at relatively low temperatures and in short time periods.
Late Harvest: Freezing Temperatures Reduce the Root Yield and Sugar Content of Beta vulgaris L.
Authors: Wang Lihua , Chen Jingjie , Fan Guokai , Chen Rui , Geng Gui , Xu Yao , Wang Yuguang
Published: December 2024

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is the main source of white sugar in northern China, and an optimal harvesting time is key for maximising its yield and sugar content. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of gradually extending harvest times on the growth, physiological characteristics, yield and sucrose accumulation in sugar beet and identify the optimal harvesting time. We conducted a 3‐year experiment across different harvesting times from 23 Sep to 28 Oct (harvest every 7 days) to examine the effects of different magnitudes of temperature reduction. The yield and sugar content were the highest in time III (the daily mean/minimum temperature: 9.5°C/5°C) in 2020, time III (the daily mean/minimum temperature: 8.2°C/2°C) and IV (the daily mean/minimum temperature: 10.1°C/2°C) in 2021 and time IV (the daily mean/minimum temperature: 10.5°C/5°C) and V (the daily mean/minimum temperature: 7°C/−1°C) in 2022. The yield and sugar content were low at an early harvest, as the biomass and sucrose accumulation process was not complete. However, the decrease in temperature (daily minimum temperature below 0°C) during late harvest leads to a decrease in the yield and sugar content because of the decreased sucrose accumulation of source leaves, increased sucrose decomposition and the poor transport capacity of phloem in the stem. Therefore, the optimal harvesting time for sugar beet in northern China depends on temperature conditions. It is optimal when (1) the daily minimum temperature gradually decreases to 0°C but not lower than 0°C and when (2) the daily mean temperature is approximately 10°C. This work will help sugar beet producers harvest high‐quality crops and reduce unnecessary losses in northern China.
GD‐Net: An Integrated Multimodal Information Model Based on Deep Learning for Cancer Outcome Prediction and Informative Feature Selection
Authors: Lin Junqi , Deng Weizhen , Wei Junyu , Zheng Jinyong , Chen Kenan , Chai Hua , Zeng Tao , Tang Hui
Published: December 2024

Multimodal information provides valuable resources for cancer prognosis and survival prediction. However, the computational integration of this heterogeneous data information poses significant challenges due to the complex interactions between molecules from different biological modalities and the limited sample size. Here, we introduce GD‐Net, a Graph Deep learning algorithm to enhance the accuracy of survival prediction with an average accuracy of 72% by early fusing of multimodal information, which includes an interpretable and lightweight XGBoost module to efficiently extract informative features. First, we applied GD‐Net to eight cancer datasets and achieved superior performance compared to benchmarking methods, with an average 7.9% higher C‐index value. The ablation experiments strongly supported that multi‐modal integration could significantly improve accuracy over the single‐modality model. In the deep case study of liver cancer, 319 differential genes, 15 differential miRNAs and 155 methylated differential genes based on the predicted risk subgroups are identified as the informative features, and then we have statistically and biologically validated the efficacy of these key molecules in internal and external test datasets. The comprehensive independent validations demonstrated that GD‐Net is accurate and competitive in predicting different cancer outcomes in real‐time, and it is an effective tool for identifying new multimodal prognosis biomarkers.
Brussels‐Based Think Tanks in Times of Crisis: Examining Think Tank Climate Publication and Networking Activities During Brexit
Authors: Crellin Christopher
Published: December 2024

The European Union (EU) relies on the input of scientific knowledge and external policy advice to develop and justify its climate policy. This link between the EU and external policy actors, including Brussels‐based think tanks, has emboldened amid multiple crises faced by the EU. Using crisis, Brussels‐based think tanks may alter their activities by acting strategically in attempts to influence EU policy‐making and enhance their prominence by promoting ideas, knowledge and policy recommendations. This research note sets out to examine the climate policy link between the EU and Brussels‐based think tanks and the changing activities of Brussels‐based think tanks during the Brexit crisis, given Brexit has raised questions around the EU's ability to continually develop ambitious climate policy and sustain its climate leadership. Drawing on a dataset of over 800 think tank documents and applying a time‐series regression and descriptive social network analysis, changes in the climate‐related publication productivity and co‐authorship networking activities of three Brussels‐based think tanks – Bruegel, CEPS and EPC – are examined before and after the Brexit referendum. The results show that Brussels‐based think tanks' climate‐related publication productivity and their co‐authorship networking activities change before and after the Brexit referendum, but in different ways, highlighting the need to consider the characteristics of individual think tanks vis‐à‐vis their role in EU policy‐making.
Effect of Dietary Astragalus Fermentation Products on Growth, Intestinal Microflora and Disease Resistance in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Xue Mingyang , Zhang Liping , Meng Yan , Xing Yangyang , Jiang Nan , Li Yiqun , Huang Zhenyu , Fan Yuding , Liu Wei , Chen Jianwu , Liu Xiaolian , Zhou Yong
Published: December 2024

Fermentation of Astragalus by Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans can increase the release of active components and degrade its macromolecular substances. This study investigated the effect of fermentation products (Astragalus + L. plantarum + B. coagulans, ALB) on largemouth bass. We specifically focused on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, intestinal microbial diversity, intestinal enzyme activity, immune gene expression and resistance to infections by Aeromonas hydrophila and largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBRaV). The largemouth bass were divided into five groups based on the amount of ALB added to the feed as following, (1) ALB0 (no ALB, ALB0.5 [0.5% addition of ALB], ALB1 [1% addition of ALB], ALB3 [3% addition of ALB], ALB5 [5% addition of ALB]). The feeding trial spanned 28 days. Comprehensively comparing the feeding results of different ALB concentration, the ALB0.5 group showed the best effect. The ALB0.5 group had significantly increased weight gain rate, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, digestive enzymes activities of lipase, trypsin and increased intestinal villi and thickness of muscularis propria. And it decreased feed conversion ratio, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of largemouth bass. Furthermore, the ALB0.5 group improved the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbiota. Increased abundance of dominant phylum and genus in the intestine of largemouth bass included Fusobacteria and Cetobacterium, which promoted the growth and immune performance of largemouth bass. After infection with A. hydrophila and LMBRaV, the survival rates were higher in ALB addition experimental groups than in the ALB0 group, respectively. And the survival rate of ALB0.5 group was higher than other groups. Meanwhile, the ALB added to the feed could regulated the immune gene expression (Mx, IRF‐3, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐10), which also promoted the largemouth bass resistance to disease. In summary, adding 0.5% ALB to the diet of largemouth bass can boost its growth performance, immune genes expression, intestinal health and disease resistance.
Evaluation of bile acids and bilirubin in serum and abdominal fluid in dogs with abdominal effusion
Authors: Pascual Moreno M. , Monti P. , Seth M. , Valls Sanchez F.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Determine the utility of abdominal fluid bile acids concentration to diagnose biliary tract rupture and the utility of abdominal fluid‐to‐serum bilirubin ratio as diagnostic tools in dogs.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective pilot study. Canine serum and abdominal fluid samples were collected and submitted for the determination of bilirubin and bile acids concentrations between 2020 and 2022. Samples were measured at the time of admission from dogs with acute onset of clinical signs and peritoneal fluid. A Mann–Whitney U test and ROC curves were used to compare serum and abdominal fluid bilirubin and bile acids concentration and fluid‐to‐serum bilirubin and bile acids ratio between patients with biliary tract rupture and non‐biliary tract rupture.

Results

Ninety‐four cases were included, of which seven were diagnosed with biliary tract rupture. Median abdominal fluid bile acids concentration was significantly higher in dogs with biliary tract rupture than non‐biliary tract rupture (P‐value <0.001). Abdominal fluid bile acids concentration had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99% for the diagnosis of biliary tract rupture. Fluid‐to‐serum bilirubin ratio was also analysed and no statistically significant difference was seen between groups (P‐value 0.925).

Clinical Significance

Although the number of dogs with biliary tract rupture in this study population was small, abdominal fluid bile acids concentration may have a better accuracy than fluid‐to‐serum bilirubin ratio for the diagnosis of biliary tract rupture. The utility of fluid‐to‐serum bilirubin ratio for the diagnosis of biliary tract rupture, appears limited. Further studies with a larger number of biliary tract rupture cases are required to support these conclusions.
Forest and Isolation Determine Bat Species Richness on Mediterranean Islands: Conservation Implications
Authors: Ekklisiarchos Ioannis , Russo Danilo , Georgiakakis Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

Background

The study of island species richness has gone far beyond traditional theories, as more and more studies attempt to include new predictor variables besides island area. Despite the rich bat diversity of Mediterranean islands, no studies have examined the factors influencing chiropteran species richness in such a geographic context.

Aims

We used Greek islands as a model to detect drivers of bat species richness based on a broad species occurrence dataset from islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which was explored using 10 potential predictor variables.

Materials and Methods

Initially, we comprehensively evaluated all available data and sources for 53 Greek islands, deemed essential. This resulted in a reduced set of 28 islands. Predictors were grouped into three categories: island area, landscape diversity and island isolation. Generalised linear models were employed to identify the most significant factors explaining bat species richness in the 28 islands.

Results

Tree cover and the distance between the islands and their nearest coast (mainland or island) best performed to predict bat species richness on Greek islands.

Discussion

We show the important role of landscape composition and degree of isolation in influencing the distribution of bat species on islands.

Conclusion

We highlight the importance of forest habitats and the vital role of their management and protection, especially in the insular systems of the Mediterranean basin, where the risk of forest degradation or loss due to wildfires and land use change is especially high.
Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum‐Infected Red Blood Cells Changes the Expression of Cytokine‐, Histone‐ and Antiviral Protein‐Encoding Genes in Brain Endothelial Cells
Authors: Allweier Johannes , Bartels Michael , Torabi Hanifeh , Tauler Maria del Pilar Martinez , Metwally Nahla Galal , Roeder Thomas , Gutsmann Thomas , Bruchhaus Iris
Published: December 2024

Malaria remains a significant global health problem, mainly due to Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for most fatal infections. Infected red blood cells (iRBCs) evade spleen clearance by adhering to endothelial cells (ECs), triggering capillary blockage, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and altered vascular permeability, prompting an endothelial transcriptional response. The iRBCIT4var04/HBEC‐5i model, where iRBCs present IT4var04 (VAR2CSA) on their surface, was used to analyze the effects of iRBC binding on ECs at different temperature (37°C vs. 40°C). Binding of non‐infected RBCs (niRBCs) and fever alone altered the expression of hundreds of genes in ECs. Comparing the expression profile of HBEC‐5i cells cultured either in the presence of iRBCs or in the presence of niRBCs revealed significant upregulation of genes linked to immune response, nucleosome assembly, NF‐kappa B signaling, angiogenesis, and antiviral immune response/interferon‐alpha/beta signaling. Raising the temperature to 40°C, simulating fever, led to further upregulation of many genes, particularly those involved in cytokine production and angiogenesis. In summary, the presence of iRBCs stimulates ECs, activating several immunological pathways and affecting antiviral (−parasitic) mechanisms and angiogenesis. Our data uncovered the induction of the interferon‐alpha/beta signaling pathway in ECs in response to iRBCs.
Ligusticopsis muliensis, a new combination separated from Peucedanum sensu lato (Apiaceae)
Authors: Li Zi‐Xuan , Liu Chang‐Kun , Xiao Yu‐Lin , Song Bo‐Ni , Zhou Song‐Dong , He Xing‐Jin
Published: December 2024

Comparative plastome analyses and phylogenetic reconstruction were used to investigate the phylogenetic position of Peucedanum muliense. Comparative analyses showed that the plastome features of Peucedanum muliense were highly similar to those of nine species from the genus Ligusticopsis but differed from Peucedanum morisonii in terms of the location of genes at the IRa/LSC boundary, codon usage bias in terminator T/A, and sequence diversity exhibited by numerous gene regions. Phylogenetic reconstructions indicated that Peucedanum muliense does not cluster with Peucedanum s.s., but is nested with species of the genus Ligusticopsis, and that the four accessions of Peucedanum muliense formed a separate branch in the nrITS phylogenetic tree. The external morphology, pinnate bracts and pinnate bracteoles longer than umbellules of Peucedanum muliense are also consistent with those of the genus Ligusticopsis. We conclude that Peucedanum muliense does not belong to Peucedanum s.s., but should be transferred into the genus Ligusticopsis as an independent species. Therefore, the new combination, Ligusticopsis muliensis, is proposed here.
Polyploidy confers better cold tolerance in Daphnia
Authors: Pecl Ivan , Blier Pierre U. , Dufresne France
Published: December 2024

Despite decades of studies on the differential distribution of polyploid organisms, the causes of this pattern have yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore some of the possible physiological mechanisms explaining the differential northern distribution of polyploid clones of Daphnia pulex compared to the one of the diploid parental species. The critical thermal minimum (CTmin) was measured in 17 D. pulex clones of contrasted ploidy (diploid and triploid) and geographic origins (temperate and subarctic climates) reared under low and high temperatures (16 and 24°C). Triploid clones had better cold tolerance (lower CTmin) than both sympatric and temperate diploid clones. No significant association was found between CTmin and body size nor with cell size. We suggest that triploids might express a cold shock resistant phenotype related to higher gene expression and/or fatty acid profiles. Cold tolerance can be viewed as one of the possible reasons for polyploid preponderance in subarctic climates.
Caviar extract inhibits skin photoaging by activating skin stem cells through NF‐κB/MMPs/COL17A1 axis
Authors: Kou Younan , Guo Wuyan , Wang Yun , Kou Changhua , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2024

Ultraviolet radiations (UVR) produce harmful entities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, leading to skin photoaging. Caviar extract (CE) showed outstanding effects in delaying skin aging, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we prepared CE with acid protease and examined the anti‐skin photoaging effects. The results showed that CE performed no cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells. For antioxidant properties, the EC50 values of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity for CE were 1.27 and 5.20 mg/mL, respectively. It significantly reduced NF‐κB, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 protein expression levels, and increased IκB and TIMP‐1 expression level in UVA‐irradiated HaCaT cells. In the skin aging mice model, CE reduced the degree of UV‐induced skin photoaging. Histological study confirmed that CE can ameliorate the adverse effects of UV exposure on the skin. Moreover, we found that CE could enhance the activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increased the contents of hydroxyproline (HYP) in photoaged mice skin. And CE elevated the protein expression level of COL17A1, KRT10, and KRT14 in mice skin. Taken together, our results bright systemic and new insights of CE into preventing UV‐induced skin photoaging.
Effects of seed infection by Fusarium verticillioides on maize performance against Sesamia nonagrioides attack
Authors: Gesteiro N. , Cao A. , Santiago R. , Lobagueira P. , González‐Prieto S. J. , Malvar R. A. , Butrón A.
Published: December 2024

In maize (Zea mays L), the fungus Fusarium verticillioides can behave as a pathogen, but it is also able of asymptomatic colonization as an endophyte. Therefore, it would be of great value to identify metabolites and/or metabolic pathways implicated in mutualistic and pathogenic interactions. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to investigate the effect of seed colonization by F. verticillioides on maize growth in a group of inbreds with contrasting resistance to F. verticillioides; (ii) to know if maize priming by Fusarium seed infection affects maize response to other parasites and if these differences could depend on genotype resistance to Fusarium; and (iii) to determine which metabolites could be associated to beneficial/detrimental changes on maize performance. Targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches were carried out to characterize the response of control and primed plants to the most common maize pest in the Mediterranean area, Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The study cannot assume a differential pattern of infection between resistant and susceptible inbreds, but seed inoculation with F. verticillioides upon infestation with S. nonagrioides, significantly altered defense metabolism in resistant inbreds. Meanwhile it also induced a lipid response in susceptible inbreds that could mediate their increased plant susceptibility to insect attack. Although an endophytic interaction between the fungus and specific genotypes cannot be proven, defense pathways were favorably altered by F. verticillioides colonization among resistant inbreds.
Transfusing selected RhD negative patients with RhD positive packed red cell concentrates resulted in lower frequency of anti‐D development and saved almost two thousand RhD negative concentrates during 5 years
Authors: Alm Inger Margit , Brenna Elin , Akkök Çiğdem Akalın
Published: December 2024

Background

The Blood Bank at Oslo University Hospital implements restrictions when the stocks of blood groups O and A RhD negative packed red blood cell concentrates (PRBCCs) drop below 60 units due to high demand and low donor availability. Restrictions entail transfusing RhD negative male patients and women >50 years with RhD positive units, to provide RhD negative units to those who should not receive RhD positive units. Earlier studies have reported that up to 50% of RhD negative patients developed anti‐D after RhD positive blood transfusion. We aimed to investigate the rate of anti‐D alloimmunization using this restriction strategy in our population.

Study Design and Methods

This retrospective study was performed at Oslo University Hospital between 2006 and 2011. Antibody screen results were included throughout 2019 for the patients readmitted to the hospital.

Results

607 RhD negative mostly cancer patients and patients having surgery for cardiovascular conditions received 1926 RhD positive PRBCCs. Post‐transfusion antibody screen was available for 401 patients (66.1%), and 76 patients (22.2%) developed anti‐D. In 15 of the 76 patients (19.7%), anti‐D became evanescent in the follow‐up.

Discussion

The proportion of anti‐D immunisation in RhD negative patients receiving RhD positive PRBCCs in this study was consistent with findings from other reports. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a high proportion of evanescence of anti‐D. Transfusing selected RhD negative patients with RhD positive PRBCCs when RhD negative stocks are low, contributed saving 1926 RhD negative PRBCCs during the study period of 64 months.
The B‐box protein CmBBX8 recruits chromatin modifiers CmFDM2/CmSWI3B to induce flowering in summer chrysanthemum
Authors: Wang Qi , Si Chaona , Tang Qingling , Zhai Yiwen , He Yuhua , Li Jiayu , Feng Xin , Wang Lijun , Zhou Lijie , Wang Likai , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Jiang Jiafu
Published: December 2024

The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is essential for the flowering process of plants. In summer chrysanthemum, CmBBX8 exploits prominence function in floral transition by activating the expression of CmFTL1. However, how CmBBX8 induces CmFTL1 during the photoperiod inductive cycles remains unknown. Here, we show that CmBBX8 interacts with the SGS3‐like protein CmFDM2, and the CmFDM2 overexpression strains presented early flowering, while knockdown strains delayed flowering. Additionally, CmFDM2 could bind to the CmFTL1 promoter and activate the expression of CmFTL1, and associate with chromatin remodeling factor CmSWI3B, and CmBBX8 induces flowering dependent on CmFDM2 and CmSWI3B. CmFDM2 also partially depends on CmSWI3B. The CmSWI3B knockdown strains exhibited a significant late flowering phenotype. Interestingly, CmBBX8 also interacts with CmSWI3B. Moreover, the level of H3K27me3 at the CmFTL1 locus was reduced when CmBBX8 and CmFDM2/CmSWI3B occupied the locus to promote chrysanthemum flowering during the photoperiod inductive cycles, which was accompanied by the increasing level of CmFTL1 transcripts. Thus, our work provides novel insights into the gradually increasing level of CmFTL1 for the floral transition through CmBBX8 recruiting chromatin modifiers CmFDM2/CmSWI3B.
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate drives the formation of EGFR and EphA2 complexes
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Rybak Jennifer A. , Schuck Ryan J. , Sahoo Amita R. , Buck Matthias , Barrera Francisco N. , Smith Adam W.
Published: December 2024

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate many cellular functions and are important targets in pharmaceutical development, particularly in cancer treatment. EGFR and EphA2 are two key RTKs that are associated with oncogenic phenotypes. Several studies have reported functional interplay between these receptors, but the mechanism of interaction is still unresolved. Here, we use a time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy called PIE-FCCS to resolve EGFR and EphA2 interactions in live cells. We tested the role of ligands and found that EGF, but not ephrin A1 (EA1), stimulated heteromultimerization between the receptors. To determine the effect of anionic lipids, we targeted phospholipase C (PLC) activity to alter the abundance of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP
2
). We found that higher PIP
2
levels increased homomultimerization of both EGFR and EphA2, as well as heteromultimerization. This study provides a direct characterization of EGFR and EphA2 interactions in live cells and shows that PIP
2
can have a substantial effect on the spatial organization of RTKs.
Nonheme iron catalyst mimics heme-dependent haloperoxidase for efficient bromination and oxidation
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Dong Huiling , Xue Kang , Lou Shaoyan , Qi Rui , Zhang Xiaohui , Cao Zhuo , Qin Qi , Yi Bingqing , Lei Haimin , Tong Rongbiao
Published: December 2024

The [Fe]/H
2
O
2
oxidation system has found wide applications in chemistry and biology. Halogenation with this [Fe]/H
2
O
2
oxidation protocol and halide (X
−
) in the biological system is well established with the identification of heme-iron–dependent haloperoxidases. However, mimicking such halogenation process is rarely explored for practical use in organic synthesis. Here, we report the development of a nonheme iron catalyst that mimics the heme-iron–dependent haloperoxidases to catalyze the generation of HOBr from H
2
O
2
/Br
−
with high efficiency. We discovered that a tridentate terpyridine (TPY) ligand designed for Fenton chemistry was optimal for FeBr
3
to form a stable nonheme iron catalyst [Fe(TPY)Br
3
], which catalyzed arene bromination, Hunsdiecker-type decarboxylative bromination, bromolactonization, and oxidation of sulfides and thiols. Mechanistic studies revealed that Fenton chemistry ([Fe]/H
2
O
2
) might operate to generate hydroxyl radical (HO
•
), which oxidize bromide ion [Br
−
] into reactive HOBr. This nonheme iron catalyst represents a biomimetic model for heme-iron–dependent haloperoxidases with potential applications in organic synthesis, drug discovery, and biology.
Dynamically logical modulation for THz wave within a dual gate–controlled 2DEG metasurface
Authors: Zeng Hongxin , Cong Xuan , Zhang Huifang , Gong Sen , Zhou Tianchi , Wang Lan , Cao Haoyi , Liang Huajie , Liang Shixiong , Wang Shiqi , Lan Feng , Wang Xun , Yang Ziqiang , Zhang Yaxin , Cui Tie Jun
Published: December 2024

High-speed logic modulation of terahertz (THz) waves is crucial for future communications, yet a technology gap persists. Here, we report a dual gate–controlled two-dimensional electronic gas logic modulation metasurface that enables symmetric and asymmetric electron distribution states through independent control of the two electron transport channels. The transition between these two states leads to various response modes in the metasurface and notably increases the diversity of the spectrum transformation, resulting in a multivalued relationship in which each output corresponds to more than one input signal, thus establishing the logical modulation. Our results demonstrate the common logical functions of AND, OR, XOR, XNOR, NOR, and NAND at different frequencies with a modulation speed faster than 250 picoseconds. This work offers a unique avenue for the high-speed, free-space logical operation of THz waves and increases the security of secure communication.
Increasing prevalence of bacteriocin carriage in a 6-year hospital cohort of
E. faecium
Authors: Garretto Andrea , Dawid Suzanne , Woods Robert
Published: December 2024

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important pathogens in hospitalized patients; however, the factors involved in VRE colonization of hospitalized patients are not well characterized. Bacteriocins provide a competitive advantage to enterococci in experimental models of colonization, but little is known about bacteriocin content in samples derived from humans and even less is known about their dynamics in the clinical setting. To identify bacteriocins which may be relevant in the transmission of VRE, we present a systematic analysis of bacteriocin content in the genomes of 2,248 patient-derived
E. faecium
isolates collected over a 6-year period from a single hospital system. We used computational methods to broadly search for bacteriocin structural genes and a functional assay to look for phenotypes consistent with bacteriocin expression. We identified homology to 15 different bacteriocins, with 2 having a high presence in this clinical cohort. Bacteriocin 43 (bac43) was found in a total of 58% of isolates, increasing from 8% to 91% presence over the 6-year collection period. There was little genetic variation in the bac43 structural or immunity genes across isolates. The enterocin A structural gene was found in 98% of isolates, but only 0.3% of isolates had an intact enterocin A gene cluster and displayed a bacteriocin-producing phenotype. This study presents a wide survey of bacteriocins from hospital isolates and identified bac43 as highly conserved, increasing in prevalence, and phenotypically functional. This makes bac43 an interesting target for future investigation for a potential role in
E. faecium
transmission.

IMPORTANCE

While enterococci are a normal inhabitant of the human gut, vancomycin-resistant
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
are urgent public health threats responsible for hospital-associated infections. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial proteins and are commonly used by bacteria to provide a competitive advantage in polymicrobial environments. Bacteriocins have the potential to be used by
E. faecium
to invade and dominate the human gut leading to a greater propensity for transmission. In this work, we explore bacteriocin content in a defined clinically derived population of
E. faecium
using both genetic and phenotypic studies. We show that one highly active bacteriocin is increasing in prevalence over time and demonstrates great potential relevance to
E. faecium
transmission.
The global health and economic burden of chikungunya from 2011 to 2020: a model-driven analysis on the impact of an emerging vector-borne disease
Authors: de Roo Adrianne Marije , Vondeling Gerard Timmy , Boer Martijn , Murray Kristy , Postma Maarten Jacobus
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne arboviral disease posing an emerging global public health threat. Understanding the global burden of chikungunya is critical for designing effective prevention and control strategies. However, current estimates of the economic and health impact of chikungunya remain limited and are potentially underestimated. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chikungunya burden worldwide.

Methods

We analysed the global burden of chikungunya between 2011 and 2020 and calculated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and direct and indirect costs using a data-driven simulation model. The main outcomes were the number of cases, the total DALY burden, and the direct and indirect costs of acute and chronic chikungunya between 2011 and 2020.

Results

Our study revealed a total of 18.7 million chikungunya cases in 110 countries between 2011 and 2020, causing 1.95 million DALYs. Most of this burden was found in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The total economic burden caused by chikungunya over these 10 years was estimated at $2.8 billion in direct costs and $47.1 billion in indirect costs worldwide. Long-term chronic illness was the source of most costs and DALYs.

Conclusion

Chikungunya has a higher disease burden than was previously estimated and costs related to the disease are substantial. Especially in combination with its unpredictable nature, chikungunya could significantly impact local health systems. Insights from this study could inform decision makers on the impact of chikungunya on population health and help them to appropriately allocate resources to protect vulnerable populations from this debilitating disease.
Analysing physical activity measures and clustering in patients with type 2 diabetes in secondary care: insights from the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT)—an observational cohort study
Authors: den Braber Niala , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam M , Kappert Kilian D R , Laverman Gozewijn D
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To analyse variance in accelerometer-based physical activity (PA) measures in patients with type 2 diabetes, identify the most distinctive PA measures and classify patients into different PA clusters based on these measures.

Design

DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT), an observational cohort study.

Setting

Secondary care in the Netherlands.

Participant

253 patients, with three excluded due to insufficient data. The cohort was predominantly male (66%) with an average age of 64.7 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes of DIALECT were all-cause mortality, microvascular and macrovascular diseases. The secondary outcomes are blood pressure levels, kidney function indicators and albuminuria levels

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to 53 accelerometer-derived PA measures. Principal components were identified using a scree plot, key measures determining the principal components were derived andk-mean cluster analysis was applied to the components. The main PA measures were steps/day, active time, zero steps, total sedentary behaviour (SB) bout duration and total moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bout duration. Based on three PCA components, three clusters were identified. The inactive cluster had a higher BMI, diabetes duration, age and SB bout duration, and lower steps/day and MVPA bout duration compared with the other clusters (p<0.05). The active cluster still scores low on MVPA bout duration (18 min/week) and high on SB bout duration (5.0 hours/day).

Conclusions

PA behaviour in patients can be categorised into three distinct clusters. The identified PA measures and behaviour clusters offer promising opportunities for tailored lifestyle treatment. However, further studies are needed to determine which PA measures are clinically most relevant, validate the usefulness of this classification and evaluate whether tailoring lifestyle advice according to these clusters adds clinical value.

Trial registration number

NTR5855.