bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of HLA‐B Leader (−21M/T) Dimorphism With Bw4/Bw6 Epitopes on Graft Versus Host Disease After Allogenic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in North Indians
Authors: Agarwal Disha , Sharma Gaurav , Khadwal Alka , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: January 2025

High degree of variability in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) system restricts availability of histocompatible HLA‐matched‐related donors, thus increasing reliance on worldwide bone marrow registries network. Nevertheless, due to limited coverage/accessibility/affordability of some ethnicities in these registries, haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) emerged as an alternative option, though with allorecognition‐mediated graft versus host disease (GvHD) (>40% cases). A dimorphism [−21 methionine (M) or threonine (T)] in HLA‐B leader peptide (exon 1) which differentially influences its HLA‐E binding, plausibly regulates natural killer cell functionality, affecting GvHD vulnerability and clinically in practice for donor selection. Here, we analysed population‐specific influence of this functionally relevant dimorphism on post HSCT GvHD occurrence and clinical utility (if any) towards defining donor permissibility. High resolution HLA‐B genotyping data were analysed in 178 study participants, including 89 HSCT patient–donor pairs, for the frequency distribution of −21 leader dimorphism. Distribution of HLA‐Bw4/Bw6 was deduced with killer cell immunoglobulin receptor ligand calculator tool in IPD‐IMGT/HLA database. Though −21T (∼85%) was over represented in the study participants, no significant influence is observed for this variant between HLA‐identical v/s haplo HSCT either with or without GvHD, at allelic and genotypic levels as well as in BLEAT (HLA‐B Leader Assessment Tool)‐based donor–recipient matching. Stratified analysis of −21 M/T into Bw4/Bw6 groups revealed a higher frequency of −21T + Bw4 in GvHD (+) group compared to GvHD (−) (p < 0.05), plausibly linking this haplotype with occurrence of GvHD post HSCT and importance of HLA class I‐mediated NK cell functionality in GvHD.
Trends in age and antithrombotic therapy in patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor and perioperative complications
Authors: Wada Naoki , Hatakeyama Tsubasa , Takagi Haruka , Tsunekawa Ryoken , Kobayashi Shin , Nagabuchi Masaya , Kitta Takeya , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: January 2025

Introduction

We investigated the subsequent trends in age and antithrombotic therapy in patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and examined the rate of perioperative complications.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent TURBT were retrospectively analyzed. We arbitrarily divided the observation years into three periods (I: 2007–2013, II: 2014–2018, and III: 2019–2023) to compare the trends in age and frequency of perioperative complications after TURBT between patients taking and those not taking antithrombotic drugs.

Results

The number of patients who underwent TURBT was 173, 224, and 224 in periods I, II, and III, respectively. The proportion of patients receiving antithrombotic drugs was similar among the three periods (34.1%, 29.9%, and 37.5% in periods I, II, and III, respectively). The percentage of patients taking antithrombotic medications who were aged ≥80 was gradually increasing. The usage of warfarin (25.4%, 13%, and 4.2% in periods I, II, and III, respectively) and aspirin (65.1%, 40.3%, and 32.3% in periods I, II, and III, respectively) was decreased, whereas direct oral anticoagulant (1.6%, 18.2%, and 35.4% in periods I, II, and III, respectively) and clopidogrel (4.8%, 15.6%, and 16.7% in periods I, II, and III, respectively) administrations was increased. The rate of hemorrhagic and cardiocirculatory complications was higher in patients receiving antithrombotic drugs than in patients not receiving them. Of the patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, two patients with a history of cardiac infarction and deep vein thrombosis passed away after TURBT due to ischemic heart disease.

Conclusion

The age of patients receiving antithrombotic drugs has increased, and antithrombotic drug types have changed among those who underwent TURBT. Further attention to hemorrhagic and lethal cardiocirculatory complications after TURBT will be required in a super‐aged society.
Relationship between disaster preparedness perception, self‐efficacy, and psychological capital among Turkish nurses
Authors: Öksüz Merve Ataç , Avci Dilek , Kaplan Ali
Published: January 2025

Background

Although disasters continue to increase all over the world and international nursing organizations warn nurses to be ready for disasters, it is stated that the training of nurses for disasters is inadequate in Turkey as in many countries, and studies on this subject are limited

Aim

This study aimed to explore the relationship between disaster preparedness perception, self‐efficacy, and psychological capital among Turkish nurses.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 270 nurses working at a university hospital in Turkey from May 2023 to December 2023.

Results

The mean Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale, General Self‐Efficacy Scale, and Psychological Capital Questionnaire scores of the nurses were 73.19 ± 11.06, 31.24 ± 3.89, and 98.05 ± 11.35, respectively. According to linear regression analysis, self‐efficacy, psychological capital, receiving disaster training, and being exposed to disaster were significant predictive factors that affected disaster preparedness perception.

Conclusion

To improve nurses' disaster preparedness, it is vital to strengthen their self‐efficacy and psychological capital through various strategies.

Implications for nursing policy

Managers should identify individual and organizational barriers that affect nurses' readiness for disasters, prepare nurses for all stages of disaster management through continuous training, scenario‐based simulation exercises and drills, and create a disaster management culture in the organization.
Dragons in Action: Psychological Barriers as Mediators of the Relationship Between Environmental Value Orientation and Pro‐Environmental Behaviour
Authors: Sobotová Beáta , Šrol Jakub , Adamus Magdalena
Published: January 2025

This study investigates to what extent the ‘green gap,’ that is, the disconnection between environmental values and pro‐environmental behaviour, can be explained by various perceived psychological barriers. A large representative sample of Slovak participants (N = 1233) filled in several measures of environmental value orientation, perceived psychological barriers and self‐reported pro‐environmental behaviour. The parallel mediation models revealed that environmental value orientation predicts engagement in pro‐environmental behaviour, and this relationship is partially mediated by certain psychological barriers, yet the role of the specific barriers varied substantially with different types of behaviour. Overall, however, the explained variance in pro‐environmental behaviour was relatively modest (up to 31%), suggesting the presence of other important social, psychological, and structural variables as predictors in this regard. Our findings emphasize the intricate role of psychological barriers and demographic factors in shaping environmental actions. Understanding these complexities can help design targeted interventions to bridge the ‘green gap’ effectively.
The nuclear DNA and RNA distribution in Pelomyxa spp. (Amoebozoa, Archamoebae, Pelobiontida) revealed by a simple‐to‐use DAPI/pyronin staining method
Authors: Bogolyubov Dmitry S. , Chistyakova Ludmila V. , Sokolova Yuliya Y. , Goodkov Andrew V.
Published: January 2025

The genus Pelomyxa includes 15 species of anaerobic Archamoebae with remarkable diverse nucleoplasm morphology. Nuclear structures, like chromatin and nucleoli, of several members of the genus was previously identified only based on their ultrastructural similarity to typical structures of somatic cells of higher eukaryotes. Here, we explored an easy‐to‐use, one‐step intravital staining method with DAPI and pyronin to distinguish between DNA and RNA structures in nuclei of unfixed cells of Pelomyxa belevskii and P. stagnalis significantly varying by nuclear organization. Our method can be used for rapid diagnosis of DNA and RNA‐containing structures in species with complex nuclear organization.
Associations Between Delousing Practices and Pasteurellosis in Farmed Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Stige Leif Christian , Colquhoun Duncan J. , Oliveira Victor H. S.
Published: January 2025

Infections with bacteria of the genus Pasteurella have increased in occurrence in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in Norway since 2018. This increase coincides with increased use of non‐medicinal treatments against the parasitic salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, in the farms. Here, we analysed the statistical association between the use of non‐medicinal delousing methods and pasteurellosis in salmon farming in western Norway, from 2018 to 2023. The analysed data covered 1161 production cycles from 356 farming localities, in which Pasteurella was detected in 166 production cycles from 115 localities. Results showed that in months with one or more thermal delousing using heated water to remove the lice, the odds for detection of Pasteurella were 2.5 times as high as in months with no delousing (95% credible interval, c.i.: 1.8, 3.6). In months with one or more mechanical delousing involving brushing or flushing, the odds were 1.8 times as high as in months with no delousing (c.i.: 1.04, 2.9). Delousing with freshwater was not associated with increased odds for Pasteurella. The odds for Pasteurella increased with increasing salmon weight and following a Pasteurella diagnosis in the previous production cycle. These results indicate that the use of thermal and mechanical delousing may play a role in maintaining the current pasteurellosis situation in western Norway, and that freshwater delousing may be a favourable alternative in this respect.
Automatic pH‐Controlled Thermal Modulation Unit for Yoghurt Production
Authors: Ray Arijit , Sinha Chitranayak , Minz P. S. , Dabas J. K. , John Hima , Kumari Khusbhu
Published: January 2025

Yoghurt, a widely consumed fermented dairy product, requires precise control of incubation and cooling conditions to ensure optimal fermentation and product quality. Small and medium‐scale yoghurt manufactures often face challenges in maintaining consistent temperature and pH during fermentation, leading to inconsistencies in texture, flavor, and acidity. This study addresses the problem by developing a pH‐controlled automatic thermal modulation unit. The system was designed with a goal to integrate incubation and cooling in a single system. Process simulation was used to ascertain uniform air velocity and temperature distribution. The expert pH controller monitors the fermentation conditions during yoghurt production by maintaining incubation temperatures at 40°C and once set pH is attained, the system automatically switches from incubation mode to cooling mode. The system rapidly cooled yoghurt to 4°C within 90 min halting further lactic acid production. Experimental results demonstrated uniform temperature distribution across the chamber, allowing uniform fermentation and preventing temperature‐related inconsistencies in the final product. Various textural, chemical and sensorial parameters showed significant enhancement in yoghurt produced in the automated system compared to traditionally produced yoghurt. The developed system offers several advantages by seamlessly integrating automation with both incubation and cooling processes, like reducing the overall process time, minimizing handling and operational complexities, which helps to prevent defects such as uneven texture and excessive acidity. Additionally, the system's adaptable design allows it to be customized for other fermented dairy products, providing a versatile, automated and efficient solution for small to medium‐scale dairy producers.
Consensus, Need Fulfillment, Commitment, and Satisfaction in Couple Relationships: Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Park Cheolwoo , Harris Victor W.
Published: January 2025

This study investigated a hypothesized model underlying the association between consensus on common topics in couple relationships and romantic relationship satisfaction, while investigating the roles of the need fulfillment of romantic partners and relationship commitment (i.e., dedication commitment) among a sample of 183 adults from the southeastern United States. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the theoretical model regarding how intimate partner/spouse consensus is associated with romantic relationship satisfaction. The results of SEM and path analyses revealed a good fit for the proposed structure, revealing that consensus on important issues in couple relationships was significantly linked with their engagement in fulfilling their partners' different needs. Engagement in helping fulfill romantic partners' needs and relationship commitment mediated the association between partner/spouse consensus and romantic relationship satisfaction. Implications for family life educators, dyadic couple researchers, and practitioners in marriage and family therapy are discussed.
Cardiovascular, cancer, and infection risks of Janus kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Cho Yongtai , Yoon Dongwon , Khosrow‐Khavar Farzin , Song Minkyo , Kang Eun Ha , Kim Ju Hwan , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: January 2025

Background

Evolving evidence suggests that patients undergoing treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) may face an increased risk of cardiovascular events, malignancies, and serious infections.

Objectives

We assessed cardiovascular, malignancy, and serious infection risks associated with JAKi use compared to tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) use, which served as the active comparator, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

This study emulated a target trial using South Korea's nationwide claims database (2013–2023). We constructed two separate cohorts comprising new users of JAKi or TNFi with either RA or UC and performed overlap weighting to control for confounders. Outcomes included three‐point‐major adverse cardiovascular events (3P‐MACE) (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke), malignancy, and serious infection. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The RA cohort included 14,972 patients, with 4759 initiating JAKi. The UC cohort included 2085 patients, with 347 initiating JAKi. In the overall RA cohort, the weighted HR was 0.92 (95% CI 0.59–1.42) for 3P‐MACE, 1.61 (1.08–2.41) for malignancy, and 1.08 (0.94–1.23) for serious infection. In the overall UC cohort, the weighted HR was 0.98 (0.11–8.42) and 0.45 (0.26–0.78) for malignancy and serious infection, respectively. No 3P‐MACE cases were observed in JAKi users.

Conclusions

JAKis were associated with an elevated risk of malignancy but no significant difference in the risk of 3P‐MACE and serious infection among all patients with RA. Further data are needed regarding the risk of malignancy and 3P‐MACE in patients with UC.
Breaking down silos and echo chambers: Adolescence through an interdisciplinary lens
Authors: Kertes Darlene A. , Han Hyemin H. , Roche Kathleen M. , Murry Velma McBride
Published: January 2025

Research on adolescence occurs across a variety of disciplines, including education, psychology, sociology, public health, biology, and medicine, among other fields, each with its own definition of the most pressing problems, levels of analysis, and proposed solutions. There is widespread recognition that human development occurs across levels simultaneously from molecular changes to broader cultural systems. Yet it remains challenging to integrate across levels and scholarly disciplines. This article crystallizes a definition of interdisciplinary research, highlights examples of interdisciplinary career trajectories, and showcases a collection of interdisciplinary empirical and theoretical articles. This special collection serves as a call to action for the difficult work of breaking down scholarly and practical barriers to utilize interdisciplinary research in addressing critical scientific questions and societal needs to improve the well‐being and developmental outcomes for all adolescents.
Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Trials of Innovations in Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Models in Resource‐Limited Neonatal Care
Authors: Ahmed H. Shafeeq
Published: January 2025

Background

Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP) has become a crucial intervention in neonatal care, particularly in resource‐limited settings where access to advanced respiratory support is scarce. While bCPAP offers a cost‐effective solution for neonatal respiratory distress, conducting clinical trials in these settings presents significant ethical challenges. Issues of justice, beneficence, and autonomy arise due to disparities in healthcare infrastructure, complexities surrounding informed consent, and the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Methods

In this study, I examine the ethical principles essential to the design and implementation of bCPAP trials, focusing on justice, beneficence, and autonomy within the constraints of resource‐limited settings. A normative analysis was conducted, drawing on key ethical frameworks to establish guiding principles for conducting ethically sound bCPAP trials.

Results

Applying frameworks such as Rawls' theory of distributive justice and Sen's capability approach, I argue for prioritizing neonatal populations in low‐resource settings while addressing the potential for exploitation. Autonomy underscores the need for informed consent processes that are culturally appropriate and accessible, empowering caregivers in decision‐making. Beneficence and non‐maleficence are evaluated through both utilitarian and deontological perspectives, balancing the potential benefits of innovation against the risks to participants. Structural inequities that complicate neonatal care and research are also critically examined.

Conclusion

I advocate for the integration of ethical safeguards, including community‐centered consent processes, rigorous trial protocols, and international collaboration to mitigate systemic inequities. By incorporating these ethical considerations, bCPAP research can better serve the interests of neonates and their families while ensuring their safety and dignity are upheld.
A BiO‐Optimizing Site Targeted (BOOST) Approach to Periodontal Regeneration Through Local Doxycycline Prior to Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aimetti Mario , Baima Giacomo , Lorenzetti Virginia , Aliyeva Nargiz , Bottone Mario , Mariani Giulia Maria , Romano Federica
Published: January 2025

Aim

To test a BiO‐Optimizing Site Targeted (BOOST) approach to periodontal regeneration by the adjunctive use of locally delivered doxycycline (DOX) 2 weeks prior to minimally invasive surgery in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year.

Methods

For this randomized clinical trial, stage III/IV periodontitis patients presenting sites with intrabony defects and bleeding on probing (BoP+) after steps 1–2 of periodontal treatment were included. Sites were treated via subgingival instrumentation with or without a BOOST approach by local DOX. After 2 weeks, defects were accessed by minimally invasive surgical technique with xenograft and amelogenins. Primary (clinical attachment level [CAL] gain) and secondary (probing pocket depth [PPD] reduction, composite outcomes, radiographic bone defect fill) outcomes were assessed at 12 months.

Results

Sixty patients completed the study (30 on each group). BOOST led to lower preoperative BoP (p < 0.001) and better wound healing after surgery (p = 0.027). Both groups showed clinical and radiographic improvements at 1 year, with significant differences in mean CAL gain (4.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.2 ± 2.0 mm; p = 0.019) and PPD reduction (4.4 ± 1.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.9 mm; p = 0.040) favoring the test group. BOOST group also achieved higher composite outcome measure (PPD ≤ 4 mm and CAL gain ≥ 3; 83.3% vs. 46.7%; p = 0.006), pocket closure (PPD ≤ 3 mm or 4 mm BoP−; 83.3% vs. 60.0%; p = 0.045), and defect fill (3.5 ± 1.2 vs. 2.7 ± 1.3 mm; p < 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

A BOOST approach by local doxycycline 2 weeks before surgery enhanced the local inflammatory control prior to periodontal regeneration and post‐operative early wound healing, yielding to improved clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05878353
A case of rhabdoid meningioma originating from the optic nerve
Authors: Liu Jing , Yan Ziling , Lin Fan , Liu Xia
Published: January 2025

We report a rare case of rhabdoid meningioma (RM) originating from the optic nerve in a 57‐year‐old female. The tumor exhibited rhabdoid or epithelioid histology and harbored BAP1 inactivation mutations. Optic nerve meningioma typically originates from the outer meningeal cells of the optic nerve within the optic canal and is usually benign, with most cases classified as meningothelial or transitional meningiomas. This is the first reported case of RM involving the optic nerve, presenting with World Health Organization (WHO) central nervous system (CNS) grade 1 histological features but without CDKN2A/B homozygous deletions or telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations, though harboring a BAP1 deletion. Despite being classified as a low‐grade tumor by current standards, the rapid recurrence and progression observed underscore the importance of reporting this case to enhance awareness among pathologists and reduce misdiagnoses.
Nutritional and functional outcomes in trials of nutrient‐stimulated hormone‐based therapy—A systematic mapping review
Authors: Czernichow Sébastien , Rassy Nathalie , Carette Claire , Shoung Nicholas , Hu Frank B. , Rives‐Lange Claire
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Currently, trials are investigating the efficacy of nutrient‐stimulated hormone‐based therapies (NuSHs) in promoting weight loss in people living with overweight and obesity. However, the extent to which nutritional and functional outcomes are evaluated remains uncertain. Thus, we conducted a systematic mapping to assess the presence of nutritional and functional outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating NuSHs.

Methods

We conducted a systematic mapping search on the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which includes ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for interventional trials of NuSHs registered from inception to December 31, 2023. We excluded non‐ and quasi‐randomized trials, phase I trials, trials that did not include body weight as a primary or secondary outcome, trials with an intervention duration of less than 6 months, and trials that did not specify a body mass index threshold in their eligibility criteria. Outcomes included: dietary intake, eating behavior, body composition, physical performance, muscle strength, bone health, and levels of vitamins, trace elements, albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin.

Results

The search identified 2284 trials, of which 417 were included in the analysis. The proportion of RCTs that included nutritional assessment other than body weight increased over time. Approximately, 20.4% reported measurements of body composition, 17.3% reported measurements of albumin/prealbumin/hemoglobin, and 17% reported assessment of dietary intake and eating behavior. Evaluations of bone health, physical performance, muscle strength, and measurements of vitamins/trace elements were reported in less than 5% of the total trials each.

Conclusion

The present review has shown the sparse reporting of nutritional and functional outcomes in RCTs evaluating the impact of NuSHs.
Direct and indirect effects of multiplex genome editing of F5H and FAD2 in oil crop camelina
Authors: van Belle Jarst , Schaart Jan G. , Dechesne Annemarie C. , Fei Danli , Cisneros Abraham Ontiveros , Serafini Michele , Visser Richard G.F. , van Loo Eibertus N.
Published: January 2025

Mutants with simultaneous germline mutations were obtained in all three F5H genes and all three FAD2 genes (one to eleven mutated alleles) in order to improve the feed value of the seed meal and the fatty acid composition of the seed oil. In mutants with multiple mutated F5H alleles, sinapine in seed meal was reduced by up to 100%, accompanied by a sharp reduction in the S‐monolignol content of lignin without causing lodging or stem break. A lower S‐lignin monomer content in stems can contribute to improved stem degradability allowing new uses of stems. Mutants in all six FAD2 alleles showed an expected increase in MUFA from 8.7% to 74% and a reduction in PUFA from 53% to 13% in the fatty acids in seed oil. Remarkably, some full FAD2 mutants showed normal growth and seed production and not the dwarfing phenotype reported in previous studies. The relation between germline mutation allele dosage and phenotype was influenced by the still ongoing activity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, leading to new somatic mutations in the leaves of flowering plants. The correlations between the total mutation frequency (germline plus new somatic mutations) for F5H with sinapine content, and FAD2 with fatty acid composition were higher than the correlations between germline mutation count and phenotypes. This shows the importance of quantifying both the germline mutations and somatic mutations when studying CRISPR/Cas9 effects in situations where the CRISPR/Cas9 system is not yet segregated out.
Slow‐Moving Welfare State Change in Quebec and “Movements From Below”
Authors: Graefe Peter
Published: January 2025

Recent discussions of policy change in political science have been heavily influenced by historical institutionalist typologies of gradual institutional change and of the ideal‐typical agents producing them. The key agents are those within the state who implement and interpret the rules, while the agency of social movements is treated as largely contextual. One way of enriching these accounts is to consider the offensive and defensive strategies of “social movements from below” contesting the dominance of the “social movement from above” over time. This is illustrated by the case of Quebec, where the shift away from a liberal welfare state in the 1990s is explained in part by the social movement project of the women's and community movement.
Province of Origin, Decision‐Making Bias, and Responses to Bureaucratic Versus Algorithmic Decision‐Making
Authors: Wang Ge , Zhang Zhejun , Xie Shenghua , Guo Yue
Published: January 2025

As algorithmic decision‐making (ADM) becomes prevalent in certain public sectors, its interaction with traditional bureaucratic decision‐making (BDM) evolves, especially in contexts shaped by regional identities and decision‐making biases. To explore these dynamics, we conducted two survey experiments within traffic enforcement scenarios, involving 4816 participants across multiple provinces. Results indicate that non‐native residents perceived ADM as fairer and more acceptable than BDM when they did not share a province of origin with local bureaucrats. Both native and non‐native residents showed a preference for ADM in the presence of bureaucratic and algorithmic biases but preferred BDM when such biases were absent. When bureaucratic and algorithmic biases coexisted, the lack of a shared province of origin further reinforced non‐native residents' perception of ADM as fairer and more acceptable than BDM. Our findings reveal the complex interplay among province of origin, decision‐making biases, and responses to different decision‐making approaches.
DemoGravity: World Population and Trade in the 21st Century
Authors: Brakman Steven , Kohl Tristan , van Marrewijk Charles
Published: January 2025

The availability and composition of labor is fundamental for the structure of international trade. Key in this respect is the so‐called demographic dividend, which is the potential economic growth stemming from low dependency ratios. We use the gravity model to link long‐run changes of the demographic dividend to geographical changes in world trade for the 21st century. All our scenarios point towards the same conclusion: compared to the current situation, North America and Europe will no longer be the center of global trade in 2100 due to their aging populations. In contrast, South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa will experience a substantial increase in their share of world trade, while the impact of the demographic drag facing China will be most pronounced after 2050; its share in world trade will decline significantly. Overall, our results point towards the under‐studied, yet important role of past and future demographic developments in generating demographic dividends that shape world trade.
A Ralstonia effector RipAU impairs peanut AhSBT1.7 immunity for pathogenicity via AhPME‐mediated cell wall degradation
Authors: Chen Kun , Zhuang Yuhui , Chen Hua , Lei Taijie , Li Mengke , Wang Shanshan , Wang Lihui , Fu Huiwen , Lu Wenzhi , Bohra Abhishek , Lai Qiaoqiao , Xu Xiaolin , Garg Vanika , Barmukh Rutwik , Ji Biaojun , Zhang Chong , Pandey Manish K. , Tang Ronghua , Varshney Rajeev K. , Zhuang Weijian
Published: January 2025

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating disease affecting a great many crops including peanut. The pathogen damages plants via secreting type Ш effector proteins (T3Es) into hosts for pathogenicity. Here, we characterized RipAU was among the most toxic effectors as ΔRipAU completely lost its pathogenicity to peanuts. A serine residue of RipAU is the critical site for cell death. The RipAU targeted a subtilisin‐like protease (AhSBT1.7) in peanut and both protein moved into nucleus. Heterotic expression of AhSBT1.7 in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana significantly improved the resistance to R. solanacearum. The enhanced resistance was linked with the upregulating ERF1 defense marker genes and decreasing pectin methylesterase (PME) activity like PME2&4 in cell wall pathways. The RipAU played toxic effect by repressing R‐gene, defense hormone signaling, and AhSBTs metabolic pathways but increasing PMEs expressions. Furthermore, we discovered AhSBT1.7 interacted with AhPME4 and was colocalized at nucleus. The AhPME speeded plants susceptibility to pathogen via mediated cell wall degradation, which inhibited by AhSBT1.7 but upregulated by RipAU. Collectively, RipAU impaired AhSBT1.7 defense for pathogenicity by using PME‐mediated cell wall degradation. This study reveals the mechanism of RipAU pathogenicity and AhSBT1.7 resistance, highlighting peanut immunity to bacterial wilt for future improvement.
Expression of spider silk protein in tobacco improves drought tolerance with minimal effects on its mechanotype
Authors: Morey‐Yagi Shamitha Rao , Hashida Yoichi , Okamoto Masanori , Odahara Masaki , Suzuki Takehiro , Thagun Chonprakun , Foong Choon Pin , Numata Keiji
Published: January 2025

Spider silk, especially dragline silk from golden silk spiders (Trichonephila clavipes), is an excellent natural material with remarkable mechanical properties. Many studies have focused on the use of plants as biofactories for the production of recombinant spider silk. However, the effects of this material on the mechanical properties or physiology of transgenic plants remain poorly understood. Since glycine‐rich proteins play key roles in plants, we evaluated the effects of a glycine‐rich spider silk protein on plant mechanical properties (mechanotype) and physiology. We generated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants producing a nucleus‐ or plastid‐encoded partial component of dragline silk, MaSp1 (major ampullate spidroin‐1; MaSp1‐tobacco), containing six repetitive glycine‐rich and polyalanine tandem domains. MaSp1 accumulation had minimal effect on leaf mechanical properties, but improved drought tolerance. Transcriptome analysis of drought‐stressed MaSp1‐tobacco revealed the upregulation of genes involved in stress response, antioxidant activity, cellular metabolism and homeostasis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The effects of drought treatment differed between the nucleus‐ and the plastid‐encoded MaSp1‐tobacco, with the latter showing a stronger transcriptomic response and a higher total antioxidant status (TAS). Well‐watered MaSp1‐tobacco displayed elevated levels of the stress phytohormone ABA, leading to stomatal closure, reduced water loss, activation of stress response, and increased TAS. We show that the moderately enhanced ABA content in these plants plays a pivotal role in drought tolerance, alongside, ABA priming, which causes overall adjustments in multiple drought tolerance mechanisms. Thus, our findings highlight the potential of utilizing glycine‐rich spider silk proteins to enhance plant resilience to drought.
Variation in relaxation of non‐photochemical quenching between the founder genotypes of the soybean (Glycine max) nested association mapping population
Authors: Gotarkar Dhananjay , Digrado Anthony , Wang Yu , Doran Lynn , Sparrow‐Muñoz Ignacio , Chung Sarah , Lisa Nicholas , Wasiq Farwah , Amaro Gerardo , Blakely Bethany , Diers Brian W. , Eck Daniel J. , Burgess Steven J.
Published: January 2025

Improving the efficiency of crop photosynthesis has the potential to increase yields. Genetic manipulation showed photosynthesis can be improved by speeding up the relaxation of photoprotective mechanisms during sun‐to‐shade transitions. However, it is unclear if natural variation in the relaxation of non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) can be exploited in crop breeding programs. To address this issue, we measured six NPQ parameters in the 40 founder lines and common parent of a Soybean Nested Association Mapping (SoyNAM) panel over two field seasons in Illinois. Leaf disks were sampled from plants grown in the field, and induction and relaxation of NPQ were measured under controlled conditions. NPQ parameters did not show consistently variable trends throughout development, and variation between sampling days suggests environmental impacts on NPQ dynamics. Seventeen genotypes were found to show small but consistent differences in NPQ relaxation kinetics relative to a reference line, providing a basis for future mapping studies. Finally, a soybean canopy model predicted available phenotypic variation could result in a 1.6% difference in carbon assimilation when comparing the fastest and slowest relaxing NPQ values. No correlation could be found between yield and rates of NPQ relaxation, but a full test will require an analysis of isogenic lines.
Phosphorus starvation induces the synthesis of novel lipid class diacylglyceryl glucuronide and diacylglyceryl‐N,N,N‐trimethylhomoserine in two species of cold‐adapted microalgae Raphidonema (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Suzuki Hirono , Cuiné Stéphan , Légeret Bertrand , Wijffels René H. , Hulatt Chris J. , Li‐Beisson Yonghua , Kiron Viswanath
Published: January 2025

Microalgae possess diverse lipid classes as components of structural membranes and have adopted various lipid remodeling strategies involving phospholipids to cope with a phosphorus (P)‐limited environment. Here, we report a unique adaptative strategy to P deficient conditions in two cold‐adapted microalgae, Raphidonema monicae and Raphidonema nivale, involving the lipid class diacylglyceryl glucuronide (DGGA) and the betaine lipid diacylglyceryl‐N,N,N‐trimethylhomoserine. Lipidomic analyses showed that these two lipid classes were present only in trace amounts in nutrient replete conditions, whereas they significantly increased under P‐starvation concomitant with a reduction in phospholipids, suggesting a physiological significance of these lipid classes to combat P‐starvation. Additionally, we found two putative sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) synthases, known to be involved in DGGA synthesis in higher plants, in the draft genome of R. monicae, and compared it with SQDG synthases found in other organisms such as higher plants, Streptophyta, and Chlorophyta. DGGA has not been previously recognized in Chlorophyta, and our findings suggest that the lipid class may be present in other closely related green algae too. Thus, this study expands our knowledge on diverse lipid remodeling responses of Chlorophycean algae to adapt to low P environments.
On differences of two harmonic numbers
Authors: Lim Jeck , Steinerberger Stefan
Published: January 2025

We prove the existence of infinitely many such that the difference of harmonic numbers approximates 1 well
This answers a question of Erdős and Graham. The construction uses asymptotics for harmonic numbers, the precise nature of the continued fraction expansion of and a suitable rescaling of a subsequence of convergents. We also prove a quantitative rate by appealing to techniques of Heilbronn, Danicic, Harman, Hooley and others regarding .
Placental mitochondrial metabolic adaptation maintains cellular energy balance in pregnancy complicated by gestational hypoxia
Authors: Tong Wen , Allison Beth J. , Brain Kirsty L. , Patey Olga V. , Niu Youguo , Botting Kimberley J. , Ford Sage G. , Garrud Tess A. , Wooding Peter F. B. , Lyu Qiang , Zhang Lin , Ma Jin , Sowton Alice P. , O'Brien Katie A. , Cindrova‐Davies Tereza , Yung Hong Wa , Burton Graham J. , Murray Andrew J. , Giussani Dino A.
Published: January 2025

The mechanisms that drive placental dysfunction in pregnancies complicated by hypoxia and fetal growth restriction remain poorly understood. Changes to mitochondrial respiration contribute to cellular dysfunction in conditions of hypoxia and have been implicated in the pathoaetiology of pregnancy complications, such as pre‐eclampsia. We used bespoke isobaric hypoxic chambers and a combination of functional, molecular and imaging techniques to study cellular metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics in sheep undergoing hypoxic pregnancy. We show that hypoxic pregnancy in sheep triggers a shift in capacity away from β‐oxidation and complex I‐mediated respiration, while maintaining total oxidative phosphorylation capacity. There are also complex‐specific changes to electron transport chain composition and a switch in mitochondrial dynamics towards fission. Hypoxic placentas show increased activation of the non‐canonical mitochondrial unfolded protein response pathway and enhanced insulin like growth factor 2 signalling. Combined, therefore, the data show that the hypoxic placenta undergoes significant metabolic and morphological adaptations to maintain cellular energy balance. Chronic hypoxia during pregnancy in sheep activated placental mitochondrial stress pathways, leading to alterations in mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics, as seen in the placenta of women with pre‐eclampsia.

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Key points

Hypoxia shifts mitochondrial respiration away from β‐oxidation and complex I.

Complex‐specific changes occur in the electron transport chain composition.

Activation of the non‐canonical mitochondrial unfolded protein response pathway is heightened in hypoxic placentas.

Enhanced insulin like growth factor 2 signalling is observed in hypoxic placentas.

Hypoxic placentas undergo significant functional adaptations for energy balance.
Investigation of Borrow Pit TEA28 BP3, Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, UK
Authors: Boismier W.A. , Allison, E. ,   University of Reading, Ardis C. ,   Museum of London Archaeology, Banerjea R ,   University of Reading, Batchelor C.R. ,   University of Reading, Dark P. ,   University of Reading, Dudgeon K. ,   Wessex Archaeology, Green C.P. ,   University of Reading, Henderson E. ,   Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, Ladocha J. ,   Museum of London Archaeology, Weinstock J. ,   University of Southampton, Young D.S. ,   Wessex Archaeology, Schwenninger J.-L. ,   Luminescence Dating Laboratory
Published: January 2025

This report provides a synthesis of the results for a Palaeolithic watching brief carried out at Borrow Pit TEA28 BP3 (NGR TL 3020 6779) as part of the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon road improvement scheme. A number of Late Pleistocene deposits was identified, recorded and sampled for environmental remains. Samples were also taken for optically stimulated luminescence dating (OSL) and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS). Vertebrate remains and a very small assemblage of seven lithic artefacts were also collected from some of them.

Stratigraphically the succession comprised a sequence of fluvial, floodplain and periglacial colluvial deposits. OSL age estimates indicated that they spanned the Middle-Late Devensian period (MIS 3-2; 60-15.4 ky), with sandy gravels at the base of the succession dating to c. 43495 ± 3635(X7465), and periglacial slope deposits at the top to c. 22570 ± 1570(X7457) and the last glacial maximum (MIS 2; c. 27-16 ky). Palaeobiological data from floodplain deposits indicated a treeless grassland and a temperate continental climate characterised by warm summers (16-17℃) and cool-cold winters (-11 to 4℃). The data also indicated a floodplain landscape occupied by a mosaic of ponds, marsh-fens, grassland, willow scrub and disturbed ground habitats. Microfabrics in thin-sections documented the presence of palaeosols and periodic inundation of the floodplain by overbank flooding. The abundance of dung beetles in the insect assemblage indicated the presence of populations of large herbivores. Vertebrate evidence for those herbivores comprised the partial remains of mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, bison, horse and reindeer. The small size of the lithic assemblage and its multiperiod make-up indicate that it represents a group of reworked artefacts produced by fluvial erosion and sediment deposition processes rather than in situ human activity.
A rapid and simple MALDI-TOF MS lipid profiling method for differentiating
Mycobacterium ulcerans
from
Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Komine Takeshi , Fukano Hanako , Yoshida Mitsunori , Miyamoto Yuji , Nakaya Makoto , Fujinaga Azumi , Doke Kohei , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: January 2025

Mycobacterium ulcerans
, a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, causes Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease. Distinguishing
M. ulcerans
from related species, including
Mycobacterium marinum
, poses challenges with respect to making accurate identifications. In this study, we developed a rapid and simple identification method based on mycobacterial lipid profiles and used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to analyze the lipid profiles of
M. ulcerans
(
n
= 35) and
M. marinum
(
n
= 19) isolates. Bacterial colonies pre-cultured on 2% Ogawa egg slants for 2 months were collected, and total lipids were extracted using an MBT Lipid Xtract kit. Spectra were obtained in negative ion mode using a MALDI Biotyper Sirius system, with ClinProTools v3.0 being used to analyze the spectra based on the application of three algorithms (genetic algorithm [GA], supervised neural network [SNN], and quick classifier [QC)]). Cross-validation was performed using a 20% leave-out set randomly selected from the samples. Models generated using GA, SNN, and QC showed cross-validation values of 100%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively, and all algorithms achieved 100% recognition capability values. Our findings indicate that MALDI-TOF analysis of lipid profiles can accurately differentiate two mycobacterial species (
M. ulcerans
and
M. marinum
) that are difficult to distinguish using conventional protein-targeting methods.

IMPORTANCE

Buruli ulcer, caused by
Mycobacterium ulcerans
, is a neglected tropical disease. However, distinguishing
M. ulcerans
from related species, including
Mycobacterium marinum
, presents certain challenges. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of a rapid yet simple method for differentiating isolates of these mycobacteria based on their lipid profiles using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This new approach can accurately identify species that are otherwise difficult to distinguish using conventional techniques. This represents a significant diagnostic advance for clinical laboratories, in that it enables a more rapid and precise identification, thereby leading to earlier treatment initiation and more appropriate treatment regimens for infections caused by these bacteria.
Duplexed direct RNA sequencing protocol using polyadenylation and polyuridylation
Authors: Watson Kaylee J. , Bromley Robin E. , Dunning Hotopp Julie C.
Published: January 2025

Oxford Nanopore Technologies provides multiplexing options for DNA and cDNA sequencing, but not for direct RNA sequencing. Here we describe a duplexing approach and validate it by simultaneously sequencing the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
rRNA from wild type and knockout that have differential rRNA modifications, successfully demultiplexing the data using bioinformatics approaches.
Complete genome sequence of
Enterobacter cloacae
ST462 harboring the
mcr-9
gene on the chromosome, isolated from a pediatric diarrhea patient in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Le Nga Thi , Hoang Phuong Hoai , Dang Chinh Van , Ho Tinh Huu , Hoang Phuc Le , Truong Dinh Quang , Nguyen Ha Thi Thanh , Le Chuong Van , Truong Minh Nhat Ha , Truong Tuom Thi Tinh , Phan Trang Thi Phuong
Published: January 2025

Colistin resistance threatens global health as it compromises the effectiveness of a last-resort antibiotic. We present the complete genome sequence of
Enterobacter cloacae
ST462, which carries the
mcr-9.1
gene, isolated from a pediatric diarrhea case in southern Vietnam. The 5,049,362 bp genome contains 24 resistance genes distributed across 107 contigs.
Interspecies interactions mediated by arginine metabolism enhance the stress tolerance of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
against
Bifidobacterium animalis
Authors: Zhou Zhongkun , Yang Mengyue , Fang Hong , Niu Yuqing , Lu Juan , Ma Yunhao , Zhang Baizhuo , Zhu Hongmei , Chen Peng
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer accompanied by microbiome dysbiosis. Exploration of probiotics against oncogenic microorganisms is promising for CRC treatment. Here, differential microorganisms between CRC and healthy control were analyzed. Antibacterial experiments, whole-genome sequencing, and metabolic network reconstruction were combined to reveal the anti-
Fusobacterium nucleatum
mechanism, which was verified by co-culture assay and mendelian randomization analysis. Sequencing results showed that
F. nucleatum
was enriched in CRC, yet
Bifidobacterium animalis
decreased gradually from healthy to CRC. Additionally,
F. nucleatum
could be inhibited by
B. animalis
. Whole-genome sequencing of
B. animalis
showed high phylogenetic similarity with known probiotic strains and highlighted its functions for amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Metabolic network reconstruction demonstrated that cross-feeding and specific metabolites (acidic molecules, arginine) had a great influence on the coexistence relationship. Finally, the arginine supplement enhanced the competitive ability of
F. nucleatum
against
B. animalis
, and the mendelian randomization and metagenomic sequencing analysis confirmed the positive relationship among
F. nucleatum
, arginine metabolism, and CRC. Thus, whole-genome sequencing and metabolic network reconstruction are valuable for probiotic mining and patient dietary guidance.

IMPORTANCE

Using probiotics to inhibit oncogenic microorganisms (
Fusobacterium nucleatum
) is promising for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. In this study, whole-genome sequencing and metabolic network reconstruction were combined to reveal the anti-
F. nucleatum
mechanism of
Bifidobacterium animalis
, which was verified by co-culture assay and mendelian randomization analysis. The result indicated that the arginine supplement enhanced the competitive ability of
F. nucleatum
, which may be harmful to
F. nucleatum
-infected CRC patients.
B. animalis
is a potential probiotic to relieve this dilemma. Thus, using in silico simulation methods based on flux balance analysis, such as genome-scale metabolic reconstruction, provides valuable insights for probiotic mining and dietary guidance for cancer patients.