bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors according to Life's Essential 8 in children and adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis including 1 526 173 participants from 42 countries
Authors: Núñez‐Cortés Rodrigo , López‐Bueno Rubén , Torres‐Castro Rodrigo , Calatayud Joaquín , del Pozo Cruz Borja
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular health is a crucial aspect of overall health. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among children and adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic based on the Life's Essential 8 domains.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched until 24 February 2023. Studies had to meet the following criteria: (1) observational studies, (2) studies reporting proportion of selected risk factors, (3) studies involving children or adolescents, (4) studies that collected data during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (5) studies with representative samples. The outcomes included were diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and elevated blood pressure.

Results

Sixty‐two studies with 1 526 173 participants from 42 countries were included. Of these, 41 studies were used in the meta‐analyses. The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the behavioural domain was as follows: poor quality diet 26.69% (95% CI 0.00%–85.64%), inadequate physical activity 70.81% (95% CI 64.41%–76.83%), nicotine exposure 9.24% (95% CI 5.53%–13.77%) and sleep disorders 33.49% (95% CI 25.24%–42.28%). The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the health domain was as follows: obesity 16.21% (95% CI 12.71%–20.04%), dyslipidaemia 1.87% (95% CI 1.73%–2.01%), diabetes 1.17% (95% CI 0.83%–1.58%) and elevated blood pressure 11.87% (95% CI 0.26%–36.50%).

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for prevention strategies to maintain better cardiovascular health from an early age, particularly by increasing physical activity levels, sleep time and promoting the consumption of more fruits and vegetables.
Antigen presentation of post‐translationally modified peptides in major histocompatibility complexes
Authors: de Wit Alexine S , Bianchi Frans , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: November 2024

T cells of the adaptive immune system recognize pathogens and malignantly transformed cells through a process called antigen presentation. During this process, peptides are displayed on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules. Self‐reactive T cells are typically removed or suppressed during T‐cell development and through peripheral tolerance mechanisms, ensuring that only T cells recognizing peptides that are either absent or present in low abundance under normal conditions remain. This selective process allows T cells to respond to peptides derived from foreign proteins while ignoring those from self‐proteins. However, T cells can also respond to peptides derived from proteins that have undergone post‐translational modifications (PTMs). Over 200 different PTMs have been described, and while they are essential for protein function, localization and stability, their dysregulation is often associated with disease conditions. PTMs can affect the proteolytic processing of proteins and prevent MHC binding, thereby changing the repertoire of peptides presented on MHC molecules. However, it is also increasingly evident that many peptides presented on MHC molecules carry PTMs, which can alter their immunogenicity. As a result, the presentation of post‐translationally modified peptides by MHC molecules plays a significant role in various diseases, as well as autoimmune disorders and allergies. This review will provide an overview of the impact of PTMs on antigen presentation and their implications for immune recognition and disease.
Current state of the non‐pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome: an up‐to‐date review of the literature
Authors: Patel Rohan , Wong Darren
Published: November 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) that is thought to affect a significant proportion of the population. As a result of the nature of IBS, it is hard to predict treatment efficacy as all individuals respond differently, and thus multidisciplinary treatment has become increasingly of interest as it targets multiple aspects of IBS at the same time. Here, we aim to review the literature of both multidisciplinary and single‐discipline therapy for IBS. Ovid MEDLINE was utilised with a systematic search to find relevant randomised controlled trials. The population included adults with a Rome diagnosis of IBS and an intervention that was either multidisciplinary care, diet, psychotherapy, gut‐directed hypnotherapy (GDH) or physiotherapy. Multidisciplinary care studies found an overall significant improvement, while dietary treatment was varied. A low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet was the only one to improve symptoms, while gluten‐free and fibre diets had mixed evidence for their efficacy. Novel diets, including a tritordeum‐based diet and low tryptophan diet, significantly improved symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy was found to be efficacious when compared to controls, as was psychoeducation. GDH was also found to be efficacious, but 83.3% of studies examined a refractory IBS population. There is a lack of literature looking at how multidisciplinary care and different combinations of disciplines work to treat those with IBS in secondary care. Further studies are required for a greater understanding of how multidisciplinary care may be utilised to better manage IBS.
A thermodynamically consistent phase‐field‐micromechanics model of sintering with coupled diffusion and grain motion
Authors: Yang Qingcheng , Kirshtein Arkadz
Published: November 2024

Sintering is crucial for processing ceramic and metallic powders into solid objects, and understanding microstructure evolution is essential for manufacturing tailored products. While various phase‐field models have been proposed to simulate microstructure evolution in solid‐state sintering, correctly incorporating the crucial grain‐motion‐induced densification mechanism remains challenging. This issue stems from an ad hoc treatment of the micromechanics of grain motion, where the thermodynamical driving force is not derived from the system's free energy. This study introduces a novel phase‐field‐micromechanics model of sintering (PFMMS) that addresses this long‐standing challenge. The PFMMS defines a unified energy law, deriving governing equations using variational principles, ensuring thermodynamic consistency. The driving force for grain motion is derived from the system's free energy, eliminating non‐densifying phenomena that may occur in existing models and ensuring energy reduction. This approach represents a significant advancement over our previous work, which was experimentally validated. The PFMMS is verified against theoretical and numerical benchmarks, capturing intrinsic stress distribution and system‐size‐independent shrinkage strain while maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium states. These results meet essential requirements for a consistent and reliable sintering model, offering potential applications in the manufacturing of high‐performance ceramics and metals with precisely controlled microstructures.
Mechanical properties of SiC fiber/carbon/Si‐Co matrix composites processed using film boiling and melt infiltration
Authors: Miura Takashi , Ogasawara Toshio , Aoki Takuya , Kubota Yuki , Abe Keisuke , Kawakami Kosuke
Published: November 2024

This study objective is a proposal of a new lightweight and affordable structural material with heat resistance of 600–1000°C. We developed process technology and evaluated the mechanical properties of SiC fiber (Hi‐Nicalon)/Si‐CoSi2 matrix composites. After Hi‐Nicalon fibers were woven into orthogonal three‐dimensional fabrics ( 40%), a carbon layer (FB‐C) was formed on the fiber surface using film boiling, serving as the fiber–matrix interface layer. To suppress Hi‐Nicalon strength degradation, Si‐22 at.% Co alloy with a lower melting point compared to pure Si was infiltrated at 1380°C to produce Hi‐Nicalon/FB‐C/Si‐CoSi2 matrix composites. Dense composites with no open pores were obtained. Their bulk density was 2.7 g/cm3. Their mean value of four‐point bending strength was 460 MPa at room temperature and 612 MPa at 800°C in an Argon atmosphere. Fiber pullout and fiber bridging were observed clearly on the fracture surfaces. The FB‐C, with an average thickness of 4 µm, suppresses Hi‐Nicalon damage from the molten Si‐Co alloy. Furthermore, an inexpensive oxidation‐resistant coating of Si‐Co alloy dispersed with TiB2 and SiC particles was formed on the composite surface. The four‐point bending strength in air was 424 MPa at 800°C and 539 MPa at 1200°C, demonstrating that the oxidation‐resistant coating functions effectively.
Molecular Insights Into Actinic Cheilitis and Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma: AURKA and AURKB Amplifications and Their Association With Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: de Souza Vinícius Gonçalves , da Rocha Ismael Gomes , Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , Loyola Adriano Mota , Siqueira Carla Silva , de Oliveira Fábio Morato
Published: November 2024

Background

Lip exposure to carcinogens lead to several disorders, such as actinic cheilitis (AC) and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). Although several studies have described important pathways in lip carcinogenesis, the comprehension of association of target genes in this process and their association with tumor microenvironment still need to be better understood.

Methods

Tissue samples of 30 AC and 17 LLSCC cases were included for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical expression of CD4, CD8, and PD‐L1, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for AURKA, AURKB, TP53, PTEN, CCND1, and MYC. Non‐parametrical tests were done and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

LLSCC patients presented higher amplifications of AURKA and AURKB, deletion of TP53, and PTEN and rearrangements of MYC than AC. AURKA, AURKB, TP53, PTEN, and CCND1 changes were correlated with PD‐L1 expression.

Conclusions

AURKA and AURKB amplifications and other gene changes are pointed by their association of lip disorders.
Childhood acute flaccid myelitis, including the first confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 myelitis, in Singapore and Southeast Asia
Authors: Pakiam Jillian Ann , Nadua Karen Donceras , Lin Cui , Hoh Sing Yee , Chew Ee Ming , Yam Andrew Kean Tuck , Teo Jia Hui , Ng Zhi Min , Ganesan Indra , Chong Chia Yin , Thomas Terrence
Published: November 2024

Aim

We report the epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), including the first two cases of enterovirus (EV) D68 myelitis, in Singapore.

Methods

Retrospective observational study from a paediatric hospital in Singapore, from January 2012 to December 2022. Clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging and outcome data were analysed.

Results

Eight patients were identified (all male). Median age at presentation was 3 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.2–10.0) years. Seven (87.5%) patients were clustered in two time periods (July 2018–January 2019 and April–August 2022). Presenting features were a preceding febrile respiratory illness (n = 6) or hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease (n = 2), upper limb weakness (n = 5, 62.5%) and neurogenic bladder (3, 37.5%), while the spinal cord lesions were predominantly in the cervical region (7, 87.5%). Five (62.5%) and six (75.0%) patients had elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cells (median 7.5/mm3 (IQR 2.8–40.3)) and protein (median 0.6 g/L (IQR 0.4–0.7)), respectively. CSF was negative for pathogens. Two (50%) of four patients with EV detected in respiratory/rectal swabs had EVD68 (2022 cluster). All received intravenous methylprednisolone, six (75%) had additional intravenous immunoglobulin and either plasma exchange therapy (n = 1) or intravenous tocilizumab (n = 1). Median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at acute illness was 4 (IQR grades 3–5), with an improvement (median 2 (IQR 1.8–2.3) mRS grades) on follow‐up (median duration 3.7 (IQR 1.4–4.1) years). One patient (12.5%) had a full recovery and seven (87.5%) have moderate disability (mRS 2–3).

Conclusion

Disability risk in AFM is high despite aggressive immunotherapy. We report the first two confirmed cases of EV D68 AFM in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Deciphering the Enigma of Annual Recurrence of Wheat Rusts in India
Authors: Bhardwaj S. C. , Gangwar O. P. , Prasad P. , Kumar Subodh
Published: November 2024

In the absence of alternate hosts, the epidemiology of wheat rusts has remained elusive in many countries including India. This paper synthesises salient information from historical records collected at the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, from surveys of alternate and alternative hosts, and from observations in off‐season wheat disease monitoring nurseries. The primary source of rust inoculum to wheat in the plains of India was previously suggested to originate from off‐season wheat, self‐sown plants and green bridges in the hills. However, nowadays there is negligible cultivation of off‐season wheat in the hills, but still recurrence of wheat rust is a regular phenomenon in India. As observed previously, none of the Berberis spp. or grasses could be related to wheat rusts in this study. Thus, the wheat rust pathogens appear to multiply clonally in India. At present, new virulent pathotypes of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici are identified initially from the plains of Punjab and other areas in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, and after 6–7 years these pathotypes become predominant in the hills. Moreover, owing to the cultivation of traditional wheat germplasm, less virulent pathotypes of the stripe rust pathogen occur in the higher hills, and most of the present‐day wheat varieties are resistant to these pathotypes. The avirulence/virulence profiles of Indian pathotypes of Puccinia spp. on wheat indicate that our pathotype flora is different from that of adjoining countries and continents, which rules out their incursion from the adjoining countries. Wheat rust infection in the plains appears to be independent of the hills and movement of both leaf rust and stripe rust occurs both ways gradually year after year. It appears that the wheat rusts survive on grasses or other non‐gramineous hosts occurring locally near water bodies, forests, grasslands or damp areas in the hills and plains of India.
Selected examples of Muslim loyalism in the Balkans toward Christian states: The case of Bosnia‐Herzegovina and Bulgaria 1878–1914
Authors: Popek Krzysztof , Lis and Tomasz Jacek
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this article is to characterize the loyalist attitudes of Muslims in Bulgaria and Bosnia‐Herzegovina (then part of Austria‐Hungary) in the period between the Congress of Berlin and the outbreak of World War I, with particular focus on the issue of differences between the religious beliefs of these communities and the ruling religion of their respective states. The analysis was carried out based on selected examples using the case study method (attitudes toward armed resistance, military service, and the formation of elites in support of the state), and is preceded by a profile of the approach of the authorities in Bulgaria and Bosnia‐Herzegovina toward their Muslim subjects. By comparing the state‐citizen and citizen‐state attitudes, the article addresses the question concerning the degree of communal loyalty to the Christian authorities and – based on the comparative method – outlines the primary differences between the two.
Medicago truncatula genotype drives the plant nutritional strategy and its associated rhizosphere bacterial communities
Authors: Zancarini Anouk , Le Signor Christine , Terrat Sébastien , Aubert Julie , Salon Christophe , Munier‐Jolain Nathalie , Mougel Christophe
Published: November 2024

Harnessing the plant microbiome through plant genetics is of increasing interest to those seeking to improve plant nutrition and health. While genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted to identify plant genes driving the plant microbiome, more multidisciplinary studies are required to assess the relationships among plant genetics, plant microbiome and plant fitness.

Using a metabarcoding approach, we characterized the rhizosphere bacterial communities of a core collection of 155 Medicago truncatula genotypes along with the plant phenotype and investigated the plant genetic effects through GWAS.

The different genotypes within the M. truncatula core collection showed contrasting growth and nutritional strategies but few loci were associated with these ecophysiological traits. To go further, we described its associated rhizosphere bacterial communities, dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and defined a core rhizosphere bacterial community. Next, the occurrences of bacterial candidates predicting plant ecophysiological traits of interest were identified using random forest analyses. Some of them were heritable and plant loci were identified, pinpointing genes related to response to hormone stimulus, systemic acquired resistance, response to stress, nutrient starvation or transport, and root development.

Together, these results suggest that plant genetics can affect plant growth and nutritional strategies by harnessing keystone bacteria in a well‐connected interaction network.
Neutrophils as indicators of obesity‐associated inflammation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gomez‐Casado Gema , Jimenez‐Gonzalez Andres , Rodriguez‐Muñoz Alba , Tinahones Francisco J. , González‐Mesa Ernesto , Murri Mora , Ortega‐Gomez Almudena
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the suitability of routine blood neutrophil values as indicators of obesity‐associated inflammation.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we assess absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values in subjects with and without obesity and analyze the weight of both parameters on the disease. Additionally, correlation studies between ANC and NLR with BMI, a parameter internationally accepted to define obesity are performed.

Results

Quantitative data from 12 (ANC) and 11 (NLR) studies were included, with a total of 4475 participants. The meta‐analysis shows that while both parameters are increased in the obesity group, ANC values present higher differences with the control and less heterogeneity among studies. Additionally, unlike NLR, ANC demonstrates a positive and significant correlation with BMI.

Conclusion

Overall, this meta‐analysis demonstrates that ANC is a more reliable and stable parameter than NLR for the assessment of obesity‐related inflammation, which offers clinicians a novel tool to assist in preventing complications related to obesity.
FROM MIDDENED POTTERY TO PIT DEPOSIT: A STUDY OF TWO NEOLITHIC SITES IN NORTHUMBERLAND, UK
Authors: Edwards Ben
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the analysis of a highly significant early Neolithic midden from Threefords in the Milfield Basin, Northumberland, UK. The midden, unique in the region for its association with an early Neolithic building, sheds new light on the practice of pottery curation prior to later pit deposition. Using metric and abrasion analyses the effects on potsherds of temporary deposition in a midden are examined, before their potential removal and reburial in one of the region’s Neolithic pits. The paper demonstrates statistically that a midden was a potential locale for the curation of potsherds as a valuable resource for later social practices, and that the metric properties of the pottery from the midden match those of the pottery from a major pit site in the immediate vicinity.
Measurement Properties of the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis‐Based Study
Authors: Ringblom Jenny , Wåhlin Ingrid , Proczkowska Marie , Korhonen Laura , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: November 2024

Background

Emergence delirium is a well‐known and common problem in children recovering from anesthesia. The five‐item Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale is one of the most commonly used instruments for assessing this condition, but the scale has been questioned regarding its latent structure, i.e., whether its items cover just one underlying construct. It has been suggested that the scale's first three items might identify emergence delirium better than the last two.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale with a focus on its latent structure and cutoff scores, using appropriate statistical methods for ordinal data.

Methods

A total of 350 children under 7 years of age, undergoing adenoidectomy, with or without additional tonsillotomy or minor procedures like paracentesis, tongue‐tie release, or cerumen removal, were enrolled in the study. At the recovery unit, emergence delirium and pain were registered.

Results

The confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the two‐factor model, including emergence delirium‐specific behaviors (first three items) and emergence delirium‐nonspecific behaviors (last two items), established an excellent model fit according to the χ2 goodness‐of‐fit statistics, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Comparative Fit Index, Tucker‐Lewis Index, and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual. The ordinal alpha of 0.98 and the ordinal omega of 0.96 supported the internal consistency reliability of the emergence delirium‐specific behaviors. The convergent validity was supported due to a strong correlation between emergence delirium‐nonspecific behaviors and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale. The receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses resulted in two tentative cutoff scores for emergence delirium‐specific behaviors¸ ≥ 6 and ≥ 8.

Conclusion

The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale's first three items are a more valid and reliable measure of emergence delirium than its original five items.
Associations between self‐disclosure, secrecy, and adolescent well‐being in China: A person‐centered approach
Authors: Tang Yuen‐Ki
Published: November 2024

This study explores the rising trend of loneliness and depression among adolescents in the context of Chinese culture, investigating the relationship between different patterns of disclosure and secrecy and adolescent anxiety and loneliness. A person‐centered approach was used to explore disclosure and secrecy in relationships of 253 adolescents (M = 15.52, range = 14–18, 54.4% female) from Nanjing's public schools and the impact of these patterns on their levels of depression and loneliness. The results indicate that adolescent disclosure and secrecy toward parents and good friends are correlated with adolescent depression and loneliness. Five groups can be identified based on disclosure and secrecy, with each group demonstrating significant differences in the degree of disclosure and secrecy and distinct characteristics. Significant differences exist in the levels of adolescent depression and loneliness among the different groups. This study emphasizes the value of a person‐centered approach. Findings suggest that having multiple avenues for dialogue is more beneficial than merely increasing the volume of disclosure within any single channel. This emphasizes the importance of a diversified support network in enhancing adolescent well‐being. The research also recognizes that small samples can uncover more complex or diversified groups that exhibit unique behavioral patterns within specific cultures.
Titlatehtemozceh huan titlayoltilizceh ica tomacehualtlahtol huan tomacehualtlallamicca: ¿queniuhqui titequitizceh?
Authors: de la Cruz Abelardo
Published: November 2024

Ipan cempohualli hueyixihuicahuitl huan naman tonatiuh coyomeh tlen zancapahueli tlalli quichiuhtihualtoqueh tlatehtemoliztli zan ica inintlallamiquiliz campa moixnextihtihualtoc nahuatlahtolli huan macehualtlallamiccayotl. Pan ni amatlahcuilolli nizaniloa queniuhqui macehualmeh tlen naman tiquittah inintequiuh coyomeh tlatehtemoanih tlen tlahcuiloah ica macehualtlallamiccayotl, huan nouhquiya niquihtoa tlen monequi ticchihuazceh macehualmeh tlen Mexcotlalli pan tlatehtemoliztequitl tlen ica titlahtolyoltilizceh nahuatlahtolli. Nouhquiya nizaniloa ica quizaliztli campa ticcauhtehuah toaltepehuan huan quichihua ma tizanilocan ceyoc tlahtolli huan pehuah timoixpatlah. Ica totlamachtiliz tlen ticcuitoqueh naman, nizaniloa ica ce yancuic ohtli campa ticchihuazceh tlatehtemoliztli pan toaltepehuan. Na niquitta quemman macehualmeh ticchihuah ce tequitlatehtemoliztli, achtohui ticcalaquih tiquixmatih tomacehualtlallamicca ica toyoltlallamiquiliz campa timochomoniah ica tlahtolyoltiliztli. Temachtli ticchihuah tequitl ica totlahtol campa tictequihuiah tonantlahtol huan teipan ticpannextiah macehualtlamatiliztli ipan caltlamachtiloyan huan nouhquiya ipan toaltepehuan.
Not in the mood for party: Symptoms of depression reduce the weight of partisanship on vote choice
Authors: Bernardi Luca , Rico Guillem , Anduiza Eva
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we investigate whether symptoms of depression affect the relationship between partisanship—one of the most important predictors of electoral behavior—and vote choice. Building on research from mood and depressive realism, we argue that symptoms of depression reduce the association between the strength of partisanship and vote choice because depressed mood can lead to better, clearer thinking. We evaluate and find support for this hypothesis using survey data from Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands. Our findings improve our understanding of the political consequences of depression, one of the most prevalent mental health problems in contemporary democracies.
COI1‐mediated jasmonic acid signalling regulates mycorrhizal colonisation intensity and is an indispensable component of mycorrhiza‐induced resistance
Authors: Kadam Swapnil B. , Barvkar Vitthal T.
Published: November 2024

Hormonal signalling plays an elementary role in the regulation of plant‐microbe interactions. Jasmonic acid (JA) signalling is one of the major regulators that decides the fate of these interactions in plants. However, the role of JA is not unanimous and varies from neutral to positive or negative regulation. In the present study, we targeted SlCOI1, a key gene in JA signalling, by silencing (using artificial miRNA approach) and overexpressing constitutively in tomato transgenic hairy roots (HR) system. We developed in‐vitro colonisation of these hairy roots with model arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis. The colonised HR exhibited a stronger induction of PAMPs‐triggered immunity (PTI) response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). The ROS signalling key gene RBOH‐B and the PTI response marker genes LRR22 and PTI5 were expressed at an earlier stage and at a higher amplitude in the colonised HR, providing evidence for mycorrhiza‐induced resistance (MIR). Further, SlCOI1 silencing resulted in a higher degree of R. irregularis colonisation, while overexpression restricted its proliferation. Intriguingly, despite a higher degree of colonisation, the SlCOI1‐silenced HR lines manifested a weakened MIR compared to its control colonised HR line. This univocally indicates an indispensable role of COI1‐mediated JA signalling in MIR. This is one of the few studies conducted using in‐vitro AMF‐colonised HR system to understand how signalling events occurred during AMF colonisation and tripartite interactions, specifically MIR.
Assessing the Sustainability and Food Security Implications of Introduced Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Into Indian Aquaculture: A OneHealth Perspective
Authors: Singh Atul K.
Published: November 2024

The introduced striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) and North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) are popular choices in Indian aquaculture due to their high productivity and ease of management. Among all introduced non‐native fish species, catfish production is particularly notable, with P. hypophthalmus contributing 1.6 million metric tons (mmt) and C. gariepinus reaching 0.4 mmt. This paper examines the ecological, biodiversity, environmental, and disease concerns associated with the intensive aquaculture of the non‐native catfish species, using a OneHealth approach to assess sustainability. Generated information on biological plasticity, resource competition, genetic interactions, invasion risks, biodiversity impacts, food safety, and disease risks in extensive aquaculture of non‐native catfish are presented. A risk assessment (RA) was performed using an Excel–based developed module having 28 attributes and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. The results indicated significant risks, particularly for C. gariepinus, which had a risk score of 116 out of total 140 response points obtained from 65 farmers, manifesting 82.85% risk. In comparison, P. hypophthalmus had a response score of 85, displaying 60.71% risk. The findings suggest that C. gariepinus poses a higher ecological risk than P. hypophthalmus, primarily due to poorly controlled aquaculture practices, inadequate biosecurity, and insufficient regulatory measures. To tackle these issues, it is recommended that stringent policy with clear regulatory framework on the OneHealth approach will ascertain safe interconnectedness of aquaculture, environment, fish, and human health while improving the biosafety of non‐native catfish aquaculture practices safeguarding human health, fish populations, and overall ecosystem health.
Invariant Manifolds in a Class‐Structured Model From Adaptive Dynamics
Authors: Popović Nikola
Published: November 2024

We consider a family of structured population models from adaptive dynamics in which cells transition through a number of growth states, or classes, before division. We prove the existence and global asymptotic stability of invariant (‘resident') manifolds in that family; furthermore, we re‐derive conditions under which scarce mutants can invade established resident populations, and we show the existence of corresponding ‘invasion’ manifolds that are obtained as critical manifolds under the additional assumption that resident has attained quasi‐steady state, which induces a separation of scales. Our analysis is based on standard phase space techniques for ordinary differential equations, in combination with the geometric singular perturbation theory due to Fenichel.
Thermal Convection in a Linearly Viscous Fluid Overlying a Bidisperse Porous Medium
Authors: Dondl P. , Straughan B.
Published: November 2024

A bidisperse porous medium is one with two porosity scales. There are the usual pores known as macropores but also cracks or fissures in the skeleton which give rise to micropores. In this article, we develop and analyze a model for thermal convection where a layer of viscous incompressible fluid overlies a layer of bidisperse porous medium. Care has to be taken with the boundary conditions at the interface of the fluid and the porous material, and this aspect is investigated. We propose two Beavers–Joseph conditions at the interface and we argue that the parameters in these relations should be different since they depend on the macro or micro permeability, and these parameters are estimated from the original experiments of Beavers and Joseph. The situation is one in a layer which is heated from below and under appropriate conditions bimodal neutral curves are found. These can depend on the relative permeability between the macro and micropores, the Beavers–Joseph conditions appropriate to the macro or micropores, the ratio of the depth of the fluid layer to the depth of the porous layer, or generally the nature of the bidisperse medium.
Analysis of the quadruple lsu mutant reveals molecular determinants of the role of LSU proteins in sulfur assimilation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Piotrowska Justyna , Wawrzyńska Anna , Olszak Marcin , Krzyszton Michal , Apodiakou Anastasia , Alseekh Saleh , Ramos José María López , Hoefgen Rainer , Kopriva Stanislav , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Because plants are immobile, they have developed intricate mechanisms to sense and absorb nutrients, adjusting their growth and development accordingly. Sulfur is an essential macroelement, but our understanding of its metabolism and homeostasis is limited. LSU (RESPONSE TO LOW SULFUR) proteins are plant‐specific proteins with unknown molecular functions and were first identified during transcriptomic studies on sulfur deficiency in Arabidopsis. These proteins are crucial hubs that integrate environmental signals and are involved in the response to various stressors. Herein, we report the direct involvement of LSU proteins in primary sulfur metabolism. Our findings revealed that the quadruple lsu mutant, q‐lsu‐KO, which was grown under nonlimiting sulfate conditions, exhibited a molecular response resembling that of sulfur‐deficient wild‐type plants. This led us to explore the interactions of LSU proteins with sulfate reduction pathway enzymes. We found that all LSU proteins interact with ATPS1 and ATPS3 isoforms of ATP sulfurylase, all three isoforms of adenosine 5´ phosphosulfate reductase (APR), and sulfite reductase (SiR). Additionally, in vitro assays revealed that LSU1 enhances the enzymatic activity of SiR. These results highlight the supportive role of LSU proteins in the sulfate reduction pathway.
Effects of 0.024% latanoprostene bunod on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in normal cats and cats with congenital glaucoma
Authors: Yang Vanessa Y. , Eaton J. Seth , Kiland Julie A. , Koch Kelly E. , Oikawa Kazuya , Hetzel Scott J. , McLellan Gillian J.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effects of latanoprostene bunod on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in normal cats and cats with feline congenital glaucoma (FCG).

Animals Studied

Five normal and 5 FCG cats.

Procedures

This masked, controlled crossover study comprised a 1‐day Pre‐treatment phase followed by two 10‐day Treatment phases, each followed by a 10‐day Recovery phase. During treatment, all cats received twice daily 0.005% latanoprost (LAT) or 0.024% latanoprostene bunod (LBN) in a randomized eye. Following Recovery, the same eye was treated with the opposite drug. Contralateral eyes served as saline‐treated controls. Intraocular pressure and PD measurements were performed three times daily during all study phases. Data were analyzed via constrained longitudinal data analysis models.

Results

Neither drug significantly reduced IOP in normal cats. In FCG cats, statistically significant reductions in mean (95% CI) IOP were observed relative to controls 4 h after LAT and LBN treatment (−5.5 mmHg [−8.4, −2.5], p < .001, −7.2 mmHg [−10.2, −4.3], p < .001, respectively). These differences represented 28.4% and 37.9% IOP reductions, respectively. Mean IOP reduction after 4 h was significantly greater with LBN treatment compared to LAT (−1.8 mmHg [−3.2, −0.4], p = .012). However, these IOP reductions were not considered clinically significant. Both drugs similarly reduced PD in normal and FCG cats.

Conclusions

Transient IOP reduction was observed after topical administration of LAT and LBN in FCG cats; and mean IOP difference was statistically significantly greater in LBN‐treated eyes. However, the apparent enhanced hypotensive effect of LBN is not clinically significant.
Unveiling the role of melatonin‐related gene CSNK1D in osteoclastogenesis and its implications for osteoporosis treatment
Authors: Zhang Jiewen , Wu Shaobo , Xing Fangze , Kong Ning , Zhao Yiwei , Duan Xudong , Li Yiyang , Wang Kunzheng , Tian Run , Yang Pei
Published: November 2024

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent bone disease characterized by reduced bone density and quality, increasing fragility and fracture risk. Osteoclast (OC) activity and circadian rhythm play a role in the pathogenesis of OP. Melatonin is a circadian regulator that affects bone metabolism, but its molecular mechanism has not been studied in detail. This study aimed to identify the relationship between melatonin‐related genes and OP through bioinformatics methods and to verify it experimentally.We analysed microarray data from the GSE35959 dataset, identifying differentially expressed genes in OP patients. Circadian rhythm‐related genes and melatonin‐related genes intersect with these differentially expressed genes, highlighting that CSNK1D is a central gene. Functional enrichment, correlation and protein–protein interaction analyses were conducted. Experimental validation involved in vitro differentiation assays using RAW264.7 cells and in vivo studies with an ovariectomy‐induced rat model of OP to evaluate the role of CSNK1D in osteoclastogenesis to verify its effect on OP. Differential expression analysis revealed 272 significant genes, with CSNK1D identified as central to the circadian rhythm and to melatonin and OP interplay. Functional analyses showed involvement of CSNK1D in OC differentiation and inflammatory pathways. in vitro experiments confirmed CSNK1D upregulation during OC differentiation, and small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown reduced OC marker expression and TRAP+ cell formation. in vivo, CSNK1D expression is associated with bone loss in OP rats. Melatonin‐related CSNK1D promotes OC differentiation and promotes the development of OP. These findings suggest CSNK1D as a potential therapeutic target for OP, offering insights into new treatment strategies integrating circadian rhythm regulation.
Ultrastructure and cardiac impulse propagation: scaling up from microscopic to macroscopic conduction
Authors: Qu Zhilin , Hanna Peter , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Garfinkel Alan , Shivkumar Kalyanam
Published: November 2024

The standard conception of cardiac conduction is based on the cable theory of nerve conduction, which treats cardiac tissue as a continuous syncytium described by the Hodgkin–Huxley equations. However, cardiac tissue is composed of discretized cells with microscopic and macroscopic heterogeneities and discontinuities, such as subcellular localizations of sodium channels and connexins. In addition to this, there are heterogeneities in the distribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, which powerfully regulate impulse propagation. In the continuous models, the ultrastructural details, i.e. the microscopic heterogeneities and discontinuities, are ignored by ‘coarse graining’ or ‘smoothing’. However, these ultrastructural components may play crucial roles in cardiac conduction and arrhythmogenesis, particularly in disease states. We discuss the current progress of modelling the effects of ultrastructural components on electrical conduction, the issues and challenges faced by the cardiac modelling community, and how to scale up conduction properties at the subcellular (microscopic) scale to the tissue and whole‐heart (macroscopic) scale in future modelling and experimental studies, i.e. how to link the ultrastructure at different scales to impulse conduction and arrhythmogenesis in the heart.

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The N-terminus of the
Clostridioides difficile
transferase A component directs toxin activity and potency
Authors: Mullard Robin M. , Sheedlo Michael J.
Published: November 2024

Clostridioides difficile
infection is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated, hospital-acquired diarrhea in the USA; the pathology of which is mediated by toxins. The presence of a toxin known as the
C. difficile
Transferase (CDT) in some clinical isolates is linked to severe symptoms including increased incidence of reinfection and higher rates of mortality. Despite its apparent importance to
C. difficile
pathology, a mechanistic model of how CDT intoxicates cells remains incomplete. Here, we describe a motif composed of acidic and basic residues (the KDKEK motif) that is essential for toxin function. Using Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), we highlight an orientation of the KDKEK motif wherein the acidic residues engage structures thought to play an important role during toxin delivery. We thus present a model wherein these interactions prime CDT for entry into host cells. We expect that this model can be extrapolated to other bacterial toxins to understand how they enter cells.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficile
is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infectious diarrhea in the USA. The pathology that accompanies infection is triggered by toxins produced by the bacterium. One of these, the
C. difficile
Transferase (CDT), has been associated with poorer patient outcomes, although a direct connection to CDT activity has remained elusive. Herein, we present new insight into the mechanism of CDT intoxication and define two regions of the toxin as important for its activity. Moreover, we have generated mutants of CDT that retain the ability to assemble but can no longer intoxicate host cells. In the future, we expect these mutants will serve as valuable tools to help elucidate the role of CDT during infection.
The role of morphological adaptability in
Vibrio cholerae
’s motility
Authors: Xu Jun , Abe Keigo , Kodama Toshio , Sultana Marzia , Chac Denise , Markiewicz Susan M. , Matsunami Hideyuki , Kuba Erika , Tsunoda Shiyu , Alam Munirul , Weil Ana A. , Nakamura Shuichi , Yamashiro Tetsu
Published: November 2024

Vibrio cholerae,
the causative agent of cholera, displays remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental conditions through morphological changes that enhance its pathogenicity and influence the global epidemiology of the disease. This study examines the motility differences between filamentous and comma-shaped forms of the
V. cholerae
O1 strain under various viscosity conditions. Utilizing the El Tor strain, we induced filamentous transformation and conducted a comparative analysis with the canonical comma-shaped morphology. Our methodology involved assessing motility patterns, swimming speeds, rotation rates, kinematics, and reversal frequencies using dark-field microscopy and high-speed imaging techniques. The results show that filamentous
V. cholerae
cells retain enhanced motility in viscous environments, indicating an evolutionary adaptation for survival in varied habitats, particularly the human gastrointestinal tract. Filamentous forms exhibited increased reversal behavior at mucin interfaces, suggesting an advantage in penetrating the mucus layer. Furthermore, the presence of filamentous cells in bile-supplemented medium underscores their relevance in natural infection scenarios.

IMPORTANCE

This study highlights the enhanced motility of filamentous
Vibrio cholerae
in viscous environments, an adaptation that may provide a survival advantage in the human gastrointestinal tract. By demonstrating increased reversal behavior at mucin interfaces, filamentous
V. cholerae
cells exhibit a superior ability to penetrate the mucus layer, which is crucial for effective colonization and infection. Filamentous cells in bile-supplemented media further underscores their potential role in disease pathogenesis. These findings offer critical insights into the morphological flexibility of
V. cholerae
and its potential implications for infection dynamics, paving the way for more effective strategies in managing and preventing cholera outbreaks.
The two-component system ArlRS is essential for wall teichoic acid glycoswitching in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kuijk Marieke M. , Tusveld Emma , Lehmann Esther , van Dalen Rob , Lasa Iñigo , Ingmer Hanne , Pannekoek Yvonne , van Sorge Nina M.
Published: November 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is among the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections. Critical to
S. aureus
biology and pathogenesis are the cell wall-anchored glycopolymers wall teichoic acids (WTA). Approximately one-third of
S. aureus
isolates decorates WTA with a mixture of α1,4- and β1,4-
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which requires the dedicated glycosyltransferases TarM and TarS, respectively. Environmental conditions, such as high salt concentrations, affect the abundance and ratio of α1,4- and β1,4-GlcNAc WTA decorations, thereby impacting biological properties such as antibody binding and phage infection. To identify regulatory mechanisms underlying WTA glycoswitching, we screened 1,920
S
.
aureus
mutants (Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library) by immunoblotting for differential expression of WTA-linked α1,4- or β1,4-GlcNAc using specific monoclonal antibody Fab fragments. Three two-component systems (TCS), GraRS, ArlRS, and AgrCA, were among the 230 potential hits. Using isogenic TCS mutants, we demonstrated that ArlRS is essential for WTA β1,4-GlcNAc decoration. ArlRS repressed
tarM
expression through the transcriptional regulator MgrA. In bacteria lacking
arlRS
, the increased expression of
tarM
correlated with the absence of WTA β1,4-GlcNAc, likely by outcompeting TarS enzymatic activity. ArlRS was responsive to Mg
2+
, but not Na
+
, revealing its role in the previously reported salt-induced WTA glycoswitch from α1,4-GlcNAc to β1,4-GlcNAc. Importantly, ArlRS-mediated regulation of WTA glycosylation affected
S. aureus
interaction with the innate receptor langerin and lysis by β1,4-GlcNAc-dependent phages. Since WTA represents a promising target for future immune-based treatments and vaccines, our findings provide important insight to align strategies targeting
S. aureus
WTA glycosylation patterns during infection.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common colonizer but can also cause severe infections in humans. The development of antibiotic resistance complicates the treatment of
S. aureus
infections, increasing the need for antibiotic alternatives such as vaccines and therapies with bacterial viruses also known as phages. Wall teichoic acids (WTA) are abundant glycosylated structures of the
S. aureus
cell wall that have gained attention as a promising target for new treatments. Importantly, WTA glycosylation patterns show variation depending on environmental conditions, thereby impacting phage binding and interaction with host factors, such as antibodies and innate pattern-recognition receptors. Here, we show that the two-component system ArlRS is involved in the regulation of WTA glycosylation by responding to environmental changes in Mg
2+
concentration. These findings may support the design of new treatment strategies that target WTA glycosylation patterns of
S. aureus
during infection.