bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Health Cost Burden in Older Caregivers and non-Caregivers in the United States
Authors: Wylie Molly J , Tavares Jane , Silberman Susan , Glova Kerry , Pallis Maryssa , Cohen Marc A
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Chronic health conditions affect the physical and financial well-being of millions of older adults, including those who themselves provide care to relatives and friends. As well, certain conditions cost more than others to manage, and older caregivers may be especially at risk of experiencing financial burden from an illness. This study investigated the association between caregiving and longitudinal change in health cost burden by measuring condition-specific expenses in a nationally-representative sample of older caregivers and non-caregivers.

Research Design and Methods

Three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used in the analysis. Caregiver socio-demographic and financial status was matched with updated treatment and lost-wage costs for chronic conditions developed by the Milken Institute. Profiles of health cost burden were created for community-dwelling adults 60 years and older who completed the HRS core survey for all three wave years from 2016 through 2020 (N = 10,540). Bivariate and regression analyses were used to examine differences in health cost burden between caregivers and non-caregivers over time.

Results

Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers were healthier and less burdened at baseline. Yet, holding other variables constant, caregivers showed steeper increases in chronic condition prevalence and costs over a four-year period after initiating caregiving activities.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest that whereas older caregivers may appear to select into the caregiving role while healthier, they are more likely to experience increased economic and health burdens over time - both from medical treatment and lost wages - related to chronic conditions.
Identification of Natural Remission of Mother-to-Child Retroviral Transmission
Authors: Grover Poonam , Murata Megumi , Kidiga Maureen , Hayashi Sakura , Ode Hirotaka , Iwatani Yasumasa , Morimoto Mayumi , Natsume Takayoshi , Kaneko Akihisa , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Matsuoka Masao , Kuramitsu Madoka , Seki Yohei , Mizukami Takuo , Akari Hirofumi
Published: February 2025

Background

Spontaneous remission once a retroviral infection has been established does not occur and infection persists lifelong.

Methods

Stored blood samples obtained from simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1)-infected Japanese macaque (JM; Macaca fuscata) mothers and their offspring during long-term follow-up as well as periodic health checkups were analyzed for proviral DNA levels, anti-STLV-1 antibody titer, DNA sequence, and viral clonality in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

We found spontaneous remission after the establishment of retrovirus mother-to-child transmission (MTCT); 3 JM infants were positive for the provirus at 5 and 8 months of age; however, no evidence of persistent STLV-1 infection was found in any of these infants thereafter up to 3 years of age. The viral env sequencing showed the presence of signature nucleotide polymorphisms, which were identical between each mother and infant but not others, suggesting STLV-1 MTCT. STLV-1–infected cells were capable of viral transmission and were composed of a heterogeneous population of clones, which were completely replaced between 5 and 8 months of age, suggesting the possibility of ongoing de novo infection from mother to infant cells. Furthermore, a retrospective study showed that 8 of 38 infants born to STLV-1–infected mothers developed transient infection comparable to the cases above.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that spontaneous remission can occur after the establishment of retroviral MTCT. Our results unveil the unique dynamics of retroviral infection during MTCT.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediment: a source of PFAS to the food web?
Authors: Endicott Douglas , Silva-Wilkinson Robin , McCauley Dennis , Armstrong Brandon
Published: February 2025

Kent Lake is an impoundment of the Huron River in southeast lower Michigan. Fish collected from Kent Lake in 2017 had high concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in fillets, which resulted in a fish consumption advisory from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In June 2018, a major source of PFOS was identified as the City of Wixom’s wastewater treatment plant, which discharges treated effluent to Norton Creek and the Huron River five miles upstream of Kent Lake. An industrial facility, which has been in operation since approximately 2000, was found to be the source of high levels of PFOS to Wixom’s sanitary sewer. A granular activated carbon system was installed at the facility, resulting in substantial reductions in PFOS concentrations in surface water and fish from Kent Lake. However, the PFOS decline in fish tissue reached a plateau at a level exceeding the “Do Not Eat” advisory threshold. This case study sought to explore the supposition that sediment is acting as an ongoing source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Kent Lake food web. We sampled PFAS in biota, sediment, and water from Kent Lake and a nearby reference lake in 2021. Biota (benthos, forage fish, and predator fish) were collected from both lakes and analyzed as whole-body composites for PFAS analytes. The results, including the patterns of PFAS contamination between the water, sediment, and biota samples as well as partition coefficients and bioaccumulation factors, are consistent with PFAS in sediment acting as an ongoing source of contamination to the biota in Kent Lake. This study’s results for PFOS (the predominant PFAS in Kent Lake sediment and biota) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) provide additional lines of evidence that sediment acts as a source of PFAS to the aquatic food web.
Prophage dynamics in gastric and enterohepatic environments: unraveling ecological barriers and adaptive transitions
Authors: Proença Marta , Tanoeiro Luís , Fox James G , Vale Filipa F
Published: February 2025

Phage predation plays a critical role in shaping bacterial genetic diversity, with prophages playing a comparable role. However, the prevalence and genetic variability of prophages within the Helicobacter genus remain inadequately studied. Helicobacter species are clinically significant and occupy distinct digestive system regions, with gastric species (e.g. Helicobacter pylori) residing in the gastric mucosa and enterohepatic species colonizing the liver and intestines of various vertebrates. Here, we address this knowledge gap by analyzing prophage presence and diversity across 343 non-pylori Helicobacter genomes, mapping their distribution, comparing genomic features between gastric and enterohepatic prophages, and exploring their evolutionary relationships with hosts. We identified and analyzed a catalog of 119 new complete and 78 incomplete prophages. Our analysis reveals significant differences between gastric and enterohepatic species. Gastric prophages exhibit high synteny, and cluster in a few groups, indicating a more conserved genetic structure. In contrast, enterohepatic prophages show greater diversity in gene order and content, reflecting their adaptation to varied host environments. Helicobacter cinaedi stands out, harboring a large number of prophages among the enterohepatic species, forming a distinct cohesive group. Phylogenetic analyses reveal a co-evolutionary relationship between several prophages and their bacterial hosts—though exceptions, such as the enterohepatic prophages from H. canis, H. equorum, H. jaachi, and the gastric prophage from H. himalayensis—suggesting more complex co-evolutionary dynamics like host jumps, recombination, and horizontal gene transfer. The insights gained from this study enhance our understanding of prophage dynamics in Helicobacter, emphasizing their role in bacterial adaptation, virulence, and host specificity.
Puzzling out the ecological niche construction for nitrogen fixers in a coastal upwelling system
Authors: Fontela Marcos , Román Daniel Fernández , Broullón Esperanza , Farnelid Hanna , Fernández-Carrera Ana , Marañón Emilio , Martínez-García Sandra , Rodríguez-Ramos Tamara , Varela Marta M , Mouriño-Carballido Beatriz
Published: February 2025

Diazotrophs are a diverse group of microorganisms that can fertilize the ocean through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Due to the high energetic cost of this process, diazotrophy in nitrogen-replete regions remains enigmatic. We use multidisciplinary observations to propose a novel framework for the ecological niche construction of nitrogen fixers in the upwelling region off NW Iberia — one of the most productive coastal regions in Europe — characterized by weak, and intermittent wind-driven upwelling and the presence of bays. The main diazotroph detected (UCYN-A2) was more abundant and active during summer and early autumn, coinciding with relatively high temperatures (>16°C), low nitrogen:phosphorus ratios (N:P < 7.2), and a large contribution of ammonium (>75%) to the total dissolved inorganic nitrogen available. Furthermore, nutrient amendment experiments showed that BNF is detectable when phytoplankton biomass and productivity are nitrogen limited. Seasonally recurrent biogeochemical processes driven by hydrography create an ecological niche for nitrogen fixers in this system. During the spring–summer upwelling, non-diazotroph autotrophs consume nitrate and produce organic matter inside the bays. Thereafter, the combined effect of intense remineralization on the shelf and sustained positive circulation within the bays in late summer-early autumn, conveys enhanced ammonium content and excess phosphate into the warm surface layer. The low N:P ratio confers a competitive advantage to diazotrophs since they are not restricted by nitrogen supply. The new nitrogen supply mediated by BNF could extend the productivity period and may be key reason why upwelling bays are more productive than upwelled offshore waters.
Emergence of MRSA ST612 in horses and of MSSA CC398 in cats in France
Authors: Haenni Marisa , Murri Séverine , Drapeau Antoine , Rafidinarivo Iarimino , Gilles Stéphanie , Keck Nicolas , Léon Albertine , Sulter Aline , Tricaud Marie-Capucine , François Pauline , Madec Jean-Yves
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Staphylococcus aureus is an important zoonotic pathogen that has often been seen in animals through the prism of the MRSA clonal complex (CC) 398 in pigs and in-contact humans. The goal of this study was first to assess the prevalence of MRSA, and second to look for MSSA CC398 in cats, dogs and horses in France.

Methods

Clinical S. aureus isolates (n = 479) were collected from 186 cats, 143 dogs and 150 horses during 2022–2023 all over the French territory. Antibiograms were performed on all isolates. MRSA and MSSA CC398 isolates were subject to WGS. Core genome (cg) MLST-based and SNP-based phylogenetic analyses were performed using published methodologies, and characterization of the isolates was performed using publicly available tools.

Results

Sixty-six MRSA isolates were identified in 14 cats (7.5%), 9 dogs (6.3%) and 43 horses (28.7%). The epidemiology of MRSA in cats and dogs remained stable since a previous study in 2015, with the presence of both CC398 and human-associated clones. In horses, in contrast, an important increase in MRSA (from 10% to 28.7%) was observed, potentially attributable to the emergence of the ST612 clones. In parallel, CC398 MSSA, a clone usually described as animal-independent, was found in 24.2% of the cat isolates.

Conclusions

Our study, which is leading the way to a genomic surveillance of S. aureus in France, revealed the emergence of both MRSA ST612 in horses and MSSA CC398 in cats. These clones should be closely monitored to avoid their zoonotic spread and to understand their dynamics of transmission between humans and animals.
A full review of online education resources available on antimicrobial stewardship for pet owners
Authors: Prior Cameron , March Jordana
Published: February 2025

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to both human and animal health. Educational resources aimed at pet owners raise awareness of AMR and promote antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).

Objectives

To review available AMS educational resources for pet owners conveying key messages and fostering responsible antibiotic use.

Methods

A review was conducted on various educational materials targeted at pet owners. Key features assessed included content type, target audience, accessibility, engagement level and clarity of key AMS messages.

Results

A total of 16 resources targeting pet owners were identified. While many resources effectively communicated the risks of AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use, gaps in measurement of long-term behavioural change were noted. Resources often catered to engaged pet owners, potentially neglecting marginalized populations who may benefit from AMS education. Practical guidance on actions like proper disposal of unused medications was limited, although initiatives like the Antibiotic Amnesty campaign showed promise in promoting responsible practices.

Conclusions

Educational resources for pet owners on AMS show promise in enhancing awareness and promoting responsible antibiotic use. However, improvements in clarity, engagement strategies and addressing specific concerns of pet owners are necessary for greater impact. Further research is needed to assess long-term behavioural changes amongst pet owners in antibiotic use following exposure to these resources.
An inducible mouse model of OI type V reveals aberrant osteogenesis caused by Ifitm5 c.-14C > T mutation
Authors: Tan Zhijia , Shek Hiu Tung , Li Zeluan , Xia Linjian , He Yanni , Chen Peikai , Wong Janus Siu Him , Gao Bo , Chan Danny , To Michael Kai Tsun
Published: February 2025

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) Type V is typically characterized by radial head dislocation, calcification of interosseous membrane and hyperplastic callus. It is caused by the c.-14C > T mutation in the 5’ UTR of IFITM5 gene, adding five amino acids (MALEP) to the N-terminal of IFITM5 protein. Previous studies have suggested a neomorphic function of the MALEP-IFITM5 protein. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear due to embryonic lethality in previous mouse models. Therefore, we developed an inducible mouse model (Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T) that could be induced by Cre expressed at different developmental stages to explore the pathogenic effects of the neomorphic MALEP-IFITM5. The mutant Ifitm5 allele could be regulated by the endogenous regulatory elements after Cre recombination, maintaining its spatiotemporal expression pattern and physiological level. Specifically, Prx1-Cre; Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T mutant mice were born with fractures in all limbs, showing impaired ossification and enhanced chondrogenesis associated with increased SOX9 abundance. Analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed arrested osteogenesis in Prx1-Cre; Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T mouse. A major population of cells expressing both osteogenic and chondrogenic signature genes was identified in the mutant mouse. Reduced expression of SP7 and SOST in the cortical regions of mutant mice confirmed delayed osteocyte maturation and compromised osteogenesis. Elevated bone marrow adipocytes were found in the adult mutant mice. Ectopic chondrogenesis and SOX9 expression were also observed in the perichondrium regions of Col1a1-Cre; Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T and Ocn-Cre; Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T mutant mice. The inducible Ifitm5flox c.-14C > T mouse model and integrated single-cell transcriptomic analyses elucidated that ectopic expression of SOX9 and disrupted homeostatic balance among osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and adipogenesis may contribute to the pathogenesis caused by MALEP-IFITM5, helping to gain deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of type V OI.
The Mdm2-p53 Axis Links Cementocyte Survival to Cellular Cementum Volume
Authors: Tian Xue , Yang Guobin , Zheng Huiwen , Pi Yixing , Cao Zhengguo , Duan Peipei , Chen Zhi , Yuan Guohua
Published: February 2025

Cementocytes are terminally differentiated cells embedded in cellular cementum, an important hard tissue covering the apical regions of tooth roots. However, the roles of cementocytes in cellular cementum remain enigmatic. Here, we show that Murine Double Minute 2 (Mdm2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays vital roles in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation to influence tissue or organ development, is highly expressed in the cementocytes of mice. To investigate the role of cementocyte-expressed Mdm2, Dmp1-Cre;Mdm2flox/flox (Mdm2 cKO)mice were obtained to inactivate Mdm2 in cementocytes. The results showed that Mdm2 was successfully ablated and Mdm2 cKO mice display increased cementocyte apoptosis and reduced cellular cementum volume. p53, the canonical substrate of Mdm2, was accumulated and hyperactivated in the cementocytes of Mdm2 cKO mice and in cultured IDG-CM6 cells (a cementocyte cell line) treated with Nutlin3a, an inhibitor of Mdm2. Further experiments showed that inactivation of one allele of p53 significantly rescued the increased cementocyte apoptosis and the decreased cellular cementum volume in Mdm2 cKO mice. Therefore, p53 is targeted by Mdm2 for degradation and mediates the role of Mdm2 in cementocyte survival and cellular cementum volume. Notably, Mdm2 cKO mice exhibited decreased differentiation of cementoblasts (the cell type primarily responsible for cementum deposition) and reduced rate of cellular cementum deposition. Meanwhile, OCCM-30 cells (a cementoblast cell line) showed diminished migration, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization ability after culture with conditioned medium (CM) from Nutlin3a-pretreated IDG-CM6 cells. Intriguingly, Mdm2 cKO mice displayed significantly increased osteoclast formation and cementum resorption. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments verified that CM from Nutlin3a-pretreated IDG-CM6 cells induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow macrophages. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Mdm2-mediated degradation of p53 promotes cementocyte survival, and that cementocytes affect the cell behaviors of cementoblasts and osteoclasts through a paracrine mode to modulate cellular cementum volume.
Clinical significance of 4 L lymphadenectomy in solid dominant clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer in the left upper lobe
Authors: Watanabe Yukio , Hattori Aritoshi , Fukui Mariko , Matsunaga Takeshi , Takamochi Kazuya , Suzuki Kenji
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The significance of station 4 L lymph node dissection (LND) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown.

Methods

We evaluated 342 patients who underwent complete anatomical resection and mediastinal LND for radiologically solid dominant clinical (c)-Stage I left upper lobe NSCLC between 2008 and 2022. Solid dominant was defined as a consolidation tumor ratio >0.5, on thin-section computed tomography. After matching, postoperative complications and outcomes between the 4 L LND and non-4 L LND groups were compared. Predictors of 4 L metastasis was also identified using logistic regression analysis.

Results

4LND was performed in 215 patients (63%), and 4 L metastasis was detected in 11 patients. Matching yielded 108 pairs. Recurrent nerve paralysis was more frequent in the 4LND group (P = 0.02) with no significant differences in the overall survival (OS) (5y OS: 85.2% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.66) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (5y RFS: 78.4% vs. 78.5%, P = 0.51) between the 4 L LND and non-4 L LND groups. Logistic regression analysis determined solid component size >20 mm (P = 0.02) and pleural indentation (P = 0.02) on computed tomography findings as clinical risk factors for 4 L metastasis. The predictive criteria for 4 L metastasis were defined as solid component size ≤20 mm without pleural indentation (specificity: 100%, positive predictive value: 100%).

Conclusions

4 L LND had a higher frequency of recurrent nerve palsy, although no survival improvement was observed in solid dominant c-Stage I left upper NSCLC. 4 L LND may be omitted for solid component size ≤20 mm without pleural indentation.
Jump Risk Implicit in Options Market
Authors: Chen Qiang , Han Yu , Huang Ying , Jiang George J
Published: February 2025

We propose a simple procedure to recover (semi-)moments and cumulants from option data. We further derive jump risk measures based on a general asset return model with double-exponential jumps. Numerical and empirical results show that our jump variation measures outperform existing measures under specific conditions. Using return and option data on the S&P 500 index, we examine the information content of our measures, with a focus on large jumps (LJ). Our measures contribute to market realized variance and excess return prediction suggested by in- and out-of-sample tests. Accounting for LJ identified by jump variation improves market return forecast, implying a distinct impact of large and non-LJ.
CD73 promotes the maturation of murine NK cells and their survival in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Parra-Tello Brian , García-Gómez Moira , Rekus-Polanska Eva , Malgue Felipe , Charlín Sebastián , Hernández-Oliveras Andrés , Reyes-Alvarez Javiera , Rosemblatt Mario , Lundqvist Andreas , Lladser Alvaro , Bono María Rosa , Sauma Daniela
Published: February 2025

Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial in recognizing and eliminating tumor cells, making them pivotal in antitumor responses. Adenosine, the product of ATP hydrolysis mediated by CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases, has been reported to reduce the proliferation and maturation of NK cells. In this study, we investigate the expression of CD73 in NK cells and its impact on maturation, phenotype, survival, and function. Our findings reveal that while splenic NK cells express minimal levels of CD73, its expression is induced upon activation and in the tumor microenvironment upon adoptive transfer to tumor-bearing mice. Notably, within the tumor microenvironment, CD73 expression in NK cells correlates with elevated levels of PD-L1 and CD226. Accordingly, analysis of human melanoma datasets uncovers a subset of immature tumor-infiltrating NK cells expressing CD73. To further understand the role of CD73 on NK cells, we used a CD73 knockout (KO) murine model and observed that CD73-deficient NK cells display a more immature phenotype and heightened proliferative activity than wild-type (WT) NK cells. Additionally, CD73-deficient NK cells exhibit elevated levels of P2X7R and reduced CD39 expression, suggesting an increased susceptibility to ATP-induced death. Following adoptive transfer to tumor-bearing mice, CD73KO NK cells are present at a lower frequency but demonstrate similar control over tumor growth compared to WT NK cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the upregulation of CD73 in NK cells infiltrating tumors and underscores its role as a checkpoint regulating the functional maturation of NK cells.
‘Dwelling’ as an educational concept
Authors: Nardo Aline
Published: February 2025

This article explores an educational philosophy centred around the notion of ‘dwelling’. Building on the analysis of Heidegger, Roth, Dewey, Emerson, and Haraway, the article reflects on how ‘dwelling’ foregrounds a certain quality of engagement with the present as the focal point of educational theory and practice. To this end, it considers how the concept of ‘dwelling’ can contribute to the development of present-oriented theoretical perspectives in education. In particular, the article seeks to explore the potential of ‘dwelling’ to offer a non-individualistic notion of ‘being present’ in the context of education, with special emphasis on the question of how ‘being present’ might be understood in community with others who are fundamentally different from us. Additionally, drawing from Roth’s example of a science education oriented towards ‘rooting’, and Murdoch’s thinking around ‘unselfing’ through aesthetic experience, the article contemplates how ‘dwelling’ might be cultivated in and through education.
Culture studies of phytoplankton isolated from Sumiling Dam and their bioremediation capacity in aquaculture wastewater
Authors: Balisacan Lynette G , Franco Prima Fe R , Aguinaldo Henedine A , Batuyong Mae Ann R , Hernando-Pagaling Alice Geraldine
Published: February 2025

Sumiling Dam in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, is home to diverse phytoplankton species. This study aims to isolate and identify phytoplankton species, optimize the cultivation of one phytoplankton under varying light, pH, and temperature conditions, and assess its bioremediation capacity in aquaculture wastewater. Three stations were set up at the site, each with three sampling points spaced 3–5 m apart. From each point, 300 ml of water was collected using standard procedures and transported to the lab for phytoplankton identification. Samples were incubated in algae culture broth for 14 days, streak-plated for isolation, and cultured under light. Microscope examination was used to characterize phytoplankton species, and the identification was verified by a professional. Ten phytoplankton species were identified, with Haematococcus sp. selected for wastewater bioremediation due to its optimal growth under specific conditions (81 µmol m−2 s−1, pH 9, 25°C ± 2°C). Experiments showed that Haematococcus sp. significantly reduced nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater over 7–14 days, with Treatment 3 (1000 mg/l) achieving the highest growth, chlorophyll, and nitrogen reduction, while Treatment 2 (750 mg/l) excelled in phosphorus removal. These results underscore phytoplankton’s potential for sustainable, large-scale wastewater bioremediation.
Global Least Squares Algorithm for 3D Elemental Surface Topography Reconstruction Using Quad-Segment Detector in X-ray Spectrometry
Authors: Gholami Hatam Ebrahim , Pelicon Primož
Published: February 2025

2D elemental imaging techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) and micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) play a critical role in elemental mapping across diverse fields such as biology, geology, materials science, and engineering. However, surface irregularities often introduce shadow effects, hindering accurate spectrometric analysis. Knowing the topography information is essential for addressing this issue. Here, we propose integrating a global least squares algorithm for reconstructing the 3D surface topography in micro-PIXE analysis which is applicable in other similar techniques based on X-ray microscopy. This algorithm utilizes two independent gradient components, distorted by noise, to calculate the gradient vector from X-ray data acquired by an annular quad-segment spectrometer. We demonstrate the capability of this approach on a real homogeneous sample, yielding 3D elemental surface topography. This noniterative code provides surface reconstructions which in turn could find application to enhance the correction of spatial elemental distributions across heterogeneous sample types.
Drug-resistance genes and antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton verrucosum variants isolated from bovine skin lesions and farm environments
Authors: Lee Han Gyu , Jung Young-Hun , Cho Ara , Do Yoon Jung , Bok Eun-Young , Oem Jae Ku , Hur Tai-Young
Published: February 2025

Trichophyton verrucosum causes a highly contagious disease in bovines and is occasionally transmitted to humans. Azoles are widely used as antifungal drugs in bovines, and act by targeting the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. However, cases of treatment failure and recurrence of dermatophyte infections have been associated with mutations at the drug target site. Currently, information on T. verrucosum variants is lacking. This study aimed to classify T. verrucosum variants isolated from animals exhibiting clinical symptoms and cattle environments in the Republic of Korea based on their antifungal susceptibility and the presence or absence of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) and subtilisin genes. Of 139 clinical and 39 environmental samples, 86 and 21 were found to be infected, respectively. The positivity rate of calves aged 1–6 months was 73.1%, which was significantly higher than that of calves aged >6 months (55.2%). Twenty-seven T. verrucosum strains were identified as T. album (n = 9), T. ochraceum (n = 6), and T. discoides (n = 12). Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that enilconazole had the lowest geometric mean antifungal activity of 1.08, 1, and 0.94 µg/ml against T. album, T. ochraceum, and T. discoides, respectively. The detection ratios of ERG3 and ERG6 differed significantly among the three variants. In conclusion, our study suggests conducting sample cultures and antifungal susceptibility tests on isolates before administering antifungal drugs. Moreover, the expression profile of ERG appears to have a potential link to drug susceptibility. This information may contribute to the prevention and management of dermatophytosis in cattle.
Photometric and spectroscopic studies of six W UMa-type eclipsing binaries
Authors: Zhang Bin , Gao Yi-Dan , Li Kai , Wang Jing-Jing , Zhang Xu-Dong , Xiao Wen-Jun
Published: February 2025

We performed new photometric and spectroscopic studies on six W UMa-type eclipsing binaries (V342 UMa, LX Leo, V1062 Her, V801 And, 1SWASP J165649.13+402738.4, and V1067 Her). From orbital period analysis, V342 UMa and LX Leo show continuous period decrease with a rate of −2.11($\pm$0.06) $\times$ 10$^{-7}$ and −6.02$(\pm 0.13)$ × 10$^{-8}$ d yr$^{-1}$, respectively. Another four targets show cyclic variation, which could be caused by the light-travel-time effect via the third body. In addition, using the spectral subtraction technique, we analysed the low-resolution Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) spectra of the five objects and detected the ${\rm{H}} \, {\alpha }$ emission line, which implies chromospheric activity. In addition, the light curves of these systems show an obvious O’Connell effect. Using the Wilson–Devinney code, we also obtained their photometric solutions. It is suggested that V1067 Her is a medium contact binary; others are shallow contact eclipsing binary systems. Based on photometric solutions, Gaia and LAMOST data, we calculated the absolute parameters of these targets. We also discussed their evolutionary status and found that these targets are stable for the moment. The third body may play an important role in the formation and evolution of these short-period eclipsing binaries.
Mining the time axis with TRON – II. MeerKAT detects a stellar radio flare from a distant RS CVn candidate
Authors: Smirnov O M , Golden A , Myburgh T , Ngcebetsha B , Tasse C , Heywood I , Ramaila A J T , Thompson M A , Kenyon J S , Perkins S J , Dawson J , Bester H L , Bright J S , Oozeer N , Samboco V G G , Sihlangu I , Choza C
Published: February 2025

Medium-time-scale (minutes to hours) radio transients are a relatively unexplored population. The wide field-of-view and high instantaneous sensitivity of instruments such as MeerKAT provides an opportunity to probe this class of sources, using image-plane detection techniques. The previous letter in this series describes our project and associated Transient Radio Observations for Newbies (TRON) pipeline designed to mine archival MeerKAT data for transient and variable sources. In this letter, we report on a new transient, a radio flare, associated with Gaia DR3 6865945581361480448, a G type star, whose parallax places it at a distance of 1330 pc. Its duration and high degree of circular polarization suggests electron cyclotron maser instability as the mechanism, consistent with an RS CVn variable.
Combinatorial In Vivo Genome Editing Identifies Widespread Epistasis and an Accessible Fitness Landscape During Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Hebert Jess D , Tang Yuning J , Szamecz Márton , Andrejka Laura , Lopez Steven S , Petrov Dmitri A , Boross Gábor , Winslow Monte M
Published: February 2025

Lung adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer, is genomically complex, with tumors containing tens to hundreds of non-synonymous mutations. However, little is understood about how genes interact with each other to enable the evolution of cancer in vivo, largely due to a lack of methods for investigating genetic interactions in a high-throughput and quantitative manner. Here, we employed a novel platform to generate tumors with inactivation of pairs of ten diverse tumor suppressor genes within an autochthonous mouse model of oncogenic KRAS-driven lung cancer. By quantifying the fitness of tumors with every single and double mutant genotype, we show that most tumor suppressor genetic interactions exhibited negative epistasis, with diminishing returns on tumor fitness. In contrast, Apc inactivation showed positive epistasis with the inactivation of several other genes, including synergistic effects on tumor fitness in combination with Lkb1 or Nf1 inactivation. Sign epistasis was extremely rare, suggesting a surprisingly accessible fitness landscape during lung tumorigenesis. These findings expand our understanding of the interactions that drive tumorigenesis in vivo.
Different Classifier Types in One Language
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y
Published: February 2025

Several distinct classifier types may coexist in one language. The cooccurrence of different classifier systems in different morphosyntactic environments constitutes a strong argument in favour of the proposed typology of classifiers based on the morphosyntactic locus of coding of noun categorization devices (together with their scope of categorization, principles of assignment, and the kind of surface realization: see §1.5).
Noun Categorization Devices in Language Acquisition and Dissolution
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y
Published: February 2025

The behaviour of noun categorization devices in child language acquisition and language development, as well as in language dissolution, provides important clues as to how such devices are assigned, what the categorical interrelations between them are, and which of them is the most stable. It also provides us with information on the psycholinguistic reality of the assignment of noun categorization devices. In this chapter, we consider language acquisition, development, and dissolution of two kinds of noun categorization device, noun classes and numeral classifiers. We have to restrict ourselves to the discussion of just these two because of the limitations of actual psycholinguistic research undertaken thus far. No experiments have been undertaken on language acquisition or dissolution of other classifier types, or of how these processes take place in multiple classifier systems. These are topics for future study.
RF-EMF electromagnetic environment IN the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Lahham Adnan , Alkhatib Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

With the increase in the distribution of sources of electromagnetic fields in the environment, public exposure to non-ionizing radiation emitted from these sources will increase and change with time. This work aims at the evaluation of public exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the West Bank and compares this exposure with previous studies with a time interval difference of 11 years. Measurements of exposure were conducted in the outdoor environment in 149 locations using tri-axial E-field frequency-selective personal exposure meter EME SPY 140 enabling measurements of electric field strength in 14 predefined frequency bands in the range from 80 to 6 GHz. The average field strength from all sources in all investigated locations was 1.4 Vm−1. The maximum exposure measured at any location in the country was 7.43 Vm−1 and was found in Ramallah City center. The exposure quotient corresponding to this value was about 19 times below unity. The total exposure quotient for all locations was 0.001 with FM broadcasting being the main contributor by about 36%, UMTS2100 downlink by 24%, GSM 900 downlink contributing by 17%, WiFi 5GHz by 9% GSM 1800 downlink by 5%. Seven other RF sources contributed together by only 9% including WiMax, TV, WiFi 2 GHz, and others. More than 90% of the electric field strength values were below the level of 3 Vm−1. Within 11 years the average total exposure coefficient increased by a factor of about 2.
Aberrant Functional Connectivity and Brain Network Organization in High-Schizotypy Individuals: An Electroencephalography Study
Authors: Trajkovic Jelena , Ricci Giulia , Pirazzini Gabriele , Tarasi Luca , Di Gregorio Francesco , Magosso Elisa , Ursino Mauro , Romei Vincenzo
Published: February 2025

Background and Hypothesis

Oscillatory synchrony plays a crucial role in establishing functional connectivity across distinct brain regions. Within the realm of schizophrenia, suggested to be a neuropsychiatric disconnection syndrome, discernible aberrations arise in the organization of brain networks. We aim to investigate whether the resting-state functional network is already altered in healthy individuals with high schizotypy traits, highlighting the pivotal influence of brain rhythms in driving brain network alterations.

Study Design

Two-minute resting-state electroencephalography recordings were conducted on healthy participants with low and high schizotypy scores. Subsequently, spectral Granger causality was used to compute functional connectivity in theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands, and graph theory metrics were employed to assess global and local brain network features.

Study Results

Results highlighted that high-schizotypy individuals exhibit a lower local efficiency in theta and alpha frequencies and a decreased global efficiency across theta, alpha, and beta frequencies. Moreover, high schizotypy is characterized by a lower nodes’ centrality and a frequency-specific decrease of functional connectivity, with a reduced top-down connectivity mostly in slower frequencies and a diminished bottom-up connectivity in faster rhythms.

Conclusions

These results show that healthy individuals with a higher risk of developing psychosis exhibit a less efficient functional brain organization, coupled with a systematic decrease in functional connectivity impacting both bottom-up and top-down processing. These frequency-specific network alterations provide robust support for the dimensional model of schizophrenia, highlighting distinctive neurophysiological signatures in high-schizotypy individuals.
Effect of Pimecrolimus on apoptotic pathways in H2O2-treated neuron like differentiated-SH-SY5Y cells: a molecular docking and mechanistic study
Authors: Kocanci Fatma Gonca
Published: February 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are marked by progressive neuronal loss, driven largely by oxidative stress and apoptosis. Developing neuroprotective strategies to counteract these processes is critical for managing such disorders. This study explores the neuroprotective effects of pimecrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, in mitigating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity in neuron-like differentiated SH-SY5Y (d-SH-SY5Y) cells. The investigation focuses on apoptosis modulation, cell viability, and molecular docking interactions with apoptotic proteins.

SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated with retinoic acid and treated with H₂O₂ (250 μM) alone or in combination with pimecrolimus (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells following the treatment conditions. Molecular docking analyses evaluated pimecrolimus’ interactions with bax, bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-8 proteins, using Venetoclax as a positive control. Apoptosis-related protein levels were analyzed via ELISA, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence staining (cleaved caspase-3 and DAPI).

Molecular docking showed strong binding of pimecrolimus to bax, bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-8, with comparable binding energies to Venetoclax. LDH and MDA assays demonstrated significant reductions in H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity with pimecrolimus. ELISA and qRT-PCR revealed that H₂O₂ increased pro-apoptotic bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels while decreasing anti-apoptotic bcl-2 levels. Pimecrolimus co-treatment reversed these effects in a dose-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence confirmed reduced apoptosis and cell death with pimecrolimus.

Pimecrolimus effectively mitigates oxidative stress and apoptosis in H₂O₂-treated d-SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest its potential as a neuroprotective agent for managing (NDs).
Distribution of perfluorooctanoic acid in exposed female postpubertal pigs in thermal neutral or heat-stressed conditions
Authors: Good Samantha L , Antwi-Boasiako Collins , González-Alvarez M Estefanía , Buol Bridget M , Baumgard Lance H , Keating Aileen F , Charbonnet Joseph A
Published: February 2025

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a legacy perfluoroalkyl substance with immuno- and repro-toxicant effects, has poorly characterized bioaccumulation and distribution patterns in postpubertal female pigs. The potential for heat stress (HS) to influence PFOA partitioning, potentially through intestinal hyperpermeability and alterations in systemic blood flow, also warrants investigation. This study investigated PFOA uptake, accumulation, and distribution in thermal neutral (TN) and heat-stressed gilts. Pigs (n = 48) were estrus synchronized and experienced TN (20 °C) or HS (26.6 to 32.2 °C) conditions during which they consumed 70 ng/kg bodyweight PFOA via cookie dough as vehicle control daily. Plasma was collected on d 1, 15, and 20. Liver, ovary, and follicular fluid were collected at euthanasia (d 20). Post-exposure, PFOA was detected in serum, liver, ovary, and follicular fluid. HS increased (P < 0.05) plasma PFOA compared with TN pigs on d 15, but on d 20, plasma PFOA levels in TN and HS pigs were similar. Liver PFOA concentrations were similar between TN and HS pigs. Ovarian PFOA levels tended (P = 0.06) to be higher in TN relative to HS pigs, with an opposing pattern in follicular fluid, in which PFOA concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in HS pigs. These findings suggest that PFOA apportions to plasma, liver, ovary, and follicular fluid of exposed pigs and that HS alters PFOA distribution, which could negatively impact reproductive health. This study underscores the need to consider the interaction of HS and toxicant exposure in environmental health risk assessments.
Physiological adjustments of temperate tree species and herbs in response to low root temperatures
Authors: Li Yating , Hoch Guenter
Published: February 2025

Hydraulic constraints induced by low root temperature might be a major cause for the low temperature limit of plants. However, up to date most of our knowledge on the physiological effects of low root temperatures derived from short-term lab experiments, with very limited information on potential adjustments to continuous low temperature stress.

In this study, we quantified the cold sensitivity of root water uptake and transport to leaves in seedlings of different functional plant types (conifers, broadleaved trees and annual herbs) by 2H-H2O labelling after exposure to three constant root temperatures (15°C, 7°C and 2°C) but the same higher aboveground temperatures (between 20-25 °C). We investigated changes in the cold sensitivity of roots after 0, 10 and 20-days prolonged exposure to the respective root temperatures.

Plant water uptake and transport was decreased by lowered root temperature in all species, with a stronger effect at 2°C compared to 7°C. The water uptake and transport capacity of tree species gradually declined over the 20-day treatment, while the two investigated herbs exhibited immediately strong decreases that were kept at the same low level throughout the entire experiment time. The speed of the water uptake reduction across the 20 days observation period differed among the tree species and was faster in species that reach their natural upper distribution limits at lower elevations compared to species that occur at subalpine regions. The restricted root water uptake and transport was accompanied by reductions in leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and growth.

Overall, our study showed increasingly reduced capacity for water uptake and transport across functional plant groups at continuous cold root conditions. This result might indicate accumulative negative effects on cell membrane permeability for water in roots, or a controlled reduction of root water conductivity of temperate trees in preparation for winter dormancy.
Identification of a Key Gain-of-Function Residue for Effector Binding by In Vitro Shuffling of Barley Mla NLR Genes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Dagvadorj Bayantes , Gao Jialing , Molloy Lucy M. , Crean Lauren M. , Williams Simon J. , Rathjen John P.
Published: February 2025

Natural plant populations maintain high resistance (R) gene diversities that provide effective pathogen resistance; however, agricultural crops typically contain limited R gene diversity so resistance is often short-lived as pathogens evolve rapidly to evade recognition. The Mildew resistance locus A (Mla) R gene family of barley and wheat represents a rich source of natural genetic variation that is ideal for mining disease resistance specificities. Mla R genes encode immune receptor proteins of the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) class that recognise unrelated plant pathogens by binding secreted virulence proteins termed effectors. Using DNA shuffling, we generated a variant library by recombining the barley Mla7 and Mla13 genes in vitro. The variant library was cloned into yeast generating ~4,000 independent clones and was screened for interaction with corresponding barley powdery mildew effectors AVRA13 and AVRA7 using a yeast-two-hybrid assay. This yielded a number of MLA protein variants that interacted with AVRA13. Sequences of the interacting MLA variants can be clustered into three groups, all of which contain a critical residue from MLA13. While MLA13 and MLA7 differ by 30 residues across the LRR domain, the replacement of leucine to serine at this position in MLA7 is necessary and sufficient for interaction with AVRA13 in yeast and AVRA13-dependent immune signalling in planta. We have established a pipeline that evolves MLAs to recognise distinct pathogen effectors without the requirement for protein structural knowledge and the use of rational design. We suggest these findings represent a step towards evolving novel recognition capabilities rapidly in vitro.