bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRF12 specifically regulates the flowering time of Arabidopsis thaliana under non‐inductive conditions
Authors: Li Xia , Fang Siyu , Chen Wanqin , Liu Siyuan , Zhao Lirong , Xu Zhiyu , Chen Shidie , Liu Yunwei , Du Yang , Deng Luyao , Liu Lei , Wang Ting , Li Pingping , Zhu Yi , Yu Diqiu , Wang Houping
Published: February 2025

The flowering time of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant, is significantly accelerated when exposed to long‐day (LD) conditions, as it is a typical LD plant. Consequently, the investigation of the flowering regulatory network in A. thaliana under LD conditions has garnered considerable attention in the study of flowering signals, resulting in a significant breakthrough. While many LD plants, including A. thaliana, exhibit delayed flowering under non‐inductive short‐day (SD) conditions, they are still capable of flowering. Nevertheless, research on the regulation of flowering induction in LD plants under non‐inductive SD conditions has been limited. This study demonstrated the involvement of CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTORS 12 (CRF12) in the regulation of flowering in A. thaliana under non‐inductive conditions. Analysis of the expression patterns revealed that the activation of CRF12 expression and protein stability occurred exclusively in non‐inductive environments. Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that under a non‐inductive photoperiod of 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness, CRF12, CONSTANS (CO), and TARGET OF EAT 1/2 (TOE1/2) engage in competitive interactions to regulate flowering time, while in a SD photoperiod of 8 h of light and 16 h of darkness, CRF12 modulates flowering time by inhibiting the activity of TOE1/2.
Water footprint concept, approaches, and applications: A comprehensive review for the agricultural sector
Authors: Demir Muhammed Sungur , Muratoglu Abdullah
Published: February 2025

Water footprint (WF) assessment has emerged as a vital tool for understanding and managing agricultural water consumption amid increasing water scarcity. This review synthesizes current knowledge and methodological developments in agricultural WF research, examining both volumetric and Life Cycle Assessment approaches. We analyze key methodological challenges, including water component differentiation, effective precipitation estimation, and calculation standardization across spatial scales. Recent trends show a shift from global assessments toward regional analyses, enabling precise water management strategies. The review evaluates WF reduction methods, demonstrating that optimized crop patterns and improved agricultural practices can significantly reduce water consumption. Integration of hydrological models with WF assessments shows promise for improving accuracy. Climate change, with varying regional impacts, emerges as a critical factor influencing future WF calculations. While WF methodology offers valuable insights for sustainable water management, its practical application requires careful consideration of regional contexts and limitations.
Understanding the Effect of a Changing Climate on the Re‐Emergence of Mosquito‐Borne Diseases in Vulnerable Small Island Nations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Teeluck Mohabeer , Adegboye Oyelola , Karl Stephan , Iyaloo Diana P. , McBryde Emma
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Drastic changes in meteorological variables due to climate change will likely have an implication on the proliferation of vectors such as mosquitoes. Extreme weather events may therefore promote the emergence/re‐emergence of mosquito‐borne diseases (MBDs) and potentiate the risk of endemicity, particularly, in small island nations.

Method

A systematic review was chosen to methodically ascertain the knowledge gaps that exist in determining the influence of the changing climate on MBDs in small islands with vulnerable public health systems. This review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Following extraction of 600 articles from the databases, 16 studies were determined to meet the selection criteria. The majority of these research papers were from Sri Lanka (n = 9) while the remaining articles were distributed between islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Several of these studies used regression modelling techniques to discuss the effect of multiple meteorological variables on the incidence of MBDs. A positive relationship was observed between temperature and the relative risk of MBDs in 72% of the papers. Rainfall enhanced dengue transmission in 84% of the studies included. All the articles discussing the effect of humidity illustrated a similar trend while wind speed was the only climatic variable demonstrating a negative relationship with MBDs.

Discussion

Considering the intricate nature of the non‐linear exposure–response link is crucial when estimating the lagged effect of the changing climate on MBDs transmission. Other challenges associated with bias and confounders in the selected studies as well as meteorological data accessibility, were highlighted. Therefore, it was not possible to conclusively establish that the changing climatic variables do influence the spread of MBDs which accentuated the need for conducting further studies to illustrate the effect of changing weather variables on the incidence of MBDs, with an emphasis on vulnerable small island nations.
Head form variation in mountain newts of the genus Calotriton (Amphibia, Salamandridae) in a phylogeographic context
Authors: García‐Salmerón Alejandro , Muñoz‐Muñoz Francesc , Soler‐Membrives Anna , Valbuena‐Ureña Emilio
Published: February 2025

Relief has a profound impact on the genetic structure of species. While the geographic ordination of genetic variation is assessed in many mountain species, the factors involved in phenotypic differentiation and its congruence with phylogeographic history have been largely underexplored. This is the case of the genus Calotriton. Here we use a protocol that allows the study, through geometric morphometrics, of the shape of the head of live animals in situ with the aim of obtaining information on the factors involved in morphological differentiation. To this end, we assess the general pattern of head shape variation in the two species of the genus Calotriton and evaluate its congruence with genetic and geographic structures. The results indicate that differences in head size and shape occur both between and within species. The degree of differentiation between species is congruent with the absence of hybridization and the precise pattern of change suggests that differences in head form could be, at least in part, adaptive. Sexual dimorphism in head size and shape was similar in both species, with males having bigger and more robust heads than females. Geographic variation in head shape and size was congruent with the phylogeographic pattern, but not with divergence times, especially within C. asper. This, together with the high divergence detected between some close populations and the convergence of distant populations, suggests that adaptation to local environments, as well as plastic and/or stochastic factors, are occurring. Our results let us to conclude that the procedure here employed is suitable for detecting head form variation at inter and intraspecific levels.
Turning over new ideas in human skeletal muscle proteostasis: What do we know and where to from here?
Authors: Lim Changhyun , McKendry James , Lees Matthew , Atherton Philip J. , Burd Nicholas A. , Holwerda Andrew M. , van Loon Luc J. C. , McGlory Chris , Mitchell Cameron J. , Smith Kenneth , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Stokes Tanner , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: February 2025

Understanding the turnover of proteins in tissues gives information as to how external stimuli result in phenotypic change. Nowhere is such phenotypic change more conspicuous than skeletal muscle, which can be effectively remodelled by increased loading, ageing and unloading (disuse), all of which are subject to modification by nutrition and other environmental stimuli. The understanding of muscle proteome remodelling has undergone a renaissance recently with the reintroduction of deuterated water (D2O) and its ingestion to label amino acids and measure their incorporation into proteins. However, there is confusion around the use of the deuterated water methodology and the interpretation of the data it provides. Here, we provide a short review of some of the more salient features of the method and clarify some of the confusion around the method of deuterated water methods and its use in humans and how the interpretation of the data is in contrast to that of rodents.
Model-informed dose optimization for prophylactic piperacillin-tazobactam in perioperative pediatric critically ill patients
Authors: Tan Wen Rui , Irie Kei , McIntire Carter , Torres Julie Luna , Jones Rhonda , Gibson Abigayle , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Tang Girdwood Sonya
Published: February 2025

Piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) is frequently prescribed during the perioperative period as prophylaxis in critically ill patients. Current international guidelines recommend that the pediatric intraoperative dosing regimen for PTZ be 90–112.5 mg/kg (80–100 mg/kg as piperacillin [PIP]) administered every 2 hours (Q2H). Concerns have been raised not only about the risk of nephrotoxicity due to elevated PIP exposure but also regarding the practicality of adhering to a 2-h dosing interval in clinical settings. To address these concerns, we employed population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling and simulation approaches to optimize PTZ dosing regimens in pediatric intraoperative patients. PIP plasma concentration data were obtained from 34 patients using an opportunistic sampling strategy. A two-compartment model was found to adequately describe the PK data. Creatinine clearance was identified as a significant covariate on clearance. The inclusion of inter-occasion variability significantly improved model fit. Simulations across body weights of 10–70 kg and creatinine clearance of 20–130 mL/min/1.73 m
2
demonstrated that 6–15 mg/kg Q2H, or a 10 mg/kg loading dose followed by 1.0–2.75 mg/kg/h continuous infusion would achieve free PIP concentrations being above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 100% of the dosing interval (100%
f
T >1× MIC). For achieving 100%
f
T >4× MIC, 25–55 mg/kg Q2H or a 20 mg/kg loading dose followed by 3.25–9.25 mg/kg/h continuous infusion was derived. The model-informed simulations indicated that both lower Q2H doses and continuous infusion methods are clinically viable options and potentially resolve current clinical challenges during intraoperative dosing.
Bumble bee gut microbial community structure differs between species and commercial suppliers, but metabolic potential remains largely consistent
Authors: Hotchkiss Michelle Z. , Poulain Alexandre J. , Forrest Jessica R. K.
Published: February 2025

Bumble bees are key pollinators for natural and agricultural plant communities. Their health and performance are supported by a core gut microbiota composed of a few bacterial taxa. However, the taxonomic composition and community structure of bumble bee gut microbiotas can vary with bee species, environment, and origin (i.e., whether colonies come from the wild or a commercial rearing facility), and it is unclear whether metabolic capabilities therefore vary as well. Here we used metagenomic sequencing to examine gut microbiota community composition, structure, and metabolic potential across bumble bees from two different commercial
Bombus impatiens
suppliers, wild
B. impatiens
, and three other wild bumble bee species sampled from sites within the native range of all four species. We found that the community structure of gut microbiotas varied between bumble bee species, between populations from different origins within species, and between commercial suppliers. Notably, we found that
Apibacter
is consistently present in some wild bumble bee species—suggesting it may be a previously unrecognized core phylotype of bumble bees—and that commercial
B. impatiens
colonies can lack core phylotypes consistently found in wild populations. However, despite variation in community structure, the high-level metabolic potential of gut microbiotas was largely consistent across all hosts, including for metabolic capabilities related to host performance, though metabolic activity remains to be investigated.

IMPORTANCE

Our study is the first to compare genome-level taxonomic structure and metabolic potential of whole bumble bee gut microbiotas between commercial suppliers and between commercial and wild populations. In addition, we profiled the full gut microbiotas of three wild bumble bee species for the first time. Overall, our results provide new insight into bumble bee gut microbiota community structure and function and will help researchers evaluate how well studies conducted in one bumble bee population will translate to other populations and species. Research on taxonomic and metabolic variation in bumble bee gut microbiotas across species and origins is of increasing relevance as we continue to discover new ways that social bee gut microbiotas influence host health, and as some bumble bee species decline in range and abundance.
Conformational activation and disulfide exchange in HIV-1 Env induce cell-free lytic/fusogenic transformation and enhance infection
Authors: Ang Charles G. , Hyatt Nadia L. , Le Minh Giang , Gupta Monisha , Kadam Manali , Hogg Philip J. , Smith Amos B. , Chaiken Irwin M.
Published: February 2025

Disulfide exchange is underexplored as a mechanism influencing HIV-1 entry. Prior studies demonstrated that redox enzyme inhibition can prevent HIV-1 infection but with limited mechanistic explanation. We hypothesize that ligand-driven rearrangement (“conformational activation”) enables enzyme-mediated disulfide exchange in Env residues (“disulfide trigger”) that promotes fusion transformations, enhancing virus entry. We tested soluble CD4 and CD4-binding site entry inhibitors as conformational activators and the ubiquitous redox enzyme thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) as disulfide trigger. We found that combination treatment caused fusion-like Env transformation and pseudovirus lysis, independent of cells. Notably, only compounds associated with gp120 shedding caused lysis when paired with Trx1. In each case, lysis was prevented by adding the fusion inhibitor T20, demonstrating that six-helix bundle formation is required as in virus–cell fusion. In contrast to conformationally activating ligands, neither the ground state stabilizer BMS-806 with Trx1 nor Trx1 alone caused lysis. Order of addition experiments reinforced conformational activation/disulfide trigger as a sequential process, with virus/activator preincubation transiently enhancing lysis and virus/Trx1 preincubation reducing lysis. Lastly, addition of exogenous Trx1 to typical pseudovirus infections exhibited dose-dependent enhancement of infection. Altogether, these data support conformational activation and disulfide triggering as a mechanism that can induce and enhance the fusogenic transformation of Env.

IMPORTANCE

HIV remains a global epidemic despite effective anti-retroviral therapies (ART) that suppress viral replication. Damage from early-stage infection and immune cell depletion lingers, as ART enables only partial immune system recovery, making prevention of initial virus entry preferable. In this study, we investigate disulfide exchange and its facilitating conformational rearrangements as underexplored, but critical, events in the HIV entry process. The HIV envelope (Env) protein effects cell entry by conformational rearrangement and pore formation upon interaction with immune cell surface proteins, but this transformation can be induced by Env’s conformational activation and disulfide exchange by redox enzymes, which then integrates into established processes of HIV entry. The significance of this research is in identifying Env’s conformational activation as a mechanistic requirement for initiating fusion by triggering disulfide exchange. This will aid the development of novel preventative strategies against HIV entry, particularly in the context of HIV-enhanced inflammation and comorbidities with redox mechanisms.
Complete genome sequences of three
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages of the genus
Phikmvvirus
Authors: Peters Tracey L. , Kirillina Olga A. , Georges Martin O. , Margulieux Katie R. , Burke Kevin A. , Mzhavia Nino , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Musila Lillian A. , Filippov Andrey A. , Nikolich Mikeljon P.
Published: February 2025

We describe the genomes of three lytic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages of the genus
Phikmvvirus
. The genomes of phages vB_Pae4841-AFR43, vB_Pae10145-KEN1, and vB_Pae9718-KEN10 consist of 43,426, 43,406, and 43,118 bp, with 62.4%, 62.3%, and 62.2% GC content, contain 63, 66, and 64 coding sequences, respectively, and no tRNA genes.
Identification of
Elizabethkingia
species by MALDI-TOF MS proteotyping
Authors: Takei Satomi , Teramoto Kanae , Sekiguchi Yuji , Miida Takashi , Kirikae Teruo , Tada Tatsuya , Tabe Yoko
Published: February 2025

Elizabethkingia
species, isolated from clinical and environmental samples, are emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens with a high mortality rate in clinical settings worldwide. Taxonomically,
Elizabethkingia
comprises seven species:
E. anophelis
,
E. argenteiflava
,
E. bruuniana
,
E. meningoseptica
,
E. miricola
,
E. ursingii
, and
E. occulta
. In this study, we identified useful biomarker proteins, including ribosomal L29, L30, S21, and the YtxH domain-containing proteins, for distinguishing
Elizabethkingia
species using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiles. Evaluation of 29 clinical and environmental
Elizabethkingia
strains revealed that these species could be separated by MALDI-TOF MS profiles into six groups
—E. anophelis
,
E. argenteiflava
,
E. bruuniana/E. miricola
,
E. meningoseptica
,
E. ursingii
, and
E. occulta
—based on the four biomarker protein peaks. This study demonstrates the potential of routine MALDI-TOF MS -based examination methods for the early detection of
Elizabethkingia
species in clinical laboratories.

IMPORTANCE

Elizabethkingia
species are groups of emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens with a high mortality rate, causing healthcare-associated outbreaks worldwide. Rapid identification of
Elizabethkingia
species is important becausethese species show intrinsically carbapenem resistance and there are few data for using appropriate antibiotics. Until now, only whole-genome sequencing could accurately identify the seven
Elizabethkingia
species. Therefore, establishing rapid and accurate identification methods for
Elizabethkingia
species in clinical laboratories is vital. In this study, we developed new methods for identifying
Elizabethkingia
species using four biomarker protein peaks-ribosomal L29, L30, S21, and the YtxH domain-containing proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) proteotyping. This study demonstrates the potential of routine MALDI-TOF MS -based laboratory examination for the early identification of
Elizabethkingia
species.
New insights into controlling factors of organic matter enrichment in Carboniferous−Permian shales based on machine learning
Authors: Lin Donglin , Xi Zhaodong , Tang Shuheng , Lash Gary G. , Chen Yang , Zhang Qian , Yang Xiongxiong , Jia Tengfei
Published: February 2025

Shale deposits constitute Earth’s largest and most stable organic carbon reservoir. Organic matter enrichment of fine-grained sediments is paramount for carbon sink research and oil and gas exploration. The Carboniferous to Permian interval, an especially critical period in Earth’s ecosystem evolution that encompassed the late Paleozoic ice age, witnessed widespread accumulation of organic-rich shale. However, the mechanisms driving organic matter enrichment and the role of organic carbon burial as a carbon sink during this period remain contentious. Our study focuses on upper Carboniferous and lower Permian shale deposited on the North China Block (NCB). A total of 370 elemental geochemical datasets were obtained to elucidate paleoenvironmental conditions associated with these deposits. We employed random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms to elucidate the controlling mechanisms of organic matter enrichment during this time period and to offer a quantitative assessment of the magnitude of organic carbon burial. Our results suggest that upper Carboniferous and lower Permian shale accumulated contemporaneous with a dominantly warm, humid climate that experienced episodes of cooler, drier conditions. The water column exhibited low primary surface productivity, oxic-suboxic, saline water conditions, and elevated terrigenous input and sedimentation rates. RF and ANN analysis reveals that paleoclimate was the dominant factor influencing organic matter enrichment of fine-grained sediments during this time. The inferred warm, humid climate not only promoted enhanced organic carbon production but also favored increased delivery of organic matter as a result of increased chemical weathering and associated terrestrial input to the basin. Concurrently, elevated sedimentation rates and the establishment of saline water conditions facilitated enhanced preservation of deposited organic matter. Organic carbon burial associated with accumulation of the upper Carboniferous and lower Permian shale succession of the NCB reached 95.5 × 103 PgC. These deposits appear to have served as a significant carbon sink based on an estimated organic carbon burial rate of shale containing total organic carbon >6% of as great as 65.6 gC/m2/yr. Results of the present study enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle during the Carboniferous to Permian interval and provide guidance for shale gas exploration and development of Carboniferous and Permian shale deposits.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in childhood leukaemia
Authors: Wang Stacie Shiqi , Abbott Rebecca C , Gilsenan Maddie , Duke Trevor , Khaw Seong Lin
Published: February 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a promising form of adoptive cell therapy. This process re-engineers patient-derived T cells to express a hybrid receptor targeting a selected tumour-expressed antigen. CAR T cell therapy directed against the CD19 antigen has been highly successful in haematological malignancies that have failed other therapies, particularly relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). This review focuses on the numerous real-world aspects of treating children with B-ALL with CD19-targeted CAR T cell therapy. We discuss some of the considerations for clinicians including manufacturing time, administration and care of the patient receiving this novel therapy, toxicities and outcomes. We also discuss the therapeutic uncertainty many physicians now face of when to use CAR T cell therapy in the patient journey, especially when haematopoietic stem cell transplant is being considered.
Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis simulating orbital inflammatory disease
Authors: Lee Jackson Chee Chea , Moynihan Verity Grace , Ardakani Nima Mesbah , Gajdatsy Adam Dominic
Published: February 2025

This case report describes an uncommon case of periorbital swelling due to a rare neoplastic condition, a natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, which presented a significant diagnostic challenge. The malignancy was complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis that led to mortality within a month of initial presentation.
Inadequate perinatal asthma control resulting in status asthmaticus requiring ECMO
Authors: Robinson Ashton , Khan Sheena , Shenoy Sachin
Published: February 2025

A case of severe asthma in pregnancy necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and early delivery due to severe intrauterine growth restriction. This case documents the development, management and consequences of status asthmaticus in a pregnant patient with poorly controlled severe asthma.
Decision-making under epistemic, strategic and institutional uncertainty during COVID-19: findings from a six-country empirical study
Authors: Asthana Sumegha , Mukherjee Sanjana , Phelan Alexandra L , Gobir Ibrahim B , Woo JJ , Wenham Clare , Husain Mohammad Mushtuq , Shirin Tahmina , Govender Nevashan , Al Nsour Mohannad , Ukponu Winifred , Ihueze Adachioma Chinonso , Lin Roujia , Asthana Sumit , Mutare Renee Vongai , Standley Claire J
Published: February 2025

Background

Uncertainty is defined as limited knowledge or lack of predictability about past, present or future events. The COVID-19 pandemic management was significantly impacted by uncertainty, as the gaps between existing information and the necessary knowledge hindered decision-making. Current uncertainty literature primarily focuses on natural disasters, leaving a gap in understanding decision-making under uncertainty in times of public health emergencies. Analysing strategies for making decisions under uncertainty during the pandemic is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.

Methods

Using a comparative research design, we study the strategies governments used to make decisions under uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data through desk reviews, stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders from government, academia and civil society from six purposefully selected countries: Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Bangladesh, Jordan and the UK.

Results

Regardless of political, geographic and economic context, all six countries adopted common strategies to make decisions under three types of uncertainties. Decision-making under epistemic uncertainty involved seeking expert advice and collecting evidence from other countries and international organisations. Decision-making under strategic uncertainty involved coordination, collaboration and communication. Decision-making under institutional uncertainty involved using or adapting pre-existing experiences, structures and relationships and establishing new institutions and processes.

Conclusions

We contribute to the theory and practice of public health crisis decision-making by presenting a unified national-level applied decision-making framework for events involving uncertainty. We provide practical guidance for approaches to enhance decision-making in future health crises that could also be used for other emergencies.
Evaluation of a pragmatic approach to predicting COVID-19-positive hospital bed occupancy
Authors: Lovett Derryn , Woodcock Thomas , Naude Jacques , Redhead Julian , Majeed Azeem , Aylin Paul
Published: February 2025

Study objectives

This study evaluates the feasibility and accuracy of a pragmatic approach to predicting hospital bed occupancy for COVID-19-positive patients, using only simple methods accessible to typical health system teams.

Methods

We used an observational forecasting design for the study period 1st June 2021 to –21st January 2022. Evaluation data covered individuals registered with a general practitioner in North West London, through the Whole Systems Integrated Care deidentified dataset. We extracted data on COVID-19-positive tests, vaccination records and admissions to hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 within the study period. We used linear regression models to predict bed occupancy, using lagged, smoothed numbers of COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated individuals in the community as the predictor. We used mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to assess model accuracy.

Results

Model accuracy varied throughout the study period, with a MAPE of 10.8% from 12 July 2021 to 18 October 2021, rising to 20.0% over the subsequent period to 15 December 2021. After that, model accuracy deteriorated considerably, with MAPE 110.4% from December 2021 to 21 January 2022. Model outputs were used by senior healthcare system leaders to aid the planning, organisation and provision of healthcare services to meet demand for hospital beds.

Conclusions

The model produced useful predictions of COVID-19-positive bed occupancy prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant, but accuracy deteriorated after this. In practice, the model offers a pragmatic approach to predicting bed occupancy within a pandemic wave. However, this approach requires continual monitoring of errors to ensure that the periods of poor performance are identified quickly.
Echocardiographic cardiac damage classification and clinical outcomes in atrial functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Okada Taiji , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Kaneko Tomohiro , Amano Masashi , Sato Yukio , Ohno Yohei , Obokata Masaru , Sato Kimi , Morita Kojiro , Machino-Ohtsuka Tomoko , Abe Yukio , Furukawa Yutaka
Published: February 2025

Background

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) arises from left atrial (LA) dilation, commonly associated with atrial fibrillation, and leads to progressive cardiac damage. This study evaluated the prognostic value of a novel echocardiographic cardiac damage classification system for patients with moderate or severe AFMR.

Methods

In a retrospective multicentre study, 1007 patients with AFMR were stratified into four groups based on echocardiographic findings: group 1, LA damage (dilation); group 2, left ventricular damage (reduced ejection fraction and/or dilation); group 3, right heart damage (tricuspid regurgitation and/or pulmonary hypertension); and group 4, combined left and right heart damage. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, heart failure hospitalisations and mitral valve (MV) interventions over a median follow-up of 3.0 years.

Results

The cohort’s mean age was 78±10 years, with 56% female. Event rates for the primary outcome were progressively higher across groups 1–4 (31.0%, 38.0%, 46.3% and 57.2%, respectively; p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, group 4 was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary outcome compared with group 1 (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.11, p<0.001). This classification consistently stratified risks for individual components of the composite endpoint, particularly in patients without MV intervention.

Conclusions

A cardiac damage classification system based on echocardiographic parameters provides prognostic insights in patients with AFMR, identifying subgroups at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Future studies are needed to validate its use in guiding therapeutic decisions.
New evidence for fibrocartilaginous dysplasia representing a variant of fibrous dysplasia
Authors: De Andrea Carlos E , Lopez-Janeiro Alvaro , Hogendoorn Pancras C W
Published: February 2025

Several types of tumours and tumour-like lesions are recognised. Their classification is based mainly on the cell or tissue differentiation pathway found within the lesion. Not all tumour cells in a bone tumour differentiate towards a single cell type. For instance, cartilage-producing cells and cartilaginous matrix are often found within osteosarcoma, and on rare occasions, cartilage can be found in fibrous dysplasia. Here, we discuss the presence of cartilaginous differentiation with fibrous dysplasia, its differential diagnosis and the use of molecular techniques to show that cartilaginous differentiation is an integral part of the lesion in that case, also known as fibrocartilaginous variant of fibrous dysplasia.
Evaluation of phytase and β-mannanase on growth performance, nutrient utilization, fecal condition, and back fat thickness in growing and finishing pigs
Authors: Ahammad Golam Sagir , Kim In Ho
Published: February 2025

This study examined the impact of phytase and β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, fecal condition, and backfat thickness in growing and finishing pigs. In the first experiment, 64 growing pigs (average body weight 24.3 ± 3.51 kg) were divided into two groups with eight replications (four pigs per replicate): one receiving a basal diet and the other diet supplemented with 0.02% phytase and 0.05% β-mannanase. The supplemented group showed significant improvements in average daily gain (ADG) and nutrient digestibility for energy, nitrogen, and dry matter (p<0.05), without changes in feed intake or fecal score (p>0.05). In the second experiment, 56 finishing pigs (average body weight 54.36 ± 3.53 kg) were also split into two groups with seven replications (four pigs per replicate): one on a basal diet and the other on a diet with 0.04% β-mannanase. While β-mannanase supplementation did not significantly affect growth performance (p>0.05), it did enhance energy digestibility by the study's end (p<0.05). No significant effects were found on backfat thickness, lean meat percentage, or fecal score (p>0.05). The study concluded that phytase and β-mannanase together enhance growth and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs; β-mannanase alone boosts nutrient utilization in finishing pigs.
A SNP-based approach to estimating the mating and relatedness components of plant mating portfolios
Authors: Kulbaba Mason , Harder Lawrence
Published: February 2025

An individual’s mating portfolio includes the number and genetic diversity of its mates and the distribution of genetic contributions to resulting offspring. For natural plant populations, microsatellites are useful for quantifying mating outcomes, but mating studies typically involve too few microsatellite markers to determine mate relatedness. In contrast, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) identifies thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that enable relatedness assessment of parental plants but is unnecessarily informative and costly for parentage analysis of many offspring. We propose using GBS to identify SNPs for a sample of parental plants to both characterize their relatedness and provide selected markers for identifying seed parents. We specifically describe the development of SNP-SCALE markers and determine their efficacy for identifying the fathers of seed families of known maternal plants. Because GBS identifies many more SNPs than needed for mating analysis, specific SNPs can be selected for marker development based on ideal characteristics (equal allele frequencies, gametic phase disequilibrium). The SNP-SCALE approach produces allele-specific markers with unique size and fluorescent tags that facilitate scoring with few errors. These markers can be assayed relatively inexpensively using multiplex PCR and electrophoresis with a DNA sequencer. For a sample of parental Delphinium glaucum plants and their seeds, 30 marker loci provided adequate discrimination to characterize mating outcomes.
Prognostic Value of Myocardial Parametric Mapping in Patients with Acute Myocarditis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Yining , Duan Xuejing , Zhu Leyi , Xu Jing , Zhou Di , Yang Wenjing , Jiang Mengdi , Zhang Huaying , Sirajuddin Arlene , Arai Andrew E. , Zhao Shihua , Wang Hongyue , Lu Minjie
Published: February 2025

In patients with acute myocarditis, cardiac MRI−derived native T1 and extracellular volume fraction provided incremental prognostic value for predicting occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events when combined in a model with conventional clinical and imaging parameters.
Valorization of Bael Fruit Shell to Natural Emulsifiers: Formulation of Emulsifier Stabilized Chia Seed Oil‐Loaded Antimicrobial Nanoemulsion Against Food Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Sharma Madhu , Pharate Rushikesh Subhash , Bains Aarti , Sridhar Kandi , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Dhull Sanju Bala , Ali Nemat , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Chawla Prince , Sharma Minaxi
Published: February 2025

Natural emulsifiers originating from unconventional sources have attracted attention due to their exceptional functional properties. Bael fruit shell is typically considered an agricultural byproduct and is often discarded as waste. This research, therefore, focuses on valorizing it by developing bael fruit shell extract (BFSE). The utilization of bael fruit shells makes this approach both a sustainable and functional innovation. Proximate analysis showed that bael fruit shell powder (BFSP) is rich in carbohydrates (57.89 ± 0.32%) and proteins (7.53 ± 0.90%). Compounds, including polysaccharides, proteins, and other bioactive components, were extracted from BFSP at different pH levels (4, 5, 6, and 7) with microwave treatment (950 W for 3 min). The optimal pH was identified as 5, yielding the highest soluble fractions (80.08 ± 0.46%), polysaccharide, and protein content (180.98 ± 0.34 and 56.98 ± 0.37 mg/g). The optimized BFSE powder (pH 5) showed a porous structure, excellent thermal stability, high water and oil absorption capacities, and excellent emulsifying activity and stability. The BFSE nanoemulsion showed excellent stability compared to the conventional lecithin‐based nanoemulsion. The BFSE‐based nanoemulsion effectively reduced the viability of S. aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans, suggesting its potential as an antimicrobial agent that could be utilized for enhancing food safety and extending shelf life in food preservation.
Short‐Term Alteration of Soil Physicochemical Characteristics Induced by Biochar Application on a Ferric Acrisol
Authors: Torgbenu Jochebed Kaki , Boateng Godfred , Kwarteng Felix Osei , Mensah Stephen Ardey , Sabi Edward Benjamin , Amoatey Peace Korshiwor , Ofori Peter Amoako , Owusu-Nketia Stella , Simpson Anthony Raphael , Dorvlo Selorm Yaotse , Essien Emmanuel , Asenso Evans
Published: February 2025

Biochar (incinerated organic waste by‐product) has shown promise in enhancing soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Soil quality plays an essential role in the success of agricultural activities, with soil enhancement being crucial for optimizing crop yields and fostering soil fertility. An experiment with different biochar types was arranged in a randomized complete block design. The biochar [coconut husk (CH) biochar and sugarcane bagasse (SB) biochar] was evenly hand mixed with the soil after plowing to 30 cm depth. A one‐time application of biochar was done. There was a total of six treatments: SB biochar, SB biochar plus nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) (SB + NPK), CH biochar, CH biochar plus NPK (CB + NPK), NPK, and control (CT), with three replicates for each treatment. The area of each plot was 3 m2 (3 m × 1 m) to assess the effects of biochar application on the soil physical and chemical characteristics of Ferric Acrisol with cabbage (Fortune F1 variety) as a test crop in Ghana. Soil bulk density, porosity, pH, organic carbon (OC), available N, total P, available K, available calcium (Ca), electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined. CH and SB addition improved soil bulk density (1.21 g·cm−3 and 1.29 g·cm−3), leading to a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the total porosity (54.29% and 51.10%), respectively, at 0–30 cm soil depth compared to the presoil condition (1.5 g·cm−3). Additionally, CH and SB significantly (p < 0.05) impacted the soil chemical characteristics and fertility of the tested soil. The results showed that biochar application is crucial for C sequestration, reduction in pH (SB‐7.36 and CH‐7.44 compared to the presoil condition (4.93) at 0–30 cm soil depth), and soil fertility enhancement. Applying biochar to soils can therefore be considered a potential solution to improve soil fertility for sustainable crop production.
Table S1 from A Screen-and-Treat Strategy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori among Patients with Family History of Gastric Cancer in a Diverse US Population
Authors: Zia Mona , Park Steven , Chen Qiaoling , Luong Tiffany Q. , Lustigova Eva , Jeon Christie Y. , Chen Wansu , Wu Bechien U.
Published: February 2025

Table S1 shows willingness by race and ethnicity to take antibiotics as prescribed, among 223 respondents who would be interested in screening for H. pylori.
Supplementary Materials and Methods - Survey from A Screen-and-Treat Strategy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori among Patients with Family History of Gastric Cancer in a Diverse US Population
Authors: Zia Mona , Park Steven , Chen Qiaoling , Luong Tiffany Q. , Lustigova Eva , Jeon Christie Y. , Chen Wansu , Wu Bechien U.
Published: February 2025

This survey was used to assess respondents' interest in undergoing screening for H. pylori and gastric cancer.
Supplementary Tables from Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Japan: The Japan Public Health Center–Based Prospective Study
Authors: Tanitame Marina , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Tables.
Table S2 from Biomarkers of Exposure to Nicotine and Selected Toxicants in Individuals Who Use Alternative Tobacco Products Sold in Japan and Canada from 2018 to 2019
Authors: Miller Connor R. , Schneller-Najm Liane M. , Leigh Noel J. , Agar Thomas , Quah Anne CK. , Cummings K. Michael , Fong Geoffrey T. , O’Connor Richard J. , Goniewicz Maciej L.
Published: February 2025

Biomarker exposures among participants from Canada who exclusively use NVPs in ITC JCH, stratified by self-reported puffs per day.
Supplementary Table 2 from Adverse Birth and Obstetric Outcomes in the Offspring of Male Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Kao Wei-Heng , Chuang Yi-Fang , Huang Yi-Wei , Chen Po-Jui , Liu Yu-Cheng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Hsu Jun-Te , Shueng Pei-Wei , Kuo Chang-Fu
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 2: Outcomes observed in the offspring born to fathers with and without a positive history of cancer aged between 15 and 49 years
Supplementary Table 1 from Adverse Birth and Obstetric Outcomes in the Offspring of Male Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Kao Wei-Heng , Chuang Yi-Fang , Huang Yi-Wei , Chen Po-Jui , Liu Yu-Cheng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Hsu Jun-Te , Shueng Pei-Wei , Kuo Chang-Fu
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 1: Disease codes of cancer and comorbid conditions as per the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth (ICD-9) and Tenth (ICD-10) Revisions, and list of high-risk medications
Supplemental Table S8 from Evaluation of Multiple Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score Panels in Women of Latin American Heritage
Authors: Huang Xiaosong , Lott Paul C. , Hu Donglei , Zavala Valentina A. , Jamal Zoeb N. , Vidaurre Tatiana , Casavilca-Zambrano Sandro , Navarro Vásquez Jeannie , Castañeda Carlos A. , Valencia Guillermo , Morante Zaida , Calderón Mónica , Abugattas Julio E. , Fuentes Hugo A. , Liendo-Picoaga Ruddy , Cotrina Jose M. , Neciosup Silvia P. , Rioja Viera Patricia , Salinas Luis A. , Galvez-Nino Marco , Huntsman Scott , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu , Estrada-Florez Ana P. , Polanco-Echeverry Guadalupe , Echeverry Magdalena , Velez Alejandro , Carmona-Valencia Jenny A. , Bohorquez-Lozano Mabel E. , Torres Javier , Cruz Miguel , Ho Weang-Kee , Teo Soo Hwang , Tai Mei Chee , John Esther M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Conti David V. , Chen Fei , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Kushi Lawrence H. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G. , Fejerman Laura
Published: February 2025

Supplemental Table S8 shows comparisons of performance of the PRS panel for different pair of ranges of Indigenous American (IA) ancestry.
Supplemental Table S6 from Evaluation of Multiple Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score Panels in Women of Latin American Heritage
Authors: Huang Xiaosong , Lott Paul C. , Hu Donglei , Zavala Valentina A. , Jamal Zoeb N. , Vidaurre Tatiana , Casavilca-Zambrano Sandro , Navarro Vásquez Jeannie , Castañeda Carlos A. , Valencia Guillermo , Morante Zaida , Calderón Mónica , Abugattas Julio E. , Fuentes Hugo A. , Liendo-Picoaga Ruddy , Cotrina Jose M. , Neciosup Silvia P. , Rioja Viera Patricia , Salinas Luis A. , Galvez-Nino Marco , Huntsman Scott , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu , Estrada-Florez Ana P. , Polanco-Echeverry Guadalupe , Echeverry Magdalena , Velez Alejandro , Carmona-Valencia Jenny A. , Bohorquez-Lozano Mabel E. , Torres Javier , Cruz Miguel , Ho Weang-Kee , Teo Soo Hwang , Tai Mei Chee , John Esther M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Conti David V. , Chen Fei , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Kushi Lawrence H. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G. , Fejerman Laura
Published: February 2025

Supplemental Table S6 shows two-sided Hosmer-Lemeshow P values for calibration of the PRS panels tested in our datasets.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Patterns of Subsequent Cancer Incidence Over Time in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Deng Zhengyi , Visvanathan Kala
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Figure 1. Risk of subsequent cancers by calendar period. Risk of subsequent cancer over every 2 years since initial breast cancer diagnosis according to calendar period of first breast cancer diagnosis (2000-2005, 2006-2011, 2012-2016). SIR: standardized incidence ratio; CI, confidence interval.
Supplementary Table S5 from Timeliness of Lung Cancer Care and Area-Level Determinants in Victoria: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Heritier Stephane , Stirling Rob G. , Earnest Arul
Published: February 2025

R-hat or Potential Scale Reduction Factor (RSRF), Geweke diagnostic and effective Monte Carlo Sample size for assessing convergence of parameters for treatment delay
Supplementary Table S1 from Timeliness of Lung Cancer Care and Area-Level Determinants in Victoria: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Heritier Stephane , Stirling Rob G. , Earnest Arul
Published: February 2025

Model comparison with and without non-linear terms for diagnostic delay
Supplemental Figure S4 from Evaluation of Multiple Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score Panels in Women of Latin American Heritage
Authors: Huang Xiaosong , Lott Paul C. , Hu Donglei , Zavala Valentina A. , Jamal Zoeb N. , Vidaurre Tatiana , Casavilca-Zambrano Sandro , Navarro Vásquez Jeannie , Castañeda Carlos A. , Valencia Guillermo , Morante Zaida , Calderón Mónica , Abugattas Julio E. , Fuentes Hugo A. , Liendo-Picoaga Ruddy , Cotrina Jose M. , Neciosup Silvia P. , Rioja Viera Patricia , Salinas Luis A. , Galvez-Nino Marco , Huntsman Scott , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu , Estrada-Florez Ana P. , Polanco-Echeverry Guadalupe , Echeverry Magdalena , Velez Alejandro , Carmona-Valencia Jenny A. , Bohorquez-Lozano Mabel E. , Torres Javier , Cruz Miguel , Ho Weang-Kee , Teo Soo Hwang , Tai Mei Chee , John Esther M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Conti David V. , Chen Fei , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Kushi Lawrence H. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G. , Fejerman Laura
Published: February 2025

Supplemental Figure S4 shows effect of adding only one H/L SNP to European PRS panels on performance in H/L samples.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Timeliness of Lung Cancer Care and Area-Level Determinants in Victoria: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Heritier Stephane , Stirling Rob G. , Earnest Arul
Published: February 2025

The distribution of covariates across local government areas in Victoria, Australia
Supplemental Figure S1 from Evaluation of Multiple Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Score Panels in Women of Latin American Heritage
Authors: Huang Xiaosong , Lott Paul C. , Hu Donglei , Zavala Valentina A. , Jamal Zoeb N. , Vidaurre Tatiana , Casavilca-Zambrano Sandro , Navarro Vásquez Jeannie , Castañeda Carlos A. , Valencia Guillermo , Morante Zaida , Calderón Mónica , Abugattas Julio E. , Fuentes Hugo A. , Liendo-Picoaga Ruddy , Cotrina Jose M. , Neciosup Silvia P. , Rioja Viera Patricia , Salinas Luis A. , Galvez-Nino Marco , Huntsman Scott , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu , Estrada-Florez Ana P. , Polanco-Echeverry Guadalupe , Echeverry Magdalena , Velez Alejandro , Carmona-Valencia Jenny A. , Bohorquez-Lozano Mabel E. , Torres Javier , Cruz Miguel , Ho Weang-Kee , Teo Soo Hwang , Tai Mei Chee , John Esther M. , Haiman Christopher A. , Conti David V. , Chen Fei , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Kushi Lawrence H. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G. , Fejerman Laura
Published: February 2025

Supplemental Figure S1 shows global ancestry distribution of individuals by countries across seven studies included in this analysis.