bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary history of soil-feeding Neotropical termites reveals recent divergences linked to geologic-climatic influences
Authors: Gergonne Damien , Roy Virginie , Poteaux Chantal , Hellemans Simon , Bourguignon Thomas , Fougeyrollas Romain , Hanus Robert , Roisin Yves , Vecco-Giove Carlos Daniel , Cerna-Mendoza Agustín , Armbrecht Inge , Valladares Romero Cynthia Stefania , Vieira de Oliveira Couto Alane Ayana , Šobotnik Jan , Sillam-Dussès David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Neotropics harbor a diverse array of flora and fauna shaped by a complex geological and climatic history. It includes marine invasions, pulses of Andean uplift, glaciations, and the uplift of the Panama Isthmus. These events have shaped organism distribution, which can be described by methods of historical phylogeography. However, the evolutionary history of nonvertebrate organisms in the Neotropics is still largely unknown. This applies to termites, which are particularly diverse and ecologically important. The phylogeography of the soil-feeding termites Embiratermes neotenicus and Embiratermes chagresi (Termitidae: Syntermitinae) was studied across their whole distribution range, using samples of 243 colonies from eight countries. Analyses based on mitochondrial DNA fragments, microsatellite loci, and complete mitochondrial genomes revealed 4 major mitochondrial haplogroups (H1–H4). The H4 haplogroup occurs in northeastern Brazil and diverged first. The other groups appear to be associated with the Pebas System and marine invasions during the Miocene, which may have contributed to the separation of the ancestral population along a north–south axis. The H1 haplogroup was affiliated with E. chagresi. The phylogenomic analysis estimated the divergence of E. chagresi from the other groups to 5 million years ago, aligning with the northern cordillera uplift during the Miocene. Microsatellite data highlighted the isolation of E. neotenicus populations in Suriname and French Guiana, possibly linked to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Our study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these species, contributing to a better understanding of how geological and climatic events have influenced species evolution in the Neotropics.
Difficulties faced by three hospitals evacuated from the urgent protective action planning zone after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Nonaka Saori , Sawano Toyoaki , Oikawa Tomoyoshi , Murakami Michio , Ozaki Akihiko , Zhao Tianchen , Yoshida Makoto , Yamamoto Chika , Tsubokura Masaharu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In radiological disasters, evacuating institutionalized individuals such as hospitalized patients and nursing home residents presents complex challenges. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident, triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), exposed critical issues in evacuation planning. This case series investigates the evacuation difficulties encountered by three hospitals situated 20 to 30 km from the FDNPP following the GEJE and FDNPP accident. Data collection involved reviewing records, stakeholder interviews and analyzing publicly available resources. Six key challenges emerged: acute phase influx—hospitals faced an abrupt surge in patients, including trauma victims and vulnerable individuals; initial discharge and transfers—coordinating patient discharges and transfers during the chaotic aftermath proved daunting; staff shortages—evacuation and personal factors lead to reduced staffing levels and strained hospital capabilities; infrastructure damage and logistics suspension—infrastructure issues, such as burst water pipes, halted gas supplies, and heavy oil shortage disrupted hospital operations; unclear evacuation criteria—ad hoc evacuation decisions underscored the lack of clear criteria; and limited preparation time—minimal preparation time hindered communication and planning. These findings underscore the need for robust disaster planning, resource management, and communication strategies to ensure the safety of patients and staff during radiological emergencies. Government interventions, early patient discharge, and improved medical record communication may alleviate the burden of evacuation. The lessons learned emphasize the importance of maintaining hospital functions in disaster-prone areas, particularly for vulnerable populations, and highlight the necessity for comprehensive community-wide disaster prevention planning.
Detection of genome instability by 53BP1 expression as a long-lasting health effect in human epidermis surrounding radiation-induced skin cancers
Authors: Matsuda Katsuya , Kurohama Hirokazu , Kuwatsuka Yutaka , Iwanaga Akira , Murota Hiroyuki , Nakashima Masahiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We previously reported endogenous activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) in the epidermis surrounding basal cell carcinoma resected from Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, suggesting the presence of genomic instability (GIN) in the survivors as a late effect of radiation. Dual-color immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of TP53-binding protein-1 (53BP1) and a proliferative indicator, Ki-67, to elucidate GIN in tumor tissues revealed that abnormal 53BP1 expression is closely associated with carcinogenesis in several organs. The present study aimed to confirm the presence of radiation-induced GIN in the non-neoplastic epidermis of patients with radiation-induced skin cancer. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from all participants between 2008 and 2019 at the Nagasaki University Hospital. 53BP1 nuclear expression was examined using dual-color IF analysis with Ki-67 expression to assess the extent and integrity of the DDR. Expressions of gamma-H2AX, p53 and p21 were also analyzed using the dual-color IF analysis for their association with 53BP1. The results of this study provide evidence for sporadic activation of the DDR in medically irradiated and ultraviolet-exposed epidermis as a long-lasting radiation effect, which is a predisposition to skin cancer. Furthermore, the incidence of abnormal 53BP1 expression in cancer cells was higher than in non-neoplastic epidermal cells surrounding cancer, suggesting a correlation between the type of 53BP1 and the malignant potential of skin tumors. This study highlights the usefulness of dual-color IF for 53BP1 (and Ki-67) as an indicator to estimate the level of GIN as a long-lasting health effect of radiation exposure.
Mutagenesis studies suggest a mechanism for influenza polymerase stalling during polyadenylation
Authors: Li Minke , Wu Yixi , Li Huanhuan , Song Wenjun , Chen Zhenxing , Peng Yuzhou , Yang Boyao , Xu Chang , Zhang Jihua , Xing Lei , Weng Zhuangfeng , Liu Yingfang , Liang Huanhuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Influenza polymerase (FluPol) carries out both viral transcription and replication using the same viral genome segment as a template to yield distinct end products. However, it remains largely unclear how FluPol synthesizes transcripts containing poly (A) tails during transcription termination, while producing fully complementary products during replication termination. In this study, through structural analysis combined with cell-based and biochemical assays, we identified that the PB1 Leu675/Asn676 and PB2 Arg38 residues of FluPol are critical for transcription termination and polyadenylation. During transcription termination, these three residues adopt the PB1 Leu675/Asn676down and PB2 Arg38out conformations, with their side chains positioned against the G12 and G14 residues of the RNA template at the 5′ end. These steric hindrances block template translocation and facilitate FluPol ‘stuttering’ at U17, which is required for viral messenger RNA polyadenylation. Importantly, both structural analysis and mutational studies suggest that this specific conformation of these residues is unique to the transcription termination state. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which FluPol generates distinct 3′ end products during transcription and replication termination.
The hexose transporters CsHT3 and CsHT16 regulate postphloem transport and fruit development in cucumber
Authors: Cheng Jintao , Wen Suying , Li Kexin , Zhou Yixuan , Zhu Mengtian , Neuhaus H Ekkehard , Bie Zhilong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Hexoses are essential for plant growth and fruit development. However, the precise roles of hexose/H+ symporters in postphloem sugar transport and cellular sugar homeostasis in rapidly growing fruits remain elusive. To elucidate the functions of hexose/H+ symporters in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits, we conducted comprehensive analyses of their tissue-specific expression, localization, transport characteristics, and physiological functions. Our results demonstrate that CsHT3 (C. sativus hexose transporter), CsHT12, and CsHT16 are the primary hexose/H+ symporters expressed in cucumber fruits. CsHT3 and CsHT16 are localized in the sieve element–companion cell during the ovary and early fruit development stages. As the fruit develops and expands, the expression of both symporters shifts to phloem parenchyma cells. The CsHT16 knockout mutant produces shorter fruits with a larger circumference, likely due to impaired sugar and phytohormone homeostasis. Concurrent reduction of CsHT3, CsHT12, and CsHT16 expression leads to decreased fruit size. Conversely, CsHT3 overexpression results in increased fruit size and higher fruit sugar levels. These findings suggest that CsHT16 plays an important role in maintaining sugar homeostasis, which shapes the fruit, while CsHT3, CsHT12, and CsHT16 collectively regulate the supply of carbohydrates required for cucumber fruit enlargement.
A syndemic approach to the study of Covid-19-related death: a cohort study using UK Biobank data
Authors: Fonseca de Freitas Daniela , Bhui Kamaldeep , Clesse Christophe , Zahid Uzma , Mooney Roisin , Joury Easter , Hayes Richard D , Khondoker Mizanur 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The Covid-19 pandemic showed higher infection, severity and death rates among those living in poorer socioeconomic conditions. We use syndemic theory to guide the analyses to investigate the impact of social adversity and multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) on Covid-19 mortality.

Methods
The study sample comprised 154 725 UK Biobank participants. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate pathways between traumatic events, economic deprivation, unhealthy behaviors, MLTC, for Covid-19 mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate MLTC and Covid-19 mortality. We also tested effect modification by traumatic events, economic deprivation and unhealthy behaviors.

Results
Covid-19 mortality (n = 186) was directly explained by overall level of MLTC. Economic deprivation and unhealthy behaviors contributed to Covid-19 death indirectly via their negative impact on MLTC. The risk for Covid-19 mortality grew exponentially for every quintile of predicted scores of MLTC. The presence of traumatic events, economic deprivation or unhealthy behaviors did not modify the impact of MLTC on Covid-19 mortality.

Conclusions
Results suggest a serially causal pathway between economic deprivation and unhealthy behaviors leading to MLTC, which increased the risk of Covid-19 mortality. Policies to tackle the social determinants of health and to mitigate the negative impact of multimorbidity are needed.
Do trees use stemflow water? A manipulative experiment on Singleleaf piñon and Utah juniper in Great Basin woodlands
Authors: Snyder Keirith A , Morrow Amira C , Stringham Tamzen K , Allen Scott T 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
It has been postulated that stemflow, precipitation that flows from plant crowns down along branches and stems to soils, benefits plants that generate it because it increases plant-available soil water near the base of the plant; however, little direct evidence supports this postulation. Were plants’ crowns to preferentially route water to their roots, woody plants with large canopies could benefit. For example, piñon and juniper tree encroachment into sagebrush steppe ecosystems could be facilitated by intercepted precipitation routed to tree roots as stemflow, hypothetically reducing water available for shrubs and grasses. We tested whether Great Basin piñon and juniper trees use and benefit from stemflow. In a drier-than-average and wetter-than-average water year, isotopically labeled water was applied to tree stems to simulate stemflow. Both species took up stemflow, with label signals peaking and receding over 2–4 days. Despite this uptake, no alleviation of water stress was detected in the drier year. The stemflow uptake resulted in some water stress alleviation in the wetter year, specifically for piñons, which took up water from deeper in the soil profile than did junipers. Mixing model analyses suggested that stemflow was a small fraction of the water in stems (⁓0–2%), but an order-of-magnitude larger fraction of the stemflow was transpired in those few days after addition. These findings represent a novel demonstration of the rapid uptake and use of stemflow that infiltrates the rhizosphere, but they also prompt questions about the remaining stemflow’s fate and why alleviation of water stress was so minor.
Correction of Ankle Malalignment in Severe Fibular Hemimelia
Authors: Shadi Milud , Janusz Piotr , Kotwicki Tomasz 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Management of ankle joint deformity and instability are challenging issues in congenital fibular hemimelia (FH). This study aims to assess how much the SUPERankle procedure improves ankle alignment and provides durable ankle stability in patients with severe FH.

Methods:
Seventeen children aged 53.4±44.1 months with severe form of FH, equinovalgus foot deformation, ankle instability, and tibial curvature (Paley type IIIC), affecting 19 limbs, underwent the SUPERankle procedure. Foot and ankle position was evaluated clinically and radiologically before surgery, immediately after, and at follow-up of 63.0±19.7 months. Mechanical lateral distal tibial angle (mLDTA), tibiocalcaneal angle (mTCA), and tibiocalcaneal distance (mTCD) were measured on the AP radiograms, while the anterior distal tibial angle (mADTA) and lateral tibiocalcaneal angle (mLTCA) were measured on the lateral radiograms. Recurrences, additional procedures, and complications were documented based on medical records. Quality of life was evaluated with Limb Deformity-SRS questionnaire.

Results:
On clinical examination, the normal tibia and ankle alignment, along with a plantigrade foot were achieved in all limbs after the first surgery. In 11 limbs (58%) this result was maintained at follow-up. Due to recurrence, additional procedures were necessary to provide durable ankle alignment in 7 limbs (37%), while in 1 limb (5%) the ankle joint remained in equinus at the last follow-up. Significant improvement of radiologic alignment was found in all parameters (preoperative vs. postoperative vs. FU) as follows—mLDTA: 71.4±11.2 versus 88.7±5.6 versus 88.1±2.7 degrees, P=0.0001; mTCA: 41.4±14.9 versus 8.7±8.4 versus 11.6±8.9 degrees, P=0.0001; mTCD: 22.3±7.9 versus 4.0±3.6 versus 7.7±6.5 mm, P=0.0001; mADTA: 99.5±19.4 versus 82.3±4.2 versus 81.5±5.9 degrees, P=0.0002; mLTCA: 116.7±23.9 versus 95.8±11.7 versus 93.5±15.1 degrees, P=0.0002. The mean follow-up LD-SRS score was 4.03.

Conclusion:
In children with severe fibular hemimelia, the SUPERankle procedure provided clinically and radiologically fully corrected ankle joint and plantigrade foot, suitable for further lengthening procedure. The 40% rate of deformity recurrence was managed with additional surgical intervention to achieve a good clinical, radiologic, and functional outcome in 95% of children at 5-year follow-up.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Efficacy of Nonablative Bipolar Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Fingernail Psoriasis
Authors: El-Basiony Mohamed Ahmed Salem , El-Komy Mohamed Hussein Medhat , Samy Nevien Ahmed , Aly Dalia Gamal , El-Gendy Hala , Soliman Mohamed Mohsen , Abdel Salam Hassan Mohamed Fouad , El Sayed Hagar 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is a common chronic systemic disease affecting the skin, nails, and joints. Nails are commonly associated with a greater severity of the disease. Radiofrequency (RF) is a nonionizing radiation that provides energy originating from electric current to generate heat inside the dermis with anti-inflammatory effects.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of nonablative bipolar radiofrequency in treating fingernail psoriasis.

METHODS
Forty-three affected fingernails were treated with nonablative bipolar RF. Sessions were performed every 2 weeks for 2 months, with a maximum of 5 sessions. The 32-point target nail psoriasis severity index (tNAPSI), ultrasonography, and the physicians' global assessment were used for assessment at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months from the last treatment session.

RESULTS
One month after the last RF session, a significant reduction in median tNAPSI score from baseline was recorded (p = .002), with a 58.33% reduction in pit count. The median thickness of subungual hyperkeratosis decreased significantly from baseline (p = .024), and the median score of onycholysis was also significantly reduced (p = .005). Ultrasonography revealed a significant reduction in the median nail matrix, bed thickness, and nail vascularity (p = .020, p < .001, and p = .013, respectively).

CONCLUSION
Radiofrequency may offer a safe and effective treatment modality for fingernail psoriasis.
Diagnostic efficacy of cytologic smear and pathologic histology in the differential diagnosis of distal biliary stricture via EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration
Authors: Liang Zheng , Li Peng , Han Xiao , Zhang Shutian , Wei Yongqiu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives
Distal biliary strictures (DBSs) can be caused by various malignancies, making accurate and early diagnosis crucial. Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis, with several methods available for tissue sampling. This study evaluates the performance of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytologic smears and histopathology in diagnosing suspected malignant DBSs.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent EUS-FNA between January 2017 and January 2023 for DBSs. Demographic, imaging, procedural, and clinical data were collected. The diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA cytology, histology, and their combination was assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on imaging and endoscopy characteristics.

Results
EUS-FNA for cytology had a sensitivity of 69.1% and specificity of 97.5%. EUS-FNA histology had a sensitivity of 76.4% and specificity of 99.1%. There was no difference in diagnostic efficacy between the two above (P > 0.05). Combining cytology and histology improved sensitivity to 82%. When 20 cases (6.8%) with histological slide failures were considered as negative, histologic sensitivity was 69.1%, completely consistent with cytology alone (P = 1). The presence of a mass shadow on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was associated with higher cytologic diagnostic sensitivity compared with simple stenosis without a mass shadow (57.4% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.011). The larger the mass, the higher the cytologic diagnostic sensitivity. The radiologist’s diagnostic imaging tendencies, that is, malignant, benign, and indeterminate, also affected cytologic diagnostic sensitivity (78.2% vs. 63.9% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.002). Furthermore, among our cohort of 118 patients diagnosed with benign DBSs, a notable subset of 33 individuals (28%) received a diagnosis of IgG4-related disease.

Conclusion
EUS-FNA histology combined with cytology was a reliable diagnostic method. There is no difference in diagnostic efficacy between EUS-FNA cytology and histology, irrespective of considering instances of histological slide failure. The presence of a mass shadow on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and the size of the mass influenced the diagnostic efficacy of cytology. Additionally, IgG4-related diseases, accounting for a significant proportion of cases, were important in the differential diagnosis of these strictures.
CATALYZE: a deep learning approach for cataract assessment and grading on SS-OCT images
Authors: Panthier Christophe , Zeboulon Pierre , Rouger Helene , Bijon Jacques , Gatinel Damien 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To assess a new objective deep learning model cataract grading method based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans provided by the Anterion.

Setting:
Single-center study at the Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France.

Design:
Prospective cross-sectional study.

Methods:
All patients consulting for cataract evaluation and consenting to study participation were included. History of previous ocular surgery, cornea or retina disorders, and ocular dryness were exclusion criteria. Our CATALYZE pipeline was applied to Anterion image providing layerwise cataract metrics and an overall clinical significance index (CSI) of cataract. Ocular scatter index (OSI) was also measured with a double-pass aberrometer (OQAS) and compared with our CSI.

Results:
548 eyes were included, 331 in the development set (48 with cataract and 283 controls) and 217 in the validation set (85 with cataract and 132 controls) of 315 patients aged 19 to 85 years (mean ± SD: 50 ± 21 years). The CSI correlated with the OSI (r
2 = 0.87, P < .01). CSI area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was comparable with OSI AUROC (0.985 vs 0.981 respectively, P > .05) with 95% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Conclusions:
The deep learning pipeline CATALYZE based on Anterion SS-OCT may be a reliable and comprehensive objective cataract grading method.
Transmission rates of UV-A and green light in an ex vivo corneal crosslinking model for infectious keratitis
Authors: Lu Nan-Ji , Meier Philipp , Reina Giacomo , Aydemir M. Enes , Eitner Stephanie , Koliwer-Brandl Hendrik , Egli Adrian , Kissling Vera , Wick Peter , Hafezi Farhad 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
To investigate the light transmission (LT) of UV-A and green light through infected corneas saturated with riboflavin or rose bengal in an ex vivo porcine model for infectious keratitis.

Setting:
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Design:
Laboratory study.

Methods:
Ex vivo porcine eyes (n = 162) were divided into 3 groups: control eyes, eyes infected with Staphylococcus aureus, and eyes infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Corneas remained either uninfected or were infected with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and were either left untreated or were instilled with 0.1% riboflavin or 0.1% rose bengal. Corneal buttons were prepared, and corneal LT was measured at 365 nm and 522 nm using a spectrophotometer. LT values were calculated and compared. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize structural damage and bacteria within infected corneas.

Results:
Riboflavin-saturated corneas infected by S. aureus or P. aeruginosa (LT = 0.77% [0.41-1.87] and 0.81% [0.23, 1.46]) exhibited 3.18-fold and 3.02-fold lower LT values, respectively, than uninfected corneas (LT = 2.45% [2.15, 5.89]) (both P-values < 0.001). No LT difference was found between rose bengal–saturated corneas infected by S. aureus or P. aeruginosa and uninfected corneas (all LT values = 0.01% [0.01-0.01]; both P-values = 0.08). TEM showed bacteria on corneal stroma borders and occasionally inside the stroma.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that the amount of light arriving at the corneal endothelium is substantially reduced in infected corneas. The total fluence of clinical photoactivated chromophore for keratitis corneal crosslinking protocols can be safely increased substantially while maintaining a low risk of corneal endothelial damage.