bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity to climate change is widespread across zoonotic diseases
Authors: Trebski Artur , Gourlay Lewis , Gibb Rory , Imirzian Natalie , Redding David W. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractClimate change is expected to exacerbate infectious diseases, yet the climate sensitivity of zoonotic diseases (driven by spillover from animal reservoirs) is markedly understudied compared to vector-borne and water-borne infections. To address this gap, we conducted a global systematic review and quantitative synthesis to identify relationships between climatic indicators (temperature, precipitation, humidity) and zoonotic disease risk metrics worldwide. We identified 185 studies from 55 countries, describing 547 measures across 51 diseases, with most studies testing linear (n=166) rather than nonlinear (n=23) relationships. We found evidence of climate sensitivity across diverse zoonotic diseases (significant non-zero relationships in 64.3% of temperature effects, 49.8% of precipitation effects, and 48.9% of humidity effects), but with broad variation in direction and strength. Positive effects of temperature and rainfall on disease risk were more common than negative effects (39.1% vs. 25.2% and 30.5% vs. 19.2% of all records, respectively). These studies were predominantly located in areas expected to have substantial increases in annual mean temperature (>1.5°C in 93% of studies) and rainfall (>25 mm in 46% of studies) by 2041–2070. Notably, the most consistent relationship was between temperature and vector-borne zoonoses (50% of Positive effects, mean Hedge’s g = 0.31). Overall, our analyses provide evidence that climate sensitivity is common across zoonoses, likely leading to substantial yet complex effects of future climate change on zoonotic burden. Finally, we highlight the need for future studies to use biologically appropriate models, rigorous space-time controls, consider causal perspectives and address taxonomic and geographic biases to allow a robust consensus of climate-risk relationships to emerge.Significance statementUnderstanding how climate change affects zoonotic diseases—those transmitted from animals to humans—is crucial for public health planning yet remains underexplored. Our global analysis of 185 studies covering 51 zoonotic diseases reveals widespread climate sensitivity among these diseases. Climatic factors, particularly temperature, are often linked to increased disease risk, especially for vector-borne diseases transmitted by arthropods. With many regions projected to experience significant warming, climate change may exacerbate zoonotic disease burden. However, few studies have considered nonlinear effects, and the variation in responses both within and across diseases indicates complex dynamics that require biologically informed research methods. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved research approaches to better predict and manage future disease risks in a changing climate.
The problem of unmeasured variables in animal social network analysis: can edge-based multilevel models provide a reliable solution?
Authors: Bonnell Tyler R. , Vilette Chloe , Barrett Louise 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRecent approaches to analysing social networks suggest that modeling the edges of the network and using multilevel models will produce more informative estimates. These recent methods have been proposed as a way to better handle the dependency structures of social networks, account for biases in data collection, and retain uncertainty when making inferences about social network structures. We find that they have the potential to also effectively handle unmeasured variables that act as statistical confounds in social network analysis. Using simulated data, we highlight that static social network analyses can be used to identify patterns in social networks, but generally cannot be used to identify the underlying mechanisms behind the patterns. To identify mechanisms, we show that taking a dynamic approach and using edge-based models with additive and multiplicative random effects provides a means to identify mechanisms even when statistical confounds are present. Additive and multiplicative random effects also provide information about social structures not captured by the predictors, facilitating exploratory analysis. We suggest that a keep-it-maximal approach for random effects structures is beneficial for edge-based multilevel models of social networks, and that such approaches can be particularly effective when there are unmeasured variables that are not captured by model predictors.
Analysis of ribosomes from the Wild-type and FMR1 knockout human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kharbanda Tripti , D’Souza Michelle Ninochka , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Muddashetty Ravi S , Vinothkumar Kutti R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a multifunctional, multidomain RNA-binding protein whose loss causes Fragile X syndrome. It is also known to associate with ribosomes and modulate translation. In human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), knockout (KO) of the FMR1 gene results in significantly increased protein translation rates and alterations in the 2’-O-methylation patterns of rRNA. To understand the structural underpinnings of the process, we performed electron cryomicroscopy analysis of ribosomes isolated from both wild-type (WT) and FMR1 KO hESCs that revealed a subpopulation of dormant ribosomes in the FMR1 KO cells, in addition to ribosomes with tRNAs. This dormant subpopulation, absent in the WT hESCs, is characterized by the binding of SERPINE-mRNA binding protein 1 in the mRNA tunnel and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 near the A-site, preventing translation. The presence of elevated protein translation in FMR1 KO cells, alongside a subpopulation of inactive ribosomes, suggests that FMRP can function as a translational brake. However, due to the high cost of ribosome recycling, the cell appears to adopt a strategy of maintaining a subset of dormant ribosomes. Additionally, we analysed the 2’-O-methylation patterns in the 28S rRNA, in both the WT and FMR1 KO hESCs, identifying few potential differentially methylated sites. Thus, these findings provide insights into the mechanisms of ribosome dormancy in the absence of FMRP and lay the groundwork for understanding the role of rRNA methylation in translational regulation.
Host-specific adaptation ofLegionella pneumophilato single and multiple hosts
Authors: Moreno Anaísa B. , Paranjape Kiran , Cederblom Martina , Kay Elisabeth , Dobre-Lereanu Christian , Andersson Dan I. , Guy Lionel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLegionella pneumophilais an endosymbiotic bacterial species able to infect and reproduce in various protist and human hosts. Upon entry in human lungs, they may infect lung macrophages, causing Legionnaires’ disease (LD), an atypical pneumonia, using similar mechanisms as in their protozoan hosts, despite the two hosts being separated by a billion years of evolution. In this study, we used experimental evolution to identify genes conferring host-specificity toL. pneumophila. To this end, we passagedL. pneumophilain two different hosts -Acanthamoeba castellaniiand the human macrophage-like cells U937 - separately and by switching between the hosts twice a week for a year. In total, we identified 1518 mutations present in at least 5% of the population at the time of sampling. Half of these were localized in five groups of repeated sequences, likely to be recombination hotspots. Forty-nine mutations were fixed in the 18 populations at the end of the experiment, representing four different groups. The first two groups involve adaptation to the specific selection conditions, including (i) two specific mutations in the 30S ribosomal protein S12 (RpsL) that conferred resistance to streptomycin, to which the bacteria were unexpectedly exposed to during serial passage and (ii) two mutations, one in the 30S ribosomal protein S4 (RpsD), and one in the chaperonin GroES, both of which are likely to be fitness-restoring compensatory mutations to the original RpsL mutations. Two more interesting groups of mutations included (iii) mutations in 4 different strain-specific genes involved in LPS synthesis, found only in the lineages passaged withA. castellaniiand (iv) mutations in the gene coding for LerC, a key regulator of protein effector expression, which was independently mutated in 6 lineages grown in presence of the U937 cells. We propose that the mutations degrading the function of the regulator LerC improve the fitness ofL. pneumophilain human-derived cells, and that modifications in the LPS are beneficial for growth inA. castellanii. This study is a first step in further investigating determinants of host specificity inL. pneumophila.
Development of optimised human iPSC-derived hepatocytes with improved liver function forin vitrometabolic disease modelling and toxicity studies
Authors: Łukasiak Magdalena , Gatti Gemma , Chung Samuel , Kiloh George , Robinson Chloe , Kasioulis Ioannis , Gil Carlos , Panman Lia , Nikolaou Nikolaos 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver disease is a rising cause of mortality worldwide. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and hepatocellular cancer cells are currently used in drug development, however, they come with limitations, including limited supply, rapid loss of function, and tumorigenic origin. In addition, current iPSC differentiation protocols lead to the generation of hepatocyte-like cells with compromised liver-related features. We hypothesised that optimisation of iPSC differentiation protocols can lead to the generation of hepatocyte-like cells with improved metabolic functionality for disease modelling and toxicity screening studies.MethodsHealthy human iPSCs were differentiated to hepatocyte-like cells (Opti-HEP) using a novel 3-step differentiation protocol. Hepatocyte functionality was assessed, including liver maturity marker expression, urea synthesis,de novogluconeogenesis, and CYP450 expression, activity, and induction. Suitability of Opti-HEP to predict drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was evaluated by cell viability assays. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was employed to generatein vitroinherited metabolic disease models.ResultsOpti-HEP expressed similar liver maturity marker levels to those seen in primary human hepatocytes (PHH), in addition to functional urea and gluconeogenesis pathways. CYP450 expression and activity were comparable between Opti-HEP and PHH, with both cell types showing similar levels of CYP3A4 induction upon 1α,25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 treatment. Opti-HEP accurately predicted DILI, following treatment with 7 drugs of known DILI liability. CRISPR-derived Opti-HEP harbouring mutations for inherited metabolic disorders (Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency, Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 2, Citrullinemia Type 1) recapitulated key pathophysiological disease features, including reduced protein expression, impaired urea secretion, and bile acid transport.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the generation of optimised iPSC-derived hepatocytes with enhanced liver functionality that is comparable to PHH. These data alongside the expansion capacity and amenability of these cells highlight the opportunities this model can offer in the space of disease modelling and large-scale drug efficacy and hepatotoxicity screening.
Dynamic Changes in Chloride Homeostasis Coordinate Midbrain Inhibitory Network Activity during Reward Learning
Authors: Woo Joyce , Uprety Ajay , Reid Daniel , Chang Irene , Samuel Aelon Ketema , Schuch Helena de Carvalho , Swain Caroline C , Ostroumov Alexey 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYThe ability to associate environmental stimuli with positive outcomes is a fundamental form of learning. While extensive research has focused on the response profiles of midbrain dopamine neurons during associative learning, less is known about learning-mediated changes in the afferents that shape their responses. We demonstrate that during critical phases of learning, anion homeostasis in midbrain GABA neurons – a primary source of input to dopamine neurons – is disrupted due to downregulation of the chloride transporter KCC2. This alteration in GABA neurons preferentially impacted lateral mesoaccumbal dopamine pathways and was not observed after learning was established. At the network level, learning-mediated KCC2 downregulation was associated with enhanced synchronization between individual GABA neurons and increased dopamine responses to reward-related stimuli. Conversely, enhancing KCC2 function during learning reduced GABA synchronization, diminished relevant dopamine signaling, and prevented cue-reward associations. Thus, circuit-specific adaptations in midbrain GABA neurons are crucial for forming new reward-related behaviors.
Asymptotic normalization coefficients for
α+C12
synthesis and the
S
factor for
C12(α,γ)O16
radiative capture
Authors: Mukhamedzhanov A. M. , deBoer R. J. , Irgaziev B. F. , Blokhintsev L. D. , Kadyrov A. S. , Savin D. A. 
Published: November 2024

: The C12(α,γ)O16 reaction, determining the survival of carbon in red giants, is of interest for nuclear reaction theory and nuclear astrophysics. A specific feature of the O16 nuclear structure is the presence of two subthreshold bound states, (6.92 MeV, 2+) and (7.12 MeV, 1−), that dominate the behavior of the low-energy S factor. The strength of these subthreshold states is determined by their asymptotic normalization coefficients (ANCs), which need to be known with high accuracy.
: The objective of this research is to examine how the subthreshold and ground-state ANCs impact the low-energy S factor, especially at the key astrophysical energy of 300keV.
The S factors are calculated within the framework of the R-matrix method using the code.
Our total S factor takes into account the E1 and E2 transitions to the ground state of O16 including the interference of the subthreshold and higher resonances, which also interfere with the corresponding direct captures, and cascade radiative captures to the ground state of O16 through four subthreshold states: 02+,3−,2+, and 1−. To evaluate the impact of subthreshold ANCs on the low-energy S factor, we employ two sets of the ANCs. The first selection, which offers higher ANC values, is attained through the extrapolation process [Blokhintsev , ]. The set with low ANC values was employed by deBoer []. A detailed comparison of the S factors at the most effective astrophysical energy of 300 keV is provided, along with an investigation into how the ground-state ANC affects this S factor.
: The contribution to the total E1 and E2S factors from the corresponding subthreshold resonances at 300keV are (71–74)% and (102–103)%, respectively. The correlation of the uncertainties of the subthreshold ANCs with the E1 and E2S(300keV) factors is found. The E1 transition of the subthreshold resonance 1− does not depend on the ground-state ANC but interferes constructively with a broad (9.585MeV;1−) resonance giving (for the present subthreshold ANC) an additional 26% contribution to the total E1S(300keV) factor. Interference of the E2 transition through the subthreshold resonance 2+ with direct capture is almost negligible for small ground-state ANC of 58fm−1/2. However, its interference with direct capture for higher ground-state ANC of 337fm−1/2 is significant and destructive, contributing −27%. The low-energy SE2(300keV) factor experiences a smaller increase when both subthfreshold and the ground-state ANCs rise together due to their anticorrelation, compared to when only the subthreshold ANCs increase.Published by the American Physical Society2024
Intergenerational accountability in the times of just transitions
Authors: Scobie Matthew , Norris Ellie , Willson Holly 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study explores the concept of intergenerational accountability to address the grand challenge of a just transition. Intergenerational accountability extends the notion of accountability for the other to include future generations in ways that avoid the trap of long-termism and delayed action.Design/methodology/approachWe follow a critical qualitative case study approach with an Indigenous community in a settler colony. Sources of empirical materials include semi-structured interviews and documentary reviews, analysed abductively through thematic analysis.FindingsIntergenerational accountability extends the notion of accountability for the other temporally by including future generations. Indigenous temporalities offer a way to address concerns that accountability to distant future generations could delay the urgency to act now. Findings suggest that the “eternal present”, where aspirations of ancestors and obligations to descendants coalesce into a contemporary obligation, has the potential to help confront the climate crisis. However, the ability to actively practice these understandings is constrained by commercial “best practice” and the colonial state. These constraints necessitate struggles for Indigenous self-determination that also exist in the eternal present.Originality/valueWe extend the concept of accountability for the other to include future generations, but avoid the trap of long-termism delaying action through the eternal present of Indigenous temporalities. However, these temporalities are constrained, so struggles for Indigenous self-determination become closely intertwined with struggles for a just transition.
From multifunctionality and ecosystem services to a just transition of agri-food systems
Authors: Mann Stefan , Buergi Elisabeth , Schader Christian , Jacobi Johanna 
Published: November 2024

PurposeWe aim to compare multifunctionality, ecosystem services and just transition as overall conceptual approaches to understand agri-food systems.Design/methodology/approachThis is a theory-motivated literature study.FindingsThis paper argues that the concepts of multifunctionality and ecosystem services are unsuitable for considering the systemic complexities of today’s food system in order to tackle its grave environmental and social problems. Furthermore, these two concepts tend to neglect the negative externalities of food systems and overemphasize the positive ones. The notion of just transition puts justice and sustainability at the center of agri-food studies and defines targeted systemic interventions in food systems.Originality/valueWhile the approach of just transition is only starting to be widely applied to the agriculture–food nexus, we argue that it is better suited to re-orient diets, production processes, the value chain and labor conditions in a more sustainable direction. The just transition approach is also useful in drafting systemic policy innovations.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0740
Real world evaluation of etelcalcetide in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients in Argentina
Authors: Wojtowicz Daniela , Laham Gustavo , Forrester Mariano , del Valle Elisa , Peñalba Adriana , Filannino Graciela , Sammartino Andrea , Mengarelli Cecilia , Rosa‐Diez Guillermo , Negri Armando Luis 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionSecondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, etelcalcetide (EC), an intravenous calcimimetic, has been introduced as a treatment. We evaluated the efficacy of EC in treating sHPT.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, observational, retrospective study involving hemodialysis patients with sHPT, treated for at least 3 months with EC. We analyzed baseline and follow‐up values of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Age, sex, time on dialysis, dialysate calcium concentration, and use of active vitamin D and phosphate binders were also recorded. Patients were divided into those receiving EC as de novo or after at least 3 months of cinacalcet treatment, and according to sHPT severity: PTH <1000 and >1000 pg/mL.ResultsThe study included 196 patients. Mean age was 52 ± 15 years; 52.3% were male. Median time on hemodialysis was 46.5 (20–72) months. Significant reductions were observed in baseline iPTH (1053 pg/mL), Ca (8.7 mg/dL), and P (5.7 mg/dL) over 2 years (p < 0.0001), while ALP levels remained stable. iPTH reduction >30% was achieved in 37.5%, 64%, 66.7%, and 62.5% of patients at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. EC was administered as initial treatment in 53% of patients, while 47% were switched from cinacalcet. Significantly iPTH reduction was observed in both groups. Greater reductions were noted in patients with initial PTH >1000 pg/mL (p = 0.009). Two patients discontinued due to severe hypocalcemia.ConclusionsEC effectively lowered iPTH and P levels, with a sustained effect over 2 years.
Nursing diagnosis of risk for elopement attempt: A content validation study
Authors: Borba Ester M. , Santos Cássia T. , de Fátima Lucena Amália 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to validate the content of the nursing diagnosis (ND) “Risk for elopement attempt” and increase its level of evidence (LOE) in the NANDA International (NANDA‐I) Classification.MethodA content validity study was conducted based on expert opinions. The sample consisted of 33 experts with academic training in nursing and practical and theoretical experience concerning the nursing process. Data collection was performed using a Google Forms® questionnaire, which was electronically sent to the experts. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and the diagnostic content validity was based on the Fehring model. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution.FindingsThe title and definition of the ND under investigation were validated, along with 15 risk factors. Among these, “Substance misuse” was classified as major (0.96), whereas the others were validated as minor. Of the 13 risk populations, 6 were validated and classified as major, such as “Individuals with history of elopement” (0.90); 6 were validated and classified as minor, including “Individuals with a history of nonadherence to treatment regimen” (0.79); and “Economically disadvantaged individuals” were discarded (0.46). Of the three associated conditions, one was validated as major, namely, “Mental disorders” (0.86), whereas the other two were classified as minor.ConclusionsThis study validated the content of the “Risk for elopement attempt” ND, allowing it to be assigned a higher LOE based on the nursing experts. All components were validated except for one of the associated conditions.Implications for nursing practiceThe validated ND will be submitted to NANDA‐I, enabling it to achieve a higher LOE in the classification. This update will enhance the quality of this diagnostic classification and, consequently, patient care and nursing education and research.
The Influence of Bush Encroachment on the Abundance and Species Richness of Rodents in a Mesic Savanna
Authors: Zwane Thabile J. , Tsvuura Zivanai , Kraai Manqhai , Tjelele Tlou J. , Mkhize Ntuthuko R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe study assessed the influence of woody plant encroachment on the diversity of rodents in mesic savannas at the Roodeplaat and Goss Farms in South Africa. Some 142 animals from six species were recorded in 1748 trap nights. The non‐encroached habitat showed twice the species richness of encroached habitats, and three species were notably absent from encroached habitats. Strategies that reduce tree density in encroached savannas will benefit rodents while the inclusion of day‐time sampling will improve the estimation of rodent abundance and diversity.