bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Genome Resequencing Reveals Polygenic Signatures of Directional and Balancing Selection on Alternative Migratory Life Histories
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Colgan Thomas J. , Phillips Karl P. , Coughlan Jamie , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas E. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMigration in animals and associated adaptations to contrasting environments are underpinned by complex genetic architecture. Here, we explore the genomic basis of facultative anadromy in brown trout (Salmo trutta), wherein some individuals migrate to sea while others remain resident in natal rivers, to better understand how alternative migratory tactics (AMTs) are maintained evolutionarily. To identify genomic variants associated with AMTs, we sequenced whole genomes for 194 individual trout from five anadromous–resident population pairs, situated above and below waterfalls, in five different Irish rivers. These waterfalls act as natural barriers to upstream migration and hence we predicted that loci underpinning AMTs should be under similar divergent selection across these replicate pairs. A sliding windows based analysis revealed a highly polygenic adaptive divergence between anadromous and resident populations, encompassing 329 differentiated genomic regions. These regions were associated with 292 genes involved in various processes crucial for AMTs, including energy homeostasis, reproduction, osmoregulation, immunity, circadian rhythm and neural function. Furthermore, examining patterns of diversity we were able to link specific genes and biological processes to putative AMT trait classes: migratory‐propensity, migratory‐lifestyle and residency. Importantly, AMT outlier regions possessed higher genetic diversity than the background genome, particularly in the anadromous group, suggesting balancing selection may play a role in maintaining genetic variation. Overall, the results from this study provide important insights into the genetic architecture of migration and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping genomic diversity within and across populations.
Habitat Association Predicts Population Connectivity and Persistence in Flightless Beetles: A Population Genomics Approach Within a Dynamic Archipelago
Authors: Meramveliotakis Emmanouil , Ortego Joaquín , Anastasiou Ioannis , Vogler Alfried P. , Papadopoulou Anna 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTHabitat association has been proposed to affect evolutionary dynamics through its control on dispersal propensity, which is considered a key trait for lineage survival in habitats of low durational stability. The Habitat Constraint hypothesis predicts different micro‐ and macroevolutionary patterns for stable versus dynamic habitat specialists, but the empirical evidence remains controversial and in insects mostly derives from winged lineages. We here use genome‐wide SNP data to assess the effect of habitat association on the population dynamics of two closely related flightless lineages of the genus Eutagenia (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which are co‐distributed across the Cyclades islands in the Eastern Mediterranean but are associated with habitat types of different presumed stability: the psammophilous lineage is associated with dynamic sandy coastal habitats, while the geophilous lineage is associated with comparatively stable compact soil habitats. Our comparative population genomic and demographic analyses support higher inter‐island gene flow in the psammophilous lineage, presumably due to the physical properties of dynamic sand‐dune habitats that promote passive dispersal. We also find consistent bottlenecks in the psammophilous demes, suggesting that lineage evolution in the dynamic habitat is punctuated by local extinction and recolonisation events. The inferred demographic processes are surprisingly uniform among psammophilous demes, but vary considerably among geophilous demes depending on historical island connectivity, indicating more stringent constraints on the dynamic habitat lineage. This study extends the Habitat Constraint hypothesis by demonstrating that selection on dispersal traits is not the only mechanism that can drive consistent differences in evolutionary dynamics between stable versus dynamic habitat specialists.
A novel protein elicitor (Cs08297) from Ciboria shiraiana enhances plant disease resistance
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Ruolan , Fan Wei , Chen Xuefei , Tao Caiquan , Liu Shuman , Zhu Panpan , Wang Shuchang , Zhao Aichun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCiboria shiraiana is a necrotrophic fungus that causes mulberry sclerotinia disease resulting in huge economic losses in agriculture. During infection, the fungus uses immunity elicitors to induce plant tissue necrosis that could facilitate its colonization on plants. However, the key elicitors and immune mechanisms remain unclear in C. shiraiana. Herein, a novel elicitor Cs08297 secreted by C. shiraiana was identified, and it was found to target the apoplast in plants to induce cell death. Cs08297 is a cysteine‐rich protein unique to C. shiraiana, and cysteine residues in Cs08297 were crucial for its ability to induce cell death. Cs08297 induced a series of defence responses in Nicotiana benthamiana, including the burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), callose deposition, and activation of defence‐related genes. Cs08297 induced‐cell death was mediated by leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor‐like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. Purified His‐tagged Cs08297‐thioredoxin fusion protein triggered cell death in different plants and enhanced plant resistance to diseases. Cs08297 was necessary for sclerotial development, oxidative‐stress adaptation, and cell wall integrity but negatively regulated virulence of C. shiraiana. In conclusion, our results revealed that Cs08297 is a novel fungal elicitor in fungi inducing plant immunity. Furthermore, its potential to enhance plant resistance provides a new target to control agricultural diseases biologically.
Unraveling the in planta population dynamics of the plant pathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum by mathematical modeling
Authors: Baroukh Caroline , Gerlin Léo , Escourrou Antoine , Genin Stéphane 
Published: November 2024

Summary
Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, a plant pathogen responsible for bacterial wilt in numerous plant species, exhibits paradoxical growth in the host by achieving high bacterial densities in xylem sap, an environment traditionally considered nutrient‐poor. This study combined in vitro experiments and mathematical modeling to elucidate the population dynamics of R. pseudosolanacearum within plants.
To simulate the xylem environment, a tomato xylem‐mimicking medium was developed. Then, a mathematical model was constructed using in vitro data and employed to simulate the dynamics of bacterial density and xylem sap composition during plant infection.
The model accurately reproduced in planta experimental observations, including high bacterial densities and the depletion of glutamine and asparagine. Additionally, the model estimated the minimal number of bacteria required to initiate infection, the timing of infection post‐inoculation, the bacterial mortality rate within the plant and the rate at which bacterial putrescine is assimilated by the plant.
The findings demonstrate that xylem sap can sustain high bacterial densities, provides an explanatory framework for the presence of acetate, putrescine and 3‐hydroxybutyrate in the sap of infected xylem and give clues as to the role of putrescine in the virulence of R. pseudosolanacearum.
Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mediated dwarfing mutation provides a basis for CaCO3 accumulation by enhancing photosynthetic performance in Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf
Authors: Guo L. , Lai J. , Lei T. , Liu C. , Li J. , Yang L. , Gao S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt‐excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions.
Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits.
All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion.
The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization.
The evolution of muscle spindles
Authors: Banks Robert W. , Proske Uwe 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMuscle spindles are stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptors found in the skeletal muscles of most four‐limbed vertebrates. They are unique amongst sensory receptors in the ability to regulate their sensitivity by contraction of the intrafusal muscle fibres on which the sensory endings lie. Muscle spindles have revealed a remarkable diversity of functions, including reflex action in posture and locomotion, contributing to bodily self awareness, and influencing wound healing. What were the circumstances which gave rise to the evolution of such complex end‐organs? We argue that spindles first appeared in early amniotes and only later in frogs and toads. This was considered an example of convergent evolution. Spindles in amphibians and reptiles are characterised by their simple structure, pointing to key features essential for spindle function. Spindle sensitivity in amphibians and reptiles is controlled by intrafusal fibre contractions evoked by branches of motor axons supplying extrafusal muscle. Modern phylogenetic evidence has revised our views on the origin of birds, placing them closer to the dinosaurs than had previously been thought. Birds are the only group, other than mammals, which has a dedicated fusimotor innervation of spindles, another example of convergent evolution, given the widely different origins of the two groups. One factor that may have played a role here was that both groups are endotherms, allowing motor control to develop further in an optimal internal environment. This, as well as other changes within the spindle, has led to the astonishing sophistication of motor control observed especially in many modern mammals.
Studying bats using a One Health lens: bridging the gap between bat virology and disease ecology
Authors: Gonzalez Victoria , Hurtado-Monzón Arianna M. , O'Krafka Sabrina , Mühlberger Elke , Letko Michael , Frank Hannah K. , Laing Eric D. , Phelps Kendra L. , Becker Daniel J. , Munster Vincent J. , Falzarano Darryl , Schountz Tony , Seifert Stephanie N. , Banerjee Arinjay 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Accumulating data suggest that some bat species host emerging viruses that are highly pathogenic in humans and agricultural animals. Laboratory-based studies have highlighted important adaptations in bat immune systems that allow them to better tolerate viral infections compared to humans. Simultaneously, ecological studies have discovered critical extrinsic factors, such as nutritional stress, that correlate with virus shedding in wild-caught bats. Despite some progress in independently understanding the role of bats as reservoirs of emerging viruses, there remains a significant gap in the molecular understanding of factors that drive virus spillover from bats. Driven by a collective goal of bridging the gap between the fields of bat virology, immunology, and disease ecology, we hosted a satellite symposium at the 2024 American Society for Virology meeting. Bringing together virologists, immunologists, and disease ecologists, we discussed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as virus receptor engagement, adaptive immunity, and virus ecology that influence spillover from bat hosts. This article summarizes the topics discussed during the symposium and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and resource sharing.
Perceptions, attitudes and beliefs on antenatal exercises among primiparous pregnant women: a qualitative study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Chathurika Sepalage Nilanthi , Rathnayake Chathura , Nanayakkara Deepika Indumathie , Thennakoon Sampath Udaya Bandara , Rathnayake Abey 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundEven if promoting antenatal exercises is an evolving concept worldwide, there is a scarcity of qualitative exploratory studies which directly focus on pregnant mothers’ views about exercises. So, this study was designed to (1) explore pregnant women’s perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about antenatal exercises, and (2) provide significant annotations prior to constituting interventions for antenatal exercises.MethodsA qualitative survey was carried out with 19 primiparous pregnant women using stratified purposive sampling at the antenatal clinic, in a tertiary care hospital, Sri Lanka. In-depth interviews were conducted through a predesigned, semistructured interview guide from January to April 2021. Data were transcribed, examined and organised, then subjected to thematic analysis using inductive approach.ResultsMost of the pregnant women described numerous benefits and had optimistic views on exercises. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding on the impact of exercise on a healthy pregnancy is apparent, primarily caused by a dearth of health education and reliable information sources. Also, they were unlikely to initiate exercises in their pregnancy period due to a lack of guidance through the antenatal clinic and/or health professionals. Concerning beliefs, main stream-believed exercises provide assistance for normal labour process and exercises advantageous in both antenatal and post-partum periods. Besides, few of them restricted their conversations on the drawbacks of exercises by illuminating erroneous beliefs.ConclusionsThe majority of participants realised the importance of exercises and had positive attitudes while the minority presenting misconceptions. The need for healthcare providers’ support and guidance is highly anticipated by pregnant women to engage in antenatal exercises.
Assessing global access to continuing professional development for rehabilitation professionals: a mixed methods study of current practices and perceived needs
Authors: Cunningham Shala , Lowe Rachael , Footer Cheryl , Mon Oo Hsu Wai , Omoding Herbert , Kovalchuk Olha , Zehra Neelum , Bachani Abdulgafoor M 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand the current state of continuing professional development (CPD) for rehabilitation professionals globally and identify perceived requirements to enhance education to guide efforts to develop internationally relevant, interprofessional, rehabilitation coursework adaptable to the various professions and contexts to support workforce development.DesignThis was a mixed methods, exploratory study. A convenience sample of rehabilitation professionals received surveys regarding current access to CPD and the perceived needs for additional resources to support professional development. Semistructured interviews were performed with select participants.SettingSurveys were distributed online, while interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams or telephone, depending on the participants’ access.ParticipantsA total of 445 professionals completed the survey. Additionally, interviews were performed with 104 participants from Myanmar, Pakistan, Uganda and Ukraine to clarify and expand on survey responses.ResultsThe CPD requirements for practising clinicians and regulation of CPD activities varied widely across countries and professions. Participants expressed a need for additional resources and educational opportunities, particularly for multidisciplinary rehabilitation focusing on neurological conditions. However, there were multiple barriers to accessing technological resources and professional development in low and middle-income countries that must be navigated alongside low engagement and motivation for lifelong learning.ConclusionThere is an opportunity to enhance global rehabilitation workforce development by fostering partnerships focused on the efficient delivery of training. This includes developing CPD programmes that consider cultural contexts, patient populations, and practice settings. Support for CPD can be improved through both internal and external motivators and by regulating CPD activities to ensure effective, evidence-based practice.
TPX2 serves as a novel target for expanding the utility of PARPi in pancreatic cancer through conferring synthetic lethality
Authors: Xiao Mingming , Tang Rong , Pan Haoqi , Yang Jing , Tong Xuhui , Xu He , Guo Yanmei , Lei Yalan , Wu Di , Lei Yubin , Han Yamei , Ma Zhilong , Wang Wei , Xu Jin , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been licensed for the maintenance therapy of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer carrying pathogenic germline BRCA1/2 mutations. However, mutations in BRCA1/2 are notably rare in pancreatic cancer.ObjectiveThere is a significant unmet clinical need to broaden the utility of PARPi.DesignRNA sequencing was performed to screen potential targets for PARPi sensitivity. The synthetic lethal effects were verified in patient-derived xenograft (PDX), xenograft and patient-derived organoid models. Mechanisms were explored via LC‒MS/MS, coimmunoprecipitation, laser microirradiation, immunofluorescence, the homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) reporter system, in situ proximity ligation assay and live-cell time-lapse imaging analyses.ResultsTargeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) is an exploitable vulnerability. TPX2 was downregulated in PDX models sensitive to PARPi, and TPX2 inhibition conferred synthetic lethality to PARPi bothin vitroandin vivo. Mechanistically, TPX2 functions in a cell cycle-dependent manner. In the S/G2 phase, ATM-mediated TPX2 S634 phosphorylation promotes BRCA1 recruitment to double-strand breaks (DSBs) for HR repair, whereas non-phosphorylated TPX2 interacts with 53BP1 to recruit it for NHEJ. The balance between phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated TPX2 determines the DSB repair pathway choice. During mitosis, TPX2 phosphorylation enhances Aurora A activity, promoting mitotic progression and chromosomal stability. Targeting TPX2 S634 phosphorylation with a cell-penetrating peptide causes genomic instability and mitotic catastrophe and enhances PARPi sensitivity. Additionally, the inhibition of TPX2 or S634 phosphorylation combined with gemcitabine further sensitised pancreatic cancer to PARPi.ConclusionsOur findings revealed the dual-functional significance of TPX2 in controlling DNA DSB repair pathway choice and mitotic progression, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy involving PARPi for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Topical Vitamin D3 Derivative (Calcipotriol) Versus Intralesional Vitamin D3 in the Treatment of Cutaneous Warts
Authors: Almuhyi Rand A. , Alhamdi Khalil I. , Alhamdi Dooha K. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Cutaneous warts are epidermal proliferations caused by human papillomavirus. There are a variety of treatment options for warts with different success rates. Intralesional vitamin D3 injection is an innovative treatment option for warts, and several studies have examined its efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the two modalities of vitamin D3 in wart treatment.Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical vitamin D3 derivative (calcipotriol) and intralesional vitamin D3 in the treatment of warts.Patients and Methods: This is an open‐label, therapeutic, comparative, clinical study involving 56 patients with warts. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 28). Group A was treated with topical calcipotriol ointment (0.005%) twice daily for a period of 8 weeks, while Group B was treated with intralesional injection of 0.2–0.3 mL of vitamin D3 (300,000 I.U. per ampule) for 4 sessions (2 weeks apart). The patients were followed every 2 weeks during treatment and then 3 months after the last visit.Results: The percentage of patients who showed a complete response in Group A was higher than that of Group B (95% vs. 59%). Furthermore, 9 patients out of 13 (69.2%) who showed a complete response in Group B required a period of 8 weeks, while only 2 patients out of 21 (9.5%) in Group A required the same period. In addition, side effects were more in Group B. Moreover, no recurrence was observed in Group A, while in Group B, it was seen in 2 (11%) patients.Conclusions: Both topical and intralesional vitamin D3 are effective in the treatment of warts, with topical vitamin D3 having better efficacy, faster, less side effects, and less risk of recurrence.
Self‐Management and Its Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Jara Abdisa Gemedi , Tekle Masho Tigabe , Sema Faisel Dula , Mekonen Banchamlak Teferi , Ergena Asrat Elias , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu , Gebremariam Saron Naji , Abebe Rahel Belete , Belachew Eyayaw Ashete , Tafese Abenezer Melaku , Mehari Eden Abetu 
Published: November 2024

Background: Self‐management (SM) is the gold standard of care and is the direct active participation of patients in their disease management. Condition‐specific factors, physical and social environment, individual and family, and the process of SM are factors that influence SM in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Poor SM leads to high retroviral infection transmission, mortality, and morbidity.Objective: This study was aimed at assessing SM and its associated factors among PLHIV at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique at the UOGCSH from May 20 to July 30, 2022. The data were collected using a previously validated tool and were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor SM. The statistical significance was considered at a p value < 0.05.Result: Of 419 PLHIV, the median (IQR) SM score was 39 (9), and above half (52.6%, 95% CI: 48%–57%) of them had poor SM. Being unemployed (AOR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.19, 5.19), living alone (AOR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.12, 4.17), unfamiliar with the management of HIV‐related symptoms (AOR = 3.59, 95%CI = 2.08, 6.20), poor social support (AOR = 3.02, 95%CI = 1.54, 5.93), poor self‐efficacy (AOR = 3.04, 95%CI = 1.83, 5.06), and unsupported by the adherence support group (AOR = 17.17, 95%CI = 8.37, 35.22) were significantly associated with poor SM.Conclusion: The majority of PLHIV had poor SM. This study supports the findings of individual family SM theory and previously published studies regarding factors affecting SM. The government, hospital, adherence support groups, and PLHIV should work on modifiable sociodemographic, condition‐specific, and process of SM to improve SM of PLHIV.