bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of niche architecture requires actomyosin and enables proper stem cell signaling and oriented division in the Drosophila testis
Authors: Vida Gabriela S. , Botto Elizabeth , DiNardo Stephen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Stem cells are essential to repair and regenerate tissues, and often reside in a niche that controls their behavior. Here, we use the Drosophila testis niche, a paradigm for niche–stem cell interactions, to address the cell biological features that maintain niche structure and function during its steady-state operation. We report enrichment of Myosin II (MyoII) and a key regulator of actomyosin contractility (AMC), Rho Kinase (ROK), within the niche cell cortex at the interface with germline stem cells (GSCs). Compromising MyoII and ROK disrupts niche architecture, suggesting that AMC in niche cells is important to maintain its reproducible structure. Furthermore, defects in niche architecture disrupt GSC function. Our data suggest that the niche signals less robustly to adjacent germ cells yet permits increased numbers of cells to respond to the signal. Finally, compromising MyoII in niche cells leads to increased misorientation of centrosomes in GSCs as well as defects in the centrosome orientation checkpoint. Ultimately, this work identifies a crucial role for AMC-dependent maintenance of niche structure to ensure a proper complement of stem cells that correctly execute divisions.
Gas detection based on a mid-infrared super-pixel multi-spectral imaging device
Authors: Hu Huandong , Liu Qingquan , Ji Ruonan , Xuan Zhiyi , Zhi Ying , Wu Mingfei , Chen Honglei , Wang Xiaokun , Dong Feng , Lu Wei , Wang Shaowei 
Published: December 2024

Gas detection is an important application area in industry. The detection of CO2 plays a crucial role in environmental protection. However, the primary challenges in achieving atmospheric CO2 and other detection of other gases revolve around developing instrumentation featuring a broad detection range, heightened sensitivity, and dynamic real-time capabilities. To address these challenges, a four-channel multi-spectral imaging device utilizing a super-pixel filter array (SFA) for simultaneous detection of multiple gases in the mid-infrared (MIR) is introduced in this work. The device demonstrates selective transmittance at wavelengths of 3.92, 4.08, 4.29, and 4.40 µm, achieving a spectral resolution (δλ/λ) of 1%. The SFA’s narrowband filtering capability facilitates real-time imaging detection of multiple gases by its high spectral selectivity of each super-pixel unit. Multi-channel spectral detection capability means that our detectors can detect multiple target gases simultaneously according to the specific spectral channel of each unit. Finally, the great potential of this technique for CO2 detection was verified by a demonstration experiment.
Assessing chromatic discrimination in individuals varying in iris color and ethnic origin
Authors: Paramei Galina V. , Nwanedo Nnaemeka , Owen Robin , Zlatkova Margarita , Senna Irene 
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate how variation in iris color, along with ethnic origin, affects color vision. For color vision deficiency screening, the Ishihara, D-15, and D-15d tests were employed. Chromatic discrimination was assessed in normal trichromats using the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT). Three groups were tested: light-eyed White (N = 30), hazel-eyed White (N = 30), and brown-eyed Black (N = 29). Black observers revealed significantly higher CCT measures—protan and tritan thresholds (Trivector) and Ellipse measures (major axis, axis ratio, and angle); no significant differences were found between the two White observer groups. We attribute Black observers’ subtle tritan-type impairment to prereceptoral factors, in particular, the higher optical density of the macular pigment, which filters out short-wavelength light, affecting S-cone-mediated chromatic discrimination, and, also, is likely to reduce retinal illuminance. The elevated protan thresholds are discussed in relation to the receptoral level; considered are possible causes of genetically determined L-cone characteristics in observers of African descent.
Three years of insecticide resistance evolution and associated mechanisms in Aedes aegypti populations of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Yaméogo Félix , Sombié Aboubacar , Oté Manabu , Saiki Erisha , Sakurai Tatsuya , Wangrawa Dimitri W. , McCall Philip J. , Weetman David , Kanuka Hirotaka , Badolo Athanase 
Published: December 2024

Background
Resistance to insecticides is spreading among populations of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of important human arboviruses. The escalating insecticide resistance poses a significant threat to dengue vector control, with an expanding number of countries affected by the disease.
To gain a deeper insight into the evolution of insecticide resistance, it is essential to have longitudinal surveillance results, which are currently lacking, particularly from African Ae. aegypti populations.
Here we report on three-years of surveillance of Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticide resistance phenotypes and associated kdr mutations in Burkina Faso, a country with regular dengue outbreaks.

Methods
Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticides and the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr target site mutations linked to pyrethroid insecticide resistance were monitored in Ouagadougou from 2016 to 2018. Larvae were collected from artificial containers at two sites and reared to adulthood in an insectary. Bioassays were conducted on female adults, along with a laboratory-susceptible strain, following standard WHO protocols. Allele-specific PCR genotyping assays were utilized to identify the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr pyrethroid target site mutations.

Results
Bioassays revealed a high level of resistance to permethrin and deltamethrin that progressively increased over the three-year period in both localities. The 1534C mutation was nearly fixed throughout the three years at each locality, and while the closely-related 410L and 1016I mutations did not vary between localities, their frequency notably increased from 2016 to 2018. Interestingly, Ae. aegypti populations in both areas remained susceptible to bendiocarb, fenitrothion, and malathion. Modelling the mortality data further confirmed the escalating resistance trend over the years and emphasized the significant role played by the three kdr mutations in conferring resistance to pyrethroids.

Conclusion
Mortality rates indicate that Ae. aegypti populations from Ouagadougou are becoming increasingly resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, likely due to an increase in the frequencies of the 410L and 1016I kdr mutations. Organophosphate insecticides are likely to be better alternative options for control.
An experimental target-based platform in yeast for screening Plasmodium vivax deoxyhypusine synthase inhibitors
Authors: Fernandes Silva Suélen , Hollunder Klippel Angélica , Sigurdardóttir Sunniva , Mahdizadeh Sayyed Jalil , Tiukova Ievgeniia , Bourgard Catarina , Salazar-Alvarez Luis Carlos , do Amaral Prado Heloísa Monteiro , de Araujo Renan Vinicius , Costa Fabio Trindade Maranhão , Bilsland Elizabeth , King Ross D. , Brauer Massirer Katlin , Eriksson Leif A. , Bengtson Mário Henrique , Zanelli Cleslei Fernando , Sunnerhagen Per 
Published: December 2024

The enzyme deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) catalyzes the first step in the post-translational modification of the eukaryotic translation factor 5A (eIF5A). This is the only protein known to contain the amino acid hypusine, which results from this modification. Both eIF5A and DHS are essential for cell viability in eukaryotes, and inhibiting DHS is a promising strategy to develop new therapeutic alternatives. DHS proteins from many are sufficiently different from their human orthologs for selective targeting against infectious diseases; however, no DHS inhibitor selective for parasite orthologs has previously been reported.
Here, we established a yeast surrogate genetics platform to identify inhibitors of DHS from Plasmodium vivax, one of the major causative agents of malaria. We constructed genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing DHS genes from Homo sapiens (HsDHS) or P. vivax (PvDHS) in place of the endogenous DHS gene from S. cerevisiae. Compared with a HsDHS complemented strain with a different genetic background that we previously generated, this new strain background was ~60-fold more sensitive to an inhibitor of human DHS.
Initially, a virtual screen using the ChEMBL-NTD database was performed. Candidate ligands were tested in growth assays using the newly generated yeast strains expressing heterologous DHS genes. Among these, two showed promise by preferentially reducing the growth of the PvDHS-expressing strain. Further, in a robotized assay, we screened 400 compounds from the Pathogen Box library using the same S. cerevisiae strains, and one compound preferentially reduced the growth of the PvDHS-expressing yeast strain. Western blot revealed that these compounds significantly reduced eIF5A hypusination in yeast. The compounds showed antiplasmodial activity in the asexual erythrocyte stage; EC50 in high nM to low μM range, and low cytotoxicity.
Our study demonstrates that this yeast-based platform is suitable for identifying and verifying candidate small molecule DHS inhibitors, selective for the parasite over the human ortholog.
A qualitative study of lived experience and life courses following dam release flooding in Northern Ghanaian communities: Implications for damage and loss assessment
Authors: Asamoah Moses , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Gyimah Faustina Twumwaa , Li Chengxiu , Agyemang Linda , Wright Jim 
Published: December 2024

Background
Dams provide water for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use, particularly in arid regions. However, controlled dam releases due to heavy rainfall may affect downstream communities’ livelihoods and life courses such long-term impacts may be omitted from damage and loss assessments. This study aims to assess the lived experiences and long-term consequences of dam release flooding for downstream populations, comparing these with the typical scope of a damage and loss assessment (DaLA).

Methods
This research was conducted in two flood-prone districts in the White Volta basin, Ghana, subject to dam spillage. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community opinion headers, household heads, chiefs, local politicians, and institutional staff were conducted and analysed, alongside semi-structured interviews with twelve opinion leaders and disaster-related institutions.

Results
Flood-affected communities struggled to attract partners for marriage due to stigmatisation from flooding impacts. Women outside flooded areas rejected male members’ marriage proposals, while communities offered young girls for marriage to wealthy men for greater financial security. Out-migration of female members to seek better livelihoods frequently led to divorce, subsequently affecting children’s education and well-being. Participants reported long-term trauma from flood-related contact with dangerous wildlife, travel disruption, disease risk, livelihood loss, and accidents. Such life course events and long-term trauma would be omitted from a DaLA exercise.

Conclusion
Beyond its immediate impacts, flooding undermines family relationships and marriage, impairing children’s education and traumatises affected communities. We recommend livelihood diversification programmes, psychological support and family counselling to address these long-term impacts, with expansion of DaLA’s scope to underpin such support.
Perspectives on the implementation of post-validation surveillance for lymphatic filariasis in the Pacific Islands: A nominal group technique-based study protocol
Authors: Craig Adam T. , Lawford Harriet , Viali Satupaitea , Tuitama George , Lau Colleen L. 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms, transmitted via mosquito bites. Significant global efforts have led to the interruption of LF transmission, with eight of the 16 previously endemic Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) validated by WHO as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance (PVS) is recommended to verify the absence of a resurgence in transmission; however, there are no guidelines on how to implement such surveillance effectively.

Aim
This protocol outlines a research study that aims to explore, synthesise, and prioritise the perspectives of LF program staff from LF-eliminated PICTs. The study will focus on identifying the challenges faced in implementing PVS in the PICT settings and determining corresponding context-relevant operational research priorities.

Method
The study will employ a nominal group technique (NGT) involving representatives from LF-eliminated PICTs. The NGT will adhere to a structured process for generating, ranking, and prioritising ideas, followed by group discussions, debates, and the collation of shared views.

Discussion
The research will provide insights into the most significant challenges faced in implementing PVS in the PICTs. It will also identify priority areas where operational research is required to inform policy and practice. To our knowledge, this study is the first to apply a rigorous consensus group method to distil challenges and research priorities for LF PVS in PICTs. We expect that this research will inform the development of national and regional LF guidelines.
Long-Term Outcomes of EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy: A Large, Single-Center Experience
Authors: Trieu Judy A. , Kahlenberg Sam , Gilman Andrew J. , Hathorn Kelly , Baron Todd H. 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is effective and safe in benign and malignant indications. However, there is a paucity of literature on the outcomes of these patients. Our study evaluates the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent EUS-GE and stent-related adverse events (AEs).

METHODS:
This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care institution from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022. Patients who underwent EUS-GE were included. Procedure details and outcomes were recorded. Patients were followed for at least 3 months after the procedure.

RESULTS:
A total of 207 patients (50.3% male, mean age 62.3 years) underwent EUS-GE for malignant (N = 117, 56.5%) and benign (N = 90, 43.5%) indications. Overall technical success was 95.7%. Patients were followed for a mean of 406 days. Stents were removed in 25.6% of patients; common reasons include completed access for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (N = 13, 25%), resection/resolution of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) (N = 28, 53.8%), and surgical resection of malignant GOO (N = 8, 15.4%). EUS-GE stents remained in place in 63.6% of patients for ≥3 months and in 21% of patients for ≥1 year. Late AEs occurred in 3.4%. Among patients who were stent-dependent (N = 24, 11.6%) and underwent annual stent exchanges, no late AEs occurred.

DISCUSSION:
Long-term outcomes of EUS-GE are promising with few AEs, particularly with pre-emptive annual exchanges of stents to prevent stent delamination and occlusion among patients who require long-term indwelling stents. EUS-GE plays an increasing role in access for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in altered anatomy, acute or chronic management of benign GOO, or bridge to definitive surgery for GOO.
Survival Benefit From Corticosteroids in Severe Alcohol-associated Hepatitis Attributed to Clinical and Treatment Differences in a Large Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Durkin Claire , Schaubel Douglas E. , Kaplan David E. , Mahmud Nadim , Bittermann Therese 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Corticosteroids are recommended by multiple society guidelines for the treatment of severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). However, their use remains controversial due to inconsistent studies regarding their survival benefit.

METHODS:
This was a retrospective cohort study of first-time hospitalizations for severe AH (Maddrey discriminant function ≥ 32) admitted to the Veterans Health Administration between January 3, 2005, and December 5, 2020, (i) evaluating the effect of corticosteroid therapy on all-cause survival, (ii) characterizing the clinical and psychosocial factors associated with corticosteroid use, and (iii) determining the effect of duration of corticosteroid therapy on all-cause survival among treatment-responsive patients (Lille score < 0.45).

RESULTS:
During the study period, 2,618 patients were admitted with severe AH, of whom 1,083 (41.37%) received corticosteroids. Although corticosteroids were significantly associated with improved all-cause survival in the unadjusted model (P = 0.022), no survival benefit was observed in the adjusted model after accounting for baseline and admission characteristics (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.01, P = 0.818). Psychiatry consultation was the only factor evaluated that was protective against mortality (aHR = 0.67, P < 0.001). Among the 428 patients (49.7%) responsive to corticosteroids, duration of therapy was not associated with overall survival on unadjusted (P = 0.696) or adjusted models (aHR = 1.12, P = 0.710 for a ≥28-day course compared with a ≤7-day reference).

DISCUSSION:
Despite being recommended by clinical guidelines for severe AH, corticosteroids have low utilization with no survival benefit after accounting for differences in patient characteristics and practice patterns. Among patients with treatment response per the Lille score, no difference was observed in overall survival between shorter and longer durations of corticosteroid therapy.
Accuracy of Fecal Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing in Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter Pylori: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al Qady Ahmed , Aldhaleei Wafa , Salih Mohamed , Ali Marriam , Menakuru Sasmith , Nayar Kapil Dev , Wang Zhen , Stancampiano Fernando F. , Harris Dana , Bi Yan 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The increasing prevalence of clarithromycin (CLA)-resistant Helicobacter pylori
(H. pylori) strains poses a significant challenge in the management of H. pylori infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the diagnostic accuracy of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in identifying CLA-resistant H. pylori strains in stool.

METHODS:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 30, 2023. Eligible studies evaluated the effectiveness of PCR stool tests in detecting CLA-resistant H. pylori strains in adults (>18-year-old). Studies of pediatric populations, alternative methods to PCR or stool samples, and reference tests other than gastric biopsy were excluded. The bivariate random-effects model was used to pool diagnostic accuracy from the included studies.

RESULTS:
The analysis of 11 prospective diagnostic studies with a total of 866 patients showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.9–0.99) and a pooled specificity of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.81–1.00). Subgroup analysis based on the used technique demonstrated consistent findings without notable variations. The diagnostic odds ratio was calculated at 1843.92 (95% CI: 134.28–25,321.3). The positive likelihood ratio was determined as 51.02 (95% CI: 4.61–564.5), while the negative likelihood ratio was found to be 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.1).

DISCUSSION:
PCR testing for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori was highly sensitive and specific across studies with proven reliability in clinical practice, particularly in outpatient settings. Their implementation offers cost-effectiveness and the potential for tailored treatment strategies, holding promise for improved patient outcomes.
Thermal characteristics and recycling of bolus – a polyurethane-based material used in radiotherap
Authors: Worzakowska Marta , Szajnecki Łukasz , Tarasiuk Bogdan , Kozłowska Aleksandra , Podkościelna Beata 
Published: December 2024

The thermal resistance was investigated and the potential for recycling of a polyurethanebased polymer material (bolus) in the form of a gel constituting medical waste after irradiation with ionizing energy was indicated. The same gel, which was not subjected to radiotherapy, was used asa reference material. Thermal stability, the course of oxidative decomposition and the type of volatile substances released during heating in an oxidizing atmosphere were examined using the TG/FT-IR method. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the tested materials before and after irradiation was determined using the DSC method. It was found that irradiation caused a slight change in Tg and increased thermal stability. However, the irradiation time had no effect on the type of gaseous decomposition products released during heating in an oxidizing atmosphere. The used polyurethane material (bolus)was recycled to obtain new composite materials with different physicochemical properties.
Magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on poly-1H pyrrole: A promising photocathode for green hydrogen generation from sanitation water without using external sacrificing agent
Authors: Alnuwaiser Maha Abdallah , Rabia Mohamed , Elsayed Asmaa M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Fe3O4 magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on additional poly-1H pyrrole film, denoted as Fe3O4-P1HP/P1HP, is synthesized by oxidative polymerization utilizing (Fe(NO3)3·5H2O for the pyrrole monomer. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits a notable bandgap of 1.97 eV and demonstrates broad optical absorption up to 625 nm. The structure of each particle consists of numerous smaller internal particles, which are composed of nanofibers of approximately 2.0 nm in length and porous structures of around 5.0 nm. These porous structures cluster together to form a larger configuration, with an overall diameter of ∼230 nm and a length of approximately 300 nm, giving the composite a nano-cactus-like appearance. The fabricated Fe3O4–P1HP/P1HP photocathode is inserted into a three-electrode cell to facilitate green hydrogen production from sanitation water without the need for any external sacrificial agent. The performance of H2 gas generation is assessed by measuring the photocurrent density (J
ph) under light, which serves as an indicator of the efficiency of hydrogen production. The J
ph value reaches −0.23 mA/cm² under light conditions. The highest J
ph values of −0.164 and −0.158 mA/cm² are observed at wavelengths of 340 and 440 nm, respectively. However, as the wavelength reaches 540 nm, the J
ph value decreases to −0.134 mA/cm² and drops to its lowest point of −0.128 mA/cm² at 730 nm, which is comparable to the dark current (J
o). The fabricated photocathode demonstrates a promising hydrogen generation rate of 90 µmol/h cm², reflecting its potential for commercial applications. The combination of this impressive hydrogen production rate, along with the photocathode’s cost-effectiveness and straightforward fabrication process, suggests that this technology could be commercially viable for converting sanitation water into hydrogen gas.