bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated α/β ratio after hypofractionated radiotherapy correlated with DNA damage repairment in an experimental model of prostate cancer
Authors: Cui Ming , Li Yuexian , Liu Ji , Sun Deyu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that the linear quadratic model appeared to be not well-suited for high dose per fraction due to an observed increase in α/β ratio as the dose per fraction increased. To further validate this conclusion, we draw the cell survival curve to calculate the α/β ratio by the clone formation experiment and then convert the fractionated radiation dose into an equivalent single hypofractionated radiation dose comparing with that on the survival curve. Western Blot and laser confocal immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of γ-H2AX and RAD51 after different fractionated modes of radiation. We constructed a murine xenograft model, and changes in transplanted tumor volume were used to evaluate the biological effects after different fractionated radiation. The results demonstrated that when fractionated radiation dose was converted into equivalent single hypofractionated radiation dose, the effectiveness of hypofractionated radiation was overestimated. If a larger α/β ratio was used, the discrepancy tended to become smaller. γ-H2AX was higher in 24 h after a single high dose radiation than the continuous expression of the DNA repair marker RAD51. This implies more irreparable damage in a single high dose radiation compared with fractionated radiation. In the murine xenograft model, the effectiveness of hypofractionated radiation was also overestimated, and additional fractions of irradiation may be required. The conclusion is that after single hypofractionated radiation, the irreparable damage in cells increased (α value increased) and some repairable sublethal damage (β value) was converted into irreparable damage (α value). When α value increased and β value decreased, the ratio increased.
Incidental aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography in a patient undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: a case report
Authors: Al-Sarraf Nael , Maher Adel , Agzamov Yuldash , Hasan Mohammed , Alhumaidan Ali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Papillary fibroelastoma of aortic valve is a rare benign tumor that can present with symptoms of obstruction or embolization and can be asymptomatic. The main stay of diagnosis is echocardiography. The size of the tumor affects the sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiography which can miss small size tumors. The treatment is surgical resection. Here, we report a case of papillary fibroelastoma of aortic valve that was detected intraoperatively by transesophageal echocardiography and was missed by transthoracic echocardiography in a patient undergoing coronary artery surgery. The tumor was resected successfully with preservation of aortic valve with no complication. This case highlights importance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in making the diagnosis.
No free entry: stomatal state as decision maker in defining stress response strategies
Authors: Tarkowski Łukasz P , Signorelli Santiago 
Published: October 2024

This article comments on:
Maleki FA, Seidl-Adams I, Felton GW, Kersch-Becker MF, Tumlinson JH. 2024. Stomata: gatekeepers of uptake and defense signaling by green leaf volatiles in maize. Journal of Experimental Botany 75, 6872–6887. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae401.
Thoracic Epidural and Analgesic Options After Failed Transversus Abdominus Plane Block With Liposomal Bupivacaine
Authors: Cohen Kevin T , Lee Matthew I 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
A 39 year-old female with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass underwent emergent partial colectomy. Her postoperative analgesic management of a transversus abdominus plane block administered with a combination of bupivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine was ineffective. A bupivacaine thoracic epidural was then placed, which provided significant pain relief. This use of a bupivacaine thoracic epidural infusion following liposomal bupivacaine regional anesthesia demonstrated a case of effective analgesia without the development of local anesthetic systemic toxicity symptoms in a remote hospital setting, where certain laboratory analyses were not readily available.
Transposable Element Diversity and Activity Patterns in Neotropical Salamanders
Authors: Decena-Segarra Louis Paul , Rovito Sean M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) compose a substantial proportion of the largest eukaryotic genomes. TE diversity has been hypothesized to be negatively correlated with genome size, yet empirical demonstrations of such a relationship in a phylogenetic context are largely lacking. Furthermore, the most abundant type of TEs in genomes varies across groups, and it is not clear if there are patterns of TE activity consistent with genome size among different taxa with large genome sizes. We use low-coverage sequencing of 16 species of Neotropical salamanders, which vary ∼7-fold in genome size, to estimate TE relative abundance and diversity for each species. We also compare the divergence of copies of each TE superfamily to estimate patterns of TE activity in each species. We find a negative relationship between TE diversity and genome size, which is consistent with the hypothesis that either competition among TEs or reduced selection against ectopic recombination may result in lower diversity in the largest genomes. We also find divergent activity patterns in the largest versus the smallest genomes, suggesting that the history of TE activity may explain differences in genome size. Our results suggest that both TE diversity and relative abundance may be predictable, at least within taxonomic groups.
χ-Conotoxins are an Evolutionary Innovation of Mollusk-Hunting Cone Snails as a Counter-Adaptation to Prey Defense
Authors: Espino Samuel , Watkins Maren , Probst Rodolfo , Koch Thomas Lund , Chase Kevin , Imperial Julita , Robinson Samuel D , Flórez Salcedo Paula , Taylor Dylan , Gajewiak Joanna , Yandell Mark , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Olivera Baldomero M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mollusk-hunting (molluscivorous) cone snails belong to a monophyletic group in Conus, a genus of venomous marine snails. The molluscivorous lineage evolved from ancestral worm-hunting (vermivorous) snails ∼18 Ma. To enable the shift to a molluscivorous lifestyle, molluscivorous cone snails must solve biological problems encountered when hunting other gastropods, namely: (i) preventing prey escape and (ii) overcoming the formidable defense of the prey in the form of the molluscan shell, a problem unique to molluscivorous Conus. Here, we show that χ-conotoxins, peptides exclusively expressed in the venoms of molluscivorous Conus, provide solutions to the above problems. Injecting χ-conotoxins into the gastropod mollusk Aplysia californica results in impaired locomotion and uncoordinated hyperactivity. Impaired locomotion impedes escape, and a hyperactive snail will likely emerge from its shell, negating the protection the shell provides. Thus, χ-conotoxins are an evolutionary innovation that accompanied the emergence of molluscivory in Conus and provide solutions to problems posed by hunting other snails.
NCBI Taxonomy: enhanced access via NCBI Datasets
Authors: Cox Eric , Tsuchiya Mirian T N , Ciufo Stacy , Torcivia John , Falk Robert , Anderson W Ray , Holmes J Bradley , Hem Vichet , Breen Laurie , Davis Emily , Ketter Anne , Zhang Peifen , Soussov Vladimir , Schoch Conrad L , O’Leary Nuala A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The NCBI Taxonomy resource (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy) has long been a trusted, curated hub for organism names, classifications, and links to related data for all taxonomic nodes. NCBI Datasets (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/datasets/) is an improved way to leverage the rich data available at NCBI so users can effectively browse, search, and download information. While taxonomy data has been a cornerstone of NCBI Datasets since its inception, we recently extended the taxonomy information available via NCBI Datasets by updating the existing NCBI Datasets taxonomy page, implementing a new taxonomy name details page, expanding programmatic access to taxonomic information via command-line tools and APIs and improving the way we handle taxonomic queries to connect users to gene and genome data. This paper highlights these improvements and provides examples to help users effectively harness these new features.
EVA1-antibody drug conjugate is a new therapeutic strategy for eliminating glioblastoma-initiating cells
Authors: Hou Jiahui , Uejima Tamami , Tanaka Miho , Son You Lee , Hanada Kazuharu , Kukimoto-Niino Mutsuko , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Hashimoto Shigeru , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Takemori Toshitada , Saito Takashi , Shirouzu Mikako , Kondo Toru 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The discovery of glioblastoma (GBM)-initiating cells (GICs) has impacted GBM research. These cells are not only tumorigenic but also exhibit resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial to characterize GICs thoroughly and identify new therapeutic targets. In a previous study, we successfully identified epithelial-V–like antigen 1 (EVA1) as a novel functional factor specific to GICs.

Methods
Hybridoma cells were generated by immunizing BALB/c mice with EVA1-Fc fusion protein. The reactivity of the supernatant from these hybridoma cells was examined using EVA1-overexpressing cells and GICs. Candidate antibodies were further selected using Biacore surface plasmon resonance analysis and 2 cytotoxicity assays—antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Among the antibodies, the cytotoxicity of the B2E5-antibody drug conjugate (B2E5-ADC) was evaluated by both adding it to cultured GICs and injecting it into GIC tumor-bearing brains.

Results
B2E5 demonstrated a high affinity for human EVA1 and effectively killed both EVA1-expressing cell lines and GICs in culture through ADCC and CDC. B2E5-ADC also exhibited strong cytotoxicity to GICs in culture and prevented their tumorigenesis in the brain when administered intracranially to the tumor-bearing brain.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that B2E5-ADC is a new and promising therapeutic strategy for GBM.
A Case of Syphilis With Ocular Involvement: Persistent Negative Serology in a Patient With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pipitò Luca , Ganci Irene , Cicero Andrea , Medaglia Alice Annalisa , D’Avenia Simona , Mandalà Edoardo , Calà Cinzia , Di Carlo Paola , Cascio Antonio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Diagnostic algorithms for syphilis are based on serology. However, with the advent of immunosuppressive therapies, these algorithms may fail. We report a case of an individual with multiple sclerosis on treatment with ofatumumab and secondary syphilis with visual and auditory systems involvement and persistent negative treponemal and nontreponemal tests.
Association of Neonatal and Maternal Nasal Microbiome Among Neonates in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Xiao Shaoming , Zhou Wei , Caldwell Ryan , Decker Slade , Oh Julia , Milstone Aaron M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The neonatal nasal microbiota may help protect neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit from pathogen colonization and infection. This preliminary study characterized the biodiversity of nasal microbiota comparing neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit and their mothers, highlighting the potential of strain sharing between mother–neonate pairs.
Phosphoketolase and KDPG aldolase metabolisms modulate photosynthetic carbon yield in cyanobacteria
Authors: Xie Ningdong , Sharma Chetna , Rusche Katherine , Wang Xin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cyanobacteria contribute to roughly a quarter of global net carbon fixation. During diel light/dark growth, dark respiration substantially lowers the overall photosynthetic carbon yield in cyanobacteria and other phototrophs. How respiratory pathways participate in carbon resource allocation at night to optimize dark survival and support daytime photosynthesis remains unclear. Here, using the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, we show that phosphoketolase integrates into a respiratory network in the dark to best allocate carbon resources for amino acid biosynthesis and to prepare for photosynthesis reinitiation upon photoinduction. Moreover, we show that the respiratory Entner–Doudoroff pathway in S. elongatus is incomplete, with its key enzyme 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase exhibiting alternative oxaloacetate decarboxylation activity that modulates daytime photosynthesis. This activity allows for the bypassing of the tricarboxylic acid cycle when ATP and NADPH consumption for biosynthesis is excessive and imbalanced relative to their production by the light reactions, thereby preventing relative NADPH accumulation and ensuring optimal photosynthetic carbon yield. Optimizing these metabolic processes offers opportunities to enhance photosynthetic carbon yield in cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic organisms under diel light/dark cycles.
MYB30-INTERACTING E3 LIGASE 1 regulates LONELY GUY 5-mediated cytokinin metabolism to promote drought tolerance in cotton
Authors: Chen Chuan , Zhang Dayong , Niu Xin , Jin Xuanxiang , Xu Huijuan , Li Weixi , Guo Wangzhen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Ubiquitination plays important roles in modulating the abiotic stress tolerance of plants. Drought seriously restricts agricultural production, but how ubiquitination participates in regulating drought tolerance remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a drought-inducible gene, MYB30-INTERACTING E3 LIGASE 1 (GhMIEL1), which encodes a RING E3 ubiquitin ligase in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). GhMIEL1 was strongly induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) and the phytohormone abscisic acid. Overexpression and knockdown of GhMIEL1 in cotton substantially enhanced and reduced drought tolerance, respectively. GhMIEL1 interacted with the MYB transcription factor GhMYB66 and could ubiquitinate and degrade it in vitro. GhMYB66 directly bound to the LONELY GUY 5 (GhLOG5) promoter, a gene encoding cytokinin riboside 5′-monophosphate phosphoribohydrolase, to repress its transcription. Overexpression of GhMIEL1 and silencing of GhMYB66 altered the homeostasis of cytokinin of plant roots, increased total root length and number of root tips, and enhanced plant drought tolerance. Conversely, silencing GhLOG5 decreased total root length and number of root tips and reduced plant drought tolerance. Our studies reveal that the GhMIEL1-GhMYB66-GhLOG5 module positively regulates drought tolerance in cotton, which deepens our understanding of plant ubiquitination-mediated drought tolerance and provides insights for improving drought tolerance.
Association between asthma and depression: results from the NHANES 2005–2018 and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Guo Yikun , Yan Jun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Asthma is a common respiratory disease that is believed to be associated with mental disorders. This study aims to assess the correlation and causal relationship between asthma and depression by combining observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches.

Methods
We collected relevant data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and employed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the correlation between asthma and depression. Additionally, a two-sample MR analysis was conducted using inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, along with multiple sensitivity analyses.

Results
The observational study included a total of 23 648 participants, and the results showed that asthma patients had an increased risk of developing depression compared to non-asthma individuals (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04–1.57; P &lt; 0.01). The IVW-MR results from two datasets indicated a potential causal relationship between asthma and depression (EBI dataset: OR 1.141; 95% CI 1.051–1.239; P = 0.01; UKB dataset: OR 1.009; 95% CI 1.005–1.013; P &lt; 0.01). These findings suggest that asthma may be a risk factor for the onset of depression, increasing the risk of developing depression.

Conclusion
There is a significant correlation and potential causal relationship between asthma and depression, with asthma being a risk factor for the onset of depression. These findings warrant further research for validation and exploration of preventive and therapeutic measures for depression in asthma patients.
Key messages What is already known on this topic—There are some potential associations between asthma and depression based on observational studies, but the results of observational studies are often biased. This study aims to further explore the relationship between asthma and depression through a combination of observational studies and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. What this study adds—The observational study results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and MR analysis are consistent, indicating that after adjusting for multiple covariates and confounding factors, asthma increases the risk of depression and is a risk factor for depression, with similar results obtained at the genetic level. How this study might affect research, practice or policy—Asthma patients not only need active medication treatment, but also need timely psychological attention, and psychological treatment is more important to a certain extent.
Combined radiographic and US evaluations to decipher joint involvement in the hands of patients with SSc
Authors: Tas Marine , Lecigne Romain , Belhomme Nicolas , Robin François , Louis Thibaut , Perlat Antoinette , Cazalets Claire , Coiffier Guillaume , Lescoat Alain 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to explore the aetiologies and contributing factors of synovial and tenosynovial involvement in SSc, as well as to assess the phenotype of patients with these synovial and tenosynovial features.

Methods
One hundred and seventy-one SSc patients with hand manifestations (either vascular, skin or joint manifestations) who underwent standard X-rays of both hands and hand US, were included. Two independent evaluators recorded the presence or absence of acro-osteolysis, calcinosis, microcrystalline and degenerative rheumatisms, including osteophytosis on X-rays. The presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis (active or fibrotic) was assessed through US by a third evaluator, blinded for X-ray parameters.

Results
In multivariate analysis, the characteristics associated with active synovitis and tenosynovitis were CRP &gt; 10 mg/l (P = 0.013), fibrotic tenosynovitis on US (P = 0.005), anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies (P = 0.043) and poly-osteophytosis on hand X-rays (P = 0.001). After exclusion of patients with RA (n = 5) and/or poly-osteophytosis (n = 53), 14 remaining patients (12.7%) had active synovitis and/or tenosynovitis on US. In multivariate analyses, parameters associated with active synovitis and/or tenosynovitis in this selected population were scleroderma renal crisis (P = 0.012) and fibrotic tenosynovitis on US (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Our study confirms that osteophytosis is a significant contributor of joint involvement in SSc patients based on real life data. After exclusion of potential confounders, &gt;10% of SSc patients still had active synovitis and/or tenosynovitis on US, providing indirect evidence for the existence of a specific SSc-related synovial and/or tenosynovial involvement.
Heterogeneous influences of specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance: a China, Europe, and US comparison
Authors: You Zhuoying , Teirlinck Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We study the impact of industrial specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance. We respond to a need to consider specialization and diversification as being complementary and to cover a broad geographical scope. Based on Malmquist-based data envelopment analysis, we disclose disparity in R&D productivity and underlying efficiency and technical change in regions in China, Europe, and in the USA in the period 2015–19. For provinces in China, industrial diversification affects regional R&D productivity growth and efficiency enhancement in a U-shape mode. For European countries, specialization has a U-shaped influence on R&D productivity change, and diversification has an inverted U-shaped influence on productivity and efficiency change. We find no significant influence of specialization and diversification on the improvement of R&D performance at the level of states in the USA. Our findings point to place-based specificities and complementarity between specialization and diversification and come with policy recommendations for enhancing regional R&D performance.
Double standards in status ascriptions? The role of gender, behaviors, and social networks in status orders among adolescents
Authors: Wittek Mark , Xu Xinwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We examine the gendered distribution of peer-ascribed status in schools. Using network data from more than 14,000 students in 676 classrooms, we explore gender differences in the ascription of status and the types of behavior rewarded with status. On average, girls receive slightly fewer status ascriptions than boys, and students tend to grant status more frequently within the same gender. Contextual analyses show that classroom demographics can moderate some of these patterns. We also uncover gender-specific differences and similarities in status-related behaviors. Notably, girls engaging in substance use are awarded with slightly more status ascriptions than boys. However, network models reveal that most behaviors affect peer status similarly for both genders, suggesting that previous findings of gender-behavioral differences based on regression analysis may be conflated with network processes. Our study updates long-held notions regarding gendered status orders in schools and highlights the value of a multidimensional approach to status processes. We discuss implications for future social network research on status ascriptions and other relational cognitions and consider how school-based interventions might benefit from our findings.
Networks rewired: quota enforcement and the unintended mobilization of native place ties
Authors: Zheng Enying , Hong Wei , Huang Yasheng , Ke Rongzhu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We explore how institutional designs can have unintended consequences, especially by rewiring social networks. Using archival data on the civil-service examinations in historical China, we argue that the enforcement of a regional quota system in 1427 reshaped group boundaries along native place, turned emotional affinities for one’s hometown into political stakes, and reinforced the influence of native place ties among political elites. Analyzing approximately 30,000 individual records, we confirm this argument by documenting a macro-level shift from a highly unequal to a more balanced provincial distribution of students who passed the examinations following the enforcement of the quota system. As native place became a primary basis for network homophily, elites deliberately cultivated these connections, seizing the opportunity as ad hoc examiners to provide preferential treatment based on shared place of origin. Our micro-level analysis of 12,752 passing students between 1400 and 1580 identifies this in-group favoritism, with examiners often ranking students from their own provinces higher. A mechanism of safeguarding political stakes underscores this baseline effect, which became more pronounced during the quota stage, especially under weaker state capacity, among examiners from disadvantaged provinces, and when examiners had greater vested interest in their hometown. These findings enrich theories of group boundaries and categorization, network homophily and formation, and the unintended consequences of institutional designs while also providing policy insights for affirmative action.