bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the Significance of JNK/AKT Axis in the Autophagic Regulation of Leishmania major Infection
Authors: Guhe Vrushali , Singh Shailza 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe role of autophagy in host induced by infection of parasites of the Leishmania genus remains inadequately understood. Leishmania parasites modulate host macrophages to promote its survival by inducing autophagy response in the host cell. In this study, we conducted an investigation of L. major infection, focusing on host autophagy processes where we reconstructed two mathematical models elucidating autophagy induction and inhibition processes and its impact on parasite survival. Our models presented systems modulatory dynamics of the parasite‐mediated host autophagy. Our work highlighted the pivotal role of signaling molecules associated with the immune response which included signaling induced by Toll‐like receptor (TLR), specifically through regulation of JNK and AKT. Both molecules emerged as key regulators of host autophagy process, highlighting that JNK/AKT signaling axis may be a potential avenue for innovative therapeutic approaches in targeting leishmaniasis. Also, ATG16L complex was identified as a critical determinant in shaping the course of leishmanial infection through formation of autophagosomes. Through in vitro analyses in differentiated human monocyte cell line, we observed an increase in nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) concentration upon autophagy inhibition, while autophagy induction resulted in decreased iNOS concentration. This suggested that autophagy induction favors parasite survival in the host, potentially by providing a nutrient source that may be advantageous for the parasite. Inhibition of host autophagy promoted parasite elimination. Hence, our work proposed an avenue for strategically blocking host autophagy which enumerates a targeted approach for combating leishmaniasis.
Associations of light‐adapted electroretinogram in paediatric amblyopia
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wang Jiajun , Wang Yalan , Jiang Yilin , Zhao Yun‐e 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in the light‐adapted (LA) electroretinogram (ERG) associated with paediatric amblyopia.MethodA total of 220 eyes from 81 postoperative paediatric cataract patients and 29 healthy children were enrolled in four groups, namely controls, unilaterally amblyopic eyes, non‐amblyopic fellow eyes and bilaterally affected eyes. Differences in LA ERG variables (peak time and amplitude of a‐ and b‐waves and photopic negative response [PhNR]) were compared across groups, as well as their associations with visual acuity and changes in axial length.ResultsThe peak time of both the a‐wave (p < 0.001) and b‐wave (p < 0.001), as well as the amplitude of the b‐wave (p < 0.001) and the PhNR (p = 0.04) differed significantly across groups. Compared to controls, affected eyes in both unilateral and bilateral groups showed significantly lower b‐wave amplitude and longer a‐ and b‐wave peak times (p < 0.008, Bonferroni‐corrected). Additionally, fellow eyes in the unilateral group exhibited significantly longer b‐wave peak times (p = 0.008). For all eyes, poorer visual acuity was associated with a longer peak time for both the a‐ (p = 0.006) and b‐waves (p = 0.003), as well as lower amplitudes of the b‐wave (p = 0.006) and PhNR (p = 0.02).ConclusionsChanges in LA ERG components suggest alteration of retinal physiology in deprivation amblyopia. Thus, the LA ERG may provide additional information to help understand the mechanisms underlying deprivation amblyopia.
Media Use of Young Children: The Perceptions of Public Health Nurses Working in Child Health Clinics
Authors: Utriainen Siiri , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Lamminpää Reeta 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe the perceptions of public health nurses (PHNs) working in child health clinics on media use of young children and to investigate what are the perceptions of PHNs on adults’ role in young children's media use.DesignAn electronic cross‐sectional survey with Likert‐scaled and open‐ended questions.SampleThe total of 183 PHNs working in Finnish child health clinics.MeasurementsStatistical descriptive analysis for Likert‐scaled questions and thematic analysis for open‐ended questions were used.ResultsMost (96.7%) PHNs agreed that media use was very common among young children. According to PHNs, the negative impacts of media use of young children included social, physical, and psychological impacts. The positive impacts included learning, communication, and access to information. PHNs stated that parents were most responsible for intervening in media use of young children, but PHNs have an important role in counseling families on it. Most PHNs (80.9%) stated that parents did not control media use of their children effectively.ConclusionsPHNs are aware of impacts of media use and its prevalence among young children. They agree to have an important role in counseling families in it. More work in research is needed to improve PHNs’ expertise and resources for them to be able to guide families in young children's media use. A wider perspective from other health care professionals working with families should be studied to constitute multi‐professional understanding.
Assessing the potential risk of human pathogen resistance to medical antifungal treatments arising from agricultural use of fungicides with the same mode of action
Authors: Paveley Neil , van den Bosch Frank , Grimmer Michael 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA mechanistic basis is described for assessment of resistance risk to medical antifungal treatments from agricultural use of fungicides of the same mode of action. The following need to occur in landscape environments for a risk to be posed by dual use: (i) emergence, whereby a resistant strain emerges by mutation and invasion; (ii) selection, whereby a mutation conferring a fitness advantage is selected for in the presence of fungicide; and (iii) exposure of humans to resistant strains from the landscape, potentially resulting in invasive fungal infection. We identify 20 human pathogens for which there is evidence that all three processes above could, in principle, occur. A model is derived to explore what determines resistance emergence and selection in human pathogens in landscape environments. Knowledge gaps are identified in key parameters. The analysis suggests that emergence and selection were particularly affected by fitness cost associated with the resistance mutation(s) and fungicide concentration. Emergence was also determined by the amount of pathogen reproduction (related to pathogen population size). If fungicide resistance is associated with even a small fitness cost, then environments with low fungicide concentrations, such as field soils, may not be conducive to resistance emergence or selection. These general findings were related to a specific case of observational data from the Netherlands for Aspergillus fumigatus. The analysis supports previous work that compost is towards the high‐risk end of the spectrum for this species. Agricultural soils, nonagricultural land and grassland were lower risk.
Provenance studies and basin evolution: Insight from the Yukon–Koyukuk Basin, Alaska
Authors: Seminara Simone , Pease Victoria , Toro Jaime , Omma Jenny 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Yukon–Koyukuk Basin is a wide, triangular depression in northern Alaska that initiated as the consequence of the collision between an intraoceanic arc and the Arctic Alaska margin. It is bordered by the metamorphic terranes of the Seaward Peninsula, the Brooks Range and the Ruby Terrane. The Yukon–Koyukuk Basin is divided into two sub‐basins separated by remnants of the volcanic arc. Two different models have been suggested for its formation. One model interprets the Yukon–Koyukuk Basin to have formed during collision in a forearc–backarc setting, while the other favours an extensional regime that was active after the cessation of collision. To test the two models, ten sedimentary samples from the two stratigraphically lowest units cropping out along the middle reaches of the Koyukuk River were analysed. Point counting and Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®) are used to evaluate sedimentary provenance. This study also presents zircon U–Pb ages from three interbedded tuffaceous layers to better constrain the age of the units. The base of the succession indicates a volcanic source (enriched in clinopyroxene) deposited at ca 138.3 ± 0.8 Ma (2σ), while younger overlying strata are dominated by metamorphic input (enriched in garnet and epidote) reflecting the erosion of the surrounding metamorphic terranes at ca 112.6 ± 1.1 Ma (2σ). The application of a multi‐method provenance approach has been essential in constraining the formation and evolution of the northern Yukon–Koyukuk Basin. This is of significant importance for advancing the understanding of Alaskan geology and for providing insights into modern basins within analogous tectonic settings, such as the Banda Arc in Southeast Asia.
ArMYB89 and ArCOP1 interaction modulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in Acer rubrum leaves under low‐temperature conditions
Authors: Shah Faheem Afzal , Chen Zhu , Kamal Khan Arif , Zhao Yue , Zhu Zhiyong , Chen Jinhuan , Ren Jie 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYAcer rubrum, a famous ornamental tree, produces bright red‐coloured leaves because of the temperature decline from summer to autumn. This process's molecular mechanism is elusive, so we have investigated how anthocyanin biosynthesis is induced in A. rubrum leaves under low temperatures. The results of low‐temperature treatment under light and dark conditions showed that the low‐temperature promoted anthocyanin accumulation in A. rubrum is light‐dependent. The transcriptome analysis showed that ArMYB89 was significantly highly expressed in leaves of A. rubrum growing under low temperatures with light conditions. The findings from the Dap‐seq analysis, yeast one hybridisation, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase reporter assay indicated that the ArMYB89 transcription factor binds directly to the promoter of ArUGT52 and stimulates its transcription. The co‐expression of ArUGT52 with ArMYB89 significantly induced anthocyanin levels under low temperatures with light conditions. Enzyme activity analysis showed that ArUGT52 could convert Cyanidins and Pelargonidins into Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and Pelargonidin 3‐glucoside, which are considered the main anthocyanins in red colour leaves of A. rubrum. The results of yeast two hybridisation, pulldown assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiment showed an interaction between COP1 and ArMYB89, while in vivo and in vitro protein ubiquitination assay demonstrated that ArCOP1 ubiquitinates ArMYB89. Notably, co‐expression of ArCOP1 with ArMYB89 significantly reduced anthocyanin levels, while the virus‐induced gene silencing of ArCOP1 significantly induced anthocyanin levels under low temperatures with light conditions. In conclusion, this work revealed the molecular mechanism regulating anthocyanin accumulation in the A. rubrum leaves under low temperatures.
Mechanism of action of the toxic proline mimic azetidine 2‐carboxylic acid in plants
Authors: Thives Santos William , Dwivedi Varun , Ngoc Duong Ha , Miederhoff Madison , vanden Hoek Kathryn , Angelovici Ruthie , Schenck Craig A. 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYPlants have an amazing capacity to outcompete neighboring organisms for space and resources. Toxic metabolites are major players in these interactions, which can have a broad range of effectiveness by targeting conserved molecular mechanisms, such as protein biosynthesis. However, lack of knowledge about defensive metabolite pathways, their mechanisms of action, and resistance mechanisms limits our ability to manipulate these pathways for enhanced crop resilience. Nonproteogenic amino acids (NPAAs) are a structurally diverse class of metabolites with a variety of functions but are typically not incorporated during protein biosynthesis. Here, we investigate the mechanism of action of the NPAA azetidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Aze), an analog of the amino acid proline (Pro). Using a combination of plate‐based assays, metabolite feeding, metabolomics, and proteomics, we show that Aze inhibits the root growth of Arabidopsis and other plants. Aze‐induced growth reduction was restored by supplementing L‐, but not D‐Pro, and nontargeted proteomics confirm that Aze is misincorporated for Pro during protein biosynthesis, specifically on cytosolically translated proteins. Gene expression analysis, free amino acid profiling, and proteomics show that the unfolded protein response is upregulated during Aze treatment implicating that Aze misincorporation results in accumulation of misfolded proteins triggering a global stress response. This study demonstrates the mechanism of action of Aze in plants and provides a foundation for understanding the biological functions of proteotoxic metabolites.
Reversible Glc‐conjugation/hydrolysis modulates the homeostasis of lunularic acid in Marchantia polymorpha growth
Authors: Zhu Ting‐Ting , Xu Yu‐Liang , Ta He , Zhang Jiao‐Zhen , Xu Dan‐Dan , Fu Jie , Hao Yue , Du Ni‐Hong , Cheng Ai‐Xia , Lou Hong‐Xiang 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYThe circadian clock efficiently coordinates growth regulators and plant growth in the temporal regulation of physiological processes. The involvement of the growth‐regulator‐clock in governing the spatio‐temporal regulation of plant growth and development remains unexplained in the nonvascular liverworts. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between the putative liverwort growth regulator lunularic acid (LA) levels and the growth variation of Marchantia polymorpha according to the circadian clock. LA level exhibited a similar circadian rhythm as gemmalings' accelerated growth during the light phase, and UV‐B stress experiments implied that the surge in LA levels at the start of the light phase could serve as a circadian rhythm‐based prediction for preempting UV‐B injury, with LA serving as a protective shield against UV‐B irradiation. Notably, Glc‐conjugation/hydrolysis, buffering the anabolism‐catabolism of endogenous LA, was rhythmically regulated. Furthermore, the reversible conversion between LA and LA‐4′‐O‐glucoside (mediated by glucosyltransferases MpUGT744A1 and β‐glucosidases MpBGLU2/3) was characterized both in vitro and in vivo and evidenced to be relevant to diurnal variation in LA level. Interaction between MpUGT744A1 and MpBGLU2 ensures the efficient metabolic flux between LA and LA‐GE. These findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms that govern LA metabolism and the importance of understanding the temporal aspects of LA for Marchantia's adaptive response to environmental stressors such as UV‐B radiation.
Establishing a comprehensive web‐based analysis platform for Nicotiana benthamiana genome and transcriptome
Authors: Kurotani Ken‐ichi , Hirakawa Hideki , Shirasawa Kenta , Tagiri Koya , Mori Moe , Ramadan Abedelaziz , Ichihashi Yasunori , Suzuki Takamasa , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , An Jiyuan , Winefield Christopher , Waterhouse Peter M. , Miura Kenji , Nakamura Yasukazu , Isobe Sachiko , Notaguchi Michitaka 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARYNicotiana benthamiana has long served as a crucial plant material extensively used in plant physiology research, particularly in the field of plant pathology, because of its high susceptibility to plant viruses. Additionally, it serves as a production platform to test vaccines and other valuable substances. Among its approximately 3.1 Gb genome, 57 583 genes have been annotated within a 61 Mb region. We created a comprehensive and easy‐to‐use platform to use transcriptomes for modern annotation. These tools allow to visualize gene expression profiles, draw molecular evolutionary phylogenetic trees of gene families, perform functional enrichment analyses, and facilitate output downloads. To demonstrate their utility, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of enzymes within the nicotine biosynthesis pathway, a secondary metabolic pathway characteristic of the Nicotiana genus. Using the developed tool, expression profiles of the nicotine biosynthesis pathway genes were generated. The expression patterns of eight gene groups in the pathway were strongly expressed in the roots and weakly expressed in leaves and flowers of N. benthamiana. The results were consistent with the established gene expression profiles in Nicotiana tabacum and provided insights into gene family composition and expression trends. The compilation of this database tool can facilitate genetic analysis of N. benthamiana in the future.
Skeletal and respiratory muscle blood flow redistribution during submaximal exercise in pulmonary hypertensive rats
Authors: Schulze Kiana M. , Weber Ramona E. , Horn Andrew G. , Hageman K. Sue , Kenney Nathan J. , Behnke Bradley J. , Poole David C. , Musch Timothy I. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodelling, dyspnoea and exercise intolerance. Key facets of dyspnoea and exercise intolerance include skeletal and respiratory muscle contractile and metabolic disturbances; however, muscle perfusion during exercise has not been investigated. We hypothesized that diaphragm blood flow () would be increased and locomotory muscle would be decreased during submaximal treadmill running in PH rats compared to healthy controls. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were injected (i.p.) with monocrotaline to induce PH (n = 16), or a vehicle control (n = 15). Disease progression was monitored via echocardiography. When moderate disease severity was confirmed, maximal oxygen uptake () tests were performed. Rats were given >24 h to recover, and then fluorescent microspheres were infused during treadmill running (20 m/min, 10% grade; ∼40–50% maximal speed attained during the test) to determine tissue . In PH rats compared with healthy controls, was lower (84 (7) vs. 67 (11) ml/min/kg; P < 0.001), exercising diaphragm was 35% higher and soleus was 28% lower. Diaphragm was negatively correlated with soleus and in PH rats. Furthermore, there was regional redistribution in the diaphragm in PH compared to healthy rats, which may represent or underlie diaphragmatic weakness in PH. These findings suggest the presence of a pathological respiratory muscle blood flow steal phenomenon in PH and that this may contribute to the exercise intolerance reported in patients.
imageKey points
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) impairs exercise tolerance, which is associated with skeletal and respiratory muscle dysfunction.
Increased work of breathing in PH may augment diaphragm blood flow and lower locomotory muscle blood flow during exercise, hindering exercise tolerance.
Our findings demonstrate that respiratory muscle blood flow is increased while the locomotory muscle is decreased in PH compared to healthy rats during exercise, suggesting that blood flow is preferentially redistributed to sustain ventilatory demand.
Furthermore, blood flow is regionally redistributed within the diaphragm in PH, which may underlie diaphragm dysfunction.
Greater respiratory muscle work at a given workload in PH commands higher respiratory muscle blood flow, impairing locomotory muscle oxygen delivery and compromising exercise tolerance, which may be improved by therapeutics which target the diaphragm vasculature.
Comparative analysis of community composition and network structure between phyllosphere endophytic and epiphytic fungal communities of
Mussaenda pubescens
Authors: Chen Deqiang , Yang Juanjuan , Wang Shunfen , Lan Siren , Wang Yonglong , Liu Zhong-Jian , Qian Xin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

The phyllosphere constitutes a critical habitat for microorganisms, exerting profound influences on host vitality, developmental dynamics, reproductive functions, and stress resilience. However, the diversity and network structure of endophytic and epiphytic fungal communities within this microecosystem have not been thoroughly explored. In this investigation, high-throughput sequencing technologies were employed to assess the diversity, community composition, and network structure of endophytic and epiphytic fungal communities associated with
Mussaenda pubescens
across six geographically distinct locations in Southeast China. The results revealed significant differences in community composition and diversity between endophytic and epiphytic fungi, with pronounced geographical variation observed within these phyllosphere fungal communities. Network analysis indicated that epiphytic fungal networks possess enhanced complexity compared with their endophytic counterparts, although the latter exhibit greater network stability. Moreover, stochastic processes were identified as pivotal in shaping the composition of these fungal communities. This research substantially enriches our comprehension of the diversity and organizational mechanisms of phyllosphere fungal communities, providing novel insights into the modalities of species coexistence and the stability of community equilibrium within ecosystems.

IMPORTANCE

This study employs high-throughput sequencing technologies to explore the fungal communities within the phyllosphere of
Mussaenda pubescens
across Southeast China, offering significant insights into plant mycobiome. It demonstrates geographical variations in these fungal communities, with epiphytic fungi exhibiting more complex interaction networks compared with the endophytic fungi. Crucially, the research indicates that stochastic processes play a substantial role in the composition of fungal communities. These findings enhance our comprehension of plant-associated microecosystems and underscore the intricate interplay of randomness in maintaining ecosystem stability and diversity.
Effects of rain-shelter cultivation on soil physicochemical properties and kiwifruit yield
Authors: Lan Jianbin , Wu Yimei , Dong Xixi , Shi Lin , Rao Jing , Tang Jianming , Li Qiang 
Published: December 2024

In this study, we investigated the differences in soil physical and chemical properties as well as kiwifruit yield, between rain-shelter cultivation (BY) and open-field cultivation (CK) in Southwest China from 2020 to 2021. The results indicated that the BY treatment significantly improved the nutrient supply capacity of the soil and increased fruit yield. Compared with CK, soil moisture, bulk density, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and organic matter content were lower under the BY treatment, whereas soil conductivity, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were significantly higher. Principal component analysis revealed significant differences in the soil physical and chemical properties between the two cultivation methods at each sampling period. Correlation analysis between yield and soil physical and chemical properties showed that except for pH, all indicators were highly correlated with yield ( R2 > 0.87**). The BY treatment significantly increased yield by enhancing soil contents such as soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while reducing water content and bulk density. However, owing to the increase in soil electrical conductivity, there is a potential risk of salinization. To mitigate this, it is essential to supplement the soil with total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and organic matter to maintain soil health.