bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut-binding peptides as potential tools to reduce virus binding to honey bee gut surface proteins
Authors: Guo Ya , Taylor Lincoln N. , Mishra Ruchir , Dolezal Adam G. , Bonning Bryony C. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Colonies of the western honey bee,
Apis mellifera,
are severely impacted by a wide range of stressors, with
Varroa
mites and associated viruses being among the most serious threats to honey bee health. Viral load plays an important role in colony demise, with the iflavirus
Deformed wing virus
(DWV) and the dicistrovirus
Israeli acute paralysis virus
(IAPV) being of particular concern. By feeding adult honey bees on a phage display library to identify gut-binding peptides (R. Mishra, Y. Guo, P. Kumar, P. E. Cantón, C. S. Tavares, R. Banerjee, S. Kuwar, and B. C. Bonning, Curr Res Insect Sci, 1:100012,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cris.2021.100012
), we identified Bee midgut-Binding Peptide (BBP2.1), which shares 75% and 85% identity with regions on the DWV capsid protein and IAPV ORFx protein, respectively. These viral protein domains are likely to be instrumental in virus interaction with the honey bee gut. Pull-down assays with honey bee gut brush border membrane vesicles were used to confirm peptide-mCherry binding to the gut for BBP2.1 and the two similar virus-derived sequences, peptides BBP2.1
DWV
and BBP2.1
IAPV
.
In vitro
competition assays showed that all three peptides compete with both IAPV and DWV virions for binding to honey bee gut-derived brush border membrane vesicles, suggesting that the three peptides and the two viruses bind to the same proteins. Ingestion of BBP2.1 reduced the movement of DWV, but not IAPV from the honey bee gut into the body and did not rescue IAPV-associated mortality. These results are discussed in relation to the biological function of IAPV ORFx and the potential utility of virus-blocking peptides for suppression of virus infection to reduce virus load and virus-associated honey bee mortality.

IMPORTANCE

Each year, approximately 40% of managed honey bee hives in the United States are lost due to a variety of environmental stressors. Although increases in virus infection are among the most important factors resulting in colony loss, there are currently no effective tools for the management of virus infection in honey bees. In this study, we identified a peptide that binds to the gut of the honey bee and competes with two of the most important honey bee viruses, Israeli acute paralysis virus of bees (IAPV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV), for binding to gut proteins.
In vivo
competition between this peptide and DWV demonstrates the potential utility of gut-binding peptides for the protection of honey bees from virus infection for reduced virus-associated honey bee mortality.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nsp5 inhibits the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by targeting p62 to antagonize its antiviral activity
Authors: Wang Fang , Amona Fructueux Modeste , Pang Yipeng , Zhang Qiaoya , Liang Yuan , Chen Xiaohan , Ke Yongding , Chen Junhao , Song Chengchuang , Wang Yanhong , Li Zongyun , Zhang Chunlei , Fang Xingtang , Chen Xi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infections often trigger oxidative stress and cytokine storms, resulting in significant tissue damage that causes fatalities in piglets and reproductive issues in sows. However, it is still unknown how oxidative stress is regulated by viral and host factors in response to PRRSV infection. Here, we found that PRRSV induced cellular oxidative stress by triggering the production of reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Although Nrf2 is an important redox regulator that initiates the expression of downstream antioxidant genes, PRRSV can impair the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The overexpression of Nrf2 showed a significant anti-PRRSV effect, and inhibiting the expression of Nrf2 promoted the proliferation of PRRSV. Further analysis showed that Nrf2 positively regulated the production of type I interferons and interferon-stimulated genes, which may contribute to its anti-PRRSV effect. By screening the PRRSV-encoded protein, we found that the PRRSV nsp5 protein can degrade Nrf2 at the protein level. Mechanistically, nsp5 promotes Nrf2-Keap1 binding affinity by inhibiting p62-mediated Keap1 sequestration and increasing Keap1 expression. Subsequently, this increased Keap1-mediated degradation of Nrf2 ubiquitination through K48-linked polyubiquitin. Furthermore, we found that the residues Tyr146 and Arg147 of nsp5 are crucial for inhibiting the activation of the p62-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Thus, our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which PRRSV disrupts the host antioxidant defense system and highlight the crucial role of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway in host defense against PRRSV.

IMPORTANCE
Oxidative stress-induced redox imbalance is a crucial pathogenic mechanism in viral infections. Nrf2 and its antioxidant genes serve as the main defense pathways against oxidative stress. However, the role of Nrf2 in the context of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that PRRSV infection decreased the expression of antioxidant genes of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and overexpression of Nrf2 triggered a strong anti-PRRSV effect. PRRSV nsp5 enhanced Keap1-dependent degradation of Nrf2 ubiquitination, thereby weakening cellular resistance to oxidative stress and antagonizing the antiviral activity of Nrf2. Our study further revealed a new mechanism by which PRRSV evades host antiviral innate immunity by disturbing cellular redox homeostasis, providing a new target for developing anti-PRRSV drugs.
Efficacy and safety of two-step acupuncture therapy for symptom relief in adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: rationale and design of the TSA-UC randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chen He , Fang Jiufei , Liu Sixing , Gao Shuai , Shi Hangyu , Ma Ji-Zheng , Shen Xinyu , Wang Weiming , Liu Zhishun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterised by episodes of symptoms including rectal bleeding, increased stool frequency and abdominal pain, impacting quality of life significantly. Conventional treatments often come with potential side effects and may not be sufficient. Acupuncture is increasingly recognised for its potential benefits in UC. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for symptom relief in mild to moderate UC.Methods and analysisThis single-centre, parallel-arm, randomised, sham-controlled, the two-step acupuncture (TSA)-UC trial, will involve 64 adults with mild to moderate UC, randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the acupuncture or sham acupuncture group. Participants will receive 20 sessions of two-step acupuncture or sham acupuncture therapy over 8 weeks. Blinding will be applied to participants, outcome assessors and statisticians. The primary outcome measure is the change in Patient-Reported Outcome 2 (PRO2) from baseline at week 8. Secondary outcomes include changes from baseline in the following scales: PRO2 at other time points, weekly average Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for bowel urgency, weekly average NRS for abdominal pain (both associated and not associated with bowel movement), the 32-item Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-IBD, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The Patient Global Impression of Change will also be assessed. Long-term effects of acupuncture will be explored. Adverse events and additional treatments will be monitored throughout the study. The modified intention-to-treat population including participants who complete baseline assessments and receive at least one treatment session will be analysed.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2024-190-KY). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.Trial registration numberNCT06615765.
New insights into changes in ocular structural parameters in simulated hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Guo Anqi , Yu Xinli , Liu Yihe , Wang Zesong , Xie Jiaxing , Zhou Xinzuo , Liu Siru , Li Jiaxi , Zhou Chengkai , Li Yuanhong , Sun Chao , Zhang Jing , Liu Ziyuan , Li Xuemin , Ding Li 
Published: February 2025

PurposeHigh altitude is the main area for human exploration, and human eye is an important organ for obtaining visual signals. The changes of ocular structural parameters in a simulated hypobaric hypoxia environment need to be clarified.MethodsMeasurements were taken at five altitudes ((1) ground, (2) 3500 m, (3) 4000 m, (4) 4500 m and (5) ground). Refractive values were measured with the IOL Master (Carl Zeiss Shanghai Co. Ltd.). Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, paired sample T-test and Wilcoxon test.ResultsSubjects’ axial length (AL) increased with altitude, peaking at 4500 m, then decreased. Significant AL differences were observed across altitudes (p<0.05), except between 2–5 and 3–5. Central corneal thickness (CCT) thickened then thinned with elevation changes, significantly thicker at altitudes 2–5 compared with the baseline (p<0.05). Lens thickness (LT) followed a similar pattern, increasing up to altitude 4, then decreasing at 5. Correlations were found between AL and LT at altitudes 1 (r=0.375, p<0.05) and 5 (r=0.341, p<0.05), and between AL and CCT at altitude 4 (r=0.337, p<0.05), but not elsewhere.ConclusionsAs altitude increases and acute low-pressure hypoxia worsens, changes in AL, CCT and LT may affect pilots’ visual function, information acquisition, decision-making and flight safety.
Integrating pre-ablation and post-ablation B-type natriuretic peptide to identify high-risk population for long-term adverse events and arrhythmic recurrence in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ishiguchi Hironori , Yoshiga Yasuhiro , Fukuda Masakazu , Fujii Shohei , Hisaoka Masahiro , Hashimoto Shintaro , Omuro Takuya , Fukue Noriko , Kobayashi Shigeki , Sano Motoaki 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPre-procedural and post-procedural plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels can predict rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the significance of long-term events remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the significance of integrating pre-ablation and post-ablation BNP levels on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and arrhythmic recurrence in patients with persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation.MethodsWe analysed 392 patients who underwent first catheter ablation. Patients were stratified into four subgroups based on pre-ablation plasma BNP level and its relative change after ablation (ΔBNP) using their respective median values (pre-ablation BNP: 148.0 pg/mL, ΔBNP: −52.6%): Low-Low (pre-ablation<148.0 pg/mL, ΔBNP<−52.6%), Low-High (pre-ablation<148.0 pg/mL, ΔBNP≥−52.6%), High-Low (pre-ablation≥148.0 pg/mL, ΔBNP<−52.6%) and High-High (pre-ablation≥148.0 pg/mL, ΔBNP≥−52.6%). The primary endpoint was MACE, which included all-cause death, heart failure hospitalisation and other cardiovascular hospitalisations. The secondary endpoint involved arrhythmic recurrence.ResultsOf the 392 patients, 101 were classified as Low-Low, 91 as Low-High, 97 as High-Low and 103 as High-High. During a median follow-up of 5.3 (IQR: 3.2–7.2) years, 63 patients (16%) experienced MACE. Heart failure hospitalisation accounted for the majority of events (63%). The High-High subgroup showed significantly higher MACE rates than others (cumulative incidence (95% CI): 26.3% (16.2% to 35.2%), p<0.001). Low-High and High-High subgroups demonstrated a higher arrhythmic recurrence (p<0.001). After multivariate adjustment, the High-Low and High-High subgroups demonstrated progressively higher risks of MACE incidence compared with the Low-Low and Low-High subgroups. Both Low-High and High-High subgroups showed an elevated arrhythmic recurrence risk (both p<0.001).ConclusionsIntegrating pre-ablation and post-ablation BNP levels can be useful for identifying patients with persistent AF at high risk of MACE and arrhythmic recurrence during long-term follow-up.
Elevated 18:1 lysophosphatidylcholine contributes to neuropathic pain in peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Ren Jinxuan , Yu Lina , Lin Jiaqi , Liu Ying , Ma Longfei , huang Yangyuxin , Sun Na , Deng Yutao , Zhong Da , Zhou Binglin , Jiang Baochun , Yan Min 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundNeuropathic pain is a maladaptive and chronic condition with limited effective treatments. Although recent studies have suggested that certain lipid metabolites, like lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), may contribute to chronic pain, their specific roles and mechanisms remain unclear.ObjectiveThis study investigated the role and mechanism of LPC(18:1), a lipid subtype, in neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury.MethodsUsing a mouse model of spinal nerve ligation, LPC(18:1) levels were measured in serum, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord (SC) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Nociception was assessed using von Frey and Hargreaves’ methods, while molecular analyses explored inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress.ResultsLPC(18:1) levels significantly increased in the serum, DRG and CSF after nerve injury. Administration of LPC(18:1) induced heightened pain responses and activated inflammatory pathways, including protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the DRG, as well as glial cells in the SC. The findings suggested that oxidative stress played a role in LPC(18:1) production, and its effects were mediated by G protein-coupled receptor 132 (GPR132).ConclusionLPC(18:1) may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for managing neuropathic pain.
Exploring $$\phi $$CDM model dynamics
Authors: Ntelis Pierros , Said Jackson Levi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the

$$\phi $$

ϕ

CDM model, and we compare to the concordance model. We provide their epoch evolution, we perform a dynamical analysis to each model, and a comparative analysis between the two models. We revitalise these two models, since we study them in systems with higher number of variables. Furthermore, the

$$\phi $$

ϕ

CDM model is more complete than the one that we found in the literature, since we take into account all the so far discovered epochs, radiation, matter, and dark energy epochs. In contrast in the literature there is no study including the radiation epoch for this model. We find that both models can describe the generally accepted scenario of cosmic evolution, and current observations. Both models, describe qualitative and quantitative current observations about the epoch behaviour of the species of the universe. We find the

$$\phi $$

ϕ

CDM model has the following exotic transition from a dominant radiation energy density ratio epoch and a low dominant matter energy density ratio and high dominant radiation energy density ratio epoch, towards a dominant scalar potential energy density ratio epoch, in the matter-potential-scalar plane.
‘The Blood That Speaks a Better Word’
Authors: Kaunda Chammah J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
How do Pentecostals conceive and understand the notions of the altar and the blood of Jesus in relation to humanity and other created things? How can these notions be expanded to include flourishing by integrating elements of prophetic justice, critical solidarity, and ecological lifestyle within a wounded world? In response to these questions, this article utilizes a withness-hermeneutical realist approach to construct a robust pentecostal theology of the altar and the blood of Jesus, grounded in the notion of the body of Christ. I argue that the cosmos is constantly renewed by washing it in the blood of Jesus. Due to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the earth becomes the visible manifestation of the cosmic altar of God, sanctified in the blood of Jesus, which also runs through the spiritual veins of the earth.
The Holy Spirit and Priestly Vocation
Authors: Julia Norlan H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the journey of seminary formation as articulated in the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (Fundamental Norms for the Formation of Priests) released by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy in 2016. The article examines how the Ratio Fundamentalis understands the role of the Holy Spirit in a seminarian’s vocational journey. It asserts that the Holy Spirit plays the crucial tasks of awakening, discerning, transforming, and confirming the priestly calling of a candidate. The same Holy Spirit who called the Church into being also inspires the candidate to respond to the call awakened from within his depths. As the seminarian undergoes the formation journey, his vocation is tested. With the accompaniment he receives from formators and spiritual directors and with the light of the Holy Spirit, he discerns the authenticity of his calling, his motivation is purified, and his inner person transformed. At ordination, his vocation is confirmed as he receives the sacramental anointing of the Holy Spirit, which configures to him Christ and empowers him to act in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the Head).
Minority and Language Rights in the Eventual Peace Settlement after the Russian-Ukrainian War
Authors: Henrard Kristin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Since a proper understanding of the respective claims and sensitivities of Russians and Ukrainians, also towards the terms of a possible peace agreement, requires a certain awareness of the Soviet Union’s ambiguous approach towards the different ethnic groups in that multi-ethnic state, the article starts with a succinct account of the history of the Soviet Union and its demise. The ‘legal’ status quo, more particularly legal standards and practice concerning minority rights and language rights in both Ukraine and Russia, is also covered. The second sub-chapter will then provide an overview of the international legal framework regarding minority (language) rights, starting from the overarching principles, over the main legally binding standards to soft law standards. Thirdly, a brief overall evaluation of the status quo in Ukraine and Russia regarding minority(language) rights in terms of the international legal framework, allows to identify parameters that can be used during the peace negotiations, more particularly benchmarks about what can be reasonably expected from the respective governments. The latter may be particularly useful in relation to some of the claims of the Russian government. The fourth sub-chapter delves into the most sensitive matter of minority language rights in Ukraine, and particularly the position and rights of the Russian minority, while also briefly sketching the situation of minority language rights in Russia. By way of conclusion, recommendations for the peace negotiations are offered, which build on the guiding principle of a proportionate balance between the wish to promote the national language on the one hand and a suitable (proportionate) protection of languages of minorities (with neighboring kin-states) on the other.
Sustainably Financing the World Health Organization
Authors: Harmer Andrew 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Covid 19 pandemic catalysed interest from the international community to sustainably fund the World Health Organization (WHO). Though given fresh impetus, the WHO’s financing dialogue has a history that has attracted minimal scholarly attention. To address this knowledge gap, a narrative literature review of the WHO’s financing for the period 2009–2024 was conducted. One hundred and thirteen documents were reviewed from which eight core themes were identified: flexibility, predictability, duration, focus, vulnerability, alignment, contingency and realism. The review recounts how successive Director Generals of the WHO have attempted to reform how the organization is funded. It finds that sustainably financing the WHO is more complex and reliant on inter-dependent variables than current definitions would suggest. Ongoing efforts to align donor and secretariat financing priorities have the potential to increase rather than reduce vulnerability. Furthermore, realist assumptions present a barrier to sustainably financing the WHO that we need.
Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Seshasayee Aswin Sai Narain 
Published: February 2025

Microbes form the “unseen majority” of life on Earth, with bacteria at the forefront as both the architects of life’s chemical foundations and agents of disease. But their story is far more complex. Bacteria thrive in diverse and extreme environments, driven by the dynamic evolution of their genomes. These tiny organisms wield an extraordinary ability to adapt, balancing genetic changes across generations with rapid physiological responses to environmental shifts.
In Bacterial Genomes, the evolutionary and regulatory processes that shape bacterial life are brought to life. This textbook offers a conceptual exploration of how bacterial genomes are organized, how they evolve, and how their genetic information is interpreted through intricate molecular networks. Drawing on both cutting-edge research and the historical milestones that shaped microbiology, it illuminates how bacteria navigate the intersection of genetic adaptation and ecological resilience.
Designed for college students, interdisciplinary researchers, and even the determined amateur, Aswin Seshasayee moves beyond technical jargon to provide a thought-provoking synthesis of bacterial evolution and adaptation. Unlike traditional genomics texts, this book blends historical insights with contemporary discoveries, offering a fresh perspective on the role of bacteria in shaping the living world.
Social Support and Sleep Quality Among Bereaved AD/ADRD Caregivers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Huang Yingyan , Fleury Julie , Petrov Megan E. , Baker Zachary G. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Nearly 7 million adults aged 65 and above in the United States live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD), and it is the fifth most common cause of death. Bereaved AD/ADRD informal caregivers report high rates of sleep disturbances that may impair daily functioning. Social support is a potentially modifiable resource fostering sleep quality; however, little is known regarding the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers. Objective: This study explored the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers posting to an online forum. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design addressed the research objective. We collated 1771 forum threads comprising 2 012 195 words posted by bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers on the ALZConnected forum (2011-2023). Posts related to sleep were extracted using the keywords “bed,” “dream,” “nap,” “sleep,” “slept,” “wake,” and “woke.” Results: A total of 178 threads contained information relevant to the contribution of social support to sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified 3 themes: Restorative Function (Safe/Secure), Relational Identity Function (Belonging/Connection), and Comforting Presence Function (Warmth/Comfort). Conclusion: Findings further the understanding of the social context in which sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers is experienced. Findings from this study may inform clinical practice and research efforts aimed at enhancing sleep quality through social support in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers.