bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
At the heart of inflammation: Unravelling cardiac resident macrophage biology
Authors: Liao Yingnan , Zhu Liyuan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have led to the identification of a unique population of macrophages within the heart, termed cardiac resident macrophages (CRMs), which exhibit self‐renewal capabilities and play crucial roles in regulating cardiac homeostasis, inflammation, as well as injury and repair processes. This literature review aims to elucidate the origin and phenotypic characteristics of CRMs, comprehensively outline their contributions to cardiac homeostasis and further summarize their functional roles and molecular mechanisms implicated in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. These insights are poised to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies centred on targeted interventions based on the distinctive properties of resident macrophages.
Highly expressed B3GALT5‐AS1 contributes to gastric cancer progression by recruiting WDR5 to mediate B3GALT5 and regulating β‐catenin/ZEB1 axis
Authors: Feng Wei , Tang Yelan , Jing Rongrong , Ju Shaoqing , Zong Wei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC), but its specific regulatory mechanism remains to be further studied. We previously identified that lncRNA B3GALT5‐AS1 was upregulated in GC serum. Here, we investigated the functions and molecular mechanisms of B3GALT5‐AS1 in GC tumorigenesis. qRT‐PCR was used to detect B3GALT5‐AS1 expression in GC. EdU, CCK‐8, and colony assays were utilized to assess the proliferation ability of B3GAL5‐AS1, and transwell, tube formation assay were used to assess the invasion and metastasis ability. Mechanically, FISH and nuclear plasmolysis PCR identified the subcellular localization of B3GALT5‐AS1. RIP and CHIP assays were used to analyse the regulation of B3GALT5‐AS1 and B3GALT5. We observed that B3GALT5‐AS1 was highly expressed in GC, and silencing B3GALT5‐AS1 could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migratory capacities of GC. Additionally, B3GALT5‐AS1 was bound to WDR5 and modulated the expression of B3GALT5 via regulating the ZEB1/β‐catenin pathway. High‐expressed B3AGLT5‐AS1 promoted GC tumorigenesis and regulated B3GALT5 expression via recruiting WDR5. Our study is expected to provide a new idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Viral eradication reduces all‐cause mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who had received direct‐acting antiviral therapy
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Toyoda Hidenori , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Nakamura Shinichiro , Mori Nami , Tsuji Keiji , Ochi Hironori , Akahane Takehiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Fujii Hideki , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Kondo Masahiko , Urawa Naohito , Yoshida Hideo , Uchida Yasushi , Morita Atsuhiro , Hasebe Chitomi , Mitsuda Akeri , Ogawa Chikara , Narita Ryoichi , Kubotsu Yoshihito , Matsushita Tomomichi , Shigeno Masaya , Okamoto Eisuke , Okada Kazuhiko , Kasai Toyotaka , Ishii Toru , Nonogi Michiko , Yasuda Satoshi , Koshiyama Yuichi , Kumada Takashi , Izumi Namiki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication via direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on overall mortality, particularly non‐liver‐related mortality, is understudied.MethodsWe recruited 4180 patients with chronic HCV infection who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) (HCV eradication) through DAA therapy (n = 2501, SVR group) or who did not receive antiviral therapy (n = 1679, non‐SVR group); 1236 from each group were chosen using propensity score matching. Causes of death and all‐cause mortality, including non‐liver‐related diseases, were investigated.ResultsOf the 4180 patients, 592 died during the follow‐up period. In the SVR group, the mortality rates from liver‐related and non‐liver‐related diseases were 16.5% and 83.5%, respectively. Compared to the non‐SVR group, mortality rates from liver‐related and non‐liver‐related diseases were 50.1% and 49.9%, respectively (p < .001). In non‐cirrhotic patients, multivariable analysis revealed that SVR was an independent factor associated with both liver‐related (hazard ratio [HR], .251; 95% confidence interval [CI], .092–.686) and non‐liver‐related (HR, .641; 95% CI, .415–.990) mortalities. In cirrhotic patients, multivariable analysis revealed that SVR remained an independent factor significantly associated with liver‐related mortality (HR, .151; 95% CI, .081–.279). In propensity score‐matched patients, the eradication of HCV (SVR group) decreased both liver‐related (p < .001) and non‐liver‐related mortality (p = .008) rates compared to persistent HCV infection (non‐SVR group).ConclusionsThe elimination of HCV via DAA therapy reduced not only liver‐related mortality but also non‐liver‐related mortality in patients with chronic HCV.
VirB11, a traffic ATPase, mediated flagella assembly and type IV pilus morphogenesis to control the motility and virulence of Xanthomonas albilineans
Authors: Li Meilin , Xiong Liya , Chen Wenhan , Li YiSha , Khan Abdullah , Powell Charles A. , Chen Baoshan , Zhang Muqing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractXanthomonas albilineans (Xal) is a gram‐negative bacterial pathogen responsible for developing sugarcane leaf scald disease, which engenders significant economic losses within the sugarcane industry. In the current study, homologous recombination exchange was carried out to induce mutations within the virB/D4‐like type IV secretion system (T4SS) genes of Xal. The results revealed that the virB11‐deletion mutant (ΔvirB11) exhibited a loss in swimming and twitching motility. Application of transmission electron microscopy analysis further demonstrated that the ΔvirB11 failed to develop flagella formation and type IV pilus morphology and exhibited reduced swarming behaviour and virulence. However, these alterations had no discernible impact on bacterial growth. Comparative transcriptome analysis between the wild‐type Xal JG43 and the deletion‐mutant ΔvirB11 revealed 123 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 28 and 10 DEGs were notably associated with flagellar assembly and chemotaxis, respectively. In light of these findings, we postulate that virB11 plays an indispensable role in regulating the processes related to motility and chemotaxis in Xal.
The association between salivary pepsin and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Fei , Li Xiangyu , Song Zhaoxiang , Xie Jinlin , Wang Nan , Yao Jianning 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe definitive diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often requires invasive investigations like upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or reflux monitoring. We aimed to explore the relationship between salivary pepsin and GERD and its value as a non‐invasive diagnostic tool.MethodsDatabases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochran Library, and EMBASE) were searched from their inception to January 22, 2024 to explore the correlation of salivary pepsin with GERD. The meta‐analysis data retrieved were summarized, including the salivary pepsin concentration, sensitivity of diagnosis (SEN), specificity of diagnosis (SPE), negative likelihood ratio, positive likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe meta‐analysis comparing salivary pepsin concentration in two groups (proven GERD and non‐GERD) with 18 studies revealed that the proven GERD group had higher salivary pepsin concentration than the non‐GERD group (SMD = 1.74 [95% CI 1.14–2.34]). The meta‐analysis of salivary pepsin diagnostic value for proven GERD incorporated 23 studies. The results showed pooled SEN (0.73 [95% CI 0.66–0.80]), SPE (0.72 [95% CI 0.65–0.78]), positive likelihood ratio (2.61 [95% CI 2.02–3.39]), negative likelihood ratio (0.37 [95% CI 0.28–0.50]), diagnostic odds ratio (7.03 [95% CI 4.24–11.66]) and area under the SROC curve (0.79 [95% CI 0.75–0.82]).ConclusionGERD patients presented a higher salivary pepsin concentration. Salivary pepsin is both sensitive and specific in identifying GERD, making it a promising non‐invasive marker for diagnosis.
How Does the Stress in the Fixation Device Change during Different Stages of Bone Healing in the Treatment of Fractures? A Finite Element Study of External Fixation for Tibial Fractures
Authors: Jia Xuehai , Shen Changyong , Luo Bin , Yang Yi , Zhang Kerui , Deng Yi , Wen Jun , Ma Litai 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAlthough the specific relationship between the stress changes in the external fixator during tibial fracture treatment and the bone healing process remains unclear, it is believed that stress variations in the external fixator scaffold can, to a certain extent, reflect the progress of tibial healing.ObjectiveThis study aims to propose a non‐invasive method for assessing the degree of fracture healing by monitoring the changes in stress transmission, the locations of stress‐sensitive points, and displacement in the external fixator‐tibia system during the healing process of tibial fractures.MethodsIn this study, finite element models of tibial fractures at various healing stages were developed. Physiological conditions, including axial, torsional, and bending loads on the tibia, were simulated to evaluate stress and strain within the external scaffold‐tibia system under normal physiological loading conditions.ResultsThe results indicate variations in the stress distribution between the external fixator and the tibia during different stages of healing. In the early phase of fracture healing, the external fixator plays a crucial role as the primary load‐bearing unit under all three loading conditions. As the fracture healing progresses, the stress on the tibia gradually increases, concentrating on the medial part of the tibia under axial and torsional loading, and at the upper and lower ends, as well as the central part of the anterior and posterior tibia during bending loading. The stress at the callus gradually increases, while micro‐movements decrease. The stress within the external bracket gradually decreases, with a tendency for the connecting rod to transfer stress towards the screws. Throughout the fracture healing process, the location of maximum stress in the external fixator remains unchanged. Under axial and torsional loading, the maximum stress is located at the intersection of the lowest screw and the bone cortex, while under bending loading, it is at the intersection of the second screw and the connecting rod.ConclusionDuring the bone healing process, stress is transferred between the external fixation frame and the bone. As bone healing advances, the stress on the connecting rods and screws of the external fixation frame decreases, and the amplitude of stress changes diminishes. When complete and robust fusion is achieved, stress variations stabilize, and the location of maximum stress on the external fixation frame remains unchanged. The intersections of the lowest screw and the bone cortex, as well as the second screw and the connecting rod, can serve as sensitive points for monitoring the degree of bone healing.
Liver Transplantation for Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome With Hepatic Malignancy and Hepatopulmonary Syndrome After Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Şal Oğuzhan , Erbey Fatih , Armutlu Ayşe , Karasu Gülsün , Demir Barış , Kızılkan Nuray Uslu , Akbulut Akın , Kanmaz Turan , Alim Altan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundNijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is an autosomal recessive DNA repair disorder that manifests through increased genomic instability, malignancy, and cellular and humoral immunodeficiencies. The prognosis for NBS patients is poor due to their increased susceptibility to fatal infections and lymphoproliferative malignancies. Currently, there is no specific treatment for NBS, though allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been performed and documented as case series to demonstrate the utility of transplantation.MethodsA 14‐year‐old girl with NBS and haploidentical HSCT from her older brother due to recurrent lung infection was referred for liver transplantation (LT) due to liver cirrhosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), and suspicion of liver malignancy. It was decided to perform LT using the living donor who had previously donated for HSCT.ResultsLiving donor left lobe LT was successfully performed from her brother. The patient experienced no complications in the early postoperative period and was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. Pathological examination of extracted liver has shown “intermediate cell carcinoma” in two foci. After 1 year LT, the patient has had an uneventful course in terms of LT complications and infection, with minimal immunosuppression.ConclusionsNBS patients have an increased prevalence of malignancies, including primary hepatic malignancy, but most are managed medically or with limited resections. Transplantation in these patients can be curative for hepatic malignancy with a favorable safety profile.
Putting the puzzle together: the relationship between floral characters and pollinator morphology determines pollination mode in the fig–fig wasp mutualism
Authors: Castro‐Cárdenas N. , Martén‐Rodríguez S. , Vázquez‐Santana S. , Cornejo‐Tenorio G. , Navarrete‐Segueda A. , Ibarra‐Manríquez G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The diversification of angiosperms has largely been attributed to adaptive radiation of their pollination and mating systems, which are relevant drivers of the macroevolution processes. The fig (Ficus, Moraceae) and fig wasp (Agaonidae, Hymenoptera) interaction is an example of obligate mutualism. Passive and active pollination modes have been associated with morphological traits in both partners. However, more information is required to assess the relationship between floral traits and pollination modes, particularly in Neotropical Ficus species.
This study evaluates the morphological traits of figs and fig wasps regarding pollination modes in species belonging to Neotropical Ficus sections (three species each of Americanae and Pharmacosycea). Pollination mode was identified by floral morphology, anther/ovule ratio, and specialized structures fig wasps use for pollen transport (pollen pocket and coxal combs).
Fig species in sect. Americanae are actively pollinated because pistillate flowers form a synstigma, present anther/ovule ratios <0.11, and their pollinator Pegoscapus fig wasps have pollen pockets and coxal combs. In contrast, species in sect. Pharmacosycea have free pistillate flowers, with anther/ovule ratios >0.27; they are pollinated by Tetrapus wasps, which lack specialized structures to carry pollen. Each species of Ficus was associated with a single morphospecies of fig wasp.
The results support previous contributions that consider reciprocal morphological traits between fig species and their pollinating wasps as evidence of a close co‐evolutionary history.
Comprehensive analysis of hairpin small RNAs involved in resistance and pathogenesis during wheat–Puccinia triticina interactions
Authors: Afreen Uzma , Pandey Anjali , Jha Shailendra Kumar , Kumar Manish , Mukhopadhyay Kunal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWheat leaf rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina (Pt), severely affects the grain quality and quantity of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Hairpin small(s)RNAs, like micro(mi)RNAs and their variants [including isomiRNAs (isomiRs) and microRNA‐like RNAs (milRNAs)], along with their corresponding target genes, bestow leaf rust disease resistance, development and progression from both interacting species. However, the regulatory networks remain inadequately understood. Thirteen differentially expressed novel miRNAs, including two isomiRs and three milRNAs were discerned from induced reads of wheat sRNA libraries, and a further 5,393 and 1,275 candidate target genes were predicted in wheat and Pt, respectively. Functional annotation divulged that wheat‐originated miRNAs/isomiRs were involved in resistance, while Pt‐derived milRNAs imparted pathogenesis. The identified milRNAs‐ Tae‐Pt‐milR5, Tae‐Pt‐milR12, and Tae‐Pt‐milR14b and their cleavage sites on Pt target gene MEP5 were confirmed through degradome library screening, suggesting cross‐kingdom translocation of Pt virulent genes in wheat host. Co‐expression analysis of miRNAs/isomiRs‐target genes provided insights into combating leaf rust disease, while co‐expression analysis of milRNAs‐target gene pairs reflected the extent of pathogenicity exerted by Pt with varied expression levels at the analyzed time points. The analysis pinpointed leaf rust‐responsive candidate hairpin sRNAs‐ Tae‐miR8, Tae‐Pt‐miR12, Tae‐Pt‐miR14a, and Tae‐Pt‐miR14b in wheat and Tae‐Pt‐milR12 in Pt. This study provides new insights into the hairpin sRNAs involved in the resistance and pathogenesis of wheat and Pt, respectively. Furthermore, crucial hairpin sRNAs and their promising targets for future biotechnological interventions to augment stress resilience have been identified.
A phylogeographic analysis of the North American medicinal leech, Macrobdella decora (Say, 1824)
Authors: Kennedy Nat , Kvist Sebastian , Oceguera‐Figueroa Alejandro , Phillips Anna J. , Stacey Donald F. , de Carle Danielle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn spite of their important roles in many ecosystems, data regarding population structure and biogeographic patterns of leeches are scarce. To begin to address this knowledge gap, we herein perform a phylogeographic analysis of the North American medicinal leech, Macrobdella decora (Say, 1824). A total of 224 M. decora specimens were collected from 35 localities across large swaths of USA and Canada and covering most of the known range of the species. Using four loci (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] and NADH dehydrogenase I [ND1], as well as nuclear 18S rRNA [18S] and 28S rRNA [28S]), we construct phylogenetic trees using several optimality criteria and superimpose geographic patterns onto the trees in order to tease out any potential structure among the populations. Rather surprisingly, given the large geographic range of the species and abundance of potential geographic barriers to gene flow, the analyses showed a conspicuous lack of structure among the different populations of M. decora. However, an AMOVA did show statistically significant differences between the genetic variation within populations and between populations (COI: FST = 0.65412, p < .00001; ND1: FST = 0.69245, p < .00001), which was largely driven by only 6 out of the 35 populations, and indicated a potential barrier for dispersal across the Appalachian Mountains. Finally, a Mantel test showed a weak, but significant, correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance (COI: r = 0.209, p = .027; ND1: r = 0.1289, p = .030); however, this correlation was primarily driven by a single locality. The overall weak structure suggests that M. decora is panmictic throughout its range, and we discuss this in light of previous population level studies in both bloodfeeding and non‐bloodfeeding species, concluding that the lack of structure in M. decora might be due to its high capacity for dispersal via hosts.
In Vivo Quantification of Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Wall Stretch Using MRI: Relationship to Repair Threshold Diameter and Ex Vivo Wall Failure Behavior
Authors: Dong Huiming , Haraldsson Henrik , Leach Joseph , Zhou Ang , Ballweber Megan , Zhu Chengcheng , Xuan Yue , Wang Zhongjie , Hope Michael , Epstein Frederick H. , Ge Liang , Saloner David , Tseng Elaine , Mitsouras Dimitrios 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs) can lead to life-threatening dissection and rupture. Recent studies have highlighted aTAA mechanical properties as relevant factors associated with progression. The aim of this study was to quantify in vivo aortic wall stretch in healthy participants and aTAA patients using displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, aTAA wall stretch between surgical and nonsurgical patients was investigated. Finally, DENSE measurements were compared to reference-standard mechanical testing on aTAA specimens from surgical repairs. In total, 18 subjects were recruited, six healthy participants and 12 aTAA patients, for this prospective study. Electrocardiogram-gated DENSE imaging was performed to measure systole–diastole wall stretch, as well as the ratio of aTAA stretch to unaffected descending thoracic aorta stretch. Free-breathing and breath-hold DENSE protocols were used. Uniaxial tensile testing-measured indices were correlated to DENSE measurements in five harvested specimens. in vivo aortic wall stretch was significantly lower in aTAA compared to healthy subjects (1.75±1.44% versus 5.28±1.92%, respectively, P = 0.0004). There was no correlation between stretch and maximum aTAA diameter (P = 0.56). The ratio of aTAA to unaffected thoracic aorta wall stretch was significantly lower in surgical candidates compared to nonsurgical candidates (0.993±0.011 versus 1.017±0.016, respectively, P = 0.0442). Finally, in vivo aTAA wall stretch correlated to wall failure stress and peak modulus of the intima (P = 0.017 and P = 0.034, respectively), while the stretch ratio correlated to whole-wall thickness failure stretch and stress (P = 0.013 and P = 0.040, respectively). Aortic DENSE has the potential to assess differences in aTAA mechanical properties and progressions.