bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary Protein Sfapyrase of Spodoptera frugiperda Stimulates Plant Defence Response
Authors: Yao Yang , Lin Huan‐tai , Chen Yao‐hui , Chen Li‐lan , Zhang Hui‐li , Fu Hua‐ying , Gao San‐ji , Wang Ran , Feng Hong‐lin , Wang Jin‐da 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPlants have developed various resistance mechanisms against herbivorous insects through prolonged coevolution. Plant defence responses can be triggered by specific compounds present in insect saliva. Apyrase, a known enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic phosphorus, has recently been identified in some herbivorous insects. However, whether insect salivary apyrase induces or inhibits plant responses remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified an apyrase‐like protein in the salivary proteome of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, named Sfapyrase. Sfapyrase was primarily expressed in the salivary gland and secreted into plants during insect feeding. Transient expression of Sfapyrase in tobacco and maize enhanced plant resistance and resulted in decreased insect feeding. Knockdown of Sfapyrase through RNA interference led to increased growth and feeding of S. frugiperda. Furthermore, we showed that Sfapyrase activates the jasmonic acid signalling pathway and promotes the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially benzoxazinoids, thereby enhancing resistance to S. frugiperda. In summary, our findings demonstrated that Sfapyrase acts as a salivary elicitor, inducing maize jasmonic acid defence responses and the production of insect‐resistant benzoxazinoids. This study provides valuable insights into plant–insect interactions and offers potential targets for developing innovative insect pest management strategies.
Severe periodontitis and congenital cytomegalovirus: Cleft lip and cleft palate
Authors: Slots Jørgen , Slots Vanessa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSevere periodontitis lesions can harbor several hundred‐thousand copies of active cytomegalovirus, and this paper proposes that cytomegalovirus in maternal periodontitis can infect the fetus. Cleft lips and palates may be oral examples of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Anti‐cytomegalovirus periodontal treatment is indicated for high‐risk women who exhibit severe periodontitis and weakened immune system and are contemplating pregnancy or are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Income tax evasion and third‐party reported consumption and wealth: implications for the optimal tax structure
Authors: Gerritsen Aart 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTax authorities increasingly make use of third‐party reported consumption expenditures when appraising individual income reports. They may initiate an audit if consumption reports cannot be justified by self‐reported income. This in turn incentivizes tax evaders to avoid third‐party reported consumption goods. I determine the implications of this for the optimal tax structure. A tax on non‐reported goods discourages tax evasion because these goods are disproportionately consumed by tax evaders. A tax on reported goods also discourages tax evasion because it further distorts the evader's consumption bundle. I show that it is desirable to tax third‐party reported goods at a higher (lower) rate than non‐reported goods if the elasticity of substitution between both goods is smaller (larger) than one. I then apply the same logic to third‐party reported wealth – i.e., future consumption goods – which tax authorities also use in their audit policies. Existing evidence on the intertemporal elasticity of substitution suggests that it may be optimal to tax third‐party reported wealth at a positive rate.
A double‐blinded randomised control study to compare the effectiveness and safety of intralesional vitamin D3 with intralesional triamcinolone and its correlation with tissue expression of vitamin D receptors in patients with keloid
Authors: Goyal Aman , Mehta Hitaishi , Narang Tarun , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Chhabra Seema , Shilpa  , Kaushik Hitaishi , Kaur Manjot , Sachdeva Naresh , Dogra Sunil 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntralesional steroids commonly used for keloid treatment have adverse effects like cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasias. Safer and more effective therapies are needed. Preliminary studies suggest intralesional vitamin D as a potential alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of intralesional vitamin D with triamcinolone for keloids, and correlate tissue expression of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) with treatment outcomes. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (intralesional vitamin D) and Group B (intralesional triamcinolone). Four injections were given at 4‐week intervals, with an 8‐week follow‐up. Biopsies were taken pre‐ and post‐treatment to examine VDR expression levels and treatment response correlation. The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of patients achieving a 50% reduction in Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Secondary outcomes included incidence of adverse effects, and changes in VDR expression before and after treatment. Baseline VSS scores were 9.73 ± 1.01 (vitamin D group) and 10.13 ± 1.07 (triamcinolone group). After treatment, mean VSS decreased to 5.17 ± 0.59 (vitamin D group, p < 0.001) and 4.77 ± 0.77 (triamcinolone group, p < 0.001), with significantly better response in latter (p = 0.03). More than 50% reduction in VSS score was higher in the triamcinolone group (76.7% vs. 50%, p = 0.032). No recurrences were noted during the 8‐week follow‐up. Hypopigmentation (80% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) and atrophy (73.3% vs. 40%, p = 0.009) were more common in the triamcinolone group. No significant difference in pre‐ and post‐treatment VDR receptor expression was observed in either group. Both triamcinolone acetonide and vitamin D were effective for keloids. Triamcinolone was more efficacious, whereas vitamin D was safer, suggesting it as a viable alternative for keloid management.
Measurement of respiratory–swallowing coordination using an oronasal facemask in healthy individuals
Authors: Cross Elizabeth , Guiu Hernandez Esther , Macrae Phoebe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRespiratory–swallowing coordination (RSC) is well established as an essential airway‐protective mechanism. Previous studies have used nasal airflow and/or kinematic rib cage and abdominal measures to assess respiration surrounding swallowing, meaning that the direct influence of oral respiration on RSC remains unknown. This study used a partitioned oronasal facemask to compare respiratory phase patterns measured using isolated nasal airflow with those measured using combined oronasal airflow during non‐ingestive and ingestive swallowing tasks. Twenty‐four healthy individuals with no respiratory or swallowing disorders were assessed at rest and during cued dry, 10 mL water, continuous drinking and cracker swallowing tasks. Respiratory phase patterns were determined for discrete swallows using the nasal and combined oronasal channels separately. There was variable agreement between respiratory phase patterns according to the nasal and oronasal channels across swallowing conditions. The frequency of exhale–swallow–exhale, inhale–swallow–exhale and exhale–swallow–inhale patterns increased by 2%–3% each with the addition of oral flow data to nasal data, whereas the prevalence of inhale–swallow–inhale and ambiguous patterns decreased. This suggests that estimates of respiratory phase patterns are altered minimally by inclusion of oral respiratory estimates in a healthy sample. There were several additional findings of note, including lower within‐participant, within‐session trial consistency (test–retest reliability) than expected, suggesting high variability in respiratory phase patterns across trials. Additionally, data showed evidence of swallowing non‐respiratory flow at the beginning and end of the respiratory–swallowing pause, moving in both inward and outward directions, potentially expanding current understanding of swallowing non‐respiratory flow. Further in‐depth physiological investigations are required to improve understanding of these findings.
Synbiotic supplementation ameliorates anxiety and myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury in hyperglycaemic rats by modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Bulut Erman Caner , Erol Kutucu Deniz , Üstünova Savaş , Ağırbaşlı Mehmet , Dedeakayoğulları Huri , Tarhan Çağatay , Kapucu Ayşegül , Yeğen Berrak Ç. , Demirci Tansel Cihan , Gürel Gürevin Ebru 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and obesity are the main risk factors affecting the development and prognosis of ischaemic heart disease, which is still an important cause of death today. In our study, male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a standard diet (SD) or a high fat and high carbohydrate diet (HF‐HCD) for 8 weeks and streptozotocin (STZ) was injected at the seventh week of the feeding period. In one set of rats, a mixture of a prebiotic and probiotics (synbiotic, SYN) was administered by gavage starting from the beginning of the feeding period. Experimental myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (30 min/60 min) was induced at the end of 8 weeks. Hyperglycaemia, hypertension and increased serum low‐density lipoprotein levels occurred in SD‐ and HF‐HCD‐fed and STZ‐treated rats followed for 8 weeks. Increased density of the Proteobacteria phylum was observed in rats with increased blood glucose levels, indicating intestinal dysbiosis. The severity of cardiac damage was highest in the dysbiotic HF‐HCD‐fed hyperglycaemic rats, which was evident with increased serum creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), tumour necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 levels, along with a decrease in ST‐segment resolution index. SYN supplementation to either a normal or a high‐fat high‐carbohydrate diet improved gut dysbiosis, reduced anxiety, decreased CK‐MB and cTnI levels, and alleviated myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury in hyperglycaemic rats.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Additively Manufactured Extreme Environment Heat Exchangers for Waste Heat Recuperation
Authors: Duggirala Vyas , Reddy Venkateswara , Muley Arun , Stoia Micheal , Vanaffelen Doug 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Advanced Brayton cycle-based waste heat recovery (WHR) system for a targeted energy efficiency of 20–50% and gravimetric power densities of 1.6–1.9 kW/kg are attractive propositions for future airplane designs. One of the critical challenges for the maturation of these technologies is the need to achieve highly compact heat exchangers (HX) capable of operation under extreme pressure and temperature environments. The current work presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling strategies for the design and development of additively manufactured extreme environment heat exchangers (EEHX). Modeling and simulation-driven design improvements to the HX are implemented to achieve a power density of 15 kW/kg under the extreme environment of 800 °C inlet temperature and 80 bar pressure with supercritical CO2 as the working fluid. Various CFD-based modeling methods are described, starting from selecting, rating, and sizing heat transfer (HT) surfaces, followed by detailed core modeling through periodic and end-section models. Further, a novel porous media-based modeling approach with a high-fidelity manifold model is implemented to generate optimal manifold profiles while minimizing flow maldistribution through the core. Comprehensive physical testing of the additively manufactured heat exchanger prototypes has been used to validate the developed numerical models within 5–10% of pressure drop and heat transfer predictions.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Interval Aerobic Exercise on Hepcidin, Ferritin, and Liver Enzymes in Adolescents With Beta-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Mohabbat Majid , Barati Amir Hossein , Azarkeivan Azita , Eghbali Ehsan , Arazi Hamid 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the acute and chronic effects of interval aerobic exercise on hepcidin, ferritin, and liver enzymes in adolescents with beta-thalassemia major. Methods: Twenty-six beta-thalassemia major adolescents referred to the Thalassemia Clinic and Research Center were selected as study participants and randomly divided into control (n = 13) and training (n = 13) groups. Participants performed 3 sessions per week for 45 minutes in each session for 8 weeks of aerobic interval exercise with an intensity of 50% to 65% of the heart rate reserve. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after the exercise session, and 48 hours after the last training session, and liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ferritin, and hepcidin were evaluated. Results: The results showed a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, ALP, ferritin, and hepcidin levels due to 8 weeks of aerobic interval training (P = .14, P = .97, P = .03, P < .001, P < .001; respectively). Intergroup changes in all variables except ALT and hepcidin were significant (P < .05). Besides, acute aerobic exercise increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, ferritin, and hepcidin (P = .04, P = .52, P < .001, P < .001; respectively), whereas ALP levels decreased (P < .001). In addition, changes in ALP and hepcidin levels were significant between the 2 groups (P = .05, P < .001; respectively). Conclusion: Based on the study’s results, it can be concluded that 8 weeks of aerobic interval training can decrease ferritin and hepcidin levels, but acute aerobic exercise increases them.
The OprF porin as a potential target for the restoration of carbapenem susceptibility in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
expressing acquired carbapenemases
Authors: Nordmann Patrice , Helsens Nicolas , Poirel Laurent , Sadek Mustafa , Bumann Dirk , Findlay Jacqueline 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is primarily due to the acquisition of carbapenemases and is often associated with a diminution of the membrane permeability. The outer membrane protein, OprD, is a well-known route, by which carbapenems, predominantly imipenem, can enter the cell, and its loss has been associated with reduced susceptibility to imipenem. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isogenic
P. aeruginosa
mutants containing various acquired β-lactamases, including carbapenemases, in a porin-depleted background. We identified that the deletion of
oprF
was associated with some recovery of susceptibility to carbapenems.
L-tryptophan and copper interactions linked to reduced colibactin genotoxicity in
pks+ Escherichia coli
Authors: Bayne Charlie , Boutard Magali , Zaplana Tom , Tolonen Andrew C. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Colibactin, a nonribosomal peptide/polyketide produced by
pks+ Enterobacteriaceae
, is a virulence factor and putative carcinogen that damages DNA by interstrand crosslinking (ICL). While the
clb
genes for colibactin biosynthesis have been identified, studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms regulating colibactin production and activity. Here we perform untargeted metabolomics of
pks+ Escherichia
coli cultures to identify L-tryptophan as a candidate repressor of colibactin activity. When
pks+ E. coli
is grown in a minimal medium supplemented with L-tryptophan
in vitro
ICL of plasmid DNA is reduced by >80%. L-tryptophan does not affect the transcription of
clb
genes but protects from copper toxicity and triggers the expression of genes to export copper to the periplasm where copper can directly inhibit the ClbP peptidase domain. Thus, L-tryptophan and copper interact and repress colibactin activity, potentially reducing its carcinogenic effects in the intestine.

IMPORTANCE

Colibactin is a small molecule produced by
pks
+
Enterobacteriaceae
that damages DNA, leading to oncogenic mutations in human genomes. Colibactin-producing
Escherichia coli
(
pks
+) cells promote tumorigenesis in mouse models of colorectal cancer (CRC) and are elevated in abundance in CRC patient biopsies, making it important to identify the regulatory systems governing colibactin production. Here, we apply a systems biology approach to explore metabolite repression of colibactin production in
pks
+
E. coli
. We identify L-tryptophan as a repressor of colibactin genotoxicity that stimulates the expression of genes to export copper to the periplasm where it can inhibit ClbP, the colibactin-activating peptidase. These results work toward an antibiotic-sparing, prophylactic strategy to inhibit colibactin genotoxicity and its tumorigenic effects in the intestine.
Evolution of the Tn
4371
ICE family:
traR
-mediated coordination of cargo gene upregulation and horizontal transfer
Authors: Matsumoto Satoshi , Kishida Kouhei , Nonoyama Shouta , Sakai Keiichiro , Tsuda Masataka , Nagata Yuji , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

ICE
KKS102
Tn
4677
carries a
bph
operon for the mineralization of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)/biphenyl and belongs to the Tn
4371
ICE (integrative and conjugative element) family. In this study, we investigated the role of the
traR
gene in ICE transfer. The
traR
gene encodes a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, which is conserved in sequence, positioning, and directional orientation among Tn
4371
family ICEs. The
traR
belongs to the
bph
operon, and its overexpression on solid medium resulted in modest upregulation of
traG
(threefold), marked upregulation of
xis
(80-fold), enhanced ICE excision and, most notably, ICE transfer frequency. We propose the evolutional roles of
traR
, which upon insertion to its current position, might have connected the cargo gene activation and ICE transfer. This property of ICE, i.e., undergoing transfer under environmental conditions that lead to cargo gene activation, would instantly confer fitness advantages to bacteria newly acquiring this ICE, thereby resulting in efficient dissemination of the Tn
4371
family ICEs.

IMPORTANCE

Only ICE
KKS102
Tn
4677
is proven to transfer among the widely disseminating Tn
4371
family integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) from β and γ-proteobacteria. We showed that the
traR
gene in ICE
KKS102
Tn
4677
, which is conserved in the ICE family with fixed location and direction, is co-transcribed with the cargo gene and activates ICE transfer. We propose that capturing of
traR
by an ancestral ICE to the current position established the Tn
4371
family of ICEs. Our findings provide insights into the evolutionary processes that led to the widespread distribution of the Tn
4371
family of ICEs across bacterial species.
Supplemental Material: The geometry of fault reactivation and uplift along the central part of the Maacama Fault Zone, Northern California Coast Ranges
Authors: Melosh B.L. , al. et 
Published: September 2024

<p>Figure A1 (interactive version of Figure 7). Results of the geomorphic analysis of the northern Mayacamas Mountains. Use radio buttons to view sections A–D. (A) Channel steepness index map; elevated values are shown by brighter colors, and basin numbers 1 through 14 correspond to subfigures B and C, Figure 8, and mentions throughout the text. Hillshade is from NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (2013). (B) Chi map with brighter colors representing greater chi values; chi gradients are identified where adjacent basins have disparate chi values at their uppermost reaches. (C) Concavity index map displaying concavity results for each basin; lighter colors indicate lower concavity, labels are basin #: concavity value. (D) Geologic map presented in Figure 2 is included here for easy reference to identify areas where rock hardness may impact geomorphic results. Sp—sheared serpentinite lens; UCMA—Ukiah–Cow Mountain antiform; MMS—Middle Mountain Synform; WCF—Willow Creek Fault. </p>
COVID-19 autism spectrum disorder-like transient neurocognitive clinical presentation
Authors: Selim Basma , Satti Alia , Abdelgadir Ibtihal Siddiq 
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the general population in different ways, including the vulnerable population of children with special needs.In this case report, we will discuss the emergence of a transient, full-blown picture of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a child who contracted a COVID-19 infection, and his gradual improvement over the course of a few months. This broadens our perspective on the possible neurocognitive clinical presentations of COVID-19 infection.
Surgical management of rare hepatobiliary sarcomas in a regional teaching hospital: a collaborative model for optimal care with case studies
Authors: Ng Irene Ai Ting , Tan Hiang Jin , Chiow Adrian Kah Heng , Nita Thiruchelvam 
Published: September 2024

Sarcomas are challenging and conventionally referred to sarcoma specialist centres. In select cases with required surgical expertise, collaboration with a quaternary sarcoma centre rather than an upfront transfer of care may reduce logistic challenges without compromising patient care.We present a case series of three rare tumours of hepatobiliary origin—two cases of undifferentiated embryonal liver sarcoma in adults and one case of follicular dendritic sarcoma of the cystic lymph node.All three patients underwent surgery in a non-sarcoma specialist centre by hepatobiliary specialist surgeons with concurrent remote referrals to a sarcoma specialist quaternary centre. Both centres belong to the same cluster. R0 resection and no significant postoperative morbidity were achieved. All three patients currently remain disease-free.The unique and integrated healthcare systems within Singapore render cross-institution management possible. This case series suggests that an established setup for cross-centre collaboration facilitates wholistic patient care with good outcomes.
Preferences for sexual health services among middle-aged and older adults in the UK: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Sakuma Yoshiko , Tieosapjaroen Warittha , Wu Dan , Conyers Hayley , Shakespeare Thomas , Guigayoma John , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Pan Stephen W , Tucker Joseph D , Ong Jason , Kpokiri Eneyi 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesSexual health is an integral part of well-being. However, the sexual health needs and desires of middle-aged and older adults have been largely disregarded. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the sexual health service preferences of adults aged 45 and older to improve the accessibility of sexual health services in the UK.MethodsThe formative stage of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) followed three steps: concept elicitation, refining and implementation. The attributes and levels were determined through 22 semistructured interviews during the concept elicitation, followed by pilot testing for refining the survey. Qualtrics XM, with conjoint project features, was implemented as the DCE survey platform. We used a random parameter logit model to estimate the relative importance (RI) of each attribute and preference for each attribute level. We also used a latent class model to explore groups of participants with similar preferences.ResultsIn total, 200 responses were included for analysis. The demographic breakdown included 62.5% females, 35.5% people with disabilities and 26.0% identifying as a sexual minority. The median age was 53. Preferences for using sexual health services were mainly influenced by the mode of delivery (RI 32%), location (RI 18%) and cost (RI 16%). Participants showed a preference for face-to-face interactions at sexual health clinics and displayed a willingness to pay for private services. Extra support and the consultation style played minor roles in their decision-making process. No differences in preferences were identified among disabled people. However, sexual minorities expressed their preferences for conventional messaging.ConclusionsOur study revealed that middle-aged and older individuals prioritise sexual health services offering face-to-face consultations, emphasising a preference to attend sexual health clinics over cost. Aligning service delivery with these preferences has the potential to significantly improve the accessibility and uptake of sexual health services for adults aged 45 and older in the UK.