bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigenic reactivity of Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni axenic amastigote proved to be a suitable alternative for optimizing Montenegro skin test
Authors: de Melo Leonardo Viana , Vasconcelos dos Santos Thiago , Ramos Patrícia Karla , Lima Luciana Vieira , Campos Marliane Batista , Silveira Fernando Tobias 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Laboratory diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) requires a tool amenable to the epidemiological status of ACL in Brazil. Montenegro skin test (MST), an efficient immunological tool used for laboratory diagnosis of ACL, induces delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to the promastigote antigens of Leishmania; however, human immune responses against infection are modulated by the amastigote of the parasite. Leishmania (V.) lainsoni induces strong cellular immunity in humans; therefore, the antigenic reactivity of its axenic amastigote (AMA antigen) to MST was evaluated for the laboratory diagnosis of ACL.

Methods
Among 70 individuals examined, 60 had a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of ACL; 53 had localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), and 7 had mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). Patients were treated at the Evandro Chagas Institute’s leishmaniasis clinic, Pará State, Brazil. Ten healthy individuals with no history of ACL (control group) were also examined. Leishmania (V.) braziliensis promastigote antigen (PRO) was used to compare the reactivity with that of AMA antigen. Paired Student’s t-test, kappa agreement, and Spearman test were used to evaluate the reactivity of AMA and PRO.

Results
The mean reactivity of AMA in ACL patients was 19.4 mm ± 13.3, which was higher (P < 0.001) than that of PRO: 12.1 mm ± 8.1. MST reactivity according to the clinical forms revealed that AMA reactivity in LCL and ML, 18.8 mm ± 13.3 and 24.3 mm ± 13.7, was higher (P < 0.001) than that of PRO, 11.8 mm ± 8.2 and 14.6 mm ± 8.4, respectively.

Conclusion
AMA reactivity was higher than that of PRO, indicating that AMA is a promising alternative for optimizing MST in the laboratory diagnosis of ACL.

Graphical abstract
Molecular characterization of Streptococcus suis isolates recovered from diseased pigs in Europe
Authors: Li Kevin , Lacouture Sonia , Lewandowski Eric , Thibault Eric , Gantelet Hubert , Gottschalk Marcelo , Fittipaldi Nahuel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractStreptococcus suis is a major swine pathogen and zoonotic agent, causing important economic losses to the porcine industry. Here, we used genomics approaches to characterize 251 S. suis isolates recovered from diseased pigs across Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We identified 13 serotypes, being serotypes 9 and 2 the most prevalent, and 34 sequence types (STs), including 16 novel STs, although ST16 and ST1 dominated the strain population. Phylogenetic analysis revealed complex genetic relationships, notable geographic clustering, and potential differential capacity for capsular switching among serotype 9 isolates. We found antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in 85.3% of the isolates, with high frequencies of genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides. Specifically, 49.4% of the isolates harbored the tetO gene, and 64.9% possessed the ermB gene. Additionally, we observed a diverse array of virulence-associated genes (VAGs), including the classical VAGs mrp, epf, and sly, with variable presence across different genotypes. The high genetic diversity among European S. suis isolates highlights the importance of targeted antimicrobial use and flexible vaccine strategies. Rapid strain characterization is crucial for optimizing swine health management, enabling tailored interventions like the development of autovaccines to mitigate S. suis infections.
Increased viperin expression induced by avian infectious bronchitis virus inhibits viral replication by restricting cholesterol synthesis: an in vitro study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Tao-Ni , Lu Yan-Peng , Ren Li-Na , Chen Sheng-Ting , Liu Ling , Wei Lan-Ping , Chen Ji-Ming , Huang Jian-Ni , Mo Mei-Lan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWith the emergence of new variant strains resulting from high mutation rates and genome recombination, avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms of IBV-host interactions, particularly how IBV utilizes host metabolic pathways for efficient viral replication and transmission. In the present study, the effects of the cell membrane, viral envelope membrane, and viperin-mediated cholesterol synthesis on IBV replication were explored. Our results revealed significant increase in cholesterol levels and the expression of viperin after IBV infection. Acute cholesterol depletion in the cell membrane and viral envelope membrane by treating cells with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) obviously inhibited IBV replication; thereafter, replenishment of the cell membrane with cholesterol successfully restored viral replication, and direct addition of exogenous cholesterol to the cell membrane significantly promoted IBV infection during the early stages of infection. In addition, overexpression of viperin effectively suppressed cholesterol synthesis, as well as IBV replication, whereas knockdown of viperin (gene silencing with siRNA targeting viperin, siViperin) significantly increased IBV replication and cholesterol levels, whereas supplementation with exogenous cholesterol to viperin-transfected cells markedly restored viral replication. In conclusion, the increase in viperin induced by IBV infection plays an important role in IBV replication by affecting cholesterol production, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis of IBV and discovering new potential antiviral targets.
RSAD2 suppresses viral replication by interacting with the Senecavirus A 2 C protein
Authors: Hou Lei , Wu Zhi , Zeng Penghui , Yang Xiaoyu , Shi Yongyan , Guo Jinshuo , Zhou Jianwei , Song Jiangwei , Liu Jue 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSenecavirus A (SVA), an emerging virus that causes blisters on the nose and hooves, reduces the production performance of pigs. RSAD2 is a radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme, and its expression can suppress various viruses due to its broad antiviral activity. However, the regulatory relationship between SVA and RSAD2 and the mechanism of action remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that SVA infection increased RSAD2 mRNA levels, whereas RSAD2 expression negatively regulated viral replication, as evidenced by decreased viral VP1 protein expression, viral titres, and infected cell numbers. Viral proteins that interact with RSAD2 were screened, and the interaction between the 2 C protein and RSAD2 was found to be stronger than that between other proteins. Additionally, amino acids (aa) 43–70 of RSAD2 were crucial for interacting with the 2 C protein and played an important role in its anti-SVA activity. RSAD2 was induced by type I interferon (IFN-I) via Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), and had antiviral activity. Ruxolitinib, a JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor, and the knockdown of JAK1 expression substantially reduced RSAD2 expression levels and antiviral activity. Taken together, these results revealed that RSAD2 blocked SVA infection by interacting with the viral 2 C protein and provide a strategy for preventing and controlling SVA infection.
The cadDX operon contributes to cadmium resistance, oxidative stress resistance, and virulence in zoonotic streptococci
Authors: Zhu Xinchi , Liang Zijing , Ma Jiale , Huang Jinhu , Wang Liping , Yao Huochun , Wu Zongfu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMobile genetic elements (MGEs) enable bacteria to acquire novel genes and traits. However, the functions of cargo genes within MGEs remain poorly understood. The cadmium resistance operon cadDX is present in many gram-positive bacteria. Although cadDX has been reported to be involved in metal detoxification, its regulatory mechanisms and functions in bacterial pathogenesis are poorly understood. This study revealed that cadDX contributes to cadmium resistance, oxidative stress resistance, and virulence in Streptococcus suis, an important zoonotic pathogen in pigs and humans. CadX represses cadD expression by binding to the cadDX promoter. Notably, cadX responds to H2O2 stress through an additional promoter within the cadDX operon, mitigating the harmful effect of excessive cadD expression during oxidative stress. cadDX resides within an 11 K integrative and mobilizable element that can autonomously form circular structures. Moreover, cadDX is found in diverse MGEs, accounting for its widespread distribution across various bacteria, especially among pathogenic streptococci. Transferring cadDX into another zoonotic pathogen, Streptococcus agalactiae, results in similar phenotypes, including resistance to cadmium and oxidative stresses and increased virulence of S. agalactiae in mice. The new functions and regulatory mechanisms of cadDX shed light on the importance of the cadDX system in driving evolutionary adaptations and survival strategies across diverse gram-positive bacteria.
Whole-transcriptome analyses of ovine lung microvascular endothelial cells infected with bluetongue virus
Authors: Luo Shimei , Chen Yunyi , Ma Xianping , Miao Haisheng , Jia Huaijie , Yi Huashan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBluetongue virus (BTV) infection induces profound and intricate changes in the transcriptional profile of the host to facilitate its survival and replication. However, there have been no whole-transcriptome studies on ovine lung microvascular endothelial cells (OLMECs) infected with BTV. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the whole-transcriptome sequences of BTV-1 serotype-infected and mock-infected OLMECs and subsequently performed bioinformatics differential analysis. Our analysis revealed 1215 differentially expressed mRNA transcripts, 82 differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) transcripts, 63 differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) transcripts, and 42 differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) transcripts. Annotation from Gene Ontology, enrichment from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and construction of endogenous competing RNA network analysis revealed that the differentially expressed RNAs primarily participated in viral sensing and signal transduction pathways, antiviral and immune responses, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related pathways. Furthermore, protein‒protein interaction network analysis revealed that BTV may regulate the conformation of ECM receptor proteins and change their biological activity through a series of complex mechanisms. Finally, on the basis of real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction results, the expression trends of the differentially expressed RNA were consistent with the whole-transcriptome sequencing data, such as downregulation of the expression of COL4A1, ITGA8, ITGB5, and TNC and upregulation of the expression of CXCL10, RNASEL, IRF3, IRF7, and IFIHI. This study provides a novel perspective for further investigations of the mechanism of the ECM in the BTV-host interactome and the pathogenesis of lung microvascular endothelial cells.
OSL dating of marine isotope stage 5e marine terrace deposits on southeastern Kii Peninsula, southwestern Japan
Authors: Ogata Manabu , Komatsu Tetsuya , Nakanishi Toshimichi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOptically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of feldspar is one of the promising solutions towards reliable chronological constraints on the ages of Pleistocene marine terraces. Marine terraces developed along the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, southwestern Japan, face a seismogenic region along the Nankai Trough. In this study, we determined the emergence age of one of these marine terraces by feldspar OSL dating of the marine terrace sediments. The target marine terrace was previously correlated with marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e based on morphostratigraphy. The samples for post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) dating were obtained from foreshore deposits of marine terraces. The first infrared stimulation temperature was fixed at 50°C (IRSL50/150 and IRSL50/225), and the pIRIR signals were measured at 150°C (pIRIR150) and 225 °C (pIRIR225). The resulting IRSL50/150, IRSL50/225, pIRIR150, and pIRIR225 ages with standard errors are 105 ± 4, 120 ± 4, 125 ± 5, and 137 ± 4 ka, respectively. The IRSL50/225 age was consistent with the pIRIR150 age, corresponding to MIS 5e. The IRSL50/150 and IRIR225 ages were younger and older than the IRSL50/150 and pIRIR225 ages, respectively. These results show that the Mm1 surface of the marine terrace corresponds to MIS 5e rather than MIS 5c or 7a–c, which is consistent with the chronological framework based on the morphological features of the terraces in the study area. The underestimation/overestimation of IRSL50/150/pIRIR225 ages can be attributed to the underestimation/overestimation of the fading rate. A more robust and comprehensive chronological framework for the marine terraces of the peninsula could be achieved by conducting OSL dating of the marine terraces above and below the MIS 5e terrace.
Graphical Abstract
Strengthening plant health systems in South Sudan: addressing challenges and enhancing system efficiency and sustainability
Authors: Ayuya Oscar Ingasia , Makale Fernadis , Gama Peter B. S. , Otieno Arnold Jong , Okeny Johnny , Mugambi Idah , Alworah Getrude Okutoyi , Jumason Abdul Hakim , Rware Harrison , Aman Catherine , Mbaka Zachary Simba , Ochilo Willis Ndeda 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Climate change-induced invasive pests remain a major bottleneck to agricultural productivity and food security in South Sudan. Strengthening the plant health system has the potential to contribute to reducing crop losses caused by pests. A situational analysis was conducted to assess the current state and effectiveness of plant health functions in three counties in South Sudan. Descriptive findings of data collected from 960 farmers in Juba, Yambio, and Yei indicated low access to plant health services, including advisory and extension, training, and information. There was a high dependence on NGOs and UN agencies to provide plant health services, indicating a gap in government-led initiatives. The findings demonstrate a complex relationship between plant health services and on-farm practices and regional variations in access to plant health services and resources. The findings have crucial implications for the plant health system in South Sudan, requiring the need for service accessibility, government involvement in plant health systems, strengthening of the policy and regulatory frameworks, and inclusivity in service provision.
The history and revival of swidden agriculture research in the tropics
Authors: Li Peng , Nath Arun Jyoti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Swidden agriculture used to occur in the temperate zones and currently occurs almost exclusively in the tropics. Academic research on the millennium-long farming system did not occur until the mid-eighteenth century, followed by scattered and sporadic research work before the twentieth century. So far, a thematic review of the history of swidden agriculture research based on the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science, which provides the longest coverage from 1900 to the present, has not yet been reported. The lack of a 20th-century literature review restricts understanding the revival of swidden agriculture research. With the journal publications (including Articles, Review Articles, and Data Papers) indexed by Web of Science and Google Scholar, we divided the history of swidden agriculture research into three developmental stages: descriptive transcription, critical analysis, and comprehensive analysis, with the years of 1957 and 2008 as the watershed years, respectively. Notably, 2008 emerged as a watershed year for the revival of swidden agriculture research in the tropics. Launching and implementing the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries promotes top-down rethink and rediscovery. In contrast, the free Landsat archive provides bottom-up support for consistent historical satellite observations. The synchronic emergence of the UN-REDD Programme and the free Landsat data policy may be coincidental. Yet, their combination and the global economic crisis since 2008 have become a catalyst and impetus for putting the longitudinal and horizontal analyses of swidden agriculture together. After a century of debate, swidden agriculture is gaining the academic attention it deserves.
Wnt/B-catenin Activation and TP53 Mutations Associate With Distinct Immune Profiles in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Moretti Sonia , Mandarano Martina , Menicali Elisa , Guzzetti Martina , Morelli Silvia , Talpacci Edoardo , Colella Renato , Bini Vittorio , Giannini Riccardo , Ugolini Clara , Sidoni Angelo , Basolo Fulvio , Puxeddu Efisio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Context
Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDTCs) exhibit distinct immune-related gene expression profiles. Most ATCs are characterized by active immune interactions (hot or altered immunosuppressed immunophenotypes), while PDTCs are largely immunologically inert (cold immunophenotypes).

Objective
This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms driving these divergent immunological fates, focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and TP53 mutations.

Results
Our data reveal that ATCs frequently harbor TP53 mutations (83.3%), which correlate with a hot immunophenotype, characterized by high expression of β-catenin-regulated cytokine CCL4 and recruitment of CD103 + dendritic cells. Conversely, PDTCs, with a lower incidence of TP53 mutations (12.5%), often exhibit a cold immunophenotype. In cold cancers and PDTCs, β-catenin is overexpressed, suggesting that Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation drives immune exclusion through CCL4 downregulation.
Further analysis indicated that loss of p53 function is inversely correlated with β-catenin expression. P53-mutated cancers showed significantly higher expression of CCL4 and densities of CD103 + dendritic cells compared to their p53-wild-type counterparts. Additionally, p53-mutated ATCs expressed a higher number of immune-related genes, supporting the role of p53 loss in activating immune responses in cancer.

Conclusion
Our study indicates a potential correlation between the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the development of cold thyroid cancers, which may be mediated by the suppression of CCL4 expression. Concurrently, mutations in the p53 gene appear to be linked with the occurrence of hot thyroid cancers. While these associations are compelling, they are based on observational data. Experimental research is necessary to determine the causal relationships underlying these findings.
Ovarian and Uterine Morphology in Minipuberty: Associations With Reproductive Hormones: a COPANA Study of 302 Girls
Authors: Fischer Margit Bistrup , Mola Gylli , Rom Ane Lilleøre , Frederiksen Hanne , Johannsen Trine Holm , Sundberg Karin , Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Juul Anders , Hagen Casper P 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Context
Female minipuberty is characterized by complex dynamics of circulating reproductive hormones, while the relationship between ovarian and uterine morphology and reproductive hormones remains to be elucidated.

Objective
This work aimed to investigate the association between reproductive hormones and ovarian as well as uterine morphology by transabdominal ultrasound scan (TAUS) at minipuberty.

Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted from The Copenhagen Analgesic Study (COPANA) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04369222) of healthy infant girls (n = 302, aged 3.4 months [0.4] mean [±SD]: mamma tissue diameter [mm], n = 300). TAUS: uterine volume (n = 230), endometrial thickness (n = 255), ovarian volume, antral follicle count (total/2-4 mm/≥5 mm) (n = 203). Blood samples (n = 269/302 = 89%): antimüllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), inhibin B (immunoassays), progesterone (PROG), androstenedione (Adione), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry). Statistics: Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficient (parametric/nonparametric data).

Results
Total follicle count correlated positively with ovarian volume (r = 0.606; P &lt; .001), AMH (r = 0.378; P &lt; .001), inhibin B (r = 0.251; P &lt; .001), and negatively with FSH concentrations (r = −0.327; P &lt; .001). Larger follicles (≥5 mm) correlated positively with AMH (r = 0.264; P &lt; .001), inhibin B (r = 0.230; P = .002), E1 (r = 0.209; P = .004), E2 (r = 0.269; P &lt; .001), PROG (r = 0.160; P = .031), and T (r = 0.210; P = .004) and negatively with FSH (r = −0.183; P = .015). Circulating E1 and E2 levels correlated with the size of estrogen-responsive tissue sizes: E2 vs uterine volume (r = 0.134; P = .054), E2 vs endometrial thickness (r = 0.155; P = .020), E1 and E2 vs mammary tissue diameter (r = 0.213 and r = 0.198, respectively; both P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
Correlations between reproductive hormones and the number of antral follicles suggest that negative feedback in the female hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is established during minipuberty, with ovarian activity promoting uterine and glandular breast tissue growth. We provide normative data of infant ovarian and uterine morphology directly implementable to a clinical setting.
The LEAP2 Response to Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome in Male Mice and Patients
Authors: Varshney Salil , Shankar Kripa , Kerr Haiming L , Anderson Lindsey J , Gupta Deepali , Metzger Nathan P , Singh Omprakash , Ogden Sean B , Paul Subhojit , Piñon Francisco , Osborne-Lawrence Sherri , Richard Corine P , Lawrence Connor , Mani Bharath K , Garcia Jose M , Zigman Jeffrey M 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The hormone ghrelin serves a protective role in cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS)—a condition in which plasma levels of ghrelin rise, its administration lessens CACS severity, and experimentally reduced signaling by its receptor (GHSR) worsens fat loss and anorexia and accelerates death. Yet, actions for the related hormone liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2), which is an endogenous GHSR antagonist, are unexplored in CACS. Here, we found that plasma LEAP2 and LEAP2/ghrelin ratio were lower in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and RM-9 prostate cancer CACS mouse models. Ghrelin deletion exaggerated losses of tumor-free body weight and fat mass, reduced food intake, reduced soleus muscle weight, and/or lowered grip strength in LLC or RM-9 tumor-bearing mice. LEAP2 deletion lessened reductions in tumor-free body weight and fat mass and increased food intake in LLC or RM-9 tumor-bearing mice. In a 55-subject cohort of patients with CACS or weight-stable cancer, the plasma LEAP2/total ghrelin ratio was negatively correlated with 6-month weight change preceding blood collection. These data demonstrate that ghrelin deletion exacerbates CACS in the LLC and RM-9 tumor-bearing mouse models while contrastingly, LEAP2 deletion reduces measures of CACS in these tumor-bearing mouse models. Further, they suggest that lower plasma LEAP2/ghrelin ratio protects against worsened CACS.