bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying genomic regions associated with C4 photosynthetic activity and leaf anatomy in Alloteropsis semialata
Authors: Alenazi Ahmed S. , Pereira Lara , Christin Pascal‐Antoine , Osborne Colin P. , Dunning Luke T. 
Published: July 2024

Summary

C4 photosynthesis is a complex trait requiring multiple developmental and metabolic alterations. Despite this complexity, it has independently evolved over 60 times. However, our understanding of the transition to C4 is complicated by the fact that variation in photosynthetic type is usually segregated between species that diverged a long time ago.

Here, we perform a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using the grass Alloteropsis semialata, the only known species to have C3, intermediate, and C4 accessions that recently diverged. We aimed to identify genomic regions associated with the strength of the C4 cycle (measured using δ13C), and the development of C4 leaf anatomy.

Genomic regions correlated with δ13C include regulators of C4 decarboxylation enzymes (RIPK), nonphotochemical quenching (SOQ1), and the development of Kranz anatomy (SCARECROW‐LIKE). Regions associated with the development of C4 leaf anatomy in the intermediate individuals contain additional leaf anatomy regulators, including those responsible for vein patterning (GSL8) and meristem determinacy (GIF1).

The parallel recruitment of paralogous leaf anatomy regulators between A. semialata and other C4 lineages implies the co‐option of these genes is context‐dependent, which likely has implications for the engineering of the C4 trait into C3 species.
Are miRNAs applicable for balancing crop growth and defense trade‐off?
Authors: Shen Enhui , Zhao Tianlun , Zhu Qian‐Hao 
Published: July 2024

SummarySecuring agricultural supplies for the increasing population without negative impacts on environment demands new crop varieties with higher yields, better quality, and stronger stress resilience. But breeding such super crop varieties is restrained by growth–defense (G–D) trade‐off. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of plant growth and immune responses, with several being demonstrated to simultaneously regulate crop growth and defense against biotic stresses and to balance G–D trade‐off. Increasing evidence also links miRNAs to the metabolism and signaling of phytohormones, another type of master regulator of plant growth and defense. Here, we synthesize the reported functions of miRNAs in crop growth, development, and responses to bio‐stressors, summarize the regulatory scenarios of miRNAs based on their relationship with target(s), and discuss how miRNAs, particularly those involved in crosstalk with phytohormones, can be applied in balancing G–D trade‐off in crops. We also propose several open questions to be addressed for adopting miRNAs in balancing crop G–D trade‐off.
How many animal‐pollinated angiosperms are nectar‐producing?
Authors: Ballarin Caio S. , Fontúrbel Francisco E. , Rech André R. , Oliveira Paulo E. , Goés Guilherme Alcarás , Polizello Diego S. , Oliveira Pablo H. , Hachuy‐Filho Leandro , Amorim Felipe W. 
Published: July 2024

Summary

The diversity of plant–pollinator interactions is grounded in floral resources, with nectar considered one of the main floral rewards plants produce for pollinators. However, a global evaluation of the number of animal‐pollinated nectar‐producing angiosperms and their distribution world‐wide remains elusive.

We compiled a thorough database encompassing 7621 plant species from 322 families to estimate the number and proportion of nectar‐producing angiosperms reliant on animal pollination. Through extensive sampling of plant communities, we also explored the interplay between nectar production, floral resource diversity, latitudinal and elevational gradients, contemporary climate, and environmental characteristics.

Roughly 223 308 animal‐pollinated angiosperms are nectar‐producing, accounting for 74.4% of biotic‐pollinated species. Global distribution patterns of nectar‐producing plants reveal a distinct trend along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, with increased proportions of plants producing nectar in high latitudes and altitudes. Conversely, tropical communities in warm and moist climates exhibit greater floral resource diversity and a lower proportion of nectar‐producing plants.

These findings suggest that ecological trends driven by climate have fostered the diversification of floral resources in warmer and less seasonal climates, reducing the proportion of solely nectar‐producing plants. Our study provides a baseline for understanding plant–pollinator relationships, plant diversification, and the distribution of plant traits.
Spousal Agreement on Sex Preferences for Children and Gender Gaps in Children's Education
Authors: Maralani Vida , Pinar Candas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing data from 60 countries, we measure how much couples agree on sex preferences for children and whether differences in sex preferences are associated with gender gaps in children's education. Results show extensive disagreement in sex preferences for children, with husbands far more likely to want more sons but their wives more likely to prefer having equal numbers of boys and girls, wanting more daughters, or having no preference. India has the highest share of agreement on sex preferences (59 percent), and Niger has the lowest (32 percent). The association between couples’ sex preferences and gender gaps in education differs considerably by country. In some countries, girls have worse outcomes when their parents agree on son preference and better ones when parents agree on daughter/no preference. But there are numerous counter‐examples as well. Gender gaps in education appear more often when wives hold son preference but not their husbands than the reverse combination. Agreement on daughter/no preference is the only category that is systematically associated with better outcomes for girls relative to boys (although even here there are caveats). Balanced preference (wanting as many boys as girls) is an ambiguous category with heterogenous patterns in terms of educational gender gaps.
A community‐based participatory research approach to evaluating and improving hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma associations among people who inject substances in Indiana
Authors: Woodward Brennan , Millar Krystina , Carter Gregory 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo explore hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma among individuals who inject substances in South Central Indiana.DesignA cross‐sectional study design was employed using a community‐based participatory research approach. The community partner was a grassroots harm reduction organization.SampleParticipants in this study were at least 18 years of age, current residents of Indiana, and self‐identified as injection substance users (n = 179).MeasurementsThe survey measured hepatitis C risk, knowledge, and stigma, as well as differences in hepatitis C risk scores among key demographic characteristics.ResultsMost participants identified as male (n = 106, 59%), White (n = 139, 78%), and straight (n = 143, 80%). People of color reported lower hepatitis C knowledge than White participants. Women had significantly lower hepatitis C knowledge compared with men. LGBTQ participants reported increased hepatitis C risk compared with straight participants. Increased frequency of substance use was associated with decreased stigma. Unhoused participants demonstrated significantly lower hepatitis C knowledge compared with housing‐secure participants.ConclusionsOur findings increase understanding that knowledge and risk around hepatitis C are associated with demographic characteristics. Results underscore the need for tailored public health interventions to increase hepatitis C knowledge, reduce stigma, and improve testing and treatment among vulnerable populations.
Moderate cardiac vagal tone predicts more cooperation in highly sensitive individuals
Authors: Mastromatteo Libera Ylenia , Lionetti Francesca , Pluess Michael , Scrimin Sara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCooperation, as a mutual collaboration, is a defining feature of human social life. Individual characteristics can influence cooperation. Recent studies have shown a quadratic relationship between cardiac vagal tone (CVT), an index of self‐regulation, and prosocial behaviors. Individual differences in cooperation might also vary as a function of people's environmental sensitivity (ES), i.e., may be influenced by individual differences in the perception and processing of inner and external stimuli. We tested the direct and interactive effect of CVT and ES on cooperative behaviors in two independent samples. We measured heart rate and engagement in cooperative acts in 80 young adults (M = 23.61; SD = 1.60) who were also asked to self‐report on ES. We found an inverted‐U relationship between CVT and cooperative behaviors. ES, on the other hand, did not predict differences in cooperative behaviors but moderated the relationships between CVT and cooperation, although the magnitude of this result was small. Specifically, only among individuals with higher ES cooperative behaviors change as a function of CVT. Highly sensitive individuals with lower or higher CVT, were less cooperative than low sensitive ones. Subsequently, we replicated the same study design in a second sample of 88 undergraduate students (M = 23.69; SD = 4.91). Once again, we found evidence supporting the presence of an inverted‐U relationship between CVT and cooperative behaviors, and we also found that ES moderated the relationships between the quadratic CVT term and cooperation.
The causal relationship between immune cells mediating FIT3L, CCL4, OSM, and skin‐derived deteriorated tumors
Authors: Gong Wanli , Zhou Jiayi , Hou Yaqi , Zhang juan , He Peifeng , Yu Qi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveObservational studies have identified a dual effect of circulating inflammatory proteins and immune cells on cancer progression. However, the specific mechanisms of action have not been clarified in the exacerbation of cutaneous‐origin tumors. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the causal relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous malignant melanoma (SKCM), and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is regulated by immune cells.MethodsThis study employed the Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) approach to investigate the causal relationships between 91 circulating inflammatory factors and three prevalent types of skin cancer from a genetic perspective. Bayesian Weighted Mendelian Randomization (BWMR) was also used to validate correlation and reverse MR to assess inverse relationships. Subsequent sensitivity analyses were conducted to limit the impact of heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Finally, the two‐step Mendelian Randomization (two‐step MR) method was utilized to ascertain the mediating effects of specific immune cell traits in the causal pathways linking circulating inflammatory factors with BCC, SKCM, and cSCC.ResultsThe Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method and the Bayesian Weighted Algorithm collectively identified nine inflammatory factors causally associated with BCC, SKCM, and cSCC. The results from Cochran's Q test, mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO), and MR‐Egger intercept were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, the proportions mediated by CD4+ CD8dim T cell %leukocyte, CD4‐CD8‐Natural Killer T %T cell, and CD20 on IgD‐CD38‐B cell for FIt3L, CCL4, and OSM were 9.26%, 8.96%, and 10.16%, respectively.ConclusionImmune cell levels potentially play a role in the modulation process between circulating inflammatory proteins and cutaneous‐origin exacerbated tumors. This finding offers a new perspective for the in‐depth exploration of cutaneous malignancies.
HelioPoint – A Fast Airborne Calibration Method for Heliostat Fields
Authors: Krauth Julian J. , Happich Christoph , Algner Niels , Broda Rafal , Kämpgen Andreas , Schnerring Alexander , Ulmer Steffen , Röger Marc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The pointing calibration of a newly built heliostat field can take up to several years. The state-of-the-art method typically used is accurate but slow. A faster method could reduce the commissioning time and therefore increase the viability of a solar tower plant significantly. In this work, we present HelioPoint, a fast airborne heliostat calibration technique, and demonstrate its accuracy to be better than 0.3 mrad. The measurement is performed using a light-emitting diode (LED) and a camera fitted to a drone. The only infrastructure required is the roughly pre-aligned heliostats themselves. The method is independent of the sun position and can be performed at any time for arbitrary calibration points.
Thorough QT/QTc study to evaluate the effect of a single supratherapeutic dose of islatravir on QTc interval prolongation in healthy adults
Authors: Matthews Randolph P. , Liu Yang , Matthews Catherine , Butterfield Kristin L. , O'Reilly Terry , Stoch S. Aubrey , Iwamoto Marian 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Islatravir is a deoxynucleoside analog being developed for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Clinical studies are being conducted to evaluate islatravir, administered in combination with other antiretroviral therapies, at doses of 0.25 mg once daily and 2 mg once weekly. In multiple previous clinical studies, islatravir was generally well tolerated, with no clear trend in cardiac adverse events. A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of islatravir on cardiac repolarization. A randomized, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled phase 1 trial was conducted, in which a single dose of islatravir 0.75 mg, islatravir 240 mg (supratherapeutic dose), moxifloxacin 400 mg (active control), or placebo was administered. Continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring was performed before dosing through 24 hours after dosing. QT interval measurements were collected, and safety and pharmacokinetics were evaluated. Sixty-three participants were enrolled, and 59 completed the study. Fridericia’s QT correction for heart rate was inadequate; therefore, a population-specific correction was applied (QTcP). The placebo-corrected change from baseline in QTcP (ΔΔQTcP) interval at the observed geometric mean maximum plasma concentration associated with islatravir 0.75 mg and islatravir 240 mg was <10 ms at all time points. Assay sensitivity was confirmed because the use of moxifloxacin 400 mg led to a ΔΔQTcP >10 ms. The pharmacokinetic profile of islatravir was consistent with that of previous studies, and islatravir was generally well tolerated. Results from the current trial suggest that single doses of islatravir as high as 240 mg do not lead to QTc interval prolongation.
Characterization of human tibrovirus envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Munyeku-Bazitama Yannick , Saito Takeshi , Hattori Takanari , Miyamoto Hiroko , Lombe Boniface Pongombo , Mori-Kajihara Akina , Kajihara Masahiro , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Igarashi Manabu , Park Eun-sil , Morikawa Shigeru , Makiala-Mandanda Sheila , Takada Ayato 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Tibroviruses are novel rhabdoviruses detected in humans, cattle, and arthropods. Four tibroviruses are known to infect humans: Bas-Congo virus (BASV), Ekpoma virus 1 (EKV-1), Ekpoma virus 2, and Mundri virus. However, since none of them has been isolated, their biological properties are largely unknown. We aimed to characterize the human tibrovirus glycoprotein (G), which likely plays a pivotal role in viral tropism and pathogenicity. Human tibrovirus Gs were found to share some primary structures and display 14 conserved cysteine residues, although their overall amino acid homology was low (29%–48%). Multiple potential glycosylation sites were found on the G molecules, and endoglycosidase H- and peptide-N-glycosidase F-sensitive glycosylation was confirmed. AlphaFold-predicted three-dimensional (3D) structures of human tibrovirus Gs were overall similar. Membrane fusion mediated by these tibrovirus Gs was induced by acidic pH. The low pH-induced conformational change that triggers fusion was reversible. Virus-like particles (VLPs) were produced by transient expression of Gs in cultured cells and used to produce mouse antisera. Using vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus pseudotyped with Gs, we found that the antisera to the respective tibrovirus VLPs showed limited cross-neutralizing activity. It was also found that human C-type lectins and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 1 acted as attachment factors for G-mediated entry into cells. Interestingly, BASV-G showed the highest ability to utilize these molecules. The viruses infected a wide range of cell lines with preferential tropism for human-derived cells whereas the preference of EKV-1 was unique compared with the other human tibroviruses. These findings provide fundamental information to understand the biological properties of the human tibroviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Human tibroviruses are poorly characterized emerging rhabdoviruses associated with either asymptomatic infection or severe disease with a case fatality rate as high as 60% in humans. However, the extent and burden of human infection as well as factors behind differences in infection outcomes are largely unknown. In this study, we characterized human tibrovirus glycoproteins, which play a key role in virus-host interactions, mainly focusing on their structural and antigenic differences and cellular tropism. Our results provide critical information for understanding the biological properties of these novel viruses and for developing appropriate preparedness interventions such as diagnostic tools, vaccines, and effective therapies.
Simultaneous quantitation of neutralizing antibodies against all four dengue virus serotypes using optimized reporter virus particles
Authors: Lingemann Matthias , Amaro-Carambot Emérito , Lamirande Elaine W. , Pierson Theodore C. , Whitehead Stephen S. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Serum-neutralizing antibody titers are a critical measure of vaccine immunogenicity and are used to determine flavivirus seroprevalence in study populations. An effective dengue virus (DENV) vaccine must confer simultaneous protection against viruses grouped within four antigenic serotypes. Existing flavivirus neutralization assays, including the commonly used plaque/focus reduction neutralization titer (PRNT/FRNT) assay, require an individual assay for each virus, serotype, and strain and easily become a labor-intensive and time-consuming effort for large epidemiological studies or vaccine trials. Here, we describe a multiplex reporter virus particle neutralization titer (TetraPlex RVPNT) assay for DENV that allows simultaneous quantitative measures of antibody-mediated neutralization of infection against all four DENV serotypes in a single low-volume clinical sample and analyzed by flow cytometry. Comparative studies confirm that the neutralization titers of antibodies measured by the TetraPlex RVPNT assay are similar to FRNT/PRNT assay approaches performed separately for each viral strain. The use of this high-throughput approach enables the careful serological study in DENV endemic populations and vaccine recipients required to support the development of a safe and effective tetravalent DENV vaccine.

IMPORTANCE
As a mediator of protection against dengue disease and a serological indicator of prior infection, the detection and quantification of neutralizing antibodies against DENV is an important “gold standard” tool. However, execution of traditional neutralizing antibody assays is often cumbersome and requires repeated application for each virus or serotype. The optimized RVPNT assay described here is high-throughput, easily multiplexed across multiple serotypes, and targets reporter viral particles that can be robustly produced for all four DENV serotypes. The use of this transformative RVPNT assay will support the expansion of neutralizing antibody datasets to answer research and public health questions often limited by the more cumbersome neutralizing antibody assays and the need for greater quantities of test serum.
Whole-genome sequencing and characterization of human fecal isolate
Lacticaseibacillus casei
LC130 from NORDBIOTIC collection
Authors: Szczepankowska Agnieszka K. , Cukrowska Bożena , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of
Lacticaseibacillus casei
LC130, isolated from a healthy human fecal sample and part of the NORDBIOTIC collection. The 2.969 Mb genome of LC130 includes genes potentially involved in lactose metabolism and the production of bacteriocins, peptidases, and polyamines, suggesting potential health benefits.
The impact of DNA extraction on the quantification of
Legionella
, with implications for ecological studies
Authors: Cavallaro Alessio , Gabrielli Marco , Hammes Frederik , Rhoads William J. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Monitoring the levels of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water is important to plan interventions and understand the ecological niches that allow them to proliferate. Quantitative PCR is an established alternative to culture methods that can provide a faster, higher-throughput, and more precise enumeration of the bacteria in water samples. However, PCR-based methods are still not routinely applied for
Legionella
monitoring, and techniques, such as DNA extraction, differ notably between laboratories. Here, we quantify the impact that DNA extraction methods had on downstream PCR quantification and community sequencing. Through a community science campaign, we collected 50 water samples and corresponding shower hoses, and compared two commonly used DNA extraction methodologies to the same biofilm and water phase samples. The two methods showed clearly different extraction efficacies, which were reflected in both the quantity of DNA extracted and the concentrations of
Legionella
enumerated in both the matrices. Notably, one method resulted in higher enumeration in nearly all samples by about one order of magnitude and detected
Legionella
in 21 samples that remained undetected by the other method. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that the relative abundance of individual taxa, including sequence variants of
Legionella
, significantly varied depending on the extraction method employed. Given the implications of these findings, we advocate for improvement in documentation of the performance of DNA extraction methods used in drinking water to detect and quantify
Legionella
, and characterize the associated microbial community.

IMPORTANCE

Monitoring for the presence of the waterborne opportunistic pathogen
Legionella
is important to assess the risk of infection and plan remediation actions. While monitoring is traditionally carried on through cultivation, there is an ever-increasing demand for rapid and high-throughput molecular-based approaches for
Legionella
detection. This paper provides valuable insights on how DNA extraction affects downstream molecular analysis such as the quantification of
Legionella
through droplet digital PCR and the characterization of natural microbial communities through sequencing analysis. We analyze the results from a risk-assessment, legislative, and ecological perspective, showing how initial DNA processing is an important step to take into account when shifting to molecular-based routine monitoring and discuss the central role of consistent and detailed reporting of the methods used.