bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
You get what you test for: The killing effect of phage lysins is highly dependent on buffer tonicity and ionic strength
Authors: Vázquez Roberto , Gutiérrez Diana , Dezutter Zoë , Criel Bjorn , de Groote Philippe , Briers Yves 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe phage lysin field has done nothing but grow in the last decades. As a result, many different research groups around the world are contributing to the field, often with certain methodological differences that pose a challenge to the interpretation and comparison of results. In this work, we present the case study of three Acinetobacter baumannii‐targeting phage lysins (wild‐type endolysin LysMK34 plus engineered lysins eLysMK34 and 1D10) plus one lysin with broad activity against Gram‐positive bacteria (PlySs2) to provide exemplary evidence on the risks of generalization when using one of the most common lysin evaluation assays: the killing assay with resting cells. To that end, we performed killing assays with the aforementioned lysins using hypo‐, iso‐ and hypertonic buffers plus human serum either as the reaction or the dilution medium in a systematic manner. Our findings stress the perils of creating hypotonic conditions or a hypotonic shock during a killing assay, suggesting that hypotonic buffers should be avoided as a test environment or as diluents before plating to avoid overestimation of the killing effect in the assayed conditions. As a conclusion, we suggest that the nature of both the incubation and the dilution buffers should be always clearly identified when reporting killing activity data, and that for experimental consistency the same incubation buffer should be used as a diluent for posterior serial dilution and plating unless explicitly required by the experimental design. In addition, the most appropriate buffer mimicking the final application must be chosen to obtain relevant results.
Rumen protozoa are a hub for diverse hydrogenotrophic functions
Authors: Toyber Ido , Kumar Raghawendra , Jami Elie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCiliate protozoa are an integral part of the rumen microbial community involved in a variety of metabolic processes. These processes are thought to be in part the outcome of interactions with their associated prokaryotic community. For example, methane production is enhanced through interspecies hydrogen transfer between protozoa and archaea. We hypothesize that ciliate protozoa are host to a stable prokaryotic community dictated by specific functions they carry. Here, we modify the microbial community by varying the forage‐to‐concentrate ratios and show that, despite major changes in the prokaryotic community, several taxa remain stably associated with ciliate protozoa. By quantifying genes belonging to various known reduction pathways in the rumen, we find that the bacterial community associated with protozoa is enriched in genes belonging to hydrogen utilization pathways and that these genes correspond to the same taxonomic affiliations seen enriched in protozoa. Our results show that ciliate protozoa in the rumen may serve as a hub for various hydrogenotrophic functions and a better understanding of the processes driven by different protozoa may unveil the potential role of ciliates in shaping rumen metabolism.
Do dividends mitigate bad news hoarding, overinvestments, and stock price crash risk?
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Luo Le , Xie Hong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing a large sample of US firms over the period of 1991–2015, we examine the economic benefits of paying dividends. We find that dividend payments mitigate stock price crash risk. We show that dividend payments reduce bad news hoarding (overinvestments) while bad news hoarding (overinvestments) is (are) positively associated with stock price crash risk, suggesting that curbing bad news hoarding and curtailing overinvestments are two channels through which dividends mitigate crash risk. Finally, our main results are robust to a battery of sensitivity checks including controls for potential endogeneity concerns.
Does corporate digitalisation moderate real earnings management?
Authors: Lou Zhukun , Li Mingran , Shan Yuan George , Ye Ailin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe investigate the association between corporate digitalisation and firms' real earnings management (REM). Using an archival data set of 11,806 firm‐year observations from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges between 2011 and 2020, our results show a negative association between the degree of corporate digitalisation and the level of REM. Furthermore, we find that the association between corporate governance mechanisms – including power balance, board independence and audit quality – and REM is more pronounced in firms with a high degree of digitalisation. We also note that the reduction of REM resulting from corporate digitalisation has a positive effect on firms' operating efficiency.
Interrelated involvement of the endocannabinoid/endovanilloid (TRPV1) systems and epigenetic processes in anxiety‐ and working memory impairment‐related behavioural effects of nicotine as a stressor
Authors: Hayase Tamaki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe addictive use of nicotine contained in tobacco is associated with stressor‐like emotional and cognitive effects such as anxiety and working memory impairment, and the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation has recently been reported. Although the precise nature of behavioural plasticity remains unclear, both anxiogenic‐ and working memory impairment‐like effects were observed in the present experimental model of mice treated with repeated subcutaneous nicotine and/or immobilization stress, and these effects were commonly attenuated by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that induce histone acetylation. Such HDAC inhibitor‐induced resilience was mimicked by ligands for the endocannabinoid (ECB) system, a neurotransmitter system that is closely associated with nicotine‐induced addiction‐related behaviours: the anxiogenic‐like effects were mitigated by the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) agonist arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA), whereas the working memory impairment‐like effects were mitigated by the CB1 antagonist SR 141716A. Moreover, the effects of the HDAC inhibitors were also mimicked by ligands for the endovanilloid (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 [TRPV1]) system, a system that shares common characteristics with the ECB system: the anxiogenic‐like effects were mitigated by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine, whereas the working memory impairment‐like effects were mitigated by the TRPV1 agonist olvanil. Notably, the HDAC inhibitor‐induced anxiolytic‐like effects were attenuated by SR 141716A, which were further counteracted by capsazepine, whereas the working memory improvement‐like effects were attenuated by capsazepine, which were further counteracted by SR 141716A. These results suggest the contribution of interrelated control of the ECB/TRPV1 systems and epigenetic processes such as histone acetylation to novel therapeutic approaches.
And the Oscar goes to… – Species‐specific ant behaviour related to predator defence in ant‐mimicking spiders
Authors: Perger Robert , Rubio Gonzalo D. , Baigorria Julián E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMimicry, the superficial resemblance between organisms of two or more species, is considered a textbook example for natural selection, for which it is assumed that predators are important selective agents. Ant mimicking spiders have received considerable attention in studies on mimicry because they include examples with remarkable, species‐specific morphological adaptations. Ant‐like behaviours such as erratic locomotory patterns, abdomen bobbing and vertical movements of the first or second pair of legs to imitate antennal movements, are assumed to have evolved before morphological mimicry and may be considered adaptations to general ant resemblance. Species‐specific behavioural ant mimicry (behaviour that is only observed in specific ants and imitated by their mimics) was very rarely documented and ant resembling behaviour that repels predator attacks has not been confirmed yet. In this study we report and discuss such species‐specific behaviour, a spray display (SD), in the castianeirine spiders Myrmecotypus iguazu (a morphologically accurate mimic of the carpenter ant Camponotus sericeiventris), and M. tahyinandu (a morphologically accurate mimic of C. crassus). The SD consisted of the raising of the cephalothorax and moving of the abdomen ventrally under the cephalothorax, pointing the apex forward, and holding the antennae (ant) or first pair of legs (spiders) at an angle of about 45°–120°. The morphological adaptations that are required to perform the SD and the lack of an alternative explanation for the purpose of this display suggest that the SD has evolved to enhance both general behavioural and morphologically accurate ant resemblance. The two observed Myrmecotypus species may be considered the behaviorally most accurate ant‐resembling spiders known to date, as the SD may provide protection against spider‐ and ant‐eating predators at a point in predator interactions where other myrmecomorph spiders may abandon their ant‐resembling behaviour.
Tree hollow decline in new forest reserves with a long history of logging
Authors: Gorrod Emma , Oliver Ian , Bedward Michael , McAllister Danielle , O'Kelly Tim , Lawrie Kristy 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn many parts of the world, achieving a target of 30% of land managed for conservation under the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will require the protection of land with a long history of management for production. In newly protected forests, past logging practices will have impacted key aspects of stand structure, including hollow‐bearing trees that provide critical habitat for vertebrate fauna. The impacts of past silvicultural practices on hollow density, distribution, type and longevity may necessitate targeted ameliorative actions. We investigated tree hollows in the largest river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Denh.) forest in the world, which had undergone logging‐induced woody thickening prior to being converted to a conservation reserve in 2010. We recorded stem diameters and hollows in living and dead trees in 66 two‐hectare plots. Our sites sampled two productivity states and a wide range of total tree densities. On all sites, we found that hollow‐bearing tree densities were lower than reference values for unlogged stands and average density had halved relative to reference values. We found no relationship between the density of hollow‐bearing trees and total tree density, but we did find a weak positive relationship with site productivity. Larger trees had more hollows, bigger hollows and a greater diversity of hollow sizes. However, of the 1254 hollow‐bearing trees recorded, 43% were dead, 48% of the dead trees had been ringbarked. The proportion of hollow‐bearing trees that were dead was positively correlated with tree size, with 60% of trees in the largest quartile (>105 cm) recorded as dead. The prevalence of dead hollow‐bearing trees suggests that the density and diversity of hollows will continue to decline and ameliorative actions should be considered. These results highlight the need to consider the legacy of past silvicultural practices in the management of newly created conservation reserves.
Spatial variability in the contribution of termites to the decay of plant detritus
Authors: Wijas Baptiste J. , Letnic Mike , Cornwell William K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDrylands are characterized by high spatial variability in resource availability due to sporadic rainfall, topography of the landscape and important effects of animals. Resource availability gradients may trigger patterns in decomposer population abundances and activity, which could affect ecosystem functions such as decomposition. Here, we examined the influence of resource availability gradients on the importance of termites in the decomposition of wood and grass litter. We placed wood blocks and grass litter baits in bags accessible and inaccessible to termites across wood and grass resource gradients as determined by the presence or absence of a top mammalian predator and across topographic gradients during a 9‐month period in arid Australia. We hypothesized that grass‐eating termite activity would track grass abundance and wood‐eating termite activity would track wood abundance. Termites were the predominant decomposition agent at these sites. Termites contributed to 99.5% of wood decomposition and 83.9% of grass decomposition during our study period. For wood, the termite effect was spatially variable and increased with habitat wood availability, which was greatest on dunes and where top predators were absent. However, the contribution of termites to grass litter decomposition did not track grass availability or termite abundance. The highest effects of termites on grass decomposition rates were found in habitats where the absence of top predators led to low grass availability. Our findings highlight how spatial variability in resources in addition to other factors that we do not document but are known to be influenced by the presence of top predators, such as insectivore predation rates, across the landscape could affect ecosystem functions such as decomposition.
Using bioindicators to inform effective predator management for threatened species protection
Authors: Adams C. A. , Van der Weyde L. K. , Tuft K. , Finlayson G. R. , Moseby K. E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn Australia, most threatened species translocations conducted into areas where feral predators are present fail to establish viable, self‐sustaining populations despite intensive predator control. These translocations are occurring amidst a lack of understanding regarding the conditions required for native species to survive, including predator densities. This study investigated whether population trends of in situ common species could be used as bioindicators to determine the effectiveness of predator management for threatened species protection. We compared changes in capture rates of four small mammals and four reptile species inside and outside a predator‐proof reserve for 11 years after cat and fox removal to identify which species responded to cat and fox eradication at various time scales. We only used sites inside the reserve where threatened species had not yet been reintroduced to isolate the effects of cat and fox removal. The effectiveness of these bioindicators was then tested at an unfenced reserve where predators were controlled using baiting, trapping, and shooting. There was a significant increase in the abundance of native rodents (spinifex hopping mouse and Bolam's mouse) inside the fenced reserve compared to outside, however, these differences were not detected in the unfenced reserve possibly due to inadequate predator control or insufficient time for in situ species to recover with sustained predator control. Captures of the introduced house mouse were higher at sites inside the fenced reserve in some years, but the difference was not consistent. Native dunnarts and all four reptile species did not respond consistently over the 11‐year time frame at either reserve. Native rodent abundance was the best indicator of effective feral predator control and may provide a useful bioindicator for threatened species management, such as reintroductions.
Social norms, nutrition messaging, and demand for biofortified staple crops: Evidence from a discrete choice experiment in Ethiopia
Authors: Jada Kaleb Shiferaw , van den Berg Marrit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBiofortified maize offers a potential solution to combat micronutrient deficiencies in households, yet its adoption remains low. Realizing biofortification's benefits necessitates a shift in smallholder farmers' production and consumption behavior. Social norms can significantly influence societal behaviors and have the potential to trigger substantial changes. However, their role in promoting biofortification adoption remains underexplored. This study investigates the influence of nutrition information and social norm messaging on smallholder farmers' adoption of biofortified maize seeds in Ethiopia's highlands. We conducted an experiment with 2022 randomly selected households to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition messages and social norm messaging on farmers' willingness to pay for biofortified maize seeds. Our results reveal that nutrition information alone significantly increases farmers' interest in purchasing biofortified maize seeds, highlighting the positive influence of information‐based interventions on biofortified crop adoption. Conversely, social norm messaging on its own has a limited effect on demand. However, a combined approach demonstrates a stronger positive influence, suggesting a synergistic relationship between these interventions. These results underscore the critical role of disseminating clear information about the nutritional benefits of biofortified crops in fostering their adoption among smallholder farmers. Additionally, our study suggests that integrating social norm messaging with information‐based interventions could be a highly effective strategy for promoting biofortified maize and similar nutrition‐focused initiatives. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and organizations aiming to improve nutritional outcomes through food‐based approaches to agricultural development among smallholder farming communities.
Development of novel humanized CD19/BAFFR bicistronic chimeric antigen receptor T cells with potent antitumor activity against B‐cell lineage neoplasms
Authors: Wu Sungui , Luo Qian , Li Feiyu , Zhang Suwen , Zhang Cuiling , Liu Jianwei , Shao Bang , Hong Yang , Tan Taochao , Dong Xiaoqing , Chen Bing 
Published: July 2024

SummaryChimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T) therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in treating advanced B‐cell malignancies by targeting CD19, but antigen‐negative relapses and immune responses triggered by murine‐derived antibodies remain significant challenges, necessitating the development of novel humanized multitarget CAR‐T therapies. Here, we engineered a second‐generation 4‐1BB‐CD3ζ‐based CAR construct incorporating humanized CD19 single‐chain variable fragments (scFvs) and BAFFR single‐variable domains on heavy chains (VHHs), also known as nanobodies. The resultant CAR‐T cells, with different constructs, were functionally compared both in vitro and in vivo. We found that the optimal tandem and bicistronic (BI) structures retained respective antigen‐binding abilities, and both demonstrated specific activation when stimulated with target cells. At the same time, BI CAR‐T cells (BI CARs) exhibited stronger tumour‐killing ability and better secretion of interleukin‐2 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha than single‐target CAR‐T cells. Additionally, BI CARs showed less exhaustion phenotype upon repeated antigen stimulation and demonstrated more potent and persistent antitumor effects in mouse xenograft models. Overall, we developed a novel humanized CD19/BAFFR bicistronic CAR (BI CAR) based on a combination of scFv and VHH, which showed potent and sustained antitumor ability both in vitro and in vivo, including against tumours with CD19 or BAFFR deficiencies.
Artificial intelligence for detection of prostate cancer in biopsies during active surveillance
Authors: Arvidsson Ida , Svanemur Edvard , Marginean Felicia , Simoulis Athanasios , Overgaard Niels Christian , Åström Kalle , Heyden Anders , Krzyzanowska Agnieszka , Bjartell Anders 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate a cancer detecting artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm on serial biopsies in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS).Patients and methodsA total of 180 patients in the Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance (PRIAS) cohort were prospectively monitored using pre‐defined criteria. Diagnostic and re‐biopsy slides from 2011 to 2020 (n = 4744) were scanned and analysed by an in‐house AI‐based cancer detection algorithm. The algorithm was analysed for sensitivity, specificity, and for accuracy to predict need for active treatment. Prognostic properties of cancer size, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and PSA density at diagnosis were evaluated.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the AI algorithm was 0.96 and 0.73, respectively, for correct detection of cancer areas. Original pathology report diagnosis was used as the reference method. The area of cancer estimated by the pathologists correlated highly with the AI detected cancer size (r = 0.83). By using the AI algorithm, 63% of the slides would not need to be read by a pathologist as they were classed as benign, at the risk of missing 0.55% slides containing cancer. Biopsy cancer content and PSA density at diagnosis were found to be prognostic of whether the patient stayed on AS or was discontinued for active treatment.ConclusionThe AI‐based biopsy cancer detection algorithm could be used to reduce the pathologists’ workload in an AS cohort. The detected cancer amount correlated well with the cancer length measured by the pathologist and the algorithm performed well in finding even small areas of cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report on an AI‐based algorithm in digital pathology used to detect cancer in a cohort of patients on AS.
A re‐assessment of the value of markers of corticosteroid contact allergy in the Spanish baseline series: Clobetasol propionate in the spotlight
Authors: Mercader‐García Pedro , Silvestre Juan Francisco , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco Jose , Giménez‐Arnau Ana María , Pastor‐Nieto María Antonia , Cordoba‐Guijarro Susana , Melé‐Ninot Gemma , Tous‐Romero Fátima , González‐Pérez Ricardo , Ruiz‐González Inmaculada , Sánchez‐Pérez Javier , Gática‐Ortega María Elena , Sánchez‐Pedreño Paloma , Miquel‐Miquel Javier , Ortiz‐Frutos Javier , Carrascosa Jose Manuel , Serra‐Baldrich Esther , Sanz‐Sánchez Tatiana , Soria‐Aledo Victoriano , Carrillo Andrés , Borrego Leopoldo ,   the REIDAC
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundBudesonide and tixocortol pivalate as markers of contact allergy to corticosteroids have been questioned, as they are not able to detect a significant percentage of allergic patients.ObjectivesTo investigate the potential role of clobetasol propionate in enhancing corticosteroid sensitisation detection.MethodsBetween January 2022 and December 2023, patients who attended centres involved in the Spanish Registry of Research in Contact Dermatitis and Cutaneous Allergy were tested with an extended baseline series that included budesonide, tixocortol pivalate, clobetasol propionate 0.1% in ethanol and 1% in petrolatum.ResultsA total of 4338 patients were tested. Twenty‐four patients were allergic to budesonide (0.55%, 95% CI: 0.37–0.82); nine patients were allergic to tixocortol pivalate (0.21%, 95% CI: 0.11–0.39); and 23 patients were allergic to clobetasol (0.53%, 95% CI: 0.35–0.79). Only four of those patients allergic to clobetasol were detected by budesonide and one by tixocortol pivalate. No significant differences in the number of positive tests were found between clobetasol in petrolatum or ethanol.ConclusionsIn Spain budesonide remains the main corticosteroid allergy marker whereas the role of tixocortol pivalate is questionable. The addition of clobetasol propionate to the Spanish baseline series would improve the ability to detect patients allergic to corticosteroids.