bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential HBV replicative markers and covalently closed circular DNA transcription in immune‐active chronic hepatitis B with and without HBeAg
Authors: Kim Hye Seon , Kim Jin Seoub , Kim Ji Min , Han Ji Won , Lee Soon Kyu , Nam Heechul , Sung Pil Soo , Kwon Jung Hyun , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew , Jang Jeong Won 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMolecular processes driving immune‐active chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with and without hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate expression profiles of serum and intrahepatic HBV markers and replicative activity of HBV in CHB patients with or without HBeAg.MethodsThis study recruited 111 untreated immune‐active CHB (60 HBeAg‐positive and 51 HBeAg‐negative) patients and quantified intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), pre‐genomic RNA (pgRNA), total HBV DNA (tDNA), and replicative intermediates as well as serum HBV markers (HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core‐related antigen). Correlations between HBV markers and clinico‐virological factors influencing expression levels of HBV markers were analysed.ResultsLevels of all serum markers and intrahepatic cccDNA/tDNA as well as cccDNA transcriptional activity and virion productivity were significantly reduced in HBeAg‐negative patients compared to those in HBeAg‐positive patients. Additionally, correlations between intrahepatic cccDNA/pgRNA and serum markers were impaired in HBeAg‐negative individuals. Aminotransferase levels were positively correlated with cccDNA transcriptional activity in HBeAg‐positive patients, but not in HBeAg‐negative patients. Notably, among HBeAg‐positive patients, there was a progressive decline in pgRNA level, transcriptional activity, and serum HBV markers as liver fibrosis advanced, which was not observed in HBeAg‐negative patients.ConclusionsHBeAg loss is correlated with diminished intrahepatic HBV reservoirs and cccDNA transcription, leading to decreased serum HBV marker levels. Circulating HBV markers are not reliable indicators of intrahepatic HBV replicative activity for HBeAg‐negative patients. Our findings reveal distinct disease phenotypes between immune‐active CHB with and without HBeAg, highlighting the need to establish optimal surrogate biomarkers that can accurately mirror intrahepatic viral activity to aid in decision‐making for antiviral therapy for immune‐active CHB.
Dissecting the molecular basis of the ultra‐large grain formation in rice
Authors: Li Fengcheng , Wu Lian , Li Xiang , Chai Yanan , Ruan Nan , Wang Ye , Xu Na , Yu Zhiwen , Wang Xiaoche , Chen Hao , Lu Jiahao , Xu Hai , Xu Zhengjin , Chen Wenfu , Xu Quan 
Published: July 2024

Summary

The shape of rice grains not only determines the thousand‐grain weight but also correlates closely with the grain quality.

Here we identified an ultra‐large grain accession (ULG) with a thousand‐grain weight exceeding 60 g. The integrated analysis of QTL, BSA, de novo genome assembled, transcription sequencing, and gene editing was conducted to dissect the molecular basis of the ULG formation.

The ULG pyramided advantageous alleles from at least four known grain‐shaping genes, OsLG3, OsMADS1, GS3, GL3.1, and one novel locus, qULG2‐b, which encoded a leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase. The collective impacts of OsLG3, OsMADS1, GS3, and GL3.1 on grain size were confirmed in transgenic plants and near‐isogenic lines. The transcriptome analysis identified 112 genes cooperatively regulated by these four genes that were prominently involved in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. By leveraging the pleiotropy of these genes, we enhanced the grain yield, appearance, and stress tolerance of rice var. SN265.

Beyond showcasing the pyramiding of multiple grain size regulation genes that can produce ULG, our study provides a theoretical framework and valuable genomic resources for improving rice variety by leveraging the pleiotropy of grain size regulated genes.
Testing the ectomycorrhizal‐dominance hypothesis for ecosystem multifunctionality in a subtropical mountain forest
Authors: Luo Ya‐Huang , Ma Liang‐Liang , Cadotte Marc W. , Seibold Sebastian , Zou Jia‐Yun , Burgess Kevin S. , Tan Shao‐Lin , Ye Lin‐Jiang , Zheng Wei , Chen Zhi‐Fa , Liu De‐Tuan , Zhu Guang‐Fu , Shi Xiao‐Chun , Zhao Wei , Bi Zheng , Huang Xiang‐Yuan , Li Jia‐Hua , Liu Jie , Li De‐Zhu , Gao Lian‐Ming 
Published: July 2024

Summary

Mycorrhizal associations are key mutualisms that shape the structure of forest communities and multiple ecosystem functions. However, we lack a framework for predicting the varying dominance of distinct mycorrhizal associations in an integrated proxy of multifunctionality across ecosystems.

Here, we used the datasets containing diversity of mycorrhizal associations and 18 ecosystem processes related to supporting, provisioning, and regulating services to examine how the dominance of ectomycorrhiza (EcM) associations affects ecosystem multifunctionality in subtropical mountain forests in Southwest China. Meanwhile, we synthesized the prevalence of EcM‐dominant effects on ecosystem functioning in forest biomes.

Our results demonstrated that elevation significantly modified the distributions of EcM trees and fungal dominance, which in turn influenced multiple functions simultaneously. Multifunctionality increased with increasing proportion of EcM associations, supporting the ectomycorrhizal‐dominance hypothesis. Meanwhile, we observed that the impacts of EcM dominance on individual ecosystem functions exhibited different relationships among forest biomes.

Our findings highlight the importance of ectomycorrhizal dominance in regulating multifunctionality in subtropical forests. However, this ectomycorrhizal feedback in shaping ecosystem functions cannot necessarily be generalized across forests. Therefore, we argue that the predictions for ecosystem multifunctionality in response to the shifts of mycorrhizal composition could vary across space and time.
Panorama of small millets breeding: A review
Authors: Nagaraja T. E. , Gazala Parveen S. , Meenakshi J. , Murtujasab S. , Chetana  , Manjunatha M. , Bhat Sujata , Nandini C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSmall millets, also known as nutri‐cereals, belong to the grass family Poaceae that have tiny seeds and are drought and heat tolerant, besides being powerhouse of nutrition, hence making them ideal crops that shall combat not just food and nutritional security but also adapt well to the changing climatic conditions. They grow well on marginal soil and require least resources for their cultivation. Nutritional superiority to popularly cultivated major cereals makes them a magnificent alternative food especially in the age of lifestyle related disorders. In this review, we provide insights of the initial commencement of research on small millets and deliberate the breeding progress based on conventional and genomics‐based approaches. The small millets under discussion are finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, little millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and browntop millet. The major focus here is to recapitulate the breeding activities in the above‐mentioned millets rather than providing a way forward for breeding small millets.
Altered cerebellar effective connectivity in first‐episode schizophrenia and long‐term changes after treatment
Authors: Wei Xia , Cao Hengyi , Luo Chunyan , Zhao Qiannan , Xia Chao , Li Ziyu , Liu Zhiqin , Zhang Wenjing , Gong Qiyong , Lui Su 
Published: July 2024

AimCerebello‐cortical functional dysconnectivity plays a key role in the pathology of schizophrenia (SZ). We aimed to investigate the changes in cerebello‐cortical directional connectivity in patients with SZ.MethodsA total of 180 drug‐naïve patients with first‐episode SZ (54 reassessed after 1 year of treatment) and 166 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to perform Granger causal analysis, in which each of the nine cerebellar functional systems was defined as a seed. The observed effective connectivity (EC) alterations at baseline were further assessed at follow‐up and were associated with changes in psychotic symptom.ResultsWe observed increased bottom‐up EC in first‐episode SZ from the cerebellum to the cerebrum (e.g. from the cerebellar attention and cingulo‐opercular systems to the bilateral angular gyri, and from the cerebellar cingulo‐opercular system to the right inferior frontal gyrus). In contrast, decreased top‐down EC in the first‐episode SZ was mainly from the cerebrum to the cerebellum (e.g. from the right inferior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, left putamen, and right angular gyrus to the cerebellar language system). After 1 year of antipsychotic treatment, information projections from the cerebrum to the cerebellum were partly restored and positively related to symptom remission.ConclusionThese findings suggest that decreased top‐down EC during the acute phase of SZ may be a state‐dependent alteration related to symptoms and medication. However, increased bottom‐up EC may reflect a persistent pathological trait.
Effects of an 8‐week high‐dose vitamin D supplementation on fatigue and neuropsychiatric manifestations in post‐COVID syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Charoenporn Veevarin , Tungsukruthai Parunkul , Teacharushatakit Pitchapa , Hanvivattanakul Sirashat , Sriyakul Kusuma , Sukprasert Sophida , Kamalashiran Chuntida , Tungsukruthai Sucharat , Charernboon Thammanard 
Published: July 2024

AimThis study evaluated the effectiveness of high‐dose vitamin D supplementation in alleviating fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms in post‐COVID syndrome.MethodsIn an 8‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 80 patients with post‐COVID fatigue or neuropsychiatric symptoms were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 60,000 IU of vitamin D weekly (n = 40) or a placebo (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the 11‐item Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ‐11); 21‐item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS‐21); Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE); and Trail Making Test A and B (TMT‐A and TMT‐B). Baseline and 8‐week measurements of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), were also collected.ResultsSignificant improvements were found in the vitamin D group for CFQ (coefficient −3.5, P = 0.024), DASS‐anxiety (−2.0, P = 0.011), and ACE (2.1, P = 0.012). No significant differences were observed in PSQI, DASS‐depression, TMT, IL‐6, or CRP levels. The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with no serious adverse events reported.ConclusionHigh‐dose vitamin D supplementation may benefit patients with post‐COVID syndrome by reducing fatigue, alleviating anxiety, and improving cognitive symptoms, with minimal side effects.
A Review of Immunological and Neuropsychobehavioral Effects of Latent Toxoplasmosis on Humans
Authors: Kazemi Arababadi Mohammad , Abdollahi Seyyed Hossein , Ramezani Mahnaz , Zare‐Bidaki Mohammad 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTToxoplasmosis as a zoonotic disease has a worldwide distribution and can infect a wide range of animal hosts, as well as at least one third of the world's human population. The disease is usually mild or asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, but dormant tissue cysts survive especially in the brain for the host lifespan, known as latent toxoplasmosis (LT). Recent studies suggest that LT can have certain neurological, immunological psychological and behavioural effects on human including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, suicide anxiety and sleeping disorders. LT effects are controversial, and their exact mechanisms of action is not yet fully understood. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential effects, their basic mechanisms including alteration of neurotransmitter levels, immune activation in the central nervous system and induction of oxidative stress. Additionally, beneficial effects of LT, and an explanation of the effects within the framework of manipulation hypothesis, and finally, the challenges and limitations of the current research are discussed.
Exploring the role of cultivar, year and plot age in the incidence of esca and Eutypa dieback: Insights from 20 years of regional surveys in France
Authors: Etienne Lucas , Fabre Frédéric , Martinetti Davide , Frank Elise , Michel Lucie , Bonnardot Valérie , Guérin‐Dubrana Lucia , Delmas Chloé E. L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGrapevine trunk diseases cause yield losses and vine mortality in vineyards worldwide. However, there have been few quantitative studies evaluating grapevine dieback on a large spatial and temporal scale. Here, we consolidated and standardized databases from the 13 main wine regions of France, compiling records of leaf symptoms associated with esca and Eutypa dieback from 2082 plots and 36 cultivars over a 20‐year period. This large dataset was used (a) for quantitative analysis of the prevalence (number of plots with at least one symptomatic plant) and incidence (percentage of symptomatic plants) of esca and Eutypa dieback; and (b) to decipher the effects of cultivar, year and plot age on both the prevalence and incidence of esca leaf symptoms by temporal Bayesian modelling. Esca was present on a mean of 74 ± 2% plots annually, with an incidence of 3.1 ± 0.1%. Eutypa dieback occurred in 41 ± 3% of the plots, with an incidence of 1.4 ± 0.1%. Our modelling approach revealed that the cultivar had a significant impact on the prevalence of esca, but not on its incidence when prevalence is greater than zero. Esca prevalence remained stable, whereas esca incidence was higher than the mean value in six of the years after 2012. We also found a significant non‐linear effect of plot age, with 10‐ to 30‐year‐old plots significantly more susceptible, depending on the cultivar. This study clearly illustrates the importance of considering extensive and continuous monitoring to improve our understanding of the impact and evolution of crop diseases.
Reference values for heart rate variability in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Rocha Alaine Souza Lima , Siqueira Vitória de Barros , Maduro Paula Andreatta , Batista Laísla da Silva Paixão , Schwingel Paulo Adriano 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeart rate variability (HRV) is an early marker of risk for various health conditions, and its analysis serves as a valuable tool for assessing older adults. This study aimed to describe the reference values of HRV parameters in older adults through a systematic review of the literature. The review included searches in MEDLINE (via PubMed®), EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Literature, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS). Studies presenting reference values for at least one HRV linear analysis measure in older adults were considered eligible. Out of 1618 studies identified, only 11 met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes of older adults ranged from 21 to 6250 subjects. The HRV measures assessed (mean RR intervals, SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) varied significantly between studies, with no standardized methods for HRV analysis. We concluded that reference values for HRV measures in older adults vary widely between studies. The scientific literature on HRV reference values in older adults is still limited, and future studies should standardize assessment methods for HRV measures in this population.
SNX32 Regulates Sorting and Trafficking of Activated EGFR to the Lysosomal Degradation Pathway
Authors: Wang Dou , Zhao Xia , Wang Panpan , Liu Jia‐Jia 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTSNX32 is a member of the evolutionarily conserved Phox (PX) homology domain‐ and Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain‐ containing sorting nexin (SNX‐BAR) family of proteins, which play important roles in sorting and membrane trafficking of endosomal cargoes. Although SNX32 shares the highest amino acid sequence homology with SNX6, and has been believed to function redundantly with SNX5 and SNX6 in retrieval of the cation‐independent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor (CI‐MPR) from endosomes to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), its role(s) in intracellular protein trafficking remains largely unexplored. Here, we report that it functions in parallel with SNX1 in mediating epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐stimulated postendocytic trafficking of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Moreover, SNX32 interacts directly with EGFR, and recruits SNX5 to promote sorting of EGF–EGFR into multivesicular bodies (MVBs) for lysosomal degradation. Thus, SNX32 functions distinctively from other SNX‐BAR proteins to mediate signaling‐coupled endolysosomal trafficking of EGFR.
To save lives: Lessons of a pandemic cartographer
Authors: Hessler John 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFor almost everyone in the world, the last few years have been unlike any experienced in their lifetimes. The public health crisis, spawned by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and the outbreak of COVID‐19, presented a geospatial analysis challenge like none other as public health officials, emergency rooms, and the general public struggled to track the spread of the disease, allocate resources for testing and care, and understand the origin of this new zoonotic pathogen. During this period, the combination of rapid and open access genomic data combined with case counts and the mapping tools of geographic information systems allowed for near real‐time tracking of the pandemic. This paper describes these tools, how they were used to advise policy‐makers in the US at the height of the pandemic, and some of the lessons learned.
An Exploratory Study of School Staff’s Motivation and Involvement in Relation to the Dubai Fitness Challenge
Authors: Stanley-Vespero Syreeta , Webster Collin A. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Drawing from self-determination theory, this exploratory mixed-methods study investigated the motivation and involvement of school staff regarding Dubai 30 × 30, an annual event for all Dubai residents, including schools, where the aim is to be physically active for 30 min each day for 1 month.
Method: A convenience sample of 18 physical education teachers, 20 classroom teachers, and two principals from three private international schools participated in surveys, focus groups, and interviews following the 2022 Dubai 30 × 30.
Results: Both autonomous and controlled motives underlied staff’s involvement in Dubai 30 × 30, and motivation and involvement were significantly related. Themes highlighted physical education teachers’ leadership as well as synergies across staff, parents, and community partners that embodied the ethos of whole-of-school physical activity approaches. Secondary analyses found school size, school level, and teacher gender were significant factors in staff motivation and/or involvement.
Discussion/Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence related to school-based implementation of Dubai 30 × 30 and adds to the international literature on whole-of-school physical activity.
Shapiro’s syndrome: episodic hypothermic hyperhidrosis
Authors: Avadhani Deepa , Ranganathan Lakshmi Narasimhan , Venkataraman Chandramouleeswaran , Samivel Balasubramanian 
Published: July 2024

SummaryShapiro’s syndrome is a rare neurological disease. The triad of Shapiro’s syndrome includes episodes of hyperhidrosis, hypothermia and complete/partial agenesis of the corpus callosum. We report a case of a young male who had episodic chills, increased sweating and fatigue. During these episodes, he was found to have bradycardia, hypotension and hypothermia. Clinical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. The MRI of the brain revealed agenesis of the corpus callosum. There was a good response to carbamazepine therapy.
Surgical management of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas: insights from a national cohort study
Authors: Glancz Laurence J , Hannan Cathal John , Vyziotis Alexandros , Potter Gillian M , Siripurapu Rekha , Bhalla Raj K , Rutherford Scott A , King Andrew Thomas , Hammerbeck-Ward Charlotte , Crellin Adrian , Pan Shermaine , Colaco Rovel , Whitfield Gillian A , Pathmanaban Omar N 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveSkull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma are distinct sarcomas of the skull base but share significant therapeutic challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures, making surgical resection difficult. We sought to establish factors associated with outcome predictors in a national cohort of patients.Methods and analysisData for all patients referred with a diagnosis of skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma from April 2017 to December 2022 were obtained. We performed analyses of data pertaining to the first cohort of patients treated in the UK with proton beam therapy (PBT) to determine factors associated with obtaining gross total resection (GTR) and adequate clearance of the brainstem and optic apparatus.ResultsOf 230 patients with skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma referred for PBT, 71% were accepted for PBT, with a wide regional variation between referring neurosurgical units (29%–93%). Of the first 75 consecutive patients treated with PBT, the only factor predictive of obtaining GTR was surgical resection at a unit with higher volumes of patients accepted for PBT (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.63, p=0.004). Use of intraoperative MRI (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.21 to 27.83, p=0.04) and resection at a higher volume unit (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.64, p=0.013) were associated with increased rates of tumour clearance from the brainstem/optic apparatus.ConclusionsTreatment at a higher volume centre was a key determinant of the optimal surgical outcome in this cohort. These data support the management of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas in higher volume centres where multidisciplinary experience can be accumulated.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on oral health among secondary-level students: a cross-sectional study in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Rajbhandari Anuja , Aryal Nishika 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionIssues with oral health (OH) are frequently overlooked until individuals feel pain or discomfort. Highlighting OH behaviours is important in creating successful interventions. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the status of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and examine the association between sociodemographic factors and KAP regarding OH among secondary-level students in Kathmandu.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 395 secondary-level students from five schools using a self-administered questionnaire. The study used a Chi-square test to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and KAP towards OH. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyse the relationship between dependent and independent variables.ResultsThe study involved participants with an average age of 14.24 years, comprising 56.7% males and 43.3% females. While most students demonstrated good OH knowledge (77.2%) and positive attitudes (91.9%), there was reluctance towards dental visit. Additionally, only 41% practised adequate OH, with issues like suboptimal brushing technique, low floss use and high consumption of chocolates. Significant associations were discovered between knowledge and age group (p=0.02) and students’ grade (p<0.001). Similarly, OH practices were significantly associated with gender (p=0.008), age group and students’ grade (both p<0.001) through Chi-square analysis. Despite having satisfactory attitudes, males and younger individuals were more likely to have lower knowledge (OR=0.714 and OR=0.684, respectively) and poorer practices (OR=0.484 and OR=0.514, respectively). Overall, regardless of adequate knowledge and attitudes, adolescents showcased unsatisfactory OH practices.ConclusionsThis study emphasises the significance of improving real-life OH habits and bridging the gap with targeted interventions like educational programmes, counselling and parental involvement. These efforts are crucial for turning knowledge and positive attitudes into consistent and effective oral care practices.