bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inconspicuous breeding coloration to conceal eggs during mouthbrooding in male cardinalfish
Authors: Ishihara Hikaru , Kanda Shinji 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe body coloration of animals has various functions, such as camouflage coloration for hiding their existence from other organisms and conspicuous coloration for appealing to their potential mates. Since the breeding colorations of males are widely considered to attract females, most previous studies on breeding coloration have mostly focused on conspicuous breeding coloration, which may have prevented the discovery of possible functions other than appealing. Here, based on a speculation that such breeding coloration might occur in species with weak sexual selection in males, we focused on Apogoninae whose sex role is considered to be reversed due to their characteristic parental behavior, paternal mouthbrooding. Through detailed morphological observations, we found that males exhibit non-conspicuous white structures, consisting of iridophores, in the lower jaw during the breeding season. Artificial implantation of eggs inside the mouth in both sexes showed that the white structure in the lower jaws, which specifically exists in males, drastically reduces the visibility of eggs during mouthbrooding. This suggested that this coloration may serve to conceal the conspicuous coloration of eggs during mouthbrooding. In addition,in vivoandin vitrohormone treatment experiments revealed that iridophore development in the lower jaw is induced by androgen through the Alkal-Ltk pathway. These results suggest that androgen-dependent breeding colorations in males, which have been considered to attract females, may serve the opposite function in these species, “inconspicuous coloration”, to increase the fitness of their specialized behavior, mouthbrooding.
5-Deazaflavin (TND1128) and its hybrid analogs are cytoprotective against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Kubota Kaori , Katsurabayashi Shutaro , Watanabe Takuya , Iwasaki Katsunori , Nagamatsu Tomohisa , Akaike Norio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIncreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are implicated in mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. Research is ongoing into a new treatment approach for neurodegeneration, focusing on reactivating dysfunctional mitochondria. Some 5-deazaflavins, such as 10-ethyl-3-methylpyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline-2,4(3H,10H)-dione (TND1128), and four analogs of 5-deazaflavin, including β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (β-NMN), demonstrate efficient self-redox abilities similar to β-NMN, making them potential activators of mitochondrial energy synthesis. This study examines whether TND1128 and its analogs have protective effects against cellular impairment induced by oxidative stress. These compounds exhibit proliferative potential against normal cells. Moreover, TND1128 and its analogs significantly improved cell viability against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress injury. Our study confirms the cytoprotective effect of these 5-deazaflavins through mitochondrial activation. We anticipate TND1128 and its analogs will serve as mitochondria-stimulating drugs capable of rescuing deteriorating neurons in aging or diseases.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanistic modeling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis β-carbonic anhydrase inhibitors using integrated systems biology and the QSAR approach
Authors: Bhowmik Ratul , Manaithiya Ajay , Parkkinen Jenny , Kumar Sunil , Mathew Bijo , Parikka Mataleena , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Parkkila Seppo , Aspatwar Ashok 
Published: May 2024

Withdrawal StatementThe authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the inability to complete the revisions or follow up on the manuscript at this time, due to personal circumstances. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Ancient secretory pathways contributed to the evolutionary origin of an ecologically impactful bioluminescence system
Authors: Mesrop Lisa Y. , Minsky Geetanjali , Drummond Michael S. , Goodheart Jessica A. , Proulx Stephen R. , Oakley Todd H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEvolutionary innovations in chemical secretion – such as the production of secondary metabolites, pheromones, and toxins – profoundly impact ecological interactions across a broad diversity of life. These secretory innovations may involve a “legacy-plus-innovation” mode of evolution, whereby new biochemical pathways are integrated with conserved secretory processes to create novel products. Among secretory innovations, bioluminescence is important because it evolved convergently many times to influence predator-prey interactions, while often producing courtship signals linked to increased rates of speciation. However, whether or not deeply conserved secretory genes are used in secretory bioluminescence remains unexplored. Here, we show that in the ostracodVargula tsujii, the evolutionary novel c-luciferase gene is co-expressed with many conserved genes, including those related to toxin production and high-output protein secretion. Our results demonstrate that the legacy-plus-innovation mode of secretory evolution, previously applied to sensory modalities of olfaction, gustation, and nociception, also encompasses light-producing signals generated by bioluminescent secretions. This extension broadens the paradigm of secretory diversification to include not only chemical signals but also bioluminescent light as an important medium of ecological interaction and evolutionary innovation.Significance StatementAnimals produce an enormous diversity of secreted chemical products, like toxins and pheromones, with wide-ranging impacts on ecological interactions. Although a deeply conserved toolkit of secretory genes may often underlie chemical interactions mediated through smell, taste, and sensing pain, whether or not this evolutionary mode generalizes to sensing light is unknown. Here we show that a bioluminescence secretion system, which creates light for anti-predator and courtship interactions, also uses genes of a deeply conserved secretory toolkit. Therefore, secretory innovations may act through all sensory modalities by integrating conserved genes with novel biosynthesis pathways, to serve as crucibles of evolutionary and ecological diversity.
Screening for Right Ventricular Dysfunction in the Emergency Department Using a Smartphone ECG Analysis Application: An External Validation Study with Acute Pulmonary Embolism Patients
Authors: Choi Yoo Jin , Park Min Ji , Cho Youngjin , Kim Joonghee , Lee Eunkyoung , Son Dahyeon , Kim Seo-Yoon , Soh Moon Seung 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical condition where timely and accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is important for patient management. Given the limited availability of echocardiography in emergency departments (EDs), an artificial intelligence (AI) application that can identify RV dysfunction from electrocardiograms (ECG) could improve the treatment of acute PE.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed adult acute PE patients in an ED from January 2021 to December 2023. We evaluated a smartphone application which analyzes printed ECG to generate digital biomarkers for various conditions including RV dysfunction (QCG-RVDys). The biomarker’s performance was compared with that of cardiologists and emergency physicians.ResultsAmong 116 included patients, 35 (30.2%) were diagnosed with RV dysfunction. The QCG-RVDys score demonstrated significant effectiveness in identifying RV dysfunction, with a receiver operating characteristic - area under the curve(AUC) of 0.895 (95% CI, 0.829-0.960), surpassing traditional biomarkers such as Troponin I (AUC: 0.692, 95% CI: 0.536-0.847) and ProBNP (AUC: 0.655, 95% CI: 0.532-0.778). Binarized based on the Youden Index, QCG-RVDys achieved an AUC of 0.845 (95% CI: 0.778-0.911), with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.2% (95% CI: 82.4-100%), 77.8% (95% CI: 69.1-86.4%), 63.3% (95% CI: 54.4-73.9%), and 95.5% (95% CI: 90.8-100%), respectively, significantly outperforming all the expert clinicians with their AUCs ranging from 0.628 to 0.683.ConclusionThe application demonstrates promise in rapidly assessing RV dysfunction in acute PE patients. Its high NPV could streamline patient management, potentially reducing the reliance on echocardiography in emergency settings.
A cross-tissue, age-specific flow cytometry reference for immune cells in the airways and blood of children
Authors: Shanthikumar Shivanthan , Gubbels Liam , Davies Karen , Walker Hannah , Wong Anson Tsz Chun , Maksimovic Jovana , Oshlack Alicia , Saffery Richard , Levi Eric , Ranganathan Sarath C. , Neeland Melanie R. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTRespiratory diseases are a common cause of morbidity and hospitalisation for children. Despite this, treatment options are limited and are often ineffective. The development of curative or disease-modifying treatments for children relies on a better understanding of underlying immunity in the early airway. To establish a flow cytometry reference for immune cells in the paediatric airway, we analysed 178 samples from 66 children aged between 1-15 years. This included five tissues of the upper (nasal brushings, palatine tonsils, adenotonsil) and lower (bronchial brushings, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)) airway, as well as whole blood for paired analysis of local and systemic immune response. Nasal, bronchial, and alveolar samples were analysed using a 17-plex antibody panel that captures cells of immune and epithelial lineage, while tonsil, adenoid, and blood samples were analysed using a 31-plex antibody panel that extensively phenotypes mononuclear immune cells. All protocols, panels, and data are openly available, to facilitate implementation in paediatric clinical laboratories. We provide age-specific cell reference data for infancy (0-2 years), preschool (3-5 years), childhood (6-10 years) and adolescence (11-15 years) for 37 cell populations. We show tissue-specific maturation of the airway immune system across childhood, further highlighting the importance of developing age-specific references of the paediatric airway. Intra-individual, cross-tissue analysis of paired samples revealed marked correlation in immune cell proportions between paired nasal-bronchial samples, paired tonsil-adenoid samples, and paired adenoid-blood samples, which may have implications for clinical testing. Our study advances knowledge of airway immunity from infancy through to adolescence and provides an openly available control dataset to aid in interpretation of clinical findings in samples obtained from children with respiratory diseases.
Association between lockdown and changes in subspecies diversity with a focus onHaemophilus influenzaeandStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hmidi Slim , Cassir Nadim , Colson Philippe , Ruimy Raymond , Chaudet Hervé 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe social distancing measures implemented to curb SARS-CoV-2 transmission provided a unique opportunity to study the association between reduced human interaction and epidemiological changes related to human bacterial pathogens. While studies have indicated a decrease in respiratory infections during lockdowns, further description is needed regarding the changes in the incidence of bacterial populations. This study investigates the changes in strain richness of community infections with two bacterial species,Haemophilus influenzaeandStaphylococcus aureusduring the waning related to France’s social distancing measures, especially lockdown.MethodsMALDI-TOF MS spectra analyses of routine clinical bacterial identifications were used as proxies for genomic analyses. Spectra from lockdown and reference periods were compared using unsupervised classification methods. A total of 251 main spectrum profiles ofH. influenzae, 2079 main spectrum profiles ofS. aureusfor respiratory tract and blood samples, and 414 main spectrum profiles for skin samples ofS. aureuswere examined. Data were analyzed using hierarchical clustering, binary discriminant analysis, and statistical tests for significance.ResultsThe strain mix of both bacteria during the lockdown was deeply altered, but with different further evolutions.H. influenzaeexhibited a shift in spectra composition, with a subsequent return towards pre-lockdown diversity observed in 2021. In contrast,S. aureusexhibited a persistent change in spectra composition, with a gradual return to pre-lockdown patterns one year later.ConclusionsHindering inter-human transmission, as was done during the lockdown measures, was associated with significant alterations in bacterial species compositions, with differential impacts observed forH. influenzaeandS. aureus.This study provides data on the putative relationship between genetic diversity and transmission dynamics during a public health crisis. Describing the dynamics of bacterial populations during lockdowns could contribute providing information for the implementation of future strategies for infectious disease control and surveillance.
Comparative effectiveness of the monovalent XBB.1.5-containing covid-19 mRNA vaccine across three Nordic countries
Authors: Andersson Niklas Worm , Thiesson Emilia Myrup , Pihlström Nicklas , Perälä Jori , Faksová Kristýna , Gram Mie Agermose , Poukka Eero , Leino Tuija , Ljung Rickard , Hviid Anders 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo estimate the effectiveness of vaccination with a monovalent XBB.1.5-containing covid-19 mRNA vaccine against severe covid-19 across three Nordic countries.DesignNationwide cohort studies, using target trial emulation.SettingDenmark, Finland, and Sweden, from 1 October 2023 to 29 February 2024.ParticipantsIndividuals aged ≥65 years who had previously received at least four covid-19 vaccine doses.Main outcome measures:Cumulative incidences of covid-19 hospital admission and death for 12 weeks after immunisation (defined as 1 week after vaccination) among recipients of an XBB.1.5-containing covid-19 mRNA vaccine and matched non-recipients. Cumulative incidences were used to calculate comparative vaccine effectiveness (1-risk ratio) and risk differences.ResultsDuring autumn and winter 2023-2024, a total of 1,867,448 1:1 matched pairs of XBB-containing covid-19 mRNA vaccine recipients and non-recipients were included (mean age 75.4 years, standard deviation 7.4 years). The comparative vaccine effectiveness was 60.6% (95% confidence interval, 46.1% to 75.1%) against covid-19 hospital admission (930v2,551 events) and 77.9% (69.2% to 86.7%) against covid-19 related death (301v1,326 events) at 12 weeks of follow-up. This corresponded to 191.1 (95% confidence interval, 50.2 to 332.1) covid-19 hospital admissions and 109.2 (100.2 to 118.1) deaths prevented per 100,000 individuals vaccinated with an XBB.1.5-containing vaccine. The comparative vaccine effectiveness was similar across sex, age (65-74/≥75 years), number of previous covid-19 vaccine doses received, and seasonal influenza vaccination co-administration subgroups and periods of either omicron XBB- or BA.2.86-sublineage dominance. While the protection was highest during the first weeks after vaccination, it was well-preserved at end of week 12 of follow-up.ConclusionAmong adults aged ≥65 years, vaccination with a monovalent XBB.1.5-containing covid-19 mRNA vaccine reduced the rates of covid-19 related hospital admission and death during autumn and winter 2023-2024 across three Nordic countries.
Clinical Characteristics and Patterns of Valve Lesions in Rheumatic Heart Disease Among Children at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Comparative Study of Newly Diagnosed and Known Cases
Authors: Libe Temesgen Teferi , Kelil Yunus Edris , Tegene Samrawit Abebaw , Abdi Faisal , Mesfin Kibrom Hailemariam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundRheumatic heart disease remains a significant health burden in resource-limited settings. This study investigates the clinical characteristics and valve lesion patterns of RHD in children from Eastern Ethiopia, comparing newly diagnosed and known RHD patients.ObjectiveThis study aims to characterize the clinical features and valve lesion patterns in children with Rheumatic heart disease and provide a comparative analysis between newly diagnosed and known cases.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2021. A total of 39 children with RHD were included, with data collected from medical records, clinical assessments, and echocardiographic evaluations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis.ResultsAmong the 39 children studied, 25 were newly diagnosed and 14 were known RHD cases. The majority were female (71.8%). The median age was 10 years. Shortness of breath (53.9%) and cough (38.5%) were the most common presenting complaints. Only 14.3% of known RHD patients were adherent to secondary prophylaxis. Severe acute malnutrition and severe anemia were the most common comorbidities. Class IV heart failure was present in 89.7% of the patients. Echocardiographic findings revealed that all patients had mitral valve involvement, with mitral regurgitation (94.9%) being the most frequent.ConclusionThe study highlights significant clinical characteristics and valve lesion patterns among children with Rheumatic heart disease at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, improved adherence to prophylaxis, and targeted interventions to manage comorbidities and advanced heart failure.
Effects of Age and Sex on Systemic Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Function in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dushay Jody , Rickers Eva S. , Wang Enya , Gilman Jessica , Zhang Ying , Blankstein Ron , Gervino Ernest V. , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Veves Aristidis 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveSystemic inflammation, aging, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) all contribute to the development of cardiovascular dysfunction and impaired aerobic exercise capacity but their interplay remains unclear. This study evaluates the impact of age, sex, and inflammation on coronary and peripheral vascular function and exercise capacity in elderly individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Research Design and MethodsElderly individuals (age ≥65 years) underwent biochemical and tissue inflammatory phenotyping, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and vascular reactivity testing. Correlation and regression analyses determined the effects of systemic inflammation, older age, and sex on cardiovascular health, stratified by T2DM status.ResultsFor the 133 recruited individuals (44% female; median age 71, IQR=7 years, 41% with T2DM) the presence of T2DM did not have an effect on most blood serum inflammatory markers and skin biopsies. Hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF), flow-mediated, and flow-independent nitroglycerin induced brachial artery dilation were significantly impaired in males, but not females with T2DM. Peak VO2 was lower with T2DM (p=0.022), mostly because of the effect of T2DM in females. Females showed more adverse myocardial remodeling assessed by extracellular volume (p=0.008), independent of T2DM status.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the pathophysiological manifestations of T2DM on vascular function and aerobic exercise capacity are distinct in elderly males and females and this may reflect underlying differences in vascular and myocardial aging in the presence of T2DM.
HIV-Associated Heart Failure: Phenotypes and Clinical Outcomes in a Safety-Net Setting
Authors: Durstenfeld Matthew S. , Thakkar Anjali , Jeon Diane , Short Robert , Ma Yifei , Tseng Zian H. , Hsue Priscilla Y. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with increased risk of heart failure (HF) but data regarding phenotypes of heart failure and outcomes after HF diagnosis, especially within the safety-net which is where half of people with HIV in the United States receive care, are less clear.MethodsUsing an electronic health record cohort of all individuals with HF within a municipal safety-net system from 2001-2019 linked to the National Death Index Plus, we compared HF phenotypes, all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and cause of death for individuals with and without HIV.ResultsAmong people with HF (n=14,829), 697 individuals had HIV (4.7%). Persons with HIV (PWH) were diagnosed with HF ten years younger on average. A higher proportion of PWH had a reduced ejection fraction at diagnosis (37.9% vs 32.7%). Adjusted for age, sex, and risk factors, coronary artery disease on angiography was similar by HIV status. HIV was associated with 55% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.37-1.76; P<0.001) and lower odds of HF hospitalization (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39-0.66; P<0.001). Among PWH with HF, cause of death was less often attributed to cardiovascular disease (22.5% vs 54.6% uninfected; P<0.001) and more to substance use (17.9% vs 9.3%; P<0.001), consistent with autopsy findings in a subset (n=81).ConclusionsAmong people with HF who receive care within a municipal safety-net system, HIV infection is associated with higher mortality, despite lower odds of HF hospitalization, attributable to non-cardiovascular causes including substance-related and HIV-related mortality.Clinical PerspectivesPeople with HIV develop heart failure 10 years earlier than people without HIV, with a higher proportion with HFrEF at diagnosis.HIV is associated with higher mortality among people with heart failure, primarily due to non-cardiovascular causes including HIV/AIDS and substance use.Research PerspectivesThe reasons for higher mortality in PWH with HF are not yet fully understood; higher levels of myocardial fibrosis may predispose people with substance use and advanced HIV disease to increased risk of mortality.
H2consumption by various acetogenic bacteria follows first-order kinetics up to H2saturation
Authors: Muñoz-Duarte Laura , Chakraborty Susmit , Grøn Louise Vinther , Bambace Maria Florencia , Catalano Jacopo , Philips Jo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAcetogenic bacteria play an important role in various biotechnological processes, because of their chemolithoautotrophic metabolism converting carbon dioxide with molecular hydrogen (H2) as electron donor into acetate. As the main factor limiting acetogenesis is often H2, insights into the H2consumption kinetics of acetogens is required to assess their potential in biotechnological processes. In this study, initial H2consumption rates at a range of different initial H2concentrations were measured for three different acetogens. Interestingly, for all three strains, H2consumption was found to follow first-order kinetics, i.e. the H2consumption rate increased linearly with the dissolved H2concentration, up to almost saturated H2levels (600 µM). This is in contrast with Monod kinetics and low half-saturation concentrations, which have commonly been assumed for acetogens. The obtained biomass specific first-order rate coefficients (k1X) were further validated by comparison with values obtained by fitting first-order kinetics on previous time-course experimental results. The latter method was also used to determine thek1Xvalue of five additional acetogens strains. Biomass specific first-order rate coefficients were found to vary up to six-fold, with the highestk1XforAcetobacterium wieringaeand the lowest forSporomusa sphaeroides. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of the dissolved H2concentration to understand the rate of acetogenesis in biotechnological systems.