bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic reprograming in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative of latent viruses
Authors: Apostolou Eirini , Rosén Anders 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease presenting with severe fatigue, post‐exertional malaise, and cognitive disturbances—among a spectrum of symptoms—that collectively render the patient housebound or bedbound. Epigenetic studies in ME/CFS collectively confirm alterations and/or malfunctions in cellular and organismal physiology associated with immune responses, cellular metabolism, cell death and proliferation, and neuronal and endothelial cell function. The sudden onset of ME/CFS follows a major stress factor that, in approximately 70% of cases, involves viral infection, and ME/CFS symptoms overlap with those of long COVID. Viruses primarily linked to ME/CFS pathology are the symbiotic herpesviruses, which follow a bivalent latent–lytic lifecycle. The complex interaction between viruses and hosts involves strategies from both sides: immune evasion and persistence by the viruses, and immune activation and viral clearance by the host. This dynamic interaction is imperative for herpesviruses that facilitate their persistence through epigenetic regulation of their own and the host genome. In the current article, we provide an overview of the epigenetic signatures demonstrated in ME/CFS and focus on the potential strategies that latent viruses—particularly Epstein–Barr virus—may employ in long‐term epigenetic reprograming in ME/CFS. Epigenetic studies could aid in elucidating relevant biological pathways impacted in ME/CFS and reflect the physiological variations among the patients that stem from environmental triggers, including exogenous viruses and/or altered viral activity.
The effectiveness and impact of disinfection with chlorine on embryos and early hatchlings of two Western Pacific octopus species
Authors: Spreitzenbarth Stefan , Ureshino Yuto , Soma Misato , Shimba Ayako , Kamei Yoshinori , Dan Shigeki 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReplicating maternal care and incubating octopus embryos artificially is advantageous to improve access to embryonic stages, split and share broods, and reduce the required space to culture large quantities of embryos. However, without female care and adequate rearing systems, the risk of bacterial and fungal infections can be high. This study evaluated the potential effects of low‐concentration sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a disinfectant on embryonic survival, hatchling survival, and growth. Embryos of a holobenthic octopus, Amphioctopus fangsiao, and of a merobenthic octopus, Octopus sinensis, were disinfected with 0.004% NaOCl for 3 min either once at the start (IB), at the start and halfway point (RB), and without disinfection (control). Survival of A. fangsiao embryos differed among treatments initially, but the final number of hatchings did not differ among treatments. No differences in the final survival for O. sinensis embryos were observed among the three treatments. Wet weight and growth for A. fangsiao juveniles did not differ among treatments at any point. In contrast, initial and final dry weight for O. sinensis paralarvae from the control treatment were heavier compared to the IB and RB treatments. These results suggest that NaOCl used as disinfectant has a species‐specific effect on early hatchlings depending on the octopus life history.
Soybean MKK2 establishes intricate signalling pathways to regulate soybean response to cyst nematode infection
Authors: Hawk Tracy E. , Piya Sarbottam , Sultana Mst Shamira , Zadegan Sobhan Bahrami , Shipp Sarah , Coffey Nicole , McBride Natalie B. , Rice John H. , Hewezi Tarek 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinase (MPK) cascades play central signalling roles in plant immunity and stress response. The soybean orthologue of MPK kinase2 (GmMKK2) was recently identified as a potential signalling node whose expression is upregulated in the feeding site induced by soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines). To investigate the role of GmMKK2 in soybean–SCN interactions, we overexpressed a catabolically inactive variant referred to as kinase‐dead variant (KD‐GmMKK2) using transgenic hairy roots. KD‐GmMKK2 overexpression caused significant reduction in soybean susceptibility to SCN, while overexpression of the wild‐type variant (WT‐GmMKK2) exhibited no effect on susceptibility. Transcriptome analysis indicated that KD‐GmMKK2 overexpressing plants are primed for SCN resistance via constitutive activation of defence signalling, particularly those related to chitin, respiratory burst, hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid. Phosphoproteomic profiling of the WT‐GmMKK2 and KD‐GmMKK2 root samples upon SCN infection resulted in the identification of 391 potential targets of GmMKK2. These targets are involved in a broad range of biological processes, including defence signalling, vesicle fusion, chromatin remodelling and nuclear organization among others. Furthermore, GmMKK2 mediates phosphorylation of numerous transcriptional and translational regulators, pointing to the presence of signalling shortcuts besides the canonical MAPK cascades to initiate downstream signalling that eventually regulates gene expression and translation initiation. Finally, the functional requirement of specific phosphorylation sites for soybean response to SCN infection was validated by overexpressing phospho‐mimic and phospho‐dead variants of two differentially phosphorylated proteins SUN1 and IDD4. Together, our analyses identify GmMKK2 impacts on signalling modules that regulate soybean response to SCN infection.
ZmmiR398b negatively regulates maize resistance to sugarcane mosaic virus infection by targeting ZmCSD2/4/9
Authors: Gao Xinran , Du Zhichao , Hao Kaiqiang , Zhang Sijia , Li Jian , Guo Jinxiu , Wang Zhiping , Zhao Shixue , Sang Lijun , An Mengnan , Xia Zihao , Wu Yuanhua 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in various biological processes of plants and contribute to plant resistance against various pathogens. In this study, upon sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection, the accumulation of maize (Zea mays) miR398b (ZmmiR398b) was significantly reduced in resistant inbred line Chang7‐2, while it was increased in susceptible inbred line Mo17. Degradome sequencing analysis coupled with transient co‐expression assays revealed that ZmmiR398b can target Cu/Zn‐superoxidase dismutase2 (ZmCSD2), ZmCSD4, and ZmCSD9 in vivo, of which the expression levels were all upregulated by SCMV infection in Chang7‐2 and Mo17. Moreover, overexpressing ZmmiR398b (OE398b) exhibited increased susceptibility to SCMV infection, probably by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which were consistent with ZmCSD2/4/9‐silenced maize plants. By contrast, silencing ZmmiR398b (STTM398b) through short tandem target mimic (STTM) technology enhanced maize resistance to SCMV infection and decreased ROS levels. Interestingly, copper (Cu)‐gradient hydroponic experiments demonstrated that Cu deficiency promoted SCMV infection while Cu sufficiency inhibited SCMV infection by regulating accumulations of ZmmiR398b and ZmCSD2/4/9 in maize. These results revealed that manipulating the ZmmiR398b‐ZmCSD2/4/9‐ROS module provides a prospective strategy for developing SCMV‐tolerant maize varieties.
An effector SsCVNH promotes the virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum through targeting class III peroxidase AtPRX71
Authors: Ma Ming , Tang Liguang , Sun Rui , Lyu Xueliang , Xie Jiatao , Fu Yanping , Li Bo , Chen Tao , Lin Yang , Yu Xiao , Chen Weidong , Jiang Daohong , Cheng Jiasen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMany plant pathogens secrete effector proteins into the host plant to suppress host immunity and facilitate pathogen colonization. The necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes severe plant diseases and results in enormous economic losses, in which secreted proteins play a crucial role. SsCVNH was previously reported as a secreted protein, and its expression is significantly upregulated at 3 h after inoculation on the host plant. Here, we further demonstrated that deletion of SsCVNH leads to attenuated virulence. Heterologous expression of SsCVNH in Arabidopsis enhanced pathogen infection, inhibited the host PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI) response and increased plant susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. SsCVNH interacted with class III peroxidase AtPRX71, a positive regulator of innate immunity against plant pathogens. SsCVNH could also interact with other class III peroxidases, thus reducing peroxidase activity and suppressing plant immunity. Our results reveal a new infection strategy employed by S. sclerotiorum in which the fungus suppresses the function of class III peroxidases, the major component of PTI to promote its own infection.
Comparative clinicopathological study of the main anatomic locations of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Amezaga‐Fernandez Iñaut , Aguirre‐Urizar José Manuel , Suárez‐Peñaranda José Manuel , Chamorro‐Petronacci Cintia , Lafuente‐Ibáñez de Mendoza Irene , Marichalar‐Mendia Xabier , Somoza‐Martín José Manuel , Blanco‐Carrión Andrés , Antúnez‐López José , García‐García Abel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the clinicopathological and evolutionary profile of the main locations of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective study on 133 patients treated for OSCC. The group was composed of 48 women and 85 men, with a mean age 63.9 ± 12.73 years. Most cases involved the lingual border of tongue (63), followed by the gingiva (36) and the floor of mouth (34). A comparative analysis was performed using multinomial regression.ResultsThere were significant differences regarding age, sex, tobacco and alcohol consumption, liver pathology, oral potentially malignant disorders, and bone and perineural invasion. In multivariate regression, tobacco consumption, and bone invasion remained significant. There were no significant differences in relation to prognosis.ConclusionThe location of OSCC is an important factor in the clinicopathological assessment of this neoplasm. The main locations of OSCC show differential etiopathogenic and clinicopathological aspects. Tobacco consumption has a great relevance in the floor of mouth; nonetheless, it is less important in the tongue border and the gum, which suggests other pathogenic factors. It is necessary to consider the anatomical location of OSCC in preventive protocols, with the aim of reducing its high mortality.
“Partialist” and “universalist”: American exceptionalism in antebellum writing on national identity
Authors: Cananau Iulian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this article, I analyze six well‐known antebellum essays on US national identity from the perspective of their engagement with the contemporary exceptionalist discourse. My focus is on their representations of the particular and the universal, whose paradoxical relationship lies at the core of all national exceptionalisms. I approach antebellum exceptionalism as part of the history in which the authors of these texts (Emerson, Fuller, Simms, Douglass, and Delany) lived their lives and to which they responded in different ways. The analysis shows how the universal–particular duality at the core of US exceptionalism is conceived and operates in these essays' discourses of American identity. A tentative conclusion is that whenever the universal dimension of American exceptionalism is enlarged or challenged by other universal criteria, the nationalist ideology loosens its grip; conversely, its presence is stronger when particularization occurs. Furthermore, the representations of the universal and the particular in these texts are discussed in relationship with certain aspects of US exceptionalism as a cultural phenomenon of antebellum history, namely, Manifest Destiny, cultural nationalism, the concept of civilization, and the growing tensions of slavery and racial discrimination in the free states.
Developing a Machine‐Learning Predictive Model for Retention of Posterior Cruciate Ligament in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Long , Zhang Liyi , Zhou Diange , Dong Shengjie , Xing Dan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivePredicting whether the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) should be preserved during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures is a complex task in the preoperative phase. The choice to either retain or excise the PCL has a substantial effect on the surgical outcomes and biomechanical integrity of the knee joint after the operation. To enhance surgeons' ability to predict the removal and retention of the PCL in patients before TKA, we developed machine learning models. We also identified significant feature factors that contribute to accurate predictions during this process.MethodsPatients' data on TKA continuously performed by a single surgeon who had intended initially to undergo implantation of cruciate‐retaining (CR) prostheses was collected. During the sacrifice of PCL, we utilized anterior‐stabilized (AS) tibial bearings. The dataset was split into CR and AS categories to form distinct groups. Relevant information regarding age, gender, body mass index (BMI), the affected side, and preoperative diagnosis was extracted by reviewing the medical records of the patients. To ensure the authenticity of the research, an initial step involved capturing X‐ray images before the surgery. These images were then analyzed to determine the height of the medial condyle (MMH) and lateral condyle (LMH), as well as the ratios between MLW and MMH and MLW and LMH. Additionally, the insall‐salvati index (ISI) was calculated, and the severity of any varus or valgus deformities was assessed. Eight machine‐learning methods were developed to predict the retention of PCL in TKA. Risk factor analysis was performed using the SHApley Additive exPlanations method.ResultsA total of 307 knee joints from 266 patients were included, among which there were 254 females and 53 males. A stratified random sampling technique was used to split patients in a 70:30 ratio into a training dataset and a testing dataset. Eight machine‐learning models were trained using data feeding. Except for the AUC of the LGBM Classifier, which is 0.70, the AUCs of other machine learning models are all lower than 0.70. In importance‐based analysis, ISI, MMH, LMH, deformity, and age were confirmed as important predictive factors for PCL retention in operations.ConclusionThe LGBM Classifier model achieved the best performance in predicting PCL retention in TKA. Among the potential risk factors, ISI, MMH, LMH, and deformity played essential roles in the prediction of PCL retention.
Flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Wannes Daou Antoinette , Wallace Carolyn , Barker Mitzi , Ambrosino Teresa , Towe Christopher , Morales David L. S. , Wikenheiser‐Brokamp Kathryn A. , Hayes Don , Burg Gregory 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPediatric lung transplantation represents a treatment option for children with advanced lung disease or pulmonary vascular disorders who are deemed an appropriate candidate. Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy is an important and evolving field that is highly relevant in the pediatric lung transplant population. It is thus important to advance our knowledge to better understand how care for children after lung transplant can be maximally optimized using pediatric bronchoscopy. Our goals are to continually improve procedural skills when performing bronchoscopy and to decrease the complication rate while acquiring adequate samples for diagnostic evaluation. Attainment of these goals is critical since allograft assessment by bronchoscopic biopsy is required for histological diagnosis of acute cellular rejection and is an important contributor to establishing chronic lung allograft dysfunction, a common complication after lung transplant. Flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy plays a key role in lung transplant graft assessment. In this article, we discuss the application of bronchoscopy in pediatric lung transplant evaluation including historical approaches, our experience, and future directions not only in bronchoscopy but also in the evolving pediatric lung transplantation field. Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy has become a vital modality for diagnosing lung transplant complications in children as well as assessing therapeutic responses. Herein, we review the value of flexible bronchoscopy in the management of children after lung transplant and discuss the application of novel techniques to improve care for this complex pediatric patient population and we provide a brief update about new diagnostic techniques applied in the growing lung transplantation field.
Creating new resources: The impact of new group memberships on posttraumatic growth in China
Authors: Peng Wenya , Yang Kairong , Jiang Jiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Social Identity Model of Traumatic Identity Change proposes the group membership gain hypothesis, which refers to developing positive new group memberships after trauma that may contribute to posttraumatic adjustment. However, only a few empirical studies conducted in Western societies have provided correlational evidence for the hypothesis. The current research conducted three studies to test the hypothesis in China. Study 1 (N = 315) through survey confirmed the positive association between new group memberships and posttraumatic growth among Chinese adults with traumatic experiences. Study 2 (N = 300) replicated the findings through the hypothetical scenario, discovering that participants expected a hypothetical person who experienced trauma and gained new group membership after this trauma would develop posttraumatic growth. Study 3 (N = 300), in a further refined hypothetical scenario (i.e., replacing the hypothetical vignette and protagonist in Study 2), yielded consistent results, demonstrating the impact of new group memberships on anticipated posttraumatic growth behavioral intention. The current research, for the first time in China, examined the group membership gain hypothesis and emphasized the importance of social group membership management in facilitating posttraumatic growth.
Long live the fault! Double inversion of a Mesozoic rift‐related fault system in the central Apennines
Authors: Mercuri Marco , Tavani Stefano , Fabbi Simone , Lavosi Giovanni , Carminati Eugenio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe San Potito area in central Apennines (Italy), enclosed within the Latium‐Abruzzi carbonate platform, exposes anomalously pelagic carbonates filling an intraplatform basin formed during Jurassic rifting. Oriented obliquely to the regional NW‐SE trend of Cenozoic thrusts and extensional faults, the basin's eastern boundary fault system, striking N‐S, played a pivotal role in structuring orogenic and post‐orogenic features. Large tracts of the fault experienced double reactivation: positive inversion during Miocene shortening, and negative during post‐orogenic extension. Double reactivation is evidenced by older‐on‐younger extensional contacts, and by the change in orientation of thrusts and recent extensional faults from NW‐SE to NNW‐SSE, the latter being consistent with the trend of Jurassic rift‐related structures of the area. This structural interplay highlights the importance of Jurassic faults and their ability in forcing the structural trends, by surviving across multiple deformation stages, even controlling active extensional seismicity.
Measuring the effectiveness of online search ads on blood donor recruitment and donation
Authors: McElfresh Duncan C. , Bennett Jenn , Enriquez Kay , Pham Tho D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcutely highlighted during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the tenuousness of the blood supply continues to be a lynchpin of the most important medical procedures. Online advertisements have become a mainstay in donor recruitment. We set out to determine the effectiveness of online search ads and variations thereof on blood donations with an emphasis on first‐time donors.Study Design and MethodsFrom September 01, 2022 through March 31, 2023, we performed a campaign comparison experiment through a major search‐ads platform with two distinct messages: one altruistic (“Altruistic”) and one with a prospect of rewards (“Promotion”). We developed a method to track donation outcomes and associated them with impressions, click‐throughs, and conversions. We compared the performance of the Altruistic and Promotion arms to a control group that was not associated with any search‐ads (“Baseline”).ResultsAnalyzing 34,157 donations during the study period, the Promotion group, and not Altruistic, had a significant difference of first‐time donors over Baseline (24% vs. 12%, p = 7e‐6). We analyzed 49,305 appointments and discovered that appointments made from the Altruistic arm resulted in a significantly higher percentage of donations when compared to Baseline (57% vs. 53%, p = .009); however, the Promotion group had a higher percentage of donations from first‐time donors when compared to Baseline (12% vs. 8%, p = .006).ConclusionWe developed a method for determining the effectiveness of online search ads on donation outcomes. Rewards/promotions messaging was most effective at recruiting first‐time donors. Our methodology is generalizable to different blood centers to explore messaging effectiveness among their unique communities.
Survival of transfused red blood cells from a donor with alpha‐thalassemia trait in a recipient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Yee Marianne E. M. , Covington Mischa L. , Zerra Patricia E. , McCoy James W. , Easley Kirk A. , Joiner Clinton H. , Bryksin Janetta , Francis Richard O. , Lough Christopher M. , Patel Niren , Kutlar Abdullah , Josephson Cassandra D. , Roback John D. , Stowell Sean R. , Fasano Ross M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPost‐transfusion survival of donor red blood cells (RBCs) is important for effective chronic transfusion therapy in conditions including sickle cell disease (SCD). Biotin labeling RBCs allows direct in vivo measurement of multiple donor RBC units simultaneously post‐transfusion.Study Design and MethodsIn an observational trial of patients with SCD receiving monthly chronic transfusion therapy, aliquots of RBCs from one transfusion episode were biotin‐labeled and infused along with the unlabeled RBC units. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure RBC survival. Donor units were tested for RBC indices, hemoglobin fractionation, and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity. For microcytic donor RBCs (MCV < 70 fL), HBA1 and HBA2 genetic testing was performed on whole blood.ResultsWe present one recipient, a pediatric patient with SCD and splenectomy who received two RBC units with aliquots from each unit labeled at distinct biotin densities (2 and 18 μg/mL biotin). One donor unit was identified to have microcytosis (MCV 68.5 fL after biotinylation); whole blood sample obtained at a subsequent donation showed 2‐gene deletion alpha‐thalassemia trait (ɑ–3.7kb/ɑ–3.7kb) and normal serum ferritin. G6PD activity was >60% of normal mean for both. The RBCs with alpha‐thalassemia RBC had accelerated clearance and increased surface phosphatidylserine post‐transfusion, as compared with the normocytic RBC (half life 65 vs. 86 days, respectively).DiscussionPost‐transfusion RBC survival may be lower for units from donors with alpha‐thalassemia trait, although the impact of thalassemia trait donors on transfusion efficacy requires further study.