bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tandem-repeat lectins: structural and functional insights
Authors: Olvera-Lucio Francisco H , Riveros-Rosas Héctor , Quintero-Martínez Adrián , Hernández-Santoyo Alejandra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Multivalency in lectins plays a pivotal role in influencing glycan cross-linking, thereby affecting lectin functionality. This multivalency can be achieved through oligomerization, the presence of tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains, or a combination of both. Unlike lectins that rely on multiple factors for the oligomerization of identical monomers, tandem-repeat lectins inherently possess multivalency, independent of this complex process. The repeat domains, although not identical, display slightly distinct specificities within a predetermined geometry, enhancing specificity, affinity, avidity and even oligomerization. Despite the recognition of this structural characteristic in recently discovered lectins by numerous studies, a unified criterion to define tandem-repeat lectins is still necessary. We suggest defining them multivalent lectins with intrachain tandem repeats corresponding to carbohydrate recognition domains, independent of oligomerization. This systematic review examines the folding and phyletic diversity of tandem-repeat lectins and refers to relevant literature. Our study categorizes all lectins with tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains into nine distinct folding classes associated with specific biological functions. Our findings provide a comprehensive description and analysis of tandem-repeat lectins in terms of their functions and structural features. Our exploration of phyletic and functional diversity has revealed previously undocumented tandem-repeat lectins. We propose research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the origins of tandem-repeat lectin and fostering the development of medical and biotechnological applications, notably in the design of artificial sugars and neolectins.
Militarization and popular culture in the shadow of war: the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest
Authors: Noy Inbar , Viner-Serdtse Meital , Press-Barnathan Galia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
What is the political role of cultural mega-events in the context of ongoing war? The article examines the interaction between cultural mega-events and militarization processes in the shadow of war. It addresses two main gaps: the lack of attention to the politics of such events during war, and the specific understanding of militarization usually adopted by popular culture scholars. It examines the development of material and symbolic forms of militarization, and addresses the impact of the commercial logic behind mega-events on the intensification and normalization of militarized practices. Empirically, the article focuses on the different militarization processes that developed in and through the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It examines how these play out in Ukraine (through the militarization of the band Kalush Orchestra and the militarization of the Ukrainian song ‘Stefania’), within the Eurovision contest itself and across Europe (through its participation in the competition). In doing so it also contributes to the broader debate about the changing security identity of Europe, and the development of a new militarized liberal European identity. Using data from social media, the article also highlights the role of such platforms in militarization processes.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a 4-Component Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens Shigella Vaccine in Healthy European Adults: Randomized, Phase 1/2 Study
Authors: Leroux-Roels Isabel , Maes Cathy , Mancini Francesca , Jacobs Bart , Sarakinou Eleanna , Alhatemi Azhar , Joye Jasper , Grappi Silvia , Cilio Giulia Luna , Serry-Bangura Alimamy , Vitali Claudia G , Ferruzzi Pietro , Marchetti Elisa , Necchi Francesca , Rappuoli Rino , De Ryck Iris , Auerbach Jochen , Colucci Anna M , Rossi Omar , Conti Valentino , Scorza Francesco Berlanda , Arora Ashwani Kumar , Micoli Francesca , Podda Audino , Nakakana Usman N ,   the Shigella Project Team, Ranzato Giulia , Mariyala Kishor , Aravapalli Sateesh , Barbucci Stefania , Mulder Rob , Citiulo Francesco , Cappelletti Emilia , Gasperini Gianmarco , Giannelli Carlo , Acquaviva Alessandra , Sollai Luigi , Alfini Renzo , Aruta Maria Grazia , Martin Laura Bartle 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
We report data from stage 1 of an ongoing 2-staged, phase 1/2 randomized clinical trial with a 4-component generalized modules for membrane antigens-based vaccine against Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri 1b, 2a, and 3a (altSonflex1-2-3; GSK).

Methods
Europeans aged 18–50 years (N = 102) were randomized (2:1) to receive 2 injections of altSonflex1-2-3 or placebo at 3- or 6-month interval. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed at prespecified time points.

Results
The most common solicited administration-site event (until 7 days after each injection) and unsolicited adverse event (until 28 days after each injection) were pain (altSonflex1-2-3, 97.1%; placebo, 58.8%) and headache (32.4%; 23.5%), respectively. All serotype-specific functional IgG antibodies peaked 14–28 days after injection 1 and remained substantially higher than prevaccination at 3 or 6 months postvaccination; the second injection did not boost but restored the initial immune response. The highest seroresponse rates (≥4-fold increase in titers over baseline) were obtained against S. flexneri 2a (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] after injection 1, 91.0%; after injection 2 [day 113; day 197], 100%; 97.0% and serum bactericidal activity [SBA] after injection 1, 94.4%; after injection 2, 85.7%; 88.9%) followed by S. sonnei (ELISA after injection 1, 77.6%; after injection 2, 84.6%; 78.8% and SBA after injection 1, 83.3%; after injection 2, 71.4%; 88.9%). Immune responses against S. flexneri 1b and S. flexneri 3a, as measured by both ELISA and SBA, were numerically lower compared to those against S. sonnei and S. flexneri 2a.

Conclusions
No safety signals or concerns were identified. altSonflex1-2-3 induced functional serotype-specific immune responses, allowing further clinical development in the target population.
Clinical Trials Registration . NCT05073003.
Pectin supplementation accelerates post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution orchestrated with reduced gut redox potential
Authors: Xu Rongying , Feng Ni , Li Qiuke , Wang Hongyu , Li Lian , Feng Xiaobo , Su Yong , Zhu Weiyun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis (AID) presents a big challenge to host health, and the recovery from this dysbiosis is often slow and incomplete. AID is typically characterized by elevation in redox potential, Enterobacteriaceae load, and aerobic metabolism. In our previous study, a pectin-enriched diet was demonstrated to decrease fecal redox potential and modulate the gut microbiome. Therefore, we propose that pectin supplementation may modulate gut redox potential and favor post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution from dysbiosis. In the present study, rats with AIDwere used to investigate the effects of pectin supplementation on post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution from dysbiosis. The results showed that pectin supplementation accelerated post-antibiotic reconstitution of gut microbiome composition and function and led to enhancement of anabolic reductive metabolism and weakening of catabolic oxidative pathways. These results were corroborated by the measurement of redox potential, findings suggesting that pectin favors post-antibiotic recovery from dysbiosis. Pectin-modulated fecal microbiota transplantation accelerated the decrease in antibiotics-elevated redox potential and Enterobacteriaceae load similarly to pectin supplementation. Moreover, both pectin supplementation and Pectin-modulated fecal microbiota transplantation enriched anaerobic members, primarily from Lachnospiraceae orchestration with enhancement of microbial reductive metabolism in post-antibiotic rats. These findings suggested that pectin supplementation accelerated post-antibiotic gut microbiome reconstitution orchestrated with reduced gut redox potential and that the effect of pectin on redox potential was mediated by remodeling of the intestinal microbiota.
An allosteric inhibitor of the PhoQ histidine kinase with therapeutic potential against Salmonella infection
Authors: Lobertti Carlos A , Cabezudo Ignacio , Gizzi Fernán O , Blancato Víctor , Magni Christian , Furlán Ricardo L E , García Véscovi Eleonora 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The upsurge of antimicrobial resistance demands innovative strategies to fight bacterial infections. With traditional antibiotics becoming less effective, anti-virulence agents or pathoblockers, arise as an alternative approach that seeks to disarm pathogens without affecting their viability, thereby reducing selective pressure for the emergence of resistance mechanisms.

Objectives
To elucidate the mechanism of action of compound N′-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (A16B1), a potent synthetic hydrazone inhibitor against the Salmonella PhoP/PhoQ system, essential for virulence.

Materials and methods
The measurement of the activity of PhoP/PhoQ-dependent and -independent reporter genes was used to evaluate the specificity of A16B1 to the PhoP regulon. Autokinase activity assays with either the native or truncated versions of PhoQ were used to dissect the A16B1 mechanism of action. The effect of A16B1 on Salmonella intramacrophage replication was assessed using the gentamicin protection assay. The checkerboard assay approach was used to analyse potentiation effects of colistin with the hydrazone. The Galleria mellonella infection model was chosen to evaluate A16B1 as an in vivo therapy against Salmonella.

Results
A16B1 repressed the Salmonella PhoP/PhoQ system activity, specifically targeting PhoQ within the second transmembrane region. A16B1 demonstrates synergy with the antimicrobial peptide colistin, reduces the intramacrophage proliferation of Salmonella without being cytotoxic and enhances the survival of G. mellonella larvae systemically infected with Salmonella.

Conclusions
A16B1 selectively inhibits the activity of the Salmonella PhoP/PhoQ system through a novel inhibitory mechanism, representing a promising synthetic hydrazone compound with the potential to function as a Salmonella pathoblocker. This offers innovative prospects for combating Salmonella infections while mitigating the risk of antimicrobial resistance emergence.
Therapeutic effects of mitoquinol during an acute heat stress challenge in growing barrows
Authors: Mayorga Edith J , Horst Erin A , Goetz Brady M , Rodriguez-Jimenez Sonia , Abeyta Megan A , Al-Qaisi Mohmmad , Rhoads Robert P , Selsby Joshua T , Baumgard Lance H 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Study objectives were to determine the effects of mitoquinol (MitoQ, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant) on biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation during acute heat stress (HS). Crossbred barrows [n = 32; 59.0 ± 5.6 kg body weight (BW)] were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 environmental-therapeutic treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) control (n = 8; TNCon), 2) TN and MitoQ (n = 8; TNMitoQ), 3) HS control (n = 8; HSCon), or 4) HS and MitoQ (n = 8; HSMitoQ). Pigs were acclimated for 6 d to individual pens before study initiation. The trial consisted of two experimental periods (P). During P1 (2 d), pigs were fed ad libitum and housed in TN conditions (20.6 ± 0.8 °C). During P2 (24 h), HSCon and HSMitoQ pigs were exposed to continuous HS (35.2 ± 0.2 °C), while TNCon and TNMitoQ remained in TN conditions. MitoQ (40 mg/d) was orally administered twice daily (0700 and 1800 hours) during P1 and P2. Pigs exposed to HS had increased rectal temperature, skin temperature, and respiration rate (+1.5 °C, +6.8 °C, and +101 breaths per minute, respectively; P &lt; 0.01) compared to their TN counterparts. Acute HS markedly decreased feed intake (FI; 67%; P &lt; 0.01); however, FI tended to be increased in HSMitoQ relative to HSCon pigs (1.5 kg vs. 0.9 kg, respectively; P = 0.08). Heat-stressed pigs lost BW compared to their TN counterparts (−4.7 kg vs. +1.6 kg, respectively; P &lt; 0.01); however, the reduction in BW was attenuated in HSMitoQ compared to HSCon pigs (−3.9 kg vs. −5.5 kg, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). Total gastrointestinal tract weight (empty tissue and luminal contents) was decreased in HS pigs relative to their TN counterparts (6.2 kg vs. 8.6 kg, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). Blood glucose increased in HSMitoQ relative to HSCon pigs (15%; P = 0.04). Circulating non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) increased in HS compared to TN pigs (P &lt; 0.01), although this difference was disproportionately influenced by elevated NEFA in HSCon relative to HSMitoQ pigs (251 μEq/L vs. 142 μEq/L; P &lt; 0.01). Heat-stressed pigs had decreased circulating insulin relative to their TN counterparts (47%; P = 0.04); however, the insulin:FI ratio tended to increase in HS relative to TN pigs (P = 0.09). Overall, circulating leukocytes were similar across treatments (P &gt; 0.10). Plasma C-reactive protein remained similar among treatments; however, haptoglobin increased in HS relative to TN pigs (48%; P = 0.03). In conclusion, acute HS exposure negatively altered animal performance, inflammation, and metabolism, which were partially ameliorated by MitoQ.
Exploring the interplay of weight-based teasing and sociodemographic factors in adolescent weight bias internalization
Authors: Wu Rui , Puhl Rebecca M , Lessard Leah M , Foster Gary D , Cardel Michelle I 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
Research has highlighted the potential adverse effects of weight bias internalization (WBI) on adolescents, but there has been little examination of WBI and sources of weight teasing (family, peers, or both) or across racial/ethnic diversity of adolescents. We aimed to examine the relationship between WBI and sources of weight teasing across sociodemographic characteristics and weight status in a diverse community sample of adolescents.

Methods
Data were collected from a U.S. sample of 1859 adolescents aged 10–17 years (59% female; 43% White, 27% Black or African American, and 25% Latino). An online questionnaire was used to assess participants’ experiences of weight teasing from family members, peers, or both, and their weight status, weight-related goals, WBI, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results
Adolescents experiencing weight teasing from both family and peers reported the highest levels of WBI, while those reporting no teasing exhibited the lowest levels. These patterns were observed across sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, and weight goals, and persisted after controlling for depressive symptoms. Notably, family influences played a salient role, with adolescents reporting higher WBI if teased by family only compared to teasing from peers only. Sex and racial differences were also observed in adolescents’ experiences with weight-based teasing.

Conclusion
Our study reveals associations between adolescent weight-based teasing, WBI, and sociodemographic factors. Weight-based teasing, whether from family and peers or from family only, was associated with increased WBI. Interventions targeting weight stigma in youth should not be limited to peer-focused efforts, but should also emphasize supportive family communication.
Combatting Corruption and Collusion in Public Procurement
Authors: Anderson Robert D , Jones Alison , Kovacic William E 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This book considers why corruption and collusion continue to undermine public procurement processes despite national and international efforts to combat them. It also makes proposals for reforms aimed at combatting these practices and helping countries to defend the integrity of their public procurement systems. It examines why public procurement processes are especially prone to distortion by corruption and/or collusion, the harm these practices cause, the basic frameworks that countries adopt to limit the scope for corruption and supplier collusion in their public procurement systems, and how the effectiveness of these foundational frameworks can be optimized, strengthened, and bolstered to ensure that they achieve their objectives and are not prevented by weaknesses within them. Recognizing that, even if they may embody common elements, the challenges of implementing and embedding an effective system vary across jurisdictions; subsequent chapters go on to examine the particular contexts of, and make proposals for reform in, seven discrete jurisdictions, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Hungary, Poland, the Ukraine, and Canada. It concludes by drawing together the book’s overall findings and reform proposals and highlighting some core points relating to the general and jurisdiction-specific discussions. An overarching theme includes the real need in all states to recognize the pervasive nature, and high risk, of corruption and collusion impacting public procurement, and the necessity to hone and develop public procurement systems routinely to counter the compelling incentives for such conduct, to block opportunities for it, and to encourage compliance with relevant laws.
Competition Law and Public Interest Considerations
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter introduces the purpose of the book. The overall objective of this book is to assess whether US government and regulatory authorities in a variety of sectors assess mergers and acquisition transactions by looking at the impact of these transactions on public interest considerations. The Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice approach to the assessment of transactions brings to light areas of convergence and divergence between these two competition authorities and authorities such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission, and other sector regulatory authorities in the United States. The book closely scrutinizes the US merger control enforcement in all its variants and in different industry sectors and discusses the approach of the authorities involved as they are focusing on competition considerations, such as the impact of the transaction on consumer welfare, as well as non-competition considerations such as public interest, taking into account social and economic values, including national security and other aspects of public interest aspects relevant for the regulated sectors.
Conclusion
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The concluding chapter brings together the analysis in the book and shows the extent to which public interest considerations applied by sectoral regulators in the United States as well as considerations in relation to national security that are taken into account by Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States have been incorporated in US merger control. The chapter notes that the application of a national security test, without an appropriate balance of transparency, runs the risk of undermining legal certainty that is essential for foreign direct investment. In relation to the public interest test applied by sectoral regulators in merger assessment, the chapter argues its application has frequently failed to be applied in a consistent and evidence-based manner, when compared to the approach the antitrust agencies take under the substantial lessening of competition test on transactions of concurrent jurisdiction, largely because the public interest standard incorporates multiple aims that need to be accommodated. The chapter observes that in this overlapping jurisdiction there is an imbalance between the competition and non-competition considerations, where sectoral regulators, who have limited expertise in competition analysis compared to the antitrust agencies, have the authority to overrule the view of the latter. Distilling all these considerations, the chapter suggests that the application of these standards has resulted in a complex, expensive, and inefficient merger assessment process in the sectors discussed herein, which is difficult to justify how it leads to efficiency in the mergers and acquisition assessment process in the United States.
Merger Control, National Security, and Foreign Direct Investment Screening
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between national security, foreign direct investment (FDI), and competition policy in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Spanning a wide array of jurisdictions, industries, and policy contexts, it delves into the complexities of reconciling protectionist measures with the imperative of fostering international investment and maintaining a level playing field for all businesses, regardless of nationality. Central to the book’s analysis is the exploration of FDI screening mechanisms with a national security perspective as they apply to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. Drawing on case studies from major economies like the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and beyond, the book examines how lawmakers negotiate between protecting their strategic sectors and promoting a welcoming environment for investors. The book underscores the need for transparency, predictability, and procedural clarity in these mechanisms to foster stakeholder confidence and curb arbitrary decision-making. Furthermore, the book contributes to illustrating the increasingly important link between competition law and non-competition interests. Through meticulous examination, the book showcases how competition authorities grapple with incorporating broader societal goals (in general) and national security concerns (in particular) into merger control assessments. It scrutinizes the challenges of balancing these objectives while maintaining the integrity of competition law principles and avoiding undue political influence. The book’s analysis serves as a timely guide for policymakers, practitioners, scholars, and stakeholders seeking to navigate the intricacies of global economic interdependence without dismissing national interests.
Introduction
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The Introduction presents national security assessments in the context of FDI across various jurisdictions. The chapter reviews the history and rationale of economic nationalism as a strategy to safeguard domestic economies against foreign economic influences, especially during crises. The Covid-19 pandemic revived the discourse on global trade models, culminating in countries adopting policies to shield economic sovereignty. The intricate balance between market integration and protectionist policies is illustrated, with emphasis on the relevance of national security considerations amidst international investment dynamics. The chapter summarizes the structure of the book and offers an overview of the approaches adopted by the jurisdictions taken into consideration. The global trend towards scrutinizing foreign investments in a rapidly changing global economic climate is emphasized. Finally, the chapter underscores that even accepting that governments might resort to protectionist policies to protect national security and critical assets, this strategy should consider the need to protect open markets.