bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Breadth Predicts Toxin Expression Complexity in the Venoms of North American Gartersnakes
Authors: Heptinstall T C , Rosales García R A , Rautsaw R M , Myers E A , Holding M L , Mason A J , Hofmann E P , Schramer T D , Hogan M P , Borja M , Castañeda-Gaytán G , Feldman C R , Rokyta D R , Parkinson C L 
Published: February 2025

Synopsis
Selection on heritable phenotypic variation has played a prominent role in shaping the remarkable adaptations found across the Tree of Life. Complex ecological traits, such as snake venoms, are thought to be the products of selection because they directly link to fitness and survival. Snake venom increases the efficiency of prey capture and processing and is thus likely under intense selection. While many studies of snake venom have investigated the relationship between venom and diet, they have primarily focused on medically relevant front-fanged snakes. However, recent work has suggested that many non-front fanged snakes also rely on venom for subduing prey, despite having reduced toxicity toward humans. Here, we set out to uncover variation in toxin-producing genes, along with the ecological and evolutionary pressures impacting snake venom characteristics in the North American gartersnakes (Squamata: Natricidae: Thamnophis), a model group of non-front-fanged snakes. We annotated and analyzed Duvernoy's venom gland transcriptomes from 16 species representing all the major lineages within Thamnophis. We then generated measures of complexity of both toxins and dietary breadth. We found strong correlations between the complexity of toxin gene expression and phylogenetic diversity of diet, but no relationship between the complexity of the genetic makeup of the transcriptomes (allelic or sequence variation) and diet complexities. We also found phylogenetic signal associated with venom complexity, suggesting some influence of ancestry on venom characteristics. We suggest that, in non-front-fanged snakes, expression of toxins rather than sequence complexity is under strong selection by dietary diversity. These findings contradict similar studies from front-fanged snakes where increased transcriptomic complexity varies positively with dietary diversity, exposing a potential novel relationship between a complex phenotype—toxin expression—and its selective pressures—diet.
Characterization and comparison of immunity against MPXV for individuals infected with MPXV or vaccinated with modified vaccinia Ankara vaccines
Authors: Wiedemann Aurélie , Surénaud Mathieu , Hubert Mathieu , Lopez Zaragoza José-Luis , Ribeiro Alexandre , Rodrigues Cécile , Foucat Emile , Diombera Harouna , Krief Corinne , Schwartz Olivier , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Lévy Yves 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The 2022 Mpox virus (MPXV) outbreak revitalized questions about immunity against MPXV and vaccinia-based vaccines (VAC-V), but studies are limited. We analyzed immunity against MPXV in individuals infected with MPXV or vaccinated with the licensed modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) Bavarian Nordic or an experimental MVA-HIVB vaccine. The frequency of neutralizing antibody responders was higher among MPXV-infected individuals than MVA vaccinees. Both MVA vaccines induced similar and strong humoral responses. Similarly, we show a higher frequency and magnitude (5-fold) of T cell responses, mainly mediated by CD8+ T cells, against a peptide pool containing selected sequences from MPXV, variola, and VAC-V in MPXV-infected individuals than MVA vaccinees. We describe a hierarchy of cross-reactive T cell responses against 5 peptide pools that are highly homologous between VAC-V and MPXV 2022, with the highest frequency of responders against MVA-121L and MVA-018L proteins. Both vaccines stimulated a notable frequency of polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, with a subset of CD4+ T cells showing a mixed cytokine profile. Finally, we found that smallpox vaccination in childhood positively affected humoral but not T cell vaccine responses, whereas these responses were not affected in people living with HIV. These findings contribute to deciphering and monitoring the profile of immunity to MPXV and MVA. In the context of a potential threat of the reemergence of smallpox following bioterrorism, the diversification and availability of potent vaccines is crucial. The comparable immunogenicity of both MVA vaccines emphasizes the potential utility of MVA-HIVB as a valuable new tool for controlling MPXV outbreaks.
Histone Methylation in Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yu Mei-Hui , Liao Wen-Chi , Wu Keqiang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies, challenge plant growth and productivity, requiring adaptive mechanisms for survival. Histone modifications, especially histone methylation, participate in gene expression regulation in response to these stresses. Notably, bivalent H3K4me3-H3K27me3 modifications play a central role in fine-tuning stress-responsive genes, allowing plants adapt to environmental changes. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic switching of these bivalent chromatin marks at specific loci during stress, facilitating plant acclimatization to adverse environments. This review focuses on the four major histone H3 methylation modifications—H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, and H3K36—examining the roles of the associated methyltransferases and demethylases in mediating histone methylation dynamics. We synthesize recent findings on how these modifications regulate plant responses to various abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, heat, light stress, heavy metal exposure, and nutrient stress. By exploring these molecular mechanisms, we aim to deepen the understanding of how histone methylation shapes plant stress responses at both transcriptional and epigenetic levels. Furthermore, we also discuss the functional interaction of histone methylation with histone acetylation. These insights are critical for advancing breeding strategies aimed at improving plant tolerance to environmental stressors, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change.
Binary division of plastids involves ER-mediation
Authors: Ghosh Puja Puspa , Kunjumon Thomas Kadanthottu , Mathur Jaideep 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Plastids divide through binary division, involving the cytosolic protein Accumulation and Replication of Chloroplast 5 (ARC5), suggested to constrict and sever the plastid envelope membrane. However, the mechanisms involved in ARC5 recruitment to the mid-plastid division site and the final separation of daughter plastids are not fully understood. Using time-lapse imaging of Arabidopsis thaliana stable transgenics expressing fluorescently tagged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ARC5 proteins, we investigated the role played by the ER in the late stages of plastid division. Our observations establish that prior to its mid-plastid localization at the division-plane, ARC5 associates with ER membranes. ARC5-ER association generates an ER band around the plastid mid-plane that persists throughout division. Progressive tightening of the ER-band narrows the plastid middle to form an isthmus. Concomitantly, tandem plastid – ER dynamics facilitated by membrane contact sites (MCSs) move and rotate the dividing plastid and ultimately lead to the separation of daughter plastids. Our findings strongly indicate a pivotal role for the ER in facilitating plastid division.
Urease-catalyzed microbial and enzymatic carbonate precipitation for eco-friendly heavy metal remediation
Authors: Rajasekar Adharsh , Omoregie Armstrong Ighodalo , Kui Kan Fock 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Heavy metal contamination significantly threatens environmental and public health, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation technologies. This review explores two innovative bioremediation techniques: microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP). Both techniques show promise for immobilizing heavy metals in laboratory and field settings. MICP utilizes the metabolic activity of ureolytic microorganisms to precipitate calcium carbonate, sequestering heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic as stable metal–carbonate complexes. EICP, on the other hand, employs urease enzymes to catalyze calcium carbonate precipitation, offering greater control over reaction conditions and higher efficiency in environments unfavorable to microbial activity. This mini-review compares the mechanisms of MICP and EICP, focusing on factors influencing their performance, including enzyme or microbial activity, pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. Case studies illustrate their success in sequestering heavy metals, emphasizing their practical applications and environmental benefits. A comparative analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of MICP and EICP regarding cost, scalability, and challenges. This review synthesizes research to support the advancement of MICP and EICP as sustainable solutions for mitigating heavy metal contamination.
Cosmological constraints using Minkowski functionals from the first year data of the Hyper Suprime-Cam
Authors: Armijo Joaquin , Marques Gabriela A , Novaes Camila P , Thiele Leander , Cowell Jessica A , Grandón Daniela , Shirasaki Masato , Liu Jia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
We use Minkowski functionals to analyse weak lensing convergence maps from the first-year data release of the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC-Y1) survey. Minkowski functionals provide a description of the morphological properties of a field, capturing the non-Gaussian features of the Universe matter-density distribution. Using simulated catalogues that reproduce survey conditions and encode cosmological information, we emulate Minkowski functionals predictions across a range of cosmological parameters to derive the best-fit from the data. By applying multiple scales cuts, we rigorously mitigate systematic effects, including baryonic feedback and intrinsic alignments. From the analysis, combining constraints of the angular power spectrum and Minkowski functionals, we obtain $S_8 \equiv \sigma _8\sqrt{\Omega _{{\rm m}}/0.3} = {0.808}_{-0.046}^{+0.033}$ and $\Omega _{\rm m} = {0.293}_{-0.043}^{+0.157}$. These results represent a 40 per cent improvement on the $S_8$ constraints compared to using power spectrum only. Minkowski functionals results are consistent with other two-point, and higher order statistics constraints using the same data, being in agreement with CMB results from the Planck $S_8$ measurements. Our study demonstrates the power of Minkowski functionals beyond two-point statistics to constrain and break the degeneracy between $\Omega _{\rm m}$ and $\sigma _8$.
Glioma-White Matter Tract Interactions: A dMRI-Based Three-Tier Classification and Its Clinical Relevance
Authors: Hu Jie , Bao Hongbo , Liu Xing , Fang Shengyu , Yan Zeya , Wang Zihan , Zhang Renwu , Wang Ruiyang , Pu Tingting , Li Chao , Cui Zaixu , Jiang Tao , Wang Yinyan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study proposed a classification system for the interaction between gliomas and white matter tracts, exploring its potential associations with clinical characteristics, tumor pathological subtypes, and patient outcomes.

Methods
Clinical data and diffusion MRI from 360 glioma patients who underwent craniotomy were analyzed. Using automatic fiber tractography, glioma-tract relationships were categorized into three types: displacement, infiltration, and disruption. Double immunohistochemical staining for IDH and MBP was performed on neuronavigation-guided tissue samples to validate the imaging-based classifications. The clinical implications of these classifications on the extent of tumor resection, postoperative motor function, and survival outcomes were evaluated.

Results
Among the patients, 35 (9.7%) were categorized as displacement type, 283 (78.6%) as infiltration type, and 42 (11.7%) as disruption type. Disruption-type tracts were predominantly associated with IDH wild-type gliomas (87.2%), significantly higher than infiltration (28.5%) and displacement types (23.5%) (P &lt; 0.001). Displacement and infiltration types were more common in IDH-mutant gliomas (P &lt; 0.001). Displacement-type tracts were significantly associated with higher rates of complete tumor resection compared to infiltration types (P = 0.015). In corticospinal tract involved cases, displacement-type tumors demonstrated no significant postoperative motor strength changes, whereas infiltration (P &lt; 0.001) and disruption types (P = 0.013) were highly associated with postoperative motor deficits. Histological results aligned with dMRI-based classifications.

Conclusions
This dMRI-based classification of glioma-tract interactions is significantly associated with tumor pathology, resection outcomes, functional prognosis, and survival, providing a valuable tool for personalized and precise surgical planning.
All-cause excess mortality following Storm Daniel flood event in Greece
Authors: Valavani Evdoxia , Bellos Vasilis , Apostolidou-Kiouti Fani , Benos Alexis , Kondilis Elias 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Storm Daniel, characterized as the most severe 21st century flood event in Greece, struck the Regions of Thessaly and Central Greece in early September 2023, resulting in 17 reported direct fatalities.

Methods
This study evaluated all-cause excess mortality in the prefectures of Fthiotida, Karditsa/Trikala and Magnesia affected by Storm Daniel. We compared weekly deaths during the first week and the 90 days following the flood, to expected deaths based on historical trends 2015–2019.

Results
During the week of the flooding event, Fthiotida, Karditsa/Trikala and Magnesia prefectures experienced mortality increases of 57% (95%CI: 19%–95%), 40% (95%CI: 13%–66%) and 39% (95%CI: 7%–70%) over expected levels, respectively. A total of 54 (95% CI: 31–77) excess deaths were recorded during the week of Storm Daniel’s landfall, with the cumulative number of excess deaths reaching to 335 (95% CI: 250–420) over subsequent 90 days.

Conclusion
Conventional approaches that focus solely on immediate and direct flood fatalities underestimate the overall and actual health risks faced by flood-affected communities. Floods have complex and long-term health effects, necessitating continuous monitoring of the affected communities.
Readability of Patient Education Materials for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Sedani Anil , Kholodovsky Eric , Trapana Justin , Trapana Evan 
Published: February 2025

Study Design:
Descriptive study.

Summary of Background Data:
Patients commonly use online patient education materials (PEM) to learn about anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the readability of patient education materials on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Methods:
The Google search engine was queried using the term “Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion patient information.” The first 25 websites meeting inclusion criteria for this term were evaluated. Readability scores were automatically calculated by transferring the texts to http://www.readabilityformulas.com. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each measure using SPSS version 28.0.0.

Results:
The mean average reading level was 9.2±2.4. The mean readability score out of 100 for the FK Reading Ease Score was 55.2±8.6. The remaining scores were: Gunning Fog, 12.7±2.2; FK Grade Level, 8.9±2.0; The Coleman Liau Index, 11.0±1.7; SMOG Index, 48.1±197.0; Automated Readability Index, 8.1±3.11; Linsear Write Formula, 9.8±2.1. Only 2 of the PEMs were written at or below a sixth grade level and only 7 were written at or below an eighth grade reading level.

Conclusion:
Patient readability is an important component of patient care and the current readability level of ACDF PEMs is insufficient. At their current state, PEMs may not allow a significant portion of the population to understand the nature of their condition and procedure properly.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Analysis of Duloxetine-Related Adverse Events Using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhu Meng , Lv Shengxia , Zhu Feiye , Zhang Yongsheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of adverse drug reactions of duloxetine and investigate the potential precautions that may exist beyond the drug label.

Methods
This study used data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database 2004–2023 and the linked information of duloxetine. Four algorithms used to evaluate the correlation between duloxetine and adverse events include reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker.

Results
Adverse reactions involving duloxetine were associated with 24 System Organ Classes. Among them, the three most frequent systems affected were psychiatric disorders (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 5.05), nervous system disorders (ROR 2.27), and general medical conditions and administration site conditions (ROR 0.83). Of particular note, the number of reported cases and the risk of occurrence of adverse events of drug withdrawal syndrome (n = 7498), nausea (n = 7942), and headache (n = 5732) were the highest, increasing each year and reached a peak submission in 2017. More importantly, the occurrence of reproductive system and breast disorders (chisq 317.85) was not mentioned in the drug leaflet.

Conclusions
Psychiatric and nervous system disorders are the most frequently reported adverse events associated with duloxetine, with drug withdrawal syndrome, nausea, and headache being especially common. The emergence of mood-related symptoms, such as agitation and irritability, underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of mental health. Additionally, potential risks affecting the reproductive system suggest areas for further attention. These findings highlight the importance of proactive monitoring to improve patient safety during duloxetine treatment.
Preventing Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths with Naloxone—A Medical Examiner Study
Authors: Alexander Gabriel D. , Ferreira Pamela A. , Dean Stephanie A. , Alexander Russell T. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
An epidemic of fentanyl overdose deaths has led to community naloxone use to save lives, and it has been suggested that businesses face legal liability for failing to provide naloxone. This study reviewed Maryland fentanyl-related overdose deaths in 2022. A death was considered preventable by widespread availability and use of naloxone in the following circumstances: a witnessed arrest, a person suffering an overdose found within 30 minutes of last being known alive, a person found unresponsive who showed potential to be resuscitated by emergency medical services, or the person being “found dead” in a public area such that a reasonable opportunity existed for someone else to find the decedent earlier and administer naloxone before death occurred. Of the 2047 overdose deaths in the study, 13.5% were deemed possibly preventable, and 2.7% were found such that a business could have possibly provided naloxone. The preventable overdoses were most commonly found by a “close contact” (family, friend, boy/girlfriend, and room/housemate) in a residence. A targeted effort to educate and supply naloxone to people who use drugs and their close contacts offers the best chance of reducing fentanyl overdose deaths. Mandating all businesses to carry naloxone is not supported by this study.
Behavioral Readiness for Daily Oral PrEP in a Diverse Sample of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men who have Sex with Men Who Have Not Been Offered PrEP by a Provider
Authors: Kota Krishna Kiran , Mansergh Gordon , Carnes Neal , Gelaude Deborah 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remains suboptimal. Assessing behavioral readiness for PrEP use among GBMSM who can benefit and offering PrEP may increase uptake among GBMSM. We measured 4-item readiness for taking PrEP among GBMSM who have not been offered PrEP by a provider.

Methods:
GBMSM in Atlanta, Chicago, and Raleigh-Durham reporting recent condomless anal sex were assessed for “readiness” to discuss PrEP with a provider, test for HIV, take a daily pill, attend provider appointments, and a 4-component composite score for PrEP readiness. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were applied to examine factors associated with readiness to use PrEP.

Results:
Study sample (n=187) was 51% Black, 15% Hispanic, 30% identified as bisexual or straight or other, and 29% had no health insurance. 55% said they were ready to discuss PrEP with a provider, 88% were ready to get an HIV test, 45% were ready to take a daily pill, 48% were ready to attend appointments, and 37% reported overall PrEP readiness. Having no health insurance was associated with readiness for a daily pill (AOR=2.78, CI=1.34-5.78) and 4-item PrEP readiness (AOR=2.34, CI=1.13-4.85). Self-identification as gay (vs bisexual/straight) was associated with readiness to discuss PrEP (AOR=2.14, CI=1.05-4.36).

Conclusion:
Only 37% of GBMSM with recent condomless anal sex were ready for PrEP based on the 4-item readiness. Readiness may differ based on sexual identity, insurance status, and other characteristics. Efforts are needed to increase readiness across behavioral components of PrEP use.
Adverse Events Associated With Female External Urinary Collection Devices
Authors: Golshani Mahgol , Tverye Aaron , Bate Taylor , Anger Jennifer T. , Souders Colby P. 
Published: February 2025

Importance
Female external urinary collection devices were designed with the goal of decreasing the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, which can have significant clinical complications. The BD PureWick urinary collection system, C. R. Bard, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, was the first device to enter the market and has had a widespread distribution. There is a lack of clinical data evaluating the safety of the PureWick device.

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate adverse events associated with the PureWick device using reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Device Experience database.

Study Design
A retrospective case series was conducted of adverse events from the database, which includes the adverse events and patient demographics from mandatory and voluntary reporters. Grounded theory was applied, utilizing inductive reasoning to identify salient keywords in the analysis of adverse events.

Results
A total of 1,406 reports were submitted to the database from January 2016 to October 2023, with each report having at least 1 adverse event complaint. Report complaints were classified by patient injury (n = 1412, 67.6%), device malfunction (n = 459, 22.1%), user error (n = 125, 6.0%), device instructions (n = 83, 4.0%) and death (n = 6, 0.29%). Salient keywords include urinary tract infection, skin irritation, and device leakage.

Conclusions
There are adverse events associated with the PureWick external urinary collection device in reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration database. These findings warrant additional studies to assess the safety of the PureWick for patients using the device in the hospital and at home.