bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fall of Italia Risorta: Ethiopia, Roman Africa, and the Invention of Italy
Authors: Agbamu Samuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This chapter explores Italian discourses about Roman imperialism in the context of the Italy’s first colonies in East Africa, and its defeats in Ethiopia in the 1880s and 1890s. It begins by setting Italian imperial classicism in this period within the context of the classicizing imperialisms of other powers. First, it examines British and Egyptian imperial ambitions towards Ethiopia, framed with reference to ancient history. Next it charts Italy’s early colonial endeavours in East Africa, culminating with the defeat at the Battle of Dogali in 1887. This was commemorated in classical style, two significant instances being an obelisk in central Rome, and essays by Alfredo Oriani. The chapter suggests that, from the very beginning of the existence of the Italian nation state, colonialism in Africa, modelled on ancient Roman imperialism, was central to Italian national self-understanding.
Deep mitochondrial phylogeographical pattern: cryptic population structure within an ecological niche in the near-threatened Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
Authors: Ummee Chanatip , Sitdhibutr Ratiwan , Lertwatcharasarakul Preeda , Kasorndorkbua Chaiyan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) has higher environmental specificity than other species in the same genus, and its population has declined due to diclofenac exposure and shortage of carcasses as a food source. Previous analysis of mitochondrial (mt) DNA cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequences reported no distinct geographical population structure in the Himalayan vulture. Contradictory results were obtained in the present study, which investigated the population structure of 14 Himalayan vultures that migrated to Thailand during winter. Using samples obtained between 2010 and 2021, as well as limited GenBank samples, the study found that the Cyt b locus was incapable of distinguishing population structure. This dataset contrasted with the mtDNA control region (CR) and Cyt b + CR dataset, which divided them into two groups, as explained by the Middle–Late Pleistocene climate change scenario. The species split into populations from the central, western, and northern regions of its distribution range within the highland vulture ecological niche. This study reviews the different methods used as compared with previous proposals for defining guidelines for the conservation of this near-threatened scavenging species.
Conventional and unconventional T-cell responses contribute to the prediction of clinical outcome and causative bacterial pathogen in sepsis patients
Authors: Burton Ross J , Raffray Loïc , Moet Linda M , Cuff Simone M , White Daniel A , Baker Sarah E , Moser Bernhard , O’Donnell Valerie B , Ghazal Peter , Morgan Matt P , Artemiou Andreas , Eberl Matthias 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sepsis is characterized by a dysfunctional host response to infection culminating in life-threatening organ failure that requires complex patient management and rapid intervention. Timely diagnosis of the underlying cause of sepsis is crucial, and identifying those at risk of complications and death is imperative for triaging treatment and resource allocation. Here, we explored the potential of explainable machine learning models to predict mortality and causative pathogen in sepsis patients. By using a modelling pipeline employing multiple feature selection algorithms, we demonstrate the feasibility of identifying integrative patterns from clinical parameters, plasma biomarkers, and extensive phenotyping of blood immune cells. While no single variable had sufficient predictive power, models that combined five and more features showed a macro area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 to predict 90-day mortality after sepsis diagnosis, and a macro AUC of 0.86 to discriminate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. Parameters associated with the cellular immune response contributed the most to models predictive of 90-day mortality, most notably, the proportion of T cells among PBMCs, together with expression of CXCR3 by CD4+ T cells and CD25 by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Frequencies of Vδ2+ γδ T cells had the most profound impact on the prediction of Gram-negative infections, alongside other T-cell-related variables and total neutrophil count. Overall, our findings highlight the added value of measuring the proportion and activation patterns of conventional and unconventional T cells in the blood of sepsis patients in combination with other immunological, biochemical, and clinical parameters.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in ROS1 Fusion-Positive Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Xinmin , Zhang Xin , Chen Hanlin , Bao Hairong , Wu Xianghua , Wang Huijie , Bao Hua , Pang Jiaohui , Wang Sha , Wang Jialei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
ROS1 fusion-positive (ROS1+) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are highly sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatments. However, acquired TKI resistance remains the major hurdle preventing patients from experiencing prolonged benefits.

Methods
107 advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC patients who progressed on crizotinib and lorlatinib were recruited. Tissue and plasma samples were collected at baseline (N = 50), postcrizotinib (N = 91), and postlorlatinib (N = 21), which were all subject to the 139-gene targeted next-generation DNA sequencing. Molecular dynamics modeling was performed to investigate the effects of ROS1 mutations on binding to different TKIs.

Results
In patients with postcrizotinib and postlorlatinib samples, an accumulation of on- and off-target resistance alterations after multiple TKI treatments was observed. ROS1 G2032R and MET amplification were the most common on-target and off-target alterations, respectively. Patients with CD74-ROS1 and SLC34A2-ROS1 had longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P &lt; 0.001) and higher rates of resistance mutations (on-target, P = 0.001; off-target, P = 0.077) than other ROS1 fusion variants following crizotinib treatment. Ten distinct on-target resistance mutations were detected after TKI therapies, of which 4 were previously unreported (ROS1 L2010M, G1957A, D1988N, L1982V). Molecular dynamics simulations showed that all 4 mutations were refractory to crizotinib, while G1957A, D1988N, and L1982V were potentially sensitive to lorlatinib and entrectinib.

Conclusions
This study provided a comprehensive portrait of TKI-resistance mechanisms in ROS1+ NSCLC patients. Using in silico simulations of TKI activity, novel secondary mutations that may confer TKI resistance were identified and may support clinical therapeutic decision-making.
Unravelling the Oral–Gut Axis: Interconnection Between Periodontitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Current Challenges, and Future Perspective
Authors: Tanwar Himanshi , Gnanasekaran Jeba Mercy , Allison Devon , Chuang Ling-shiang , He Xuesong , Aimetti Mario , Baima Giacomo , Costalonga Massimo , Cross Raymond K , Sears Cynthia , Mehandru Saurabh , Cho Judy , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Raufman Jean-Pierre , Thumbigere-Math Vivek 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As the opposite ends of the orodigestive tract, the oral cavity and the intestine share anatomical, microbial, and immunological ties that have bidirectional health implications. A growing body of evidence suggests an interconnection between oral pathologies and inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], implying a shift from the traditional concept of independent diseases to a complex, reciprocal cycle. This review outlines the evidence supporting an ‘oral–gut’ axis, marked by a higher prevalence of periodontitis and other oral conditions in IBD patients and vice versa. We present an in-depth examination of the interconnection between oral pathologies and IBD, highlighting the shared microbiological and immunological pathways, and proposing a ‘multi-hit’ hypothesis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-mediated intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the review underscores the critical need for a collaborative approach between dentists and gastroenterologists to provide holistic oral–systemic healthcare.
Sexual selection and mate limitation shape evolution of species’ range limits
Authors: Tschol Maximilian , Reid Jane M , Bocedi Greta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Understanding what processes shape the formation of species’ geographic range limits is one central objective linking ecology and evolutionary biology. One potentially key process is sexual selection; yet, theory examining how sexual selection could shape eco-evolutionary dynamics in marginal populations is still lacking. In species with separate sexes, range limits could be shaped by limitations in encountering mates at low densities. Sexual selection could therefore modulate mate limitation and resulting extinction–colonization dynamics at range margins, through evolution of mate encounter ability and/or mate competition traits, and their demographic consequences. We use a spatially explicit eco-genetic model to reveal how different forms of sexual selection can variably affect emerging range limits. Larger ranges emerged when sexual selection acted exclusively on traits increasing mate encounter probability, thus reducing female’s mate limitation toward the range margins. In contrast, sexual selection via mate competition narrowed range limits due to increased trait-dependent mortality in males and elevated mate limitation for females. When mate encounter coevolved with mate competition, their combined effects on range limits depended on the mating system (polygyny vs. monogamy). Our results demonstrate that evolution of species’ ranges may be importantly shaped by feedbacks between sexual selection and spatial population demography and dynamics.
Changes in core–mantle boundary heat flux patterns throughout the supercontinent cycle
Authors: Dannberg Juliane , Gassmöller Rene , Thallner Daniele , LaCombe Frederick , Sprain Courtney 
Published: February 2024

SUMMARY
The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by a dynamo in the outer core and is crucial for shielding our planet from harmful radiation. Despite the established importance of the core–mantle boundary (CMB) heat flux as driver for the dynamo, open questions remain about how heat flux heterogeneities affect the magnetic field. Here, we explore the distribution of the CMB heat flux on Earth and its changes over time using compressible global 3-D mantle convection models in the geodynamic modelling software ASPECT. We discuss the use of the consistent boundary flux method as a tool to more accurately compute boundary heat fluxes in finite element simulations and the workflow to provide the computed heat flux patterns as boundary conditions in geodynamo simulations. Our models use a plate reconstruction throughout the last 1 billion years—encompassing the complete supercontinent cycle—to determine the location and sinking speed of subducted plates. The results show how mantle upwellings and downwellings create localized heat flux anomalies at the CMB that can vary drastically over Earth’s history and depend on the properties and evolution of the lowermost mantle as well as the surface subduction zone configuration. The distribution of hot and cold structures at the CMB changes throughout the supercontinent cycle in terms of location, shape and number, indicating that these structures fluctuate and might have looked very differently in Earth’s past. We estimate the resulting amplitude of spatial heat flux variations, expressed by the ratio of peak-to-peak amplitude to average heat flux, q*, to be at least 2. However, depending on the material properties and the adiabatic heat flux out of the core, q* can easily reach values &gt;30. For a given set of material properties, q* generally varies by 30–50 per cent over time. Our results have implications for understanding the Earth’s thermal evolution and the stability of its magnetic field over geological timescales. They provide insights into the potential effects of the mantle on the magnetic field and pave the way for further exploring questions about the nucleation of the inner core and the past state of the lowermost mantle.
Cytolethal Distending Toxin Modulates Cell Differentiation and Elicits Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Azzi-Martin Lamia , Touffait-Calvez Valentin , Everaert Maude , Jia Ruxue , Sifré Elodie , Seeneevassen Lornella , Varon Christine , Dubus Pierre , Ménard Armelle 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The bacterial genotoxin, cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), causes DNA damage in host cells, a risk factor for carcinogenesis. Previous studies have shown that CDT induces phenotypes reminiscent of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involved in cancer initiation and progression.

Methods
We investigated different steps of EMT in response to Helicobacter hepaticus CDT and its active CdtB subunit using in vivo and in vitro models.

Results
Most of the steps of the EMT process were induced by CDT/CdtB and observed throughout the study in murine and epithelial cell culture models. CdtB induced cell-cell junction disassembly, causing individualization of cells and acquisition of a spindle-like morphology. The key transcriptional regulators of EMT (SNAIL and ZEB1) and some EMT markers were upregulated at both RNA and protein levels in response to CDT/CdtB. CdtB increased the expression and proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases, as well as cell migration. A range of these results were confirmed in Helicobacter hepaticus-infected and xenograft murine models. In addition, colibactin, a genotoxic metabolite produced by Escherichia coli, induced EMT-like effects in cell culture.

Conclusions
Overall, these data show that infection with genotoxin-producing bacteria elicits EMT process activation, supporting their role in tumorigenesis.
Populist Foreign Policy: Mapping the Developing Research Program on Populism in International Relations
Authors: Wajner Daniel F , Giurlando Philip 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article reviews one of the expanding research programs in international relations (IR): the study of populist foreign policy (PFP). Recent years have witnessed a significant proliferation of IR scholars researching the nexus between the global rise of populism and their foreign policies across different countries, regions, and sub-fields. However, scientific progress at such stage of this research program demands an in-depth “mapping” of its different ontological approaches. To this end, we identify and explore five “schools” of PFP that have been consolidated in the last decade, while highlighting their accomplishments in understanding the distinctive populist elements in foreign policy and their possibilities of analyzing local and external conditions under which PFP impacts global politics. We also set the stage for future contributions on the drivers, patterns, and effects of PFP, under the assumption that the populist phenomenon and its transnational dimensions will continue to affect IR prospects for a long time to come.
Development and validation of an UPLC–MS/MS assay for the simultaneous quantification of seven commonly used antibiotics in human plasma and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Mekking Xin Meng , Velthoven-Graafland Kirsten , Teulen Marga J A , Brüggemann Roger J M , te Brake Lindsey H M , Jager Nynke G L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
To develop and validate an UPLC–MS/MS assay for simultaneous determination of the total concentration of ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, flucloxacillin, piperacillin, tazobactam, sulfamethoxazole, N-acetyl sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and the protein-unbound concentration of flucloxacillin, in human plasma to be used for research and clinical practice.

Methods
Sample pretreatment included protein precipitation with methanol. For the measurement of protein-unbound flucloxacillin, ultrafiltration was performed at physiological temperature. For all compounds, a stable isotopically labelled internal standard was used. Reliability of the results was assessed by participation in an international quality control programme.

Results
The assay was successfully validated according to the EMA guidelines over a concentration range of 0.5–100 mg/L for ceftazidime, 0.05–10 mg/L for ciprofloxacin, 0.4–125 mg/L for flucloxacillin, 0.2–60 mg/L for piperacillin, 0.15–30 mg/L for tazobactam, 1–200 mg/L for sulfamethoxazole and N-acetyl sulfamethoxazole, 0.05–10 mg/L for trimethoprim and 0.10–50 mg/L for unbound flucloxacillin. For measurement of total concentrations, the within- and between-day accuracy ranged from 90.0% to 109%, and 93.4% to 108%, respectively. Within- and between-day precision (variation coefficients, CVs) ranged from 1.70% to 11.2%, and 0.290% to 5.30%, respectively. For unbound flucloxacillin, within-day accuracy ranged from 103% to 106% and between-day accuracy from 102% to 105%. The within- and between-day CVs ranged from 1.92% to 7.11%. Results of the international quality control programme showed that the assay is reliable.

Conclusions
The method provided reliable, precise and accurate measurement of seven commonly prescribed antibiotics, including the unbound concentration of flucloxacillin. This method is now routinely applied in research and clinical practice.
Oviposition behavior of the quasi-gregarious parasitoid, Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Hofstetter Richard W , Raffa Kenneth F , Halevy Miriam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The parasitoid wasp, Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is a natural enemy of the spongy moth, a significant forest pest in North America. We investigated the oviposition behavior of O. kuvanae females on spongy moth egg masses by (i) presenting female parasitoids with a single spongy moth egg mass that was replaced every day, 2nd day, 4th day, 8th day, or 16th day (which is the total length of the oviposition period) and (ii) presenting female parasitoids with 1, 2, 4, or 8 egg masses at a time. Offspring developmental length ranged from 18 to 24 days. On average, male offspring exhibited faster developmental times, emerging approximately 1 day ahead of females. The amount of time that adult females spent on an egg mass affected the number of parasitized eggs. Specifically, more offspring emerged in the 4-, 8-, and 16-day treatments than in scenarios involving daily or every second-day egg mass replacement. The percentage of male offspring decreased as the number of egg masses presented to females increased. Interestingly, the total number of female offspring remained constant, but the number of male offspring decreased with an increase in the number of egg masses and time spent by the parent within a patch. The observed sexual dimorphism in development time, the influence of resource availability on offspring sex ratios, and flexible oviposition patterns illustrate the adaptability of O. kuvanae in response to varying conditions. These insights have implications for our understanding of parasitoid–host interactions and their potential role in biological control strategies.
PTP1B phosphatase dampens iPSC-derived neutrophil motility and antimicrobial function
Authors: Giese Morgan A , Bennin David A , Schoen Taylor J , Peterson Ashley N , Schrope Jonathan H , Brand Josh , Jung Ho Sun , Keller Nancy P , Beebe David J , Dinh Huy Q , Slukvin Igor I , Huttenlocher Anna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of infection and are critical for pathogen clearance. Therapeutic use of primary neutrophils has been limited, as they have a short lifespan and are not amenable to genetic manipulation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide a robust source of neutrophils for infusion and are genetically tractable. However, current work has indicated that dampened intracellular signaling limits iPSC-derived neutrophil (iNeutrophil) cellular activation and antimicrobial response. Here, we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibits intracellular signaling and dampens iNeutrophil effector function. Deletion of the PTP1B phosphatase increased PI3K and ERK signaling and was associated with increased F-actin polymerization, cell migration, and phagocytosis. In contrast, other effector functions like NETosis and reactive oxygen species production were reduced. PTP1B-deficient neutrophils were more responsive to Aspergillus fumigatus and displayed rapid recruitment and control of hyphal growth. Accordingly, depletion of PTP1B increased production of inflammatory factors including the neutrophil chemokine interleukin-8. Taken together, these findings suggest that PTP1B limits iNeutrophil motility and antimicrobial function.
Lymph node stromal cells vary in susceptibility to infection but can support the intracellular growth of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Tucker Jamila S , Khan Hiba , D’Orazio Sarah E F 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) are an often overlooked component of the immune system but play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and orchestrating immune responses. Our understanding of the functions these cells serve in the context of bacterial infections remains limited. We previously showed that Listeria monocytogenes, a facultative intracellular foodborne bacterial pathogen, must replicate within an as-yet-unidentified cell type in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) to spread systemically. Here, we show that L. monocytogenes could invade, escape from the vacuole, replicate exponentially, and induce a type I interferon response in the cytosol of 2 LNSC populations infected in vitro, fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) and blood endothelial cells (BECs). Infected FRCs and BECs also produced a significant chemokine and proinflammatory cytokine response after in vitro infection. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that GFP+ L. monocytogenes were associated with a small percentage of MLN stromal cells in vivo following foodborne infection of mice. Using fluorescent microscopy, we showed that these cell-associated bacteria were intracellular L. monocytogenes and that the number of infected FRCs and BECs changed over the course of a 3-day infection in mice. Ex vivo culturing of these infected LNSC populations revealed viable, replicating bacteria that grew on agar plates. These results highlight the unexplored potential of FRCs and BECs to serve as suitable growth niches for L. monocytogenes during foodborne infection and to contribute to the proinflammatory environment within the MLN that promotes clearance of listeriosis.
Spatial regulation of immunity: unmasking the secrets of abaxial immunity to powdery mildew
Authors: Xu Dawei , Yang Li 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article comments on:
Wu Y, Sexton WK, Zhang Q, Bloodgood D, Wu Y, Hooks C, Coker F, Vasquez A, Wei C-I, Xiao S. 2024. Leaf abaxial immunity to powdery mildew in Arabidopsis is conferred by multiple defense mechanisms. Journal of Experimental Botany 75, 1465–1478.