bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of locomotor behavior and head diurnal transcriptome regulation by PERIOD and CRY2 in the diamondback moth
Authors: Chen Wenfeng , Wang Danfeng , Yu Lingqi , Zhong Wenmiao , Yuan Yao , Yang Guang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEarth's rotation shapes a 24‐h cycle, governing circadian rhythms in organisms. In mammals, the core clock genes, CLOCK and BMAL1, are regulated by PERIODs (PERs) and CRYPTOCHROMEs (CRYs), but their roles remain unclear in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. To explore this, we studied P. xylostella, which possesses a simplified circadian system compared to mammals. In P. xylostella, we observed rhythmic expressions of the Pxper and Pxcry2 genes in their heads, with differing phases. In vitro experiments revealed that PxCRY2 repressed monarch butterfly CLK:BMAL1 transcriptional activation, while PxPER and other CRY‐like proteins did not. However, PxPER showed an inhibitory effect on PxCLK/PxCYCLE. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we individually and in combination knocked out Pxper and Pxcry2, then conducted gene function studies and circadian transcriptome sequencing. Loss of either Pxper or Pxcry2 eliminated the activity peak after lights‐off in light–dark cycles, and Pxcry2 loss reduced overall activity. Pxcry2 was crucial for maintaining endogenous rhythms in constant darkness. Under light–dark conditions, 1 098 genes exhibited rhythmic expression in wild‐type P. xylostella heads, with 749 relying on Pxper and Pxcry2 for their rhythms. Most core clock genes lost their rhythmicity in Pxper and Pxcry2 mutants, while Pxcry2 sustained rhythmic expression, albeit with reduced amplitude and altered phase. Additionally, rhythmic genes were linked to biological processes like the spliceosome and Toll signaling pathway, with these rhythms depending on Pxper or Pxcry2 function. In summary, our study unveils differences in circadian rhythm regulation by Pxper and Pxcry2 in P. xylostella. This provides a valuable model for understanding circadian clock regulation in nocturnal animals.
Inhibition of 26S proteasome activity by α‐synuclein is mediated by the proteasomal chaperone Rpn14/PAAF1
Authors: Galka Dajana , Ali Tariq T. , Bast Alexander , Niederleithinger Marie , Gerhardt Ellen , Motosugi Ryo , Sakata Eri , Knop Michael , Outeiro Tiago F. , Popova Blagovesta , Braus Gerhard H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) into protein inclusions in degenerating brains. Increasing amounts of aggregated α‐syn species indicate significant perturbation of cellular proteostasis. Altered proteostasis depends on α‐syn protein levels and the impact of α‐syn on other components of the proteostasis network. Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as eukaryotic reference organism to study the consequences of α‐syn expression on protein dynamics. To address this, we investigated the impact of overexpression of α‐syn and S129A variant on the abundance and stability of most yeast proteins using a genome‐wide yeast library and a tandem fluorescent protein timer (tFT) reporter as a measure for protein stability. This revealed that the stability of in total 377 cellular proteins was altered by α‐syn expression, and that the impact on protein stability was significantly enhanced by phosphorylation at Ser129 (pS129). The proteasome assembly chaperone Rpn14 was identified as one of the top candidates for increased protein stability by expression of pS129 α‐syn. Elevated levels of Rpn14 enhanced the growth inhibition by α‐syn and the accumulation of ubiquitin conjugates in the cell. We found that Rpn14 interacts physically with α‐syn and stabilizes pS129 α‐syn. The expression of α‐syn along with elevated levels of Rpn14 or its human counterpart PAAF1 reduced the proteasome activity in yeast and in human cells, supporting that pS129 α‐syn negatively affects the 26S proteasome through Rpn14. This comprehensive study into the alternations of protein homeostasis highlights the critical role of the Rpn14/PAAF1 in α‐syn‐mediated proteasome dysfunction.
Occupancy and detectability of a critically threatened lizard endemic from sandy coastal plains areas of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Proença‐Gomes Júlio C. F. , Pereira‐Ribeiro Juliane , Siqueira Carla C. , Santos‐Pereira Manuela , Almeida‐Santos Marlon , Rocha Carlos Frederico D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiolaemus lutzaeis a small liolaemid lizard critically endangered and restricted to coastal restinga (salty sand dune habitats covered by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation by seaside) habitats of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This lizard has been predicted to be extinct by 2080. We studied some of the environmental factors that influence occupancy by the species and detectability by the observer, in addition to investigating which populations remain occupying the areas along its original geographical distribution. We sampled 25 different beach habitats of restinga areas in the state, by 100‐meter replicates of linear transects. The estimated probability of occupancy was 69% (0.69 ± 0.05), and the estimated detectability was 50% (0.50 ± 0.03). The detection model with the best fit contained only the air temperature variable. Occupancy was best described by four variables: number of disturbance sources on the transect, vegetation cover in a 50‐meter buffer, exposed sand cover substrate in a 20‐meter buffer, and built‐up area cover in a 50‐meter buffer. No observations ofL. lutzae were made in eight of the 25 restinga areas sampled along the original distribution of the lizard. In seven of these areas, the species had its populations extirpated many years ago, based on the 2007/2008 monitoring data. Conversely, in one area where the species was frequently observed during field surveys and different ecological studies on the species made in last decade, it was not recorded in the present study, indicating a possible recent population extirpation. We recommend that conservation measures be urgently implemented to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on the areas of the remaining populations of this lizard throughout its range, especially preserving the structure and functions of the remaining vegetation of beach habitat along restinga areas.
Biallelic hexokinase 1 (HK1) variants causative of non‐spherocytic haemolytic anaemia: A case series with emphasis on the HK1 promoter variant and literature review
Authors: Ukonmaanaho Elli‐Maija , Dell'Anna Silvia , Hakonen Anna , Wartiovaara‐Kautto Ulla , Kakko Sakari , Rab Minke A. E. , van Oirschot Brigitte , Kraatari‐Tiri Minna , van Wijk Richard , Rahikkala Elisa 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe hexokinase (HK) enzyme plays a key role in red blood cell energy production. Hereditary non‐spherocytic haemolytic anaemia (HNSHA) caused by HK deficiency is a rare disorder with only 12 different disease‐associated variants identified. Here, we describe the clinical features and genotypes of four previously unreported patients with hexokinase 1 (HK1)‐related HNSHA, yielding two novel truncating HK1 variants. The patients' phenotypes varied from mild chronic haemolytic anaemia to severe infantile‐onset transfusion‐dependent anaemia. Three of the patients had mild haemolytic disease caused by the common HK1 promoter c.‐193A>G variant combined with an intragenic HK1 variant, emphasizing the importance of including this promoter variant in the haemolytic disease gene panels. HK activity was normal in a severely affected patient with a homozygous HK1 c.2599C>T, p.(His867Tyr) variant, but the affinity for ATP was reduced, hampering the HK function. In cases of HNSHA, kinetic studies should be considered in the functional studies of HK. We reviewed the literature of previously published patients to provide better insight into this rare disease and add to the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlation.
During the COVID‐19 pandemic 20 000 prostate cancer diagnoses were missed in England
Authors: Lemanska Agnieszka , Andrews Colm , Fisher Louis , Bacon Seb , Mehrkar Amir , Inglesby Peter , Davy Simon , Goldacre Ben , MacKenna Brian ,   The OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Walker Alex J. 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on prostate cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality in England.Patients and MethodsWith the approval of NHS England and using the OpenSAFELY‐TPP dataset of 24 million patients, we undertook a cohort study of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. We visualised monthly rates in prostate cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality per 100 000 adult men from January 2015 to July 2023. To assess the effect of the pandemic, we used generalised linear models and the pre‐pandemic data to predict the expected rates from March 2020 as if the pandemic had not occurred. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the predicted values were used to estimate the significance of the difference between the predicted and observed rates.ResultsIn 2020, there was a drop in recorded incidence by 4772 (31%) cases (15 550 vs 20 322; 95% CI 19 241–21 403). In 2021, the incidence started to recover, and the drop was 3148 cases (18%, 17 950 vs 21 098; 95% CI 19 740–22 456). By 2022, the incidence returned to the levels that would be expected. During the pandemic, the age at diagnosis shifted towards older men. In 2020, the average age was 71.6 (95% CI 71.5–71.8) years, in 2021 it was 71.8 (95% CI 71.7–72.0) years as compared to 71.3 (95% CI 71.1–71.4) years in 2019.ConclusionsGiven that our dataset represents 40% of the population, we estimate that proportionally the pandemic led to 20 000 missed prostate cancer diagnoses in England alone. The increase in incidence recorded in 2023 was not enough to account for the missed cases. The prevalence of prostate cancer remained lower throughout the pandemic than expected. As the recovery efforts continue, healthcare should focus on finding the men who were affected. The research should focus on investigating the potential harms to men diagnosed at older age.
Socio‐familial environment influence on cognitive and language development in very preterm children
Authors: De Leeuw Stéphanie , Delens Gilda , Vanden Brande Laura , Henrion Elisabeth , Legros Ludovic 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreterm children are at increased risk of cognitive and language delay compared with term‐born children. While many perinatal factors associated with prematurity are well established, there is limited research concerning the influence of the socio‐familial environment on the development of preterm children. This study aims to assess the relative impact of perinatal and socio‐familial risk factors on cognitive and language development at 2 years corrected age (CA).MethodThis retrospective cross‐sectional study included preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks and/or a birth weight <1500 g, who underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at 2 years CA. Cognitive and language scores were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant–Toddler Development, third edition. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a multivariable model to examine the relationship between developmental delays and perinatal and socio‐familial factors.ResultThe prevalence of language delay was negatively associated with daycare attendance (aOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.85, p < 0.05) and high maternal educational levels (aOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.05–0.93, p < 0.05) and positively associated with bilingual environments (aOR: 5.62, 95% CI: 1.46–24.3, p < 0.05). Perinatal and postnatal risk factors did not show a significant impact on cognitive or language development.ConclusionThe development of language appears to be more influenced by the socio‐familial environment than by early perinatal and postnatal factors associated with prematurity. These findings highlight the importance of considering socio‐familial factors in the early identification and intervention of language delay among preterm children.
Long‐term occupancy monitoring reveals value of moderate disturbance for an open‐habitat specialist, the Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi)
Authors: Brehme Cheryl S. , Gould Philip R. , Clark Denise R. , Fisher Robert N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFor species of conservation concern, long‐term monitoring is vital to properly characterize changes in population distribution and abundance over time. In addition, long‐term monitoring guides management decisions by informing and evaluating the efficacy of management actions. A long‐term monitoring initiative for the federally threatened Stephens' Kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi, SKR) was established in 2005, across 628 hectares within Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP), San Diego, California, USA. From 2005 to 2018, we tracked trends in area occupied by SKR, trends in relative SKR densities within occupied habitat, and modeled probabilities of SKR occupancy, colonization, extinction, with habitat, climate, and disturbance covariates. Area occupied by SKR increased almost 2‐fold from 2005 to 2018 on MCBCP, while density in occupied habitat increased almost 3‐fold. Increased area occupied was correlated with increases in estimated density among years, indicating SKR population growth occurs by expansion into suitable habitat patches, as well as increases in numbers within occupied habitat. SKR occupancy was positively associated with gentle slopes (<10%) and moderate open ground (40–80%) and forb cover (>40%). They were more likely to colonize previously unoccupied habitat when there were moderate levels of open ground (40–80%) and low shrub cover (<20%), while more likely to go locally extinct in areas with high slopes (>10%), less open ground (<20%), and increased non‐native grass cover (>40%). Additionally, probabilities of SKR occupancy and colonization were higher in areas with moderate levels of disturbance, which was positively associated with open ground and forb cover. We conclude that long‐term occupancy and density monitoring is effective in informing status and trends of spatially dynamic species and that moderate habitat‐based disturbance is compatible with the management of SKR.
Messy databases: Recognizing transcribers as experts and engaging amateur naturalists in digitization
Authors: Smith Nathan Edward Charles 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmateur naturalists and natural history societies are abundant throughout the UK, and indeed throughout the globe, and have intimate relationships with the museum sector. Importantly, amateur naturalists and natural history societies often possess expertise in fields underserved by museums, such as taxonomy or the local history of natural history. The amateur naturalist, in the context of the museum, is simultaneously volunteer and expert and this dichotomy can lead to tension in the naturalist‐museum professional relationship. The rise of mass‐participation citizen science and digitization projects are likely to further enflame this tension as naturalists can feel marginalized as their identifier of “volunteer” subsumes that of “expert.” This paper recommends best practice when working with amateur naturalists and natural history societies. It examines the different value systems and priorities broadly held by museum professionals and naturalists, with a particular focus on digitization. This paper also suggests how the museum field can work toward more equitable knowledge building and sharing practices when working with naturalists and other expert‐volunteers. In particular, it puts forward the concept of messy databases as a way to meaningfully engage with volunteer‐experts.
Mapping the structure and dynamics of global high‐tech aerospace trade
Authors: Li Xiya , Du Debin , Xia Qifan , Li Tingzhu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aerospace industry is a fast‐growing high‐tech sector related to the national economic lifeline and national defence security. In the context of prosperous cooperation and fierce competition between countries, a multi‐layered global aerospace network, from production to trade, has been formed. However, the high‐tech aerospace trade structure and its spatial pattern as the mirror of the industry lack systematic research. This study constructs global high‐tech aerospace trade networks to review the trade dynamics, identify the core countries and explore the regional structure and geographical characteristics. Different high‐tech aerospace segments show varying evolutionary characteristics, with exports more concentrated than imports. The United States and Western Europe dominate the import and export market in all categories of high‐tech aerospace trade, especially in high‐end segment, holding organizational authority in the community structure. Although Asia is rising rapidly in some areas, it still has a long way to go to become a global hub.
Impact of electrical muscle stimulation on serum myostatin level and maintenance of skeletal muscle mass in patients undergoing living‐donor liver transplantation: Single‐center controlled trial
Authors: Tsutsui Yuriko , Itoh Shinji , Toshima Takeo , Yoshio Sachiyo , Yoshiya Shohei , Izumi Takuma , Iseda Norifumi , Toshida Katsuya , Nakayama Yuki , Ishikawa Takuma , Kosai‐Fujimoto Yukiko , Takeishi Kazuki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimSarcopenia is reportedly associated with a poor prognosis in patients who undergo living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT), most of whom are not able to tolerate muscle strengthening exercise training. Myostatin is one of the myokines and a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. The clinical feasibility of an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) system, which exercises muscle automatically by direct electrical stimulation, has been reported. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of perioperative application of SIXPAD, which is a type of EMS system, with reference to the serum myostatin and sarcopenia in LDLT patients.MethodThirty patients scheduled for LDLT were divided into a SIXPAD group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 14). In the SIXPAD group, EMS was applied to the thighs twice daily. The serum myostatin was measured in samples obtained before use of SIXPAD and immediately before LDLT. The psoas muscle index (PMI) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and the quadriceps muscle area were compared on computed tomography images before use of SIXPAD and 1 month after LDLT.ResultsThe preoperative serum myostatin was found to be higher in LDLT patients than in healthy volunteers and EMS significantly reduced the serum myostatin. Electrical muscle stimulation prevented a postoperative reduction not only in the area of the quadriceps muscles but also in the PMI despite direct stimulation of the thigh muscles.ConclusionStimulation of muscles by EMS decreases the serum myostatin and helps to maintain skeletal muscle in patients who have undergone LDLT.
Planetary ball milling induced piezocatalysis for dye degradation using Bi2VO5.5
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kebaili Imen , Boukhris Imed , Vaish Rahul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe mechanochemical ball milling process at 650°C for 5 h formed the single‐phase Bi2VO5.5 powder, which was tested as a catalyst for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. X‐ray diffraction validated phase formation. A scanning electron microscope inspection verified the presence of grains with irregular shapes. Piezocatalytic MB dye degradation with a .4 g BV sample was ∼67% after 90 min in a ball mill and ∼49% after 180 min in an ultrasonicator. Utilizing a .4 g BV sample, the 90‐min investigation of piezocatalysis using a ball mill showed an 18% increase in degrading performance compared to the findings of the 180‐min study of piezocatalysis using ultrasonication. Ball mill employed piezocatalysis evaluation utilizing .4 g Bi2VO5.5 with 15 balls produces an excellent k value of .0109 min−1. Based on the results of a scavenger test, hole (h+) is the primary species in the ball mill‐induced piezocatalysis.
A prospective observational study validating the CET score as a screening tool in suspected DRESS syndrome
Authors: Singh Sukhdeep , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Bishnoi Anuradha , Parsad Davinder , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is an idiosyncratic severe cutaneous adverse reaction that may be potentially life‐threatening. Recently, a simple scoring system for the early screening of DRESS patients was derived by combining hsCRP levels, the eosinophil count, and the total body surface area (CET score). The objectives of this study were validating the CET score, and calculating its lead time advantage and cost‐benefits compared to RegiSCAR scoring.MethodsThis is a prospective observational case‐control study, where 110 consecutive patients diagnosed with drug‐induced maculopapular exanthema (MPE) were recruited during the 18 months of the study period. Patients were classified as cases (DRESS) and controls (MPE) using RegiSCAR score cut‐off 2 (possible DRESS). They were also simultaneously screened using the CET score, based on which patients were classified as positive or negative. They were subsequently followed up on Day 15 for a second comparison and assessment of lead time and at 3 and 6 weeks to evaluate clinical response.ResultsSeventy cases and 40 controls were recruited. At a cut‐off of >2.12, the CET score had a sensitivity of 94.3%, a specificity of 60%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 80.5%, and a negative predictive value (PPV) of 85.7%. The median delay in diagnosing DRESS using RegiSCAR was around 14.5 hours. There was a median cost benefit of 12.1 USD in favor of the CET score.ConclusionsThe CET score had good diagnostic performance in screening DRESS patients with a lead time of 14.5 hours and fewer costs incurred.
Micro‐level dynamics in digital transformation: Understanding work‐life role transitions
Authors: Mirbabaie Milad , Marx Julian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe transitions individuals make between roles are critical for navigating professional and private life domains. These role transitions involve physical and psychological movements between positions and statuses in social structures. Today, digital technologies are becoming increasingly pivotal in these transitions. However, neither existing theory on role transitions nor recent contributions to the digital transformation literature have unpacked the connection between digital technologies and role transitioning. Based on a qualitative inquiry involving knowledge workers from the Global South, we develop the concepts of role emancipation, role confinement, and role conflation and examine how these types of role transitioning relate to the capabilities of digital technologies. We find that digital technologies can introduce levels of rigidity or flexibility that, in turn, either solidify or soften the domain boundaries influencing work‐life role transitions in the context of digital transformation. We abstract these ideas into a theoretical model and chart a course for consolidating a ‘micro‐level of analysis frontier’ within digital transformation research.