bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting airborne ascospores of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum through machine learning and statistical methods
Authors: Reich Jonathan , McLaren Debra , Kim Yong Min , Wally Owen , Yevtushenko Dmytro , Hamelin Richard , Chatterton Syama 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA main biological constraint of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in Canada is white mould, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The primary infectious propagules of S. sclerotiorum are airborne ascospores and monitoring the air for inoculum levels could help predict the severity of white mould in bean fields. Daily air samples were collected in commercial dry bean fields in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario and ascospores were quantified using quantitative PCR. Daily weather data was obtained from in‐field weather stations. The number of ascospores on a given day was modelled using 63 different environmental variables and several modelling methods, both regression and classification approaches, were implemented with machine learning (ML) (random forests, logistic regression and support vector machines) and statistical (generalized linear models) approaches. Across all years and provinces, ascospores were most highly correlated with ascospore release from the previous day (r ranged from 0.15 to 0.6). This variable was also the only variable included in all models and had the greatest weight in all models. Models without this variable had much poorer performance than those with it. Correlations of ascospores with other environmental variables varied by province and sometimes by year. A comparison of ML and statistical models revealed that they both performed similarly, but that the statistical models were easier to interpret. However, the precise relationship between airborne ascospore levels and in‐field disease severity remains unclear, and spore sampling methods will require further development before they can be deployed as a disease management tool.
Molecular basis of hippopotamus ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yang Ruirui , Han Pu , Han Pengcheng , Li Dedong , Zhao Runchu , Niu Sheng , Liu Kefang , Li Shihua , Tian Wen-Xia , Gao George Fu 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a wide range of hosts, including hippopotami, which are semi-aquatic mammals and phylogenetically closely related to Cetacea. In this study, we characterized the binding properties of hippopotamus angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hiACE2) to the spike (S) protein receptor binding domains (RBDs) of the SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) and variants of concern (VOCs). Furthermore, the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the SARS-CoV-2 PT S protein complexed with hiACE2 was resolved. Structural and mutational analyses revealed that L30 and F83, which are specific to hiACE2, played a crucial role in the hiACE2/SARS-CoV-2 RBD interaction. In addition, comparative and structural analysis of ACE2 orthologs suggested that the cetaceans may have the potential to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. These results provide crucial molecular insights into the susceptibility of hippopotami to SARS-CoV-2 and suggest the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs spillover and the necessity for surveillance.

IMPORTANCE
The hippopotami are the first semi-aquatic artiodactyl mammals wherein SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported. Exploration of the invasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 will provide important information for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in hippopotami, as well as other semi-aquatic mammals and cetaceans. Here, we found that hippopotamus ACE2 (hiACE2) could efficiently bind to the RBDs of the SARS-CoV-2 prototype (PT) and variants of concern (VOCs) and facilitate the transduction of SARS-CoV-2 PT and VOCs pseudoviruses into hiACE2-expressing cells. The cryo-EM structure of the SARS-CoV-2 PT S protein complexed with hiACE2 elucidated a few critical residues in the RBD/hiACE2 interface, especially L30 and F83 of hiACE2 which are unique to hiACE2 and contributed to the decreased binding affinity to PT RBD compared to human ACE2. Our work provides insight into cross-species transmission and highlights the necessity for monitoring host jumps and spillover events on SARS-CoV-2 in semi-aquatic/aquatic mammals.
Local control: a hub-based model for the c-di-GMP network
Authors: Vasenina Anna , Fu Yu , O'Toole George A. , Mucha Peter J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The genome of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
encodes >50 proteins predicted to play a role in bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP)-mediated biofilm formation. We built a network representation of protein–protein interactions and extracted key information via multidimensional scaling (i.e., principal component analysis) of node centrality measures, which measure features of proteins in a network. Proteins of different domain types (diguanylate cyclase, dual domain, phosphodiesterase, PilZ) exhibit unique network behavior and can be accurately classified by their network centrality values (i.e., roles in the network). The predictive power of protein–protein interactions in biofilm formation indicates the possibility of localized pools of c-di-GMP. A regression model showed a statistically significant impact of protein–protein interactions on the extent of biofilm formation in various environments. These results highlight the importance of a localized c-di-GMP signaling, extend our understanding of signaling by this second messenger beyond the current “Bow-tie Model,” support a newly proposed “Hub Model,” and suggest future avenues of investigation.
RNAIII is linked with the pentose phosphate pathway through the activation of RpiRc in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hallier Marc , Bronsard Julie , Dréano Stéphane , Sassi Mohamed , Cattoir Vincent , Felden Brice , Augagneur Yoann 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
RNAIII is a dual-function regulatory RNA that controls the expression of multiple virulence genes and especially the transition from adhesion to the production of exotoxins. However, its contribution to
S. aureus
central metabolism remains unclear. Using MS2-affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing, we uncovered more than 50 novel RNAIII-mRNA interactions. Among them, we demonstrate that RNAIII is a major activator of the
rpiRc
gene, encoding a regulator of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). RNAIII binds the 5′ UTR of
rpiRc
mRNA to favor ribosome loading, leading to an increased expression of RpiRc and, subsequently, of two PPP enzymes. Finally, we show that RNAIII and RpiRc are involved in
S. aureus
fitness in media supplemented with various carbohydrate sources related to PPP and glycolysis. Collectively, our data depict an unprecedented phenotype associated with the RNAIII regulon, especially the direct implication of RNAIII in central metabolic activity modulation. These findings show that the contribution of RNAIII in
Staphylococcus aureus
adaptation goes far beyond what was initially reported.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen involved in acute and chronic infections. Highly recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment, persistent infections are mostly associated with the loss of RNAIII expression, a master RNA regulator responsible for the switch from colonization to infection. Here, we used the MS2 affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing approach to identify novel mRNA targets of RNAIII and uncover novel functions. We demonstrate that RNAIII is an activator of the expression of genes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway and is implicated in the adjustment of bacterial fitness as a function of carbohydrate sources. Taken together, our results demonstrate an unprecedented role of RNAIII that goes beyond the knowledge gained so far and contributes to a better understanding of the role of RNAIII in bacterial adaptation expression and the coordination of a complex regulatory network.
Development and validation of an individualised nomogram to predict mother-to-child transmission in pregnant women with syphilis in China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Feng Shuaixin , Gao Shuang , Wang Qian , Cai Min , Huang Zhaoqian , Huang Ying , Hong Yeting , Yuan Li , Liu Fenghua , Jiang Hongbo 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesThe elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of syphilis has been set as a public health priority. However, an instrument to predict the MTCT of syphilis is not available. We aimed to develop and validate an intuitive nomogram to predict the individualised risk of MTCT in pregnant women with syphilis in China.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingData was acquired from the National Information System of Prevention of MTCT of Syphilis in Guangdong province between 2011 and 2020.ParticipantsA total of 13 860 pregnant women with syphilis and their infants were included and randomised 7:3 into the derivation cohort (n=9702) and validation cohort (n=4158).Primary outcome measuresCongenital syphilis.ResultsAmong 13 860 pregnant women with syphilis and their infants included, 1370 infants were diagnosed with congenital syphilis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariable logistic regression showed that age, ethnicity, registered residence, marital status, number of pregnancies, transmission route, the timing of syphilis diagnosis, stage of syphilis, time from first antenatal care to syphilis diagnosis and toluidine red unheated serum test titre were predictors of MTCT of syphilis. A nomogram was developed based on the predictors, which demonstrated good calibration and discrimination with an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic of 0.741 (95% CI: 0.728 to 0.755) and 0.731 (95% CI: 0.710 to 0.752) for the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The net benefit of the predictive models was positive, demonstrating a significant potential for clinical decision-making. We have also developed a web calculator based on this prediction model.ConclusionsOur nomogram exhibited good performance in predicting individualised risk for MTCT of syphilis, which may help guide early and personalised prevention for MTCT of syphilis.
Subjective social status, health and well-being among older adults in China and South Korea: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Yan Junwei , Wang Yanjie , Yang En , Wang Jing , Lv Benyan , Cao Yan , Tang Shangfeng 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSocial status, which encompasses various psychosocial dimensions, such as income, education and social relationships, can have a significant impact on physical and mental health outcomes. The study aims to explore the association among subjective social status, health and well-being among individuals aged 55 years and older in China and South Korea.ParticipantsSample population included individuals aged 55 years and older: China (n=1779) and South Korea (n=421).Outcome measuresOutcome measures included self-reported health status and well-being which were assessed by life satisfaction and general happiness.ResultsThe percentage of participants who reported a ‘very good’ health condition was higher in South Korea (14.5%) than in China (11.0%). The percentage of participants who reported feeling very satisfied (14.7%) with their life was lower in South Korea (11.8%). In China, 6.7% of the respondents reported their health as ‘very bad’ (rating 5), while in South Korea, this percentage was higher at 18.1%. Regression analysis revealed an inverse association among higher social status and poorer health, lower life satisfaction and lower happiness levels. For example, individuals who placed themselves in the highest social status category had 0.26 times lower odds (95% CI=0.13 to 0.55) of reporting poorer self-rated health status than those in the lowest category. Similarly, compared with individuals who place themselves in the lowest social status category, those who place themselves in the highest social status category have 0.03 times lower odds of reporting lower life satisfaction (95% CI=0.02 to 0.07).ConclusionOverall, the results highlight a significant association among social status, subjective health, life satisfaction and general happiness in both the countries. Health policymakers should identify effective strategies to promote healthy ageing and reduce disparities in health and well-being outcomes among older adults from different social backgrounds.
Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural African adults: a scoping review protocol of primary health care interventions
Authors: Peniston Sandra , Sivaramakrishnan Divya , Holloway Aisha 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases cause 74% of global deaths, with cardiovascular diseases as the major contributor. Hypertension, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is highly prevalent in Africa. Diagnosis, treatment and control rates are notably limited in rural areas. This limitation results in increased risks of premature mortality and complications such as stroke due to socioeconomic, cultural and geographical challenges. Progress in African countries enhancing hypertension services through primary health care interventions exists. However, a comprehensive review of all primary health care interventions addressing undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural African settings is lacking. This scoping review aims to categorise primary health care interventions targeting undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural African adults. Intervention components will be mapped to the four stages outlined in the hypertension care cascade to develop a pilot intervention logic model for rural African adults with hypertension.Method and analysisThe scoping review protocol will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Studies considered for inclusion will include any intervention delivered by any healthcare provider in a rural African primary care setting targeting any stage of hypertension care. Eight databases will be searched without date restrictions, supplemented by grey literature and reference list searches. A two-stage screening process (title/abstract and full text) will determine evidence source eligibility. All eligible sources of evidence will be extracted, charted and evaluated using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. A pilot logic model categorising and mapping interventions to the four stages of the hypertension care cascade will be visually presented and analysed using narrative synthesis.Ethics and disseminationNo primary data will be collected; therefore, ethics approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated to local health authorities in Ghana and other African Regions and through national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
ZNF397 Deficiency Triggers TET2-Driven Lineage Plasticity and AR-Targeted Therapy Resistance in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xu Yaru , Yang Yuqiu , Wang Zhaoning , Sjöström Martin , Jiang Yuyin , Tang Yitao , Cheng Siyuan , Deng Su , Wang Choushi , Gonzalez Julisa , Johnson Nickolas A. , Li Xiang , Li Xiaoling , Metang Lauren A. , Mukherji Atreyi , Xu Quanhui , Tirado Carla R. , Wainwright Garrett , Yu Xinzhe , Barnes Spencer , Hofstad Mia , Chen Yu , Zhu Hong , Hanker Ariella B. , Raj Ganesh V. , Zhu Guanghui , He Housheng H. , Wang Zhao , Arteaga Carlos L. , Liang Han , Feng Felix Y. , Wang Yunguan , Wang Tao , Mu Ping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit phenotypical plasticity and epigenetic reprogramming that allows them to evade lineage-dependent targeted treatments by adopting lineage plasticity. The underlying mechanisms by which cancer cells exploit the epigenetic regulatory machinery to acquire lineage plasticity and therapy resistance remain poorly understood. We identified zinc finger protein 397 (ZNF397) as a bona fide coactivator of the androgen receptor (AR), essential for the transcriptional program governing AR-driven luminal lineage. ZNF397 deficiency facilitates the transition of cancer cell from an AR-driven luminal lineage to a ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2)-driven lineage plastic state, ultimately promoting resistance to therapies inhibiting AR signaling. Intriguingly, our findings indicate that a TET2 inhibitor can eliminate the resistance to AR-targeted therapies in ZNF397-deficient tumors. These insights uncover a novel mechanism through which prostate cancer acquires lineage plasticity via epigenetic rewiring and offer promising implications for clinical interventions designed to overcome therapy resistance dictated by lineage plasticity.
Significance: This study reveals a bifurcated role of ZNF397, and a TET2–driven epigenetic mechanism regulating tumor lineage plasticity and therapy response in prostate cancer, enhances the understanding of drug resistance, and unveils a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming androgen receptor-targeted therapy resistance.
José María Arguedas y saber bailar la Historia
Authors: Lenci Yazmín López 
Published: April 2024

El artículo indaga la propuesta narrativa del escritor, antropólogo y musicólogo latinoamericano, José María Arguedas, de ofrecer una historicidad alternativa construida sobre las dinámicas vitales movilizadas por los cuerpos, los saberes y subjetividades que a su vez, constituyen lugar y región en los Andes. A partir del enfoque de las rebeliones indígenas del sur andino del Perú, se analizarán las relaciones entre música, danza y la construcción del sujeto político; su genealogía en la narrativa arguediana y las indagaciones que destacan no sólo las tensiones sino los encuentros posibles que reparan las hondas fracturas e interrupciones históricas.
O percurso de um morto: literatura e violência em Adiós Ayacucho, de Julio Ortega
Authors: Marsal Meritxell Hernando 
Published: April 2024

Surgido de uma fotografia publicada em uma revista, um corpo despedaçado adquire a sobrevida da linguagem. Trata-se de um corpo ilegível, que só na morte pode falar, com uma enunciação paródica que evade as cumplicidades da representação que marcam o discurso da guerra interna no Peru. É um fantoche que enfrenta o irrepresentável da violência, e constrói seu itinerário como um embate com os discursos do poder, que incluem a antropologia, a mídia, a política (a literatura e a crítica também ficam comprometidas na ubiquidade do discurso intelectual como forma de dominação), e promulgam o esquecimento como solução para o desenvolvimento. Nova Antígona, este cadáver reclama pelos seus membros desaparecidos: nas valas, nas memórias e no senso comum. Neste cenário, o além inverte seus ministros e regiões, e adquire um sentido civil, de invenção do presente e da comunidade.
Description of Xiphinema ficusi sp. n. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) and molecular characterisation of some Xiphinema species from Mexico
Authors: del Prado-Vera Ignacio Cid , Ferris Howard , Subbotin Sergei A. 
Published: April 2024

Summary
In 2018-2022, during nematological surveys in several Mexican states, a new species, Xiphinema ficusi sp. n., two known species, X. basiri and X. luci, and four unidentified Xiphinema species, Xiphinema sp. A, sp. B, sp. C, and sp. D, were collected and characterised. Xiphinema ficusi sp. n. was found in a tropical forest in the La Mancha Ecological Reserve of the Ecology Institute of Jalapa, Veracruz state. The new species is characterised by a body length of 2.82-3.79 mm, slightly offset lip region, odontostyle 93-105 μm long, guiding ring at 51-96 μm from anterior end, an elongate conical tail 41-50 μm long with digitate terminus, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system, with both gonads equally developed without Z differentiation in females. Males have one pair of adanal and four ventromedial supplements. The seven Xiphinema species were molecularly characterised and the phylogenetic relationships of these species with other representatives of this genus were reconstructed using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA and COI gene sequences. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of a parasitic oomycete of the genus Lagenidium in X. ficusi sp. n. and endosymbiotic bacteria of the genus Candidatus Xiphinematobacter in X. luci and Xiphinema sp. D. belonging to the Xiphinema americanum group. It has been suggested that valleys surrounded by ridges of Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico might be one of the world centres of diversity for the genus Xiphinema.
Effects of treatment process on larvae growth performance and nutrient yield during cyanobacteria bioconversion by black soldier fly
Authors: Gu P. , Chen L.Q. , Zhang K.N. , Hu H.R. , Yang K.L. , Zhang Z.S. , Ren X.L. , Liu C. , Zhang Z.H. , Zhou J. , Miao H.F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cyanobacteria blooms, a global environmental problem, have caused serious economic and ecological disasters worldwide. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are known to feed and develop on a wide range of feed sources, which makes the use of BSFL bioconversion promising for harvested cyanobacteria. In this study, cyanobacteria were compounded into feedstock by three different treatments, and then BSFL was placed into the substrates to explore the effect of treatments on BSFL growth performance and nutrient yield. It was found that the alterations in the nutrient composition of the substrate and the content of key compounds (vitamin C and microcystin-LR) caused by different treatments were responsible for the different growth performance of BSFL. Difference in larvae digestive enzyme activities caused by changes in treatment processes and substrate moisture content will ultimately affect the BSFL nutrient production. The larvae stress response to different treatment processes demonstrated that the low moisture content environment has an inhibitory effect on the growth of BSFL, and the harvested cyanobacteria treated by the sun-drying treatment process exhibited less interference on BSFL. Through a brief economic assessment, we conclude that cyanobacteria can only produce benefits with the sun-drying treatment process where the substrate moisture content needs to be maintained at 70-80%, wall-breaking and heating treatment and heating treatment processes showed a deficit due to a higher cost and a lower output. This study provides a reference for promoting the utilization of cyanobacteria and proffer instructive significance for the biotransformation of cyanobacteria by BSFL.
Auditory Event-related Potentials for Word Stimuli in Kannada Language Among Native Kannada Speakers with Dementia
Authors: Srividya A. , Yamini BK  , Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju 
Published: April 2024

Background: The P300 is a positive auditory event-related potential appearing around 300 msec post-oddball stimulus onset. Tone and monosyllabic stimuli have been widely used in P300 research, providing valuable insights into auditory perception, phoneme discrimination, language processing, and other cognitive processes. Bi-syllabic minimal pairs may be more challenging for some individuals because they require processing and discrimination of more complex phonemic structures. The aim of the study was to elicit and analyze the auditory event-related potentials for bi-syllabic word stimuli in the Kannada language among individuals with dementia. Method: The prospective study was conducted at the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Ten native Kannada language speakers (five male; and five female) diagnosed with dementia, aged 55–70 years, were the participants. The naturally produced and recorded CVCV (Consonant vowel consonant vowel) tokens (/ko:ti/ and /ko:thi/ pair; /a: me/ and /a:ne pair) in Kannada were used in the auditory oddball paradigm. Results: The waveforms with positive peak for word (PPW) with clear morphology were used to obtain the latency and amplitude. Mean and Standard deviation (SD) value for the latency of the PPW was 545 ± 38 msec and the amplitude value of PPW was 2.5 ± 1.5 µV. Conclusion: The present study showed that when lengthier speech stimulus duration was used, the latency value of auditory event-related potential was higher. The study also showed that PPW is a reliable peak that could be used in the clinical population.