bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does urbanisation lead to parallel demographic shifts across the world in a cosmopolitan plant?
Authors: Caizergues Aude E. , Santangelo James S. , Ness Rob W. , Angeoletto Fabio , Anstett Daniel N. , Anstett Julia , Baena‐Diaz Fernanda , Carlen Elizabeth J. , Chaves Jaime A. , Comerford Mattheau S. , Dyson Karen , Falahati‐Anbaran Mohsen , Fellowes Mark D. E. , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Hood Glen Ray , Iñiguez‐Armijos Carlos , Kooyers Nicholas J. , Lázaro‐Lobo Adrián , Moles Angela T. , Munshi‐South Jason , Paule Juraj , Porth Ilga M. , Santiago‐Rosario Luis Y. , Whitney Kaitlin Stack , Tack Ayko J. M. , Johnson Marc T. J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUrbanisation is occurring globally, leading to dramatic environmental changes that are altering the ecology and evolution of species. In particular, the expansion of human infrastructure and the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats in cities is predicted to increase genetic drift and reduce gene flow by reducing the size and connectivity of populations. Alternatively, the ‘urban facilitation model’ suggests that some species will have greater gene flow into and within cities leading to higher diversity and lower differentiation in urban populations. These alternative hypotheses have not been contrasted across multiple cities. Here, we used the genomic data from the GLobal Urban Evolution project (GLUE), to study the effects of urbanisation on non‐adaptive evolutionary processes of white clover (Trifolium repens) at a global scale. We found that white clover populations presented high genetic diversity and no evidence of reduced Ne linked to urbanisation. On the contrary, we found that urban populations were less likely to experience a recent decrease in effective population size than rural ones. In addition, we found little genetic structure among populations both globally and between urban and rural populations, which showed extensive gene flow between habitats. Interestingly, white clover displayed overall higher gene flow within urban areas than within rural habitats. Our study provides the largest comprehensive test of the demographic effects of urbanisation. Our results contrast with the common perception that heavily altered and fragmented urban environments will reduce the effective population size and genetic diversity of populations and contribute to their isolation.
The die‐hards, negotiators and migrants: Portraits of doctors' career pathways through specialisation
Authors: Rozario Shemona Y. , Farlie Melanie K. , Sarkar Mahbub , Lazarus Michelle D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionGlobal workforce shortages in medical specialties strain healthcare systems, jeopardising patient outcomes. Enhancing recruitment strategies by supporting professional identity (PI) development may be one way to address this workforce gap—yet little research has explored this topic. The goal of the current study was to explore specialty‐specific recruitment through considering PI. As proposed causes of workforce shortages in anatomical pathology (AP) bear similarities to many other specialties, this study uses the field of AP as a model for specialist PI development and asks: (1) why, how and when do doctors choose to pursue AP training and (2) what can be learned from this for recruitment to AP and other specialties?MethodsA qualitative research approach was undertaken using narrative inquiry. Interviews with junior doctors interested in AP, AP registrars and AP consultants from Australia and New Zealand were interpreted as stories via ‘re‐storying’. Narrative synthesis of participants' collective stories identified chronological key events (i.e. ‘turning points’) in choosing AP.ResultsNarrative synthesis resulted in identification of three portraits entering medical specialist training: (1) die‐hards, deciding upon initial exposure; (2) negotiators, choosing after comparing specialties; and (3) migrants, seeking to move away from non‐pathology specialties. The negotiators and migrants cemented their decision to pursue AP as a postgraduate doctor, whereas the die‐hards made this decision during medical school.ConclusionsGiven the similarities in portrait traits between AP and other specialties across the literature, our results suggest ways to support specialty recruitment using PI development. We propose a medical specialist recruitment framework to support the PI development of doctors with die‐hard, negotiator and migrant traits. Use of this framework could enhance current specialty‐specific recruitment approaches, particularly in fields challenged by workforce shortages.
Association between breakfast consumption, breakfast quality, mental health and quality of life in Turkish adolescents: A high school‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gürbüz Murat , Bayram Hatice Merve , Kabayel Nazmiye , Türker Zeynep Serra , Şahin Şeyma , İçer Serap 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the frequency of breakfast consumption and breakfast quality among adolescents and to evaluate the relationships between breakfast consumption, breakfast quality, mental health, and health‐related quality of life. This cross‐sectional study included 449 students from 17 high schools between December 2022 and May 2023. A face‐to‐face questionnaire measuring the frequency of breakfast consumption, Mediterranean diet quality index (KIDMED), health‐related quality of life (KIDSCREEN), and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS‐21) was performed. Of the students, 54.1% skipped breakfast 2 or more times a week and 75.9% had poor breakfast quality. There were significant differences in breakfast quality classification according to the frequency of breakfast consumption (p = 0.003). Breakfast consumption ≤1 time/week or 2–5 times/week was associated with depression, anxiety and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. No relationship was observed between breakfast quality and stress, depression or anxiety (p = 0.620, p = 0.586, p = 0.539, respectively) or between breakfast quality and the KIDSCREEN‐27 subscales (p > 0.05). However, those eating poor‐quality breakfasts had better results in physical wellbeing (p = 0.022), psychological wellbeing (p = 0.024), autonomy and parent relations (p = 0.017) than breakfast‐skippers and also scored lower for depression, stress and anxiety (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, the frequency of breakfast consumption had a stronger association with reduced symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, as well as improvements in all dimensions of health‐related quality of life, compared to the quality of breakfast consumed. Given the association of breakfast consumption with mental health outcomes in adolescents, our findings are of great importance, especially to parents, clinicians and nutritional educators.
The role of collaboration in educating the global pediatric anesthesia workforce
Authors: Nabukenya Mary T. , Newton Mark W. , Gray Rebecca M. , Kapoor Indu , Kuratani Norifumi , Moore Jolene , Rai Ekta , Evans Faye M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn estimated 1.7 billion children and adolescents do not have access to safe and affordable surgical care, and the vast majority of these are located in low‐middle‐income countries (LMICs). Pediatric anesthesia, a specialized field that requires a diverse set of knowledge and skills, has seen various advancements over the years and has become well‐established in upper‐middle and high‐income countries. However, in LMICs, due to a multitude of factors including severe workforce shortages, this has not been the case. Collaborations play a vital role in increasing the capacity of pediatric anesthesiology educators and training the pediatric anesthesia workforce. These efforts directly increase access for children who require surgical intervention. Collaboration models can be operationalized through bidirectional knowledge sharing, training, resource allocation, research and innovation, quality improvement, networking, and advocacy. This article aims to highlight a few of these collaborative efforts. Specifically, the role that the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, the Safer Anesthesia from Education program, the Asian Society of Pediatric Anaesthesiologists, Pediatric Anesthesia Training in Africa, the Paediatric Anaesthesia Network New Zealand, the Safe Pediatric Anesthesia Network and two WhatsApp™ groups (global ped anesthesia and the Pediatric Difficult Intubation Collaborative) have played in improving anesthesiology care for children.
The relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults
Authors: Çiftci Necmettin , Yildiz Metin , Durmuş Mustafa , Çoban Mahmut 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe increase in the number of elderly people in the world, individuals' perspectives on older adults, and false beliefs and ideas about old age negatively affect adults in terms of ageing. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults.MethodThis study, which was designed in a correlational cross‐sectional descriptive model, was conducted with 1074 adult individuals living in one province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Fear of Old Age Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, AMOS 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs.ResultsIn our study, it was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as χ2/df = 4.737, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.93, goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.92, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.90, IFI = 0.93. There is a significant relationship between loneliness and death anxiety (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between loneliness and fear of old age (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between death anxiety and fear of old age (P < 0.05). It was determined that death anxiety has a mediating role in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age (95% confidence interval: 0.112–0.226; P < 0.05).ConclusionAs the level of loneliness increases, the level of death anxiety and fear of old age increases. Fear of old age also increases in the mediating role of death anxiety. It is recommended to conduct intervention studies to reduce fear of old age. Longitudinal study on fear of old age is recommended.
Ocular biometry in rabbits using computed tomography
Authors: Goody Nicholas , Israeliantz Nicolas , Massidda Azzurra , Richardson Jenna , Blacklock Benjamin , Mitchell Jordan , Liuti Tiziana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a repeatable method of measuring ocular structures and to establish ocular biometry reference ranges in adult domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) without medical history or imaging findings consistent with ophthalmic disease using a 64‐slice multidetector computed tomography scanner.ProcedureIn this retrospective and observational anatomic study, 100 eyes from 50 rabbits without medical history or imaging findings consistent with ophthalmic disease who received a head computed tomography scan were selected for measurement of globe length, width, and height using 3D multiplanar reconstruction. Lens width and length, the anteroposterior length of the anterior and vitreous chambers, and attenuation of the lens and vitreous chamber were collected. These parameters were compared against age, sex, weight, body condition, and ear conformation.ResultsA reference guide was established, with globe width being the largest dimension (18.03 ± 0.81 mm), followed by height (17.18 ± 0.69 mm) and then length (16.64 ± 0.66 mm). Increased weight was associated with an increase in globe height (p = 2.43 × 10−5), length (p = 1.63 × 10−4), and width (p = 7.0 × 10−3). Increased age was associated with increased lens attenuation (p = 1.28 × 10−7) and increased transverse lens width (p = 1.64 × 10−3). Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement was excellent.ConclusionsCT is a reliable modality for measurement of ocular biometry dimensions in rabbits. These reference values can be applied to aid in identifying diseases that affect the dimensions of the ocular structures in rabbits over 18 months of age.
Multicenter evaluation of the
Toxoplasma gondii
Real-TM (Sacace) kit performance for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis
Authors: Guitard Juliette , Brenier-Pinchart Marie-Pierre , Varlet-Marie Emmanuelle , Dalle Frédéric , Rouges Celia , Argy Nicolas , Bonhomme Julie , Capitaine Agathe , Guégan Hélène , Lavergne Rose-Anne , Dardé Marie-Laure , Pelloux Hervé , Robert-Gangneux Florence , Yera Hélène , Sterkers Yvon 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The molecular detection of
Toxoplasma gondii
DNA is a key tool for the diagnosis of disseminated and congenital toxoplasmosis. This multicentric study from the Molecular Biology Pole of the French National Reference Center for toxoplasmosis aimed to evaluate
Toxoplasma gondii
Real-TM PCR kit (Sacace). The study compared the analytical and clinical performances of this PCR assay with the reference PCRs used in proficient laboratories. PCR efficiencies varied from 90% to 112%; linearity zone extended over four log units (R
2
> 0.99) and limit of detection varied from 0.01 to ≤1 Tg/mL depending on the center. Determined on 173 cryopreserved DNAs from a large range of clinical specimens, clinical sensitivity was 100% [106/106; 95 confidence interval (CI): 96.5%–100%] and specificity was 100% (67/67; 95 CI: 94.6%–100%). The study revealed two potential limitations of the Sacace PCR assay: the first was the inconsistency of the internal control (IC) when added to the PCR mixture. This point was not found under routine conditions when the IC was added during the extraction step. The second is a lack of practicality, as the mixture is distributed over several vials, requiring numerous pipetting operations. Overall, this study provides useful information for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis; the analytical and clinical performances of the Sacace PCR kit were satisfactory, the kit having sensitivity and specificity similar to those of expert center methods and being able to detect low parasite loads, at levels where multiplicative analysis gives inconsistently positive results. Finally, the study recommends multiplicative analysis in particular for amniotic fluids, aqueous humor, and other single specimens.
Tracing the STING exocytosis pathway during herpes viruses infection
Authors: Dogrammatzis Christos , Saud Rabina , Waisner Hope , Lasnier Sarah , Suma Sreenath Muraleedharan , Grieshaber Brandon , Kalamvoki Maria 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) constitutes a major DNA-sensing pathway that restricts HSV-1 infection in different models by activating type I interferon and pro-inflammatory responses. To counteract STING, HSV-1 has evolved numerous strategies including mechanisms to interfere with its oligomerization, post-translational modifications, and downstream signaling. Previously, we demonstrated that STING is packaged in extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced from HSV-1-infected cells. These EVs activated antiviral responses in uninfected recipient cells and suppressed a subsequent HSV-1 infection in a STING-dependent manner. Here, we provide information on the packaging of STING in EVs and its exocytosis. We found that STING exocytosis did not occur in CD63 knockdown cells supporting that STING follows the CD63 exocytosis pathway. Consistently, we found that STING co-localized with CD63 in cytoplasmic globular structures and exosomal STING and CD63 co-fractionated. Both golgicide A and brefeldin A prevented STING exocytosis during HSV-1 infection suggesting that STING trafficking through the Golgi is required. A STING ligand was insufficient for STING exocytosis, and downstream signaling through TBK1 was not required. However, STING palmitoylation and tethering to the ER by STIM1 were required for STING exocytosis. Finally, we found that HSV-1 replication/late gene expression triggered CD63 exocytosis that was required for STING exocytosis. Surprisingly, HSV-2 strain G did not trigger CD63 or STING exocytosis as opposed to VZV and HCMV. Also, EVs from HSV-1(F)- and HSV-2(G)-infected cells displayed differences in their ability to restrict these viruses. Overall, STING exocytosis is induced by certain viruses and shapes the microenvironment of infection.

IMPORTANCE
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all types of cells as they constitute a major mechanism of intercellular communication. The packaging of specific cargo in EVs and the pathway of exocytosis are not fully understood. STING is a sensor of a broad spectrum of pathogens and a key component of innate immunity. STING exocytosis during HSV-1 infection has been an intriguing observation, raising questions of whether this is a virus-induced process, the purpose it serves, and whether it is observed after infection with other viruses. Here, we have provided insights into the pathway of STING exocytosis and determined factors involved. STING exocytosis is a virus-induced process and not a response of the host to the infection. Besides HSV-1, other herpes viruses triggered STING exocytosis, but HSV-2(G) did not. HSV-1 EVs displayed different restriction capabilities compared with HSV-2(G) EVs. Overall, STING exocytosis is triggered by viruses to shape the microenvironment of infection.
Control of three-carbon amino acid homeostasis by promiscuous importers and exporters in
Bacillus subtilis
: role of the “sleeping beauty” amino acid exporters
Authors: Warneke Robert , Herzberg Christina , Daniel Richard , Hormes Björn , Stülke Jörg 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The Gram-positive model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
can acquire amino acids by import,
de novo
biosynthesis, or degradation of proteins and peptides. The accumulation of several amino acids inhibits the growth of
B. subtilis
, probably due to misincorporation into cellular macromolecules such as proteins or peptidoglycan or due to interference with other amino acid biosynthetic pathways. Here, we studied the adaptation of
B. subtilis
to toxic concentrations of the three-carbon amino acids L-alanine, β-alanine, and 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, as well as the two-carbon amino acid glycine. Resistance to the non-proteinogenic amino acid β-alanine, which is a precursor for coenzyme A biosynthesis, is achieved by mutations that either activate a cryptic amino acid exporter, AexA (previously YdeD), or inactivate the amino acid importers AimA, AimB (previously YbxG), and BcaP. The
aexA
gene is very poorly expressed under most conditions studied. However, mutations affecting the transcription factor AerA (previously YdeC) can result in strong constitutive
aexA
expression. AexA is the first characterized member of a group of amino acid exporters in
B. subtilis
, which are all very poorly expressed. Therefore, we suggest to call this group “sleeping beauty amino acid exporters.” 2,3-Diaminopropionic acid can also be exported by AexA, and this amino acid also seems to be a natural substrate of AerA/AexA, as it can cause a slight but significant induction of
aexA
expression, and AexA also provides some natural resistance toward 2,3-diaminopropionic acid. Moreover, our work shows how low-specificity amino acid transporters contribute to amino acid homeostasis in
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE

Even though
Bacillus subtilis
is one of the most-studied bacteria, amino acid homeostasis in this organism is not fully understood. We have identified import and export systems for the C2 and C3 amino acids. Our work demonstrates that the responsible amino acid permeases contribute in a rather promiscuitive way to amino acid uptake. In addition, we have discovered AexA, the first member of a group of very poorly expressed amino acid exporters in
B. subtilis
that we call “sleeping beauty amino acid exporters.” The expression of these transporters is typically triggered by mutations in corresponding regulator genes that are acquired upon exposure to toxic amino acids. These exporters are ubiquitous in all domains of life. It is tempting to speculate that many of them are not expressed until the cells experience selective pressure by toxic compounds, and they protect the cells from rare but potentially dangerous encounters with such compounds.
The inner membrane protein YhiM links copper and CpxAR envelope stress responses in uropathogenic
E. coli
Authors: Saenkham-Huntsinger Panatda , Ritter Matthew , Donati George L. , Mitchell Angela M. , Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a ubiquitous infectious condition, and uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is the predominant causative agent of UTI. Copper (Cu) is implicated in innate immunity, including against UPEC. Cu is a trace element utilized as a co-factor, but excess Cu is toxic due to mismetalation of non-cognate proteins.
E. coli
precisely regulates Cu homeostasis via efflux systems. However, Cu import mechanisms into the bacterial cell are not clear. We hypothesized that Cu import defective mutants would exhibit increased resistance to Cu. This hypothesis was tested in a forward genetic screen with transposon (Tn
5
) insertion mutants in UPEC strain CFT073, and we identified 32 unique Cu-resistant mutants. Transposon and defined mutants lacking
yhiM
, which encodes a hypothetical inner membrane protein, were more resistant to Cu than parental strain. Loss of YhiM led to decreased cellular Cu content and increased expression of
copA
, encoding a Cu efflux pump. The CpxAR envelope stress response system was activated in the
ΔyhiM
mutant as indicated by increased expression of
cpxP
. Transcription of
yhiM
was regulated by CueR and CpxR, and the CpxAR system was essential for increased Cu resistance in the
ΔyhiM
mutant. Importantly, activation of CpxAR system in the
ΔyhiM
mutant was independent of NlpE, a known activator of this system. YhiM was required for optimal fitness of UPEC in a mouse model of UTI. Our findings demonstrate that YhiM is a critical mediator of Cu homeostasis and links bacterial adaptation to Cu stress with the CpxAR-dependent envelope stress response in UPEC.

IMPORTANCE
UPEC is a common bacterial infection. Bacterial pathogens are exposed to host-derived Cu during infection, including UTI. Here, we describe detection of genes involved in Cu homeostasis in UPEC. A UPEC mutant lacking YhiM, a membrane protein, exhibited dramatic increase in resistance to Cu. Our study demonstrates YhiM as a nexus between Cu stress and the CpxAR-dependent envelope stress response system. Importantly, our findings establish NlpE-independent activation of CpxAR system during Cu stress in UPEC. Collectively, YhiM emerges as a critical mediator of Cu homeostasis in UPEC and highlights the interlinked nature of bacterial adaptation to survival during Cu and envelope stress.