bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological Control of Green Mold in Simulated Post-harvest Chain of Citrus Fruit: Efficacy ofCandida oleophilaStrain O and Molecular Insight into Elicitation of Host Immune System
Authors: Rovetto Ermes Ivan , Spada Federico LA , Boumlasy Soumia EL , Conti Taguali Sebastiano , Riolo Mario , Pane Antonella , Cacciola Santa Olga 
Published: March 2024

AbstractManaging post-harvest decays in citrus fruit without relying on conventional pesticides presents a significant challenge in modern Plant Pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the biological control agentCandida oleophilastrain O in controlling green mold caused byPenicillium digitatumthroughout various stages of the post-harvest supply chain. Using a series ofin vivoexperiments, different scenarios ofP. digitatuminfections in clementine tangerine, orange, and lemon fruit were examined, with treatments applied before, during or after infection. The study simulated typical conditions of the citrus supply chain, including picking, processing in packinghouses, and transportation, as well as cold storage and shelf-life phases. Results indicated thatC. oleophilaexhibited significant efficacy in reducing green mold symptoms, even at shelf-life temperatures, making it a practical alternative to conventional fungicides. Additionally, the study provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the defensive response of citrus fruit toC. oleophilatreatment, with up-regulation of defense-related genes observed across different fruit types. Overall, this study underscores the potential ofC. oleophilaas a sustainable and effective solution for managing post-harvest decays in citrus fruit within the complexities of the supply chain.
To assess or not to assess an entrepreneurship competence in vocational education and training? Results from a case study of Italy
Authors: Morselli Daniele 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis article focuses on the assessment of entrepreneurship competence by selected vocational teachers in Italy. The exploratory research question addresses the extent to which entrepreneurship assessments are competence based, and the research seeks to identify fully fledged assessment programmes with both a formative and summative component, and the use of assessment rubrics. It also explores the extent to which entrepreneurship competence is referred to in school documentation and later assessed, and the tools and strategies used for such assessment.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is part of a larger European research project promoted by Cedefop; in Italy it focused on six selected vocational IVET and CVET programmes and apprenticeship schemes. It used a wide range of instruments to ensure triangulation and multiple perspectives: analysed policy documents and undertook online interviews with experts and policy makers. At VET providers' premises it deployed: analysis of school documents; observations of learning environments; interviews and focus groups with (in schools) teachers, directors and vice directors, learners and alumni (in companies) instructors, company tutors and employers, apprentices and alumni.FindingsAssessment tasks were rarely embedded within fully fledged assessment programmes involving both formative and summative tasks, and assessment rubric for grading. Most of the time, entrepreneurship programmes lacked self-assessment, peer assessment and structured feedback and did not involve learners in the assessment process. Some instructors coached the students, but undertook no clear formative assessment. These findings suggest institutions have a testing culture with regard to assessment, at the level of both policy and practice. In most cases, entrepreneurship competence was not directly assessed, and learning outcomes were only loosely related to entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation concerned the selection of the VET providers: these were chosen not on a casual basis, but because they ran programmes that were relevant to the development of entrepreneurship competence.Practical implicationsAt the policy level, there is a need for new guidelines on competence development and assessment in VET, guidelines that are more aligned with educational research on competence development. To ensure the development of entrepreneurship competence, educators need in-service training and a community of practice.Originality/valueSo far, the literature has concentrated on entrepreneurship education at the tertiary level. Little is known about how VET instructors assess entrepreneurship competence. This study updates the picture of policy and practice in Italy, illustrating how entrepreneurship competence is developed in selected IVET and CVET programmes and apprenticeships.
G‐quadruplex is involved in the regulation of BmSGF1 expression in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Li Jin , Niu Kangkang , Peng Yuling , Song Qisheng , Feng Qili 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdvanced DNA structures, such as the G‐quadruplex (G4) and the i‐motif, are widely but not randomly present in the genomes of many organisms. A G4 structure was identified in the promoter of the silk gland factor‐1 gene (SGF1), which is the main regulatory gene for silk production in Bombyx mori. In this study, a BmSGF1 G4−/− homozygous mutant was generated with the G4 sequence knocked out. The promoter activity of BmSGF1 was lowered in the BmSGF1 G4−/− mutant. Pyridostatin (PDS) stabilized the G4 structure and increased the promoter activity of BmSGF1, whereas anti‐sense oligonucleotide (ASO) complementary to the G4 sequence suppressed the promoter activity of BmSGF1. Compared with wild‐type larvae, the deletion of the BmSGF1 G4 structure decreased both the expression of BmSGF1 and the fibroin heavy chain gene BmFib‐H in the posterior silk gland and the weight of the cocoons. Overall, these results suggest that the promoter G4 structure of BmSGF1 participates in the transcription regulation of the BmSGF1 gene in the silkworm.
Serum levels of CXCL5 are decreased and correlate with circulating platelet counts in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhao Liling , Du Keqian , Chen Juan , Ding Huihua , Petersen Frank , Ye Shuang , Lin Zhiming , Yu Xinhua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo identify disease‐specific serum chemokine profiles and potential anti‐inflammatory chemokines in three rheumatic diseases.MethodsThe discovery cohort included 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 20 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), 24 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 28 healthy subjects. Findings from the discovery cohort were validated in two replication cohorts, consisting of 23 patients with SLE matched with 23 healthy subjects and 62 patients with SLE, 16 patients with ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV), and 32 healthy controls, respectively. Serum levels of chemokines were determined using multiplex assay or ELISA.ResultsIn the discovery cohort, serum levels of multiple chemokines were increased in one or more diseases in comparison to healthy subjects, including CCL2, CCL20, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in SLE, CCL2, CCL4, and CXCL11 in pSS, and CCL2, CCL4, and CXCL9 in RA. Notably, serum levels of CCL3 (p = .0003) and CXCL5 (p = .0003) were decreased in SLE. The SLE‐specific decrease in CXCL5 serum levels was confirmed in the two replication cohorts, with p = .0034 and p = .0006, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum levels of CXCL5 and circulating platelet counts (R = .71, p = .00018) in SLE observed in the discovery cohort was confirmed in both replication cohorts (R = .52, p = .011 and R = .49, p = .00005, respectively).ConclusionIn the present study, we demonstrate that serum levels of CXCL5 are decreased in patients with SLE and positively correlated with circulating platelet count. These findings suggest that platelet‐associated CXCL5 is presumably involved in the development of SLE.
Finger cuff versus invasive and noninvasive arterial pressure measurement in pregnant patients with obesity
Authors: Eley Victoria , Llewellyn Stacey , Pelecanos Anita , Callaway Leonie , Smith Matthew , van Zundert Andre , Stowasser Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPregnant patients with obesity may have compromised noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurement. We assessed the accuracy and trending ability of the ClearSight™ finger cuff (FC) with invasive arterial monitoring (INV) and arm NIBP, in obese patients having cesarean delivery.MethodsParticipants were aged ≥18 years, ≥34 weeks gestation, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg m−2. FC, INV, and NIBP measurements were obtained across 5‐min intervals. The primary outcome was agreement of FC measurements with those of the reference standard INV, using modified Bland–Altman plots. Secondary outcomes included comparisons between FC and NIBP and NIBP versus INV, with four‐quadrant plots performed to report discordance rates and evaluate trending ability.ResultsTwenty‐three participants had a median (IQR) BMI of 45 kg m−2 (44–48). When comparing FC and INV the mean bias (SD, 95% limits of agreement) for systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 16 mmHg (17, −17.3 to 49.3 mmHg), for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) −0.2 mmHg (10.5, −20.7 to 20.3), and for mean arterial pressure (MAP) 5.2 mmHg (11.1, −16.6 to 27.0 mmHg). Discordance occurred in 54 (26%) pairs for SBP, 41 (23%) for DBP, and 41 (21.7%) for MAP. Error grid analysis showed 92.1% of SBP readings in Zone A (no‐risk zone). When comparing NIBP and INV, the mean bias (95% limits of agreement) for SBP was 13.0 mmHg (16.7, −19.7 to 29.3), for DBP 5.9 mmHg (11.9, −17.4 to 42.0), and for MAP 8.2 mmHg (11.9, −15.2 to 31.6). Discordance occurred in SBP (84 of 209, 40.2%), DBP (74 of 187, 39.6%), and MAP (63 of 191, 33.0%).ConclusionsThe FC and NIBP techniques were not adequately in agreement with INV. Trending capability was better for FC than NIBP. Clinically important differences may occur in the setting of the perfusion‐dependent fetus.
Amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography showed no differences in cerebral activity between preterm singletons and twins in the first 4 weeks of life
Authors: Schreiner Christina , Staudt Anna , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Griesmaier Elke 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimGenetic influences on cerebral activity have been described previously, but data are scarce in preterms. We aimed to investigate whether a genetic influence causes amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) signals to differ between singletons and twin preterm newborns.MethodsThis was a retrospective single‐centre study conducted at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital, Austria. Preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation between 6 November 2010 and 6 December 2022 were eligible for the study. The aEEG was analysed for the total maturation score, its component scores and the number of sleep–wake cycles per hour.ResultsWe enrolled 240 preterm twin infants (57.5% male) with a mean gestational age of 30 (range: 24–32) weeks and a mean birth weight of 1324 (range: 600–2116) grams. We compared 240 singleton matched preterms. No differences were found between preterm singletons and twin preterm infants regarding the total maturation and component scores, or the number of sleep–wake cycles. aEEG showed no difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins.ConclusionCompared to singletons, twin infants born preterm showed no differences in aEEG signals in the first 4 weeks of life. Future studies should include more complex non‐invasive functional neuroimaging methods to gain more insight into this important topic.
A virtuous cycle between meaning in daily life and state mindfulness as well as the unique role of depression among young adults: A diary study
Authors: Lian Yangyu , Zhang Wenrui , He Ting , Wang Yulong , Lin Xiuyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe positive association between meaning in life (MIL) and mindfulness has been supported; however, previous research has been limited to the trait level. To explore the dynamics of mindfulness and MIL in the state level, the present study used the experience sampling method (ESM) and conducted a dynamic structural equation model (DSEM). In addition, we examined the moderation of baseline depression in this dynamic relationship and the protective role of the dynamics on depression. We recruited 184 college students (Mage = 21.58, 33.15% male), who reported three times a day for 14 consecutive days, and analyzed the 7726 collected responses. Firstly, a virtuous cycle between mindfulness and MIL was proven. Besides, the baseline depressive symptoms moderated the predictive of mindfulness on MIL, suggesting state mindfulness gave people with more depressive symptoms more meaningful in daily life. Lastly, the result also demonstrated the positive prediction of mindfulness on MIL and alleviated the worsening of depressive symptoms within 2 weeks. The findings extended the relationship between MIL and mindfulness from trait level to state level, enriching the self‐determination theory, and examined the unique effect of depressive symptoms in the dynamics.
The relationship of pain intensity and opioid craving with delayed methadone dose: A preliminary study of individuals with opioid use disorder
Authors: MacLean R. Ross , Spinola Suzanne , Pittman Brian , Meyerovich Julia , Szollosy Sara K. , Wolkowicz Noah R. , Minnix Stacy , Sofuoglu Mehmet 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsDespite a strong theoretical link between opioid craving and pain, little is known about the temporal relationship between pain and craving and the acute experience of pain in the context of methadone treatment. Using a cross‐over design, the current study evaluated the time course of pain and craving and objective experience of pain as a function of the last methadone dose.MethodsParticipants (n = 20) presented for the study in the morning and either received methadone dose as scheduled or delayed dose until the afternoon. During the 4‐h study visit, participants completed a series of tasks, including repeated assessment of pain and craving at 0, +40, +70, +130, +160 and +240 min and a cold pressor test (CPT) at +15 and +220 min.ResultsSeparate mixed model results demonstrated no effect of dosing condition on craving; however, there was a significant dosing condition by time interaction (F(5,209) = 3.38, P = .006) such that pain increased over time in the delayed methadone condition but decreased in time in the scheduled methadone condition. A mixed model predicting self‐reported pain revealed a three‐way interaction between dosing condition, craving and time (F(5,197) = 2.39, P = .039) explained by a positive association between craving and pain at each time point (except 240 min) in delayed condition (P‐range = .004–.0001). A separate mixed model on CPT data indicated a significant condition by time interaction such that pain threshold decreased in the delayed, but not scheduled, condition (F(1,57) = 4.01, P = .050).ConclusionsThese preliminary findings highlight the potential for increased risks after even a short delay in receiving a methadone dose.
Metabolomics profile and machine learning prediction of treatment responses in immune thrombocytopenia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Ting , Chen Jia , Liu Xiaofan , Fu Rongfeng , Xue Feng , Liu Wei , Ju Mankai , Dai Xinyue , Li Huiyuan , Wang Wentian , Chi Ying , Li Ting , Shao Shuai , Yang Renchi , Chen Yunfei , Zhang Lei 
Published: March 2024

SummaryImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibody‐mediated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. The mechanisms underlying ITP and biomarkers predicting the response of drug treatments are elusive. We performed a metabolomic profiling of bone marrow biopsy samples collected from ITP patients admission in a prospective study of the National Longitudinal Cohort of Hematological Diseases. Machine learning algorithms were conducted to discover novel biomarkers to predict ITP patient treatment responses. From the bone marrow biopsies of 91 ITP patients, we quantified a total of 4494 metabolites, including 1456 metabolites in the positive mode and 3038 metabolites in the negative mode. Metabolic patterns varied significantly between groups of newly diagnosed and chronic ITP, with a total of 876 differential metabolites involved in 181 unique metabolic pathways. Enrichment factors and p‐values revealed the top metabolically enriched pathways to be sphingolipid metabolism, the sphingolipid signalling pathway, ubiquinone and other terpenoid–quinone biosynthesis, thiamine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and cofactors biosynthesis, the phospholipase D signalling pathway and the phosphatidylinositol signalling system. Based on patient responses to five treatment options, we screened several metabolites using the Boruta algorithm and ranked their importance using the random forest algorithm. Lipids and their metabolism, including long‐chain fatty acids, oxidized lipids, glycerophospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis, helped differentiate drug treatment responses. In conclusion, this study revealed metabolic alterations associated with ITP in bone marrow supernatants and a potential biomarker predicting the response to ITP.
Plant species richness, not hygrothermal stress, is the main predictor of gall‐inducing insect richness in Peruvian Amazon forests
Authors: Grandez‐Rios Julio M. , de Araújo Walter S. , Panduro‐Bardales Aarón , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Baker Timothy R. , Martínez Rodolfo Vásquez , Mendoza Abel Monteagudo , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Llampazo Gerardo Flores , Huaymacari José Reyna , Maia Valeria C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPatterns of gall‐inducing insect diversity tend to be influenced by both habitat‐related and plant‐related characteristics. We investigated the distribution patterns of galling insects in four vegetation types (terra firme forest, white‐sand dry forest, white‐sand wet forest and palm swamp forest) of the Peruvian Amazon to test if the insect gall diversity (1) differs among different types of vegetation and (2) depends on host plant richness. In total, we found 11,579 galls belonging to 249 insect gall morphotypes, distributed across 30 botanical families and 75 plant species. Among host plant families, Fabaceae showed the greatest richness of insect gall morphotypes. We found that galling species richness was lower in palm swamp forest than in white‐sand forests, which can be explained by the lower richness of plants in this type of vegetation. However, we found no evidence of greater richness in xeric habitats (e.g., white‐sand dry forest) than in more mesic vegetation (terra firme forest), contradicting the hypothesis of hygrothermal stress. We also found that plant species richness was positively influenced with the richness and abundance of galling species, regardless of vegetation type. Galling insect species composition differed significantly between vegetation types, similarly to the floristic composition. Our findings show that the diversity of galling insects in the tropical rainforests of Peruvian Amazon are mainly influenced by host plant composition and host plant richness.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Serum and tissue metallome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Byeon Sooin , du Toit‐Thompson Taymin , Hipperson Luke , Maloney Sarah , Wenzel Ross , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Mittal Anubhav , Sahni Sumit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients have late presentation at the time of diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Metal dyshomeostasis is known to play a role in cancer progression. However, the blood and tissue metallome of PDAC patients has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the levels of essential and toxic metals in the serum and pancreatic tissue from PDAC patients. Serum samples were obtained from PDAC patients before surgical resection. Tissue (tumor and adjacent normal pancreas) were obtained from the surgically resected specimen. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis was performed to quantify the levels of 10 essential and 3 toxic metals in these samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify dysregulated metals in PDAC and their role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Significantly decreased serum levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, arsenic, and mercury and increased levels of molybdenum were shown to be associated with PDAC. There were significantly decreased levels of zinc, manganese and molybdenum, and increased levels of calcium and selenium in the pancreatic tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal pancreas. Notably, lower serum levels of calcium, iron, and selenium, and higher levels of manganese, were significantly associated with a poor prognosis (i.e., overall survival) in PDAC patients. In conclusion, this is the first study to comprehensively assess the serum and tissue metallome of PDAC patients. It identified the association of metals with PDAC diagnosis and prognosis.
SMYD4 monomethylates PRMT5 and forms a positive feedback loop to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Chen Zheng , Zhou Qianlei , Meng Shiyu , Shi Juanyi , Mui Sintim , Jiang Hai , Lin Jianhong , He Gui , Li Wenbin , Zhang Jianlong , Wang Jie , He Chuanchao , Yan Yongcong , Xiao Zhiyu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBoth lysine and arginine methyltransferases are thought to be promising therapeutic targets for malignant tumors, yet how these methyltransferases function in malignant tumors, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has not been fully elucidated. Here, we reported that SMYD4, a lysine methyltransferase, acts as an oncogene in HCC. SMYD4 was highly upregulated in HCC and promoted HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, PRMT5, a well‐known arginine methyltransferase, was identified as a SMYD4‐binding protein. SMYD4 monomethylated PRMT5 and enhanced the interaction between PRMT5 and MEP50, thereby promoting the symmetrical dimethylation of H3R2 and H4R3 on the PRMT5 target gene promoter and subsequently activating DVL3 expression and inhibiting expression of E‐cadherin, RBL2, and miR‐29b‐1‐5p. Moreover, miR‐29b‐1‐5p was found to inversely regulate SMYD4 expression in HCC cells, thus forming a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, we found that the oncogenic effect of SMYD4 could be effectively suppressed by PRMT5 inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high coexpression of SMYD4 and PRMT5 was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. In summary, our study provides a model of crosstalk between lysine and arginine methyltransferases in HCC and highlights the SMYD4‐PRMT5 axis as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.