bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are larger termite mounds more resistant to fire? A study of two southern African termites (Isoptera: Termitidae)
Authors: de la Fontaine Benjamin , Edwards Shelley 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTermites are resistant to fire, a common disturbance in the world's savannas, but most explanations for how termites resist fire are speculative. Some researchers have suggested that the mounds of some termite species can serve as a structural defence against direct fire mortality. Because mound structure is related to thermoregulation, and larger mounds have more stable internal temperatures, larger mounds may confer greater fire resistance. Fire also causes indirect mortality to termites by removing food sources, which may give an advantage to larger mounds as they have superior food provisioning and storage ability. Using natural fires, we measured mound size and colony survival of two southern African termite species (Trinervitermes trinervoides and Amitermes sp.) in plots recently burnt (<4 months after fire), recovering from fire (1–2 years after fire), or unburnt (>3 years after fire). Burn status and mound size were each significant factors in colony survival. Recent fire was associated with the lowest survival, and larger mounds with greater survival. There is some evidence that larger mounds are generally more resistant to fire, especially the long term, indirect effects, but sample sizes were not adequate to confirm this.
Avian colouration in a polluted world: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Janas Katarzyna , Gudowska Agnieszka , Drobniak Szymon M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBrilliant, diverse colour ornaments of birds were one of the crucial cues that led Darwin to the idea of sexual selection. Although avian colouration plays many functions, including concealment, thermoregulation, or advertisement as a distasteful prey, a quality‐signalling role in sexual selection has attracted most research attention. Sexually selected ornaments are thought to be more susceptible to external stressors than naturally selected traits, and as such, they might be used as a test for environmental quality. For this reason, the last two decades have seen numerous studies on the impact of anthropogenic pollution on the expression of various avian colour traits. Herein, we provide the first meta‐analytical summary of these results and examine whether there is an interaction between the mechanism of colour production (carotenoid‐based, melanin‐based and structural) and the type of anthropogenic factor (categorised as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, urbanisation, or other). Following the assumption of heightened condition dependence of ornaments under sexual selection, we also expected the magnitude of effect sizes to be higher in males. The overall effect size was close to significance and negative, supporting a general detrimental impact of anthropogenic pollutants on avian colouration. In contrast to expectations, there was no interaction between pollution types and colour‐producing mechanisms. Yet there were significant differences in sensitivity between colour‐producing mechanisms, with carotenoid‐based colouration being the most affected by anthropogenic environmental disturbances. Moreover, we observed no significant tendency towards heightened sensitivity in males. We identified a publication gap on structural colouration, which, compared to pigment‐based colouration, remains markedly understudied and should thus be prioritised in future research. Finally, we call for the unification of methods used in colour quantification in ecological research to ensure comparability of results among studies.
How barriers become invisible: Children are less sensitive to constraints that are stable over time
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Heyman Gail D. , Walker Caren M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhen making inferences about the mental lives of others (e.g., others’ preferences), it is critical to consider the extent to which the choices we observe are constrained. Prior research on the development of this tendency indicates a contradictory pattern: Children show remarkable sensitivity to constraints in traditional experimental paradigms, yet often fail to consider real‐world constraints and privilege inherent causes instead. We propose that one explanation for this discrepancy may be that real‐world constraints are often stable over time and lose their salience. The present research tested whether children (N = 133, 5‐ to 12‐year‐old mostly US children; 55% female, 45% male) become less sensitive to an actor's constraints after first observing two constrained actors (Stable condition) versus after first observing two actors in contexts with greater choice (Not Stable condition). We crossed the stability of the constraint with the type of constraint: either the constraint was deterministic such that there was only one option available (No Other Option constraint) or, in line with many real‐world constraints, the constraint was probabilistic such that there was another option, but it was difficult to access (Hard to Access constraint). Results indicated that children in the Stable condition became less sensitive to the probabilistic Hard to Access constraint across trials. Notably, we also found that children's sensitivity to constraints was enhanced in the Not Stable condition regardless of whether the constraint was probabilistic or deterministic. We discuss implications for children's sensitivity to real‐world constraints.Research Highlights
This research addresses the apparent contradiction that children are sensitive to constraints in experimental paradigms but are often insensitive to constraints in the real world.
One explanation for this discrepancy is that constraints in the real world tend to be stable over time and may lose their salience.
When probabilistic constraints (i.e., when a second option is available but hard to access) are stable, children become de‐sensitized to constraints across trials.
First observing contexts with greater choice increases children's sensitivity to both probabilistic and deterministic constraints.
Effects of drought stress on the functional traits and rhizosphere microbial community structure of Cyperus esculentus
Authors: Liu Binshuo , Hu Yunhang , Li Ming , Xue Honghai , Wang Ying , Li Zhonghe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDrought is a major factor limiting plant growth. Plants cope with stress via morphophysiological responses. Rhizosphere‐related bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms can help plants cope with drought via various mechanisms. We conducted a pot experiment on Cyperus esculentus wherein we subjected it to various drought levels and analyzed the functional traits of its aboveground and belowground organs. High‐throughput sequencing was used to study the structure and diversity of the microbial community in the rhizosphere. Drought stress substantially lowered the densities of the leaves, stems, roots and seeds relative to the untreated control. Drought stress inhibited the growth and reduced the yield of C. esculentus. The leaves and seeds have higher water content and are more sensitive to drought stress than the roots. With the aggravation of drought stress, the plant height of C. esculentus decreased significantly, the root:shoot ratio increased and the specific leaf weight had no significant difference. Change in shoot height was the most evident response of C. esculentus to drought stress. Plants under drought stress reduced their leaf area and assumed a specific leaf weight to maintain photosynthetic performance. Rhizosphere fungi were more sensitive to drought stress than rhizosphere bacteria. Drought stress increased the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Patescibacteria, Actinobacteria and Nitrospirae. Drought‐stressed C. esculentus maintained their photosynthetic performance by reducing shoot height and leaf area while assuming a stable specific leaf weight. Drought stress exerted a significantly stronger negative impact on rhizosphere fungi than rhizosphere bacteria. The results clarified the response strategies of functional traits and rhizosphere microorganisms of C. esculentus to drought stress.
Defining success in haemophilia care – Are we doing it right?
Authors: Srivastava Alok 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionTransformational advances have occurred in the management of haemophilia in the last decade leading to much better outcomes. However, a detailed and critical examination of its assessment and reporting show gaps in many aspects. These are discussed in this review.MethodsThe relevant literature related to different aspects of management of haemophilia was reviewed to identify gaps which need to be addressed. These include detection and diagnosis of haemophilia, documentation and reporting of joint bleeding, its management and methods of reporting in clinical trials and practice, aspects of personalizing care as well as access to therapeutic products and the need for and organization of comprehensive care.ResultsCurrent diagnostic approaches have more than doubled the identified number of persons with haemophilia (PWH) over the last 25 years but still constitute only ∼30% of the expected number. Joint bleeding is the primary indicator of disease severity and treatment efficacy, but there is lack of consistency and standardization in the way it is recorded and reported. Its continued use as an efficacy measure of modern treatments which maintain steady state factor levels or equivalence of >5% will lack sensitivity. The treatment of acute haemarthrosis has focussed on haemostasis and pain control, ignoring the role of inflammation in joint damage. Phenotypic heterogeneity of severe haemophilia has recognized clinical and laboratory variations based on haemostasis but not differences in local response to blood in the joint. At the organizational level, IU/capita provides a relevant measure of access to therapeutic products when the detection rate is ∼100% but is fallaciously low when detection rates are very low. With highly effective modern therapies for haemophilia and nearly no bleeding, the concept of comprehensive care team will need modifications.ConclusionAs haemophilia care advances, a deeper dive is needed into the details of various aspects its management to ensure consistency and contemporary relevance.
Effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the physicochemical and in vitro digestibility of starch in pre‐fermented frozen raw dough
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Yin Li , Wang Qiuyu , Wang Yun , Su Jiamin , Li Chunmei , Zhou Xiaoyan 
Published: March 2024

SummaryIn this study, pre‐fermented frozen raw dough (PFRD) was subjected to freeze–thaw cycling (FTC) to explore the deterioration mechanism of PFRD, after which the physical quality, chemical properties and in vitro digestion characteristics of starch in the dough were analysed. The results showed that after the 5th FTC, the surface area of the dough and starch exhibited obvious depression deformation, and the damaged starch content increased by 38.21%. The random mechanical damage caused by ice crystals also had no significant regularity in the water retention and the short‐range order of starch. Moreover, the breakdown of the double helix structure of starch led to the dissolution of amylose, and the expansion and gelatinization enthalpy increased. In addition, the in vitro digestion results showed that freeze–thaw cycle twice increased the digestibility of the starch, and the hydrolysis rate reached 75.16%, Therefore, the effects of FTC twice on the starch of PFRD are controllable. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of prefabricated frozen starch food industry technology in the future.
Post‐translational modifications in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Zhi , Chen Jie , Huang Hailong , Zhan Qianru , Wang Fengzhi , Chen Zihan , Lu Xinwei , Sun Guozhe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe increasing attention towards diabetic cardiomyopathy as a distinctive complication of diabetes mellitus has highlighted the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and targeted treatment approaches in clinical practice. Ongoing research is gradually unravelling the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, with a particular emphasis on investigating various post‐translational modifications. These modifications dynamically regulate protein function in response to changes in the internal and external environment, and their disturbance of homeostasis holds significant relevance for the development of chronic ailments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the common post‐translational modifications involved in the initiation and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy, including O‐GlcNAcylation, phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation and ubiquitination. Additionally, the review discusses drug development strategies for targeting key post‐translational modification targets, such as agonists, inhibitors and PROTAC (proteolysis targeting chimaera) technology that targets E3 ubiquitin ligases.
CD40 stimulation via CD40 ligand enhances adenovirus‐mediated tumour immunogenicity including ‘find‐me’, ‘eat‐me’, and ‘kill‐me’ signalling
Authors: Naseri Sedigheh , Cordova Mariela Mejia , Wenthe Jessica , Lövgren Tanja , Eriksson Emma , Loskog Angelica , Ullenhag Gustav J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImmunostimulatory gene therapy using oncolytic viruses is currently evaluated as a promising therapy for cancer aiming to induce anti‐tumour immunity. Here, we investigate the capacity of oncolytic adenoviruses (LOAd) and their transgenes to induce immunogenicity in the infected tumour cells. Oncolysis and death‐related markers were assessed after infection of eight human solid cancer cell lines with different LOAd viruses expressing a trimerized, membrane‐bound (TMZ)‐CD40L, TMZ‐CD40L and 41BBL, or no transgenes. The viruses induced transgene expression post infection before they were killed by oncolysis. Death receptors TRAIL‐R1, TRAIL‐R2 and Fas as well as immunogenic cell death marker calreticulin were upregulated in cell lines post infection. Similarly, caspase 3/7 activity was increased in most cell lines. Interestingly, in CD40+ cell lines there was a significant effect of the TMZ‐CD40L‐encoding viruses indicating activation of the CD40‐mediated apoptosis pathway. Further, these cell lines showed a significant increase of calreticulin, and TRAIL receptor 1 and 2 post infection. However, LOAd viruses induced PD‐L1 upregulation which may hamper anti‐tumour immune responses. In conclusion, LOAd infection increased the immunogenicity of infected tumour cells and this was potentiated by CD40 stimulation. Due to the simultaneous PD‐L1 increase, LOAd viruses may benefit from combination with antibodies blocking PD1/PD‐L1.
Microglia orchestrate synaptic and neuronal stripping: Implication in neuropsychiatric lupus
Authors: Zhou Yishan , Chen Liang , Zheng Xiulan , Fang Qijun , Qian Yunzhi , Xu Tianshu , Liang Jun , Zhang Huajun , Han Xiaojuan , Sun Lingyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multifactorial autoimmune disease, can affect the brain and cause neuropsychiatric dysfunction, also named neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE). Microglial activation is observed in NPSLE patients. However, the mechanisms regulating microglia‐mediated neurotoxicity in NPSLE remain elusive. Here, we showed that M1‐like proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SLE patients, especially those with neuropsychiatric symptoms. We also demonstrated that MRL/lpr lupus mice developed anxiety‐like behaviours and cognitive deficits in the early and active phases of lupus, respectively. An increase in microglial number was associated with upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in the MRL/lpr mouse brain. RNA sequencing revealed that genes associated with phagocytosis and M1 polarization were upregulated in microglia from lupus mice. Functionally, activated microglia induced synaptic stripping in vivo and promoted neuronal death in vitro. Finally, tofacitinib ameliorated neuropsychiatric disorders in MRL/lpr mice, as evidenced by reductions in microglial number and synaptic/neuronal loss and alleviation of behavioural abnormalities. Thus, our results indicated that classically activated (M1) microglia play a crucial role in NPSLE pathogenesis. Minocycline and tofacitinib were found to alleviate NPSLE by inhibiting micrglial activation, providing a promising therapeutic strategy.
Borax induces ferroptosis of glioblastoma by targeting HSPA5/NRF2/GPx4/GSH pathways
Authors: Tuncer Cengiz , Hacioglu Ceyhan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal form of primary brain tumour. Borax has been demonstrated to exhibit anti‐cancer activity through cell death pathways. However, the specific impact of borax on ferroptosis in GBM is not well‐established, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Initially, the effective concentration of borax on cell viability and proliferation in U251 and A172 cells was determined. Subsequently, the effects of borax on the wound healing were analysed. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), glutathione (GSH), HSP70 protein 5 (HSPA5), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and caspase‐3/7 activity were determined in borax‐treated and untreated cells. Finally, the protein expression levels of HSPA5, NRF2 and GPx4 were analysed. Borax suppressed cell viability and proliferation in U251 and A172 cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, borax treatment decreased GPx4, GSH, HSPA5 and NRF2 levels in U251 and A172 cells while increasing MDA levels and caspase‐3/7 activity. Moreover, borax reduced mRNA and protein levels of HSPA5, NRF2 and GPx4 in U251 and A172 cells. Consequently, borax may induce ferroptosis in GBM cells and regulate the associated regulatory mechanisms targeting NRF2 and HSPA5 pathways. This knowledge may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting ferroptosis in GBM and potentially improve patient outcomes.
The value proposition for geriatrics
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G. , Rackman A. Sasha , Russell William 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn response to some of the challenges that have been articlulated about the future of Geriatrics, we describe a more positive view and value proposition for the field. Health professionals with specific training in Geriatrics are a natural fit for a variety of roles in value‐based care (VBC) programs and health systems. These roles include serving as educators for primary care health professionals and specialists in person‐centered care of older adults, serving as consultants on geriatric conditions and syndromes in a co‐management model of care, becoming effective leaders in VBC programs and health systems, and conducting quality improvement initiatives to build on the evidence‐base for the management of common conditions in the older population. We further recommend that VBC programs and systems support Centers of Excellence or Institutes to implement these strategies within and Age‐Friendly, learning system approach.
Chronic social defeat stress induces the down‐regulation of the Nedd4L‐GLT‐1 ubiquitination pathway in the prefrontal cortex of mice
Authors: Kosuge Aika , Kunisawa Kazuo , Iida Tsubasa , Wulaer Bolati , Kawai Tomoki , Tanabe Moeka , Saito Kuniaki , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Mouri Akihiro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStressful life events contribute to the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD). We recently demonstrated abnormalities in ubiquitination in the pathophysiology of MDD. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the involvement of the ubiquitination system‐mediated glutamatergic dysfunction in social impairment induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Adult C57BL/6J mice were exposed to aggressor ICR male mice for 10 consecutive days. Social impairment was induced by CSDS in the social interaction test 1 days after the last stress exposure. In terms of brain microdialysis, CSDS reduced depolarization‐evoked glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which was reversed by a glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) inhibitor. Interestingly, the expression of ubiquitinated, but not total GLT‐1, was decreased in the PFC of mice exposed to CSDS. The expression of neural precursor cells expressing developmentally downregulated gene 4‐like (Nedd4L: E3 ligase for GLT‐1), and ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2D2 (Ube2d2: E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme for Nedd4L) was also reduced in CSDS mice. Furthermore, the downregulation of the Nedd4L‐GLT‐1 ubiquitination pathway decreased SIT ratio, but up‐regulation increased it even in non‐CSDS mice. Taken together, the decrease in GLT‐1 ubiquitination may reduce the release of extracellular glutamate induced by high‐potassium stimulation, which may lead to social impairment, while we could not find differences in GLT‐1 ubiquitination between susceptible and resistant CSDS mice. In conclusion, GLT‐1 ubiquitination could play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of MDD and is an attractive target for the development of novel antidepressants.image
Endogenous property rights, credit market, and economic development
Authors: Bose Niloy , Cothren Richard , Sedaghatkish Nazanin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEmpirical evidence suggests that credit markets can catalyze property rights reforms. We illustrate this in a theoretical framework where a borrower must expend costly effort to protect output from predation. We consider two possible equilibrium loan contracts. In the first, lenders leave the decision to protect output to borrowers. In the second, lenders set the standard of property protection as a precondition for lending. The second contracting regime results in a higher level of property rights enforcement. Significantly, the level of economic development determines the equilibrium contracting form and vice versa. Based on this analysis, we jointly determine the evolution of property rights and economic development. The analysis also sheds light on the environments that lead an economy to a low development trap with a poor quality of property rights institutions.