bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LACCASE35 enhances lignification and resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae infection in kiwifruit
Authors: Li Yawei , Zhang Dongle , Wang Xiaojie , Bai Fuxi , Li Rui , Zhou Rongrong , Wu Shunyuan , Fang Zemin , Liu Wei , Huang Lili , Liu Pu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Kiwifruit bacterial canker, a highly destructive disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), seriously affects kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) production. Lignin deposition in infected cells serves as a defense mechanism, effectively suppressing pathogen growth. However, the underlying process remains unclear. In this study, we determined that Psa infection leads to a significant increase in S-lignin accumulation in kiwifruit. The S/G ratio in lignin was higher in a Psa-resistant cultivar than in a Psa-sensitive cultivar. Furthermore, kiwifruit laccase 35 (AcLac35), encoding an enzyme in the lignin biosynthesis pathway with characteristic laccase activity, showed tissue-specific expression in plants and was upregulated following infection by Psa. Overexpressing AcLac35 in kiwifruit leaves resulted in greater lignin content than in wild-type leaves, leading to the formation of thicker cell walls, and also activated plant–pathogen interactions and MAPK pathways, thereby enhancing resistance against Psa infection. Yeast 1-hybrid assays, dual-LUC reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and transient injection experiments indicated that SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 9 (AcSPL9) can bind to the AcLac35 promoter, thereby positively regulating its expression. Moreover, overexpression of AcSPL9 increased lignin accumulation in kiwifruit leaves, enhancing resistance to Psa, while virus-induced gene silencing of AcSPL9 expression reduced this resistance. Our findings reveal the function of AsSPL9-AcLac35 in kiwifruit, providing insight into enhancing resistance against Psa in kiwifruit.
Loss of PRICKLE1 leads to abnormal endometrial epithelial architecture, decreased embryo implantation, and reduced fertility in mice
Authors: Roberts Emily R , Bhurke Aishwarya V , Ganeshkumar Sornakala , Gunewardena Sumedha , Arora Ripla , Chennathukuzhi Vargheese M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Successful embryo implantation requires coordinated changes in the uterine luminal epithelium, including structural adaptations, apical–basal polarity shifts, intrauterine fluid resorption, and cellular communication. Planar cell polarity proteins, essential for cell organization, are understudied in the context of uterine physiology and implantation. PRICKLE proteins, components of PCP, are suggested to play critical roles in epithelial polarization and tissue morphogenesis. However, their function in the polarized unicellular layer of endometrial epithelium, which supports embryo implantation, is unknown. We developed an endometrial epithelial-specific knockout of mouse Prickle1 using Lactoferrin-iCre to investigate its role in uterine physiology. Prickle1 ablation in the endometrial epithelium of mice resulted in decreased embryo implantation by gestational day 4.5, leading to lower fertility. 3D imaging of the uterus revealed abnormal luminal folding, impaired luminal closure, and altered glandular length in mutant uteri. Additionally, we observed decreased aquaporin-2 expression, disrupted cellular architecture, and altered E-cadherin expression and localization in the mutant uterine epithelium. Evidence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition was found within luminal epithelial cells, further linking PRICKLE1 loss to uterine pathologies. Furthermore, altered polarity of cell division leading to incomplete cytokinesis and increase in binuclear or multinucleated cells suggests a crucial role for PRICKLE1 in the maintenance of epithelial architecture. Our findings highlight PRICKLE1's critical role in the planar cell polarity pathway within the uterus, revealing its importance in the molecular and cellular responses essential for successful pregnancy and fertility.
Multi-toric geometries with larger compact symmetry
Authors: Madsen Thomas Bruun , Swann Andrew 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
We study complete, simply connected manifolds with special holonomy that are toric with respect to their multi-moment maps. We consider the cases where there is a connected non-Abelian symmetry group containing the torus. For $ \mathrm{Spin}(7) $-manifolds, we show that the only possibility are structures with a cohomogeneity-two action of $ T^{3} \times \mathrm{SU}(2) $. We then specialize the analysis to holonomy G2, to Calabi-Yau geometries in real dimension six and to hyperKähler four-manifolds. Finally, we consider weakly coherent triples on $ \mathbb{R} \times \mathrm{SU}(2) $, and their extensions over singular orbits, to give local examples in the $ \mathrm{Spin}(7) $-case that have singular orbits where the stabilizer is of rank one.
Financing Infrastructure in the Shadow of Expropriation
Authors: Acharya Viral V , Parlatore Cecilia , Sundaresan Suresh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We examine the optimal financing of infrastructure when governments can expropriate rents from private sector firms that manage infrastructure. While private firms need incentives to implement projects well, governments need incentives to limit expropriation. This double moral hazard limits the willingness of outside investors to fund infrastructure projects. Optimal financing contracts involve government guarantees to investors against project failure to incentivize the government to agree not to expropriate, thus improving private sector incentives and project quality. The contract also reflects several other features prevalent in infrastructure financing in practice, among which are government coinvestment, tax subsidies, and development rights. (JEL D82, G30, G32, G38, H20, H54)
Birthing parents’ neural response to infant cry: moderating effects of oxytocin and perceived childhood care
Authors: Grande Leah Ariana , Xie Yun , Zagoory-Sharon Orna , Watamura Sarah Enos , Yeh Tom , Feldman Ruth , Kim Pilyoung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Individuals who perceive the caregiving they received from their parents as more caring tend to bond better with their infants and show more sensitive parenting behaviors. Early caregiving experiences are also related to differences in the functions of hormonal systems, including the oxytocinergic system. The current study examined how perceptions of childhood maternal care relate to parenting behaviors, oxytocin levels, and neural responses to infant stimuli. Perceived childhood maternal care was measured using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) for 54 first-time birthing parents. Salivary oxytocin and observations of parenting behaviors were assessed during parent–infant play at 3.5 months postpartum. Neural activation while listening to infant cry was measured with fMRI. More positive perceptions of childhood maternal care and higher oxytocin were interactively related to greater anterior cingulate activation to own infant’s cry. Higher oxytocin levels were associated with reduced left cuneus activation in response to own infant’s cry when compared with control cry and matched noise. Findings suggested that positive memories of childhood caregiving may have protective functions for birthing parents with high oxytocin levels during the early postpartum period, a time when parents need to manage increased stress and form an exclusive bond with their baby.
Effect of beta-agonist type and timing of Experior feeding on calculated cumulative ammonia gas emissions, live growth performance, and carcass outcomes, and objective tenderness outcomes of feedlot steers
Authors: Wendler Wilsey M , Davis Michael S , Koers Walter C , Rincker Phillip J , Pyatt Nathan A , Lucherk Loni W , Lawrence Ty E 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Our objective was to compare beta-agonist feeding strategies and evaluate Experior (EXP) with added days on feed (DOF) for live growth performance and carcass outcomes. Steers (n = 2,517; initial BW = 336 ± 23 kg) were allocated to 36 pens in a randomized, complete-block design and assigned to 1 of 6 treatments. Treatments were negative control (no beta-ligand; CON), Optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride, 300 mg·head−1·day−1 for 35 d; OPT), and Experior (lubabegron fumarate, 36 mg·head−1·day−1 for 56 d + 4 d removal; 0EXP) with all three treatments fed for 198 d. Remaining treatments were fed EXP for same duration as 0EXP, but total DOF were adjusted by −14 d (−14EXP), +14 d (+14EXP) and +28 d (+28EXP). Statistical analyses were conducted using mixed models; treatment was the fixed effect, block was a random effect, means were separated with the Tukey-Kramer adjustment, and contrasts were calculated to test linear or quadratic effects of EXP across DOF. No treatment differences (P ≥ 0.72) were observed for daily dry matter intake. Calculated cumulative ammonia (NH3) gas emissions (CCAGE) expressed either as total NH3 emitted (g) or NH3 emitted per kg of BW or HCW was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) by 5.6–8.5%, 5.1–10.7%, and 6.3–13.6%, respectively for 0EXP, +14EXP and +28EXP compared to CON. Carcass ADG of 0EXP steers was 6.8% greater (P &lt; 0.01) than CON, which had similar (P ≥ 0.10) ADG to OPT, +14EXP, and +28EXP steers. Carcass G:F of 0EXP steers was improved 5.0% compared to CON (P = 0.01) and was not different (P ≥ 0.10) from OPT, −14EXP or +14EXP steers. Hot carcass weight of 0EXP, +14EXP, or +28EXP steers was 14–37 kg heavier (P &lt; 0.01) than CON, which did not differ (P = 0.81) from OPT. Steers fed EXP had 1.15–2.5% point increase (P &lt; 0.01) in dressed yields. Longissimus muscle area was 4.03–6.23 cm2 larger (P &lt; 0.01) in steers fed EXP compared to CON, which tended to differ (P = 0.08) from OPT. Marbling score was 31–39 points lower (P ≤ 0.02) for −14EXP compared to CON and OPT, whereas 0EXP tended (P = 0.09) to differ from CON and +14EXP and +28EXP were similar (P ≥ 0.28) to CON and OPT. Slice shear force values were 20.1% greater (P &lt; 0.02) for +14EXP compared to CON, whereas 0EXP tended (P = 0.09) to be greater and +28EXP, −14EXP and OPT were similar (P ≥ 0.28) to CON. This study illustrates EXP decreased CCAGE and increased HCW with minimal quality changes when fed the last 56 d on feed.
Novel inflammatory markers in intracerebral hemorrhage: Results from Olink proteomics analysis
Authors: Hu Ziliang , Chen Siqi , Zhang Enhao , Wei Liangzhe , Wang Jieyi , Shang Qing , Gao Xiang , Huang Yi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractInflammation is a crucial factor in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) pathophysiology, but specific inflammatory biomarkers in ICH patients remain unclear. This study aimed to identify novel circulating inflammatory biomarkers for improved ICH prediction and diagnosis. We profiled expression levels of 92 cardiovascular disease related proteins in plasma from 26 matched ICH patients and controls using Olink technology. Differentially expressed proteins were validated using ELISA and RT‐qPCR in a second matched cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated how well the diagnostic tests performed. The study identified 18 inflammatory‐related proteins with significantly different expression levels between ICH patients and controls. These proteins participate in critical biological processes and pathways, such as the regulation of inflammatory mediator secretion, cell death, immune cell proliferation and differentiation, pathogen response, and PI3K‐Akt and JAK–STAT pathways. Notably, we discovered for the first time that Kidney Injury Molecule‐1 (KIM1) is significantly upregulated in the plasma of ICH patients, suggesting its potential as a predictive and diagnostic biomarker for ICH. Validation results from ELISA and RT‐qPCR showed that Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), KIM1, and Galectin‐9 (Gal‐9) concentrations were markedly increased in the blood plasma and white matter of individuals with ICH. ROC analysis showed that the combined marker of IL‐6, PTX3, KIM1 and Gal‐9 had a high diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.941). This study identified a novel biomarker panel (IL‐6, PTX3, KIM1, Gal‐9) for ICH diagnosis. KIM1 upregulation in ICH patients is a novel finding, further investigation is needed into its expression and function in ICH.
Betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase attenuates liver ischemia–reperfusion injury by targeting TAK1
Authors: Liu Xudong , Shi Jihua , Wu Min , Gao Jie , Zhang Yi , Guo Wenzhi , Zhang Shuijun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLiver ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is a common complication following liver surgery, significantly impacting the prognosis of liver transplantation and other liver surgeries. Betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), a crucial enzyme in the methionine cycle, has been previously confirmed the pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has also been demonstrated that BHMT inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, but its role in liver IR injury remains unknow. Following I/R injury, we found that BHMT expression was significantly upregulated in human liver transplant specimens, mice and hepatocytes. Utilizing BHMT knockout mice, we established an in vivo model of liver IR injury, and with BHMT knockout and overexpression AML12 cell lines, we created an in vitro hypoxia–reoxygenation model. Our findings reveal that BHMT deficiency exacerbates liver IR injury, leading to increased reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and inflammation, whereas BHMT overexpression mitigates these effects. We observed that BHMT inhibits the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathway in liver IR injury by interacting with TAK1 and inhibiting its activity. The application of 5z‐7‐ox, a TAK1 inhibitor, reversed the worsening of liver IR injury and the activation of the JNK/p38 pathway associated with BHMT deficiency. These results demonstrate that BHMT protects against liver IR injury by targeting TAK1 and inhibiting the JNK/p38 signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that BHMT may be a promising therapeutic target for preventing liver IR injury.
WFDC3 sensitizes colorectal cancer to chemotherapy by regulating ATM/ATR kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Xinying , Weng Kai , Xing Pu , Chen Jiangbo , Hao Hao , Liu Tianqi , Song Tongkun , Qiao Xiaowen , Hou Yifan , Chen Jie , Ran Yumeng , Song Lin , Chen Bo , Yang Hong , Wang Zaozao , Di Jiabo , Jiang Beihai , Su Xiangqian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractChemoresistance is an ongoing challenge for colorectal cancer (CRC) that significantly compromises the anti‐tumor efficacy of current drugs. Identifying effective targets or drugs for overcoming chemoresistance is urgently needed. Our previous study showed that WFDC3 served as a tumor suppressor that hindered CRC metastasis. However, the function of WFDC3 in chemotherapy remains unknown. Here, we found that high WFDC3 expression in CRC patients treated with oxaliplatin was associated with a better prognosis. Concordantly, overexpression of WFDC3 significantly increased sensitivity to oxaliplatin in CRC cells, whereas knocking down WFDC3 led to oxaliplatin resistance. In addition, WFDC3 promoted oxaliplatin‐mediated suppression of tumor growth in vivo. Subsequently, we found that WFDC3 could enhance oxaliplatin‐induced DNA damage through inhibiting ATM/ATR signaling. WFDC3 knockdown showed the opposite effects. Moreover, a combination treatment of oxaliplatin and inhibitors for ATM or ATR partially reversed chemoresistance to oxaliplatin in CRC cells with low WFDC3 expression. Our results demonstrate that WFDC3 is possibly a biomarker for increasing oxaliplatin sensitivity in CRC by modulating ATM/ATR kinase signaling. Thus, a combination of oxaliplatin with an ATM or ATR inhibitor is a potential treatment option for improving CRC outcome.
Maternal exposure to bisphenol A induces congenital heart disease through mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Guo Yafei , Li Bowen , Yan Yu , Zhang Nanjun , Shao Shuran , Yang Lixia , Ouyang Lixue , Wu Ping , Duan Hongyu , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Wang Chuan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCongenital heart disease (CHD) represents a major birth defect associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although environmental factors are acknowledged as potential contributors to CHD, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine disruptor, has attracted significant attention due to its widespread use and associated health risks. This study examined the effects of maternal BPA exposure on fetal heart development in a murine model. The findings indicated that high‐dose BPA exposure resulted in fetal growth restriction, myocardial wall thinning, and ventricular septal defects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of genes associated with mitochondrial energy synthesis and cardiomyocyte development following high‐dose BPA exposure. Functional assays demonstrated that high‐dose BPA exposure impaired mitochondrial respiration reduced ATP production, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in fetal cardiomyocytes. These results elucidate the detrimental effects of BPA on fetal heart development and mitochondrial function, providing insights into potential mechanisms linking environmental chemical exposure to CHD.
Enhancing Research Education Through PhD and DNP Collaboration: Scoping Review and Case Study
Authors: Thomas Rachel McMahan , Shapiro Sandra D. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

AIM
This article presents details about the literature on challenges and strategies for DNP-PhD nurse collaborations. A secondary aim is to present a case study about a BSN research course co-created by the authors, who are PhD and DNP nurses.

BACKGROUND
Compared to the well-established role of the PhD-prepared nurse, the role of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is in its infancy. Collaboration between DNP and PhD faculty offers tremendous value to students.

METHOD
A scoping review of the literature and case study was performed.

RESULTS
Collaborations between PhD and DNP nurses are beneficial. Our case study of a course combining PhD and DNP perspectives resulted in enhanced learning experiences.

CONCLUSION
Collaborations between PhD and DNP nurses can be easily integrated into academic and clinical settings. Frequent opportunities for PhD and DNP collaborations across all levels of nursing education and practice are needed.
Impact of under-assisted ventilation on diaphragm function and structure in a porcine model
Authors: Capdevila Mathieu , Pensier Joris , De Jong Audrey , Jung Boris , Beghin July , Laumon Thomas , Aarab Yassir , Deffontis Lucas , Sfara Thomas , Cuny Ambre , Carr Julie , Molinari Nicolas , Le Guennec Jean-Yves , Raynaud Fabrice , Matecki Stefan , Brochard Laurent , Lacampagne Alain , Jaber Samir 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Long-term controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) in intensive care unit (ICU) induces ventilatory-induced-diaphragm-dysfunction (VIDD). The transition from CMV to assisted mechanical ventilation is a challenge that requires clinicians to balance over-assistance and under-assistance. While the effects of over-assistance on the diaphragm are well known, we aimed to assess the impact of under-assistance on diaphragm function and structure in piglet model with pre-existing VIDD (after long-term CMV) or without VIDD (short-term CMV).

Methods:
Twenty-two Large-White female piglets were anesthetized, ventilated, and separated into two groups: a VIDD group (n=10) with long-term 72-hour CMV, and a no-VIDD group (n=12) with short-term 2-hour CMV. After sedation reduction at the end of CMV period, each piglet was switched to under-assisted ventilation for 2 hours. Diaphragm function (supramaximal diaphragm pressure-generating capacity assessed by negative tracheal pressure after transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation) and diaphragm structure (mini-invasive in vivo biopsies) were assessed before and after under-assisted ventilation.

Results:
In VIDD group, supramaximal diaphragm pressure-generating capacity decreased by 22% from 69.9±12.7 to 54.9±19.7 cmH2O (p=0.04) after 72 hours of CMV evidencing VIDD, then dropped by a further 29% from 54.9±19.7 to 38.9±15.5 cmH2O (p<0.01) after 2 hours of under-assisted ventilation. Diaphragm pressure-generating capacity remains stable from 55.3±22.7 to 58.2±24 cmH2O (p=0.24) in no-VIDD group. Diaphragm structure showed sarcomeric injuries increase from 13±10% to 24±19% (p<0.01) and lipid droplets decrease from 14±8% to 11±6% (p=0.03) of the total micrograph area after 2 hours of under-assisted ventilation in the VIDD group. Sarcomeric injuries and lipid droplets accounted respectively for 17±16% and 2±3% of the total micrograph area after under-assisted ventilation in the no-VIDD group.

Conclusions:
In this porcine model, a short two-hour exposure of under-assisted ventilation induces impairment of diaphragm function with damage to the diaphragm structure in ICU condition with pre-existing VIDD.
Prevalence of Stroke and Associated Factors in a Middle-aged and Older Chinese Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Guo Juan , Guo Qingmin , Chen Yuzhen , Zou Jinmei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective:
Elderly individuals are at high risk for stroke. With China transitioning into an aging society, it is essential to implement measures to prevent stroke in the middle-aged and elderly. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of stroke in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals using national survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Participants without complete data on stroke and its associated factors—including demographics, health behaviors, and disease-related factors—were excluded. Independent samples t-test and χ
2 test were used to examine differences in associated factors between the stroke and non-stroke groups. Variables with P-values ≤0.1 in all univariate comparisons were included in the final binary logistic regression model to identify the independent factors associated with stroke.

Results:
A total of 11,969 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of stroke in middle-aged and older individuals in China was 2.170%. The most significant factors associated with stroke included smoking (odds ratio (OR): 1.471, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.132–1.913), alcohol consumption (OR: 0.548, 95%CI: 0.405–0.743), nap time ≥30 min and <60 min (OR: 0.502, 95%CI: 0.296–0.851), nap time ≥60 min and <90 min (OR: 0.703, 95%CI: 0.505–0.978), hypertension (OR: 3.310, 95%CI: 2.515–4.357), dyslipidemia (OR: 1.874, 95%CI: 1.446–2.428), and diabetes (OR: 1.424, 95%CI: 1.052–1.927).

Conclusion:
This study reveals a high prevalence of stroke in middle-aged and older people in China. Several factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, nap time, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, were identified as significant associated factors of stroke prevalence in this population. These findings can inform the development of stroke prevention strategies and health planning for middle-aged and older adults and provide insights for future research.