bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of deltamethrin‐based microemulsion formulation to control Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Farhadi Zohreh , Ziaee Masumeh , Esfandiari Mehdi , Salimi Anayatollah , Rasekh Arash , Sahito Zulfiqar Ali 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA microemulsion is a stable, homogeneous pesticide formulation, based on an aqueous solvent, which is considered as a suitable alternative to emulsion formulations. In this study, microemulsion formulations of deltamethrin insecticide were designed to control Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), one of the important pests of many crops and ornamental plants. The solvent was selected based on the higher solubility of deltamethrin, and the appropriate surfactants were selected based on the quality of microemulsion formation. Pseudo‐ternary phase diagrams were constructed by the water titration method. The microemulsion systems were prepared using mixtures composed of deltamethrin, surfactants including Kenon 10 + SDS, Tensiofix 8427 + SDS and Tensiofix 8427 + SLS, and cosurfactant (1‐butanol). The Physico‐chemical properties of the obtained microemulsions were also evaluated. The appearance of microemulsion systems was transparent, and the droplet size of all samples was less than 20 nm. The formulations showed thermodynamic stability and low viscosity. All four microemulsion formulations had high insecticidal activity against A. gossypii, compared with an aqueous solution of pure deltamethrin. In this study, an environment‐friendly microemulsion system was designed to improve the efficacy of deltamethrin for controlling populations of A. gossypii. However, further research could be performed to assess the behaviour and ultimate fate in the environment prior to commercialization.
Different effects of CO2 laser and estrogen treatment on vaginal mucosa microbiota and function in genitourinary syndrome of menopause patients
Authors: Qi Yingying , Mo Kexin , Wang Aiping , He Yueming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimTo characterize the effects of CO2 laser treatment and estrogen treatment on vaginal microbiota in patients with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).MethodsSixty‐four patients with genitourinary syndrome were divided into the estrogen group, the CO2 laser group, and the control group. The control group did not receive any treatment. Vaginal mucosa was collected after 3 and 12 months of treatment. The former was used for 16S rRNA sequencing, and the latter was used for pathological evaluation. Vaginal health and voiding function were assessed using the vaginal health index (VHI) scale and the UDI‐6 scale at 3 and 12 months after treatment.ResultsThe results showed that both treatments reduced alpha diversity in the vaginal flora. Additionally, the abundance of 65 genera differed significantly between the treatment and control groups, with an increase in potentially beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, IheB3_7, Mycoplasma urealyticum, and Streptococcus. In addition, the VHI and UDI‐6 scores improved in both treatment groups compared to the control group after 3 months. Whereas VHI and UDI‐6 scores were close to baseline in the estrogen group, and remained significantly improved in the CO2 laser group after 12 months. Pathological results showed that both methods improved the vaginal health status of patients with GSM after 12 months of treatment. However, the CO2 group exhibited a more significant increase in type III collagen.ConclusionsBoth CO2 laser and estrogen therapies can regulate the vaginal flora imbalance of GSM and improve the corresponding symptoms. However, the long‐term efficacy of CO2 laser therapy is superior compared to estrogen therapy.
Identifying missed opportunities for hepatitis C virus antenatal testing and diagnosis in England
Authors: Hibbert Matthew , Simmons Ruth , Sabin Caroline A. , Mandal Sema , Desai Monica 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNew case‐finding opportunities are needed to achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in England by the year 2030. HCV antenatal testing is not offered universally in England but is recommended for women with risk factors for HCV (e.g. injecting drug use, being born in a high‐prevalence country). The aim of this analysis was to investigate the missed opportunities for HCV antenatal testing among women who had given birth and were subsequently diagnosed with HCV at some time after childbirth. By linking data on live births (2010–2020) to laboratory reports of HCV diagnoses (1995–2021), we identified all women who were diagnosed with HCV after the date of their first childbirth. This group was considered to potentially have experienced a missed opportunity for HCV antenatal testing; HCV‐RNA testing and treatment outcomes were also obtained for these women. Of the 32,295 women who gave birth between 2010 and 2020 with a linked diagnosis of HCV (median age: 34 years, 72.1% UK‐born), over half (n = 17,123) were diagnosed after childbirth. In multivariable analyses, the odds of being diagnosed with HCV after childbirth were higher in those of Asian Bangladeshi, Black African or Chinese ethnicity and among those born in Africa. Over four‐fifths (3510/4260) of those eligible for treatment were linked to treatment, 30.7% (747/2435) of whom had a liver scarring level of at least moderate and 9.4% (228/2435) had cirrhosis. Given the potential opportunity to identify cases of HCV with targeted case‐finding through antenatal services, universal opt‐out testing should be considered in these settings.
Sex‐biased gene content is associated with sex chromosome turnover in Danaini butterflies
Authors: Mora Pablo , Hospodářská Monika , Voleníková Anna Chung , Koutecký Petr , Štundlová Jana , Dalíková Martina , Walters James R. , Nguyen Petr 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSex chromosomes play an outsized role in adaptation and speciation, and thus deserve particular attention in evolutionary genomics. In particular, fusions between sex chromosomes and autosomes can produce neo‐sex chromosomes, which offer important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes. Here, we investigate the evolutionary origin of the previously reported Danaus neo‐sex chromosome within the tribe Danaini. We assembled and annotated genomes of Tirumala septentrionis (subtribe Danaina), Ideopsis similis (Amaurina), Idea leuconoe (Euploeina) and Lycorea halia (Itunina) and identified their Z‐linked scaffolds. We found that the Danaus neo‐sex chromosome resulting from the fusion between a Z chromosome and an autosome corresponding to the Melitaea cinxia chromosome (McChr) 21 arose in a common ancestor of Danaina, Amaurina and Euploina. We also identified two additional fusions as the W chromosome further fused with the synteny block McChr31 in I. similis and independent fusion occurred between ancestral Z chromosome and McChr12 in L. halia. We further tested a possible role of sexually antagonistic selection in sex chromosome turnover by analysing the genomic distribution of sex‐biased genes in I. leuconoe and L. halia. The autosomes corresponding to McChr21 and McChr31 involved in the fusions are significantly enriched in female‐ and male‐biased genes, respectively, which could have hypothetically facilitated fixation of the neo‐sex chromosomes. This suggests a role of sexual antagonism in sex chromosome turnover in Lepidoptera. The neo‐Z chromosomes of both I. leuconoe and L. halia appear fully compensated in somatic tissues, but the extent of dosage compensation for the ancestral Z varies across tissues and species.
Demand‐led industrialisation policy in a dual‐sector small open economy
Authors: Nomaler Önder , Spinola Danilo , Verspagen Bart 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article models the process of structural transformation and catching‐up in a demand‐led Southern economy constrained by its balance of payments. Starting from the Sraffian Supermultiplier Model, we model a dual‐sector small open economy with a traditional and a modern sector that interacts with a technologically advanced Northern economy. We propose two (alternative) autonomous elements that define the growth rate of this demand‐led economy: government spending and exports. Drawing from the Structuralist literature, productivity in the technologically laggard Southern economy grows by absorbing technology from the Northern economy, by both embodied and disembodied spillovers, and potentially closing the technology gap. The gap affects the income elasticity of exports, bringing a supply‐side mediation to the growth rates in line with the Balance of Payments Constrained Model. We observe that a demand‐led government policy plays a central role in structural change, pushing the modern sector to a larger share of employment than what results under export‐led growth. Such a demand policy is the only way in which partial catching up (in productivity and GDP per capita) can result, and this is facilitated by a global market place in which the balance of payments constraint is relatively soft.
Diverse mechanisms control amino acid‐dependent environmental alkalization by Candida albicans
Authors: Silao Fitz Gerald S. , Valeriano Valerie Diane , Uddström Erika , Falconer Emilie , Ljungdahl Per O. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCandida albicans has the capacity to neutralize acidic growth environments by releasing ammonia derived from the catabolism of amino acids. The molecular components underlying alkalization and its physiological significance remain poorly understood. Here, we present an integrative model with the cytosolic NAD+‐dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (Gdh2) as the principal ammonia‐generating component. We show that alkalization is dependent on the SPS‐sensor‐regulated transcription factor STP2 and the proline‐responsive activator Put3. These factors function in parallel to derepress GDH2 and the two proline catabolic enzymes PUT1 and PUT2. Consistently, a double mutant lacking STP2 and PUT3 exhibits a severe alkalization defect that nearly phenocopies that of a gdh2‐/‐ strain. Alkalization is dependent on mitochondrial activity and in wild‐type cells occurs as long as the conditions permit respiratory growth. Strikingly, Gdh2 levels decrease and cells transiently extrude glutamate as the environment becomes more alkaline. Together, these processes constitute a rudimentary regulatory system that counters and limits the negative effects associated with ammonia generation. These findings align with Gdh2 being dispensable for virulence, and based on a whole human blood virulence assay, the same is true for C. glabrata and C. auris. Using a transwell co‐culture system, we observed that the growth and proliferation of Lactobacillus crispatus, a common component of the acidic vaginal microenvironment and a potent antagonist of C. albicans, is unaffected by fungal‐induced alkalization. Consequently, although Candida spp. can alkalinize their growth environments, other fungal‐associated processes are more critical in promoting dysbiosis and virulent fungal growth.
The determining factors of hydrogen isotope offsets between plants and their source waters
Authors: Zhao Liangju , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Ninglian , Barbeta Adrià , Zhang Yu , Cernusak Lucas A. , Wang Lixin 
Published: January 2024

Summary

A fundamental assumption when using hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes to understand ecohydrological processes is that no isotope fractionation occurs during plant water uptake/transport/redistribution. A growing body of evidence has indicated that hydrogen isotope fractionation occurs in certain environments or for certain plant species. However, whether the plant water source hydrogen isotope offset (δ2H offset) is a common phenomenon and how it varies among different climates and plant functional types remains unclear.

Here, we demonstrated the presence of positive, negative, and zero offsets based on extensive observations of 12 plant species of 635 paired stable isotopic compositions along a strong climate gradient within an inland river basin.

Both temperature and relative humidity affected δ2H offsets. In cool and moist environments, temperature mainly affected δ2H offsets negatively due to its role in physiological activity. In warm and dry environments, relative humidity mainly affected δ2H offsets, likely by impacting plant leaf stomatal conductance. These δ2H offsets also showed substantial linkages with leaf water 18O enrichment, an indicator of transpiration and evaporative demand.

Further studies focusing on the ecophysiological and biochemical understanding of plant δ2H dynamics under specific environments are essential for understanding regional ecohydrological processes and for conducting paleoclimate reconstructions.
HY5: a key regulator for light‐mediated nutrient uptake and utilization by plants
Authors: Mankotia Samriti , Jakhar Pooja , Satbhai Santosh B. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a bZIP‐type transcription factor, is a master regulator of light‐mediated responses. ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 binds to the promoter of c. 3000 genes, thereby regulating various physiological and biological processes, including photomorphogenesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, root development, response to abiotic stress and nutrient homeostasis. In recent decades, it has become clear that light signaling plays a crucial role in promoting nutrient uptake and assimilation. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying such encouraging effects and the crucial function of the transcription factor HY5, whose activity is regulated by many photoreceptors. The discovery that HY5 directly activates the expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and utilization, including several nitrogen, iron, sulphur, phosphorus and copper uptake and assimilation‐related genes, enhances our understanding of how light signaling regulates uptake and utilisation of multiple nutrients in plants. Here, we review recent advances in the role of HY5 in light‐dependent nutrient uptake and utilization.
Skeletal and dental effects of function‐generating bite appliance compared to rapid palatal expander and untreated controls
Authors: Tepedino Michele , Montaruli Graziano , Esposito Rosa , Akhilanand Chaurasia , Lorusso Mauro , Laurenziello Michele , Ciavarella Domenico 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionMaxillary expansion is a fundamental interceptive orthodontic treatment, which can be achieved through either a rapid expansion protocol or functional devices. However, no data exist about the efficacy of functional devices in achieving skeletal expansion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) and the function‐generating bite type M (FGB‐M) on the transversal dimension of the maxilla, and on the maxillary and mandibular dental arch width.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐one skeletal Class I patients, aged between 6 and 12 years and with a cervical vertebral maturation stage II or III, with maxillary transversal deficiency were retrospectively enrolled; among these 55 were treated with FGB‐M, 73 were treated with RPE and 51 were untreated subjects retrieved from historical databases. The pre‐treatment (T0) and post‐treatment (T1) frontal cephalograms were retrieved, and the maxillary and mandibular widths, and the distance between upper and lower first molars were measured. T1–T0 interval was of 17.3 months (RPE), 24.6 months (FGB‐M) and 18.2 months (controls).ResultsThe statistical analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB‐M groups regarding skeletal and dental expansion, while the untreated control group differed significantly from the other two groups.ConclusionThe comparison between patients treated with RPE and FGB‐M showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the RPE and FGB‐M groups regarding the amount of skeletal expansion and dental arch width, suggesting that both appliances can be used to achieve similar results.
Reflecting the human lip in vitro: Cleft lip skin and mucosa keratinocytes keep their identities
Authors: Rihs Silvia , Parisi Ludovica , Lauener Anic , Mansour Farah , Schnyder Isabelle , Dekany Gabriela M. , La Scala Giorgio C. , Katsaros Christos , Degen Martin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesCell models have shown great promise as tools for research, potentially providing intriguing alternatives to animal models. However, the original tissue characteristics must be maintained in culture, a fact that is often assumed, but seldom assessed. We aimed to follow the retention of the original tissue identities of cleft lip‐derived skin and mucosa keratinocytes in vitro.MethodsCleft lip‐derived keratinocytes were isolated from discarded tissue along the cleft margins during cheiloplasty. Cell identities were assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR for tissue‐specific markers and compared with native lip tissue. Moreover, keratinocytes were regularly analyzed for the retention of the original tissue characteristics by the aforementioned methods as well as by differentiation assays.ResultsThe various anatomical zones of the human lip could be distinguished using a panel of differentiation and functional‐based markers. Using these markers, retention of the original tissue identities could be followed and confirmed in the corresponding primary keratinocytes in culture.ConclusionsOur findings promote patient‐derived cells retaining their original identities as astonishing and clinically relevant in vitro tools. Such cells allow a better molecular understanding of various lip‐associated pathologies as well as their modeling in vitro, including but not restricted to orofacial clefts.
Kinetics of neutrophil extracellular traps and cytokines in oral mucositis and Candida infection
Authors: de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Oliveira Sicília Rezende , Heimlich Fernanda Vieira , de Amorim‐Santos Bárbara Maria , Schneider Ayda Henriques , de Sena Ana Carolina Velasco Pondé , Rodrigues Karla Emília de Sá , Macari Soraia , Souza Daniele Glória , Travassos Denise Vieira , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Mesquita Ricardo Alves 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated the concentrations of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and salivary cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8/CXCL8, TNF, and TGF‐β1) in patients undergoing chemotherapy and their associations with oral mucositis (OM) and Candida infection.Materials and MethodsThis prospective longitudinal study performed at a Brazilian service included 60 adults diagnosed with hematolymphoid diseases. Saliva samples were collected on days D0, D3, D10, and D15. Cytokines were analyzed by ELISA and NET formation by identification of the myeloperoxidase‐DNA complex. Oral Candida spp. was cultured.ResultsOM occurred in 43.3% of patients and oral candidiasis in 20%. However, 66% of individuals had positive cultures for C. albicans. Higher concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8/CXCL8, and TNF and lower concentrations of TGF‐β1 were observed in patients with OM. C. albicans infection contributed to the increase in IL‐8/CXCL8, TGF‐β1, and TNF. Individuals with OM or with oral candidiasis had significant reductions in NET formation. In contrast, individuals with C. albicans and with concomitant C. albicans and OM exhibited higher NET formation.ConclusionThe kinetics of cytokine levels and NET formation in chemotherapy‐induced OM appears to be altered by Candida infection, even in the absence of clinical signs of oral candidiasis.
Red light instruments for myopia exceed safety limits
Authors: Ostrin Lisa A. , Schill Alexander W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeLow‐level red light (LLRL) therapy has recently emerged as a myopia treatment in children, with several studies reporting significant reduction in axial elongation and myopia progression. The goal of this study was to characterise the output and determine the thermal and photochemical maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of LLRL devices for myopia control.MethodsTwo LLRL devices, a Sky‐n1201a and a Future Vision, were examined. Optical power measurements were made using an integrating sphere radiometer through a 7‐mm diameter aperture, in accordance with ANSI Z136.1‐2014, sections 3.2.3–3.2.4. Retinal spot sizes of the devices were obtained using a model eye and high‐resolution beam profiler. Corneal irradiance, retinal irradiance and MPE were calculated for an eye positioned at the oculars of each device.ResultsBoth devices were confirmed to be Class 1 laser products. Findings showed that the Sky‐n1201a delivers laser light as a point source with a 654‐nm wavelength, 0.2 mW power (Ø 7 mm aperture, 10‐cm distance), 1.17 mW/cm2corneal irradiance and 7.2 W/cm2retinal irradiance (Ø 2 mm pupil). The MPE for photochemical damage is 0.55–7.0 s for 2–7 mm pupils and for thermal damage is 0.41–10 s for 4.25–7 mm pupils. Future Vision delivers the laser as an extended source subtending 0.75 × 0.325°. It has a 652‐nm wavelength, 0.06 mW power (Ø 7 mm aperture, 10 cm distance), 0.624 mW/cm2corneal irradiance and 0.08 W/cm2retinal irradiance (Ø 2 mm pupil). MPE for photochemical damage is 50–625 s for 2–7 mm pupils.DiscussionFor both of the LLRL devices evaluated here, 3 min of continuous viewing approached or surpassed the MPE, putting the retina at risk of photochemical and thermal damage. Clinicians should be cautious with the use of LLRL therapy for myopia in children until safety standards can be confirmed.
Combining PSII photochemistry and hydraulics improves predictions of photosynthesis and water use from mild to lethal drought
Authors: Kim Dohyoung , Guadagno Carmela R. , Ewers Brent E. , Mackay D. Scott 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRising temperatures and increases in drought negatively impact the efficiency and sustainability of both agricultural and forest ecosystems. Although hydraulic limitations on photosynthesis have been extensively studied, a solid understanding of the links between whole plant hydraulics and photosynthetic processes at the cellular level under changing environmental conditions is still missing, hampering our predictive power for plant mortality. Here, we examined plant hydraulic traits and CO2 assimilation rate under progressive water limitation by implementing Photosystem II (PSII) dynamics with a whole plant process model (TREES). The photosynthetic responses to plant water status were parameterized based on measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange and water potential for Brassica rapa (R500) grown in a greenhouse under fully watered to lethal drought conditions. The updated model significantly improved predictions of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential. TREES with PSII knowledge predicted a larger hydraulic safety margin and a decrease in percent loss of conductivity. TREES predicted a slower decrease in leaf water potential, which agreed with measurements. Our results highlight the pressing need for incorporating PSII drought photochemistry into current process models to capture cross‐scale plant water dynamics from cell to whole plant level.