bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical delineation of the forest-steppe zone is supported by macroclimate
Authors: Bede-Fazekas Ákos , Török Péter , Erdős László 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEurasian forest-steppes form a 9000-km-long transitional zone between temperate forests and steppes, featuring a complex mosaic of herbaceous and woody habitats. Due to its heterogeneity regarding climate, topography and vegetation, the forest-steppe zone has been divided into several regions. However, a continental-scale empirical delineation of the zone and its regions was missing until recently. Finally, a map has been proposed by Erdős et al. based on floristic composition, physiognomy, relief, and climate. By conducting predictive distribution modeling and hierarchical clustering, here we compared this expert delineation with the solely macroclimate-based predictions and clusters. By assessing the discrepancies, we located the areas where refinement of the delineation or the inclusion of non-macroclimatic predictors should be considered. Also, we identified the most important variables for predicting the existence of the Eurasian forest-steppe zone and its regions. The predicted probability of forest-steppe occurrence showed a very high agreement with the expert delineation. The previous delineation of the West Siberia region was confirmed by our results, while that of the Inner Asia region was the one least confirmed by the macroclimate-based model predictions. The appropriate delineation of the Southeast Europe region from the East Europe region should be refined by further research, and splitting the Far East region into a southern and northern subregion should also be considered. The main macroclimatic predictors of the potential distribution of the zone and its regions were potential evapotranspiration (zone and regions), annual mean temperature (regions), precipitation of driest quarter (regions) and precipitation of warmest quarter (zone), but the importance of climatic variables for prediction showed great variability among the fitted predictive distribution models.
Spin effects on transport and zero-bias anomaly in a hybrid Majorana wire-quantum dot system
Authors: Huguet Alexandre , Wrześniewski Kacper , Weymann Ireneusz 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe examine the impact of spin effects on the nonequilibrium transport properties of a nanowire hosting Majorana zero-energy modes at its ends, coupled to a quantum dot junction with ferromagnetic leads. Using the real-time diagrammatic technique, we determine the current, differential conductance and current cross-correlations in the nonlinear response regime. We also explore transport in different magnetic configurations of the system, which can be quantified by the tunnel magnetoresistance. We show that the presence of Majorana quasiparticles gives rise to unique features in all spin-resolved transport characteristics, in particular, to zero-bias anomaly, negative differential conductance, negative tunnel magnetoresistance, and it is also reflected in the current cross-correlations. Moreover, we study the dependence of the zero-bias anomaly on various system parameters and demonstrate its dependence on the magnetic configuration of the system as well as on the degree of spin polarization in the leads. A highly nontrivial behavior is also found for the tunnel magnetoresistance, which exhibits regions of enhanced or negative values—new features resulting from the coupling to Majorana wire.
Potential benefits of restrictive transfusion in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Teutsch Brigitta , Veres Dániel Sándor , Pálinkás Dániel , Simon Orsolya Anna , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe optimal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategy in acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is debated. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of restrictive compared to liberal transfusion strategies in the GIB population. We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science for randomised controlled trials on 15.01.2022 without restrictions. Studies comparing lower to higher RBC transfusion thresholds after GIB were eligible. We used the random effect model and calculated pooled mean differences (MD), risk ratios (RR) and proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to calculate the overall effect size. The search yielded 3955 hits. All seven eligible studies reported on the upper GIB population. Restrictive transfusion did not increase the in-hospital- (RR: 0.94; CI 0.46, 1.94) and 30-day mortality (RR: 0.71; CI 0.35, 1.45). In-hospital- and 28 to 45-day rebleeding rate was also not higher with the restrictive modality (RR: 0.67; CI 0.30, 1.50; RR:0.75; CI 0.49, 1.16, respectively). Results of individual studies showed a lower rate of transfusion reactions and post-transfusion intervention if the transfusion was started at a lower threshold. A haemoglobin threshold > 80 g/L may result in a higher untoward outcome rate. In summary, restrictive transfusion does not appear to lead to a higher rate of significant clinical endpoints. The optimal restrictive transfusion threshold should be further investigated.
Exploring late Pleistocene bioturbation on Yermak Plateau to assess sea-ice conditions and primary productivity through the Ethological Ichno Quotient
Authors: Singh Akanksha , O’Regan Matt , Coxall Helen K. , Forwick Matthias , Löwemark Ludvig 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCentral Arctic, interglacial intervals have traditionally been associated with diverse and intense bioturbation, and abundant foraminifera, interpreted as indicating relatively low sea-ice concentrations and productive surface waters, while glacial intervals, typically barren, support the inverse. In this respect, the Yermak Plateau is anomalous. Biomarker studies suggest that glacial intervals were characterized by comparatively open water, while interglacials are marked by severe sea-ice conditions. Here we study downcore Ethological Ichno Quotient (EIQ) variations in trace fossils and bioturbation to test the hypothesis that different ethological classes vary in accordance with late Pleistocene changes in sea-ice extent, with deposit feeders increasing during reduced sea-ice cover and chemosymbiotic traces increasing during periods of thick perennial sea-ice conditions. Our results generally demonstrate that the abundance of traces like Planolites, Scolicia, and burrows produced by deposit feeders increase during episodes of seasonal sea-ice cover. In contrast, intervals with more severe sea-ice conditions are characterized by chemosymbiotic traces such as Chondrites and Trichichnus/Mycellia, suggesting lower food delivery and poorly ventilated bottom water conditions. The study thus confirms previous reconstructions of sea-ice conditions on the Yermak Plateau during interglacials, demonstrating that bioturbation variation provides insights into bentho-pelagic coupling under variable sea ice regimes in the Arctic Ocean.
Queen quality, performance, and winter survival of imported and domestic honey bee queen stocks
Authors: Holmes L. A. , Ovinge L. P. , Kearns J. D. , Ibrahim A. , Wolf Veiga P. , Guarna M. M. , Pernal S. F. , Hoover S. E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCanadian beekeepers have faced high colony mortality each winter over the last decade. Frequently citing “poor queen quality” as a top contributing factor to colony loss, Canadian beekeepers report needing to replace half their queens each year. Domestic queen production exists throughout Canada but is limited due to the short season and can be further limited when colony mortality is high. Consequently, Canadian beekeepers import over 260,000 queens annually, primarily from locations with warmer climates. In this study, newly mated imported queens from Hawaii (USA) and New Zealand were compared to domestic Canadian queens produced in British Columbia; these stocks were evaluated on their morphological and sperm storage characteristics. Stock quality was also evaluated in the field at two locations in Alberta, Canada over two production seasons. Our results show initial variation in queen morphology and fertility among imported and domestic queen stocks. Most striking, the New Zealand queens weighed 10–13% less than the Hawaii and British Columbia queens, respectively upon arrival. Colony performance over a two-year field study suggests: (1) brood pattern solidness has a positive nonlinear correlation with honey production regardless of queen stock and environment; (2) environment (i.e., apiary location) and queen stock variably predict colony health and productivity depending on year; specifically, apiary site appears to be a stronger predictor of colony health and productivity than queen stock in year one, but in year two, queen stock appears to be a stronger predictor than apiary site; (3) high clinical symptoms of chalkbrood may explain the prevalence of poor brood patterns in colonies headed by queens from New Zealand; (4) domestic queens are 25% more likely to survive winter in Alberta than imported queens. Therefore, it is important to consider possible mismatches in disease immunity and climate conditioning of imported queen stocks heading colonies in temperate regions that face drastically different seasonal climates and disease ecology dynamics.
De novo transcriptome profiling and development of novel secondary metabolites based genic SSRs in medicinal plant Phyllanthus emblica L. (Aonla)
Authors: Kapoor Bhuvnesh , Sharma Megha , Sharma Rajnish , Zadokar Ashwini , Thakur Anamika , Sharma Parul , Kumar Suresh , Rozar K. Pung , Kumar Kewat Sanjay , Hegde Nagaraj , Pandey Devendra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhyllanthus emblica (Aonla, Indian Gooseberry) is known to have various medicinal properties, but studies to understand its genetic structure are limited. Among the various secondary metabolites, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols and tannins possess great potential for its pharmacological applications. Keeping this consideration, we assembled the transcriptome using the Illumina RNASeq500 platform, generating 39,933,248 high-quality paired-end reads assembled into 1,26,606 transcripts. A total of 87,771 unigenes were recovered after isoforms and unambiguous sequences deletion. Functional annotation of 43,377 coding sequences against the NCBI non-redundant (Nr) database search using BlastX yielded 38,692 sequences containing blast hits and found 4685 coding sequences to be unique. The transcript showed maximum similarity to Hevea brasilensis (16%), followed by to Jatropha curcas (12%). Considering key genes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids and various classes of terpenoid compounds, thirty EST-SSR primer sequences were designed based on transcriptomic data. Of which, 12 were found to be highly polymorphic with an average of 86.38%. The average value for marker index (MI), effective multiplicity ratio (EMR), resolution power (Rp) and polymorphic information content (PIC) was 7.20, 8.34, 8.64 and 0.80, respectively. Thus, from this study, we developed newly EST-SSRs linked to important genes involved in the secondary metabolites biosynthesis that will be serving as an invaluable genetic resource for crop improvement including the selection of elite genotypes in P. emblica and its closely related Phyllanthaceae species.
METTL3/IGF2BP2 axis affects the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating m6A modification of STAG3
Authors: Yi Jianmei , Peng Feng , Zhao Jingli , Gong Xiaosong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is among the commonest malignant tumors of humans. Existing evidence has linked the poor prognosis of CRC with high expression of stromal antigen 3 (STAG3), but, the exact biological effect of STAG3 in CRC is still unclear. The aim of this research is to reveal the biological function and molecular mechanism of STAG3 in CRC. To investigate the differential expression of STAG3 in CRC tissues and cell lines compared to normal colon tissues and cell lines, Western blot (WB) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) techniques were utilized. STAG3 N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification level were identified using m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). Additionally, the functional roles of methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) in CRC were explored by manipulating their levels via knockdown or overexpression. Cell proliferation was evaluated through Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) and clone formation experiments, while cell migration was assessed through wound healing experiments. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry, and the protein expressions associated with proliferation and apoptosis were detected using WB. To identify the specific binding of target genes, RIP and pull-down assays were employed. Finally, the biological function of STAG3 in vivo was investigated through a xenotransplantation mouse tumor model. In CRC tissues and cell lines, STAG3 was up-regulated and accompanied by m6A methylation. Additionally, the expression of METTL3 was found to be upregulated in CRC tissues. Knocking down METTL3 resulted in a decrease in both the m6A level and protein expression of STAG3, inhibited cell proliferation and migration while promoting apoptosis, which were restored through STAG3 overexpression. Furthermore, online prediction indicated the interaction between STAG3 mRNA and IGF2BP2 protein, which was further verified by RIP experiments. IGF2BP2 downregulation led to decreased STAG3 protein expression, cell proliferation, and migration, but increased apoptosis. However, these impacts were reversed by STAG3 overexpression. Finally, subcutaneous tumor experiments conducted in nude mice also confirmed that METTL3 regulated CRC progression through STAG3 in vivo. The METTL3/IGF2BP2/STAG3 axis affects CRC progression in an m6A modification-dependent manner. This may guide targeted therapy in CRC patients.
Arthrocentesis approaches to the phalangeal joints of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Al Aiyan Ahmad , King Fransina Christina , Aldarwich Adnan , Kishore Uday , Shawaf Turke 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIrrespective of the exceptional adaptation of dromedaries to harsh environmental conditions, they remain highly susceptible to joint lameness resulting from a range of diverse factors and conditions. The joints most often affected by traumatic osteoarthritis in dromedaries are the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. A comprehensive understanding of joint anatomy and topography of the dromedary is required to perform arthrocentesis correctly on affected joints. Forty-two distal limbs were taken from 28 camels and studied by gross dissection, casting, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT). Representative three-dimensional models of the joint cavities, recesses, and pouches were obtained using different casting agents. This study provides a detailed description of dorsally, axially, and abaxially positioned joint recesses, as well as palmar/plantar positioned joint pouches. The safety and feasibility of the different arthrocentesis approaches were evaluated. The traditional dorsal arthrocentesis approach of the metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints, has limitations due to the risk of damaging the tendon structures and articular cartilage, which can lead to joint degeneration. A lateral arthrocentesis approach via the proximal palmar/plantar pouches of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints is recommended. This approach eliminates the potential needle injury to the articulating joint cartilage and other surrounding joint structures, such as tendons, blood vessels, and nerves.
Modeling the potential global distribution of the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis under climate change
Authors: ElShahed Sara M. , Mostafa Zahia K. , Radwan Marwa H. , Hosni Eslam M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis is a highly invasive insect pest that causes extensive damage to many of the primary food crops. Considering the recent challenges facing global food production including climate change, knowledge about the invasive potential of this pest is essential. In this study, the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) was used to predict the current global spatial distribution of the pest and the future distribution using two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 in 2050 and 2070. High AUC and TSS values indicated model accuracy and high performance. Response curves showed that the optimal temperature for the S.littoralis is between 10 and 28 °C. The pest is currently found in Africa and is widely distributed across the Middle East and throughout Southern Europe. MaxEnt results revealed that the insect will shift towards Northern Europe and the Americas. Further, China was seen to have a suitable climate. We also extrapolated the impact of these results on major producing countries and how this affects trade flow, which help decision makers to take the invasiveness of such destructive pest into their account.
Human peritoneal tight junction, transporter and channel expression in health and kidney failure, and associated solute transport
Authors: Levai Eszter , Marinovic Iva , Bartosova Maria , Zhang Conghui , Schaefer Betti , Jenei Hanna , Du Zhiwei , Drozdz Dorota , Klaus Günter , Arbeiter Klaus , Romero Philipp , Schwenger Vedat , Schwab Constantin , Szabo Attila J. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Schmitt Claus Peter 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNext to the skin, the peritoneum is the largest human organ, essentially involved in abdominal health and disease states, but information on peritoneal paracellular tight junctions and transcellular channels and transporters relative to peritoneal transmembrane transport is scant. We studied their peritoneal localization and quantity by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy in health, in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and on peritoneal dialysis (PD), with the latter allowing for functional characterizations, in a total of 93 individuals (0–75 years). Claudin-1 to -5, and -15, zonula occludens-1, occludin and tricellulin, SGLT1, PiT1/SLC20A1 and ENaC were consistently detected in mesothelial and arteriolar endothelial cells, with age dependent differences for mesothelial claudin-1 and arteriolar claudin-2/3. In CKD mesothelial claudin-1 and arteriolar claudin-2 and -3 were more abundant. Peritonea from PD patients exhibited increased mesothelial and arteriolar claudin-1 and mesothelial claudin-2 abundance and reduced mesothelial and arteriolar claudin-3 and arteriolar ENaC. Transperitoneal creatinine and glucose transport correlated with pore forming arteriolar claudin-2 and mesothelial claudin-4/-15, and creatinine transport with mesothelial sodium/phosphate cotransporter PiT1/SLC20A1. In multivariable analysis, claudin-2 independently predicted the peritoneal transport rates. In conclusion, tight junction, transcellular transporter and channel proteins are consistently expressed in peritoneal mesothelial and endothelial cells with minor variations across age groups, specific modifications by CKD and PD and distinct associations with transperitoneal creatinine and glucose transport rates. The latter deserve experimental studies to demonstrate mechanistic links.Clinical Trial registration: The study was performed according to the Declaration of Helsinki and is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01893710).
Neutralization against Omicron sublineages (BA.2/BA.5/BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5) in bivalent BNT162b2-vaccinated HCWs with or without risk factors, or following BT infection with Omicron
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Otsu Sachiko , Uemura Yukari , Ichikawa Yasuko , Matsumoto Shota , Higashi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Matsushita Shuzo , Shimada Shinya , Mitsuya Hiroaki 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSARS-CoV-2-BA.4/5-adapted-bivalent-BNT162b2-vaccine (bvBNT), developed in response to the recent emergence of immune-evasive Omicron-variants, has been given to individuals who completed at least 2-doses of the monovalent-BNT162b2-vaccine (mvBNT). In the present cohort study, we evaluated neutralization-titers (NT50s) against Wuhan-strain (SCoV2Wuhan) and Omicron-sublineages including BA.2/BA.5/BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5, and vaccine-elicited S1-binding-IgG in sera from participants-vaccinated with 5th-bvBNT following 4th-mvBNT. The 5th-bvBNT-dose elicited good protective-activity against SCoV2Wuhan with geometric-mean (gMean)-NT50 of 1966–2091, higher than the peak-values post-4th-mvBNT with no statistical significance, and favorable neutralization-activity against not only BA.5 but also BA.2, with ~ 3.2-/~ 2.2-fold greater gMean-NT50 compared to the peak-values post-4th-mvBNT-dose, in participants with or without risk factors. However, neutralization-activity of sera post-5th-bvBNT-dose was low against BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5. Interestingly, participants receiving bvBNT following breakthrough (BT) infection during Omicron-wave had significantly enhanced neutralization-activity against SCoV2Wuhan/BA.2/BA.5 with ~ 4.6-/~ 6.3-/~ 8.1-fold greater gMean-NT50, respectively, compared to uninfected participants receiving bvBNT. Sera from BT-infected-participants receiving bvBNT had enhanced neutralization-activity against BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5 by ~ 3.8-fold compared to those from the same participants post-4th-mvBNT-dose, and had enhanced gMean-NT50 ~ 5.4-fold greater compared to those of uninfected-participants’ sera post-bvBNT. These results suggest that repeated stimulation brought about by exposure to BA.5’s-Spike elicit favorable cross-neutralization-activity against various SARS-CoV-2-variants.
Complement receptor type 1 and 2 (CR1 and CR2) gene polymorphisms and plasma protein levels are associated with the Dengue disease severity
Authors: Diep Nguy Thi , Giang Ngo Truong , Diu Nguyen Thi Thuy , Nam Nguyen Minh , Khanh Le Van , Quang Ha Van , Hang Ngo Thu , Mao Can Van , Son Ho Van , Hieu Nguyen Lan , Linh Phan Tung , Sklan Ella H. , Toan Nguyen Linh , Tong Hoang Van 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe pathological outcome of dengue disease results from complex interactions between dengue virus (DENV) and host genetics and immune response. Complement receptor types 1 and 2 (CR1 and CR2) mediate complement activation through the alternative pathway. This study investigated the possible association of genetic polymorphisms and plasma levels of CR1 and CR2 with dengue disease. A total of 267 dengue patients and 133 healthy controls were recruited for this study. CR1 and CR2 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by Sanger sequencing, while plasma CR1 and CR2 levels were measured by ELISA. The frequency of the CR1 minor allele rs6691117G was lower in dengue patients and those with severe dengue compared to healthy controls. Plasma CR1 and CR2 levels were decreased in dengue patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001) and were associated with platelet counts. CR1 levels were lower in dengue patients with warning signs (DWS) compared to those without DWS, while CR2 levels were decreased according to the severity of the disease and after 5 days (T1) and 8 days (T2) of follow-up. CR2 levels were decreased in dengue patients positive for anti-DENV IgG and IgM and patients with bleeding and could discriminate DWS and SD from dengue fever patients (AUC = 0.66). In conclusion, this study revealed a reduction in CR2 levels in dengue patients and that the CR1 SNP rs6691117A/G is associated with the dengue severity. The correlation of CR2 levels with platelet counts suggests that CR2 could be an additional biomarker for the prognosis of severe dengue disease.