bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The first report of Tritrichomonas foetus and Tetratrichomonas buttreyi in Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in China
Authors: qian Chen dong , yue wang qiu , qiao li qiao , yu luo xin , hua wu xing , pu wang ji , chao gao si , chao liu xin , chao Li wen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background In recent years, the trichomonosis in raccoon dogs in China had occurred frequently. Pentatrichomonas hominis had been described in raccoon dogs in China in some previous studies.
Purpose To reveal whether raccoon dogs can be infected by other trichomonad species besides P. hominis, and clarify the prevalence and species distribution of trichomonad in raccoon dogs.
Methods Herein, the 389 fecal samples were collectedfrom farm-raised raccoon dogs in Hebei Province, all the samples were detected using the microscopic examination and several fecal samples containing trichomonad-like organisms were processed, cultured, stained, and photographed. Meanwhile, all the samples were screened by the
species-specific nested PCR based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of P. hominis,Tritrichomonas foetusand Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, respectively, and all positive secondary PCR amplications obtained in this study were sequenced, aligned and analysed.
Results 62 fecal samples (15.9%,62/389) were trichomonad-positive under light microscopy, and the trichomonad-like cells were clearly observed in the culture contents. The PCR results showed that 100 samples were trichomonad-positive, including 45 P. hominis-positive samples (11.6%,45/389), 32 T. foetus-positive samples (8.2%,32/389), and 33 T. buttreyi-positive samples (8.5%,33/389), respectively. Double infections were observed in 10 samples. All samples confirmed as trichomonad-positive under microscopy were also found to be trichomonad-positive by PCR analysis. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the sequences obtained in this study belonged to P. hominis, T. foetus and T. buttreyi SSU rRNA, respectively. Among them, the T. buttreyi SSU rRNA sequences obtained in this study harbored the new sequence polymorphisms. Based on preliminary morphological and molecular analyses, raccoon dogs are considered as the new host of T. foetus and T. buttreyi.
Conclusion This is the first report about the identifcation and prevalence of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in raccoon dogs in China, and the results increase our knowledge about the host range and prevalence of trichomonad species.
Social-Ecological Landscape Sustainability in Ghana and Nigeria: Applying the DPSIR- SEL Framework
Authors: Atampugre Gerald , Igbadun H.E. , Tilahun Seifu , Oke Adebayo , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Olaleye O.A. , Cofie Olufunke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics and water quality in the Mankran landscape in Ghana (case study-1) and the Doma-Rutu landscape in Nigeria (case study-2) using the Drivers Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) for social ecological landscape (SEL) assessment framework (DPSIR-SEL). In the Mankran landscape, between 2008 and 2018, there was a notable shift in land utilization: cash crop cultivation surged to 30% in 2015 before receding to 14.5% by 2018, while subsistence farming was reduced. Water quality analysis revealed deviations from World Health Organization (WHO) standards, with parameters such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Pb (lead), and As (arsenic) signaling potential contamination risks. Conversely, in the Doma-Rutu landscape of Nigeria, LULC changes from 2000 to 2022 manifest as expanding residential and agricultural areas and alterations in natural water bodies and vegetation. Water quality concerns have arisen with high levels of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. Additionally, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in Nigeria illuminated the deep-rooted herder-farmer conflicts, constraining crop cultivation due to historical and environmental factors. The intertwined challenges in the Mankran landscape and Doma-Rutu landscape necessitate sustainable and inclusive resource management, adaptive land-use practices, and proactive measures to ensure water quality. Land use land cover (LULC) and water quality evaluations, informed by the DPSIR-SEL framework, underscore the pressing need for integrated and inclusive solutions to address evolving land-use challenges and safeguard water resources in the Mankran and Doma-Rutu landscapes.
Spatial Patterns and Biodiversity of Mosquitoes (Order Diptera, Family Culicidae) within the Residual Atlantic Forest Area in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Rosângela Maria Rodrigues , de Sousa Elilde Miguel , Faierstein Gabriel Bezerra , Luna Carlos Feitosa , de Oliveira André Luiz Sá , Paula Marcia Bicudo , Paiva Marcelo Henrique Santos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The world is undergoing a biodiversity crisis as numerous regions witness a heightened incidence of deforestation within tropical ecosystems. This phenomenon is particularly severe in the Atlantic Forest, where the indigenous vegetation is presently confined to diminutive fragments. In the present study, we delineated the spatial distribution of mosquito fauna across multiple zones within a private residential complex established in a remnant section of the Atlantic Forest. The aim was to assess the potential risk of vector species circulation in this recently inhabited human settlement. Mosquito collections were carried out fortnightly from February to December 2013, in the ecotone and man-made area, using the vacuum-type, CDC light and oviposition traps. A total of 8,972 eggs were collected by ovitraps, 168 rafts collected by BR-OVT and 742 adults collected by CDC traps and aspiration. We identified 26 species, distributed in eight genera (Aedes, Aedeomyia, Culex, Coquiletide, Linatus, Mansonia, Uranotaenia and Wyeomyi). Several of these species are considered potential in the transmission of arboviruses in man-made area and ecotone, such as Culex nigripalpus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Aedeomyia squamipennis. Early identification of mosquito vectors, employed as a monitoring strategy, enhances the efficacy of mosquito vector control programs, consequently mitigating the dissemination of emerging arbovirus outbreaks.
Porcine cysticercosis: first evaluation of antigens from the liquid of cyst for the development of a serological test for Livestock
Authors: Kouadio Borel Thierry N'dri , Razafiarimanga Zara , Randriamparany Tantely , Nowakowski Mireille , Stephane Petres , Touré Offianan André , Djaman Allico Joseph , Jambou Ronan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: In low-income countries, rapid discard of cysticercosis suspected pigs from the meat chain, is a key step to preserve customers. Unfortunately, in most place only rapid visual inspection of carcasses is practiced. Despite their fluctuant specificity serological tests performed in living animals before entry at slaughterhouse, could be a better and easier approach to promote. However, recombinant antigens must be developed and evaluated to improve accessibility of serological diagnosis. In this study, five recombinant antigens have been expressed and evaluated in Elisa in comparison with electro-immune transfer blot (EITB).
Results Antigens were expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell system, purified by affinity chromatography and evaluated on pig serum. Sensitivity, specificity, concordance, and positive likelihood ratio of each recombinant antigen were calculated in reference to EITB. Sensitivityvalues ranged from 43.9% (34.5 - 53.8) to 88.8% (80.8 - 93.7). Specificities ranged from 37.5% (28.5 - 47.5) to 65.6% (55.7 - 74.3). To improve performance of the tests, combination of antigens was used rising sensitivity between 90.8% and 94.9%. Compared to visual examination of carcasses as performed in slaughterhouses these combinations only missed 1% to 5% of infection. Specificities were lower but at the same level as the native antigen ELISA.
Conclusion: These recombinant antigens have sensitivity and specificity in the same range as EITB and can be now evaluated against the necropsy as gold standard. Using such tests, cysticercosis suspected animals could be treated with oxendazole before entering the market chain to improve the management of animals at the farm level.
Anti-fibrotic properties of a decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold from porcine small intestinal submucosa are evident in normal human and keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Banerjee Pradipta , Ritchie Rae , Lander Grace , Das Amitava , Hiles Michael , Gordillo Gayle , Sen Chandan K. , Roy Sashwati 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Uncontrolled fibrosis via excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a hallmark of hypertrophic scars and keloids. A decellularized ECM biomaterial from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; Biodesign® or BioD, Cook Biotech, Inc.), is widely used in clinical applications for tissue repair. The current study tested the effects of BioD scaffolds, as compared with collagen constructs, on normal human skin (nFB) and keloid fibroblasts (kFB). Real-time qPCR, ELISA, and knockdown studies were performed to study pro-fibrotic pathways in cultured cells. ECM gene expression array revealed that BioD significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) the expression of thrombospondin-1 and fibronectin-1, two drivers of fibrosis in nFB as well as kFB. BioD repressed thrombospondin-1 and fibronectin-1 gene expression manifested as significant downregulation (n = 5–6; p < 0.05) of both proteins in nFB and kFB. The levels of latent transforming growth factor (LAP-TGFβ-1) were markedly reduced (n = 5; p < 0.05) in both nFB and kFB following treatment with BioD but not the other constructs. Knockdown of FN1 using siRNA significantly attenuated (n = 5, p < 0.05) pro-fibrotic responses including expression of Col1A1 and the levels of LAP-TGFβ-1 in nFB suggesting downregulation of FN1 by BioD is one of the primary underlying mechanisms of attenuated pro-fibrotic responses in keloid fibroblasts.
Description of a new vagrant Aceria species (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Artemisia scoparia Waldst. &amp; Kit (Asteraceae) in northwest Iran and a key to the world species associated with Artemisia spp.
Authors: Honarmand Arash , Lotfollahi Parisa , Hashemi–Khabir Zahra , Hanifeh Syamak , Xue Xiao–Feng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To fill the gap of eriophyoid mites in Iran, a field survey was carried out in northwest Iran (Aras dam lake, West Azerbaijan Province), on summer 2022. As a result of which one new vagrant Aceria species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) associated with Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. (Asteraceae) was discovered. The new species is illustrated and described herein as Aceria artemiparia sp. nov.. The specific epithet artemiparia, is a combination of first six letters of the genus name and five last letters of species name of the host plant. No apparent symptom was observed on the host. This is the second report of an eriophyid mite species associated to Artemisia scoparia host plant. Aceria artemiparia sp. nov. is unique among 23 Aceria spp. associated with Artemisia species plants by having a smooth prodorsal shield and 8–rayed empodium. Furthermore, we provided a checklist and morphological keys of eriophyoid mites associated with Artemisia spp. of the world.
Where Are the Small Non-volant Mammals (Didelphimorphia and Rodentia) of the Brazilian Amazon and Who Will Protect Them?
Authors: Pena Simone Almeida , Silva Cláudia Regina , Vieira Thiago Bernardi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The rapid alteration of the landscape caused by the accelerated process of deforestation in the Amazon has put biodiversity and ecosystem services at risk in recent years. Among the threatened Amazon ecosystems, the Cerrado enclaves stand out, particularly important for conservation, since they are home to a rich and peculiar biodiversity composed of communities of savannah and forest species and including numerous endemic species. In this research, we quantify the contribution of Protected Areas to the conservation of the diversity of small non-volant mammals in the Brazilian Amazon. We create summation models of species richness and present the potential distribution of species. Our results show that for marsupials, the concentration of wealth is located more in the center of the North region, in the states of Pará and Amazonas. The analyzed species tend to present less than 20% of their potential distribution area within the Protection Areas. For rodents, the contribution of each Protection Area represented an average of 9.56% of the potential distribution area of the species. Although, for both marsupials and rodents, protected areas alone are not sufficient for the conservation of species, when we include all categories, the level of contribution of protected areas increases.
Acidic preconditioning induced intracellular acid adaptation to protect renal injury via dynamic phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase dependent activation of sodium hydrogen exchanger 1
Authors: Chen Annan , Zhang Jian , Yan Zhixin , Lu Yufei , Chen Weize , Sun Yingxue , Gu Qiuyu , Li Fang , Yang Yan , Zhao Shuan , Zou Zhouping , Qiu Shanfang , Lin Xueping , Zhang Dong , Teng Jie , Fang Yi , Shen Bo , Song Nana , Ding Xiaoqiang , Sun Kailin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Disturbances that push intracellular pH (pHi) under the physiological range caused damage of renal epithelial cells. It is unclear whether an adaptive mechanism exists to return pHi to normal. Na+/H+ transporter 1 (NHE1) is a crucial pathway for extruding H+ during intracellular acidosis, and is survival factor for renal tubular epithelial cells. However, the specific role of NHE1 in renal epithelial cells intracellular acid adaptation and the underlining mechanism has not been clarified.
Methods
Acidic (pH6.6) preconditioning (AP) and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) was used to elicit intracellular acid adaptation in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of NHE1 was generated by using NHE1 siRNA and inhibitor cariporide. Intracellular pH sensor focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was inhibited by defactinib and siRNA or activated by pyrintegrin. Role and source of ROS were confirmed by mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone, NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 and nonselective ROS inhibitor N-Acetylcysteine.the value and dynamic changes of phi was measued by BCECF AM or SNARF-1. NHE1, FAK, and NOX4 activation were assessed by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. The paxillin expression and actin stress fibers were visualized by histological analysis and immunofluorescent staining.
Results
Acidic pretreatment for 12 hours followed by recovering 6 hours (AP) can effectively alleviate subsequent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Mechanistically, it was observed that AP and IPC maintains pHi homeostasis and alleviates renal epithelial damage by upregulating the expression and activity of NHE1. Consequently, further investigations revealed that the activity of NHE1 is regulated by dynamic changes in pHi-dependent Y397 phosphorylation of FAK, and this process is associated with NOX4-mediated ROS production. Furthermore, AP induced FAK, NOX4 and NHE1 gathering at focal adhesions to promote cytoskeletal remodeling.
Conclusions
AP may prime a micro domain constituted by FAK, NOX4 and NHE1 in focal adhesions to lead to pHi adaptation and cytoskeletal remodeling and reduced renal injury.
Nonlinear System identification of Air turbine rocket engine based on Polynomial nonlinear state space model
Authors: Liang Jiayu , Zhao Qingjun , Zhao Wei , Yang Xuesen , Ren Sanqun , Cai Weidong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Air Turbine Rocket (ATR) engine is a promising combined cycle propulsion engine. This paper uses the polynomial nonlinear state-space (PNLSS) model to model and identify the nonlinear system of the ATR engine. A method of multiple uncorrelated step signals is proposed as the excitation signals for the nonlinear system. The adaptive Nelder-Mead simplex (ANMS) algorithm is used as the nonlinear least squares optimization algorithm to solve the PNLSS model parameters. The identification results show that the multiple uncorrelated step signals have good excitation effects on the steady-state operating points and the large-scale dynamic processes of the nonlinear system. Under the same initial values, the ANMS algorithm has obvious advantages over the Levenberg-Marquardt (L-M) algorithm and the standard Nelder-Mead simplex (SNMS) algorithm in terms of optimization effect and convergence speed. The PNLSS model shows higher fitting accuracy and prediction ability than the linear state space (LSS) model for the operating points and the wide-range dynamic processes of the ATR engine. This study provides a new method for excitation signal design and parameter identification for nonlinear systems and lays a foundation for the design of nonlinear controllers.
Emerging Trends in Glioma Incidence and Prognostic Factors: A Comprehensive Analysis of the United States (2000-2018)
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Xu Zihan , Zhang Yong , Liu Ying , Ye Ming , Chen Rui , Cao Zhongyu , Zhou Hong , Zhou Yang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors with high mortality. However, current epidemiologic and survival data are lacking. Analyzing 71,040 patients diagnosed with gliomas from 2000 to 2018 in the SEER database, we found a decline in age-adjusted incidence rates from 4.42 to 3.95/100,000[ APC of -0.43 (95%CI, -0.59 to -0.26)]. Among 71,040 cases, the majority were male and White race, with glioblastoma as the predominant histology, primarily located at the cerebrum, and mostly categorized as high-grade tumors. Significant age and grade variations existed among different histology and site groups. Male, white race, older population, glioblastoma, high-grade tumor and cerebrum site were with the higher incidence. Additionally, the incidence of different histology varied significantly among different age groups. Multivariable analysis identified age, sex, histology, grade, site, and size as prognostic factors, with age and grade having the most significant impact on prognosis. Furthermore, we developed a predictive nomogram model for 1-/3-/5-year survival rates, incorporating prognostic factors. For internal and external validations, the concordance indexes were 0.767 (95%CI, 0.761–0.773) and 0.765 (95%CI, 0.757–0.773), respectively. In conclusion, gliomas incidence and survival exhibit notable disparities based on age, sex, histology, grade, site, and size. The nomogram can accurately predict the risk of death, offering valuable insights for patient care.
Traditional haymaking is essential to sustain and restore species-rich subalpine grasslands
Authors: Boch Steffen , Blaser Stefan , Föhr Christine , Küchler Meinrad , Fischer Markus 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The high plant diversity in subalpine grasslands is threatened by the abandonment of land use, such as traditional haymaking. In addition, changing environmental conditions might lead to vegetation shifts even when traditional land use is maintained, as observed in mountain grasslands in Switzerland during the last decades. Maintaining and restoring the typical diversity of such grasslands might therefore require modified management methods. We conducted a six-year experiment to assess the responses of plant species richness, mean ecological indicator values, and vegetation composition to five management treatments: traditional haymaking, traditional haymaking complemented by scraping (i.e. manual raking) in autumn, traditional haymaking complemented by scraping in spring, only scraping in spring, and abandonment. We hypothesized that haymaking complemented by scraping in either season would remove additional biomass, reduce inter-specific competition, and increase species richness by creating open patches that can promote species establishment. We found positive effects of haymaking complemented by scraping and negative effects of abandonment on plant species richness. In addition, combining haymaking and scraping tended to positively affect habitat quality, indicated by changes in mean indicator values, while abandonment showed the opposite effect. Interestingly, traditional haymaking combined with scraping in autumn promoted the development of the vegetation towards the composition similar to the originally present vegetation type. Our findings show that traditional land use is essential to maintain species-rich subalpine grasslands. Further, they imply that traditional land use can be modified to compensate for the negative developments caused by environmental changes and help restore the typical vegetation.
Frozen green leaves as potential nutrient subsidies in North American mangrove ecosystems
Authors: Overstreet Katelyn Rose , Dangremond Emily , Feller Ilka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Avicennia germinans, the black mangrove, has shifted its range limit northward, and increased in abundance, in the southeastern United States. In January 2018, a three-day freeze event caused substantial defoliation of green leaves in A. germinans near its northernmost range limit in St. Augustine, Florida. During their recovery, plants that lost their leaves grew similarly to plants fertilized with nitrogen, leading to the hypothesis that freeze-killed green leaves may have acted as a fertilizer. To assess the value of frozen-green litter as a nutrient subsidy, we performed an experiment in which A. germinans seedlings were grown in sand with green, frozen-green, senescent, and control leaf litter. We measured growth response in seedlings using the following criteria: total plant height, internode elongation, and plant biomass. All litter treatments stimulated growth in seedlings to a greater extent than that of controls. Seedlings treated with green or frozen-green leaves grew taller and had longer internodes, than those treated with senescent leaves. Biomass was greater in seedlings treated with green or frozen-green litter, than in the control treatments. Frozen and green leaves lost more mass in a leaching experiment than senescent leaves or controls. These results support the hypothesis that green leaves that freeze can act as a nutrient source within the ecosystem.