bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blocking miR528 function promotes tillering and regrowth in switchgrass
Authors: Han Xiangyan , Tang Shanjie , Ma Xuan , Liu Wenwen , Yang Ruijuan , Zhang Shuaibin , Wang Ningning , Song Xianwei , Fu Chunxiang , Yang Rongxin , Cao Xiaofeng 
Published: November 2023

SummaryMiRNAs have been reported to be the key regulators involving a wide range of biological processes in diverse plant species, but their functions in switchgrass, an important biofuel and forage crop, are largely unknown. Here, we reported the novel function of miR528, which has expanded to four copies in switchgrass, in controlling biomass trait of tillering number and regrowth rate after mowing. Blocking miR528 activity by expressing short tandem target mimic (STTM) increased tiller number and regrowth rate after mowing. The quadruple pvmir528 mutant lines derived from genome editing also showed such improved traits. Degradome and RNA‐seq analysis, combined with in situ hybridization assay revealed that up‐regulation of two miR528 targets coding for Cu/Zn‐SOD enzymes, might be responsible for the improved traits of tillering and regrowth in pvmir528 mutant. Additionally, natural variations in the miR528‐SOD interaction exist in C3 and C4 monocot species, implying the distinct regulatory strength of the miR528‐SOD module during monocot evolution. Overall, our data illuminated a novel role of miR528 in controlling biomass traits and provided a new target for genetic manipulation‐mediated crop improvement.
Evaluation of social knowledge on photoprotection and its relationship with education and age in a Polish seaside town during summer holidays
Authors: Woźna Julia , Stępka Jan , Bałoniak Andrzej , Adamski Zygmunt 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis survey aimed to evaluate knowledge of photoprotection among individuals from a random group in a resort town in Poland, Kołobrzeg, and explore the correlation between their knowledge and demographics like age, gender, education, and residence.MethodsAn anonymous survey was conducted among a diverse group. This population comprised individuals from various backgrounds: health spa patients undergoing treatments, therapies and medical appointments, guests visiting the resort for leisure, passersby, and staff working at the spa and recreational facilities. The survey was designed by authors, encompassed 16 questions about knowledge on photoprotection, sunscreen use and related topics, and gathered demographic data. Responses from 142 individuals were statistically analyzed using PQStat Software.ResultsOnly 7.7% use sunscreen all year‐round. The majority apply sun protection factor (SPF) creams on sunny days or with prolonged sun exposure. Over half of the respondents (53.5%) are aware when to apply sunscreen but 43% reapply it less than every 4 h. 25.4% do not reapply at all. 38.7% think protection provided by higher SPF means longer sun exposure time. Over 50% believe SPF 30 offers double the protection of SPF 15. Almost half (46.8%) use extra sun protection, like sunglasses or hats. Significant correlations exist between education/age and certain survey responses.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the urgency to improve photoprotection knowledge in the Polish population, particularly regarding the year‐round harmful solar effects and the correct use of sun protection products.
Time matters in pandemic risk communication: A moderated effect of information timeliness on stakeholder perception in Singapore
Authors: Yi Fangxin , Li Xiangyu (Dale) , Yu Shaocong , Zhang Qiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic shows the increasing importance of determining the factors of the public perceptions of personal and societal risks. These perceptions can shape people's behaviors, which, in turn, alter the spread of a pandemic on the community level. However, previous research on risk communication was inconsistent, and little is known about the impact of timely warning messages on stakeholders' perceptions of public health emergencies. To address this theoretical gap, this study analyzes the survey data (N = 538) from Singapore to explore the main effect of information timeliness on the respondents’ stakeholder perceptions. This effect is moderated by normative factors, including attention and threat perceptions. We find that the more timely the government updates the risk information, the more trustworthy the stakeholders appear in respondents’ opinions. Such an effect is weakened when the pre‐decision attention or the threat perception interacts with the predictor independently. However, this effect on stakeholder perceptions becomes stronger if both moderators interact with the information timeliness. That is, an appropriate combination of the information released by the government can effectively enhance the image of the stakeholders during the pandemic.
Associations of physical activity type, volume, intensity, and changes over time with all‐cause mortality in older adults: The Seniors‐ENRICA cohorts
Authors: Duarte Junior Miguel Angelo , Martínez‐Gómez David , Pintos‐Carrillo Salud , Sotos‐Prieto Mercedes , Ortolá Rosario , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando , Cabanas‐Sánchez Verónica 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association of physical activity (PA) type, volume, intensity, and changes over time with all‐cause mortality in older adults.MethodsWe used data from 3518 and 3273 older adults recruited in the Seniors‐ENRICA‐1 and 2 cohorts. PA was assessed with the EPIC questionnaire. Participants reported how many hours they spent a week in walking, cycling, gardening, do‐it‐yourself (DIY), sports, and housework. Then, time at each intensity (moderate PA [MPA], vigorous PA [VPA], moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA] and total PA) was calculated. Changes in PA were calculated from the date of the baseline interview to Wave 1. All‐cause mortality was ascertained up January 31, 2022. Analyses were performed with Cox regression models, adjusting for the main confounders.ResultsWalking, gardening, sports, and housework was associated with lower mortality (ranged 20%–46%). Also, MPA, VPA, MVPA was associated with lower risk of mortality (ranged 28%–53%). Analyses of PA change showed that, compared no PA participation (at baseline nor Wave 1), maintain walking, sports, and housework (ranged 28%–53%) and maintaining MPA, VPA, and MVPA (ranged 32%–36%) levels was linked to decreased mortality risk. Those who increased, maintained, or even decreased total PA had lower mortality (57%, 52%, and 36%, respectively) than those with consistently very low PA.ConclusionsThe lower mortality was observed in those with a high baseline level of total PA. Maintaining PA levels such as walking, gardening, and housework, or at all analyzed intensities, was related to lower mortality.
On the Road to Redemption: A Case Study of Triathlon Participation and Substance Use Recovery Stories
Authors: McGannon Kerry R. , Towers Keira , McMahon Jenny 
Published: November 2023

Although sport participation holds potential to facilitate substance use recovery, the role of sport and links to identity transformation are contentious. Using an instrumental and intrinsic case study, we used narrative inquiry to explore autobiographies as cultural sites of analysis in relation to the role that one sport (i.e., triathlon) plays in substance use recovery. We conducted a social constructionist narrative thematic analysis of four public autobiography sources (e.g., one book and three documentary films) chronicling one man’s 27-year journey of substance use recovery using recreational triathlon. A central narrative threaded the substance use recovery process: redemption narrative. Redemption narrative meaning(s) unfolded in distinct ways depending on identity themes: (a) athlete to triathlete: (re)creating a non-substance-using identity and (b) generative athlete: claiming a sober identity. The redemption stories and shifting identities were connected to recovery capital resources: human (e.g., mental health and life perspective), social (e.g., community belonging), and cultural (e.g., appreciation of new meanings connected with triathlon). This study extends work in sport psychology focusing on athlete autobiographies as research and pedagogical resources to learn more about the role of sport in substance use recovery. We provide reflections on findings, recommendations for practitioners, and future research directions.
Upregulation of occludin by cytolethal distending toxin facilitates
Glaesserella parasuis
adhesion to respiratory tract cells
Authors: Yang Zhen , Zhang Yiwen , Du Senyan , Zhao Qin , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Rui , Yan Qigui , Han Xinfeng , Cao Sanjie , Chang Yung-Fu , Wen Yiping 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Virulent
Glaesserella parasuis
may engender systemic infection characterized by fibrinous polyserositis and pneumonia.
G. parasuis
causes systemic disease through upper respiratory tract infection, but the mechanism has not been fully characterized. Tight junction (TJ) proteins maintain the integrity and impermeability of the epithelial barriers. In this work, we applied the recombinant cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) holotoxin and
cdt
-deficient mutants to assess whether CDT interacted with TJ proteins of airway tract cells. Our results indicated that CDT induced the TJ occludin (OCLN) expression in newborn pig tracheal epithelial cells within the first 3 hours of bacterial infection, followed by a significant decrease. Overexpression of OCLN in target cells made them more susceptible to
G. parasuis
adhesion, whereas ablation of OCLN expression by CRISPR/Cas 9 gene editing technology in target cells decreased their susceptibility to bacterial adhesion. In addition, CDT treatment could upregulate the OCLN levels in the lung tissue of C57/BL6 mice. In summary, highly virulent
G. parasuis
strain SC1401 stimulated the tight junction expression, resulting in higher bacterial adhesion to respiratory tract cells, and this process is closely related to CDT. Our results may provide novel insights into
G. parasuis
infection and CDT-mediated pathogenesis.
An expanded toolkit of drug resistance cassettes for
Candida glabrata
,
Candida auris
, and
Candida albicans
leads to new insights into the ergosterol pathway
Authors: Gregor Justin B. , Gutierrez-Schultz Victor A. , Hoda Smriti , Baker Kortany M. , Saha Debasmita , Burghaze Madeline G. , Vazquez Cynthia , Burgei Kendra E. , Briggs Scott D. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization recently published the first list of priority fungal pathogens highlighting multiple
Candida
species, including
Candida glabrata
,
Candida albicans
, and
Candida auris
. However, prior studies in these pathogens have been mainly limited to the use of two drug resistance cassettes,
NatMX
and
HphMX
, limiting genetic manipulation capabilities in prototrophic laboratory strains and clinical isolates. In this study, we expanded the toolkit for
C. glabrata
,
C. auris
, and
C. albicans
to include
KanMX
and
BleMX
when coupled with an
in vitro
assembled CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based system. Repurposing these drug resistance cassettes for
Candida
, we were able to make single gene deletions, sequential and simultaneous double gene deletions, epitope tags, and rescue constructs. We applied these drug resistance cassettes to interrogate the ergosterol pathway, a critical pathway for both the azole and polyene antifungal drug classes. Using our approach, we determined for the first time that the deletion of
ERG3
in
C. glabrata
,
C. auris,
and
C. albicans
prototrophic strains results in azole drug resistance, which further supports the conservation of the Erg3-dependent toxic sterol model. Furthermore, we show that an
ERG5
deletion in
C. glabrata
is azole susceptible at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting that Erg5 could act as an azole buffer for Erg11. Finally, we identified a synthetic growth defect when both
ERG3
and
ERG5
are deleted in
C. glabrata,
which suggests the possibility of another toxic sterol impacting growth. Overall, we have expanded the genetic tools available to interrogate complex pathways in prototrophic strains and clinical isolates.

IMPORTANCE

The increasing problem of drug resistance and emerging pathogens is an urgent global health problem that necessitates the development and expansion of tools for studying fungal drug resistance and pathogenesis. Prior studies in
Candida glabrata
,
Candida auris
, and
Candida albicans
have been mainly limited to the use of
NatMX/SAT1
and
HphMX/CaHyg
for genetic manipulation in prototrophic strains and clinical isolates. In this study, we demonstrated that
NatMX/SAT1, HphMX, KanMX,
and/or
BleMX
drug resistance cassettes when coupled with a CRISPR-ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based system can be efficiently utilized for deleting or modifying genes in the ergosterol pathway of
C. glabrata
,
C. auris
, and
C. albicans
. Moreover, the utility of these tools has provided new insights into
ERG
genes and their relationship to azole resistance in
Candida
. Overall, we have expanded the toolkit for
Candida
pathogens to increase the versatility of genetically modifying complex pathways involved in drug resistance and pathogenesis.
Mammalian faunal change of the Miocene Dove Spring Formation, Mojave region, southern California, USA, in relation to tectonic history
Authors: Hardy Fabian Cerón , Badgley Catherine 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Tectonic processes drive the evolution of basins through local and regional changes in topographic relief, which have long-term effects on mammalian richness and distribution. Mammals respond to the resulting changes in landscape and climate through evolution, shifts in geographic range, and by altering their community composition. Here, we evaluate the relationship between tectonic episodes and the diversification history of fossil mammals in the Miocene Dove Spring Formation (12.5–8.5 Ma) of southern California, USA. This formation contains a rich fossil record of mammals and other vertebrates as well as structural and sedimentological evidence for tectonic episodes of basin extension, rotation, and translation.
We used several methods to compare the fossil record to the tectonic history of the Dove Spring Formation. We updated the formation’s geochronology to incorporate current radiometric dating standards and measured additional stratigraphic sections to refine the temporal resolution of large mammal (&gt;1 kg) fossil localities to 200-kyr (or shorter) intervals. Observed species richness over time follows the same trend as the number of localities and specimens, suggesting that richness reflects sampling intensity. Estimates of stratigraphic ranges with 80% confidence intervals were used to conduct per capita diversification analysis and a likelihood approach to changes in faunal composition from one time interval to the next. While edge effects influence time bins at the beginning and end of the study interval, we found changes in diversification rates and faunal composition that are not solely linked to preservation. Several rare species appear at 10.5 Ma and persist through the top of the formation despite variable preservation rates. Changes in faunal composition at 12.1 Ma and 10.5 Ma are not associated with elevated preservation rates, which indicates that some faunal changes are not primarily driven by sampling effort. The lower portion of the formation is characterized by high origination rates and long residence times. The upper portion has high per capita extinction rates that increased in magnitude as basin rotation and translation progressed from 10.5 Ma. The greatest change in faunal composition coincided with basin rotation and translation that interrupted a long-running extensional period. Tectonics played key roles in the diversity of mammals by determining fossil productivity and shaping the landscapes that they inhabited.
Mitochondrial 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase-2 (HMGCS2) deficiency: a rare case with bicytopenia and coagulopathy
Authors: El-Sayed Dalia , El-Karaksy Hanaa , Wali Yasser , Youssry Ilham 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase-2 (HMGCS2) is the main enzyme involved in ketogenesis. It is an essential enzyme for the catalysis of β-oxidation-derived-acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl Co-A to produce β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) and free coenzyme A.The deficiency of this enzyme (3-hydoxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase) is a very rare metabolic disorder with limited cases described in the literature. The manifestations of this disease include hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, metabolic acidosis, lethargy, hepatomegaly with fatty liver and encephalopathy.We report a middle childhood male who presented with hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and bicytopenia. The case was diagnosed by the whole exome sequencing which revealed a homozygous missense variant of uncertain significance in HMGCS2 gene.
Resilience in childhood vaccination: analysing delivery system responses to shocks in Lebanon
Authors: Ismail Sharif A , Tomoaia-Cotisel Andrada , Noubani Aya , Fouad Fouad M , Bell Sadie , Borghi Josephine , Blanchet Karl 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionDespite rapidly growing academic and policy interest in health system resilience, the empirical literature on this topic remains small and focused on macrolevel effects arising from single shocks. To better understand health system responses to multiple shocks, we conducted an in-depth case study using qualitative system dynamics. We focused on routine childhood vaccination delivery in Lebanon in the context of at least three shocks overlapping to varying degrees in space and time: large-scale refugee arrivals from neighbouring Syria; COVID-19; and an economic crisis.MethodsSemistructured interviews were performed with 38 stakeholders working at different levels in the system. Interview transcripts were analysed using purposive text analysis to generate individual stakeholder causal loop diagrams (CLDs) mapping out relationships between system variables contributing to changes in coverage for routine antigens over time. These were then combined using a stepwise process to produce an aggregated CLD. The aggregated CLD was validated using a reserve set of interview transcripts.ResultsVarious system responses to shocks were identified, including demand promotion measures such as scaling-up community engagement activities and policy changes to reduce the cost of vaccination to service users, and supply side responses including donor funding mobilisation, diversification of service delivery models and cold chain strengthening. Some systemic changes were introduced—particularly in response to refugee arrivals—including task-shifting to nurse-led vaccine administration. Potentially transformative change was seen in the integration of private sector clinics to support vaccination delivery and depended on both demand side and supply side changes. Some resilience-promoting measures introduced following earlier shocks paradoxically increased vulnerability to later ones.ConclusionFlexibility in financing and human resource allocation appear key for system resilience regardless of the shock. System dynamics offers a promising method for ex ante modelling of ostensibly resilience-strengthening interventions under different shock scenarios, to identify—and safeguard against—unintended consequences.
Health and economic effects of introducing single-dose or two-dose human papillomavirus vaccination in India
Authors: M de Carvalho Tiago , Man Irene , Georges Damien , Saraswati Lopamudra Ray , Bhandari Prince , Kataria Ishu , Siddiqui Mariam , Muwonge Richard , Lucas Eric , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Basu Partha , Berkhof Johannes , Bogaards Johannes A , Baussano Iacopo 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCervical cancer is a major public health problem in India, where access to prevention programmes is low. The WHO-Strategic Advisory Group of Experts recently updated their recommendation for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to include a single-dose option in addition to the two-dose option, which could make HPV vaccination programmes easier to implement and more affordable.MethodsWe combined projections from a type-specific HPV transmission model and a cancer progression model to assess the health and economic effects of HPV vaccination at national and state level in India. The models used national and state-specific Indian demographic, epidemiological and cost data, and single-dose vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer India vaccine trial with 10-year follow-up. We compared single-dose and two-dose HPV vaccination for a range of plausible scenarios regarding single-dose vaccine protection, coverage and catch-up. We used a healthcare sector payer perspective with a time horizon of 100 years.ResultsUnder the base-case scenario of lifelong protection of single-dose vaccination in 10-year-old girls with 90% coverage, the discounted incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of nationwide vaccination relative to no vaccination was US$406 (₹INR30 000) per DALY (disability-adjusted life-years) averted. This lay below an opportunity-cost-based threshold of 30% Indian gross domestic product per capita in each Indian state (state-specific ICER range: US$67–US$593 per DALY averted). The ICER of two-dose vaccination versus no vaccination vaccination was US$1404 (₹INR104 000). The ICER of two-dose vaccination versus single-dose vaccination, assuming lower initial efficacy and waning of single-dose vaccination, was at least US$2282 (₹INR169 000) per DALY averted.ConclusionsNationwide introduction of single-dose HPV vaccination at age 10 in India is highly likely to be cost-effective whereas extending the number of doses from one to two would have a less favourable profile.
Development, assessment and validation of a novel prediction nomogram model for risk identification of tracheobronchial tuberculosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Qiu Qian , Li Siju , Chen Yong , Yan Xiaofeng , Yang Song , Qiu Shi , Peng Anzhou , Chen Yaokai 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB), a specific subtype of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), can lead to bronchial stenosis or bronchial occlusion if not identified early. However, there is currently no available means for predicting the risk of associated TBTB in PTB patients. The objective of this study was to establish a risk prediction nomogram model for estimating the associated TBTB risk in every PTB patient.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 2153 PTB patients. Optimised characteristics were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to build a predictive nomogram model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the prediction model were assessed using C-statistics, receiver operator characteristic curves, calibration plots and decision analysis. The developed model was validated both internally and externally.ResultsAmong all PTB patients who underwent bronchoscopies (n=2153), 40.36% (n=869) were diagnosed with TBTB. A nomogram model incorporating 11 predictors was developed and displayed good discrimination with a C-statistics of 0.782, a sensitivity of 0.661 and a specificity of 0.762 and good calibration with a calibration-in-the-large of 0.052 and a calibration slope of 0.957. Model’s discrimination was favourable in both internal (C-statistics, 0.782) and external (C-statistics, 0.806) validation. External validation showed satisfactory accuracy (sensitivity, 0.690; specificity, 0.804) in independent cohort. Decision curve analysis showed that the model was clinically useful when intervention was decided on at the exacerbation possibility threshold of 2.3%–99.2%. A clinical impact curve demonstrated that our model predicted high-risk estimates and true positives.ConclusionWe developed a novel and convenient risk prediction nomogram model that enhances the risk assessment of associated TBTB in PTB patients. This nomogram can help identify high-risk PTB patients who may benefit from early bronchoscopy and aggressive treatment to prevent disease progression.