bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAMENLESS1 activates SUPERWOMAN 1 and FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER 1 to control floral organ identities and meristem fate in rice
Authors: Zhuang Hui , Li Yu‐Huan , Zhao Xiao‐Yu , Zhi Jing‐Ya , Chen Hao , Lan Jin‐Song , Luo Ze‐Jiang , Qu Yan‐Rong , Tang Jun , Peng Han‐Ping , Li Tian‐Ye , Zhu Si‐Ying , Jiang Tao , He Guang‐Hua , Li Yun‐Feng 
Published: February 2024

SUMMARYFloral patterns are unique to rice and contribute significantly to its reproductive success. SL1 encodes a C2H2 transcription factor that plays a critical role in flower development in rice, but the molecular mechanism regulated by it remains poorly understood. Here, we describe interactions of the SL1 with floral homeotic genes, SPW1, and DL in specifying floral organ identities and floral meristem fate. First, the sl1 spw1 double mutant exhibited a stamen‐to‐pistil transition similar to that of sl1, spw1, suggesting that SL1 and SPW1 may located in the same pathway regulating stamen development. Expression analysis revealed that SL1 is located upstream of SPW1 to maintain its high level of expression and that SPW1, in turn, activates the B‐class genes OsMADS2 and OsMADS4 to suppress DL expression indirectly. Secondly, sl1 dl displayed a severe loss of floral meristem determinacy and produced amorphous tissues in the third/fourth whorl. Expression analysis revealed that the meristem identity gene OSH1 was ectopically expressed in sl1 dl in the fourth whorl, suggesting that SL1 and DL synergistically terminate the floral meristem fate. Another meristem identity gene, FON1, was significantly decreased in expression in sl1 background mutants, suggesting that SL1 may directly activate its expression to regulate floral meristem fate. Finally, molecular evidence supported the direct genomic binding of SL1 to SPW1 and FON1 and the subsequent activation of their expression. In conclusion, we present a model to illustrate the roles of SL1, SPW1, and DL in floral organ specification and regulation of floral meristem fate in rice.
Acylation stimulating protein/C3adesArg in the metabolic states: role of adipocyte dysfunction in obesity complications
Authors: Rezvani Reza , Shadmand Foumani Moghadam Mohammad Reza , Cianflone Katherine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdipose tissue, as an endocrine organ, secretes several adipocyte‐derived hormones named ‘adipokines’ that are implicated in regulating energy haemostasis. Substantial evidence shows that white adipose tissue‐derived adipokines mediate the link between obesity‐related exogenous factors (like diet and lifestyle) and various biological events (such as pre‐ and postmenopausal status) that have obesity consequences (cardiometabolic disorders). One of the critical aetiological factors for obesity‐related diseases is the dysfunction of adipokine pathways. Acylation‐stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipokine that stimulates triglyceride synthesis and storage in adipose tissue by enhancing glucose and fatty acid uptake. ASP acts via its receptor C5L2. The primary objective of this review is to address the existing gap in the literature regarding ASP by investigating its diverse responses and receptor interactions across multiple determinants of obesity. These determinants include diet composition, metabolic disorders, organ involvement, sex and sex hormone levels. Furthermore, this article explores the broader paradigm shift from solely focusing on adipose tissue mass, which contributes to obesity, to considering the broader implications of adipose tissue function. Additionally, we raise a critical question concerning the clinical relevance of the insights gained from this review, both in terms of potential therapeutic interventions targeting ASP and in the context of preventing obesity‐related conditions, highlighting the potential of the ASP–C5L2 interaction as a pharmacological target. In conclusion, these findings validate that obesity is a low‐grade inflammatory status with multiorgan involvement and sex differences, demonstrating dynamic interactions between immune and metabolic response determinants.
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¿Which Automatic Associations Prevail? Congruency andReverse Priming Effects on Implicit Gender Stereotyping
Authors: Castillo-Mayén Rosario , Montes-Berges Beatriz 
Published: February 2024

Objectives
. This study aimed to test whether gender stereotypes remain automatically activated following cues
related to gender, despite years of promoting equality, and how it could correspond with explicit measures.
Method
. Seventy undergraduates performed a sequential priming task, in which the gender categories were
presented subliminally. Culturally speci
fi
c gender stereotypes were used as targets. In addition, other signi
fi
cant
variables related to gender (self-assignment of stereotypes, identity and ideology) were assessed explicitly.
Results
. At
fi
rst, the results showed a non-priming effect, indicating no implicit gender stereotyping. However,
a more detailed observation of the data revealed that participants could be differentiated according to the
effects that appeared: the congruency and the reverse priming effects.
Conclusion.
While gender stereotypes
were automatically activated in Group 1 (positive socres), implicit stereotype inhibition seemed to take place
in Group 2 (negative scores). Egalitarian goal activation is assumed to explain the reverse effect. The activation
of different contents from the same primes emphatically suggests that more effort is needed to develop strong
egalitarian commitments. Results also support the potential dynamic of gender stereotypes, even at an implicit
level.
Structural basis and analysis of hamster ACE2 binding to different SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs
Authors: Niu Sheng , Zhao Zhennan , Liu Zhimin , Rong Xiaoyu , Chai Yan , Bai Bin , Han Pengcheng , Shang Guijun , Ren Jianle , Wang Ying , Zhao Xin , Liu Kefang , Tian Wen-xia , Wang Qihui , Gao George Fu 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Pet golden hamsters were first identified being infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant of concern (VOC) and transmitted the virus back to humans in Hong Kong in January 2022. Here, we studied the binding of two hamster (golden hamster and Chinese hamster) angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants, including alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and four omicron sub-variants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and BA.4/BA.5). We found that the two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2 (hACE2). Furthermore, the similar infectivity to host cells expressing hamster ACE2s and hACE2 was confirmed with the nine pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Additionally, we determined two cryo-electron microscopy (EM) complex structures of golden hamster ACE2 (ghACE2)/delta RBD and ghACE2/omicron BA.3 RBD. The residues Q34 and N82, which exist in many rodent ACE2s, are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. These findings suggest that all SARS-CoV-2 VOCs may infect hamsters, highlighting the necessity of further surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in these animals.

IMPORTANCE
SARS-CoV-2 can infect many domestic animals, including hamsters. There is an urgent need to understand the binding mechanism of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants to hamster receptors. Herein, we showed that two hamster angiotensin-converting enzyme 2s (ACE2s) (golden hamster ACE2 and Chinese hamster ACE2) can bind to the spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-2 prototype and eight variants and that pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses can infect hamster ACE2-expressing cells. The binding pattern of golden hamster ACE2 to SARS-CoV-2 RBDs is similar to that of Chinese hamster ACE2. The two hamster ACE2s present slightly lower affinity for the RBDs of all nine SARS-CoV-2 viruses tested than human ACE2. We solved the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of golden hamster ACE2 in complex with delta RBD and omicron BA.3 RBD and found that residues Q34 and N82 are responsible for the lower binding affinity of ghACE2 compared to hACE2. Our work provides valuable information for understanding the cross-species transmission mechanism of SARS-CoV-2.
mSphere of Influence: Targeting bacterial signaling and metabolism to overcome antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Zeden Merve S. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Dr Merve Suzan Zeden works in the field of molecular bacteriology and antibiotic resistance. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how three papers, entitled “c-di-AMP modulates
Listeria monocytogenes
central metabolism to regulate growth, antibiotic resistance and osmoregulation,” “Amino acid catabolism in
Staphylococcus aureus
and the function of carbon catabolite repression,” and “Evolving MRSA: high-level β-lactam resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
is associated with RNA polymerase alterations and fine tuning of gene expression,” made an impact on her work on bacterial metabolism and antimicrobial resistance and how it shaped her research in understanding the link in between.
Redundant essentiality of AsmA-like proteins in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sposato Davide , Mercolino Jessica , Torrini Luisa , Sperandeo Paola , Lucidi Massimiliano , Alegiani Riccardo , Varone Ilaria , Molesini Giorgia , Leoni Livia , Rampioni Giordano , Visca Paolo , Imperi Francesco 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

The outer membrane (OM) is an essential structure of Gram-negative bacteria that provides mechanical strength and protection from large and/or hydrophobic toxic molecules, including many antibiotics. The OM is composed of glycerophospholipids (GPLs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the inner and outer leaflets, respectively, and hosts integral β-barrel proteins and lipoproteins. While the systems responsible for translocation and insertion of LPS and OM proteins have been elucidated, the mechanism(s) mediating transport of GPLs from the inner membrane to the OM has remained elusive for decades. Very recently, studies performed in
Escherichia coli
proposed a role in this process for AsmA-like proteins that are predicted to share structural features with eukaryotic lipid transporters. In this study, we provide the first systematic investigation of AsmA-like proteins in a bacterium other than
E. coli
, the opportunistic human pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that
P. aeruginosa
possesses seven AsmA-like proteins. Deletion of
asmA
-like genes in many different combinations, coupled with conditional mutagenesis, revealed that four AsmA-like proteins are redundantly essential for growth and OM integrity in
P. aeruginosa
, including a novel AsmA-like protein (PA4735) that is not present in
E. coli
. Cells depleted of AsmA-like proteins showed severe defects in the OM permeability barrier that were partially rescued by lowering the synthesis or transport of LPS. Since fine balancing of GPL and LPS levels is crucial for OM integrity, this evidence supports the role of AsmA-like proteins in GPL transport toward the OM.

IMPORTANCE

Given the importance of the outer membrane (OM) for viability and antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, in the last decades, several studies have focused on the characterization of the systems involved in OM biogenesis, which have also been explored as targets for antibacterial drug development. However, the mechanism mediating translocation of glycerophospholipids (GPLs) to the OM remained unknown until recent studies provided evidence that AsmA-like proteins could be responsible for this process. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that AsmA-like proteins are essential and redundant for growth and OM integrity in a Gram-negative bacterium other than the model organism
Escherichia coli
and demonstrate that the human pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
has an additional essential AsmA-like protein that is not present in
E. coli
, thus expanding the range of AsmA-like proteins that play key functions in Gram-negative bacteria.
Short-chain fatty acids of various lengths differentially inhibit
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Enterobacteriaceae
species
Authors: Chang Kai Chirng , Nagarajan Niranjan , Gan Yunn-Hwen 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

The gut microbiota is inextricably linked to human health and disease. It can confer colonization resistance against invading pathogens either through niche occupation and nutrient competition or via its secreted metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the primary metabolites in the gut as a result of dietary fiber fermentation by the gut microbiota. In this work, we demonstrate that the interaction of single-species gut commensals on solid media is insufficient for pathogen inhibition, but supernatants from monocultures of these commensal bacteria enriched in acetate confer inhibition against anaerobic growth of the enteric pathogen
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. The three primary SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) strongly inhibit the intestinal commensal
Escherichia coli
Nissle as well as a panel of enteric pathogens besides
K. pneumoniae
at physiological pH of the cecum and ascending colon. This inhibition was significantly milder on anaerobic gut commensals
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
and
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
previously demonstrated to be associated with microbiota recovery after antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. We describe a general suppression of bacterial membrane potential by these SCFAs at physiological cecum and ascending colonic pH. Furthermore, the strength of bacterial inhibition increases with increasing alkyl chain length. Overall, the insights gained in this study shed light on the potential therapeutic use of SCFAs for conferring colonization resistance against invading pathogens in a dysbiotic gut.

IMPORTANCE

Rising antimicrobial resistance has made treatment of bacterial infections increasingly difficult. According to the World Health Organization, it has become a burgeoning threat to hospital and public health systems worldwide. This threat is largely attributed to the global rise of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
in recent years, with common hospital-acquired pathogens growing increasingly resistant to last-line antibiotics. Antibiotics disrupt the homeostatic balance of the gut microbiota, resulting in the loss of colonization resistance against enteric pathogens. This work describes the ability of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota to be effective against a wide panel of enteric pathogens without major impact on common gut commensal species. We also demonstrate a previously undescribed link between alkyl chain length and antibacterial effects of SCFAs. SCFAs, thus, hold promise as an alternative therapeutic option leveraging on the antimicrobial activity of these endogenously produced gut metabolites without disrupting gut microbiota homeostasis.
Does zircon geochemistry record global sediment subduction?
Authors: Sundell Kurt E. , Macdonald Francis A. , Puetz Stephen J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Global compilations of zircon geochemistry have been used as evidence for changes in plate tectonic styles and surface environments. In particular, zircon δ18O has been used as a proxy for global sediment subduction and incorporation into igneous melts. However, research employing such compilations commonly ignores geologic and geographic context. We analyze a newly georeferenced zircon δ18O database from 1000 Ma to present. The compilation shows positive and negative isotopic excursions, both of which have been interpreted in the context of global phenomena. Sensitivity testing demonstrates that these excursions are the product of regional tectonic environments. Specifically, low Tonian–Cryogenian δ18O, previously interpreted as a climate signal of snowball Earth glacial meltwater, is isolated to ultra-high-pressure rocks of the Dabie Sulu orogen in central Asia, ophiolites in Egypt, and juvenile arc development in Madagascar, predating Cryogenian glaciation. Positive anomalies in the Ediacaran–Cambrian and Devonian, previously interpreted to record snowball Earth erosion and the rise of land plants, are the result of upper-plate, supracrustal sources of Gondwana. A Neogene anomaly is the result of volcanic rocks associated with Yellowstone and Iceland. Sampling bias in zircon geochemical compilations is analogous to that of Lagerstätten (sites of exquisite fossil preservation) and the “monograph effect” (large contributions from individual researchers) in paleontology, which both result in artifacts of over-representation. Long-term zircon δ18O trends broadly track the generation of collisional granites and continental arcs through time, recording the melting of sediments and sedimentary rocks in individual orogens, and not variations in sediment subduction globally.
Significant efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy on the behavioural symptoms of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Kim Saehyeon , Horiuchi Kohei , Ueda Takehiro , Boku Shuken 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe common features of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis are neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often challenging, treatment refractory and take years to recover. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating these symptoms in the acute phase, including catatonia and psychiatric issues.We describe the case of a man in his 30s with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis characterised by neuropsychiatric features and treatment-refractory impulsivity, who was successfully treated with ECT. This case suggests that ECT use for behavioural symptoms can be associated with a significant response and may contribute to faster recovery from the disease.
Gender disparities in observed motorcycle helmet use in Madagascar: female motorcyclists behave safer but have lower overall protection
Authors: Siebert Felix Wilhelm , Brambati Francois , Silva Ana Luísa , Randrianarisoa Jessé , Perego Paolo 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAlthough motorcycle helmets can save lives in case of a crash, no helmet use data are available for many countries. When data is available, it is often only analysed as a global average, preventing targeted road safety education and legislative action. In this study, we conducted a detailed analysis of motorcycle helmet use in the capital of Madagascar.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional observational field survey framework, we observed 17 230 individual motorcycles. We systematically recorded motorcycle riders’ helmet use, position on the motorcycle, rider numbers and gender.ResultsWe found a general helmet use of 76.1%. Observeddrivershad a significantly higher helmet use (84.6%) thanpassengers(47.7%), and subsequently helmet use per motorcycle decreased significantly when the number of riders per motorcycle increased. Female drivers had significantly higher helmet use than male drivers, and female passengers had significantly higher helmet use than male passengers. That is, on the same position of the motorcycle, female riders behaved safer than male riders. However, since female riders were more often passengers than drivers, their average helmet use was lower than that of male riders overall. Contrary to findings from other countries, motorcycle helmet use did not differ significantly throughout the day but was relatively constant.ConclusionOur results show the potential for injury and fatality prevention in Madagascar through increased passenger helmet use. This increase would also proportionally benefit female riders more than male riders. Findings regarding road safety legislation’s applied impact, education, enforcement and future research needs are discussed.
Understanding the challenges of injury in providing sport programmes for physically inactive women: concept mapping insights from programme deliverers
Authors: Staley Kiera , Donaldson Alex , Mosler Andrea B , O'Halloran Paul , Seal Emma , Forsyth Adrienne , Nicholson Matthew , Forsdike Kirsty , Bruder Andrea Maree 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesInjury/poor health is an important barrier to women’s participation in sport and physical activity. This study aimed to identify perceived challenges sport programme deliverers face when supporting physically inactive women to prevent/manage injury.MethodsSport programme deliverers, targeting physically inactive women in Victoria, participated in concept mapping to brainstorm, sort and rate (impact on their ability to prevent/manage injury, frequency of and difficulty to overcome the challenge on a 1 (low)–5 (high) scale) the challenges faced. Analysis included multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis and descriptive statistics (eg, mean ratings).ResultsTwenty-five deliverers brainstormed 82 injury prevention/management-related challenges. An eight cluster map was considered the most appropriate representation of the participants’ sorting data (mean cluster impact, frequency and difficulty to overcome rating (1–5)): time constraints (3.42, 3.69, 3.12); perceived competence in injury prevention/management (3.36, 3.50, 3.27); navigating participant perceptions and knowledge (3.35, 3.74, 3.49); information and responsibility (3.32, 3.50, 3.26); session planning and structure (3.25, 3.45, 3.07); participant engagement (3.13, 3.47, 3.08); responding to individual needs (3.07, 3.42, 2.92) and access to injury management resources (2.87, 3.25, 3.17).ConclusionLimited time created injury prevention/management challenges for programme deliverers when planning and modifying sport programmes for physically inactive women. Injury prevention/management should be integrated into programme design and delivery principles. Programme deliverers need education/training and access to injury prevention/management resources (eg, activity modification) and engagement/communication strategies tailored for physically inactive women. Public health funders, coaching course accreditors, programme designers and deliverers can use these insights to develop strategies to minimise injury risk and effect systemic change in sport programme delivery.
Health inequities and societal costs for patients with fibromyalgia and their spouses: a Danish cohort study
Authors: Amris Kirstine , Ibsen Rikke , Duhn Pernille Hurup , Olsen Judi , Lolk Karoline , Kjellberg Jakob , Kristensen Lars Erik 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the burden of illness of people with fibromyalgia (FM) and their spouses compared with selected match populations in Denmark.MethodsPopulation-based, cohort case-control study using data from Danish registries from 1994 to 2021. Individuals with an FM diagnosis were identified from the National Patient Register (2008–2019) and randomly matched to a 1:4 general population comparator. Spouses or persons co-living with subjects with FM at the time of diagnosis were compared with matched comparator spouses. Healthcare and societal costs, socioeconomic status and occurrence of comorbidities were evaluated for subjects with FM, spouses and controls.Results9712 subjects with FM (94.9% females, mean age 50 years) and 5946 spouses were included. At year of diagnosis, subjects with FM had significantly more comorbidities compared with controls, including significantly more comorbid rheumatic disorders. The highest risk at the time of FM diagnosis was a comorbid diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (OR 7.0, 95% CI 4.9 to 10.0). Significantly more comorbidities were also observed in spouses. Subjects with FM and spouses had higher healthcare and public transfer costs and lower income from employment at all timepoints. Loss of income from employment in subjects with FM occurred years before establishment of the FM diagnosis. The employment rate after diagnosis was 22%. 10 years after the FM diagnosis, 50% received disability pension as compared with 11% of matched controls. The observed net average increased societal cost for subjects with FM amounted to €27 193 per patient-year after diagnosis.ConclusionFM has major health and socioeconomic consequences for patients, their partners and society and call for improved healthcare strategies matching patients’ needs.