bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult With Tinea Capitis: A Five‐Year (2015–2019) Trend Study Among Patients Attending the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Diongue Khadim , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Diop Abdoulaye , Seck Mame Cheikh , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Badiane Aïda Sadikh , Ndiaye Daouda 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough tinea capitis (TC) is most commonly diagnosed in children, several studies have also shown that it is far from unusual in adults.ObjectivesTo determine the frequency and risk factors of TC in adults in Dakar, Senegal.Patients and MethodsA cross‐sectional study including all patients who visited the Parasitology and Mycology Lab at Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital for suspicion of TC was conducted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The diagnosis was performed using conventional techniques.ResultsIn sum, 458 adults were included. The majority (89%) were female. The patients' mean age was 35 ± 12 years (ranges: 18–84). Of the 458, 92 (20%) were confirmed with TC. The frequency trend, by year, showed a significant decrease ranging from 26.3% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2019. By sex, females (20.5%) were more affected than males (17.6%). According to age, the elderly present the highest infestation rate (36.4%). TC was diagnosed alone in 91.3%. T. soudanense (57.6%) was the most common species, followed by M. audouinii (34.8%).ConclusionTC is frequent among adults in Senegal, particularly in women, and the main causal agent is T. soudanense. Its duration seems to indicate a chronic form previously acquired between 1 and 10 years ago. Thus, early management will be essential to avoid epidemic proportions.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Nonischemic Versus Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Real‐World Primary Prevention Study
Authors: Ma Fankun , Gao Yang , Yu Haibo , Xu Guoqing , Wu Min , Hao Xinrui , Cui Yangfan , Peng Xiao , Liang Yanchun 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe evidence in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) by using implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is well‐established but remains controversial for those with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). This study evaluates whether prognostic differences exist between ICM and NICM patients after ICD implantation.MethodsPatients initially undergoing ICD implantation as primary SCD prevention were retrospectively enrolled from January 2017 to May 2023. Malignant ventricular arrhythmic and/or SCD were set as the primary endpoint, whereas all‐cause mortality was the secondary endpoint. Patients were grouped by heart failure etiology (ICM vs. NICM) and then by primary endpoint events occurrence. Outcomes analyses were performed between the NICM and ICM patients.ResultsThe final cohort had 342 patients, 213 (62.3%) with NICM and 129 (37.7%) with ICM. At a median follow‐up of 23.0 (10.7, 33.2) months, 51 patients (14.9%) encountered primary endpoint events. No statistically significant disparities in primary endpoint events (log rank p = 0.413), all‐cause death (log rank p = 0.208), cardiovascular mortality (log rank p = 0.218), or appropriate ICD therapy (log rank p = 0.250) between the two groups were indicated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Moreover, the COX‐adjusted models further demonstrated the absence of any significant differences between the two groups.ConclusionIn real‐world settings, primary prevention of SCD with ICD implantation yields similar outcomes for ICM and NICM patients, including probabilities of SCD and/or malignant ventricular arrhythmias, all‐cause mortality, appropriate ICD therapy, and cardiovascular mortality.
Suppression of TGA2‐Mediated Salicylic Acid Defence by Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus C2 via Disruption of TCP7‐Like Transcription Factor Activity in Tobacco
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Lei , Yan Xiao‐Tian , Zheng Chao , Zhang Xin‐Yue , Chen Jian‐Ping , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a significant threat to tomato cultivation globally, transmitted exclusively by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. While previous research suggests that the TYLCV C2 protein plays a role in fostering mutualistic interactions between the virus and its insect vectors, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we show that the C2 protein interferes with the salicylic acid (SA) defence pathway by disrupting TCP7‐like transcription factor‐mediated regulation of TGA2 expression. Whitefly infestation increases the expression of TCP7‐like transcription factors (TCP7‐L1 and TCP7‐L2), which subsequently trigger TGA2‐dependent activation of BGL2 transcription, enhancing plant resistance to whiteflies. However, the TYLCV C2 protein interacts with these TCP7‐like factors, reducing their binding affinity to the TGA2 promoter, which in turn suppresses BGL2 expression in the SA signalling pathway. These findings provide new insights into how TYLCV C2 modulates TCP7‐like protein activity to impair SA‐mediated defences, contributing to the mutualistic relationship between TYLCV and whiteflies. This work deepens our understanding of the complex regulatory networks underlying these virus‐vector‐host interactions.
GhRac9 improves cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae via regulating ROS production and lignin content
Authors: Luo Xincheng , Hu Zongwei , Chu Longyan , Li Jianping , Tang Ziru , Sun Xiangxiang , An Hongliu , Wan Peng , Wang Xiangping , Yang Yazhen , Zhang Jianmin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRac/Rop proteins, a kind of unique small GTPases in plants, play crucial roles in plant growth and development and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, it is poorly understood whether cotton Rac/Rop protein genes are involved in mediating cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae. Here, we focused on the function and mechanism of cotton Rac/Rop gene GhRac9 in the defense response to Verticillium dahliae infection. The expression level of GhRac9 peaked at 24 h after V. dahliae infection and remained consistently elevated from 24 to 48 h upon SA treatment. Furthermore, silencing GhRac9 using VIGS (Virus‐induced gene silence) method attenuated cotton defense response to V. dahliae by reducing ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) burst, peroxidase activity and lignin content in cotton plants. On the contrary, heterologous overexpression of GhRac9 enhanced Arabidopsis resistance to V. dahliae and significantly increased ROS production in Arabidopsis plants. Furthemore, transient overexpressing of GhRac9 significantly enhanced ROS burst and POD activity in cotton plants. In addition, GhRac9 positively regulated the expression levels of the genes related to SA signaling pathway in cotton plants. In conclusion, GhRac9 functioned as a positive regulator in the cotton defense response to V. dahliae, which provided important insights for breeding new cotton varieties resistant to V. dahliae.
Wake Not a Sleeping Lion: Free Trade Agreements and Decision Rights in Multinationals
Authors: Mukunoki Hiroshi , Okoshi Hirofumi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFree trade agreements with rules of origin affect the location of input production for vertically integrated multinational enterprises. The relocation induced by a free trade agreement changes the allocation of decision rights within multinational enterprises and the purpose of transfer pricing from avoiding high taxes to strengthening their product market competitiveness. This study shows that a free trade agreement with rules of origin may hurt both a multinational enterprise and a local firm, despite tariff elimination, when the relocation occurs and the decision rights change from centralization to decentralization. Moreover, such a free trade agreement can hurt consumers. Nevertheless, rules of origin increase the feasibility of free trade agreements due to larger tax revenues.
Non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic Women's Pregnancy‐Related Physical Intimate Partner Violence and WIC Program Participation
Authors: Espinoza Lucas Enrique , Espinoza Luis Enrique , Talleff Jennifer L. , Zavala Leticia Nevarez , Resendiz Rosalva 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesThe primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pregnancy‐related physical intimate partner violence (IPV) on participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) among non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women, while highlighting intersections of IPV, racial/ethnic disparities, and access to social services.MethodsThis study utilized data from the 2012–2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to analyze IPV and WIC participation among 21,774 women self‐identifying as non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, or Hispanic. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to examine the association between pregnancy‐related physical IPV (before, during, or both) and WIC participation rates.ResultsFindings revealed that only 43.5% of participants used the WIC program, with 2.4% experiencing IPV before pregnancy, 2.1% during pregnancy, and 3.0% experiencing at least one type of IPV. Compared to non‐Hispanic Black women who did not experience IPV, Hispanic women encountering pregnancy‐related physical IPV were less likely to participate in the WIC program.ConclusionThis study underscores the intersection of pregnancy‐related physical IPV, racial/ethnic disparities, and barriers to accessing social services such as WIC. It highlights the need for targeted screening and culturally sensitive interventions to connect IPV survivors with necessary resources and support systems, thereby improving public health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Evaluation of phenotypic risk indicators for the development of alopecia X (hair cycle arrest) in Pomeranian dogs in the Netherlands and Belgium
Authors: van Hensbergen Ilse , van den Broek Jan , van Amersfort Kelly , van der Lee Annette 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia X (AX) is a common noninflammatory alopecic condition of Pomeranian dogs with an unknown cause. While a genetic aetiology is suspected, no current tests can predict the development of this disorder or confirm the aetiology. Therefore, identifying potential risk indicators for the development of AX would be of value in this breed.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify risk indicators for AX in Pomeranians in the Netherlands and Belgium.Materials and MethodsA retrospective epidemiological study was conducted in the Netherlands and the Dutch‐speaking parts of Belgium between March 2022 and August 2023, using an online survey of Pomeranian owners. Variables such as sex, birth season, neutering status, coat type, coat colour, grooming frequency and whether the dog experienced an ‘ugly stage’ of hair coat growth or not were recorded, along with the presence or absence of alopecia and the age of onset of the condition.ResultsOf 234 completed surveys, 211 were eligible for analysis. Statistical analysis with a Cox proportional‐hazard model indicated that the risk of developing alopecia was greater for a woolly versus shiny coat and for males versus females.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceA woolly hair coat type and male sex were identified as risk indicators for developing AX in Pomeranian dogs in this study.
Exact Solutions of the Mixed Motion and Path Synthesis Problem for Four-Bar Linkages
Authors: Wu Rui , Yang Wenming , Bai Shaoping 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An algebraic method is proposed in this work to find multiple exact solutions to the mixed motion and path synthesis problem. A system of synthesis equations is established based on Burmester theory, which is further simplified, leading to two binary quadratic equations, which are utilized for finding multiple solutions by a semigraphic searching technique. In solution searching, the orientation angle of the coupler link is utilized to generate a curve of synthesis errors, from which the real solutions are found from the points of minimum errors. Multiple exact solutions are thus found robustly and exactly. Three examples, including an actual design case, are provided to demonstrate the development method.
Early onset of septal FtsK localization allows for efficient DNA segregation in SMC-deleted
Corynebacterium glutamicum
strains
Authors: Peng Feng , Giacomelli Giacomo , Meyer Fabian , Linder Marten , Haak Markus , Rückert-Reed Christian , Weiß Manuela , Kalinowski Jörn , Bramkamp Marc 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) are ubiquitously distributed proteins involved in chromosome organization. Deletion of
smc
causes severe growth phenotypes in many organisms. Surprisingly,
smc
can be deleted in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
, a member of the
Actinomycetota
phylum, without any apparent growth phenotype. SMC in
C. glutamicum
is loaded in a ParB-dependent fashion to the chromosome and functions in replichore cohesion. The unexpected absence of a growth phenotype in the
smc
mutant prompted us to screen for synthetic interactions within
C. glutamicum
. We generated a high-density Tn5 library from wild-type and
smc
-deleted
C. glutamicum
strains. Transposon sequencing data revealed that the DNA translocase FtsK is essential in an
smc
-deletion strain. In wild-type cells, FtsK localized to the septa and cell poles, showing polar enrichment during the earlier stages of the life cycle and relocating to the septum in the later stages. However, deletion of
smc
resulted in an earlier onset of pole-to-septum FtsK relocation, suggesting that prolonged FtsK complex activity is both required and sufficient to compensate for the absence of SMC, thus achieving efficient chromosome segregation in
C. glutamicum
. Deletion of ParB increases SMC and FtsK mobility. While the change in SMC dynamics aligns with previous data showing ParB’s role in SMC loading on DNA, the change in FtsK mobility suggests defects in chromosome segregation. Based on our data, we propose an efficient mechanism for reliable DNA segregation in the absence of replichore arm cohesion in
smc
mutant cells.

IMPORTANCE

Faithful DNA segregation is of fundamental importance for life. Bacteria have developed efficient systems to coordinate chromosome compaction, DNA segregation, and cell division. A key factor in DNA compaction is the SMC complex that is found to be essential in many bacteria. In members of the
Actinomycetota, smc
is dispensable, but the reason for the lack of an
smc
phenotype in these bacteria remained unclear. We show here that the divisome-associated DNA pump FtsK can compensate for SMC loss and the subsequent loss in correct chromosome organization. In cells with distorted chromosomes, FtsK is recruited and stabilized earlier to the septum, allowing for DNA segregation for a larger part of the cell cycle, until chromosomes are segregated.
Complete genome sequences of
Castellaniella ginsengisoli
associated with mortality events in avian species
Authors: Luo Yi-Chen , Nicholds Jenny , Mortimer Tatum D. , Maboni Grazieli 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Castellaniella ginsengisoli
is a potential bacterial pathogen that affects chickens. We present 22 complete genome sequences of clinical isolates to facilitate the genomic analysis and the development of diagnostic tools.
Effective killing of
Mycobacterium abscessus
biofilm by nanoemulsion delivery of plant phytochemicals
Authors: Albano Casey , Nabawy Ahmed , Tran Wyatt C. , Prithviraj Malavika , Kado Takehiro , Hassan Muhammad Aamir , Makabenta Jessa Marie V. , Rotello Vincent M. , Morita Yasu S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium
is an acid-fast, aerobic, non-motile, and biofilm-forming bacterium. The increasing prevalence of mycobacterial infections makes it necessary to find new methods to combat the resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics.
Mycobacterium abscessus
is an emerging pathogen that is intrinsically drug resistant due to several factors, including an impermeable cell envelope, drug efflux pumps, target-modifying enzymes, and the ability to form thick, robust biofilms. Phytochemicals are promising antimicrobials; however, their poor solubility in water and their inability to penetrate biofilms render them inefficient in killing bacterial biofilms. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of polymer-stabilized phytochemical nanoemulsions in killing
M. abscessus
biofilms. These nanoemulsions improve the solubility and stability of the phytochemicals and enable biofilm penetration and eradication. We show that the phytochemical emulsions effectively eliminated
M. abscessus
in an
in vitro
biofilm model and killed non-replicating persister cells in the Wayne hypoxia model. These nanoemulsions were also effective
in vivo
in a wound infection model. These findings demonstrate the potential of polymer-stabilized phytochemical nanoemulsions as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for the treatment of mycobacterial infections.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium abscessus
is among the opportunistic bacterial pathogens that cause nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. The infection caused by
M. abscessus
is difficult to treat because the bacterium is resistant to many of the currently available antibiotics, limiting chemotherapeutic strategies. Furthermore, it forms biofilms in clinically relevant settings, making the infection difficult to treat. Many phytochemicals have potent antimicrobial activities, but their hydrophobicity limits clinical applications. In this study, we tested a new drug delivery strategy where hydrophobic plant phytochemicals were emulsified with a biodegradable nanosponge. We show that the emulsification makes phytochemicals such as carvacrol and eugenol more effective against
M. abscessus
biofilms. We further demonstrate that nanoemulsified phytochemicals can kill hypoxia-induced dormant
M. abscessus
and effectively improve skin wound infection in mice. Our data pave the way to use phytochemical nanosponge as a platform to create synergy by combining other antimycobacterial drugs.
Genetic diversity and virulence of
Bacillus cereus
group isolates from bloodstream infections
Authors: Okutani Akiko , Okugawa Shu , Fujimoto Fumie , Ikeda Mahoko , Tsutsumi Takeya , Moriya Kyoji , Maeda Ken 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Bacillus cereus
catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are an increasing concern in Japanese hospitals. Although their clinical characteristics have been explored, the genetic relationships and virulence profiles of
B. cereus
isolates from CRBSIs remain understudied. Here, using advanced genomic techniques, we investigated the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and virulence profiles of
B. cereus
isolates from patients with bloodstream infections. We analyzed 28
B. cereus
group strains isolated from blood samples at the University of Tokyo Hospital between 2005 and 2017 using whole-genome sequencing, core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing, and virulence gene profiling. Core-genome SNP analysis revealed significant genetic diversity among the isolates, suggesting multiple independent sources of infection. The isolates predominantly belonged to
panC
clades III and IV, with distinct virulence gene profiles. All
panC
clade III isolates contained
hbl
operon genes, whereas four isolates from clade IV harbored cereulide synthetase genes (
cesABCD
). One isolate possessed a capsule gene operon (
capBCADE
), a rare finding among clinical
B. cereus
strains. Biofilm formation ability was observed in 50% of catheter-related isolates, although this ability was not significantly different from that of the noncatheter-related isolates.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides novel insights into the genetic diversity and virulence potential of
B. cereus
strains causing bloodstream infections in a Japanese hospital setting. These findings suggest diverse infection pathways and highlight the importance of continuous molecular epidemiological surveillance for effective infection control.
6  Preliminary analysis of validated serum osteoarthritis biomarkers in the ADVANCE cohort suggests a relationship between trauma exposure and osteoarthritis pathophysiology
Authors: O’Sullivan Oliver 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is not a degenerative condition of an ageing population, but a multi-faceted, heterogeneous condition, influenced by individual factors with genetic, environmental, and traumatic triggers. OA is a leading cause of disability globally and can occur within 3-5 years after a significant injury, especially in those in their 20’s-30’s. 10% of US Military medical discharges are OA-attributable, which is currently under-recognised and under-reported in the UK Military. This study aims to identify serum biomarkers associated with radiographic OA (rOA), pain and function to enable potential future early diagnosis and intervention for pre-clinical OA.MethodsStored baseline serum samples from the ADVANCE cohort (n=1145) were tested for validated OA biomarkers (Affinity, London), demonstrating extracellular matrix (CTX-II, COMP, PIIANP), inflammation (TNFa, IL1b, IL17a) and metabolic (leptin, adiponectin) processes. Baseline X-rays (Kellgren-Lawrence, K-L, grade), questionnaires and functional tests from the same visit were utilised. Preliminary unadjusted parametric and non-parametric (normality dependent) univariable analysis was performed, dichotomised by exposure to major trauma or presence of rOA.ResultsExposed participants (n=579) had higher rates of rOA, worse pain and lower function (all p<0.001) compared with unexposed (n=566). Those with rOA (n=256) had worse pain, higher leptin (both p<0.001), CTX-II (p=0.032) and lower COMP (p=0.005), adiponectin (p<0.001), and PIIANP (p=0.003) compared to those without (n=889). Exposed participants with rOA (n=158) had higher pain (p=0.016), leptin (p=0.004), COMP (p=0.047), and lower adiponectin (p=0.002) and PIIANP (p=0.048) compared to those without (n=421). Unexposed participants with rOA (n=98) had higher pain (p<0.001), COMP (p=0.024) and PIIANP (p=0.019) compared to those without (n=468).ConclusionPreliminary analysis shows significant rates of rOA and, importantly, suggests potential differing mechanisms between the trauma (potentially metabolic driven) and non-trauma (potentially extra-cellular driven) groups. Understanding of predominant pathophysiological mechanisms can improve individual phenotyping, influencing future diagnostics and management options. These early findings require further analysis and validation.