bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forelimb muscle activation patterns in American alligators: Insights into the evolution of limb posture and powered flight in archosaurs
Authors: Iijima Masaya , Mayerl Christopher J. , Munteanu V. David , Blob Richard W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe evolution of archosaurs provides an important context for understanding the mechanisms behind major functional transformations in vertebrates, such as shifts from sprawling to erect limb posture and the acquisition of powered flight. While comparative anatomy and ichnology of extinct archosaurs have offered insights into musculoskeletal and gait changes associated with locomotor transitions, reconstructing the evolution of motor control requires data from extant species. However, the scarcity of electromyography (EMG) data from the forelimb, especially of crocodylians, has hindered understanding of neuromuscular evolution in archosaurs. Here, we present EMG data for nine forelimb muscles from American alligators during terrestrial locomotion. Our aim was to investigate the modulation of motor control across different limb postures and examine variations in motor control across phylogeny and locomotor modes. Among the nine muscles examined, m. pectoralis, the largest forelimb muscle and primary shoulder adductor, exhibited significantly smaller mean EMG amplitudes for steps in which the shoulder was more adducted (i.e., upright). This suggests that using a more adducted limb posture helps to reduce forelimb muscle force and work during stance. As larger alligators use a more adducted shoulder and hip posture, the sprawling to erect postural transition that occurred in the Triassic could be either the cause or consequence of the evolution of larger body size in archosaurs. Comparisons of EMG burst phases among tetrapods revealed that a bird and turtle, which have experienced major musculoskeletal transformations, displayed distinctive burst phases in comparison to those from an alligator and lizard. These results support the notion that major shifts in body plan and locomotor modes among sauropsid lineages were associated with significant changes in muscle activation patterns.
Wage–experience profiles in China and Eastern Europe: A large meta‐analysis
Authors: Horie Norio , Iwasaki Ichiro , Kupets Olga , Ma Xinxin , Mizobata Satoshi , Satogami Mihoko 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper conducts a comparative meta‐analysis using 3,098 estimates reported in 125 research works to explore the wage–experience profile in China and Eastern Europe as they experience a systemic transformation from the planned system to a market economy. The results indicate that the relationship between years of work experience and wage levels in China and Eastern Europe in the transition period was structured consistently with economic theories. It is also revealed that both China and Eastern Europe have experienced a flattening of their wage–experience profiles over time. These findings are statistically robust beyond issues of heterogeneity and publication selection bias in the literature.
Environmental filtering is the primary driver of community assembly in forest–grassland mosaics: A case study based on CSR strategies
Authors: Erdős László , Ho Khanh Vu , Bede‐Fazekas Ákos , Kröel‐Dulay György , Tölgyesi Csaba , Bátori Zoltán , Török Péter 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsEcological strategies can provide information about plant community assembly and its main drivers. Our aim was to reveal the dominant strategies of the vegetation types of forest–grassland mosaics and to deduce the assembly processes responsible for their species composition.LocationHungary.MethodsWe investigated eight vegetation types of Hungarian forest–steppes. The trade‐off between three key traits related to leaf size and economics was used to calculate Grime's competitive–stress tolerance–ruderal (CSR) value for each species, based on which the mean value for each vegetation type was determined. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination was used to reveal the compositional differences among the vegetation types under study. To analyze how ecological strategies correlate with the compositional gradient, we used linear regression between plot ordination scores (the first DCA scores) and each strategy (C, S, and R). Linear mixed‐effect models were used to evaluate the differences between the vegetation types regarding each strategy (C, S, and R).ResultsEach vegetation type was dominated by the stress‐tolerator strategy, indicating the prominent role of environmental filtering in community assembly. However, ecological strategies differed significantly among the communities. The importance of the stress‐tolerator strategy decreased toward the less harsh end of the gradient (i.e., from grasslands to forests), while the competitor strategy showed a reverse pattern. The ruderal strategy was weakly correlated with the gradient, although its proportion increased toward the harsh end of the gradient.ConclusionsWith ongoing climate change, an increasing importance of environmental filtering is expected in the assembly of the vegetation types in the studied forest–grassland mosaics. We suggest that CSR strategies offer a useful tool for studying plant‐community assembly rules along environmental gradients.
Lizard host abundances and climatic factors explain phylogenetic diversity and prevalence of blood parasites on an oceanic island
Authors: Megía‐Palma Rodrigo , Palomar Gemma , Martínez Javier , Antunes Bernardo , Dudek Katarzyna , Žagar Anamarija , Serén Nina , Carretero Miguel A. , Babik Wiesław , Merino Santiago 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHost abundance might favour the maintenance of a high phylogenetic diversity of some parasites via rapid transmission rates. Blood parasites of insular lizards represent a good model to test this hypothesis because these parasites can be particularly prevalent in islands and host lizards highly abundant. We applied deep amplicon sequencing and analysed environmental predictors of blood parasite prevalence and phylogenetic diversity in the endemic lizard Gallotia galloti across 24 localities on Tenerife, an island in the Canary archipelago that has experienced increasing warming and drought in recent years. Parasite prevalence assessed by microscopy was over 94%, and a higher proportion of infected lizards was found in warmer and drier locations. A total of 33 different 18s rRNA parasite haplotypes were identified, and the phylogenetic analyses indicated that they belong to two genera of Adeleorina (Apicomplexa: Coccidia), with Karyolysus as the dominant genus. The most important predictor of between‐locality variation in parasite phylogenetic diversity was the abundance of lizard hosts. We conclude that a combination of climatic and host demographic factors associated with an insular syndrome may be favouring a rapid transmission of blood parasites among lizards on Tenerife, which may favour the maintenance of a high phylogenetic diversity of parasites.
How do validity experts conceptualise argumentation? It's a rhetorical question
Authors: Kinnear Benjamin , Martini Abigail , Varpio Lara , Driessen Erik W. , Schumacher Daniel J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionHealth professions education (HPE) has adopted the conceptualization of validity as an argument. However, the theoretical and practical aspects of how validity arguments should be developed, used and evaluated in HPE have not been deeply explored. Articulating the argumentation theory undergirding validity and validation can help HPE better operationalise validity as an argument. To better understand this, the authors explored how HPE validity scholars conceptualise assessment validity arguments and argumentation, seeking to understand potential consequences of these views on validation practices.MethodsThe authors used critical case sampling to identify HPE assessment validity experts in three ways: (1) participation in a prominent validity research group, (2) appearing in a bibliometric study of HPE validity publications and (3) authorship of recent HPE validity literature. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 experts in HPE assessment validity from four different countries. The authors used reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes relevant to their research question.ResultsThe authors developed three themes grounded in participants' responses: (1) In theory, HPE validity is a social and situated argument. (2) In practice, the absence of audience and evaluation stymies the social nature of HPE validity. (3) Lack of validity argumentation creates and maintains power differentials within HPE. Participants articulated that current HPE validation practices are rooted in post‐positivist epistemology when they should be situated (i.e. context‐dependent), audience‐centric and inclusive.DiscussionWhen discussing validity argumentation in theory, participants' descriptions reflect an interpretivist lens for evaluation that is misaligned with real‐world validity practices. This misalignment likely arises from HPE's adoption of “validity as an argument” as a slogan, without integrating theoretical and practical principles of argumentation theory.
Genome‐wide profiling of piggyBac transposon insertion mutants reveals loss of the F1F0 ATPase complex causes fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata
Authors: Chow Eve W. L. , Song Yabing , Wang Haitao , Xu Xiaoli , Gao Jiaxin , Wang Yue 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInvasive candidiasis caused by non‐albicans species has been on the rise, with Candida glabrata emerging as the second most common etiological agent. Candida glabrata possesses an intrinsically lower susceptibility to azoles and an alarming propensity to rapidly develop high‐level azole resistance during treatment. In this study, we have developed an efficient piggyBac (PB) transposon‐mediated mutagenesis system in C. glabrata to conduct genome‐wide genetic screens and applied it to profile genes that contribute to azole resistance. When challenged with the antifungal drug fluconazole, PB insertion into 270 genes led to significant resistance. A large subset of these genes has a role in the mitochondria, including almost all genes encoding the subunits of the F1F0 ATPase complex. We show that deleting ATP3 or ATP22 results in increased azole resistance but does not affect susceptibility to polyenes and echinocandins. The increased azole resistance is due to increased expression of PDR1 that encodes a transcription factor known to promote drug efflux pump expression. Deleting PDR1 in the atp3Δ or atp22Δ mutant resulted in hypersensitivity to fluconazole. Our results shed light on the mechanisms contributing to azole resistance in C. glabrata. This PB transposon‐mediated mutagenesis system can significantly facilitate future genome‐wide genetic screens.
Exogenous application of nanocarrier‐mediated double‐stranded RNA manipulates physiological traits and defence response against bacterial diseases
Authors: Pal Garima , Ingole Kishor D. , Yavvari Prabhu Srinivas , Verma Priyanka , Kumari Ankit , Chauhan Chetan , Chaudhary Darshna , Srivastava Aasheesh , Bajaj Avinash , Vemanna Ramu S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStability and delivery are major challenges associated with exogenous double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) application into plants. We report the encapsulation and delivery of dsRNA in cationic poly‐aspartic acid‐derived polymer (CPP6) into plant cells. CPP6 stabilizes the dsRNAs during long exposure at varied temperatures and pH, and protects against RNase A degradation. CPP6 helps dsRNA uptake through roots or foliar spray and facilitates systemic movement to induce endogenous gene silencing. The fluorescence of Arabidopsis GFP‐overexpressing transgenic plants was significantly reduced after infiltration with gfp‐dsRNA‐CPP6 by silencing of the transgene compared to plants treated only with gfp‐dsRNA. The plant endogenous genes flowering locus T (FT) and phytochrome interacting factor 4 (PIF4) were downregulated by a foliar spray of ft‐dsRNA‐CPP6 and pif4‐dsRNA‐CPP6 in Arabidopsis, with delayed flowering and enhanced biomass. The rice PDS gene targeted by pds‐dsRNA‐CPP6 through root uptake was effectively silenced and plants showed a dwarf and albino phenotype. The NaCl‐induced OsbZIP23 was targeted through root uptake of bzip23‐dsRNA‐CPP6 and showed reduced transcripts and seedling growth compared to treatment with naked dsRNA. The negative regulators of plant defence SDIR1 and SWEET14 were targeted through foliar spray to provide durable resistance against bacterial leaf blight disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Overall, the study demonstrates that transient silencing of plant endogenous genes using polymer‐encapsulated dsRNA provides prolonged and durable resistance against Xoo, which could be a promising tool for crop protection and for sustaining productivity.
Importin α2 participates in RNA interference against bamboo mosaic virus accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana via NbAGO10a‐mediated small RNA clearance
Authors: Wang Jiun‐Da , Hsu Yau‐Heiu , Lee Yun‐Shien , Lin Na‐Sheng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractKaryopherins, the nucleocytoplasmic transporters, participate in multiple RNA silencing stages by transporting associated proteins into the nucleus. Importin α is a member of karyopherins and has been reported to facilitate virus infection via nuclear import of viral proteins. Unlike other RNA viruses, silencing of importin α2 (α2i) by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) boosted the titre of bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) in protoplasts, and inoculated and systemic leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. The enhanced BaMV accumulation in importin α2i plants was linked to reduced levels of RDR6‐dependent secondary virus‐derived small‐interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs). Small RNA‐seq revealed importin α2 silencing did not affect the abundance of siRNAs derived from host mRNAs but significantly reduced the 21 and 22 nucleotide vsiRNAs in BaMV‐infected plants. Deletion of BaMV TGBp1, an RNA silencing suppressor, compromised importin α2i‐mediated BaMV enhancement. Moreover, silencing of importin α2 upregulated NbAGO10a, a proviral protein recruited by TGBp1 for BaMV vsiRNAs clearance, but hindered the nuclear import of NbAGO10a. Taken together, these results indicate that importin α2 acts as a negative regulator of BaMV invasion by controlling the expression and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of NbAGO10a, which removes vsiRNAs via the TGBp1‐NbAGO10a‐SDN1 pathway. Our findings reveal the hidden antiviral mechanism of importin α2 in countering BaMV infection in N. benthamiana.
Notch signaling regulates mineralization via microRNA modulation in dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Kulthanaamondhita Promphakkon , Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Chansaenroj Ajjima , Suwittayarak Ravipha , Trachoo Voraphat , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Lee Seung‐Cheol , Egusa Hiroshi , Kim Jin Man , Osathanon Thanaphum 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigated the miRNA expression profile in Notch‐activated human dental stem pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and validated the functions of miRNAs in modulating the odonto/osteogenic properties of DPSCs.MethodsDPSCs were treated with indirect immobilized Jagged1. The miRNA expression profile was examined using NanoString analysis. Bioinformatic analysis was performed, and miRNA expression was validated. Odonto/osteogenic differentiation was examined using alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin Red S staining, as well as odonto/osteogenic‐related gene and protein expression.ResultsFourteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in Jagged1‐treated DPSCs. Pathway analysis revealed that altered miRNAs were associated with TGF‐β, Hippo, ErbB signalling pathways, FoxO and Ras signalling. Target prediction analysis demonstrated that 7604 genes were predicted to be targets for these altered miRNAs. Enrichment analysis revealed relationships to various DNA bindings. Among differentially expressed miRNA, miR‐296‐3p and miR‐450b‐5p were upregulated under Jagged1‐treated conditions. Overexpression of miR‐296‐3p and miR‐450b‐5p enhanced mineralization and upregulation of odonto/osteogenic‐related genes, whereas inhibition of these miRNAs revealed opposing results. The miR‐296‐3p and miR‐450b‐5p inhibitors attenuated the effects of Jagged1‐induced mineralization in DPSCs.ConclusionsJagged‐1 promotes mineralization in DPSCs that are partially regulated by miRNA. The novel understanding of these miRNAs could lead to innovative controlled mechanisms that can be applied to modulate biology‐targeted dental materials.
Editing VvDXS1 for the creation of muscat flavour in Vitis vinifera cv. Scarlet Royal
Authors: Yang Yingzhen , Wheatley Matthew , Meakem Victoria , Galarneau Erin , Gutierrez Benjamin , Zhong Gan‐Yuan 
Published: January 2024

SummaryMuscat flavour represents a group of unique aromatic attributes in some grape varieties. Biochemically, grape berries with muscat flavour produce high levels of monoterpenes. Monoterpene biosynthesis is mainly through the DOXP/MEP pathway, and VvDXS1 encodes the first enzyme in this plastidial pathway of terpene biosynthesis in grapevine. A single‐point mutation resulting in the substitution of a lysine with an asparagine at position 284 in the VvDXS1 protein has previously been identified as the major cause for producing muscat flavour in grapes. In this study, the same substitution in the VvDXS1 protein was successfully created through prime editing in the table grape Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Scarlet Royal’. The targeted point mutation was detected in most of the transgenic vines, with varying editing efficiencies. No unintended mutations were detected in the edited alleles, either by PCR Sanger sequencing or by amplicon sequencing. More than a dozen edited vines were identified with an editing efficiency of more than 50%, indicating that these vines were likely derived from single cells in which one allele was edited. These vines had much higher levels of monoterpenes in their leaves than the control, similar to what was found in leaf samples between field‐grown muscat and non‐muscat grapes.
A solitary scalp mass as the presenting feature of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney in a pediatric patient
Authors: Pascual Micah G. , Bruckner Anna L. , Torres‐Zegarra Carla 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClear cell sarcoma of the kidney is a rare renal malignancy, accounting for 2%–4% of all pediatric renal tumors. In this case report, we describe a 9‐year‐old boy with an asymptomatic, solitary mass on the scalp, ultimately found to be metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. This report reviews indications for imaging scalp masses to facilitate making an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Nucleus accumbens degeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a preliminary study
Authors: Nakayama Kenjiro , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Arai Tetsuaki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) exhibits mainly cerebellar and oculomotor dysfunctions but also, frequently, cognitive impairment and neuropsychological symptoms. The mechanism of the progression of SCA2 remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal structural changes in the brains of SCA2 patients based on atrophy rate.MethodsThe OpenNeuro Dataset ds001378 was used. It comprises the demographic data and two magnetic resonance images each of nine SCA2 patients and 16 healthy controls. All structural images were preprocessed using FreeSurfer software, and each region's bilateral volume was summed. Atrophy rates were calculated based on the concept of symmetrised percent change and compared between SCA2 patients and healthy controls using non‐parametric statistics. As post hoc analysis, correlation analysis was performed between infratentorial volume ratio and the accumbens area atrophy rates in SCA2 patients.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups for age, gender, and the time between scans. Statistical analysis indicated a significantly larger atrophy rate of the accumbens area in SCA2 patients than in controls. Additionally, the infratentorial volume ratio and accumbens area atrophy rates showed moderate negative correlation.ConclusionsThis study found that nucleus accumbens (NAc) atrophy was significantly accelerated in SCA2 patients. Anatomically, the NAc is densely connected with infratentorial brain regions, so it is reasonable to posit that degeneration propagates from the cerebellum and brainstem to the NAc and other supratentorial areas. Functionally, the NAc is essential for appropriate behaviour, so NAc degeneration might contribute to neuropsychological symptoms in SCA2 patients.
Unlocking PD‐1 antibody resistance: The MUC1 DNA vaccine augments CD8+ T cell infiltration and attenuates tumour suppression
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Miao Yinsha , Shen Jinghui , Li Dandan , Deng Xinyue , Yang Chengcheng , Ji Yanhong , Dai ZhiJun , Ma Yunfeng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn light of increasing resistance to PD1 antibody therapy among certain patient populations, there is a critical need for in‐depth research. Our study assesses the synergistic effects of a MUC1 DNA vaccine and PD1 antibody for surmounting PD1 resistance, employing a murine CT26/MUC1 colon carcinoma model for this purpose. When given as a standalone treatment, PD1 antibodies showed no impact on tumour growth. Additionally, there was no change observed in the intra‐tumoural T‐cell ratios or in the functionality of T‐cells. In contrast, the sole administration of a MUC1 DNA vaccine markedly boosted the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells by elevating IFN‐γ and granzyme B production. Our compelling evidence highlights that combination therapy more effectively inhibited tumour growth and prolonged survival compared to either monotherapy, thus mitigating the limitations intrinsic to single‐agent therapies. This enhanced efficacy was driven by a significant alteration in the tumour microenvironment, skewing it towards pro‐immunogenic conditions. This assertion is backed by a raised CD8+/CD4+ T‐cell ratio and a decrease in immunosuppressive MDSC and Treg cell populations. On the mechanistic front, the synergistic therapy amplified expression levels of CXCL13 in tumours, subsequently facilitating T‐cell ingress into the tumour setting. In summary, our findings advocate for integrated therapy as a potent mechanism for surmounting PD1 antibody resistance, capitalizing on improved T‐cell functionality and infiltration. This investigation affords critical perspectives on enhancing anti‐tumour immunity through the application of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians' views on EMS‐delivered interventions to promote secure firearm storage practices
Authors: Stanley Ian H. , Hom Melanie A. , Wright Angela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionLethal means safety counseling (LMSC) to promote secure firearm storage may reduce the risk of firearm‐involved deaths, including suicide. We examined if emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, including emergency medical technicians and paramedics, may be suitable LMSC messengers.MethodWe conducted a web‐based survey of 229 US EMS clinicians.ResultsWhile few EMS clinicians supported EMS‐delivered LMSC to all patients (17.0%), most supported EMS‐delivered LMSC to patients in an acute suicidal crisis (64.2%) or with a known suicide attempt history (55.9%). Barriers to EMS‐delivered LMSC included lack of training (73.4%), perceptions that LMSC is outside EMS clinicians' scope of practice (58.1%), and lack of standard operating procedures (56.3%). Most reported at least some interest in receiving training on EMS‐delivered LMSC (67.7%). Participants holding more accurate beliefs about the link between firearm storage practices and suicide risk, as well as the efficacy of LMSC, were more likely to support EMS‐delivered LMSC across patient scenarios (ORs = 2.18–5.21, ps <0.01) and express interest in receiving LMSC training (ORs = 3.78–5.43, ps <0.001).ConclusionGiven that many EMS clinicians interface with patients at elevated suicide risk, targeted LMSC training may be strategic; however, research is needed to determine if and how EMS clinicians might be viable LMSC messengers.