bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A point mutation in the meiotic crossover formation gene HEI10/TFS2 leads to thermosensitive genic sterility in rice
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Guo Yu‐Yi , Wang Yi‐Chen , Zhou Lei , Fan Jing , Mao Yi‐Chen , Yang Yan‐Ming , Zhang Yan‐Fei , Huang Xue‐Hui , Zhu Jun , Zhang Cheng , Yang Zhong‐Nan 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYThermosensitive genic female sterility (TGFS) is a promising property to be utilized for hybrid breeding. Here, we identified a rice TGFS line, tfs2, through an ethyl methyl sulfone (EMS) mutagenesis strategy. This line showed sterility under high temperature and became fertile under low temperature. Few seeds were produced when the tfs2 stigma was pollinated, indicating that tfs2 is female sterile. Gene cloning and genetic complementation showed that a point mutation from leucine to phenylalanine in HEI10 (HEI10tfs2), a crossover formation protein, caused the TGFS trait of tfs2. Under high temperature, abnormal univalents were formed, and the chromosomes were unequally segregated during meiosis, similar to the reported meiotic defects in oshei10. Under low temperature, the number of univalents was largely reduced, and the chromosomes segregated equally, suggesting that crossover formation was restored in tfs2. Yeast two‐hybrid assays showed that HEI10 interacted with two putative protein degradation‐related proteins, RPT4 and SRFP1. Through transient expression in tobacco leaves, HEI10 were found to spontaneously aggregate into dot‐like foci in the nucleus under high temperature, but HEI10tfs2 failed to aggregate. In contrast, low temperature promoted HEI10tfs2 aggregation. This result suggests that protein aggregation at the crossover position contributes to the fertility restoration of tfs2 under low temperature. In addition, RPT4 and SRFP1 also aggregated into dot‐like foci, and these aggregations depend on the presence of HEI10. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of fertility restoration and facilitate further understanding of HEI10 in meiotic crossover formation.
Longitudinal pilot study examining the effect of punch biopsy on equine sarcoid growth dynamics
Authors: Gysens Lien , Martens Ann , Haspeslagh Maarten 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundNonexcisional tissue biopsies facilitate pre‐operative confirmation of equine sarcoid yet fear of lesion deterioration currently limits its use in the diagnostic workup.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of a single punch biopsy on tumour growth dynamics [thickness, area, circumference, viral load (VL) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS)].AnimalsSix client‐owned horses with 11 sarcoids of various classification.Materials and MethodsGrowth dynamics were recorded on a weekly basis, 12 weeks pre‐ and 24 weeks post‐biopsy. The effect of a single punch biopsy on growth dynamics was estimated by linear mixed‐effect models. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) was calculated to investigate correlations with the number of weeks before and after the intervention.ResultsWhile statistically significant post‐biopsy changes were recorded for all parameters except VL, no parameter was consistently increased after the biopsy intervention. In two of 11 sarcoids, the VL correlation pattern revealed significant strong correlations: sarcoid 6 (pre: r = −0.66, p < 0.05; post: r = 0.81, p < 0.001), increased VL; and sarcoid 8 (pre: r = 0.85, p < 0.001; post: r = 0.17, p > 0.05), no further increase after biopsy.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur results indicate that post‐biopsy lesion deterioration is not a general concept that applies to all sarcoids, and both deterioration or improvement are possible outcomes over a 24‐week period. Further clinical studies with a larger sample size are needed before a definitive conclusion can be made.
The Shih Tzu eye: Ophthalmic findings of 1000 eyes
Authors: Rajaei Seyed Mehdi , Faghihi Houman , Zahirinia Fatemeh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the frequency of ophthalmic disorders in Shih Tzus.AnimalsFive hundred client‐owned Shih Tzu dogs (1000 eyes).ProceduresMedical records of 500 Shih Tzu dogs were reviewed and ophthalmic examination data were collected and analyzed.ResultsIn total, out of 1000 eyes, 964 (96.4%; OD: 480 eyes, OS: 484 eyes) had at least one ophthalmic abnormality, and only 36 eyes (3.6%; OD: 20 eyes, OS: 16 eyes) were diagnosed as normal. A total of 1375 individual ophthalmic abnormalities were observed in 964 diseased eyes. Fifty‐nine different unique diagnoses were made in the study population, and only three conditions [medial canthal entropion (10.4% of eyes; bilateral in 10.2% of dogs), caruncular trichiasis (21.1% of eyes; bilateral in 20.2% of dogs), and reduced tear film breakup time (17.6% of eyes; bilateral in 17.4% of dogs)] affected 49.1% of the eyes.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceFindings suggested that the most prevalent disorders for the Shih Tzus were hairy caruncle, reduced TBUT, medial canthal entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, pigmentary keratitis, lagophthalmos, and mature cataract.
Age-Related Constraints in the Visuomotor Plasticity of Postural Control as Revealed by a Whole-Body Mirror Learning Task
Authors: Christodoulou Iasonas , Mylonas Vasileios , Kannas Theodoros M. , Sotirakis Charalampos , Mademli Lida , Kouidi Evangelia , Hatzitaki Vassilia 
Published: January 2024

Whether visuomotor plasticity of postural control is a trainable feature in older age remains an open question despite the wealth of visually guided exercise games promising to improve balance skill. We asked how aging affects adaptation and learning of a visual feedback (VF) reversal during visually guided weight shifting and whether this skill is modulated by explicit knowledge. Twenty-four older (71.43 ± 2.54 years) and 24 young (24.04 ± 0.93 years) participants were exposed to a 180° VF reversal while tracking a horizontally moving target by voluntarily weight shifting between two force platforms. An explicit strategy was available to half of the participants with detailed instruction to counter the VF rotation. Individual error data were fitted to an exponential function to assess adaptation. Fewer older (12/24) than younger (21/24) participants adapted to the VF reversal, displaying error curves that fitted the exponential function. Older adults who adapted to the VF reversal (responders, n = 12) reached an asymptote in performance in the same weight shifting cycle and displayed a similar mean asymptotic error compared with young participants. Young but not older responders exhibited an aftereffect when the VF reversal was removed. Instruction did not influence spatial error modulations regardless of age. The large individual variations within the older adults’ group during early adaptation suggest age-specific limitations in using explicit cognitive strategies when older adults are exposed to an abrupt mirror feedback reversal that requires a change in weight shifting direction during whole-body postural tracking.
An
in vitro
medium for modeling gut dysbiosis associated with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Barrack Kaitlyn E. , Hampton Thomas H. , Valls Rebecca A. , Surve Sarvesh V. , Gardner Timothy B. , Sanville Julie L. , Madan Juliette L. , O’Toole George A. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

The gut physiology of pediatric and adult persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is altered relative to healthy persons. The CF gut is characterized, in part, as having excess mucus, increased fat content, acidic pH, increased inflammation, increased antibiotic perturbation, and the potential for increased oxygen availability. These physiological differences shift nutritional availability and the local environment for intestinal microbes, thus likely driving significant changes in microbial metabolism, colonization, and competition with other microbes. The impact of any specific change in this physiological landscape is difficult to parse using human or animal studies. Thus, we have developed a novel culture medium representative of the CF gut environment, inclusive of all the aforementioned features. This medium, called CF-MiPro, maintains CF gut microbiome communities, while significantly shifting nonCF gut microbiome communities toward a CF-like microbial profile, characterized by low Bacteroidetes and high Proteobacteria abundance. This medium is able to maintain this culture composition for up to 5 days of passage. Additionally, microbial communities passaged in CF-MiPro produce significantly less immunomodulatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including propionate and butyrate, than communities passaged in MiPro, a culture medium representative of healthy gut physiology, confirming not only a shift in microbial composition but also altered community function. Our results support the potential for this
in vitro
culture medium as a new tool for the study of CF gut dysbiosis.

IMPORTANCE
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease that disrupts ion transport at mucosal surfaces, leading to mucus accumulation and altered physiology of both the lungs and the intestines, among other organs, with the resulting altered environment contributing to an imbalance of microbial communities. Culture media representative of the CF airway have been developed and validated; however, no such medium exists for modeling the CF intestine. Here, we develop and validate a first-generation culture medium inclusive of features that are altered in the CF colon. Our findings suggest this novel medium, called CF-MiPro, as a maintenance medium for CF gut microbiome samples and a flexible tool for studying key drivers of CF-associated gut dysbiosis.
Novel small-molecule compound YH7 inhibits the biofilm formation of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a
sarX
-dependent manner
Authors: Xiao Yanghua , Wan Cailing , Wu Xiaocui , Xu Yanlei , Chen Yao , Rao Lulin , Wang Bingjie , Shen Li , Han Weihua , Zhao Huilin , Shi Junhong , Zhang Jiao , Song Zengqiang , Yu Fangyou 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-producing
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates presents major challenges for treating staphylococcal infections. Biofilm inhibition is an important anti-virulence strategy. In this study, a novel maleimide-diselenide hybrid compound (YH7) was synthesized and demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of YH7 for
S. aureus
isolates was 16 µg/mL. Quantification of biofilms demonstrated that the sub-MIC (4 µg/mL) of YH7 significantly inhibits biofilm formation in both MSSA and MRSA. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis further confirmed the biofilm inhibitory potential of YH7. YH7 also significantly suppressed bacterial adherence to A549 cells. Moreover, YH7 treatment significantly inhibited
S. aureus
colonization in nasal tissue of mice. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that YH7 exerted potent biofilm-suppressing effects by inhibiting polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) synthesis, rather than suppressing bacterial autolysis. Real-time quantitative PCR data indicated that YH7 downregulated biofilm formation-related genes (
clfA
,
fnbA
,
icaA,
and
icaD
) and the global regulatory gene
sarX
, which promotes PIA synthesis. The
sarX
-dependent antibiofilm potential of YH7 was validated by constructing
S. aureus
NCTC8325
sarX
knockout and complementation strains. Importantly, YH7 demonstrated a low potential to induce drug resistance in
S. aureus
and exhibited non-toxic to rabbit erythrocytes, A549, and BEAS-2B cells at antibacterial concentrations.
In vivo
toxicity assays conducted on
Galleria mellonella
further confirmed that YH7 is biocompatible. Overall, YH7 demonstrated potent antibiofilm activity supports its potential as an antimicrobial agent against
S. aureus
biofilm-related infections.

IMPORTANCE

Biofilm-associated infections, characterized by antibiotic resistance and persistence, present a formidable challenge in healthcare. Traditional antibacterial agents prove inadequate against biofilms. In this study, the novel compound YH7 demonstrates potent antibiofilm properties by impeding the adhesion and the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin production of
Staphylococcus aureus
. Notably, its exceptional efficacy against both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains highlights its broad applicability. This study highlights the potential of YH7 as a novel therapeutic agent to address the pressing issue of biofilm-driven infections.
Toroidal flow around the Tonga slab moved the Samoan plume during the Pliocene
Authors: Konrad Kevin , Jackson Matthew , Steinberger Bernhard , Koppers Anthony , Balbas Andrea , Finlayson Valerie , Konter Jasper , Price Allison 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Age-progressive seamount tracks generated by lithospheric motion over a stationary mantle plume have long been used to reconstruct absolute plate motion (APM) models. However, the basis of these models requires the plumes to move significantly slower than the overriding lithosphere. When a plume interacts with a convergent or divergent plate boundary, it is often deflected within the strong local mantle flow fields associated with such regimes. Here, we examined the age progression and geometry of the Samoa hotspot track, focusing on lava flow samples dredged from the deep flanks of seamounts in order to best reconstruct when a given seamount was overlying the mantle plume (i.e., during the shield-building stage). The Samoan seamounts display an apparent local plate velocity of 7.8 cm/yr from 0 to 9 Ma, 11.1 cm/yr from 9 to 14 Ma, and 5.6 cm/yr from 14 to 24 Ma. Current fixed and mobile hotspot Pacific APM models cannot reproduce the geometry of the Samoa seamount track if a long-term fixed hotspot location, currently beneath the active Vailulu’u Seamount, is assumed. Rather, reconstruction of the eruptive locations of the Samoan seamounts using APM models indicates that the surface expression of the plume migrated ~2° northward in the Pliocene. Large-scale mantle flow beneath the Pacific Ocean Basin cannot explain this plume migration. Instead, the best explanation is that toroidal flow fields—generated by westward migration of the Tonga Trench and associated slab rollback—have deflected the conduit northward over the past 2–3 m.y. These observations provide novel constraints on the ways in which plume-trench interactions can alter hotspot track geometries.
The utility of heart rate and heart rate variability to identify limits of tolerance to moderate-intensity work in the heat: a secondary analysis
Authors: De Barros Jordan A. , Macartney Michael J. , Notley Sean R. , Meade Robert D. , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: January 2024

We investigated the utility of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) for identifying individuals who may terminate work early due to excessive heat strain. Forty-eight men and women (median = 36 years; Q1 = 20 years; Q3 = 54 years) attempted 180 min of moderate-intensity work at a fixed metabolic rate (∼200 W/m2; ∼3.5 METs) in a hot environment (wet-bulb globe temperature: 32 °C). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to identify the ability of indices of HR (absolute HR, percentage of maximum HR, percentage of HR reserve) and HRV (root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD), high-frequency power, and detrended fluctuation analysis component alpha 1 (DFA α1)) to discriminate between participants who completed the 180 min work bout or terminated prematurely. Participants who terminated work prematurely ( n = 26) exhibited higher HR and percentage of HR measures, as well as reduced RMSSD and DFA α1 after the first hour of work compared to participants who completed the bout. The discriminative utility of HR and HRV indices was strongest within the first hour of work, with percentage of HR reserve demonstrating excellent discriminative power (ROC area under curve (AUC) of 0.8). Stratifying participants by age and sex improved ROC AUC point estimates for most indices, particularly in female participants. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of noninvasive cardiac monitoring for predicting work tolerance in healthy individuals exposed to occupational heat stress. HR and percentage of HR reserve were suggested to discriminate work termination most effectively. Further investigations are warranted to explore the influence of individual factors and refine the discriminative thresholds for early identification of excessive occupational heat strain.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Old Balances, New Checks
Authors: Silk Ann W. , Davar Diwakar 
Published: January 2024

SummaryA recent report sheds light on the tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and the association of S100A8-expressing TAMs with resistance to anti–PD-(L)1 inhibitors. These data improve our understanding about why some tumors with brisk tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes do not respond to immunotherapy and provide a compelling rationale to target myeloid checkpoints in MCC.See related article by Tabachnick-Cherny et al., p. 1189
Knowledge and Beliefs on Mental Illness among Church Leaders: Basis for Training and Development
Authors: Del Rosario Ma. Camille P. , Lacerna Clarita , Castaños Kyle Irvine O. , Fabon Joseph , Malang Bernandino P. 
Published: January 2024

Mental health awareness and support have become increasingly important worldwide, including in the Philippines. In this context, religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping societal beliefs, attitudes, and approaches to mental illness. This study investigates the knowledge and beliefs about mental illness among church leaders in the Philippines, with a focus on five religious’ denominations: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptist, Born Again, Iglesia Ni Cristo, and Roman Catholic.
One of the primary objectives of this research was to assess the level of knowledge church leaders possess regarding mental health. The findings indicate that church leaders in the Philippines have a moderate level of knowledge about mental health issues. The mean knowledge score, computed from their responses to a set of Likert-scale questions, falls into the category of "A little." While this level of knowledge may not be extensive, it is a positive starting point for discussions surrounding mental health within religious communities. In terms of beliefs, the respondents exhibited a somewhat agreeable perspective.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the knowledge and beliefs of church leaders in the Philippines regarding mental illness. While they possess a moderate level of knowledge and hold diverse beliefs about the causes and remedies for mental health challenges, their perspectives reflect a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between religion and mental health. These findings have significant implications for mental health care and support within religious communities and provide a foundation for future research and intervention programs.
Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Mental Health Conditions among Pharmacy Interns of Specialized Hospital
Authors: Dela Cruz Joanna Mae , Orfanel-Fabon Eden , Gatpo Madelane , Mativo Cynthia , Malang Bernandino 
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions of Pharmacy Interns in Specialized Hospital, and the role of demographic characteristics needs to be considered when investigating stigma and its relationship to mental health knowledge. Finally, align and formulate programs for Pharmacy Internship in Specialized Hospital to strengthen the positive attitudes and mitigate the negative attitudes toward mental health further.
The Mental Illness: Clinician's Attitudes Scale (Medical Student Version MICA-2) and the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) were completed by 25 Pharmacy Interns of Specialized Hospitals. Descriptive statistics were done to describe differences in demographic characteristics. Parametric Test Pearson R was used to assess the relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of Pharmacy Interns. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was the test used to compare the variations in total scores between MICA and MAKS based on various demographic factors. This study revealed that pharmacy interns of specialized hospitals have a generally positive attitude and are knowledgeable about mental health conditions. In this study, having more mental health knowledge correlates with a less stigmatizing attitude.
There was a significant difference in the attitude of Pharmacy Interns when grouped according to their educational attainment. As a recommendation, evaluation after the Pharmacy Internship through MICA and MAKS can be done. Also, Specialized Hospitals should consider implementing intervention programs to advance mental health knowledge and positive attitudes among Pharmacy Interns.
The Response of Precipitation to Initial Soil Moisture over the Tibetan Plateau: Respective Effects of Boundary Layer Vertical Heat and Vapor Diffusions
Authors: Zhang Feimin , Bi Kaixuan , Wei Sentao , Wang Chenghai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the influences of initial soil moisture over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on precipitation simulation, and the respective effects of boundary layer vertical diffusion for heat (Kh) and vapor (Kq). Results indicate that the responses of boundary layer vertical diffusion to soil moisture are obvious mainly in the daytime. Wetter land surface corresponds to weaker vertical diffusion, which could strengthen thermal forcing and dynamic lifting in the lower atmosphere, and encourage water vapor saturation near the top of boundary layer to prevent the environmental dry air entrainment/invasion, which would be beneficial to more convection and precipitation. Wetter land surface over the TP could enhance the contrast between the cold in the northwestern TP and the warm in the southeastern TP, which would be conducive to the southeastward propagation of precipitation. The simulation of heat and moisture in the boundary layer could be improved by perturbing the relative intensity of Kh and Kq. From the perspective of heat and moisture, Kh affects atmospheric stability, while Kq affects moisture and its vertical transport in the boundary layer. The Kh and Kq have competitive effects on precipitation intensity by influencing the relative importance of moisture and atmospheric stability conditions in the boundary layer. Adjusting the relative intensity of Kh and Kq would deactivate the competitive effects. Stronger Kh but weaker Kq would alleviate the overestimated precipitation by inhibiting vertical transport of moisture to the top of boundary layer and attenuating convective instability in the boundary layer.

Significance Statement
The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of boundary layer vertical heat and moisture diffusion in the response of precipitation to soil moisture. This is important because boundary layer vertical diffusion is a crucial factor influencing the relation between soil moisture and precipitation. Our results reveal the competitive effects of boundary layer vertical diffusion for heat and vapor on the simulation of precipitation. These results point a potential way toward better understanding the response of precipitation to soil moisture.