bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prezygotic reproductive barriers in precopulatory behavior of tidepool copepod species
Authors: Tsuboko-Ishii Satomi , Burton Ronald S 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Complexity in prezygotic mating behavior can contribute to the emergence of sexual incompatibility and reproductive isolation. In this study, we performed behavioral tests with two tidepool copepod species of the genus Tigriopus to explore the possibility of precopulatory behavioral isolation. We found that interspecific mating attempts failed prior to genital contact, and that this failure occurred at different behavioral steps between reciprocal pairings. Our results suggest that prezygotic barriers may exist at multiple points of the behavioral process on both male and female sides, possibly due to interspecific differences in mate-recognition cues used at those “checkpoints.” While many copepod species are known to show unique precopulatory mate-guarding behavior, the potential contribution of prezygotic behavioral factors to their isolation is not widely recognized. The pattern of sequential mate-guarding behaviors may have allowed the diversification of precopulatory communication and contributed to the evolutionary diversity of the Tigriopus copepods.
A roadmap of haustorium morphogenesis in parasitic plants
Authors: Kirschner Gwendolyn K , Xiao Ting Ting , Jamil Muhammad , Al-Babili Salim , Lube Vinicius , Blilou Ikram 
Published: July 2023

AbstractParasitic plants invade their host through their invasive organ, the haustorium. This organ connects to the vasculature of the host roots and hijacks water and nutrients. Although parasitism has evolved independently in plants, haustoria formation follows a similar mechanism throughout different plant species, highlighting the developmental plasticity of plant tissues. Here, we compare three types of haustoria formed by the root and shoot in the plant parasites Striga and Cuscuta. We discuss mechanisms underlying the interactions with their hosts and how different approaches have contributed to major understanding of haustoria formation and host invasion. We also illustrate the role of auxin and cytokinin in controlling this process.
An integrated genomic approach identifies follistatin as a target of the p63-epidermal growth factor receptor oncogenic network in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Oyelakin Akinsola , Sosa Jennifer , Nayak Kasturi Bala , Glathar Alexandra , Gluck Christian , Sethi Isha , Tsompana Maria , Nowak Norma , Buck Michael , Romano Rose-Anne , Sinha Satrajit 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Although numerous putative oncogenes have been associated with the etiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the mechanisms by which these oncogenes and their downstream targets mediate tumor progression have not been fully elucidated. We performed an integrative analysis to identify a crucial set of targets of the oncogenic transcription factor p63 that are common across multiple transcriptomic datasets obtained from HNSCC patients, and representative cell line models. Notably, our analysis revealed FST which encodes follistatin, a secreted glycoprotein that inhibits the transforming growth factor TGFβ/activin signaling pathways, to be a direct transcriptional target of p63. In addition, we found that FST expression is also driven by epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR signaling, thus mediating a functional link between the TGF-β and EGFR pathways. We show through loss- and gain-of-function studies that FST predominantly imparts a tumor-growth and migratory phenotype in HNSCC cells. Furthermore, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from HNSCC patients unveiled cancer cells as the dominant source of FST within the tumor microenvironment and exposed a correlation between the expression of FST and its regulators with immune infiltrates. We propose FST as a prognostic biomarker for patient survival and a compelling candidate mediating the broad effects of p63 on the tumor and its associated microenvironment.
Multiplex Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Spinach and Lettuce Downy Mildews Using Spore Trapping
Authors: Clark Kelley J. , Anchieta Amy G. , Cavanaugh Keri , Martin Frank N. , Correll James C. , Montazar Aliasghar , Putman Alexander I. , Klosterman Steven J. 
Published: July 2023

Downy mildews are major constraints on spinach and lettuce production globally. Disease management can be achieved with fungicides, but routine applications are costly and can lead to pathogen resistance. Detection of airborne spores could guide sustainable fungicide application, and, considering that spinach and lettuce are often grown in the same cycles, simultaneous detection of both pathogens is practical. Here, a multiplex hydrolysis probe quantitative PCR assay was designed using single copy mitochondrial DNA targets for spinach downy mildew ( Peronospora effusa) and lettuce downy mildew ( Bremia lactucae). To quantify P. effusa and B. lactucae sporangia, a standard curve was developed for each pathogen using the multiplex qPCR to amplify DNA obtained from known dilutions of sporangia. Analysis of these curves revealed a greater sensitivity for B. lactucae, indicating that the sporangia of B. lactucae may harbor more mitochondria than those of P. effusa, providing insight into the biology of these pathogens. The multiplex qPCR assay was partnered with two different spore trap types: a cyclone spore trap and an impaction spore trap. Results from air sampling revealed that the cyclone spore traps collect significantly more sporangia compared with impaction traps. Exposure of P. effusa sporangia to desiccation was performed to assess the environmental impact on the assay, and although detection levels were reduced, they were still apparent. This detection and quantification tool will be useful in efforts to improve the accuracy of downy mildew forecasting, which in return may reduce fungicide usage or improve its efficiency. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.
Care for the patient with low back pain
Authors: Kearns Gary A. , Day Mercedes , Moore Amy Karen , Munger Larry 
Published: July 2023

Abstract:
Low back pain (LBP) continues to be one of the most common conditions leading patients to seek medical care globally. The NP is on the frontline, playing an integral role in caring for patients with LBP. Understanding the etiology of LBP is essential in the treatment.
Dural Closure Techniques and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Incidence After Resection of Primary Intradural Spinal Tumors
Authors: Syal Arjun , Cozzi Francesca M. , Vazquez Sima , Spirollari Eris , Naftchi Alexandria F. , Das Ankita , Ng Christina , Akinleye OluwaToba , Gagliardi Thomas , Dominguez Jose F. , Wang Arthur , Kinon Merritt D. 
Published: July 2023

Study Design:
This is a systematic review of primary intradural spinal tumors (PIDSTs) and the frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

Objective:
This study aimed to compare CSF leak rates among techniques for dural watertight closure (WTC) after the resection of PIDSTs.

Summary of Background Data:
Resection of PIDSTs may result in persistent CSF leak. This complication is associated with infection, wound dehiscence, increased length of stay, and morbidity. Dural closure techniques have been developed to decrease the CSF leak rate.

Methods:
A PubMed search was performed in 2022 with these inclusion criteria: written in English, describe PIDST patients, specify the method of dural closure, report rates of CSF leak, and be published between 2015 and 2020. Articles were excluded if they had <5 patients. We used standardized toolkits to assess the risk of bias. We assessed patient baseline characteristics, tumor pathology, CSF leak rate, and dural closure techniques; analysis of variance and a 1-way Fisher exact test were used.

Results:
A total of 4 studies (201 patients) satisfied the inclusion criteria. One study utilized artificial dura (AD) and fibrin glue to perform WTC and CSF diversion, with lumbar drainage as needed. The rate of CSF leak was different among the 4 studies (P=0.017). The study using AD with dural closure adjunct (DCA) for WTC was associated with higher CSF leak rates than those using native dura (ND) with DCA. There was no difference in CSF leak rate between ND-WTC and AD-DCA, or with any of the ND-DCA studies.

Conclusions:
After resection of PIDSTs, the use of autologous fat grafts with ND resulted in lower rates of CSF leak, while use of fibrin glue and AD resulted in the highest rates. These characteristics suggest that a component of hydrophobic scaffolding may be required for WTC. A limitation included articles with low levels of evidence. Continued investigation to understand mechanisms for WTC is warranted.

Level of Evidence:
Level 3.
Measuring the Impact of ICU Strain on Mortality, After-Hours Discharge, Discharge Delay, Interhospital Transfer, and Readmission in Australia With the Activity Index*
Authors: Pilcher David V. , Hensman Tamishta , Bihari Shailesh , Bailey Michael , McClure Jason , Nicholls Mark , Chavan Shaila , Secombe Paul , Rosenow Melissa , Huckson Sue , Litton Edward 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES:ICU resource strain leads to adverse patient outcomes. Simple, well-validated measures of ICU strain are lacking. Our objective was to assess whether the “Activity index,” an indicator developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a valid measure of ICU strain.DESIGN:Retrospective national registry-based cohort study.SETTING:One hundred seventy-five public and private hospitals in Australia (June 2020 through March 2022).SUBJECTS:Two hundred seventy-seven thousand seven hundred thirty-seven adult ICU patientsINTERVENTIONS:None.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Data from the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database were matched to the Critical Health Resources Information System. The mean daily Activity index of each ICU (census total of “patients with 1:1 nursing” + “invasive ventilation” + “renal replacement” + “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation” + “active COVID-19,” divided by total staffed ICU beds) during the patient’s stay in the ICU was calculated. Patients were categorized as being in the ICU during very quiet (Activity index < 0.1), quiet (0.1 to < 0.6), intermediate (0.6 to < 1.1), busy (1.1 to < 1.6), or very busy time-periods (≥ 1.6). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included after-hours discharge from the ICU, readmission to the ICU, interhospital transfer to another ICU, and delay in discharge from the ICU. Median Activity index was 0.87 (interquartile range, 0.40–1.24). Nineteen thousand one hundred seventy-seven patients died (6.9%). In-hospital mortality ranged from 2.4% during very quiet to 10.9% during very busy time-periods. After adjusting for confounders, being in an ICU during time-periods with higher Activity indices, was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 99% CI, 1.38–1.60), after-hours discharge (OR, 1.27; 99% CI, 1.21–1.34), readmission (OR, 1.18; 99% CI, 1.09–1.28), interhospital transfer (OR, 1.92; 99% CI, 1.72–2.15), and less delay in ICU discharge (OR, 0.58; 99% CI, 0.55–0.62): findings consistent with ICU strain.CONCLUSIONS:The Activity index is a simple and valid measure that identifies ICUs in which increasing strain leads to progressively worse patient outcomes.
Alterations in nasal microbiota of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Liu Kaixiong , Guo Qifu , Ding Ying , Luo Li , Huang Jianchai , Zhang Qijie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background:
Links between alterations in gut microbiota composition and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have previously been reported. This study aimed to examine the microbiota in the nasal cavity of ALS.

Methods:
Sixty-six ALS patients and 40 healthy caregivers who live in close proximity with patients were enrolled. High throughput metagenomic sequencing of the 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) gene V3–V4 region of nasal microbiota was used to characterize the alpha and beta diversity and relative abundance of bacterial taxa, predict function, and conduct correlation analysis between specific taxa and clinical features.

Results:
The nasal microbiome of ALS patients showed lower alpha diversity than that of corresponding healthy family members. Genera Gaiella, Sphingomonas, Polaribacter_1, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Klebsiella, and Alistipes were differentially enriched in ALS patients compared to controls. Nasal microbiota composition in ALS patients significantly differed from that in healthy subjects (unweighted UniFrac P = 0.001), while Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominated healthy nasal communities at the phylum level, whereas Actinobacteria was the predominant phylum and Thermoleophilia was the predominant class in ALS patients. Genus Faecalibacterium and Alistipes were positively correlated with ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS-R; r
s = 0.349, P = 0.020 and r
s = 0.393, P = 0.008), while Prevotella-9 and Bacteroides operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were positively associated with lung function (FVC) in ALS patients (r
s = 0.304, P = 0.045, and r
s = 0.300, P = 0.048, respectively). Prevotella-1 was positively correlated with white blood cell counts (WBC, r
s = 0.347, P = 0.021), neutrophil percentage (Neu%, r
s = 0.428, P = 0.004), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, r
s = 0.411, P = 0.006), but negatively correlated with lymphocyte percentage (Lym%, r
s = –0.408, P = 0.006). In contrast, Streptococcus was negatively associated with Neu% (r
s = –0.445, P = 0.003) and NLR (r
s = –0.436, P = 0.003), while positively associated with Lym% (r
s = 0.437, P = 0.003). No significant differences in nasal microbiota richness and evenness were detected among the severe and mild ALS patients.

Conclusions:
ALS is accompanied by altered nasal microbial community composition and diversity. The findings presented here highlight the need to understand how dysbiosis of nasal microbiota may contribute to the development of ALS.
Dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the pseudolobule promotes region-specific autophagy in hepatitis B liver cirrhosis
Authors: Pu Wenjun , Wang Xi , Zhong Xiaoni , Zhao Dong , Zeng Zhipeng , Cai Wanxia , Zhong Yafang , Huang Jianrong , Tang Donge , Dai Yong 
Published: July 2023

Background:
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection leads to liver cirrhosis (LC), the end stage of liver fibrosis. The precise diagnosis and effective therapy for hepatitis B cirrhosis are still lacking. It is highly necessary to elucidate the metabolic alteration, especially the spatial distribution of metabolites, in LC progression.

Methods:
In this study, LC-MS/MS together with an airflow-assisted ionization mass spectrometry imaging system was applied to analyze and compare the metabolites’ spatial distribution in healthy control (HC) and hepatitis B LC tissue samples. The liver samples were further divided into several subregions in HC and LC groups based on the anatomical characteristics and clinical features.

Results:
Both the LC-MS/MS and mass spectrometry imaging results indicated separated metabolite clusters between the HC and LC groups. The differential metabolites were mainly concentrated in lipid-like molecules and amino acids. The phosphatidylcholines (PCs), lysoPCs, several fatty acids, and amino acids reduced expression in the LC group with region specific. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 and choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1, which regulate PC and fatty acid metabolism, were significantly decreased in the pseudolobule. Meanwhile, the increased expression of LC3B and p62 in the pseudolobule indicated the upregulation of autophagy.

Conclusions:
Hepatitis B LC induced region-specific autophagy by increasing the expression of LC3B and p62 in the pseudolobule and by dysregulation of unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and PC metabolism. The mass spectrometry imaging system provided additional metabolites’ spatial information, which can promote biomarker screening technology and support the exploration of novel mechanisms in LC.
Estimation of Time Since Death Using Biochemical Markers in Synovial Fluid
Authors: V Poovaragavan , Vidua Raghvendra Kumar , Kumar Ashok , P Ponmani , Keche Atul S. , Sahoo Niranjan , Agarwal Puneet K. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the field of forensic medicine, estimating time since death plays an important role in helping the investigative organizations unravel the mystery of crime. Presently, many less reliable subjective parameters are being used to measure it, necessitating the need to have more specific and objective parameters. This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India on 60 deceased bodies to determine the correlation between known time since death and biochemical parameters in the synovial fluid specifically sodium, potassium, lactate, and total proteins, analyzed using random access fully automated chemical analyzer (Beckman Coulter Au680) followed by estimation of correlation using Spearman correlation test.
All the biochemical parameters that were tested in the synovial fluid except for sodium showed a significant correlation. The potassium and lactate showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001), and on the contrary, the total protein level showed a significant negative correlation with time since death (P < 0.001). This study shows usefulness of these markers in estimating the time since death. The smaller sample size and the unavailability of the results of effect of cold storage on these parameters necessitate the need of further similar studies to uncover the real practical application.
Behavioural susceptibility theory: the role of appetite in genetic susceptibility to obesity in early life
Authors: Llewellyn C. H. , Kininmonth A. R. , Herle M. , Nas Z. , Smith A. D. , Carnell S. , Fildes A. 
Published: July 2023

Excess weight gained during the early years and, in particular, rapid weight gain in the first 2 years of life, are a major risk factors for adult obesity. The growing consensus is that childhood obesity develops from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and exposure to an ‘obesogenic’ environment. Behavioural susceptibility theory (BST) was developed to explain the nature of this gene–environment interaction, and why the ‘obesogenic’ environment does not affect all children equally. It hypothesizes that inherited variation in appetite, which is present from birth, determines why some infants and children overeat, and others do not, in response to environmental opportunity. That is, those who inherit genetic variants promoting an avid appetite are vulnerable to overeating and developing obesity, while those who are genetically predisposed to have a smaller appetite and lower interest in food are protected from obesity—or even at risk of being underweight. We review the breadth of research to-date that has contributed to the evidence base for BST, focusing on early life, and discuss implications and future directions for research and theory.
This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Physiological protection against weight gain: evidence from overfeeding studies and future directions
Authors: Lund Jens , Clemmensen Christoffer 
Published: July 2023

Body weight is under physiological regulation. When body fat mass decreases, a series of responses are triggered to promote weight regain by increasing food intake and decreasing energy expenditure. Analogous, in response to experimental overfeeding, excessive weight gain is counteracted by a reduction in food intake and possibly by an increase in energy expenditure. While low blood leptin and other hormones defend against weight loss, the signals that oppose overfeeding-induced fat mass expansion are still unknown. In this article, we discuss insights gained from overfeeding interventions in humans and intragastric overfeeding studies in rodents. We summarize the knowledge on the relative contributions of energy intake, energy expenditure and energy excretion to the physiological defence against overfeeding-induced weight gain. Furthermore, we explore literature supporting the existence of unidentified endocrine and non-endocrine pathways that defend against weight gain. Finally, we discuss the physiological drivers of constitutional thinness and suggest that overfeeding of individuals with constitutional thinness represents a gateway to understand the physiology of weight gain resistance in humans. Experimental overfeeding, combined with modern multi-omics techniques, has the potential to unveil the long-sought signalling pathways that protect against weight gain. Discovering these mechanisms could give rise to new treatments for obesity.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part I)’.
Characterization of Multidrug Resistant serogroup 19 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from the healthy children below five years of age in Indonesia
Authors: Salsabila Korrie , Winarti Yayah , Paramaiswari Wisiva Tofriska , Tafroji Wisnu , Putri Hanifah Fajri Maharani , Daningrat Wa Ode Dwi , Wulandari I Gusti Ayu Inten , Soebandrio Amin , Safari Dodi 
Published: July 2023

We investigated the resistance genes, pilus islet, biofilm formation ability, and sequence types of multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDRSP) isolated from the healthy children below 5 years of age in Indonesia. In all, 104 archived MDRSP isolates were screened for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and the rrgC (pilus islet 1) and pitB (pilus islet 2) genes. Multilocus sequence typing and biofilm formation was determined by DNA sequencing and the ability of cells to adhere to the walls respectively. Results have shown that the mefA, ermB, and tetM genes were found in 93%, 52%, and 100% of MDRSP isolates respectively. The insertion of arginine, proline, and Ile-100-Leu were the most common mutations in the folA and folP genes. Pilus islet 1 and type 2 were discovered in 93% and 82% of MDRSP isolates respectively. The MDRSP isolates showed no biofilm formation ability (64%) and the most of sequence type was ST1464. This finding can be used to provide further considerations in implementing and monitoring pneumococcal vaccination in Indonesia.