bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of the midgut microbiota of Aedes albopictus to identify suitable candidates for paratransgenesis
Authors: Darbandsari Mersa , Asgari Majid , Abaei Mohammad R , Ghorbanzadeh Zahra , Derikvand Maryam , Okwarah Patrick , Djadid Navid Dinparast , Raz Abbasali 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aedes albopictus is a widely recognized carrier of various pathogens. Its resilient characteristics enable it to easily spread across diverse climates. The microbiota in the midgut of mosquitoes plays a crucial role in the interactions between the host and pathogens and can either enhance or reduce the ability of the insect to transmit diseases. Hence, determining the microorganisms present in the mosquito’s digestive system could be a promising approach to developing an effective method of controlling them. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the microbial compositions in the midguts of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes collected from the fields of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The midguts of 60 female mosquitoes were dissected, and their related bacteria were determined using the culture-dependent method. Different colonies were differentiated using the biochemical tests followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were identified as belonging to the Asaia, Delftia, Serratia, Aeromonas, Paracoccus, and Planomicrobium genera based on biochemical and molecular analysis. The findings obtained in this study were largely consistent with earlier studies conducted on mosquitoes gathered from different regions throughout the world. Overall, the findings could enhance our understanding of the microbial diversity in Ae. albopictus and aid in the identification of a potent and widespread bacterium for the development of a paratransgenesis tool to combat Aedes-borne infectious diseases.
Epidemiology, transmission dynamics, risk factors, and future directions of rabies in the Arabian Peninsula using one health approach: a review
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Naeem Aisha , Mshelbwala Philip P , Dutta Pronesh , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , K. Elfadl Ahmed , Kodama Chiori , Zughaier Susu M , Farag Elmoubashar , Bansal Devendra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite global initiatives to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, the Arabian Peninsula faces challenges due to insufficient data. This review addresses the current rabies situation and knowledge gaps in the region and proposes One Health interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach combining scoping and systematic review, the study commenced with a Delphi discussion to identify knowledge gaps and set objectives. The literature search encompassed published articles and grey literature. The spatial and temporal distribution of rabies was analysed, alongside quantitative meta-analyses to assess prevalence. Rabies virus gene sequences from the NCBI database were examined for reservoir hosts and evolutionary patterns. The final Delphi discussion with experts focused on addressing knowledge gaps and formulating One Health interventions. The first reported human rabies case in this region occurred in Saudi Arabia in 1980. Yemen reported the highest number of cases (439), followed by Iraq (249), Saudi Arabia (91), Jordan (14), and Oman (9). Fox bites accounted for the most cases (47.4%), followed by dog (36.8%) and wild animal (15.8%) bites. The virus was detected in at least 21 animal species. Phylogenetic analysis detected a single strain with two clades, with foxes being the primary virus reservoir. However, the experts expressed scepticism about the accuracy of rabies reports in scientific literature. To achieve the 2030 goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies, a stepwise approach towards rabies elimination assessment is crucial in the region. Enhanced surveillance, awareness campaigns, and access to post exposure prophylaxis are essential to address the disease burden.
Evaluating the burden and transmission dynamics of chikungunya virus infections in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shaik Riyaz Ahamed , Ahmad Mohammad Shakil , Miraj Mohammad , Sami Waqas , Azam Alashjaee Ahmed , Okwarah Patrick 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) presents substantial public health challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), with its prevalence and interaction with other arboviruses (ABVs) remaining poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of CHIKV and its association with other ABVs, such as dengue virus (DENV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), malaria, and yellow fever virus (YFV), in the EMR. We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect to identify epidemiological studies that report CHIKV prevalence and provide odds ratios (ORs) for CHIKV compared to other ABVs. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the χ2 test and I2 statistic. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the quality of the studies while the AXIS tool, NOS tool, and AHRQ checklist assessed the risk of bias. The meta-analysis revealed a significant prevalence of CHIKV in the EMR. However, the studies exhibited heterogeneity, indicating variability in the results. A comparison of CHIKV with other ABVs did not show any statistically significant differences in prevalence. The meta-analysis found a notable prevalence of CHIKV in the EMR. The results also indicated that the prevalence of CHIKV is comparable to that of other ABVs in the region. These findings provide an overview of the burden of CHIKV in the EMR.
A new Drosophila melanogaster research resource: CRISPR-induced mutations for clonal analysis of fourth chromosome genes
Authors: Weasner Bonnie M , Weasner Brandon P , Cook Kevin R , Stinchfield Michael J , Kondo Shu , Saito Kuniaki , Kumar Justin P , Newfeld Stuart J 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As part of an ongoing effort to generate comprehensive resources for the experimental analysis of fourth chromosome genes in Drosophila melanogaster, the Fourth Chromosome Resource Project has used CRISPR mutagenesis with single guide RNAs to isolate mutations in 62 of the 80 fourth chromosome, protein-coding genes. These mutations were induced on a fourth chromosome bearing a basal FRT insertion to facilitate experimental approaches involving FLP recombinase-induced mitotic recombination. To permit straightforward comparisons among mutant stocks, most of the mutations were generated on isogenic fourth chromosomes, which were then crossed into a common genetic background. Of the 119 mutations, 84 are frameshift mutations likely to be null alleles, 29 are small, in-frame deletions, and 6 have yet to be characterized molecularly. The mutations were tested for recessive lethal, female-sterile, and visible phenotypes. Stable stocks for most of the mutations have been submitted to repositories in the United States and Japan for public distribution.
A high-quality assembly revealing the PMEL gene for the unique plumage phenotype in Liancheng ducks
Authors: Wang Zhen , Guo Zhanbao , Liu Hongfei , Liu Tong , Liu Dapeng , Yu Simeng , Tang Hehe , Zhang He , Mou Qiming , Zhang Bo , Cao Junting , Schroyen Martine , Hou Shuisheng , Zhou Zhengkui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Plumage coloration is a distinctive trait in ducks, and the Liancheng duck, characterized by its white plumage and black beak and webbed feet, serves as an excellent subject for such studies. However, academic comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying duck plumage coloration remains limited. To this end, the Liancheng duck genome (GCA_039998735.1) was hereby de novo assembled using HiFi reads, and F2 segregating populations were generated from Liancheng and Pekin ducks. The aim was to identify the genetic mechanism of white plumage in Liancheng ducks.

Results
In this study, 1.29 Gb Liancheng duck genome was de novo assembled, involving a contig N50 of 12.17 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 83.98 Mb. Beyond the epistatic effect of the MITF gene, genome-wide association study analysis pinpointed a 0.8-Mb genomic region encompassing the PMEL gene. This gene encoded a protein specific to pigment cells and was essential for the formation of fibrillar sheets within melanosomes, the organelles responsible for pigmentation. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed 2 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (Chr33: 5,303,994A&gt;G; 5,303,997A&gt;G) that might alter PMEL transcription, potentially influencing plumage coloration in Liancheng ducks.

Conclusions
Our study has assembled a high-quality genome for the Liancheng duck and has presented compelling evidence that the white plumage characteristic of this breed is attributable to the PMEL gene. Overall, these findings offer significant insights and direction for future studies and breeding programs aimed at understanding and manipulating avian plumage coloration.
Fecal fermentation of lentinan and its effect on gut microbiota and metabolites
Authors: Yang Yuhan , Zhou Xu , Wang Botao , Wei Li , Zhang Yuyan , Wang Xuemin , Bai Junying , Suo Huayi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lentinan (LNT) is a polysaccharide from Shiitake mushrooms that has significant effects regarding antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory activities, etc., and this effect is influenced by the human intestinal flora. However, the interactions between LNT and human intestinal microorganisms, and their metabolic processes, remain unclear. In this study, the fermentation characteristics of LNT and its effects on intestinal flora and metabolites were studied by in vitro fermentation. Our results indicated that LNT was effectively utilised by intestinal microbiota, and the utilisation rate was 62.7 ± 3.0% after fermentation for 48 hr. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (mainly acetic acid and propionic acid) were increased to 4.157 ± 0.197 and 5.847 ± 0.283 mM, respectively. LNT also increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Parabacteroides, while reducing harmful bacteria like Veillonella and Klebsiella. Metabolomics and microbial correlation analysis revealed that the catabolism of LNT was also accompanied by amino acid catabolism, especially alanine, aspartic acid, glutamate, and the biosynthesis of adenosine 5’-monophosphate, etc. These findings suggest that LNT can support gut health and demonstrates potential as a prebiotic.
Use of Intravaginal Cooling to Provide Symptom Relief in Women With Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Reduce Immunopathology in an Accompanying Mouse Model
Authors: Yano Junko , Langdon Kimberly , Swor Michael , Noverr Mairi C , Fidel Paul L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused primarily by Candida albicans, is treated with anti-fungal drugs, often with variable efficacy and relapses. New therapeutic strategies, including drug-free alternatives, are needed. Upon overgrowth or environmental triggers, C. albicans commensal yeast transitions into hyphae resulting in an aberrant immunopathologic neutrophil response that contributes to the characteristic signs and symptoms of vaginitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intravaginal cooling device (Vlisse) in women with VVC to provide symptom relief via putative reversal of C. albicans hyphae to yeast, with additional proof of principle in an animal model.

Methods
Five women with VVC were instructed to use the device twice daily for 3 days. Vulvovaginal symptoms were monitored and scored for each use, followed by pelvic examination at 30 days. A mouse model of VVC employed cooled micro stir rods to evaluate the cooling effect on fungal morphology and vaginal immunopathology.

Results
Clinical cure was achieved in all women. In the mouse model, the insertion of pre-cooled magnetic rods intravaginally for short periods over 3 days, reduced the immunopathogenic neutrophil infiltration and hyphae.

Conclusions
Intravaginal cooling provides clinical cure for VVC and proof of principle in an animal model.
Addressing water scarcity to support climate resilience and human health
Authors: Zimmermann Karl , Abadi Azar M , Brauman Kate A , Maestu Josefina , Oude Essink Gualbert , Schuster-Wallace Corinne , Smith Ryan , Madani Kaveh , Adeel Zafar , Gribble Matthew O 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Water scarcity is projected to affect half of the world’s population, gradually exacerbated by climate change. This article elaborates from a panel discussion at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference on “Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health.” Understanding and addressing water scarcity goes beyond hydrological water balances to also include societal and economic measures. We consider five categories of health impacts resulting from deteriorating water qualities and quantities: (1) water-related diseases and water for hygiene, (2) malnutrition and water for food, (3) livelihoods, income, development, and water for energy, (4) adverse air quality from drought-induced dust and wildfire smoke, and (5) mental health effects from water scarcity-related factors. A discussion on the barriers and opportunities for resilient water systems begins by reframing water scarcity as a “pathway to water bankruptcy” and introducing Water Partnerships to empower local water leaders with the awareness, education, and resources to devise and implement locally appropriate water management strategies. Other barriers include the (1) lack of tools to consider the socioeconomic implications of water scarcity, (2) lack of water information being in actionable formats for decision-makers, (3) lack of clarity in the application of water scarcity modeling to gain policy-relevant findings, and (4) inadequate drought adaptation planning. The article includes recommendations for local governments, national governments, international actors, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, and local constituents in addressing these barriers. The predominant theme in these recommendations is collaborative, multidisciplinary Water Partnerships, knowledge-sharing in accessible formats, and empowering participation by all. This article’s central thesis is that addressing water scarcity must focus on people and their ability to lead healthy and productive lives.
Beyond the baseline: quantification of two phosphatidylethanol homologues in whole blood by LC–MS-MS and retrospective data analysis from a National Reference Laboratory
Authors: Mathewson Nicole J , Okoye Nkemakonam C , Nelson Heather A , Pandya Vrajesh , Moore Chad , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Alcohol is the most abused substance in Western society, resulting in major economic losses and negative health consequences. Therefore, there is a need for a selective and robust detection method for alcohol consumption in various clinical and forensic settings. This study aimed to validate a mass spectrometry method for quantifying phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and perform retrospective data analysis from the patient population of a national reference laboratory. Quantification of PEth in whole blood was accomplished using an LC–MS-MS assay. Isotopically labeled internal standard for the two PEth homologues was added to the whole-blood specimen, followed by protein precipitation with a mixture of acetonitrile and isopropyl alcohol. After centrifugation, an aliquot of the supernatant was buffered with ammonium acetate before LC–MS–MS analysis on an Agilent 6470 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to an Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC system. This LC–MS-MS assay was validated for clinical use in accordance with Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The analytical measurement range, 10–2000 ng/mL, was linear with R2 of 0.999. The within-run and total imprecision was &lt; 5% CV for the low (20 ng/mL), medium (200 ng/mL), and high QC (1000 ng/mL). Results from accuracy and method comparison experiments met the bias criteria of ±15%. Retrospective data analysis showed ∼27% of patients had PEth concentrations &lt;20 ng/mL. Males and females had similar positivity rates for PEth and the positivity rate of women of reproductive age (15–44 years old) was 35% in comparison to 25% in women 45–89 years old. This study’s LC–MS-MS method showed acceptable analytical performance in quantifying PEth as a sensitive and specific biomarker for evaluating alcohol consumption. Results from this study may provide an opportunity to educate women of reproductive age on drinking during pregnancy and the long-term effects of alcohol use.
Serratia Infections in Burn Care
Authors: Wallace David L , Rogers Alan D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with significant implications for burn care due to its multidrug resistance, virulence, and ability to colonize hospital environments. This retrospective study, conducted at an American Burn Association Verified Burn Centre, reviewed 22 cases of S. marcescens infections from 2015 to 2020. Patients exhibited a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned of 28% (range: 2%-71%), with 68% sustaining burns &gt;20% TBSA and 40.9% presenting with inhalation injuries.
The pathogen was most commonly isolated from sputum (36%) and burn wound tissue (50%), with a mean time to positive culture of 8.7 days. Early-onset infections were associated with increased mortality, particularly in patients with major burns, as five out of seven such individuals succumbed to infection. The overall mortality rate was 23%, despite timely antibiotic administration.
Targeted topical antimicrobials, such as Dakin’s solution, nanocrystalline silver, and polyhexamethylene biguanide, offer potential benefits but lack robust evidence for optimal use. Stronger clinical data are needed to guide their application and improve outcomes. These findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, refined treatment strategies, and research into S. marcescens management in burn care.
Short INDELs and SNPs as markers of evolutionary processes in hybrid zones
Authors: Perini Samuel , Johannesson Kerstin , Butlin Roger K , Westram Anja M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Polymorphic short insertions and deletions (INDELs ≤ 50 bp) are abundant, although less common than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Evidence from model organisms shows INDELs to be more strongly influenced by purifying selection than SNPs. Partly for this reason, INDELs are rarely used as markers for demographic processes or to detect divergent selection. Here, we compared INDELs and SNPs in the intertidal snail Littorina saxatilis, focussing on hybrid zones between ecotypes, in order to test the utility of INDELs in the detection of divergent selection. We computed INDEL and SNP site frequency spectra using capture sequencing data. We assessed the impact of divergent selection by analyzing allele frequency clines across habitat boundaries. We also examined the influence of GC-biased gene conversion because it may be confounded with signatures of selection. We show evidence that short INDELs are affected more by purifying selection than SNPs, but part of the observed site frequency spectra difference can be attributed to GC-biased gene conversion. We did not find a difference in the impact of divergent selection between short INDELs and SNPs. Short INDELs and SNPs were similarly distributed across the genome and so are likely to respond to indirect selection in the same way. A few regions likely affected by divergent selection were revealed by INDELs and not by SNPs. Short INDELs can be useful (additional) genetic markers helping to identify genomic regions important for adaptation and population divergence.
Life table study of sublethal concentrations of emamectin benzoate against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: Chen Chengyu , Tang Yiting , Zhao Yunxia , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Kai 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a well-known agricultural pest in North and South America and has invaded Africa, the Far East, and Australia in the past decade. To investigate the integrated management of S. frugiperda, the sublethal impacts of emamectin benzoate were studied. Leaf-dipping bioassays were used to investigate the effects of sublethal (LC10 and LC30) concentrations of emamectin benzoate on S. frugiperda demographic parameters, and data were interpreted based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The results showed that the developmental time of larvae was prolonged while the fecundity decreased after sublethal concentration treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and finite rates of increase, as well as the net reproductive rate, significantly declined following LC30 concentration exposure, whereas the average generation time was extended in comparison to the control group. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) dropped to 0.14 (LC10) and 0.13 (LC30)/day, compared to the control group (0.18/day). The net reproductive rate (R0) dropped from 775.40 to 303.10 and 193.30 after the LC10 and LC30 concentration treatment, respectively. In this study, sublethal concentrations of emamectin benzoate adversely affected the developmental time, fecundity, and life table parameters of S. frugiperda.
The construction of thematic platforms for Chinese old maps: a global overview
Authors: Dang Ying , Hu Qi , Li Shuang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As a significant historical resource in cartography, humanities, and social science research, old maps possess exceptional research value and have garnered extensive attention from various fields and researchers. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the construction of old map platforms both domestically and internationally, and even a lack of familiarity with how and where to search old maps online. Given this context, we have fully investigated and systematically sorted out the thematic platforms of old maps from around the world, analyzed the construction of each platform, reviewed them in terms of visualization, map interaction, and shared services. Subsequently, this study proposed the direction of the construction of old map platforms from multiple dimensions, with a focus on the points where artificial intelligence can empower historical map research. We advocate for the further integration and sharing of old maps to support multidisciplinary research in fields such as historical geography, cartography, digital humanities, and art.
Lattice Multislice Algorithm for Fast Simulation of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Images
Authors: Doberstein Christian , Binev Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We introduce a new approach to the numerical simulation of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy images. The Lattice Multislice Algorithm takes advantage of the fact that the electron waves passing through the specimen have limited bandwidth and therefore can be approximated very well by a low-dimensional linear space spanned by translations of a well-localized function. Just like in the PRISM algorithm recently published by C. Ophus, we utilize the linearity of the Schrödinger equation but perform the approximations with functions that are well localized in real space instead of Fourier space. This way, we achieve a similar computational speedup as PRISM, but at a much lower memory consumption and reduced numerical error due to avoiding virtual copies of the probe waves interfering with the result. Our approach also facilitates faster recomputations if local changes are made to the specimen such as changing a single atomic column.