bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The world’s most venomous spider is a species complex: systematics of the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atracidae: Atrax robustus)
Authors: Loria Stephanie F. , Frank Svea-Celina , Dupérré Nadine , Smith Helen M. , Jones Braxton , Buzatto Bruno A. , Harms Danilo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Sydney funnel-web spider Atrax robustus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1877 is an iconic Australian species and considered among the most dangerously venomous spiders for humans. Originally described in 1877 from a single specimen collected in “New Holland”, this spider has a complex taxonomic history. The most recent morphological revision of funnel-web spiders (Atracidae) lists this species as both widespread and common in the Sydney Basin bioregion and beyond, roughly 250 km from the Newcastle area south to the Illawarra, and extending inland across the Blue Mountains. Morphological variability and venom diversity in this species appear to be unusually high, raising questions about species concepts and diversity in these spiders. In this study, we use a combination of molecular phylogenetics, divergence time analyses and morphology to establish the Sydney funnel-web spider as a complex of three species. The “real” Sydney funnel-web spider Atrax robustus is relatively widespread in the Sydney metropolitan region. A second species, Atrax montanus (Rainbow, 1914), which is revalidated here, overlaps but mainly occurs further south and west, and a third larger species, Atrax christenseni sp. nov., is found in a small area surrounding Newcastle to the north. The revised taxonomy for funnel-web spiders may have practical implications for antivenom production and biochemical studies on spider venoms. Although no human fatalities have occurred since the development of antivenom in the 1980s, antivenom for Sydney funnel-web spiders might be optimized by considering biological differentiation at the species level.
N6-methyladenosine RNA modification regulates the transcription of SLC7A11 through KDM6B and GATA3 to modulate ferroptosis
Authors: Zhang Haisheng , Yi Cheng , Li Jianing , Lu Yunqing , Wang Haoran , Tao Lijun , Zhou Jiawang , Tan Yonghuang , Li Jiexin , Chen Zhuojia , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Cao Jie , Peng Jianxin , Li Wanglin , He Junming , Wang Hongsheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Recent studies indicate that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification may regulate ferroptosis in cancer cells, while its molecular mechanisms require further investigation.

Methods
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) was used to detect changes in m6A levels in cells. Transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to analyze the factors regulating ferroptosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to assess the binding of regulatory factors to the SLC7A11 promoter, and a Dual-Luciferase reporter assay measured promoter activity of SLC7A11. The dm6ACRISPR system was utilized for the demethylation of specific transcripts. The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database and immunohistochemistry validated the role of the METTL3/SLC7A11 axis in cancer progression.

Results
The m6A methyltransferase METTL3 was upregulated during cancer cell ferroptosis and facilitated erastin-induced ferroptosis by enhancing mitochondrial ROS. Mechanistic studies showed that METTL3 negatively regulated the transcription and promoter activity of SLC7A11. Specifically, METTL3 induced H3K27 trimethylation of the SLC7A11 promoter by suppressing the mRNA stability of H3K27 demethylases KDM6B. Furthermore, METTL3 suppressed the expression of GATA3, which regulated SLC7A11 transcription by binding to the putative site at − 597 to − 590 of the SLC7A11 promoter. METTL3 decreased the precursor mRNA stability of GATA3 through m6A/YTHDF2-dependent recruitment of the 3′-5′ exoribonuclease Dis3L2. Targeted demethylation of KDM6B and GATA3 m6A using the dm6ACRISPR system significantly increased the expression of SLC7A11. Moreover, the transcription factor YY1 was responsible for erastin-induced upregulation of METTL3 by binding to its promoter-proximal site. In vivo and clinical data supported the positive roles of the METTL3/SLC7A11 axis in tumor growth and progression.

Conclusions
METTL3 regulated the transcription of SLC7A11 through GATA3 and KDM6B to modulate ferroptosis in an m6A-dependent manner. This study provides a novel potential strategy and experimental support for the future treatment of cancer.
H3K9 post-translational modifications regulate epiblast/primitive endoderm specification in rabbit blastocysts
Authors: Bouchereau Wilhelm , Pham Hong-Thu , Samruan Worawalan , Vu Van-Hong , Joly Thierry , Afanassieff Marielle , Savatier Pierre , Parnpai Rangsun , Beaujean Nathalie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Post-translational modifications of histone H3 on lysine 9, specifically acetylation (H3K9ac) and tri-methylation (H3K9me3), play a critical role in regulating chromatin accessibility. However, the role of these modifications in lineage segregation in the mammalian blastocyst remains poorly understood. We demonstrate that di- and tri-methylation marks, H3K9me2 and H3K9me3, decrease during cavitation and expansion of the rabbit blastocyst. Notably, H3K9me3 levels are particularly low in inner cell mass cells at the onset of blastocyst formation but increase again just before gastrulation. Conversely, H3K9ac is abundant in early blastocyst stages but decreases during the transition from the inner cell mass to the epiblast. These distinct distribution patterns correlate with high expression levels of methyltransferases (EHMT1, EHMT2, SETDB1) and deacetylases (HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC5) in expanding blastocysts. Functionally, inhibiting H3K9me2/3 through an EHMT1/2 inhibitor disrupts primitive endoderm segregation, whereas enhancing histone acetylation (including H3K9ac) using a class I HDAC inhibitor promotes epiblast expansion at the expense of the primitive endoderm. These modifications impact the expression of genes associated with pluripotency and lineage determination, underscoring the importance of H3K9 modifications in embryonic cell fate decisions.
Genomic analysis and replication kinetics of the closely related EHV-1 neuropathogenic 21P40 and abortigenic 97P70 strains
Authors: Mohamed Eslam , Zarak Ines , Vereecke Nick , Theuns Sebastiaan , Laval Kathlyn , Nauwynck Hans 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Varicellovirus equidalpha 1, formerly known as Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), is highly prevalent and can lead to various problems, such as respiratory problems, abortion, neonatal foal death, and neurological disorders. The latter is known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Cases of EHM have significantly increased since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The genomic sequences of five isolates associated with the fatal neurological outbreak in Valencia, Spain, in 2021 were analyzed and documented. The genome and replication kinetics of the Belgian EHM isolate 21P40, associated with the Valencia outbreak, and the well-characterized abortigenic strain 97P70 were compared. Both strains exhibited a nucleotide identity of 99.96%, with only seven genetic mutations in ORFs 13, 24, 30, 32, 40, 65, and 71. Isoleucine and asparagine at loci 291 and 207 of ORF30 (DNA polymerase) and ORF65 (ICP22), respectively, were unique to isolates from the Valencia outbreak. The replication kinetics of these two genetically closely related strains were determined in rabbit kidney (RK-13), equine respiratory, and vaginal mucosal explant cells, as well as equine blood monocytes (CD172a+). Both strains replicated equally well in RK-13 cells. The neuropathogenic isolate 21P40 exhibited a more extensive infection in respiratory explants and blood monocytes, as demonstrated by more plaques and single infected leukocytes, and a higher percentage of infected monocytes. In contrast, vaginal explants infected with the abortigenic strain 97P70 demonstrated more plaques and single infected leukocytes. In conclusion, 21P40 replicated significantly different compared to 97P70 but shared similarities with the Belgian well-studied neuropathogenic EHV-1 strain 03P37.
Supervised machine learning statistical models for visual outcome prediction in macular hole surgery: a single-surgeon, standardized surgery study
Authors: Godani Kanika , Prabhu Vishma , Gandhi Priyanka , Choudhary Ayushi , Darade Shubham , Kathare Rupal , Hande Prathiba , Venkatesh Ramesh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the predictive accuracy of various machine learning (ML) statistical models in forecasting postoperative visual acuity (VA) outcomes following macular hole (MH) surgery using preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters.

Methods
This retrospective study included 158 eyes (151 patients) with full-thickness MHs treated between 2017 and 2023 by the same surgeon and using the same intraoperative surgical technique. Data from electronic medical records and OCT scans were extracted, with OCT-derived qualitative and quantitative MH characteristics recorded. Six supervised ML models—ANCOVA, Random Forest (RF) regression, K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Lasso regression—were trained using an 80:20 training-to-testing split. Model performance was evaluated on an independent testing dataset using the XLSTAT software. In total, the ML statistical models were trained and tested on 14,652 OCT data points from 1332 OCT images.

Results
Overall, 91% achieved MH closure post-surgery, with a median VA gain of -0.3 logMAR units. The RF regression model outperformed other ML models, achieving the lowest mean square error (MSE = 0.038) on internal validation. The most significant predictors of VA were postoperative MH closure status (variable importance = 43.078) and MH area index (21.328). The model accurately predicted the post-operative VA within 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 logMAR units in 61%, 78%, and 87% of OCT images, respectively.

Conclusion
The RF regression model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for forecasting postoperative VA, suggesting ML-driven approaches may improve surgical planning and patient counselling by providing reliable insights into expected visual outcomes based on pre-operative OCT features.

Clinical trial registration number
Not applicable.
Comparison of anterior versus posterior approach for the treatment of cervical compressive myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Gaber Amr A. A , Habib Mohamad Alaa El-Din , AbdelFatah Mohamed AR , Ghobashy Mostafa K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Cervical myelopathy refers to an impairment of the spinal cord. It frequently occurs due to constriction of the cervical spinal canal. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the primary reason for spinal cord impairment in older individuals. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is rare although potentially significant factor contributing to degenerative cervical myelopathy. The etiology of OPLL is inadequately understood.

Materials and methods
This research aims to perform a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to assess the clinical outcomes of both anterior and posterior techniques in treating cervical compressive myelopathy caused by cervical OPLL. A comparative study examining the surgical findings of anterior and posterior approaches for cervical myelopathy owing to OPLL was conducted between January 2006 and October 2021. We reviewed online databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. This systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) covered 12 research articles including 1070 participants.

Results
Showed no statistically significant variations among the anterior group and posterior group regarding preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA score) (P = 0.23, SMD = 0.9; heterogeneity: P = 0.85; I
2 = 18%). However, the postoperative mJOA score was significantly greater in the anterior group contrasted to the posterior group (P = 0.004, SMD = 0.67; heterogeneity: P < 0.001; I
2 = 82%). The anterior surgery group had a substantially greater overall recovery rate than the posterior surgery group, also the recovery rate was significantly greater with the anterior technique contrasted to the posterior technique in individuals with a COR ≥ 50% (P value < 0.01). The study also found that the incidence of postoperative consequences in the anterior group was significantly greater (P < 0.01, OR = 1.88). Additionally, the duration of surgery in the anterior group was significantly longer (P < 0.01, SMD = 1.52), and there was a larger amount of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.04, SMD = 0.74).

Conclusion
The findings of this MA indicate that anterior approach surgery is linked to superior postoperative neurological outcomes compared to the posterior method in managing cervical compressive myelopathy resulting from OPLL. We considered the anterior technique to be particularly advantageous for those with a canal-occupying ratio (COR) greater than 50%-60%, even though it results in more surgical trauma and an increased incidence of complications associated with the procedure. The posterior approach surgery demonstrated a higher level of safety with less surgical trauma and a decreased incidence of complications. We recommend the posterior approach to individuals whose COR is below 50% to 60.
Applications of ultrafast nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging with tip-based microscopy
Authors: Zhao Zhichen , Kravtsov Vasily , Wang Zerui , Zhou Zhou , Dou Linyuan , Huang Di , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin , Raschke Markus B. , Jiang Tao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Innovation in microscopy has often been critical in advancing both fundamental science and technological progress. Notably, the evolution of ultrafast near-field optical nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging has unlocked the ability to image at spatial scales from nanometers to ångströms and temporal scales from nanoseconds to femtoseconds. This approach revealed a plethora of fascinating light-matter states and quantum phenomena, including various species of polaritons, quantum phases, and complex many-body effects. This review focuses on the working principles and state-of-the-art development of ultrafast tip-enhanced and near-field microscopy, integrating diverse optical pump-probe methods across the terahertz (THz) to ultraviolet (UV) spectral ranges. It highlights their utility in examining a broad range of materials, including two-dimensional (2D), organic molecular, and hybrid materials. The review concludes with a spatio-spectral-temporal comparison of ultrafast nano-imaging techniques, both within already well-defined domains, and offering an outlook on future developments of ultrafast tip-based microscopy and their potential to address a wider range of materials.
An intersectional examination of the relationship between racial/ethnic discrimination and psychotic-like experiences: the role of other psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Ered Arielle , Lipner Emily , O’Brien Kathleen J. , Huque Zeeshan M. , Anglin Deidre M. , Ellman Lauren M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Racial and ethnic experiences of discrimination (EODs) are associated with numerous psychiatric symptoms, including outcomes along the psychosis spectrum; however, less is known about mechanisms by which EODs confer risk for psychotic-like experiences (PLEs; common subthreshold psychotic symptoms). Furthermore, work on gendered racism asserts that the intersection of race and gender impacts the nature of EODs experienced and, in turn, may impact the relationship between EODs and PLEs.

Aims
To utilize an intersectional lens (race and gender) to examine whether psychological correlates of EODs (post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and dissociation) mediate the EOD–PLE relationship.

Methods
Undergraduates at a diverse, semipublic university (N = 1,759) completed self-report questionnaires (Experiences of Discrimination Scale, Prodromal Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian Version). Analyses stratified the sample by race (non-Hispanic White, Black, and Asian) and examined three multiple mediation models, moderated by gender, examining the pathway from EODs to PLEs, through other psychiatric symptoms.

Results
In the full sample, all psychiatric symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between EODs and PLEs. Only depression varied by gender, such that the indirect effect was only significant in female participants (β = 0.09; 95% CI [0.02, 0.16]). Across race-stratified groups, significant mediators varied by both race and gender.

Conclusions
These findings underscore the importance of accounting for intersectionality and multiple psychological symptoms in understanding the EOD–PLE associations, which differ by race and ethnicity as well as gender, and should be considered in clinical treatment of individuals with PLEs and history of EODs.
Early career psychiatrists’ perceptions of and training experience in electroconvulsive therapy: A cross-sectional survey across Europe
Authors: Țăpoi Cristiana , Alexander Laith , de Filippis Renato , Agorastos Agorastos , Almeida Diogo , Bhatia Gautam , Erzin Gamze , Gołębiewska Martyna Ewa , Metaj Enita , Medved Sara , Mieze Krista , Milutinović Miloš , Noël Camille , Pushko Antonina , Gurrea Salas David , Compaired Sanchez Alejandro , Wilkowska Alina , Wolthusen Rick P. F. , Pinto da Costa Mariana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for several major psychiatric conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, mania, and schizophrenia; nevertheless, its use remains controversial. Despite its availability in some European countries, ECT is still rarely used in others. This study aims to investigate the experiences and attitudes of early career psychiatrists (ECPs) across Europe towards ECT and to examine how their exposure to ECT influences their perceptions.

Methods
In Europe, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among ECPs, including psychiatric trainees and recently fully qualified psychiatrists.

Results
A total of 573 participants from 30 European countries were included in the study, of whom more than half (N = 312; 54.5%) received ECT training. Overall, ECPs had a positive attitude towards ECT, with the vast majority agreeing or strongly agreeing that ECT is an effective (N = 509; 88.8%) and safe (N = 464; 81.0%) treatment and disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that ECT was used as a form of control or punishment (N = 545; 95.1%). Those who had received ECT training during their psychiatry training were more likely to recommend ECT to their patients (p < 0.001, r = 0.34), and held more positive views on its safety (p < 0.001, r = 0.31) and effectiveness (p < 0.001, r = 0.33). Interest in further education about ECT was moderately high (modal rating on Likert scale: 4, agree), irrespective of prior training exposure.

Conclusions
ECT training is associated with more favorable perceptions of its safety and effectiveness among ECPs. There is a general willingness among ECPs to expand their knowledge and training on ECT, which could enhance patients’ access to this treatment.
Supervised Exercise for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Cost-Utility Analysis Alongside the PREFERABLE-EFFECT Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schouten Aniek E.M. , Hiensch Anouk E. , Frederix Geert W.J. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Schmidt Martina E. , Clauss Dorothea , Gunasekara Nadira , Belloso Jon , Trevaskis Mark , Rundqvist Helene , Wiskemann Joachim , Müller Jana , Sweegers Maike G. , Fremd Carlo , Altena Renske , Bijlsma Rhodé M. , Sonke Gabe , Lahuerta Ainhara , Mann G. Bruce , Francis Prudence A. , Richardson Gary , Malter Wolfram , Kufel-Grabowska Joanna , van der Wall Elsken , Aaronson Neil K. , Senkus Elzbieta , Urruticoechea Ander , Zopf Eva M. , Bloch Wilhelm , Stuiver Martijn M. , Wengstrom Yvonne , Steindorf Karen , van der Meulen Miriam P. , May Anne M. 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
To evaluate the cost utility of a 9-month supervised exercise program for patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC), compared with control (usual care, supplemented with general activity advice and an activity tracker). Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of exercise for patients with mBC is essential for implementation in clinical practice and is currently lacking.

METHODS
A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside the multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT randomized controlled trial, conducted in 8 centers across Europe and Australia. Patients with mBC (N = 357) were randomly assigned to either a 9-month, twice-weekly, supervised exercise group (EG) or control group (CG). Costs of the exercise program were calculated through a bottom-up approach. Other health care resource use, productivity losses, and quality of life were collected using country-adapted, self-reported questionnaires. Analyses were conducted from a societal perspective with a time horizon of 9 months. Costs were collected and reported in 2021 Euros (€1 = $1.18 US dollars).

RESULTS
Compared with the CG, EG resulted in a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain of 0.013 (95% CI, –0.02 to 0.05) over a 9-month period. The mean costs of the exercise program were €1,696 per patient with one-on-one supervision (scenario 1) and €609 with one-on-four supervision (scenario 2). These costs were offset by savings in health care and productivity costs, resulting in mean total cost differences of –€163 (scenario 1) and –€1,249 (scenario 2) in favor of EG. The probability of supervised exercise being cost-effective was 65% in scenario 1 and 91% in scenario 2 at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSION
Exercise for patients with mBC increases quality of life, decreases costs, and is likely to be cost-effective. Group-based supervision is expected to have even higher cost-savings. Our positive findings can inform reimbursement of supervised exercise interventions for patients with mBC.
Broadband negative refraction based on a pair of anti-parity-time structures
Authors: Fei Zhonghan , Gong Menyang , Shi Fan , Liu Xiaozhou 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An anti-parity-time(A-PT) symmetric system, of which the refractive index satisfies n( - x) = - n*(x), can present intriguing scattering properties like continuous coherent perfect absorption(CPA) spectrum and laser spectrum, which are symmetric to each other in the parameter space. In this work, an acoustic parity-time(PT) symmetric system consisting of two A-PT symmetric structures is introduced to realize a broadband negative refraction. When the two A-PT symmetric structures are at their CPA mode and laser mode respectively, the PT symmetric system can display its unidirectional negative refraction property. As the two A-PT structures we design here have a broadband CPA and laser modes, the PT symmetric negative refraction system would be broadband. Besides, the exceptional point(EP) of the proposed PT-symmetric system corresponds to the CPA point and laser point of its two components, and it's unidirectionally transparent on broadband as well.