bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in Design, But Similar Effects: Social Participation in the Andean Community, Mercosur, and the Central American Integration System
Authors: Santos‐Carrillo Francisco , Luciano Bruno Theodoro 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article provides a comparative study on the spaces for social participation in different Latin American regional organizations. Departing from an institutionalist approach, we review the structures, processes, and outcomes of civil society participation in regional governance in three representative regional projects—the Andean Community, The Southern Common Market, and the Central American Integration System. The objective of this article is to characterize the variation in the institutional designs of the channels for social participation in Latin American regional organizations, identifying their similarities and differences, patterns, and effects on regional governance and the roles played by civil society organizations in these regionalist processes. We reflect on the relevance of design variations, the reasons for such variation, and their effects on regional governance. We argue that despite some differences in institutional design, with the Central American Integration System developing a supranational logic of membership in contrast to the intergovernmental settings of the other two cases, social participation in the three cases is limited to agenda facilitation, and its effects on regional decision‐making is residual.
Multiple Lineages of Transmissible Neoplasia in the Basket Cockle (C. nuttallii) With Repeated Horizontal Transfer of Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Yonemitsu Marisa A. , Sevigny Jordana K. , Vandepas Lauren E. , Dimond James L. , Giersch Rachael M. , Gurney‐Smith Helen J. , Abbott Cathryn L. , Supernault Janine , Withler Ruth , Smith Peter D. , Weinandt Sydney A. , Garrett Fiona E. S. , Child Zachary J. , Sigo Robin Little Wing , Unsell Elizabeth , Crim Ryan N. , Metzger Michael J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTransmissible cancers are clonal lineages of neoplastic cells able to infect multiple hosts, spreading through populations in the environment as an infectious disease. Transmissible cancers have been identified in Tasmanian devils, dogs, and bivalves. Several lineages of bivalve transmissible neoplasias (BTN) have been identified in multiple bivalve species. In 2019 in Puget Sound, Washington, USA, disseminated neoplasia was observed in basket cockles (Clinocardium nuttallii), a species that is important to the culture and diet of the Suquamish Tribe as well as other tribes with traditional access to the species. To test whether disseminated neoplasia in cockles is a previously unknown lineage of BTN, a nuclear locus was amplified from cockles from Agate Pass, Washington, and sequences revealed evidence of transmissible cancer in several individuals. We used a combination of cytology and quantitative PCR to screen collections of cockles from 11 locations in Puget Sound and along the Washington coastline to identify the extent of contagious cancer spread in this species. Two BTN lineages were identified in these cockles, with one of those lineages (CnuBTN1) being the most prevalent and geographically widespread. Within the CnuBTN1 lineage, multiple nuclear loci support the conclusion that all cancer samples form a single clonal lineage. However, the mitochondrial alleles in each cockle with CnuBTN1 are different from each other, suggesting mitochondrial genomes of this cancer have been replaced multiple times during its evolution, through horizontal transmission. The identification and analysis of these BTNs are critical for broodstock selection, management practices, and repopulation of declining cockle populations, which will enable continued cultural connection and dietary use of the cockles by Coast Salish Tribes.
Anti‐Müllerian Hormone Concentrations Can Be Reliably Determined by a Single Measurement, Irrespective of Cycle, in Synchronised Ewes During Non‐Breeding Season
Authors: Cetin Nebi , Koca Davut 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTImprovement of yield characteristics in animal breeding is important in terms of increasing animal production and sustainability. Fertility is one of the most important yield traits affecting economic gain in sheep breeding. Anti‐Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is widely recognised as a dependable biomarker for assessing ovarian reserves and fertility potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of AMH during different phases of the sexual cycle in Norduz ewes the non‐breeding season. Additionally, the study sought to assess the effects of age and body condition score (BCS) on AMH concentrations during these phases. A total of 32 Norduz ewes with a body condition score (BCS) of 3–4.5 and aged between 2 and 4 years were used as animal material in the study. All experimental procedures were carried out outside the breeding season and when the ewes were lactating. In all ewes in anestrus, intravaginal sponges (Esponjavet, 60 mg MAP, Hipra, Turkey) were kept in the vagina for 7 days for estrus synchronisation. Intramuscular injections of PMSG (Oviser, 500 IU, Hipra, Turkey) and PGF2α analog (Gestavet, 50 μg, Hipra, Turkey) were administered 48 h prior to sponge removal. Twenty‐four hours after sponge removal, ewes were exposed to the ram for estrus detection. Since 5 ewes did not show estrus, blood samples were collected regularly from animals (n = 27) in which estrus was detected at three different stages: one just before the insertion of vaginal sponges (anestrus), another when heat was detected exposing to the ram (estrus), and the final one 10 days after estrus (diestrus). The serum samples were assessed for the levels of AMH and progesterone through the electrochemiluminessence immunoassay technique (ECLIA). The results of the analyses showed that serum AMH concentration did not vary between anestrus, estrus and diestrus phases of the sexual cycle of Norduz ewes outside the breeding season (p > 0.05). Furthermore, age and BCS had no effect on progesterone and AMH levels in different phases of the sexual cycle (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that serum AMH levels are constant at any stage of the estrus cycle. This suggests that phenotypic evaluation of ewes can be performed with a single measurement and that AMH is a reproducible and dependable biomarker that can be measured at any stage of the estrus cycle at an arbitrary time point.
Harnessing water and salt synergy: Elevating Panax notoginseng growth and quality under drip irrigation in southwest China
Authors: Mu Tianqi , Ji Chunwei , Zang Zhennan , Wang Yinbo , Yang Qiliang , Liang Jiaping , Wang Haidong , Guo Jinjin , Li Na , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPanax notoginseng is primarily cultivated in Yunnan Province, China. However, unsound field management practices aimed at increasing yields lead to imbalanced soil moisture, increased rhizome rot, and reduced crop quality, challenging the sustainable development of the P. notoginseng industry. This experiment proposed a rational water salt management strategy to improve growth and quality, offering guidance for sustainable production. A field experiment was conducted under shaded, rain‐shelter conditions with drip irrigation for 1 year. Two irrigation levels were applied based on field capacity (FC): W1 (irrigation lower limit at 90% FC) and W2 (irrigation lower limit at 80% FC). Additionally, three soil salinity levels were established with electrical conductivity values of E1: 130 μS cm−1, E2: 150 μS cm−1, and E3: 170 μS cm−1. A control group (CK) without salt stress was also included to compare the effects of irrigation and salinity on growth, quality, and productivity. Results showed that the combined water and salt management reduced pathogen abundance. Ectomycorrhizal fungi, promoting plant growth, were detected under W2E2. During the reproductive phase, plant height increased gradually and stabilized by the fruiting stage, while stem diameter initially decreased and then stabilized. Growth indicators peaked during the fruiting stage, with a maximum plant height of 29.87 cm and stem diameter of 4.75 mm. Optimal root characteristics were observed under W2E2, including an average root diameter of 1.06 mm, root volume of 1.17 cm3, root surface area of 54.55 cm2, and root length of 214.11 cm. Leaf characteristics also peaked under W2E2, with an average leaf diameter of 5.02 mm, leaf volume of 30.27 cm3, leaf surface area of 236.08 cm2, and leaf length of 181.57 cm. Maximum chlorophyll content reached 32.38. The transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration were highest under W1. The highest total saponin content of 85,759 μg g−1 was observed under W2E3. According to the comprehensive TOPSIS model index, W2E2 outperformed other treatments. Thus, W2E2 was identified as an effective strategy for promoting the growth and quality of P. notoginseng to alleviate root rot disease.
Special Economic Zone and Local Economic Performance in China: Evidence From Tianjin
Authors: Du Zaichao , Ge Linnan , Li Bing , Pei Pei , Zhou Lei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUsing China's 2006 national strategy on special economic zone (SEZ) in Tianjin, we quantitatively evaluate the effects of SEZ on local economic performance in China. Due to the fact that Tianjin is the only municipality affected by this policy, we adopt a new and simple‐to‐implement policy evaluation method. The method exploits the economic dependence among different provinces in China and constructs the counterfactual economic growth of Tianjin using data from provinces other than Tianjin. The policy effects are then just the difference between the actual economic growth of Tianjin and the counterfactuals. Using the method, we find that the SEZ policy in 2006 substantially enhanced GDP, investment, employment and export in Tianjin.
Enhancing Paddy Production in Malaysia: A Comparative Analysis of Multiple Regression with External Factors
Authors: Mohd Shafri Ahmad Syakir , Mohd Nor Siti Rohani , Siti Mariam Norrulashikin  
Published: February 2025

Rice is a basic food that is consumed by almost half of the world's population, especially in Malaysia. Unfortunately, paddy productivity has recently decreased dramatically, which has hampered local rice supply and forced Malaysia to depend on rice from neighbouring nations. Therefore, the modelling of paddy production is important because it provides an insight that ensure a sufficient supply of a locally produced paddy. In this study, several multiple regression models were used to predict paddy production model in Malaysia from 1980 to 2022. The multiple regression models are then compared, and the best model is determined. The regression model used in this study are Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) and Support Vector Regression (SVR). The developed models will be evaluated using RMSE, MAPE and Ljung-Box Test. These are excellent tools for gauging the precision of the fitted model, thus can be used to evaluate the model. Based on the study, the MARS model is better at modelling Malaysian paddy production from 1980 to 2022 since it has the smallest number of measurement errors. Therefore, MARS model is the best regression model to be used to model paddy production in Malaysia compared to MLR and SVR model. Since all the models have autocorrelation, a more effective approach and model can be presented to overcome the autocorrelation issue in the future.
Changes in the dynamic characteristics of G-protein can alter the immune-protection efficacy of rabies virus vaccine
Authors: Chen Chang-xu , Wang Xi , Su Wen , Tian Yuan , Gao Yu , Liu Dong-lan , Xiang Hong , Liu Bo-chuan , Shi Jin-li , Zhang Yang , Shen Dong , He Wen-zhi , Yang Li , Hong Chao , Wu Fan , Shi Lei-tai , Cun Yi-na , Zhou Jian 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of the G-protein is influenced by N-linked glycosylation, which serves as the sole immunogen of the rabies virus vaccine. However, achieving satisfactory immune-protection efficacy remains challenging, owing to the heterogeneous glycosylation of G-proteins. Within molecular dynamics, examining the impact of N-glycan heterogeneity on the structural characteristics of G-proteins provides insights into the relationship between antigens and the efficacy of rabies virus vaccines. Glycosylation is regulated by host cells. In rabies virus cultured in Vero cells (VRV), all N-glycosylation sites of the G-protein underwent modification. In contrast, rabies virus G-protein cultured in KMB17 cells (human diploid cell vaccine [HDCV]) was only modified by N-glycans at amino acid positions 247 and 319. Furthermore, treatment of VRV with de-glycosylation significantly improved its immune-protective efficacy, whereas de-glycosylation did not alter the immune-protective efficacy of HDCV. To support the impact of glycosylation on VRV efficacy, the structures and dynamics of G-proteins were analyzed using GROMACS. Specifically, the hydrophobicity, flexibility, and radius of gyration of the G-protein trimer in VRV were significantly altered by excessive hydrogen bonds formed by the three-branched hybrid glycan at the aa 319 site. These changes increase the instability of the G-protein trimer and may lead to a decrease in vaccine protective efficacy. Ultimately, we determined that N-glycan heterogeneity affects the immune-protection effect of antigen proteins by altering their dynamic characteristics, enhancing our understanding of the correlation between antigen structural characteristics and efficacy.

IMPORTANCE
N-glycosylation of rabies virus glycoprotein dynamically regulates protein folding, stability, and antigenicity. Therefore, regulation of N-glycan modification is key to improving vaccine stability and protective efficacy. How the type and modification sites of N-glycans affect the protective efficacy of rabies vaccines remains unclear. Our research indicates that there are differences in the protective efficacy of rabies virus G-proteins modified with different N-glycans. Moreover, the modification of the three-branched hybrid glycan at the aa 319 site of G-protein significantly altered the hydrophobicity, flexibility, and radius, and increased its trimeric antigen instability through molecular dynamics demonstrations. These findings update the current understanding of the impact of glycans on vaccine antigenicity and develop a system to evaluate the stability of antigen glycoproteins based on molecular dynamics.
A new bacteriophage infecting
Staphylococcus epidermidis
with potential for removing biofilms by combination with chimeric lysin CHAPSH3b and vancomycin
Authors: Duarte Ana Catarina , Fernández Lucía , Rodríguez Ana , García Pilar 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is the cause of serious skin and prosthetic joint infections despite being a common inhabitant of human body surfaces. However, both the rise in antibiotic resistance in this species and its ability to form biofilms are increasingly limiting the available therapeutic options against these illnesses. In this landscape, phage therapy stands out as an interesting alternative to antibiotics. In the present study, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel virulent phage infecting
S. epidermidis
(
Staphylococcus
phage IPLA-AICAT), which belongs to the
Herelleviridae
family. The estimated genome size of this virus is 139,941 bp, and sequence analysis demonstrated the absence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. This phage infects a high proportion (79%) of clinically relevant
S. epidermidis
strains and exhibits antibiofilm activity. Moreover, a combination of this phage with other antimicrobials, i.e., vancomycin and the lytic protein CHAPSH3b, further improved the reduction in surface-attached bacteria. Notably, the combination of
Staphylococcus
phage IPLA-AICAT (10
9
PFU/mL) and CHAPSH3b (8 µM), originally designed to target
Staphylococcus aureus
, was able to reduce the number of viable cells by 3.06 log units in 5-h-old biofilms. In 24-h-old biofilms, the reduction was also significant after 6 h of treatment (2.06 log units) and 24 h of treatment (2.52 log units). These results confirm our previous data regarding the potential of phage-lysin mixtures against staphylococcal biofilms.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is one of the main causes to device-associated infections mostly due to its ability to form stable biofilms attached to human tissues. Besides the inherent antimicrobial tolerance of biofilms, this microorganism is also increasingly becoming resistant to standard-of-care antibiotics. To fight against this problem, phage therapy is a viable option to complement the available antibiotics in the treatment of recalcitrant infections. This work describes a new phage infecting
S. epidermidis
clinical strains that is a member of the
Herelleviridae
family and the combination with other antimicrobials to further improve the reduction of biofilms. Together with the significant progress achieved in the development of diagnostic tools, phages and their derived proteins will bring us much closer to a therapeutic landscape in which we are not so heavily reliant on antibiotics to combat bacterial pathogens.
Short-term Adverse Events Following Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis A Matched Analysis of Recent Nationally Representative Data
Authors: Hopper Haleigh M. , Nelson Chase T. , Satalich James R. , Wu Kevin A. , Anastasio Albert T. , O’Neill Conor N. , Patel Tejas T. , Hanselman Andrew E. , Schweitzer Karl M. , Adams Samuel 
Published: February 2025

Background Surgical management of ankle osteoarthritis (AOA) includes Ankle Arthrodesis (AA) or Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA). The purpose of this study was to analyze data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) to elucidate differences in outcomes between TAA and AA. Methods Patients who underwent TAA or AA from January 2010 to December 2020 were included in this analysis. Matched cohorts were created using 1:1 propensity score matching to match patients according to patient demographics. Independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were used to determine whether there was a difference between groups. A binary logistic regression was performed to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for any adverse event as related to patient demographics and comorbidities. Results There were 2,053 TAA and 359 AA in the unmatched cohorts. The matched cohorts included 359 patients in each group. In the matched cohorts, there was an increase in transfusions, urinary tract infection (UTI), and return to the operating room in the arthrodesis group compared with the arthroplasty group (1.95%, 0.28%, P = .038; 1.11%, 0.00%, P = .045, 3.90%, 1.11%, P = .017). The logistic regression revealed that length of hospital stay (OR = 1.157) and insulin-dependent diabetes (OR = 6.043) had an increased risk of any adverse event for TAA or AA. Conclusion Identification of complication rates and patient risk factors for adverse events after TAA and AA can assist surgeons and patients in their choice of treatment for AOA. Levels of Evidence: III (retrospective cohort study)
Changes in Nasal Cavity Morphology Following Subcranial or Transcranial Midface Advancement
Authors: Kazmouz Sobhi , Dike Chijoke , Bruss David , Santiago Gaia , Choudhary Akriti , DiChiaro Bianca , Perez Megan , Green Kelsey , Zhao Linping , Purnell Chad A. 
Published: February 2025

Background and Purpose: In patients with craniofacial syndromes characterized by midface hypoplasia, subcranial or transcranial midface advancement is the preferred technique to attain optimal functional and esthetic results. This procedure entails the creation of oblique osteotomies in the nasal septum and occasionally results in fractures of the turbinate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative changes to these nasal structures after craniofacial disjunction. Methods: Patients from our center were included if they underwent subcranial or transcranial midface advancements, including LeFort II, III, or monobloc procedures, and possessed suitable pre- and postoperative CT scan data. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were evaluated based on several intranasal measurements including: degree of nasal septum deviation, morphology of the inferior turbinate, width of the piriform aperture, and nasal airway volume, and qualitative airway analysis. Results: Eight patients were included, with a mean age at surgery of 14.2 ± 5.3 years. Following surgery, the sella-nasion (S-N) distance increased by 9.6 mm (95% CI: 5.4, 13.9). No significant postoperative changes were found in nasal septum deviation, piriform aperture width, or nasal cavity airway volume. Of the inferior turbinate dimensions measured, only the breadth, measured at 50% the length of the turbinate, decreased significantly following surgery by 0.72 mm (95% CI: 0.02, 1.41). Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the increase in S-N distance and nasal septum deviation area. Qualitative analysis showed that all 8 patients developed synechiae between the nasal septum and turbinate, and all patients developed septal perforation/resorption postoperatively. Conclusions: Craniofacial disjunction procedures may lead to notable septal and intranasal deformities which need to be considered when planning for surgery. All patients had some degree of septal perforation, resorption and nasal synechia post operatively.
Exposure of A2E to blue light promotes ferroptosis in the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Yang Bo , Yang Kunhuan , Chen Yuling , Li Qingjian , Chen Jingmeng , Li Shiying , Wu Yalin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Age-dependent accumulation of lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is closely related to the etiology of autosomal recessive Stargardt’s disease (STGD1) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) is a leading component of RPE lipofuscin that is highly susceptible to blue light. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides to a lethal level, which plays an important role in retinal diseases. However, it remains unknown whether A2E functions as a physiological trigger for eliciting blue light-induced ferroptosis of RPE cells.

Methods
A2E-loaded RPE cells and Abca4
−/−
Rdh8
−/− mice were exposed to blue light, respectively. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, intracellular iron staining, lipid peroxidation staining, fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and electroretinography (ERG) were utilized to elucidate the role of blue light in A2E induced ferroptosis in the RPE and its potential mechanisms.

Results
Exposure of A2E to blue light promoted ferroptotic cell death in RPE cells by elevating ferrous ion (Fe2+) levels and inhibiting the solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11)-glutathione (GSH)-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. GPX4 inactivation and ROS generated by Fe2+ overload and GSH depletion precipitated lipid peroxidation and subsequent ferroptosis in A2E-containing RPE cells upon exposure to blue light. In addition to GSH supplement, repressing either Fe2+ by deferiprone (DFP) or lipid peroxidation with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) significantly protected RPE cells against ferroptosis caused by blue light illumination of A2E. Abca4
−/−
Rdh8
−/− mice featured by an accelerated deposition of A2E in the RPE is an animal model for STGD1 and dry AMD. It was observed that ferroptosis was indeed present in the RPE of Abca4
−/−
Rdh8
−/− mice following exposure to blue light. Notably, alleviating ferroptosis by intraperitoneally injected Fer-1 effectively rescued retinal function and ameliorated RPE/photoreceptor degeneration in blue light-exposed Abca4
−/−
Rdh8
−/− mice.

Conclusions
Our results suggest the importance of blue light in A2E-mediated ferroptosis in the RPE, and deeply broaden the understanding of mechanisms underlying RPE atrophy arising from lipofuscin accumulation in STGD1 and dry AMD.