bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I Know That I Know: Online Health Information Seeking, Self‐Care and the Overconfidence Effect1,2
Authors: Bertolazzi Alessia , Lombi Linda , Lovari Alessandro , Ducci Gea , D'Ambrosi Lucia
Published: June 2023

The increasing access to online health information and the use of this information for self‐medication or self‐diagnosis can foster a discounting of the epistemic authority of experts, as well as an over‐reliance on laypersons' expertise. However, the emerging cognitive bias—the overconfidence effect—is poorly investigated in the sociological field. This study offers a novel contribution to the role of overconfidence bias in online health information‐seeking behavior and self‐care practices. A cross‐sectional study was conducted through an online survey on a sample of 783 Italian university students. Univariate linear regression and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed on the collected data. The findings suggest that overconfidence and self‐care practices are predictors of health information seeking online. The multiple linear regression model revealed that the association between overconfidence bias and online health information seeking is mediated by self‐care behaviors. Therefore, the overconfidence effect influences health information seeking to the extent that the search for information is aimed at self‐care practices. This study could trigger further research on implementing the overconfidence effect and self‐care in theoretical models of health information seeking.
Cowhage‐induced itch scores and the current perception threshold in assessing sensitive skin: An observational laboratory study
Authors: Zuo Ying , Wan Ruoyu , Jiang Ping , Chen Xiaomei , Li Li , Hua Wei
Published: June 2023

Background

The diagnosis of sensitive skin remains nonuniform, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Previous studies were inconsistent in the current perception threshold (CPT) measurement for sensitive skin; thus, the neural sensitivity of sensitive skin needs to be clarified.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the CPT measurement and the cowhage test for sensitive skin and to investigate the correlation between CPT values and cowhage‐itch scores.

Methods

Participants with and without sensitive skin (n = 30, 30) were included. The cowhage test and CPT measurement with its related sensations were performed.

Results

No difference was found in CPT between the sensitive and nonsensitive groups at either the site of the face or the forearm (5, 250, or 2000 Hz). Once the CPT was reached, sensations (itch, stinging, and throbbing) were significantly different between the two groups. Cowhage provoked more intense itch with a longer duration in the face (visual analog scale [VAS] score 1.90 ± 1.47 vs. 0.52 ± 0.90, p < 0.001; duration 3.80 ± 3.31 vs. 0.87 ± 1.43 min, p < 0.001) and forearm (VAS 2.53 ± 2.60 vs. 0.72 ± 1.06, p < 0.001; duration 3.37 ± 3.46 vs. 1.33 ± 2.14 min, p < 0.01) of the sensitive group compared with the nonsensitive group. Cowhage‐induced itch and CPT‐related itch (5 Hz) showed moderate correlations in both the face (r = 0.441, p < 0.001) and forearm (r = 0.491 p < 0.001) and weak correlations in the forearm (r = 0.323 at 250 Hz, p = 0.012; r = 0.376 at 2000 Hz, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Cowhage test showed better performance in assessing the neural sensitivity of sensitive skin in comparison with the CPT measurement. Evaluation of CPT‐related sensations may add valuable information to sensitive skin assessment.
The Platformization of Student Housing and the Rise of Mid‐Term Rentals. The Case of Uniplaces in Lisbon
Authors: Cocola‐Gant Agustín , Malet Calvo Daniel
Published: June 2023

The most common approach to student housing has been articulated by studentification literature. Furthermore, authors have highlighted how student demand attracts institutional investors to develop Purpose‐Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). In this paper, we complement these approaches with a conceptualization of how digital platforms have restructured the supply of student rooms in houses of multiple occupation. Relying on business and software understandings of platforms, we first explore the case of Uniplaces in Lisbon, a platform that has imitated the Airbnb model and today is present in more than 130 cities in various countries. Second, we depict Uniplaces within a landscape of mid‐term rental platforms that cater for different profiles of mobile populations, who stay in destinations for a short‐ or mid‐term period of time. We conclude with a discussion about the potential of this market to further advance processes of transnational gentrification and weaken the position of tenants.
Torsten Hägerstrand and Christiaan van Paassen's Neighbourly Path, Project and Diorama
Authors: van Meeteren Michiel
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the influence of Christiaan van Paassen's (1917–1996) thinking on the development of time geography. It does so by examining van Paassen's and Torsten Hägerstrand's intertwined lives and friendship through a time‐geographic lens. By understanding their neighbourly path through time–space, their shared project to develop a modern geographical discipline becomes visible. Their shared diorama refers to van Paassen's insistence, adopted by Hägerstrand, that such a project would need to be premised on existentialist principles that accommodate meaning‐making and context.
Epidemiology, treatment patterns, and disease burden of cytomegalovirus in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients in selected countries outside of Europe and North America: A systematic review
Authors: Cho Sung‐Yeon , Ar Muhlis Cem , Machado Clarisse M. , Wu Depei , Singh Inderjeet , Sandhu Anudeep , Demuth Dirk , Slavin Monica
Published: June 2023

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease impacts morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. This systematic review summarized data on the epidemiology, management, and burden of CMV post‐HCT outside of Europe and North America.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for observational studies and treatment guidelines in HCT recipients across 15 selected countries from Asia‐Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East (search period: 1 January 2011–17 September 2021). Outcomes included incidence of CMV infection/disease, recurrence, risk factors, CMV‐related mortality, treatments, refractory, resistant CMV, and burden.

Results

Of 2708 references identified, 68 were eligible (67 studies and one guideline; 45/67 studies specific to adult allogeneic HCT recipients). The rates of CMV infection and disease within 1 year of allogeneic HCT were 24.9%–61.2% (23 studies) and 2.9%–15.7% (10 studies), respectively. Recurrence occurred in 19.8%–37.9% of cases (11 studies). Up to 10% of HCT recipients died of CMV‐related causes. In all countries, first‐line treatment for CMV infection/disease involved intravenous ganciclovir or valganciclovir. Conventional treatments were associated with serious adverse events such as myelosuppression (10.0%) or neutropenia only (30.0%, 39.8%) and nephrotoxicity (11.0%) (three studies), frequently leading to treatment discontinuation (up to 13.6%). Refractory CMV was reported in 2.9%, 13.0%, and 28.9% of treated patients (three studies) with resistant CMV diagnosed in 0%–10% of recipients (five studies). Patient‐reported outcomes and economic data were scarce.

Conclusion

The incidence of CMV infection and disease post‐HCT is high outside of North America and Europe. CMV resistance and toxicity highlight a major unmet need with current conventional treatments.

image
Comparison of radiography and CT for the evaluation of third carpal bone slab fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Dash Rupert F. , Minshall Gaynor J. , Wright Ian M.
Published: June 2023

Slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3) are a common cause of lameness in Thoroughbred racehorses. Information on fracture morphology is commonly obtained from radiographs or CT. This retrospective, methods comparison aimed to explore the agreement between radiography and CT for imaging C3 slab fractures and discuss the contribution of the latter to clinical case management. Thoroughbred racehorses with a slab or incomplete slab fracture of C3 identified on radiographs that subsequently underwent CT examination were included. Fracture characteristics (location, plane, classification, displacement, comminution) and fracture length as a percentage of the proximodistal length of the bone, termed the proximodistal fracture percentage (PFP) were recorded independently from both modalities and then compared. Across all fractures (n = 82) radiographs and CT showed slight agreement on the presence of comminution (Cohen's Kappa (κ) 0.108,P0.031) and moderate agreement on fracture displacement (K 0.683,P < 0.001). Computed tomography identified comminution in 49 (59.8%) and displacement in nine (11.0%) fractures that were not detected by radiographs. Half of the fractures were only seen on flexed dorsoproximal–dorsodistal oblique (DPr‐DDiO) radiographs and therefore were of unknown length without additional CT imaging. Incomplete fractures that could be measured on radiographs (n = 12) had a median (IQR) PFP of 40% (30%–52%) on radiographs and 53% (38%–59%) on CT, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.026). Radiography and CT showed the poorest agreement when determining the presence of comminution. Additionally, radiography often underestimated the incidence of displacement, and fracture length, and resulted in more fractures being classified as incomplete when compared to CT.
Entropic exercises around the Kneser–Poulsen conjecture
Authors: Aishwarya Gautam , Alam Irfan , Li Dongbin , Myroshnychenko Sergii , Zatarain‐Vera Oscar
Published: June 2023

We develop an information‐theoretic approach to study the Kneser–Poulsen conjecture in discrete geometry. This leads us to a broad question regarding whether Rényi entropies of independent sums decrease when one of the summands is contracted by a 1‐Lipschitz map. We answer this question affirmatively in various cases.
Generic differential equations are strongly minimal
Authors: DeVilbiss Matthew , Freitag James
Published: June 2023

In this paper we develop a new technique for showing that a nonlinear algebraic differential equation is strongly minimal based on the recently developed notion of the degree of non-minimality of Freitag and Moosa. Our techniques are sufficient to show that generic order$h$differential equations with non-constant coefficients are strongly minimal, answering a question of Poizat (1980).
Maintenance Strategy of a Preheat Train of a Crude Oil Distillation Unit Based on Exergy and Exergoeconomic Analysis
Authors: Fajardo Juan , Negrette Camilo , Yabrudy Daniel , Barreto Deibys , Cardona Camilo
Published: June 2023

Established or create new ones to plan the cleaning tasks of the heat exchangers. In this work, a maintenance strategy is developed for a preheating train under the Maintenance Centered on Energy Efficiency (MCEE) methodology, where it is sought to integrate the information of the principles of the second law of thermodynamics with economic variables to use parameters. The modification of the maintenance justification parameter (J) is proposed, adding two new maintenance indicators (W and X). Each one seeks to evaluate an essential criterion for the maintenance area: economic viability, technical feasibility, and benefits, toward the other exchangers in the network after cleaning a specific component. A criticality diagram and a criticality matrix are used. The heat exchangers are grouped into subassemblies, with the leading group consisting of the key heat exchangers (KHEX), the elements of which have a significant impact on the efficiency of the preheat train. For their part, the regions are composed of components whose performance is less considerable than that of the KHEX. In total, 34 maintenance activities will be carried out, distributed among the 25 interchanges of the network. The planning of a program of cleaning activities according to the maintenance strategy based on the methodology of the MCEE establishes a substantial scientific contribution due to the almost null existence of exergetic studies applied to the management of maintenance tasks and focused mainly on the preheating of trains.
Optimization of Dimensions of Smooth and Twisted-Tape-Inserted Tubes for Heat Transfer with NaCl/KCl/MgCl2 Molten Salts by Principle of Entropy Generation Minimization
Authors: Haddad Fouad , Li Peiwen
Published: June 2023

The entropy generation minimization principle is used as the criterion to optimize the flow and heat transfer of solar collectors and heat exchangers that use molten salts NaCl–KCl–MgCl2 and KCl–MgCl2. The Gnielinski correlation for the Nusselt number versus Reynolds number, as well as the Moody friction factor given by Petukhov, was used for the calculation of the convective heat transfer coefficient and pressure loss due to friction in smooth tubes. For twisted-tap-inserted tube, equations of Nu and friction factor provided by Manglik and Bergles were used. The objective function, the entropy generation rate of the heat transfer system, was expressed as the function of Reynolds number, Prandtl number, heating flux, tube diameter, etc. As a result of the analysis, the optimum Reynolds number was determined and thereby to determine the optimum Nusselt number, convective heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, and tube diameter, which also allows the calculation of optimum flow velocity. The analysis was conducted in the fluid temperature range of 500–700 °C, which covers the operation temperature for supercritical CO2 power cycles in concentrated solar power (CSP) system. Optimized results from the smooth tube and twisted-tap-inserted tube are compared, which is important to the design of solar receivers for CSP systems.
The growth of self-intercalated Nb1+xSe2 by molecular beam epitaxy: The effect of processing conditions on the structure and electrical resistivity
Authors: Litwin Peter M. , Jaszewski Samantha T. , Sarney Wendy L. , Leff Asher C. , Krylyuk Sergiy , Davydov Albert V. , Ihlefeld Jon F. , McDonnell Stephen J.
Published: June 2023

We report on the synthesis of self-intercalated Nb1+xSe2 thin films by molecular beam epitaxy. Nb1+xSe2 is a metal-rich phase of NbSe2 where additional Nb atoms populate the van der Waals gap. The grown thin films are studied as a function of the Se to Nb beam equivalence pressure ratio (BEPR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction indicate that BEPRs of 5:1 and greater result in the growth of the Nb1+xSe2 phase and that the amount of intercalation is inversely proportional to the Se to Nb BEPR. Electrical resistivity measurements also show an inverse relationship between BEPR and resistivity in the grown Nb1+xSe2 thin films. A second Nb-Se compound with a stoichiometry of ∼1:1 was synthesized using a Se to Nb BEPR of 2:1; in contrast to the Nb1+xSe2 thin films, this compound did not show evidence of a layered structure.
High throughput wide field second harmonic imaging of giant unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Eremchev M. , Roesel D. , Dansette P.-M. , Michailovas A. , Roke S.
Published: June 2023

Cell-sized giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are an ideal tool for understanding lipid membrane structure and properties. Label-free spatiotemporal images of their membrane potential and structure would greatly aid the quantitative understanding of membrane properties. In principle, second harmonic imaging is a great tool to do so, but the low degree of spatial anisotropy that arises from a single membrane limits its application. Here, we advance the use of wide-field high throughput SH imaging by SH imaging with the use of ultrashort laser pulses. We achieve a throughput improvement of 78% of the maximum theoretical value and demonstrate subsecond image acquisition times. We show how the interfacial water intensity can be converted into a quantitative membrane potential map. Finally, for GUV imaging, we compare this type of nonresonant SH imaging to resonant SH imaging and two photon imaging using fluorophores.
“Time to Award Some Medals”: A Comparative Social Media Analysis of Olympic Coverage in the United States and Australia
Authors: Slater Kelsey , Antunovic Dunja , Messer Meg S. , Dreher Sam P.
Published: June 2023

Rights-holding broadcasters of the Olympic Games play an integral role in conveying the values of the Olympic Movement, but few studies have examined these networks’ social media content. This investigation involved a comparative content analysis of rights-holding broadcasters’ official Olympic Twitter accounts in the United States (@NBCOlympics) and Australia (@7Olympics) during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Results indicate significant differences between the two accounts in sport disciplines, gender representations, and national interest. Both accounts dedicated <40% of the tweets to women’s sport. Whereas the American outlet NBC promoted home athletes, Australia’s Seven Network emphasized athletes from other countries. Twitter accounts partially followed the televisual logics of representation patterns, but contextual factors specific to social media structured agenda diversity. Contextual elements (e.g., structure of sport schedules and nation-specific factors) are also relevant when interpreting representation patterns. Theoretical implications for agenda setting and methodological directions for cross-national Olympic social media research are discussed.
The Epidemiology of Domain-Specific Physical Activity in New Zealand Adults: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gage Ryan , Mizdrak Anja , Richards Justin , Bauman Adrian , Mcleod Melissa , Jones Rhys , Woodward Alistair , Shaw Caroline
Published: June 2023

Background: Surveillance of domain-specific physical activity (PA) helps to target interventions to promote PA. We examined the sociodemographic correlates of domain-specific PA in New Zealand adults. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 13,887 adults completed the International PA Questionnaire–long form in 2019/20. Three measures of total and domain-specific (leisure, travel, home, and work) PA were calculated: (1) weekly participation, (2) mean weekly metabolic energy equivalent minutes (MET-min), and (3) median weekly MET-min among those who undertook PA. Results were weighted to the New Zealand adult population. Results: The average contribution of domain-specific activity to total PA was 37.5% for work activities (participation = 43.6%; median participating MET-min = 2790), 31.9% for home activities (participation = 82.2%; median participating MET-min = 1185), 19.4% for leisure activities (participation = 64.7%; median participating MET-min = 933), and 11.2% for travel activities (participation = 64.0%; median MET-min among participants = 495). Women accumulated more home PA and less work PA than men. Total PA was higher in middle-aged adults, with diverse patterns by age within domains. Māori accumulated less leisure PA than New Zealand Europeans but higher total PA. Asian groups reported lower PA across all domains. Higher area deprivation was negatively associated with leisure PA. Sociodemographic patterns varied by measure. For example, gender was not associated with total PA participation, but men accumulated higher MET-min when taking part in PA than women. Conclusions: Inequalities in PA varied by domain and sociodemographic group. These results should be used to inform interventions to improve PA.
Sedentary Time and Prescription Medication Use Among US Adults: 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Boyne Ciarra A. , Johnson Tammie M. , Toth Lindsay P. , Richardson M. Ryan , Churilla James R.
Published: June 2023

Background: Prescription medication usage has been used as a predictor of disease prevalence and overall health status. Evidence suggests an inverse relationship exists between polypharmacy, which is the use of 5 or more medications, and physical activity participation. However, there is limited evidence examining the relationship between sedentary time and polypharmacy in adults. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sedentary time and polypharmacy in a large nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: Study sample (N = 2879) included nonpregnant adult (≥20 y old) participants from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported minutes per day of sedentary time were converted to hours per day. The dependent variable was polypharmacy (≥5 medications). Results: Analysis revealed that for every hour of sedentary time, there was 4% greater odds of polypharmacy (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.07, P = .04) after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, waist circumference, and the interaction term between race/ethnicity and education. Conclusion: Our findings suggest increased sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of polypharmacy among a large nationally representative sample of US adults.
Quantum simulator to emulate lower-dimensional molecular structure
Authors: Sierda E. , Huang X. , Badrtdinov D. I. , Kiraly B. , Knol E. J. , Groenenboom G. C. , Katsnelson M. I. , Rösner M. , Wegner D. , Khajetoorians A. A.
Published: June 2023

Bottom-up quantum simulators have been developed to quantify the role of various interactions, dimensionality, and structure in creating electronic states of matter. Here, we demonstrated a solid-state quantum simulator emulating molecular orbitals, based solely on positioning individual cesium atoms on an indium antimonide surface. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, combined with ab initio calculations, we showed that artificial atoms could be made from localized states created from patterned cesium rings. These artificial atoms served as building blocks to realize artificial molecular structures with different orbital symmetries. These corresponding molecular orbitals allowed us to simulate two-dimensional structures reminiscent of well-known organic molecules. This platform could further be used to monitor the interplay between atomic structures and the resulting molecular orbital landscape with submolecular precision.
Splitting phonons: Building a platform for linear mechanical quantum computing
Authors: Qiao H. , Dumur É. , Andersson G. , Yan H. , Chou M.-H. , Grebel J. , Conner C. R. , Joshi Y. J. , Miller J. M. , Povey R. G. , Wu X. , Cleland A. N.
Published: June 2023

Linear optical quantum computing provides a desirable approach to quantum computing, with only a short list of required computational elements. The similarity between photons and phonons points to the interesting potential for linear mechanical quantum computing using phonons in place of photons. Although single-phonon sources and detectors have been demonstrated, a phononic beam splitter element remains an outstanding requirement. Here we demonstrate such an element, using two superconducting qubits to fully characterize a beam splitter with single phonons. We further use the beam splitter to demonstrate two-phonon interference, a requirement for two-qubit gates in linear computing. This advances a new solid-state system for implementing linear quantum computing, further providing straightforward conversion between itinerant phonons and superconducting qubits.
Atomic-scale polarization switching in wurtzite ferroelectrics
Authors: Calderon Sebastian , Hayden John , Baksa Steven M. , Tzou William , Trolier-McKinstry Susan , Dabo Ismaila , Maria Jon-Paul , Dickey Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2023

Ferroelectric wurtzites have the potential to revolutionize modern microelectronics because they are easily integrated with multiple mainstream semiconductor platforms. However, the electric fields required to reverse their polarization direction and unlock electronic and optical functions need substantial reduction for operational compatibility with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics. To understand this process, we observed and quantified real-time polarization switching of a representative ferroelectric wurtzite (Al
0.94
B
0.06
N) at the atomic scale with scanning transmission electron microscopy. The analysis revealed a polarization reversal model in which puckered aluminum/boron nitride rings in the wurtzite basal planes gradually flatten and adopt a transient nonpolar geometry. Independent first-principles simulations reveal the details and energetics of the reversal process through an antipolar phase. This model and local mechanistic understanding are a critical initial step for property engineering efforts in this emerging material class.
A push for mechanochemistry
Authors: Weiss Paul S.
Published: June 2023

Chemical reactions can be accelerated by directional local pressure applied to molecules
Expelled from the mountain top?
Authors: Gates Sylvester James
Published: June 2023

In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. professed, “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop…. And I’ve seen the Promised Land.” Sadly, 55 years later, the United States may have future difficult days regarding fair access to higher education for peoples of diverse demographic backgrounds. Given the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, all signs point to a decision that will make achieving racial diversity at all, especially at highly selective universities, impossible.
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Vignieri Sacha , Osborne Ian S. , Yeston Jake , Jiang Di , Suleymanov Yury , Grocholski Brent , Malo Courtney S. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Ray L. Bryan , Smith Keith T. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Smith H. Jesse , Olingy Claire
Published: June 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Biden’s pick for CDC wins praise
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: June 2023

Former North Carolina health chief Mandy Cohen is also a Washington, D.C., veteran
No trip needed for psychedelics to lift mood?
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: June 2023

LSD and psilocin molecules bind to antidepressant drug targets in the brain, study shows
C-Terminal β8-α9 Interaction Modulates Thermal Stability and Enzymatic Activity Differently in Hyperthermophilic Esterase EstE1 and Mesophilic Esterase rPPE
Authors: Nguyen Tu Anh , Jang Sei-Heon , Lee ChangWoo
Published: June 2023

Esterases hydrolyze short to medium-chain monoesters and contain a catalytic His on a loop between the C-terminal β8-strand and α9-helix. This study explores how hyperthermophilic esterase EstE1 and mesophilic esterase rPPE adapt to different temperatures by utilizing the β8-α9 hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic interactions differently.
Palmitoylation at Residue C221 of Japanese Encephalitis Virus NS2A Protein Contributes to Viral Replication Efficiency and Virulence
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Xia Qiqi , Liu Ke , Wu Zhuanchang , Li Chenxi , Xiao Changguang , Dong Nihua , Hameed Muddassar , Anwar Muhammad Naveed , Li Zongjie , Shao Donghua , Li Beibei , Qiu Yafeng , Wei Jianchao , Ma Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

An internal cleavage site is present at the C terminus of JEV NS2A. Following occurrence of the internal cleavage, the C-terminal tail (amino acids 195 to 227) is removed from the full-length NS2A.
Characterization of an Emergent Chicken H3N8 Influenza Virus in Southern China: a Potential Threat to Public Health
Authors: Chen Peiwen , Jin Ziying , Peng Liuxia , Zheng Zuoyi , Cheung Yiu-Man , Guan Jing , Chen Liming , Huang Yiteng , Fan Xiaohui , Zhang Zengfeng , Shi Dongmei , Xie Jin , Chen Rirong , Xiao Boheng , Yip Chun Hung , Smith David K. , Hong Wenshan , Liu Yongmei , Li Lifeng , Wang Jia , Holmes Edward C. , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi
Published: June 2023

A novel H3N8 virus with demonstrated zoonotic potential has emerged and disseminated in chickens in China. It was generated by reassortment between avian H3 and N8 virus(es) and long-term enzootic H9N2 viruses present in southern China.
A new tractable method for generating human alveolar macrophage-like cells
in vitro
to study lung inflammatory processes and diseases
Authors: Pahari Susanta , Arnett Eusondia , Simper Jan , Azad Abul , Guerrero-Arguero Israel , Ye Chengjin , Zhang Hao , Cai Hong , Wang Yufeng , Lai Zhao , Jarvis Natalie , Lumbreras Miranda , Maselli Diego Jose , Peters Jay , Torrelles Jordi B. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Schlesinger Larry S.
Published: June 2023

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are unique lung resident cells that contact airborne pathogens and environmental particulates. The contribution of human AMs (HAMs) to pulmonary diseases remains poorly understood due to the difficulty in accessing them from human donors and their rapid phenotypic change during
in vitro
culture. Thus, there remains an unmet need for cost-effective methods for generating and/or differentiating primary cells into a HAM phenotype, particularly important for translational and clinical studies. We developed cell culture conditions that mimic the lung alveolar environment in humans using lung lipids, that is, Infasurf (calfactant, natural bovine surfactant) and lung-associated cytokines (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, transforming growth factor-β, and interleukin 10) that facilitate the conversion of blood-obtained monocytes to an AM-like (AML) phenotype and function in tissue culture. Similar to HAM, AML cells are particularly susceptible to both
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. This study reveals the importance of alveolar space components in the development and maintenance of HAM phenotype and function and provides a readily accessible model to study HAM in infectious and inflammatory disease processes, as well as therapies and vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

Millions die annually from respiratory disorders. Lower respiratory track gas-exchanging alveoli maintain a precarious balance between fighting invaders and minimizing tissue damage. Key players herein are resident AMs. However, there are no easily accessible
in vitro
models of HAMs, presenting a huge scientific challenge. Here, we present a novel model for generating AML cells based on differentiating blood monocytes in a defined lung component cocktail. This model is non-invasive, significantly less costly than performing a bronchoalveolar lavage, yields more AML cells than HAMs per donor, and retains their phenotype in culture. We have applied this model to early studies of
M. tuberculosis
and SARS-CoV-2. This model will significantly advance respiratory biology research.
Complete Genome Sequence of Deinococcus aquaticus Type Strain PB314, a Non-Extremophile Representative of the Genus
Deinococcus
Authors: Albert Chad , Hill Jonathan , Boren Leilani , Scholz-Ng Stacy , Fatema Nahid , Grosso Ryan , Soboslay Erica , Tuohy James
Published: June 2023

Here, we present the complete genome of
Deinococcus aquaticus
PB314
T
, an aquatic mesophilic bacterium, assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing platforms. The hybrid assembly predicts 3,658 genes, located across 5 replicons with an overall G+C content of 68.82%.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Phenylobacterium
Strain NIBR 498073, Isolated from the Sediment of a Tidal Flat
Authors: Kim Gyungcheon , Park Jin Young , Kim Jin Nam , Yu Jaewoong , Kim Bongsang
Published: June 2023

We report the complete genome sequence of
Phenylobacterium
sp. strain NIBR 498073. The sample was isolated from sediment from a tidal flat in Incheon, South Korea. The whole genome consists of one circular chromosome of 4,289,989 bp, and annotation using PGAP predicted 4,160 protein coding genes, 47 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs, and 3 noncoding RNAs.
Polyether Ionophore Antibiotics Target Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates, Persister Cells, and Biofilms
Authors: Wollesen Malene , Mikkelsen Kasper , Tvilum Marie Selch , Vestergaard Martin , Wang Mikala , Meyer Rikke L. , Ingmer Hanne , Poulsen Thomas B. , Tørring Thomas
Published: June 2023

Polyether ionophores are complex natural products used in agriculture as anti-coccidiostats in poultry and as growth promoters in cattle, although their precise mechanism is not understood. They are widely regarded as antimicrobials against Gram-positive bacteria and protozoa, but fear of toxicity has so far prevented their use in humans.
Low Levels of Hive Stress Are Associated with Decreased Honey Activity and Changes to the Gut Microbiome of Resident Honey Bees
Authors: Fernandes Kenya E. , Stanfield Bridie , Frost Elizabeth A. , Shanahan Erin R. , Susantio Daniel , Dong Andrew Z. , Tran Trong D. , Cokcetin Nural N. , Carter Dee A.
Published: June 2023

Honey bees serve as pollinators for many plants and crops worldwide and produce valuable hive products such as honey and wax. Various sources of stress can disrupt honey bee colonies, affecting their health and productivity.
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structures of a Campylobacter Multidrug Efflux Pump Reveal a Novel Mechanism of Drug Recognition and Resistance
Authors: Zhang Zhemin , Lizer Nicholas , Wu Zuowei , Morgan Christopher E. , Yan Yuqi , Zhang Qijing , Yu Edward W.
Published: June 2023

Campylobacter jejuni
has emerged as one of the most problematic and highly antibiotic-resistant pathogens, worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have designated antibiotic-resistant
C. jejuni
as a serious antibiotic resistance threat in the United States.
Estragole Inhibits Growth and Aflatoxin Biosynthesis of
Aspergillus flavus
by Affecting Reactive Oxygen Species Homeostasis
Authors: Liang Liuke , Zhang Wei , Hao Jing , Wang Yanyu , Wei Shan , Zhang Shuaibing , Hu Yuansen , Lv Yangyong
Published: June 2023

Aspergillus flavus
contaminates crops and produces aflatoxins, carcinogenic secondary metabolites which pose a serious threat to agricultural production and animal and human health. Currently, control of
A. flavus
growth and mycotoxin contamination mainly relies on antimicrobial chemicals, agents with side effects such as toxic residues and the emergence of resistance.
Clinical and Bacterial Characteristics Associated with Glove and Gown Contamination by Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in the Health Care Setting
Authors: Hazen Tracy H. , Adediran Timileyin , Hitchcock Stephanie , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Pineles Lisa , Michalski Jane M. , Johnson J. Kristie , Nguyen M. Hong , Calfee David P. , Miller Loren G. , Harris Anthony D. , Rasko David A.
Published: June 2023

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKp) is a significant public health concern that has contributed to the spread of carbapenem resistance and has been linked to high morbidity and mortality. Transmission of
K. pneumoniae
among patients through interactions with shared health care personnel (HCP) has been described as a source of infection in health care settings; however, it remains unknown whether particular bacterial characteristics are associated with increased CRKp transmission.
In Vivo
Emergence of Dual Resistance to Rifampin and Levofloxacin in Osteoarticular
Cutibacterium avidum
Authors: Cunningham Scott A. , Rodriguez Christophe , Woerther Paul-Louis , Menigaux Christophe , Bauer Thomas , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Rottman Martin , Roux Anne-Laure , Gaillard Jean-Louis , Patel Robin , El Sayed Faten
Published: June 2023

In this study, we report for the first time the
in vivo
emergence of dual resistance to levofloxacin and rifampin in
C. avidum
isolated from a patient who received both antibiotics orally in the setting of a salvage debridement and implant retention of an ODRI. Aside from the molecular insights reported here, this study highlights potential limitations of the combination of oral rifampin and levofloxacin in patients undergoing these surgical procedures and the potential need to evaluate specific optimal therapy for emerging ODRI pathogens.
A Novel Two-Component Bacteriocin, Acidicin P, and Its Key Residues for Inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes by Targeting the Cell Membrane
Authors: Xia Tianqi , Teng Kunling , Liu Yayong , Guo Yaoqi , Huang Fuqing , Tahir Muhammad , Wang Tianwei , Zhong Jin
Published: June 2023

L. monocytogenes
can cause widespread food contamination and severe human listeriosis, which amount to a large proportion of the public health and economic burdens. Today,
L. monocytogenes
is usually treated with chemical compounds in the food industry or antibiotics for human listeriosis.
Sore knee – why and when to call a cardiologist
Authors: Kendall Ian Scott , McGinn Claire , Sands Andrew J
Published: June 2023

A young girl received a diagnosis of septic arthritis of the knee unresponsive to standard medical and surgical treatment. We report the patient’s clinical journey with clinical commentary throughout, underlying the importance of differential diagnosis that may open several scenarios and a different final diagnosis accordingly. Finally, we will discuss the treatment and management of the patient’s final diagnosis.
Ruling out acute coronary syndrome in primary care with a clinical decision rule and a capillary, high-sensitive troponin I point of care test: study protocol of a diagnostic RCT in the Netherlands (POB HELP)
Authors: van den Bulk Simone , Petrus Annelieke H J , Willemsen Robert T A , Boogers Mark J , Meeder Joan G , Rahel Braim M , van den Akker-van Marle M Elske , Numans Mattijs E , Dinant Geert-Jan , Bonten Tobias N
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Chest pain is a common reason for consultation in primary care. To rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS), general practitioners (GP) refer 40%–70% of patients with chest pain to the emergency department (ED). Only 10%–20% of those referred, are diagnosed with ACS. A clinical decision rule, including a high-sensitive cardiac troponin-I point-of-care test (hs-cTnI-POCT), may safely rule out ACS in primary care. Being able to safely rule out ACS at the GP level reduces referrals and thereby alleviates the burden on the ED. Moreover, prompt feedback to the patients may reduce anxiety and stress.

Methods and analysis

The POB HELP study is a clustered randomised controlled diagnostic trial investigating the (cost-)effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of a primary care decision rule for acute chest pain, consisting of the Marburg Heart Score combined with a hs-cTnI-POCT (limit of detection 1.6 ng/L, 99th percentile 23 ng/L, cut-off value between negative and positive used in this study 3.8 ng/L). General practices are 2:1 randomised to the intervention group (clinical decision rule) or control group (regular care). In total 1500 patients with acute chest pain are planned to be included by GPs in three regions in The Netherlands. Primary endpoints are the number of hospital referrals and the diagnostic accuracy of the decision rule 24 hours, 6 weeks and 6 months after inclusion.

Ethics and dissemination

The medical ethics committee Leiden-Den Haag-Delft (the Netherlands) has approved this trial. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participating patients. The results of this trial will be disseminated in one main paper and additional papers on secondary endpoints and subgroup analyses.

Trial registration numbers

NL9525 andNCT05827237.
Development of a cobalt (II) and 1,10-phenanthroline carboxaldehyde-based fluorescent probe for the detection of cysteine
Authors: Zhang Haoshun , Lan Peiyu , Yang Qinnan , Li Ciling , Zhao Liting , Kang Xinhuang , Li Yubin
Published: June 2023

Effective cysteine (Cys) detection is extremely important for early disease monitoring and diagnosis. In this study, a fluorescent probe (PHO) comprising 1,10-phenanthroline carboxaldehyde as the ligand and cobalt as the central ion was synthesized to detect Cys. The synthesized PHO exhibited enhanced fluorescence at 603 nm in the presence of Cys in HEPES buffer. Furthermore, the probe detected Cys concentrations as low as 0.6 μmol/L, demonstrating high sensitivity. Additionally, a strong linear relationship was established between the Cys concentration and normalized intensity of fluorescence. Importantly, the high selectivity was retained even in the presence of other interfering compounds. Consequently, this method can serve as a novel approach for detecting Cys in physiological systems.
High salt-induced morphological and glycocalyx remodeling of human vascular smooth muscle cells is reversible but induces a high sodium salt-like sensitive memory
Authors: Simon Yanick , Jacques Danielle , Bkaily Ghassan
Published: June 2023

Our recent work showed that short-term treatment (1–2 days) with high sodium salt had no effect on the morphology of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). However, chronic (long-term treatment, 6–16 days) high sodium salt (CHSS) induced hypertrophy and decreased the relative density of the glycocalyx in hVSMCs. Whether this CHSS effect is reversible at both the morphological and the intracellular calcium and sodium levels is unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of CHSS on the morphological and functional levels of hVSMCs is reversible. However, it induced an irreversible increase in the sensitivity of the cells following short-term treatment with high extracellular Na+. We tested the effects of the removal of CHSS treatment on the morphology and intracellular sodium and calcium of hVSMCs. Our results showed that restoring average sodium concentration (145 mM) modeled back the relative density of the glycocalyx, the intracellular resting calcium and sodium levels, and the whole cell and nuclear volumes of hVSMCs. In addition, it induced a permanent remodeling of hVSMCs’ response to a short-term increase in the extracellular level of sodium salt by developing spontaneous cytosolic and nuclear calcium waves. Our results showed that CHSS is reversible at both the morphological and basal intracellular ionic levels. However, it maintained a high sensitivity to short-term elevation of extracellular sodium. These results suggest that even if chronic high salt is corrected, it induces a high sodium salt-like sensitive memory.
Monopoles, vortices and their correlations in SU(3) gauge group
Authors: Karimimanesh N. , Deldar S. , Asmaee Z.
Published: June 2023

Topological defects such as monopoles, vortices and “chains” of the SU(3) gauge group are studied using its SU(2) subgroups. Two appropriate successive gauge transformations are applied to the subgroups to identify the chains of monopoles and vortices. Using the fact that the defects of the subgroups are not independent, the SU(3) defects and the Lagrangian are studied and compared with the Cho decomposition method obtained for monopoles. By comparing the results with the ones which are obtained directly for the SU(3) gauge group, the relations and the possible interactions between the defects of the subgroups are discussed.
Combined Excitation and System Parameter Identification of Dynamic Systems by an Inverse Meta-Model
Authors: Son Young Kap , Savage Gordon J.
Published: June 2023

In the inverse problem, it is common that either the corresponding component parameters or the corresponding input signals are obtained for a given output or response. Most model-based solutions to the inverse problem involve optimization using the so-called forward model. The forward model typically comprises the mechanistic model in some form. Most commonly, inverse problems are formulated in a static setting where a wealth of theoretical results and numerical methods are available. However, there are many important dynamic applications wherein time-dependent information needs to be discerned from time-dependent data. Recently, data-based approaches, or model-free methods, have been invoked whereby feature extraction methods such as Support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are used. Herein we develop an inverse solution for dynamic systems through easy-to-understand least-squares meta-model mathematics. The input and output training data are interchanged, so that a mixed input comprising both component parameters and discrete-time excitations can be found for a given discrete-time output. Single-value decomposition (SVD) makes any matrix inversion tractable. The inverse meta-model is compared to the optimization method and ANN using mechanistic models for fidelity, and is shown to have better accuracy and much increased speed.
Expansin gene family database: A comprehensive bioinformatics resource for plant expansin multigene family
Authors: Kök Büşra Özkan , Celik Altunoglu Yasemin , Öncül Ali Burak , Karaci Abdulkadir , Cengiz Baloglu Mehmet
Published: June 2023

Expansins, which are plant cell wall loosening proteins associated with cell growth, have been identified as a multigene family. Plant expansin proteins are an important family that functions in cell growth and many of developmental processes including wall relaxation, fruit softening, abscission, seed germination, mycorrhiza and root nodule formation, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, invasion of pollen tube stigma and organogenesis. In addition, it is thought that increasing the efficiency of plant expansin genes in plants plays a significant role, especially in the production of secondary bioethanol. When the studies on the expansin genes are examined, it is seen that the expansin genes are a significant gene family in the cell wall expansion mechanism. Therefore, understanding the efficacy of expansin genes is of great importance. Considering the importance of this multigene family, we aimed to create a comprehensively informed database of plant expansin proteins and their properties. The expansin gene family database provides comprehensive online data for the expansin gene family members in the plants. We have designed a new website accessible to the public, including expansin gene family members in 70 plants and their features including gene, coding and peptide sequences, chromosomal location, amino acid length, molecular weight, stability, conserved motif and domain structure and predicted three-dimensional architecture. Furthermore, a deep learning system was developed to detect unknown genes belonging to the expansin gene family. In addition, we provided the blast process within the website by establishing a connection to the NCBI BLAST site in the tools section. Thus, the expansin gene family database becomes a useful database for researchers that enables access to all datasets simultaneously with its user-friendly interface. Our server can be reached freely at the following link ( http://www.expansingenefamily.com/ ).
Generalization of compressible fluid equations in terms of complexified octonions
Authors: Demir Süleyman , Tanışlı Murat , Kansu Mustafa Emre
Published: June 2023

Using the attractive properties of octonion algebra, an alternative formulation has been proposed for the Maxwell-type equations of compressible fluids. Although the origins of electromagnetic theory and fluid mechanics are completely different, a series of suitable and elegant 8-dimensional equations have been derived in a form similar to electromagnetic, gravitational counterparts previously given in relevant literature. Moreover, the corresponding matrix representations of derived expressions have also been presented after describing the connections between the algebraic properties of Cayley–Dickson octonions and some pseudo-real matrices.
Propagation dynamics of a reaction–diffusion two-group SIR epidemic model with constant recruitment
Authors: Zhao Lin , Han Bang-Sheng
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we focus on asymptotic speeds of spread for a reaction–diffusion two-group SIR epidemic model with constant recruitment, which lacks the comparison principle. More precisely, if [Formula: see text], then the solution of the system converges to the disease-free equilibrium as [Formula: see text] and if [Formula: see text], there exists a critical speed [Formula: see text] such that the solution of the system is uniformly persistent with [Formula: see text] and the infection dies out with [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented to modeling the propagation dynamics of the system.