bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of endoscopic versus medical management of peptic ulcers with adherent clots
Authors: Tassone Daniel , Kazi Shamsul , Lee Tanya , Gilmore Robert , Ding Nik
Published: May 2024

Peptic ulcer disease is an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Current guidelines recommend endoscopic treatment for ulcers with active bleeding or non‐bleeding visible vessels, but the optimal management of ulcers with adherent clots is unclear. We performed a systematic review of the efficacy of endoscopic versus medical management of peptic ulcers with adherent clots. A systematic literature search was performed through September 2022 (MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of endoscopic versus medical management alone for peptic ulcers with adherent clots on the outcome of recurrent bleeding were incuded. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the overall treatment effect. We included seven RCTs reporting on the endoscopic versus medical management of peptic ulcers with adherent clots. The pooled cohort comprised 268 patients with a mean age of 62.8 years and a mean follow up of 20 days. There was a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent bleeding with endoscopic hemostatic treatment for peptic ulcers with adherent clots, compared with medical management alone (risk ratio [RR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–0.95, 268 participants). However, there was no difference in mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.23–3.59, 52 participants) or need for ulcer surgery (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.10–2.28, 52 participants) between endoscopic and medical management groups. In summary, there was evidence for a reduction in recurrent bleeding from peptic ulcers with adherent clots treated with endoscopic hemostatic techniques compared with medical management alone but no difference in rates of mortality or need for surgery.
Exit wave reconstruction of a focal series of images with structural changes in high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Chen Shaowen , Wang Shuya , Huang Ying , Jin Chuanhong , Lin Fang
Published: May 2024

High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images can capture the atomic‐resolution details of the dynamically changing structure of nanomaterials. Here, we propose a new scheme and an improved reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct the exit wave function for each image in a focal series of HRTEM images to reveal structural changes. In this scheme, the wave reconstructed from the focal series of images is treated as the initial wave in the reconstruction process for each HRTEM image. Additionally, to suppress noise at the frequencies where the signal is weak due to the modulation of the lens transfer function, a weight factor is introduced in the improved reconstruction algorithm. The advantages of the new scheme and algorithms are validated by using the HRTEM images of a natural specimen and a single‐layer molybdenum disulphide. This algorithm enables image resolution enhancement and lens aberration removal, while potentially allowing the visualisation of the structural evolution of nanostructures.
Seeds of empire or seeds of friendship? The politics of the diffusion of Chinese cotton seeds in Tajikistan
Authors: Hofman Irna
Published: May 2024

China's nascent role in the global agrifood regime manifests itself in varied ways across the world, including in the rising spread of Chinese agricultural inputs in foreign markets. This article examines the character and dynamics of a Chinese seed company in Tajikistan, a country in which China's influence has grown substantially since the early 2010s. Focussing on Tajikistan's politicized cotton sector, I analyse the multiscalar and multiactor processes involved in the promotion of Chinese cotton seed and illuminate that Chinese seed breeders strategically tapped into Chinese state funds for their commercial seed business. However, Tajik actors as well as socio‐economic, technical, and political factors have played a crucial role in mediating the Chinese presence and the commodification of seed. I contend that Tajik farmers' seed selection is not significantly influenced by, what could be called, grand politics. Furthermore, I demonstrate that, while the Chinese state plays a central role in the globalization of seed companies, the materialization of state capital has been shaped by private actors, who operate according to capitalist rationality.
Extensive scintigraphic gastric motor function testing with concurrent symptom recording predicts prospectively measured daily dyspeptic symptoms
Authors: Wang Xiao Jing , O'Connor Michael , Peck Taylor , Johnston Geoffrey , Prichard David O.
Published: May 2024

Background

Absent “organic” disease, dyspeptic symptoms may arise from abnormal gastric sensation, accommodation, motility or emptying (GE). Extensive gastric sensorimotor evaluation is rarely undertaken because testing is prolonged, invasive, poorly tolerated or unavailable.

Aims

To investigate whether gastric antral motor function, evaluated with scintigraphy, predicts GE. To explore whether motor testing with symptom recording predicts day‐to‐day symptoms in patients with dyspepsia.

Methods

GE was determined using a scintigraphic solid‐meal protocol (296 kcal, 35% fat). Antral motility was estimated from 10 min of scintigraphic time‐activity curves acquired 40 min after meal consumption. An antral motility index (MI) was derived from contraction amplitude and frequency. Intra‐gastric distribution of the meal on scintograms at 1 h (IGD1) was determined. Meal‐induced symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire. Patients completed the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index Daily Diary (GCSI‐DD) for 14 days.

Results

Twelve healthy participants and 23 prospectively recruited patients completed the study. Nine patients had delayed, and 2 had rapid, GE. In univariate analysis MI explained 42% of GE half‐time. In multivariate analysis MI and GE half‐time explained 25% of the variance in meal‐induced symptoms. While scintigraphic evaluation of gastric motor function with symptom recording explained 80% of the variance in the GCSI‐DD, meal‐induced symptoms were the only significant predictor. However, among patients with delayed GE, MI, GE half‐time, IGD1, and meal‐induced symptoms all significantly predicted GCSI‐DD.

Conclusions

Antral motility predicts GE. In exploratory analyses, only meal‐induced symptoms predicted daily symptoms among patients with dyspepsia. However, motor function also predicted symptoms in patients with delayed GE.
Impact of protraction or orthognathic surgery for class III malocclusion on longitudinal quality of life in patients with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Gu Bocheng , Johns Alexis L. , Binhuwaishel Lamia , Dass Amarjit , Sheller Barbara , Kapadia Hitesh P. , Yen Stephen L‐K.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study assessed overall quality of life (QoL) over time in youth with cleft lip and palate (CLP) undergoing maxillary protraction treatment or orthognathic surgery for class III malocclusion to identify any differences in QoL based on treatment group and outcome success.

Materials and Methods

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted in two pediatric hospitals. The Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) measured physical and mental QoL prior to treatment, at maximal correction, at treatment completion, and at 1‐year post treatment. Analyses included one‐sample, two‐sample, and paired t‐tests and analyses of variance and covariance.

Results

Participants (N = 91) either completed protraction (n = 53) at age 11–14 or surgery (n = 38) at age 16–21. Participants were mostly Latinx (67%) males (55%) born with unilateral CLP (81%) and there were no demographic differences between the two groups other than age. The total sample's QoL was in the average range and significantly higher than national norms. No significant differences were found in QoL‐based outcome success; however, the protraction group showed a gradual physical QoL improvement over time, while the surgery group experienced a temporary drop in physical QoL postoperatively. At treatment completion, higher physical QoL was associated with higher socioeconomic status. At a year post treatment, mental QoL was significantly higher for males.

Conclusion

Both protraction and surgery appear to be acceptable treatment options in terms of overall QoL for youth with CLP. While treatment success did not impact QoL, there were some differences in physical QoL coinciding with the treatment phase as well as individual factors.
NLRP3 inflammasome activity and periodontal disease pathogenesis–A bidirectional relationship
Authors: Didilescu Andreea C. , Chinthamani Sreedevi , Scannapieco Frank A. , Sharma Ashu
Published: May 2024

Objective

Periodontitis is an inflammatory oral disease that occurs as a result of the damaging effects of the immune response against the subgingival microflora. Among the mechanisms involved, the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat‐containing proteins family member NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3), proposed as the key regulator of macrophage‐induced inflammation, is strongly associated with periodontal disease due to the bacterial activators. This paper aimed to present key general concepts of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation in periodontal disease.

Method

A narrative review was conducted in order to depict the current knowledge on the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome activity and periodontal disease. In vitro and in situ studies were retrieved and commented based on their relevance in the field.

Results

The NLRP3 inflammasome activity stimulated by periodontal microbiota drive periodontal disease pathogenesis and progression. This occurs through the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐18, and DAMPs (damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules) following inflammasome activation. Moreover, the tissue expression of NLRP3 is dysregulated by oral microbiota, further exacerbating periodontal inflammation.

Conclusion

The review provides new insights into the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome activity and periodontal disease pathogenesis, highlighting the roles and regulatory mechanism of inflammatory molecules involved in the disease process.
Personal persistence
Authors: Baber H. E.
Published: May 2024

According to perdurantist accounts of persistence, transtemporal aggregates of stages, ‘worms’, are ‘the referents of ordinary terms, members of ordinary domains of quantification, subjects of ordinary predications, and so on…on the stage view…it is instantaneous stages rather than worms that play this role’. I argue the stage theory should be preferred as an account of personal persistence. I consider the way in which four‐dimensionalist accounts of personal persistence are organized and the conditions which, arguably, any plausible account of personal persistence should satisfy. I sketch a semantics for the stage theory which yields a stage‐theoretical account of personal persistence that satisfies these conditions. I argue that standard purdurantist accounts do not. I conclude that standard purdurantist accounts fail because, while persons view themselves and their worlds from the time‐bound first‐person perspective of stages, purdurantist accounts privilege the atemporal view of persons as four‐dimensional aggregates of stages or ‘worms’. Perdurantist accounts produce counterintuitive results in fission cases because there is a discrepancy between a person's time‐bound first‐person perspective and the purdurantist view from nowhen.
Attitudes towards surgical safety checklists among American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates
Authors: Hawker William T. G. , Singh Ameet , DeForge Teagan , Mankin Kelley Thieman , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Weese J. Scott
Published: May 2024

Objective

To examine attitudes towards surgical safety checklists (SSCs) among American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to identify barriers to implementation.

Study design

Qualitative online research survey.

Sample population

A total of 1282 current ACVS diplomates.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed to current ACVS diplomates via email. ACVS diplomates were identified using publicly available data through the ACVS website. A total of 1282 surveys were electronically distributed, and respondents were given 4 weeks to respond. The survey consisted of 34 questions examining (1) demographic information, (2) current use of SSCs, (3) knowledge and attitudes towards SSCs, (4) perceived advantages and disadvantages to use of SSCs, (5) implementation strategies, and (6) potential reasons for noncompletion of SSCs.

Results

Survey response rate was 20% (257/1282). A total of 169 of 249 (67.9%) respondents indicated using SSCs. Respondents generally agreed that SSCs were proven to reduce surgical complications (196/249 [78.7%]) and did not perceive any disadvantages to use (100/138 [75.2%]). Respondents not using SSCs were more likely to perceive them as a waste of time (p < .001). The most common reasons for noncompletion of SSCs were forgetfulness (21/52 [39.6%]) and time constraints (19/52 [36.5%]). Improved training (72/138 [52.2%]) and modifying the SSC based on staff feedback (69/138 [50%]) were suggested as methods to improve SSC uptake.

Conclusion

Respondents currently using SSCs were generally satisfied. Time constraints and memory related issues were common causes for noncompletion of SSCs.

Clinical significance

Efforts to expand the implementation of SSCs in veterinary surgery should focus on improved engagement of relevant stakeholders and modification of the SSC to suit local conditions.
Ontology-based Negative Selection Algorithm For Pairwise Testing
Authors: Mohamed Hatta Arif Masyhur , Mohamad Radziah
Published: May 2024

Pairwise testing is one of the most widely used methods for testing combinations of parameters in software applications. The semantic relationships between parameters may not be taken into consideration by traditional pairwise testing methods, which may result in missing important test cases. It is the objective of this study to evaluate the possibility of improving software testing by combining combinatorial testing algorithms. The proposed technique uses the negative selection algorithm (NSA) approach to change detection and classify the problem domains. To reduce the number of test cases, the researcher combines the model developed using the ontology method for the semantic web with the NSA. In contrast, previous research used a variety of different types of model types when generating test cases. This method proposal proved effective in reducing the testing problem.
Design of Three-Dimensional-Printed Compression Ring for Enhanced Wound Healing of Colorectal Anastomosis to Minimize Dehiscence and Leakage Post Colectomy
Authors: Phowarasoontorn Parima , Rajakaruna SojaThilini , Nisha Aliha , Holter Jesper , Al-Ketan Oraib , Vega Carlos Abril , Barajas-Gamboa Juan S. , Al-Bahri Shadi , Ramadi Khalil B.
Published: May 2024

Bowel resection surgery, also known as colectomy, is a primary therapeutic intervention where a neoplastic or cancerous segment of the bowel is removed and an anastomosis constructed to reestablish intestinal continuity. Several techniques can be used to create the anastomosis, including mechanical staplers or manual sutures. A potentially life-threatening complication in colon anastomosis is dehiscence and leakage. Various contributing factors can hinder the formation of anastomosis, including technical failure (human error, staple malfunction), inflammation caused by foreign body response (sutures and staples), collagenolytic bacteria, and patient comorbidities (chemotherapy, old age, and obesity). Here, we report a three-dimensional (3D)-printed compression ring with electrical stimulation (ES) functionality to improve wound healing and anastomotic closure. The device consists of a one-way locking mechanism for initial deployment, an elastic band tightening mechanism to secure seal as tissue heals, and electrodes for electrical stimulation to enhance wound healing. The compression ring was assembled with 83.4±3.9 N of force and delivers 147.5±8.8 kPa of pressure to tissue, effectively restricting blood flow to the clamped tissue. This helps to create the anastomosis between remaining tissue on either side. Our design facilitates manual assembly without necessitating an additional delivery device. Electrical impedance analysis confirmed adequate tissue–electrode contact. We tested this device with ex vivo ovine intestinal tissue and confirmed that the compression ring was able to withstand up to 2.0±0.4 kPa intraluminal pressure immediately following installation. By combining mechanical strength and electrical stimulation, this device could potentially improve wound healing, anastomotic closure, and minimize the risk of leaks.
Patterns of infestations of Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidae) on Rhinella ornata (Amphibia, Bufonidae) in two environments with different degrees of conservation in Southeast Brazil

Authors: Luz Hermes Ribeiro , Silva Ruth Myrian de Moraes e Silva , Landulfo Gabriel Alves Landulfo , Silva Helio Ribardo da , Faccini João Luiz Horacio
Published: May 2024

N/A
ToF-SIMS spectra of historical inorganic pigments: Natural and synthetic ultramarine blues and smalt in both polarities
Authors: Bouvier Caroline , Van Nuffel Sebastiaan , Brunelle Alain
Published: May 2024

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is increasingly used to analyze cultural heritage materials because it can simultaneously detect organic and inorganic materials while mapping them on a surface. The precise identification of a pigment in a specific layer of a painting or of remaining color on a statue can inform about the technique used or the time of manufacture as well as expose possible forgeries when anachronistic ingredients are identified. Reference spectra are required to confidently identify a given pigment using ToF-SIMS. This paper focuses on four blue pigments manufactured following historical recipes: two natural ground and processed lapis lazuli pigments, one synthetic ultramarine pigment, and the blue-colored ground cobalt glass pigment smalt. The positive and negative polarity ToF-SIMS reference spectra using a Bi3+ primary ion species are presented. Differentiating these family of pigments is of interest as they have similar compositions but are used in very different contexts. It is particularly noteworthy that the two natural lapis lazuli pigments can be distinguished from the synthetic counterpart ultramarine using ToF-SIMS.
Hot spring oases in the periglacial desert as the Last Glacial Maximum refugia for temperate trees in Central Europe
Authors: Hošek Jan , Pokorný Petr , Storch David , Kvaček Jiří , Havig Jeff , Novák Jan , Hájková Petra , Jamrichová Eva , Brengman Latisha , Radoměřský Tomáš , Křížek Marek , Magna Tomáš , Rapprich Vladislav , Laufek František , Hamilton Trinity , Pack Andreas , Di Rocco Tommaso , Horáček Ivan
Published: May 2024

Northern glacial refugia are a hotly debated concept. The idea that many temperate organisms survived the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~26.5 to 19 thousand years) in several sites across central and northern Europe stems from phylogeographic analyses, yet direct fossil evidence has thus far been missing. Here, we present the first unequivocal proof that thermophilous trees such as oak (
Quercus
), linden (
Tilia
), and common ash (
Fraxinus excelsior
) survived the LGM in Central Europe. The persistence of the refugium was promoted by a steady influx of hydrothermal waters that locally maintained a humid and warm microclimate. We reconstructed the geological and palaeohydrological factors responsible for the emergence of hot springs during the LGM and argue that refugia of this type, allowing the long-term survival and rapid post-LGM dispersal of temperate elements, were not exceptional in the European periglacial zone.
From
mec
cassette to
rdhA
: a key
Dehalobacter
genomic neighborhood in a chloroform and dichloromethane–transforming microbial consortium
Authors: Bulka Olivia , Picott Katherine , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2024

Chloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are groundwater contaminants of concern due to their high toxicity and inhibition of important biogeochemical processes such as methanogenesis. Anaerobic biotransformation of CF and DCM has been well documented but typically independently of one another. CF is the electron acceptor for certain organohalide-respiring bacteria that use reductive dehalogenases (RDases) to dechlorinate CF to DCM. In contrast, known DCM degraders use DCM as their electron donor, which is oxidized using a series of methyltransferases and associated proteins encoded by the
mec
cassette to facilitate the entry of DCM to the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. The SC05 culture is an enrichment culture sold commercially for bioaugmentation, which transforms CF via DCM to CO
2
. This culture has the unique ability to dechlorinate CF to DCM using electron equivalents provided by the oxidation of DCM to CO
2
. Here, we use metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses to identify the functional genes involved in each of these transformations. Though 91 metagenome-assembled genomes were assembled, the genes for an RDase—named
acdA
—and a complete
mec
cassette were found to be encoded on a single contig belonging to
Dehalobacter
. AcdA and critical Mec proteins were also highly expressed by the culture. Heterologously expressed AcdA dechlorinated CF and other chloroalkanes but had 100-fold lower activity on DCM. Overall, the high expression of Mec proteins and the activity of AcdA suggest a
Dehalobacter
capable of dechlorination of CF to DCM and subsequent mineralization of DCM using the
mec
cassette.

IMPORTANCE

Chloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are regulated groundwater contaminants. A cost-effective approach to remove these pollutants from contaminated groundwater is to employ microbes that transform CF and DCM as part of their metabolism, thus depleting the contamination as the microbes continue to grow. In this work, we investigate bioaugmentation culture SC05, a mixed microbial consortium that effectively and simultaneously degrades both CF and DCM coupled to the growth of
Dehalobacter
. We identified the functional genes responsible for the transformation of CF and DCM in SC05. These genetic biomarkers provide a means to monitor the remediation process in the field.
Human coronavirus OC43 infection remodels connexin 43-mediated gap junction intercellular communication
in vitro
Authors: Karmakar Souvik , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: May 2024

β-coronaviruses cause acute infection in the upper respiratory tract, resulting in various symptoms and clinical manifestations. OC43 is a human β-coronavirus that induces mild clinical symptoms and can be safely studied in the BSL2 laboratory. Due to its low risk, OC43 can be a valuable and accessible model for understanding β-coronavirus pathogenesis. One potential target for limiting virus infectivity could be gap junction-mediated communication. This study aims to unveil the status of cell-to-cell communications through gap junctions in human β-coronavirus infection. Infection with OC43 leads to reduced expression of Cx43 in A549, a lung epithelial carcinoma cell line. Infection with this virus also shows a significant ER and oxidative stress increase. Internal localization of Cx43 is observed post-OC43 infection in the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) region, which impairs the gap junction communication between two adjacent cells, confirmed by Lucifer yellow dye transfer assay. It also affects hemichannel formation, as depicted by the EtBr uptake assay. Impairment of Cx43 trafficking and the ability to form hemichannels and functional GJIC are hampered by virus-induced Golgi apparatus disruption. Altogether, these results suggest that several physiological changes accompany OC43 infection in A549 cells and can be considered an appropriate model system for understanding the differences in gap junction communication post-viral infections. This model system can provide valuable insights for developing therapies against human β-coronavirus infections.

IMPORTANCE

The enduring impact of the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscores the importance of studying human β-coronaviruses, advancing our preparedness for future coronavirus infections. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious, another human β-coronavirus OC43 can be considered an experimental model. One of the crucial pathways that can be considered is gap junction communication, as it is vital for cellular homeostasis. Our study seeks to understand the changes in Cx43-mediated cell-to-cell communication during human β-coronavirus OC43 infection.
In vitro
studies showed downregulation of the gap junction protein Cx43 and upregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress markers post-OC43 infection. Furthermore, HCoV–OC43 infection causes reduced Cx43 trafficking, causing impairment of functional hemichannel and GJIC formation by virus-mediated Golgi apparatus disruption. Overall, this study infers that OC43 infection reshapes intercellular communication, suggesting that this pathway may be a promising target for designing highly effective therapeutics against human coronaviruses by regulating Cx43 expression.
Identification of a novel neurovirulence factor encoded by the cryptic orphan gene UL31.6 of herpes simplex virus 1
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Iwasaki Ryoji , Takeshima Kousuke , Maruzuru Yuhei , Koyanagi Naoto , Natsume Tohru , Kusano Hideo , Adachi Shungo , Kawano Shuichi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: May 2024

Although the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome was thought to contain approximately 80 different protein coding sequences (CDSs), recent multi-omics analyses reported HSV-1 encodes more than 200 potential CDSs. However, few of the newly identified CDSs were confirmed to be expressed at the peptide or protein level in HSV-1-infected cells. Furthermore, the impact of the proteins they encode on HSV-1 infection is largely unknown. This study focused on a newly identified CDS, UL31.6. Re-analyzation of our previous chemical proteomics data verified that UL31.6 was expressed at the peptide level in HSV-1-infected cells. Antisera raised against a viral protein encoded by UL31.6 (pUL31.6) reacted with a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 37  kDa in lysates of Vero cells infected with each of three HSV-1 strains. pUL31.6 was efficiently dissociated from virions in high-salt solution. A UL31.6-null mutation had a minimal effect on HSV-1 gene expression, replication, cell-to-cell spread, and morphogenesis in Vero cells; in contrast, it significantly reduced HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread in three neural cells but not in four non-neural cells including Vero cells. The UL31.6-null mutation also significantly reduced the mortality and viral replication in the brains of mice after intracranial infection, but had minimal effects on pathogenic manifestations in and around the eyes, and viral replication detected in the tear films of mice after ocular infection. These results indicated that pUL31.6 was a tegument protein and specifically acted as a neurovirulence factor by potentially promoting viral transmission between neuronal cells in the central nervous system.

IMPORTANCE

Recent multi-omics analyses reported the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome encodes an additional number of potential coding sequences (CDSs). However, the expressions of these CDSs at the peptide or protein levels and the biological effects of these CDSs on HSV-1 infection remain largely unknown. This study annotated a cryptic orphan CDS, termed UL31.6, an HSV-1 gene that encodes a tegument protein with an approximate molecular mass of 37  kDa, which specifically acts as a neurovirulence factor. Our study indicates that HSV-1 proteins important for viral pathogenesis remain to be identified and a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of HSV-1 will require not only the identification of cryptic orphan CDSs using emerging technologies but also step-by-step and in-depth analyses of each of the cryptic orphan CDSs.
Capsule-deficient group A
Streptococcus
evades autophagy-mediated killing in macrophages
Authors: Shi Yong-An , Lu Shiou-Ling , Noda Takeshi , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Chiang-Ni Chuan
Published: May 2024

The hyaluronic acid capsule is crucial in protecting group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) against phagocytic killing. However, there have been reported outbreaks caused by capsule-deficient GAS strains, and the mechanisms underlying their evasion of immune clearance remain unclear. This study demonstrated that the capsule-deficient mutant [Cap(−)] of the
emm1
strain increased survival within phagocytic cells compared to the wild-type strain [Cap(+)]. Although both Cap(+) and Cap(–) strains exhibited similar abilities to disrupt the phagosome, only the Cap(+) strain was colocalized with lysosomes and acidified compartments in phagocytic cells, indicating its susceptibility to autophagosome elimination. In contrast, the Cap(–) mutant evaded the recognition of galectin-8 and ubiquitin, impairing selective autophagy-mediated elimination. These findings suggest that a deficiency in the capsule could impair the intracellular elimination of GAS in macrophages, revealing previously unknown aspects of the host’s recognition of the GAS capsule in macrophages.

IMPORTANCE

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes diseases ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe necrotizing fasciitis. Phagocytic cells serve as the primary defense against bacterial infections, exhibiting remarkable efficiency in eliminating intracellular pathogens. The hyaluronic acid capsule is a critical virulence factor that contributes to the resistance of phagocytosis in GAS. Nevertheless, the outbreaks caused by GAS strains that lack the hyaluronic acid capsule have been reported, and the selective advantage of capsule-deficient strains during infection is not fully understood. This study showed that the autophagic adaptor proteins recognize the capsulated GAS strain but not the capsule-deficient mutant, indicating that the hyaluronic acid capsule could be the autophagic target in macrophages. These findings imply that the hyaluronic acid capsule of GAS actually enhances its elimination within phagocytic cells, subverting the understanding of the capsule in GAS pathogenesis.
Crystal Structure and Toxicity of the Polymorphic Modifications of the Rodenticide Difenacin
Authors: Kochetov A. N. , Nosikova L. A. , Kudryashova Z. A. , Chernyshev V. V. , Tafeenko V. A. , Dunaev S. F. , Tsivadze A. Yu.
Published: May 2024

Two new polymorphic forms (I and II) of 2-(diphenylacetyl)indanedione-1,3 (C23H16O3, difenacin, DF) were obtained by original methods. The crystal structures of the polymorphic forms, solved by X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, were compared with those of the known modification III. The structure of the latter was re-determined and studied at a low temperature. The crystal parameters of the polymorphic forms of DF are: (I) Pna21: a = 8.549(2) Å, b = 35.323(7) Å, and c = 5.803(1) Å; Z = 4; (II) P21/c: a = 25.856(1) Å, b = 12.363(1) Å, and c = 16.081(1) Å; β = 94.00(1)°; Z = 12; (III) P21/n: a = 10.365(2) Å, b = 12.239(2) Å, and c = 13.227(2) Å; β = 95.83(1)°; Z = 4. For samples I and II, the recording was performed at room temperature; for III, at 173 K. The number of independent molecules in the polymorphs was found to be different: one molecule in I and III, and three in II. In difenacin crystals, the conformation of neutral C23H16O3 molecules is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding, with the enol proton localized near the oxygen atom of the keto group of the acyl fragment. The crystal packings contain various sets of C–H···O contacts and intermolecular π–π stacking interactions of indanedionate fragments, with interplanar distances varying from 3.50 to 3.65 Å. The C23H16O3 molecule does not contain a chiral center, but the phenyl groups in the acyl substituent in the crystals are nonequivalent, which should lead to optical activity (stereoisomers in equal amounts). The polymorphic forms proved equally efficient in the same dosage of 2.28 mg/kg for white rats.
Severity of acute phase reaction in children receiving the first dose of zoledronic acid and the impact of the underlying condition: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nayak Sapna , Rayner Lauren , Mughal Zulf , McKinney Georgia , Mason Avril , Wong Sze Choong , Padidela Raja , Chinoy Amish
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Zoledronic acid (ZA), used for treatment of children with osteoporosis, can cause acute phase reaction (APR) following the first infusion. Many institutions have a policy to admit and monitor all children for their first ZA infusion.

Objective

To determine if the APR with the first ZA dose warrants hospital-level care and evaluate if its severity correlates with the underlying condition.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Settings

Two tertiary centres across the UK that run paediatric metabolic bone disease services.

Patients

Children who received first ZA infusion as inpatients at these centres.

Interventions

Nil.

Main outcome measures

The Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) and length of hospital stay to assess the severity of APR.

Results

107 patients were included. Peak PEWS≤3 was found in 85% of children. 83% required admission for <24 hours. The various patient populations (osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), immobility-induced osteoporosis, idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, systemic inflammatory disorders and steroid-induced osteoporosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)) did not differ significantly in the mean peak PEWS and the length of hospital stay. However, when compared directly, the group with DMD and that with systemic inflammatory disorders and steroid-induced osteoporosis differed significantly in the mean peak PEWS (p=0.011) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.048), respectively, as compared with the OI group.

Conclusion

Most patients had a mild APR not requiring overnight hospital admission, after their first ZA dose. However, certain groups seem to suffer more severe APR and may warrant consideration of inpatient monitoring with the first infusion.
Training of pathologists in countries belonging to the European Economic Community.
Authors: Rinsler M G
Published: May 2024

The regulations and procedures for the training and assessment of pathologists engaged in morbid anatomy and histology, medical microbiology, haematology, and clinical chemistry in the countries of the European Economic Community are reviewed. Differences in the terminology used in the description of pathological disciplines are noted. Suggestions are made by which harmonisation of training, which is an EEC objective, could be achieved.
Early adopters of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections in a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Chan Philip A , Malyuta Yelena , Parent Hannah , Tao Jun , Erbe Maximillian , Salhaney Peter , Maynard Michaela , DeWitt William , Reisopoulos Antonio , Nunn Amy
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) is a novel prevention approach which has demonstrated efficacy in preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) including people who are living with HIV and those on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We evaluated patient knowledge and interest in DoxyPEP, as well as early adopters of its use.

Methods

In 2023, patients presenting for HIV and STI services at a primary care and sexual health clinic were asked about DoxyPEP knowledge, interest and use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate demographics and behaviours associated with these outcomes.

Results

A total of n=421 people presented for care. Of these, 314 were MSM/TGW. Fifteen percent were Black/African-American, and 21% were Hispanic/Latino. A total of 50% of MSM/TGW had heard of DoxyPEP, 49% were interested and 18% reported prior DoxyPEP use. Having a history of STI infection ever (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.95, 95% CI 2.69 to 13.13) and in the past 12 months (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.56 to 5.72) were both associated with DoxyPEP use. Individuals who had ever used HIV PrEP had nearly three times the odds of ever taking DoxyPEP (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.56 to 5.30). There was no association between the use of DoxyPEP and race, ethnicity or HIV status.

Conclusions

Among MSM and TGW, there is already significant awareness, interest and use of DoxyPEP to prevent bacterial STIs. Public health efforts should focus on improving access and delivery of this STI prevention intervention to MSM and TGW.
A comprehensive XPS investigation of the effect of aqueous corrosion on the surface of glass-zirconolite composite material (Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7)
Authors: Mikhchian Mehrnaz , Grosvenor Andrew P.
Published: May 2024

Extensive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses of iron–aluminum borosilicate glass (Fe–Al–BG), zirconolite (CaZrTi2O7), and Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material have demonstrated that a hydrated layer has been formed on the surface of these materials after exposure to water. The surface chemistry of Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material as a potential nuclear wasteform candidate was observed to change in a similar fashion to the borosilicate glass as a current wasteform material after these materials are exposed to water. The XPS measurements suggest that the aqueous corrosion of the Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material is a result of ion exchange, hydrolysis, and redox reactions of metal–oxygen bonds with water at the surface of the Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material. Moreover, the XPS results proved that the composition and chemical environment of the precipitated layer on the surface of the Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material after exposure to water remained unchanged between 270 and 365 days of exposure to water. The stability of the surface layer during this time frame could potentially protect the surface of the Fe–Al–BG–CaZrTi2O7 composite material from further corrosion.
Developing management plans for sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Celtic Sea to advance the ecosystem approach to fisheries
Authors: Kell Laurence T. , Bentley Jacob W. , Feary David A. , Egan Afra , Nolan Cormac
Published: May 2024

Sprat are commercially valuable and are an important component of the North-East Atlantic ecosystem as major predators of zooplankton, competitors with herring, and prey for piscivorous fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Despite this, insufficient information exists for Celtic Seas sprat, one of five North-East Atlantic stocks, to estimate stock status. To ensure the sustainable exploitation of sprat, the health of the Celtic Seas ecosystem, and the wider fisheries sector, we conduct a management strategy evaluation to stress test the current single-species advice framework. The aim is to evaluate whether ecosystem objectives can be achieved under single-species maximum sustainable yield and precautionary advice frameworks. An operating model was conditioned on life history theory and strategic information from ecosystem models. We showed that in-year advice using an empirical rule could achieve management objectives and help balance the trade-offs between fishing activities and ecosystem health. The approach allows ecosystem understanding to be incorporated within existing precautionary and maximum sustainable yield frameworks to provide a robust management framework that can meet multiple objectives despite uncertainty.
Ecological carrying capacity assessment incorporating ecosystem service flows
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Deng Chuxiong , Liu Yaojun
Published: May 2024

Ecological carrying capacity focuses on the limits of human development, serving as a policy instrument for guiding regional sustainable development. Regional space exhibits openness and dynamics. Nonetheless, ecological carrying capacity assessments seldom account for the potential influence of dynamic elements. The endeavor to integrate ecosystem service flows into ecological carrying capacity assessment represents an innovative approach to address this issue. This paper reviews multiple methods of assessing ecological carrying capacity and highlights the deficiencies in representing dynamic elements. Subsequently, the research progress in ecosystem service flows is examined, encompassing connotations, features, and models. Based on common theories, intermediary linkages, and the impact of incorporating spatiotemporal dynamics, the relationship between them is analyzed. The advantages of ecosystem service flows are also elucidated, which provide explicit spatial information and integrate biophysical processes when representing dynamic elements. The framework for ecological carrying capacity assessment incorporating ecosystem service flows comprises five steps: key theory selection, objectives and scope establishment, identification of supply and demand matching and assessment of flow utility, ecosystem service flow analysis, and ecological carrying capacity assessment. In the future, the research will focus on conducting quantitative pilot projects in typical regions, removing barriers to ecosystem service flows, and developing a dynamic ecological carrying capacity assessment model that considers multiple factors.
Spatially covariant gravity with nonmetricity
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Zheng , Gao Xian
Published: May 2024

Scalar fields play an important role in constructing modified gravity theories. In the case of a single scalar field with timelike gradient, the corresponding Lagrangian in the unitary gauge takes the form of spatially covariant gravity (SCG), which is proved useful in analyzing and extending the generally covariant theories. In this work, we apply the SCG method to the scalar-nonmetricity theory, of which the Lagrangian is built of the nonmetricity tensor and a scalar field. We derive the 3+1 decomposition of the geometric quantities and especially covariant derivatives of the scalar field up to the third order in the presence of a nonvanishing nonmetricity tensor. By fixing the unitary gauge, the resulting Lagrangian takes the form of a SCG with nonmetricity, in which all the ingredients are spatial tensors. We then exhaust the scalar monomials of SCG with nonmetricity up to $$d=3$$

d
=
3

with d the total number of derivatives. Since the disformation tensor plays as an auxiliary variable, we take the Lagrangian with $$d=2$$

d
=
2

as an example to show that after solving the disformation tensor, we can get an effective SCG theory for the metric variables but with modified coefficients. Our results provides a novel approach to extending the scalar-nonmetricity theory.
SINGAPORE: A SOCIAL DEMOCRACY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY?
Authors: HJORTSBERG JACOB
Published: May 2024

One of the key challenges that globalization poses to the project of social democracy is that, by allowing capital to move production anywhere that suits its interests, the ability of labor to organise in opposition to capital is threatened, as capital can simply move production to other places as soon as labor starts making uncomfortable demands. In this article, I argue that Singapore is best understood as a social democracy adapted to the conditions of globalization. As such, Singapore's form of social democracy looks very different from most traditional/Western social democracies. Nevertheless, I argue, Singapore's form of social democracy is based on the same underlying principle of class compromise as traditional social democracy, only applied to very different circumstances. To make this argument, I begin by outlining what I mean by the term “social democracy”, and why we should care about whether Singapore fits that label. I then describe the nature of Singapore's class compromise, as well as its underlying social contract, which I argue has a distinctly corporate character — one that is based on getting the citizens to invest as shareholders in the state-as-a-corporation, rather than on accepting high taxes in exchange for a generous public sector in which goods and services are offered in a “de-commodified” form. Lastly, I address the question of why it makes sense to view Singapore as a social democracy, given that the country is not very “socialistic”, nor very “democratic”.
Kaluza–Klein cosmological model with strange-quark-matter in f(R,T) theory of gravity
Authors: Solanke Y. S. , Nakade T. D. , Pawar D. D. , Dagwal V. J.
Published: May 2024

This work deals with the Kaluza–Klein cosmological model with strange-quark-matter in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar and T is the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. To determine the solution of the field equation, we have assumed that scalar expansion [Formula: see text] is proportional to shear scalar [Formula: see text] which leads to [Formula: see text], where R and A are metric potentials and m is constant. The cosmological parameters are investigated with the help of the equation of state strange-quark-matter (SQM) is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is Bag constant. We have concentrated on the distances of cosmology such as the look-back time, proper distance, luminosity distance, angular-diameter distance and distance modulus which are presented graphically by using suitable data of [Formula: see text]. The physical and geometrical properties of models are also discussed.
A concise rebuttal on “A concise proof of the equivalence of the Nernst theorem and the heat capacity statement of the third law of thermodynamics”
Authors: Martín-Olalla José-María
Published: May 2024

The interplay between adiabatic cooling and isothermal ordering is analyzed to rebut the proof of the equivalence of the Nernst theorem and the heat capacity statement of the third law presented by Su and Chen.
Analyzing the Einstein cubic gravity black hole for weak gravitational lensing, quasi-periodic oscillations, effective force, and emission energy
Authors: Mushtaq Farzan , Xia Tiecheng , Ditta Allah , Mahmood Asif
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we analyze weak gravitational lensing by taking the black hole solution in Einstein Cubic gravity with the Gibbons and Werner approach. We deduce the deflection angle of light in a nonplasma and plasma medium. Firstly, we derive the Gaussian optical curvature and apply the Gauss–Bonnet theorem to find the deflection angle for the black hole spherically symmetric space–time. Additionally, we examine the graphical behavior of the deflection angle caused by the black hole in the presence of the nonplasma and plasma medium. Further, we use Einstein cubic gravity black hole geometry to discuss the quasi-periodic oscillations, effective force, and emission energy.