bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Lived Experience of Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Rural Areas: Phenomenological Study
Authors: Bosco Vincenzo , Mercuri Caterina , Doldo Patrizia , Nocerino Rita , Guillari Assunta , Virgolesi Michele , Rea Teresa , Giordano Vincenza , Simeone Silvio
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic gastrointestinal condition with a multifactorial etiology. It significantly impacts patients' quality of life, particularly, in rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Challenges such as increased travel costs, social isolation, and restricted healthcare access are recognized, but their specific impact on rural Italian patients remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap. Using Cohen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 17 IBD patients from rural areas. Thematic analysis identified key patterns and themes. Two main themes emerged: “challenges of rural living,” including economic concerns and social isolation, and “communication that bridges distances.” Rural IBD patients face unique challenges extending beyond disease management, with economic hardship and social isolation being prominent. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to bridge healthcare gaps and improve the quality of life for rural patients, offering novel insights into their lived experiences in Italy.
Development of an Implementation Science Higher Diploma for Registered Nurses: Phase III of the EQUIP Initiative
Authors: Al‐Moteri Modi , Aljuaid Jamil
Published: February 2025

Implementation science (ImpSci) programs are emerging in nursing postgraduate education. The Evidence‐Based Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP) is a multiphase initiative aimed at equipping implementation lead nurses (IL nurses) with the skills necessary for practice changes. This study leveraged EQUIP's outcomes to develop a 1‐year Higher Diploma in ImpSci for registered nurses, preparing graduates to conduct ImpSci projects that improve healthcare quality. Using a co‐participatory design, the study engaged IL nurses (n = 10), clinician nurses (n = 3), clinical research nurses (n = 1), and academic staff (n = 2) in collaboratively developing the ImpSci Higher Diploma curriculum. Six co‐designed learning domains were established, aligning with the program's mission to advance evidence‐based education, research‐driven clinical practice, and sustainable quality initiatives, with a focus on ImpSci. Nine program learning outcomes were mapped to eight domains of competence, creating a framework to prepare IL nurses to conduct ImpSci projects, address challenges, and improve patient outcomes. ImpSci Higher Diploma builds on previous work in evidence‐based practice (EBP) implementation, equipping graduates to lead critical quality improvement efforts and advance nursing education and healthcare delivery.
Alpinia spongioides (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines
Authors: Jed J. Ruales Jeco , Novo M. Beltran Darlo , Rozano Ralph R. J. E. , Jumawan Jess H. , Arcebal K. Naive Mark
Published: February 2025

Alpinia spongioides Naive, Ruales, Beltran & Rozano, is described here as a new species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines. The species belongs to Alpinia sect. Alpinia subsect. Presleia by having small flowers and quadrilobed labellum. It resembles Alpinia foxworthyi but differs by its puberulent ligule with ciliate margin, longer petiole, calyx, filament, as well as an ecristate anther. This paper provides a detailed description, colour plates, and information on its phenology, habitat and distribution, as well as a provisional conservation status assessment. The discovery of this species through recent botanical surveys in eastern Mindanao brings the total number of known Alpinia subsect. Presleia species in the Philippines to 15.
Soil microbial legacies and drought mediate diversity–invasibility relationships in non‐native communities
Authors: Yi Jiahui , Tao Zhibin , Zhang Kaoping , Nie Baoguo , Siemann Evan , Huang Wei
Published: February 2025

High native species diversity generally suppresses non‐native invasions, but many ecosystems are now characterized by non‐native assemblages that vary in species diversity. How this non‐native species diversity affects subsequent invaders and its environmental dependence remain unclear.

We conducted a plant–soil feedback experiment. In the conditioning phase, we created three diversity levels (1, 2, or 4 species) using six non‐native species to condition the soil. In the responding phase, we planted these six species individually with soil inocula and exposed them to two watering treatments (well‐watered vs drought).

Under well‐watered conditions, the non‐native biomass increased with soil inocula generated by different non‐native diversity. This biomass pattern was mainly related to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal richness which increased with non‐native species diversity. However, under drought conditions, the non‐native biomass did not depend on soil inocula generated by non‐native diversity.

Our results reveal the crucial role of soil microbial legacies in driving the positive diversity–invasibility relationships of non‐native communities and drought stress can eliminate these positive relationships. These findings provide an explanation for the commonly observed co‐occurrence of multiple non‐native species in nature, predicting an accelerating accumulation of non‐native species in a benign environment, but not in a stressed environment.
Continental‐scale empirical evidence for relationships between fire response strategies and fire frequency
Authors: Yang Sophie , Ooi Mark K. J. , Falster Daniel S. , Cornwell William K.
Published: February 2025

Theory suggests that the dominance of resprouting and seeding, two key mechanisms through which plants persist with recurrent fire, both depend on other traits and vary with fire regime. However, these patterns remain largely untested over broad scales.

We analysed the relationships between mean fire frequency, derived from MODIS satellite data, and resprouting and seeding strategies, respectively, for c. 10 000 woody and herbaceous species in Australia. We tested whether leaf economics traits differed among these strategies.

Probability of resprouting exhibits a monotonic increase with fire frequency for woody plants; for herbaceous plants, a hump‐shaped relationship is observed. Probability of seeding exhibits a hump shape with fire frequency in woody plants. In herbaceous plants, probability of resprouting was associated with higher leaf mass per area (LMA), and probability of seeding with lower LMA. A broader range of leaf investment strategies occurred in woody plants.

Our findings provide the largest empirical support to date for theory connecting fire response strategy to fire frequency. Woody seeders appear constrained by immaturity and senescence risk. Herbaceous and woody seeders showed different placements along the leaf economics spectrum, suggesting an important interaction between growth form and growth rate for seeders.
Nursing Practice for Early Detection of Long‐Term Care Resident Deterioration: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ogawara Hirofumi , Fukahori Hiroki , Mashida Yuriko , Matsumoto Sachiko , Nasu Katsumi , Doorenbos Ardith Z
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In long‐term care (LTC) facilities, nurses play a key role in detecting changes in residents' health conditions and preventing avoidable emergency transfers and hospitalisations through multidisciplinary collaboration. This study aimed to explore how nurses detect changes that indicate the deterioration in LTC residents' conditions.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 23 nurses from 14 LTC facilities. Data from these interviews were qualitatively analysed using coding and constant comparison methods.

Results

The three main categories were ‘preparing’, ‘assessing’ and ‘judging’. Nurses worked closely with care workers who spent a considerable amount of time with the residents, and by sharing information, the nurses could rapidly respond to changes in the residents' conditions. They also evaluated the risk of residents experiencing changes by leveraging their clinical experience.

Conclusion

This study found that LTC nurses should collaborate with care workers to enhance their health assessment skills, enabling them to detect changes in residents' conditions. Findings from this study can be used to promote collaboration between nurses and care workers and to develop effective educational interventions to improve nursing practice in LTC facilities.

Implications for Practice

This study underscores the necessity of nurses' ability to identify early deterioration in LTC residents. The findings reveal key symptoms and warning signs that nurses should prioritize in their assessments. By leveraging clinical experience and close observation, nurses can make timely and effective decisions to address residents' health changes, preventing further deterioration and enhancing their quality of life.
Quantifying natural higher order aberration(s) in emmetropic human eyes and objectively evaluating retinal image quality
Authors: Gupta Vinay , Bari Aafreen , Anjum Shahnaz , Yadav Ankit , Saxena Rohit , Sinha Rajesh
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aimed to quantify the internal, corneal and total higher order aberrations (HOAs) in the healthy human eye using ray tracing technology in bright and dim light conditions. The study also aimed to evaluate the retinal image quality and contrast modulation at different spatial frequencies, objectively using image‐quality metrics derived from wavefront aberrations.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional prospective observational study was conducted on 521 emmetropic young adults. HOAs including coma, trefoil, spherical aberration and secondary astigmatism were measured separately for the cornea, internal and total eye using a ray‐tracing wavefront aberrometer at mesopic and photopic pupil sizes. The Strehl ratio, derived from the point spread function (PSF), was used to evaluate the retinal image quality of the eye. Contrast modulation at spatial frequencies of 5, 10 and 15 cycles per degree was assessed through the modulation transfer function (MTF).

Results

Mean age of participants was 25.4 ± 4.8 years (54.5% male). The total HOAs of internal, corneal and total eye were 0.186 ± 0.075, 0.191 ± 0.112 and 0.222 ± 0.075 μ, respectively for a 5‐mm pupil (dim light condition), and 0.069 ± 0.031, 0.061 ± 0.094 and 0.076 ± 0.031 μ, respectively, for a 3‐mm pupil (bright light condition). The Strehl ratio was 0.16 ± 0.124 (5 mm pupil) and 0.601 ± 0.19 (3 mm pupil). A normative database was created and correlations drawn for the HOAs, PSF and MTF (using image quality metrics) for the cornea, internal and total eye at mesopic and photopic pupil sizes.

Conclusion

These findings provide normal population (young healthy adults) reference ranges for HOAs, retinal image quality and contrast modulation at higher spatial frequencies using ray tracing technology. The presence of these natural wavefront aberrations enhances the visual performance and may not need to be corrected. The separate assessment of aberrations and derived image quality metrics for the cornea, internal and total eye can serve as a benchmark for diagnosing and monitoring ocular conditions and allows targeted treatment planning.
LsBLH2–LsOFP6–LsKANT3 module regulates bolting by orchestrating the gibberellin biosynthesis and metabolism in lettuce
Authors: Chen Haoyu , Qi Yetong , Wang Yong , Liu Jie , Lu Ruirui , Zhao Xinhui , Chen Ruiyu , Wang Yueji , Zhu Lei , Sun Shouru , Hu Jianbin , Yang Luming , An Guanghui
Published: February 2025

Lettuce is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. Bolting time is an important agronomic trait in lettuce production. Premature bolting reduces crop quality and marketability. Here, we genetically clone the LsBLH2 gene controlling bolting time in lettuce. LsBLH2 encodes a BEL1‐like homeodomain protein. In the late bolting parent, the LsBLH2 had a 1‐bp deletion in exon 1 which leads to a premature stop codon. CRISPR/cas9 knocking out and complementary tests showed that the loss‐of‐function of LsBLH2 delays bolting in lettuce. ChIP‐seq, gene expression and phytohormone analysis showed that LsBLH2 regulates the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and metabolism. LsBLH2 binds to the promoter of the LsGA20ox1 and LsGA2ox8 and regulates their expression, leading to the bioactive GA accumulation during the vegetative‐to‐reproductive phase transition. Both LsOFP6 and LsKNAT3 interact with LsBLH2 and regulate bolting in a LsBLH2‐dependent manner. LsOFP6 promotes, while LsKNAT3 suppresses the effects of LsBLH2 on GA biosynthesis during the transition and rosette stage in lettuce, respectively. In summary, the LsBLH2–LsOFP6–LsKANT3 module orchestrates bioactive GA accumulation to regulate bolting in lettuce, which provides insight into the bolting development process and offers new approaches for lettuce breeding to prevent premature bolting.
A Unique Signature for Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts in Melanoma Metastases
Authors: Tauch Saskia , Hey Joschka , Kast Bettina , Gengenbacher Nicolas , Weiß Lena , Sator‐Schmitt Melanie , Lohr Sabrina , Brobeil Alexander , Schirmacher Peter , Utikal Jochen , Augustin Hellmut G. , Plass Christoph , Angel Peter
Published: February 2025

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent a central cell population of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analyses of primary tumors of different cancer entities yielded different classifications of CAF subsets underscoring the heterogeneity of CAFs within the TME. Here, we analyzed the transcriptional signatures of approximately 8400 CAFs and normal fibroblasts by scRNA‐seq and compared genetic profiles of CAFs from murine melanoma primary tumors to CAFs from corresponding melanoma lung metastases. This revealed distinct subsets for primary tumor and metastasis‐specific CAF populations, respectively. Combined with the spatial characterization of metastasis CAFs at the RNA and protein level, scRNA analyses indicate tumor‐dependent crosstalk between neutrophils and CAFs, mediated via SAA3 and IL1b‐related signaling pathways, which can be recapitulated in vitro. Analyzing tissue sections of human patient samples, this interaction was found to be present in human melanoma metastasis. Taken together, our data highlight unique characteristics of metastasis CAFs with potential therapeutic impact for melanoma metastasis.
European Biometric Borders and (Im)Mobilities in West Africa: Reflections on Migrant Strategies for Border Circumvention and Subversion
Authors: Iwuoha Victor Chidubem
Published: February 2025

This article argues that the European biometric ID installations and securitization practices at West African borders harm African migrants and compromise the security goals of Europe and Africa. Using Niger's experience, I contend that migrants' poor adaption to the biometric border processes is closely connected to their identity conflicts, as well as their atomization and weakening of their social integration. The new border security measures are implicated in the state's criminalizing and dehumanizing practices which migrants and borderbrokers experience every day. I coin two concepts, namely, biometric reborderization and agentic deborderization, to draw close attention to ways by which the European biometric projects are significantly reconfiguring African borders. These borders now represent both a dynamic space for migration control, and contested sites of biometric circumvention and subversion by biometric noncompliant migrants who constantly negotiate alternative means for mobilities. Moral mobility agents contest/circumvent European biometric reborderization via the use of parallel border routes.

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Engagement and Disengagement: From the Basic Science of Emotion Regulation to an Anxiety Spectrum
Authors: MacNamara Annmarie
Published: February 2025

Emotion regulation strategies vary in depth of processing. For instance, reappraisal requires greater engagement than distraction. This affects short‐term and long‐term response to stimuli. In this review, I describe how the “engagement‐disengagement dimension” improves understanding of emotion regulation in normative contexts and in internalizing psychopathology. Part 1 reviews work from my laboratory and others, suggesting that relatively disengaged emotion regulation strategies (e.g., distraction), may have short‐term benefits (e.g., faster implementation), but may come with long‐term costs (e.g., increased processing of stimuli at subsequent encounter). Therefore, depending on the desired outcome, the adaptive selection of an emotion regulation strategy will be determined by extent of emotional engagement–disengagement. In Part 2, I describe how individuals with more comorbid internalizing psychopathology (e.g., multiple anxiety and depressive diagnoses) are characterized by disengagement from negative stimuli as measured by the late positive potential (LPP). In addition, I introduce a brain profile I have termed, HARM‐A (heightened “alarm” and reduced motivated attention), which is characterized by a combination of heightened “alarm” (i.e., increased amygdala) and emotional disengagement (i.e., blunted LPPs) in response to negative stimuli. HARM‐A prospectively predicts worse outcomes over 2 years in a mixed internalizing sample. As such, chronic disengagement from negative stimuli appears to contribute to more comorbid and more severe internalizing psychopathology. Overall, emotional disengagement can be beneficial in the short term but may be poorly suited to emotional coping in the longer term.
Logically Impossible Contents
Authors: Filcheva Krasimira
Published: February 2025

Can natural language represent logically impossible circumstances? Can there be logically impossible contents? The received view on semantic content allows for logically impossible contents. Much recent work in the philosophy of language and logic meant to account for hyperintensional phenomena also assumes that the answer to both of these questions is “yes.” I want to argue that this widespread assumption is indefensible. Representing the logically impossible in language, contrary to the dominant view in semantics, is not truly possible. The main argument for this position appeals to a highly plausible and minimal condition for the possession of semantic content. I call this the negative coherence condition. Any candidate's meaningful sentence S possesses semantic content only if the content of S is logically compossible with the content of the meaning‐constituting sentences associated with each of the descriptive constituent terms of S. However, the sentences of L thought to express logically impossible contents that cannot meet the negative coherence condition on semantic content. In an intuitive sense, sentences with logically impossible contents are incoherent with the conditions of their own meaningfulness.
The Effect of the Difficulties Faced by Palliative Care Nurses on Perceived Quality of Palliative Care: A Cross‐Sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Öner Uğur , Cengiz Zeliha , Erol Ahmet
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study examined how the difficulties experienced by palliative care nurses while providing care affect the quality of palliative care perceived by nurses.

Background

The increase in chronic diseases with the ageing population has brought about a greater need for palliative care. Palliative care nurses play a central role in improving patients' quality of life, while also facing emotional and physical challenges. The impact of these challenges on nurses' job satisfaction and the quality of care provided constitutes a critical area of research for understanding the effectiveness of palliative care services.

Method

The study was conducted in a descriptive, cross‐sectional and correlational design with nurses working in palliative care services (N = 243) in Türkiye between October 2023 and March 2024. The data were collected through an introductory form, The Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale and the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale. The relationship between the two variables was examined using Pearson correlation analysis, while the impact of palliative care challenges and education level on perceived palliative care quality was investigated through multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

In this study, the data were normally distributed and it was found that the nurses' total mean score was 72.42 ± 8.26 (min: 18—max: 90) on the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale and 40.85 ± 10.50 (min: 15—max: 75) on the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale. Total mean palliative care quality score was found to be significantly higher among nurses with postgraduate degrees. Moreover, the palliative care difficulty scores were significantly higher for males, nurses with palliative experience of 1 year or less, and those who did not select the palliative care unit willingly. A negative correlation was observed between the nurses' quality of palliative care and their palliative care difficulties.

Conclusion

It was seen that perceived quality of palliative care decreased as the difficulties encountered in palliative care increased. It is recommended to develop training programmes tailored for nurses and ensure continuous professional development to reduce the difficulties nurses face in palliative care and enhance the perceived quality of palliative care.
Early alloimmunization in an infant to red cell antigens—Rare but possible in the ‘right’ circumstances
Authors: Maddock Anwen , Warrington Sue , Lyver Amanda , Badami Krishna G.
Published: February 2025

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is rarely reported in infants less than 4–6 months of age.

Methods/Materials

Blood group and antibody screening used the gel card technique. All blood products were leukoreduced. All RBC doses transfused were group O, E‐neg, K‐neg but the pooled platelets transfused on day 45 and 61 included donors who were K‐pos, and that transfused on day 61 also included an E‐pos donor.

Results

We report a group O neonate with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) who developed alloantibodies to E and K antigens at 65 days (9 weeks) of age.

Conclusion

HLH is an inflammatory, ‘hyperimmune’ state, and alloimmunization is more likely when inflammation is present. If significant inflammation is present, transfusions should be avoided if possible.
Evaluating modifiable hypertension risk in Nigerian adults—The Nigerian diet risk score
Authors: Batubo Nimisoere P. , Auma Carolyn I. , Moore J. Bernadette , Zulyniak Michael A.
Published: February 2025

Aims

Our study aimed to derive and validate a diet risk score for clinical use in Nigeria to screen for hypertension risk and evaluate its association against a panel of cardiovascular biomarkers.

Methods

The Nigerian dietary screening tool was used to collect dietary intake data from 151 participants visiting the River State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for routine medical care. Blood samples were collected from a subsample (n = 94) for biomarker assessment. Multiple logistic regression was used to derive the Nigerian diet risk score for hypertension. Internal validation of the Nigerian diet risk score for hypertension was performed using measures of discrimination and calibration. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the biomarker‐mediated effects of the diet risk score for hypertension on hypertension. All statistical analyses were performed in R.

Results

Each one‐point increment in Nigerian diet risk score (on a scale of 0 to 30) was associated with a twofold increase in odds of hypertension (odds ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16, 3.58, p = 0.01), with the highest score associated with >18‐fold increased odds of hypertension, compared to lowest Nigerian diet risk score for hypertension. The score demonstrated good discrimination (area under the curve: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.00) with a high sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.94). Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that the association between Nigerian diet risk score for hypertension and blood pressure is partly explained by shared biological pathways that mediate cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL‐C, CRP and homocysteine levels.

Conclusion

The resulting Nigerian diet risk score for hypertension is a valuable tool for clinicians to identify individuals at risk of hypertension, and will advance community efforts in the prevention and management of hypertension in Nigeria.
Thinking through an ethnography of infrastructure: Commonsensical reasoning, road sharing, and everyday infrastructural settlements
Authors: Latham Alan , Hitchings Russell , Nattrass Michael
Published: February 2025

As human geography debates about infrastructures grow in sophistication, there is a need to deepen the discussion of how we study them. This paper responds by presenting a project focused on how road users evaluate different ways of dealing with the same shared infrastructure. With reference to work on everyday critical reasoning, it works through the challenges of doing an ‘ethnography of infrastructure’ and offers a framework for further research on what we call the ‘infrastructural settlement’ involved. The project began by accompanying regular cyclists on some of their rides in Carlisle, UK, so as to identify situations when the right response to the infrastructure was ambiguous. Videos of these situations were then discussed with three types of road user in the same city. Attending to the commonsensical reasonings they reached for in these interviews, we argue, allowed the project to surpass an implied vision of those who travel on the road in specific ways as either having their own unique experiences or being more likely to compete than cooperate with one another. The result is a new picture of how road sharing is collaboratively achieved and an argument about putting effective research design at the heart of the current conversation about infrastructure.
Identification of a crosstalk between ClC‐1 C‐terminal CBS domains and the transmembrane region
Authors: Gaitán‐Peñas Héctor , Perez‐Gonzalez Anna Priscil·la , González‐Subías Marc , Zdebik Anselm A. , Gasull Xavier , Buey Rubén M. , Errasti‐Murugarren Ekaitz , Estévez Raúl
Published: February 2025

CLC channels and transporters have large C‐terminal regions which contain two cystathionine β‐synthetase (CBS) domains. It has been hypothesized that conformational changes in these domains upon nucleotide binding modulate the gating of the CLC dimer. It is not clear how rearrangements that occur in the CBS domains are transmitted to the ion pathway, as CBS domains interact with the rest of the channel at multiple locations and some of these sites are not visible in recent solved cryogenic electron microscopy structures or are difficult to model using the AlphaFold server. Using ClC‐1 as a model, we started working with a described ClC‐1 mutation (H835R) located in the first alpha helix of the CBS2 domain which changes the voltage dependence of gating. We then identified several residues located in the disorganized loop after helix R (R‐linker) that revert the phenotype of this mutation. We additionally proved that R‐linker's function is connected to the CBS2 domain as current intensity, plasma membrane levels and gating defects of several R‐linker variants were corrected by adding the mutation H835R. Furthermore, cross‐linking studies using newly developed split‐cysless ClC‐1 channels containing specific cysteine mutants in the R‐linker and the CBS2 domain indicate that these two regions are in close contact. Considering these new results, we propose that conformational changes occurring in the CBS domains could be transmitted to the CLC intracellular chloride binding site by means of its interaction with the R‐linker.

image

Key points

CBS domains, which are present as pairs in CLC proteins, are involved in the regulation by nucleotides of CLC gating. It is not clear how CBS domains interact with different regions of the transmembrane (TM) region to regulate gating.

Using ClC‐1 as a model, we investigated how a mutation in the second CBS domain dramatically changes the voltage dependence of gating taking advantage of recently solved structures and AlphaFold models of CLC proteins.

Thus, we identified in the linker after helix R (R‐linker) several revertant mutations of the gating defects caused by a mutation in the second CBS2 domain and vice versa, indicating that these two regions functionally interact. These interactions were biochemically proven by employing cysteine cross‐linkings using a newly developed split‐cysless ClC‐1 channel.

Based on these findings we experimentally prove that the R‐linker is a key element for the transmission of the CBS conformational rearrangements to the TM region.
Mathematical-Programming-Based Optimization of Alkaline Water Electrolyzer for Green Hydrogen Production
Authors: Oliva Diego G. , Mussati Miguel C. , Schmidhalter Ignacio , Aguirre Pio A. , Morosuk Tatiana , Mussati Sergio F.
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the energy sector toward sustainability and is essential for decarbonizing various sectors of national and international economics. Water electrolysis powered by renewable sources is an environmentally friendly way to produce hydrogen. However, there is room for improvement in the components’ design, dimensions, materials, and electrolysis system. This article focuses on model-based simultaneous optimization of geometric dimensions and operating conditions, such as cell temperature, electrolyte concentration, applied electrolyte pressure, and current density, in an alkaline water electrolysis process. A nonlinear mathematical programming optimization model has been developed. After successful validation against experimental results from the literature, the model was employed for optimization purposes using a gradient-based deterministic optimization approach. The study identifies the operating conditions and geometric dimensions that lead to maximizing cell efficiency and explores the impact of critical operating variables on the optimal solution. The model is implemented in gams software and solved using CONOPT.
Pore size control and tribological properties of oil-impregnated porous polyimide with similar porosity
Authors: Xu Zhengrong , Li Jinbang , Li Kai , Shi Chenchun , Cui Yuguo , Zhou Ningning , Hua Licheng , Xia Renliang , Qing Tao
Published: February 2025

Pore size is critical to the oil storage performance and tribological properties of porous polyimide (PPI). To study the effect of pore size, four PPIs with different pore sizes and similar porosities were fabricated. The mechanical, oil-absorption and tribological properties of the PPIs were investigated. According to the results, PPIs with larger pores demonstrate faster oil absorption and a higher oil-filling rate. However, larger pores contribute to a rougher surface and lower oil retention. These dual effects result in PPIs with larger pores displaying a low friction coefficient at low speeds but a high friction coefficient at high speeds. The effect of pore sizes on EHD film and Stribeck curves were discussed from seepage effect and viscoelasticity of PPI, respectively. The permeability of the four PPIs was calculated based on mercury intrusion test results. Larger pores lead to higher permeability of PPI at lower pressure, which makes it easier to reduce thickness of EHD film, causing high friction and wear. The damping effect of PPIs, rather than viscous flow, results in the slight increase of friction coefficient at high speed under micro-oil lubrication. Considering the tribological and oil-absorption properties, preferred particle size of polyimide molding powder is 25-48 μm.
Seeing new partners for GPCRs
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2025

A proximity assay identifies putative interactors and regulators of endogenous GPCRs in cell membranes.
Branched-chain amino acid metabolism supports Roseobacteraceae positive interactions in marine biofilms
Authors: Cui Han , Wang Shuaitao , Fan Shen , Long Hongan , Lin Jinshui , Ding Wei , Zhang Weipeng
Published: February 2025

Interspecies interactions are key factors affecting the stability of microbial communities. However, microbial interactions in marine biofilms, which constitute up to 80% of the microbial biomass in certain marine environments, are not well understood. We addressed this knowledge gap by coculturing four marine biofilm-derived Roseobacteraceae strains (
Leisingera aquaemixtae
M597,
Roseibium aggregatum
S1616,
Alloyangia pacifica
T6124, and
Sulfitobacter indolifex
W002) in 14 single carbon sources. Overall, 140 coculture experiments revealed 39.3% positive interactions compared to 8.3% negative interactions. When the carbon source was consumed by only one strain, the interaction between the strains was more likely to be positive. The interaction between S1616 and M597, when cultured in D-gluconic acid, was further studied as an example. S1616–M597 coculture displayed a higher D-gluconic acid consumption rate than S1616 monoculture, whereas M597 could not use D-gluconic acid as the sole carbon source. The supernatant of S1616 monoculture supported the growth of M597, and branched-chain amino acids in the supernatant were consumed. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that M597 induced the expression of genes for branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in S1616. Additionally, metagenomic analysis revealed the wide distribution and a strongly correlated co-occurrence of the four strains in global oceanic biofilms. Together, our findings show that interspecies positive interactions are prevalent among marine-biofilm Roseobacteraceae, and the interactions are likely to be mediated by branched-chain amino acids metabolism.

IMPORTANCE

Interspecies interactions are crucial for microbial community structure and function. Despite well-studied social behaviors in model microorganisms, species interactions in natural marine biofilms especially Roseobacteraceae with complex metabolic pathways are not well understood. Our findings suggest that positive microbial interactions, which can be mediated by branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, are common among marine-biofilm Roseobacteraceae. This study provides new insights into microbial interactions and the ecology of marine biofilms.
A novel regulation on the developmental checkpoint protein Sda that controls sporulation and biofilm formation in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: He Yinghao , Qin Yuxuan , Greenwich Jennifer , Balaban Samantha , Darcera Migue Van Louis , Gozzi Kevin , Chai Yunrong
Published: February 2025

Biofilm formation by
Bacillus subtilis
is triggered by an unusually simple environmental sensing mechanism. Certain serine codons, the four TCN codons (N for A, T, C, or G), in the gene for the biofilm repressor SinR caused lowered SinR translation and subsequent biofilm induction during transition from exponential to stationary growth. Global ribosome profiling showed that ribosomes pause when translating the four UCN (U for T on the mRNA) serine codons on mRNA, but not the two AGC/AGU serine codons. We proposed a serine codon hierarchy (AGC/AGT vs TCN) in that genes enriched in the TCN serine codons may experience reduced translation efficiency when serine is limited. In this study, we designed an algorithm to score all protein-coding genes in
B. subtilis
NCIB3610 based on the serine codon hierarchy. We generated a short list of 50 genes that could be subject to regulation by this novel mechanism. We further investigated one such gene from the list,
sda
, which encodes a developmental checkpoint protein regulating both sporulation and biofilm formation. We showed that synonymously switching the TCN serine codons to AGC in
sda
led to delayed biofilm formation and sporulation. This engineered strain also outgrew strains with other synonymously substituted
sda
alleles (TCN) in competition assays for biofilm formation and sporulation. Finally, we showed that the AGC serine codon substitutions in
sda
elevated the Sda protein levels. This serine codon hierarchy-based novel signaling mechanism could be exploited by bacteria in adapting to stationary phase and regulating important biological processes.

IMPORTANCE

Genome-wide ribosome profiling in
Bacillus subtilis
shows that under serine limitation, ribosomes pause on the four TCN (N for A, C, G, and T), but not AGC/AGT serine codons, during translation at a global scale. This serine codon hierarchy (AGC/T vs TCN) differentially influences the translation efficiency of genes enriched in certain serine codons. In this study, we designed an algorithm to score all 4,000+ genes in the
B. subtilis
genome and generated a list of 50 genes that could be subject to this novel serine codon hierarchy-mediated regulation. We further investigated one such gene,
sda
, encoding a developmental checkpoint protein. We show that
sda
and cell developments controlled by Sda are also regulated by this novel mechanism.
Evaluating stool microbiome integrity after domestic freezer storage using whole-metagenome sequencing, genome assembly, and antimicrobial resistance gene analysis
Authors: Momo Cabrera Paula , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Zimmermann Petra
Published: February 2025

The gut microbiome is crucial for host health. Early childhood is a critical period for the development of a healthy gut microbiome, but it is particularly sensitive to external influences. Recent research has focused on using advanced techniques like shotgun metagenome sequencing to identify key microbial signatures and disruptions linked to disease. For accurate microbiome analysis, samples need to be collected and stored under specific conditions to preserve microbial integrity and composition, with −80°C storage considered the gold standard for stabilization. This study investigates the effect of domestic freezer storage on the microbial composition of stool samples obtained from 20 children under 4 years of age with the use of shotgun metagenome sequencing. Fresh stool samples were aliquoted into sterile tubes, with one aliquot stored at 4°C and analyzed within 24 hours, while others were frozen in domestic freezers (below −18°C) and analyzed after 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months. Assessments of contig assembly quality, microbial diversity, and antimicrobial resistance genes revealed no significant degradation or variation in microbial composition.

IMPORTANCE

Most prior studies on sample storage have relied on amplicon sequencing, which is less applicable to metagenome sequencing—given considerations of contig quality and functional gene detection—and less reliable in representing microbial composition. Moreover, the effects of domestic freezer storage for at-home stool collection on microbiome profiles, contig quality, and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles have not been previously investigated. Our findings suggest that stool samples stored in domestic freezers for up to 6 months maintain the integrity of metagenomic data. These findings indicate that domestic freezer storage does not compromise the integrity or reproducibility of metagenomic data, offering a reliable and accessible alternative for temporary sample storage. This approach enhances the feasibility of large-scale at-home stool collection and citizen science projects, even those focused on the more easily perturbed early life microbiome. This advancement enables more inclusive research into the gut microbiome, enhancing our understanding of its role in human health.
Mutations leading to ceftolozane/tazobactam and imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam resistance during
in vivo
exposure to ceftazidime/avibactam in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rapsinski Glenn J. , Rokes Alecia B. , Van Tyne Daria , Cooper Vaughn S.
Published: February 2025

Identifying resistance mechanisms to novel antimicrobials informs treatment strategies during infection and antimicrobial development. Studying resistance that develops during the treatment of an infection can provide the most clinically relevant mutations conferring resistance, but cross-sectional studies frequently identify multiple candidate resistance mutations without resolving the driver mutation. We performed whole-genome sequencing of longitudinal
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
from a patient whose
P. aeruginosa
developed imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam resistance during ceftazidime/avibactam treatment. This analysis determined new mutations that arose in isolates resistant to both imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam. Mutations in penicillin-binding protein 3
ftsI,
the MexAB-OprM repressor
nalD
, and a virulence regulator
pvdS
were found in resistant isolates. Importantly, drug efflux was not increased in the resistant isolate compared to the most closely related susceptible isolates. We conclude that mutations in peptidoglycan synthesis genes can alter the efficacy of multiple antimicrobials.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotic resistance is a significant challenge for physicians trying to treat infections. The development of novel antibiotics to treat resistant infections has not been prioritized for decades, limiting treatment options for infections caused by many high-priority pathogens. Cross-resistance, when one mutation provides resistance to multiple antibiotics, is most problematic. Mutations that cause cross-resistance need to be considered when developing new antibiotics to guide developers toward drugs with different targets, and thus a better likelihood of efficacy. This work was undertaken to determine the mutation that caused resistance to three antibiotics for highly resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection treatment while the bacteria were exposed to only one of these agents. The findings provide evidence that drug developers should endeavor to find effective antibiotics with new targets and that medical providers should utilize medications with different mechanisms of action in bacteria that have become resistant to even one of these three agents.
Multiple Self-Healing Squamous Epithelioma and Loeys-Dietz syndrome: a singleTGFBR1variant, two phenotypes in one patient
Authors: Moeris Emilie , Battisti Gladys , Lenne Antoine , Cambier Nicolas
Published: February 2025

Multiple Self-Healing Squamous Epithelioma of Ferguson-Smith (OMIM 132800) is a syndrome increasing the risk of developing keratoacanthomas, which are locally aggressive skin tumours. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a connective tissue disease characterised by arterial fragility. There is no increased risk of skin tumours classically described.

Both phenotypes have been associated with a different pathogenic variant of theTGFBR1gene involved in the TGFbeta signalling pathway. We present the case of a patient with both phenotypes. This appears to be caused by a single likely pathogenic variant withinTGFBR1: c.1421G>A (p.Cyst474Tyr) in the protein domain of the serine-threonine protein kinase.

This is the fourth reported case exhibiting this dual clinical presentation with a single genetic variant in this same region.
ExtraintestinalClostridium difficileinfection presenting as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Hafeez Bilal , Aitken Tess , Cockburn Ella , Tinson Alistair John
Published: February 2025

Clostridioides difficile(C. difficile) infections (CDIs) are typically intestinal but can also present extraintestinally, a rare occurrence with limited literature. This case describes a woman with cirrhosis who developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) caused by monomicrobial extraintestinal CDI, successfully treated with metronidazole. Despite no symptoms of infection, routine paracentesis revealed ascitic fluid indicative of SBP and subsequent cultures identifiedC. difficile. Imaging ruled out secondary peritonitis, and she had no recent abdominal surgery or enteric symptoms. The literature suggests that extraintestinal CDI accounts for 0.17%–1.08% of CDIs, with most cases being polymicrobial and often associated with traditional risk factors like antibiotic exposure and hospitalisations. However, CDI-related SBP is exceedingly rare, with only 11 cases reported, primarily in men with cirrhosis. Treatment varies with poor prognosis and low recurrence rates. This case highlights the complexity and challenges in managing extraintestinal CDI.
Hypervitaminosis B12: an indicator of potential significant morbidity
Authors: Saeed Muzammil Munnawar , Parr David
Published: February 2025

A woman in her 60s with a history of vitamin B12 deficiency treated with intramuscular hydroxocobalamin was attending a specialist clinic for the management of persisting breathlessness following a previous pulmonary embolism. She reported that a persistently elevated vitamin B12 had been identified several months previously, despite the withdrawal of replacement therapy, and that the cause could not be explained to her by her general practitioner. Recognition of the potentially serious implications of this finding led to the identification of a pancreatic tumour which, by the time of diagnosis, had become too advanced for active management. We describe the metabolism of vitamin B12 in the context of hypervitaminosis B12 as a reflection of elevated transcobalamin consequent to underlying disease and the need to identify promptly the underlying cause.
Laparoscopic management of obstructed supravesical hernia
Authors: Kawarat Vikas , Jayaprakash Aditya , S Vijayalakshmi
Published: February 2025

Supravesical hernias are a rare type of internal hernias where intra-abdominal content herniates into the supravesical fossa and further into the prevesical space of Retzius. These hernias may become obstructed and present in the emergency setting. However, due to the lack of an externally visible Swelling, there may be a delay in the diagnosis of these cases. A CT scan can effectively and quickly confirm the bowel obstruction as well as identify the site of these internal hernias. Prompt emergent repair with laparoscopy is effective in reducing the contents from the hernial sac and closing the defect. Patients treated in this manner have an excellent recovery and speedy return to daily activity.
Placenta accreta spectrum disorder complicating a second trimester miscarriage
Authors: Harun Muhammad Hairie Hakimi , Ramli Roziana , Mohd Ali Nurul Atiah , Abd Kadir Nor Jumizah
Published: February 2025

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a potentially life-threatening condition which rarely complicates second trimester miscarriages. This report describes a woman who was pregnant at 17 weeks with a history of previous caesarean section and uterine curettage. She presented with hypovolaemic shock following massive per-vaginal bleeding at home. A 180 g fetus was spontaneously aborted, but the placenta was retained in the uterus. After resuscitation, she underwent surgery, during which a morbidly adherent placenta was identified necessitating an emergency hysterectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed placenta accreta. This case highlights the risk of PAS complicating second trimester pregnancies and underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention to enhance maternal outcomes.