bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continent‐wide differences in diet breadth of large terrestrial carnivores: the effect of large prey and competitors
Authors: Ferretti Francesco , Lovari Sandro , Lucherini Mauro , Hayward Matt W. , Stephens Philip A.
Published: February 2024

Despite their importance for understanding consumer‐resource dynamics, the dietary responses of large terrestrial predators to variations in prey richness and competition pressure are unclear. While a greater predator selectivity along with increasing prey abundance would be expected under an optimal foraging scenario, there is some evidence that predators may broaden their diet where there is a greater resource diversity. Furthermore, the use of large prey may be limited by increasing presence of competitors.

We considered three widespread large carnivores (the grey wolf Canis lupus, the puma Puma concolor and the leopard Panthera pardus), whose distribution range encompasses different continents, with different communities of prey/competitors. We expected that the potential to modulate their use of large prey according to prey richness would vary according to different levels of potential competition.

We collated data from more than 240 studies of the diets of wolf, puma and leopard to model whether the relationships between the diversity of used large prey (i.e. the Large Prey Index) and prey richness was modulated by carnivore richness, in different continents.

The wolf showed an increase in the Large Prey Index with prey richness across its distribution range, where it is usually the apex predator in areas from which data are available. Conversely, the leopard showed this pattern in Asia, but not in Africa, where it often coexists with a greater array of potential competitors. For the puma, the Large Prey Index increased with prey richness throughout its distribution range, except in the areas where the larger and dominant jaguar also occurred.

By emphasising the complex relationships between prey richness and predator diets, our results testify to the suppressive effects of larger competitors over the use of large prey by subordinate carnivores.
Usefulness of 18F‐FDG PET‐CT for the management of invasive fungal infections: A retrospective cohort from a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Martín Isabel , García‐Prieto Sonia , Velásquez Karina , Gutiérrez‐Abreu Edith Vanessa , Diego‐Yagüe Itziar , Calderón‐Parra Jorge , Gutiérrez‐Villanueva Andrea , Ramos‐Martínez Antonio , Múñez‐Rubio Elena , Callejas‐Díaz Alejandro , De la Fuente Moral Sara , Díaz de Santiago Alberto , Sánchez Romero Isabel , Rodríguez Alfonso Begoña , Fernández‐Cruz Ana
Published: February 2024

Background

18F‐FDG PET‐CT is a potentially useful technique to help manage invasive fungal infection (IFI), but information on this topic is scarce.

Objectives

To describe our experience using 18F‐FDG PET‐CT for IFI management.

Patients/Methods

Retrospective cohort of IFI episodes in a university hospital from 2018 to 2023 with a18F‐FDG PET‐CT performed during the episode. We analysed its impact on IFI management compared to conventional imaging.

Results

Thirty‐five patients diagnosed with 36 episodes of IFI (52.8% moulds, 44.4% yeasts and 2.8% Pneumocystis) underwent 55 18F‐FDG PET‐CT. 74.3% were immunocompromised, including 45.7% solid organ transplant recipients. Indications for 18F‐FDG PET‐CT were diagnostic (10.9%), staging (47.3%) and follow‐up (41.8%). Altogether 18F‐FDG PET‐CT added value to IFI management in 50.9% episodes. In 26 patients who had both staging 18F‐FDG PET‐CT and conventional imaging, sites of IFI dissemination were detected in 53.8% and 19.2%, respectively. Staging 18F‐FDG PET‐CT unveiled occult sites in 34.6%, uncovering unknown dissemination in 19.2%. In the evaluation of endocarditis in patients with fungemia, it contributed in at least 38.5%.

Follow‐up 18F‐FDG PET‐CTs had an added value in 47.8% episodes. They were allowed to de‐escalate antifungal therapy in 26.1%. There were discordant findings between 18F‐FDG PET‐CT and CT follow‐up in 40% cases.

Conclusions

Overall, 18F‐FDG PET‐CT added value to IFI management in more than 50% of the episodes. It increased the diagnosis of occult sites, unveiled disseminated disease missed out by conventional imaging, and contributed to diagnose or rule out endocarditis in fungemia. Follow‐up 18F‐FDG PET‐CT helped adjust the treatment duration and deserves further study.
Living art or souvenir? Perspectives on the interpretation of traditional pottery in Cambodia
Authors: Caruso Giacomo
Published: February 2024

Cambodia is a country facing an unprecedented wave of development but also the delicate task of conservation of traditional heritage. Pottery is one of the crafts that the Khmer civilization had been able to produce in various forms, of which mainly two are found in the country today. One style, produced in the province of Kampong Chhnang, is utilitarian and has a fairly solid internal market due to the still predominant agricultural society of Cambodia. It is unglazed, and aesthetically unadorned, but nonetheless “traditional” in its simple features. Another ware, produced mainly in pottery studios related to the Royal University of Fine Arts in the capital Phnom Penh, is, quite bombastically, but not without a certain consciousness, retrieving and repeating in a modern key, the ancient royal pottery once produced at Angkor. The latter ware style is, ironically, mainly produced for the tourist business in present‐day Cambodia, and therefore, arguably superfluous for the country's living cultural heritage. This article investigates the two modes of production and attempts to elucidate why different practical and aesthetical approaches are selected for different purposes and markets by practitioners and retailers, according to certain cultural interpretations of what is supposed to be “traditional.”
Euploca wightiana (Heliotropiaceae), a new species from South India
Authors: Antony Anna Ancy , Javad P. , Antony Anphi
Published: February 2024

Euploca wightiana P.Javad & Ancy sp. nov., a new species of the family Heliotropiaceae is described from the Coimbatore district of South India. Morphologically, it is close to Euploca marifolia but differs in having erect (versus prostrate) habit, stem woody throughout (versus stem woody only at base) with dense hairs (versus sparsely hairy), oblong leaves (versus lanceolate) with obtuse apex (versus acute), inflorescence with distantly placed flowers (versus inflorescence with closely placed flowers), a 0.6 mm long cylindrical style (versus style less than 0.3 mm long), a unifid, capitate stigma (versus bifid, conical) and densely hirsute nutlets (versus minutely hairy or glabrous). Detailed descriptions, photo plates, and distribution maps are provided. Differences from morphologically allied congeners are discussed. The status of the new species is provisionally assessed here as ‘critically endangered (CR)' following the IUCN red list categories and criteria.
Gut peptides before and following Roux‐En‐Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Simoneau Mylène , McKay Brad , Brooks Emma , Doucet Éric , Baillot Aurélie
Published: February 2024

A systematic search was conducted in Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up until March 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies included evaluated ghrelin, GLP‐1, PYY or appetite sensation via visual analogue scales (VASs) before and after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in adults. A multilevel model with random effects for study and follow‐up time points nested in study was fit to the data. The model included kcal consumption as a covariate and time points as moderators. Among the 2559 articles identified, k = 47 were included, among which k = 19 evaluated ghrelin, k = 40 GLP‐1, k = 22 PYY, and k = 8 appetite sensation. Our results indicate that fasting ghrelin levels are decreased 2 weeks post‐RYGB (p = 0.005) but do not differ from baseline from 6 weeks to 1‐year post‐RYGB. Postprandial ghrelin and fasting GLP‐1 levels were not different from pre‐surgical values. Postprandial levels of GLP‐1 increased significantly from 1 week (p < 0.001) to 2 years post‐RYGB (p < 0.01) compared with pre‐RYGB. Fasting PYY increased at 6 months (p = 0.034) and 1 year (p = 0.029) post‐surgery; also, postprandial levels increased up to 1 year (p < 0.01). Insufficient data on appetite sensation were available to be meta‐analyzed.
Mechanisms of lipotoxicity‐induced dysfunction and death of human pancreatic beta cells under obesity and type 2 diabetes conditions
Authors: Plötz Thomas , Lenzen Sigurd
Published: February 2024

The term “pancreatic beta‐cell lipotoxicity” refers to the detrimental effects of free fatty acids (FFAs) on a wide variety of cellular functions. Basic research in the field has primarily analyzed the effects of palmitic acid and oleic acid. The focus on these two physiological FFAs, however, ignores differences in chain length and degree of saturation. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the lipotoxic mechanisms, a wide range of structurally related FFAs should be investigated. Structure–activity relationship analyses of FFAs in the human EndoC‐βH1 beta‐cell line have provided a deep insight into the mechanisms of beta‐cell lipotoxicity. This review focuses on the effects of a wide range of FFAs with crucial structural determinants for the development of lipotoxicity in human beta cells and documents an association between increased triglyceride stores in obesity and in type 2 diabetes.
Establishing an EU‐wide front‐of‐pack nutrition label: Review of options and model‐based evaluation
Authors: Devaux Marion , Aldea Alexandra , Lerouge Aliénor , Vuik Sabine , Cecchini Michele
Published: February 2024

This paper reviews the effectiveness of four types of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels (FoPLs) in influencing calorie purchases. The four FoPL types are poised for unified implementation across European countries. Further, this study extends its analysis to evaluate the impacts of the voluntary adoption of these FoPLs within 27 EU nations. Nutri‐Score displays higher potential for yielding positive health and economic outcomes, compared with other FoPLs. Across EU countries, Nutri‐Score is projected to avert nearly two million cases of non‐communicable diseases, in total, between 2023 and 2050. Keyhole demonstrates effects of a similar magnitude but with no statistical significance. Nutri‐Repere shows smaller impacts, while Nutri‐Couleurs has non‐significant effects. Nutri‐Score is projected to significantly lower annual healthcare spending by 0.05%, whereas the other labels have negligible impacts. By reducing cases of disease, FoPLs have the potential to improve employment and work productivity. Nutri‐Score surpasses the other labels with an estimated annual gain of 10.6 full‐time equivalent workers per 100,000 individuals of working age across EU countries. In all, mandatory implementation of any of the four labels would lead to greater effects than those obtained with a voluntary implementation, providing evidence to inform legislation proposal for an EU‐wide nutrition labelling system.
Diversity patterns along ecological succession in tropical dry forests: a multi‐taxonomic approach
Authors: Oliveira Priscila S. , Falcão Luiz A. D. , Almeida Jarcilene S. , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson , Reis Júnior Ronaldo , Nunes Yule R. F. , Veloso Maria das Dores M. , Beirão Marina do Vale , Neves Frederico de Siqueira , Solar Ricardo R. C. , Borges Magno A. Z. , Silva Alex C. , Salomão Renato P. , Iannuzzi Luciana , Silva Luciana F. , Cabral George A. L. , Sampaio Everardo V. S. B. , Macedo‐Reis Luiz E. , Santos Cleandson F. , Kerpel Solange M. , Souza Rayana M. , Cardoso Iaciara G. S. , do Espírito Santo Mário M.
Published: February 2024

Evaluating the diversity of multiple taxa is fundamental to understand community assembly and to assess the integrity and functionality of tropical secondary forests. In this study, we analyzed the natural regeneration of tropical dry forests (TDFs) in three regions of Brazil using Hill–Simpson diversity, abundance and β‐diversity of trees and five groups of insects (herbivores, fruit‐feeding butterflies, ants, culicid mosquitoes and dung beetles). Sampling was conducted in 39 0.1 ha plots using a chronosequence approach (13 plots in early, intermediate and old‐growth forests). We evaluated the contribution of three different levels to γ‐diversity: α (within plots), β1 (among plots) and β2 (among successional stages), and further determined the relative importance of turnover (species replacement) and nestedness (differences in species number among sites) to β2. Our results showed that, unexpectedly, the Hill–Simpson diversity was consistently higher in early than old‐growth stages for all regions, but varied more widely in the intermediate stages. For each group separately, the same trend was observed for butterflies, ants, dung beetles and herbivores and did not differ among stages for mosquitoes. Successional differences in abundance were only detected for trees (increasing along the gradient) and for mosquitoes (decreasing). According to our expectations, the additive partitioning analysis showed that β2‐diversity contributed more to γ‐diversity than β1‐diversity, when all taxa were considered together and for most of them separately (except for butterflies and dung beetles). Most of the β2‐diversity was due to species turnover, but this contribution varied among groups and regions, with the highest turnover for herbivores and the lowest for dung beetles. Our results suggest that the Hill–Simpson diversity and changes in species composition (as given by β2‐diversity) are better indicators of forest natural regeneration than raw species richness, corroborating previous studies with plants and animals.
Empowering women through microcredit in Djibouti
Authors: Abdallah Ali Mohamed , Mughal Mazhar , Chhorn Dina
Published: February 2024

In this study, we construct original measures of women's empowerment in economic, social, and interpersonal dimensions to estimate the effect of microcredit on women's empowerment in Djibouti. Using survey data covering 2060 Djiboutian households, we examine the extent to which access to microcredit, the amount of loans obtained, and their duration modify women's status at home. We employ an instrumental variables strategy and develop three instruments: (i) household's membership of a saving and credit cooperative, (ii) the availability of formal banks at the village or community level, and (iii) the availability of formal cooperatives at the village or community level. We find that microcredit has positive and significant effects on women's autonomy, but these effects become significantly negative as the number of loans taken out increases and as the length of time spent in the program rises. Women from households with access to micro‐loans are respectively 45.0%, 41.4%, and 15.7% more likely to be economically, socially, and interpersonally empowered. The results of the study are robust across specifications and econometric techniques employed and confirm the generally mixed socioeconomic effects of microcredit programs.
Smart selection of soil microbes for resilient and sustainable viticulture
Authors: Borghi Monica , Pacifico Davide , Crucitti Dalila , Squartini Andrea , Berger Margot M. J. , Gamboni Mauro , Carimi Francesco , Lehad Arezki , Costa Alex , Gallusci Philippe , Fernie Alisdair R. , Zottini Michela
Published: February 2024

The grapevine industry is of high economic importance in several countries worldwide. Its growing market demand led to an acceleration of the entire production processes, implying increasing use of water resources at the expense of environmental water balance and the hydrological cycle. Furthermore, in recent decades climate change and the consequent expansion of drought have further compromised water availability, making current agricultural systems even more fragile from ecological and economical perspectives. Consequently, farmers' income and welfare are increasingly unpredictable and unstable. Therefore, it is urgent to improve the resilience of vineyards, and of agro‐ecosystems in general, by developing sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices by more rational biological and natural resources use. The PRIMA project PROSIT addresses these challenges by characterizing and harnessing grapevine‐associated microbiota to propose innovative and sustainable agronomic practices. PROSIT aims to determine the efficacy of natural microbiomes transferred from grapevines adapted to arid climate to commonly cultivated grapevine cultivars. In doing so it will test those natural microbiome effects on drought tolerance. This multidisciplinary project will utilize in vitro culture techniques, bioimaging, microbiological tests, metabolomics, metabarcoding and epigenetic analyses. These will be combined to shed light on molecular mechanisms triggered in plants by microbial associations upon water stress. To this end it is hoped that the project will serve as a blueprint not only for studies uncovering the microbiome role in drought stress in a wide range of species, but also for analyzing its effect on a wide range of stresses commonly encountered in modern agricultural systems.
A Mathematical Model to Assess the Impact of Tourism Activities on the Economy of Vendors at Bukit Maras, Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Roslan Ummu Atiqah , Noor Hassim Muhamad Fairus , Mhd Ruslan Siti Marsila
Published: February 2024

Bukit Maras is one of the recreational spots that has been identified as having great potential to be promoted as a tourist destination in Terengganu. In this study, it is intriguing to see the whether the tourism activities that occurred at Bukit Maras have a positive impact on the economic activity of the local vendors from the point of view of mathematical modelling. The objective of this paper is to formulate a mathematical model in the form of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), inspired by the concept of symbiosis interaction in ecology. Further, some mathematical analyses of this model such as finding the steady states and their stability, were also proved. In addition, some numerical simulations are performed using Maple software to produce the plots of time series as well as phase portraits. To prove the positive impact of the presence of tourists on the economics of vendors, a parameter called the spending rate by the tourists was varied. The results showed that as the spending rate increased, it was expected that the number of vendors would increase too. This indicated that the economics of the vendors have improved. Moreover, it is also predicted that the number of tourists will continuously increase in the future, provided that the attractiveness factors of the Bukit Maras are well preserved. These results are significant for the local government to provide more funding for the development of Bukit Maras so that both tourists and vendors can be sustained in the future.
Stabilization of Fuzzy Prey-Predator Model Using Backstepping Method
Authors: Hanan Ibtisam Kamil , Al-Taie Fatimah , S. Fadhel Fadhel , Al-Sabbagh Akram
Published: February 2024

Ecological system depends on prey predator interaction and therefore, as a result, diseases may spread among prey or predator or both of them. In this work, the fuzzy logic-based systems are used to elaborate a prey-predator model to study the effect of varying in the inflection rate. Formulation of prey predator model using fuzzy logic is more realistic depiction of the phenomena, since the initial population estimates may not be precisely known in the real-life situation, therefore the initial conditions may also be considered as fuzzy. The dynamical behaviour of the fuzzy exploited system is studied by using the backstepping method. Some references working on prey-predator model, in which they used classical control schemes with a very long and complicated steps. While the proposed method of this paper simplifies the work steps. Numerical simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.
Superior Performances of Q-Switched and Mode-Locked Erbium-doped Fiber Laser using Black Titanium Dioxide Thin-film Saturable Absorbers
Authors: Johari A. R. , Bakhtiar H. , Daud S. , Krishnan G.
Published: February 2024

This work reports on the improved Q-switched and mode-locked performances of black titanium dioxide (BTiO2-x) nanoparticles embedded in thin-film composite material as a saturable absorber compared to TiO2 in an erbium-doped fiber laser. The thin-film saturable absorbers were prepared by mixing the nanoparticles with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a host. BTiO2-x has a better nonlinear absorption coefficient, β of -12.46 x 10-7 m/W compared to -7.15x 10-7 m/W for TIO2 determined using z-scan measurement. The laser performance was evaluated in the 85.21 mW – 126.48 mW pump power range. Upon inserting TiO2 and BTiO2-x SA in a laser cavity, the peaks of the output spectrum shifted from 1566.62 nm to 1563.24 nm and 1565.75 nm, respectively. Regarding Q-switched performances, BTiO2-x SA generates a shorter pulse width of 16.00 µs than TiO2 SA. The slope efficiency of the TiO2 SA was 11.72 %, which is higher than the slope efficiency of the BTiO2-x SA. The maximum average and peak power generated by the BTiO2-x SA were 55.67 % and 54.83 % higher than the TiO2 SA. As for mode-locked outputs, BTiO2-x SA can generate pulsed laser at a low threshold power of 62.29 mW compared to TiO2 SA. Furthermore, BTiO2-x SA produced a shorter pulse width of 5.04 ps, whereas TiO2 is 9.20 ps. This study demonstrates that BTiO2-x SA has the potential to produce ultrashort pulse width using the mode-locked technique.
Survey of bacterial and protozoan microorganisms in ticks collected from birds in the Atlantic Forest biome in Piraí municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Authors: Dos Santos Soares Sabrina , Ferreira Ildemar , Lima da Silva Tatiane , Magalhães-Matos Paulo César , Mesquita Araújo Izabela , De Azevedo Baêta Bruna , Pereira Berto Bruno , Henrique da Fonseca Adivaldo , Dias Cordeiro Matheus
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to verify the diversity of ticks in wild birds of remnant fragments of the Atlantic Forest biome in the municipality of Piraí, Rio de Janeiro state, and to detect pathogenic agents in the ticks collected. Birds were captured between June 2016 and April 2017. The collected ticks were identified using a specific dichotomous key. Tick DNA was tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Babesia spp. In total, 150 birds were captured, including 64 species, 18 families, and 5 orders. Of these, 22 (14.67%) of 18 different species were parasitized by Amblyomma spp. (n=7), Amblyomma longirostre (n=10), Amblyomma sculptum (n=1), and Amblyomma parkeri (n=21). Only one Amblyomma sp. amplified specific DNA fragments for Rickettsia amblyommatis, whereas the others were negative for Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Babesia spp. The avifauna play an important role in maintaining the life cycle of ticks, in addition to contributing to the dispersion of arthropods and the microorganisms transmitted by them.
New Zetorchella (Acari, Oribatida, Caloppiidae) from Madagascar

Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Frolov Andrey v.
Published: February 2024

Two new species of Zetorchella (Oribatida, Caloppiidae)—Z. sandori sp. nov. and Z. andasibensis sp. nov.—are described, based on materials collected from Madagascar. An identification key to the known species of Zetorchella is provided.
Progress of Female Athlete Representation in Research Influencing International Conference on Concussion in Sport Consensus Statements: An Evidence Review
Authors: Asselstine Sydney , Krystofiak Jason , Gorbonosov Michelle , Toto Diana
Published: February 2024

We aimed to quantify the representation of female athletes in research informing the fifth (Berlin 2016) and sixth (Amsterdam 2022) International Conference on Concussion in Sport consensus statements and analyze trends in progress between the statements. We identified all original research analyzed in each systematic review influencing the consensus statements and determined the percentage of female subjects for each study. Twenty-two systematic reviews and 1,161 original studies were reviewed (572 studies from Berlin 2016 and 1,089 from Amsterdam 2022). Both statements underrepresented females; however, there were significantly fewer studies with no female subjects in the 2022 statement, and more studies with a near equivalent (40%–60%) representation of females. While female athletes are still underrepresented within original research influencing international consensus statements, improvements are evident. We recommend a continued emphasis on female athlete representation and suggest a female-focused component of upcoming statements along with involvement from female predominant sponsoring associations.
Corpora cavernosa fibroblasts mediate penile erection
Authors: Guimaraes Eduardo Linck , Dias David Oliveira , Hau Wing Fung , Julien Anais , Holl Daniel , Garcia-Collado Maria , Savant Soniya , Vågesjö Evelina , Phillipson Mia , Jakobsson Lars , Göritz Christian
Published: February 2024

Penile erection is mediated by the corpora cavernosa, a trabecular-like vascular bed that enlarges upon vasodilation, but its regulation is not completely understood. Here, we show that perivascular fibroblasts in the corpora cavernosa support vasodilation by reducing norepinephrine availability. The effect on penile blood flow depends on the number of fibroblasts, which is regulated by erectile activity. Erection dynamically alters the positional arrangement of fibroblasts, temporarily down-regulating Notch signaling. Inhibition of Notch increases fibroblast numbers and consequently raises penile blood flow. Continuous Notch activation lowers fibroblast numbers and reduces penile blood perfusion. Recurrent erections stimulate fibroblast proliferation and limit vasoconstriction, whereas aging reduces the number of fibroblasts and lowers penile blood flow. Our findings reveal adaptive, erectile activity-dependent modulation of penile blood flow by fibroblasts.
Oxygen isotope ensemble reveals Earth’s seawater, temperature, and carbon cycle history
Authors: Isson Terry , Rauzi Sofia
Published: February 2024

Earth’s persistent habitability since the Archean remains poorly understood. Using an oxygen isotope ensemble approach—comprising shale, iron oxide, carbonate, silica, and phosphate records—we reconcile a multibillion-year history of seawater δ
18
O, temperature, and marine and terrestrial clay abundance. Our results reveal a rise in seawater δ
18
O and a temperate Proterozoic climate distinct to interpretations of a hot early Earth, indicating a strongly buffered climate system. Precambrian sediments are enriched in marine authigenic clay, with prominent reductions occurring in concert with Paleozoic and Cenozoic cooling, the expansion of siliceous life, and the radiation of land plants. These findings support the notion that shifts in the locus and extent of clay formation contributed to seawater
18
O enrichment, clement early Earth conditions, major climate transitions, and climate stability through the reverse weathering feedback.
Molecular regulation of oil gland development and biosynthesis of essential oils in
Citrus
spp.
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Ren Jie , Zhou Shiyun , Duan Yaoyuan , Zhu Chenqiao , Chen Chuanwu , Liu Ziyan , Zheng Qingyou , Xiang Shu , Xie Zongzhou , Wang Xia , Chai Lijun , Ye Junli , Xu Qiang , Guo Wenwu , Deng Xiuxin , Zhang Fei
Published: February 2024

Secretory structures in terrestrial plants serve as reservoirs for a variety of secondary metabolites. Among these, the secretory cavity of the Rutaceae family is notable for containing essential oils with a wide range of applications. However, the molecular basis underlying secretory cavity development is unknown. Here, we reveal a molecular framework for
Citrus
oil gland formation. Using genetic mapping and genome editing, we demonstrated that this process requires LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 (LMI1), a key regulator of leaf serration. A conserved GCC box element of the
LMI1
promoter recruits DORNROSCHEN-like (DRNL) for transcriptional activation. This
DRNL-LMI1
cascade triggers
MYC5
activation, facilitating the development of oil glands and the biosynthesis of essential oils. Our findings spotlight
cis
-regulatory divergence within leaf shape genes, propelling novel functional tissue formation.
Multicenter evaluation of BioCode GPP for syndromic molecular detection of gastrointestinal pathogens from stool specimens
Authors: Knoth Colleen , Humphries Romney , Johnson J. Kristie , Patel Anami , Lima Amorce , Silbert Suzane , Vinjé Jan
Published: February 2024

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide across all age groups that disproportionally affects young children in low- and middle-income countries and immunocompromised patients in high-income countries. Regional outbreaks of AGE are typically detected by traditional microbiological detection methods that target limited organisms and are associated with low sensitivity and lengthy time-to-results. Combined, these may result in repeat testing, imprecise or delayed treatment, and delayed recognition of outbreaks. We conducted a multi-site prospective study comparing the BioCode Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (BioCode GPP) for the detection of 17 common bacterial, viral, and protozoan causes of gastroenteritis with reference methods, including stool culture, enzyme immunoassays, pathogen-specific PCR assays, and sequencing. One thousand five hundred fifty-eight residual, de-identified stool samples (unpreserved stool and stool in Cary-Blair transport medium) were enrolled and tested for 11 bacterial, 3 viral, and 3 protozoan pathogens. BioCode GPP and reference methods were positive for 392 (25.2%) and 283 (18.2%) samples, respectively (
P
< 0.0001). In this study, the BioCode GPP and reference methods detected 69 and 65 specimens positive for
Clostridioides difficile
, 51 and 48 for enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
, 33 and 27 for enterotoxigenic
E. coli
, 50 and 47 for norovirus GI/GII, and 30 and 22 for rotavirus A, respectively. The BioCode GPP showed good positive and negative agreements for each pathogen ranging from 89.5% to 100%, with overall sensitivity and specificity of 96.1% and 99.7%, post adjudication. The BioCode GPP detected >1 pathogens in 49 samples, representing 12.5% of the total 392 positive specimens.

IMPORTANCE

This study highlights performance of a novel technology for timely and accurate detection and differentiation of 17 common bacterial, viral, and protozoan causes of gastroenteritis. Utilizing molecular tests such as the BioCode Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel may improve the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens and provide actionable results, particularly for patient populations at most risk.
Complete genome sequence for the thermoacidophilic archaeon
Metallosphaera sedula
(DSM:5348)
Authors: Manesh Mohamad J. H. , Bing Ryan G. , Willard Daniel J. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: February 2024

The complete genome sequence of the thermoacidophilic archaeon
Metallosphaera sedula
(DSM 5348) is reported here.
M. sedula
, originally isolated from a volcanic field in Italy, is a prolific iron-oxidizing archaeon with applications in bioleaching of sulfide minerals.
The function of the gut microbiota–bile acid–TGR5 axis in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zhan Kai , Wu Haomeng , Xu Yongyin , Rao Kehan , Zheng Huan , Qin Shumin , Yang Yuanming , Jia Rui , Chen Weihuan , Huang Shaogang
Published: February 2024

Imbalanced gut microbiota (GM) and abnormal fecal bile acid (BA) are thought to be the key factors for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we explore the influence of the GM–BA–Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) axis on IBS-D. Twenty-five IBS-D patients and fifteen healthy controls were recruited to perform BA-related metabolic and metagenomic analyses. Further, the microbiota-humanized IBS-D rat model was established by fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) to investigate the GM–BA–TGR5 axis effects on the colonic barrier and visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in IBS-D. Finally, we used chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), an important BA screened out by metabolome, to evaluate whether it affected diarrhea and VH via the TGR5 pathway. Clinical research showed that GM associated with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity such as
Bacteroides ovatus
was markedly reduced in the GM of IBS-D, accompanied by elevated total and primary BA levels. Moreover, we found that CDCA not only was increased as the most important primary BA in IBS-D patients but also could induce VH through upregulating TGR5 in the colon and ileum of normal rats. TGR5 inhibitor could reverse the phenotype, depression-like behaviors, pathological change, and level of fecal BSH in a microbiota-humanized IBS-D rat model. Our findings proved that human-associated FMT could successfully induce the IBS-D rat model, and the imbalanced GM–BA–TGR5 axis may promote colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction and enhance VH in IBS-D.

IMPORTANCE

Visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal mucosal barrier damage are important factors that cause abnormal brain–gut interaction in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Recently, it was found that the imbalance of the gut microbiota–bile acid axis is closely related to them. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of the gut microbiota and bile acids and the underlying mechanisms by which they shape visceral hypersensitivity and mucosal barrier damage in IBS-D is critical. An examination of intestinal feces from IBS-D patients revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism underlie IBS-D and symptom onset. We also expanded beyond existing knowledge of well-studied gut microbiota and bile acid and found that
Bacteroides ovatus
and chenodeoxycholic acid may be potential bacteria and bile acid involved in the pathogenesis of IBS-D. Moreover, our data integration reveals the influence of the microbiota–bile acid–TGR5 axis on barrier function and visceral hypersensitivity.
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of a thiazolidinone derivative against
Staphylococcus aureus in vitro
and
in vivo
Authors: Zhao Rui , Du Bingyu , Luo Yue , Xue Fen , Wang Huanhuan , Qu Di , Han Shiqing , Heilbronner Simon , Zhao Yanfeng
Published: February 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
(
S. aureus
) causes many infections with significant morbidity and mortality.
S. aureus
can form biofilms, which can cause biofilm-associated diseases and increase resistance to many conventional antibiotics, resulting in chronic infection. It is critical to develop novel antibiotics against staphylococcal infections, particularly those that can kill cells embedded in biofilms. This study aimed to investigate the bacteriocidal and anti-biofilm activities of thiazolidinone derivative (TD-H2-A) against
S. aureus
. A total of 40 non-duplicate strains were collected, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of TD-H2-A were determined. The effect of TD-H2-A on established
S. aureus
mature biofilms was examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The antibacterial effects of the compound on planktonic bacteria and bacteria in mature biofilms were investigated. Other characteristics, such as cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, were researched. A mouse skin infection model was used, and a routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for histological examination. The MIC values of TD-H2-A against the different
S. aureus
strains were 6.3–25.0 µg/mL. The 5 × MIC TD-H2-A killed almost all planktonic
S. aureus
USA300. The derivative was found to have strong bacteriocidal activity against cells in mature biofilms meanwhile having low cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity against Vero cells and human erythrocytes. TD-H2-A had a good bacteriocidal effect on
S. aureus
SA113-infected mice. In conclusion, TD-H2-A demonstrated good bacteriocidal and anti-biofilm activities against
S. aureus
, paving the way for the development of novel agents to combat biofilm infections and multidrug-resistant staphylococcal infections.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
, a notorious pathogen, can form a stubborn biofilm and develop drug resistance. It is crucial to develop new anti-infective therapies against biofilm-associated infections. The manuscript describes the new antibiotic to effectively combat multidrug-resistant and biofilm-associated diseases.
A rationally designed antimicrobial peptide from structural and functional insights of
Clostridioides difficile
translation initiation factor 1
Authors: Alanis Elvira , Aguilar Faith , Banaei Niaz , Dean Frank B. , Villarreal Alexa , Alanis Miguel , Lozano Karen , Bullard James M. , Zhang Yonghong
Published: February 2024

A significant increase of hospital-acquired bacterial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic has become an urgent medical problem.
Clostridioides difficile
is an urgent antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogen and a leading causative agent of nosocomial infections. The increasing recurrence of
C. difficile
infection and antibiotic resistance in
C. difficile
has led to an unmet need for the discovery of new compounds distinctly different from present antimicrobials, while antimicrobial peptides as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics have attracted growing interest recently. Protein synthesis is an essential metabolic process in all bacteria and a validated antibiotic target. Initiation factor 1 from
C. difficile
(Cd-IF1) is the smallest of the three initiation factors that acts to establish the 30S initiation complex to initiate translation during protein biosynthesis. Here, we report the solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of Cd-IF1 which adopts a typical β-barrel fold and consists of a five-stranded β-sheet and one short α-helix arranged in the sequential order β1-β2-β3-α1-β4-β5. The interaction of Cd-IF1 with the 30S ribosomal subunit was studied by NMR titration for the construction of a structural model of Cd-IF1 binding with the 30S subunit. The short α-helix in IF1 was found to be critical for IF1 ribosomal binding. A peptide derived from this α-helix was tested and displayed a high ability to inhibit the growth of
C. difficile
and other bacterial strains. These results provide a clue for the rational design of new antimicrobials.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial infections continue to represent a major worldwide health hazard due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
Clostridioides difficile
is a common nosocomial pathogen and the causative agent in many infections resulting in an increase in morbidity and mortality. Bacterial protein synthesis is an essential metabolic process and an important target for antibiotic development; however, the precise structural mechanism underlying the process in
C. difficile
remains unknown. This study reports the solution structure of
C. difficile
translation initiation factor 1 (IF1) and its interaction with the 30S ribosomal subunit. A short α-helix in IF1 structure was identified as critically important for ribosomal binding and function in regulating the translation initiation, which allowed a rational design of a new peptide. The peptide demonstrated a high ability to inhibit bacterial growth with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This study provides a new clue for the rational design of new antimicrobials against bacterial infections.
Structural Transformations and Formation of Microstructures and Nanostructures in Thin Films of Chalcogenide Vitreous Semiconductors
Authors: Zabotnov S. V. , Kashkarov P. K. , Kolobov A. V. , Kozyukhin S. A.
Published: February 2024

Chalcogenide vitreous semiconductors (ChVSs) are of both fundamental and applied interest as materials in which reversible structural transformations within the amorphous phase and phase transitions to the crystalline state can be effectively implemented and various microstructures and nanostructures can be obtained as a result of external effects. One of the most promising methods for such ChVS modifications is the pulsed-laser-irradiation technique, which is a noncontact technology of local impact and makes it possible to change the structural, optical, and electrical properties of samples in a wide range. This includes methods based on the precision formation of a surface microrelief and nanorelief, and high contrast in the conductivity and refractive index between the crystalline and amorphous phases. This work reviews key publications on the structural modification of thin films from the most widely studied binary and ternary ChVS compounds (As2S3, As2Se3, Ge2Sb2Te5, etc.) to show the use of irradiated samples as metasurfaces for photonic applications and promising phase-change data storage.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Accumulation Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles in a Mammalian Organism
Authors: Antsiferova A. A. , Loginova M. A. , Kashkarov P. K.
Published: February 2024

A mathematical model of the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles in the mammalian organism using the example of C57Bl/6 laboratory mice with application of the concept of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and the previously obtained by a highly precise technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) experimental data is proposed. A numerical solution of this model was recieved. The applicability of the various assumptions was considered and justified. The obtained solution was analyzed, and the biokinetic transition-rate constants, the times of reaching the plateau and the mass content of the stable equilibrium were calculated. The numerical parameters were compared with the previously obtained parameters on the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles of the same brand. It is concluded that the proposed approach is well applicable for modeling the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles in a living organism.
Can an integrated intervention package including peer support increase the proportion of health facility births? A cluster randomised controlled trial in Northern Uganda
Authors: Nankabirwa Victoria , Mukunya David , Ndeezi Grace , Odongkara Beatrice , Arach Agnes A , Achora Vicentina , Mugenyi Levi , Sebit Mohammad Boy , Wandabwa Julius N , Waako Paul , Tylleskär Thorkild , Tumwine James K
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the effect of an integrated intervention package compared with routine government health services on the frequency of health facility births.

Setting

Three subcounties of Lira district in Northern Uganda.

Design

A cluster randomised controlled trial where a total of 30 clusters were randomised in a ratio of 1:1 to intervention or standard of care.

Participants

Pregnant women at ≥28 weeks of gestation.

Interventions

Participants in the intervention arm received an integrated intervention package of peer support, mobile phone messaging and birthing kits during pregnancy while those in the control arm received routine government health services (‘standard of care’).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of women giving birth at a health facility in the intervention arm compared with the control arm. Secondary outcomes were perinatal and neonatal deaths.

Results

In 2018–2019, 995 pregnant women were included in 15 intervention clusters and 882 in 15 control clusters. The primary outcome was ascertained for all except one participant who died before childbirth. In the intervention arm, 754/994 participants (76%) gave birth at a health facility compared with 500/882 (57%) in the control arm. Participants in the intervention arm were 35% more likely to give birth at a health facility compared with participants in the control arm, (risk ratio 1.35 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.51)) and (risk difference 0.20 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.27)). Adjusting for baseline differences generated similar results. There was no difference in secondary outcomes (perinatal or neonatal mortality or number of postnatal visits) between arms.

Conclusion

The intervention was successful in increasing the proportion of facility-based births but did not reduce perinatal or neonatal mortality.

Trial registration number

NCT02605369
Treatment pathways, economic burden and clinical outcomes in new users of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting B2-agonist dual therapy with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a primary care setting in England: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Czira Alexandrosz , Banks Victoria , Requena Gema , Wood Robert , Tritton Theo , Wild Rosie , Compton Chris , Ismaila Afisi
Published: February 2024

Objective

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) improves lung function and health status and reduces COPD exacerbation risk versus monotherapy. This study described treatment use, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU), healthcare costs and outcomes following initiation of single-device ICS/LABA as initial maintenance therapy (IMT).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary care, England.

Data sources

Linked data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum and Hospital Episode Statistics datasets.

Participants

Patients with COPD and ≥1 single-device ICS/LABA prescription between July 2015 and December 2018 were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Treatment pathways, COPD-related HCRU and healthcare costs, COPD exacerbations, time to triple therapy, medication adherence (proportion of days covered ≥80%) and indexed treatment time to discontinuation. Data for patients without prior maintenance therapy history (IMT users) and non-triple users were assessed over a 12-month follow-up period.

Results

Of 13 451 new ICS/LABA users, 5162 were IMT users (budesonide/formoterol, n=1056; beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol, n=2427; other ICS/LABA, n=1679), for whom at 3 and 12 months post-index, 45.6% and 39.4% were still receiving any ICS/LABA. At >6 to ≤12 months, the proportion of IMT users with ≥1 outpatient visit (10.1%) and proportion with ≥1 inpatient stay (12.6%) had increased from those at 3 months (9.0% and 7.4%, respectively). Inpatient stays contributed most to total COPD-related healthcare costs. For non-triple IMT users, at 3 and 12 months post-index, 4.5% and 13.7% had ≥1 moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation. Time to triple therapy initiation and time to discontinuation of index medication ranged from 45.9 to 50.2 months and 2.3 to 2.8 months between treatments. Adherence was low across all time points (21.5–27.6%). Results were similar across indexed therapies.

Conclusions

In the year following treatment initiation, ICS/LABA adherence was poor and many patients discontinued or switched therapies, suggesting that more consideration and optimisation of treatment is required in England for patients initiating single-device ICS/LABA therapy.