bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence diversity in the monooxygenases involved in oxime production in plant defense and signaling: a conservative revision in the nomenclature of the highly complex CYP79 family
Authors: Koleva Donka Teneva , Bengochea Anthony W. , Mellor Silas B. , Ochoa‐Fernandez Rocio , Nelson David R. , Møller Birger Lindberg , Gillam Elizabeth M. J. , Sørensen Mette
Published: October 2024

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the CYP79 family catalyze conversion of specific amino acids into oximes feeding into a variety of metabolic plant pathways. Here we present an extensive phylogenetic tree of the CYP79 family built on carefully curated sequences collected across the entire plant kingdom. Based on a monophyletic origin of the P450s, a set of evolutionarily distinct branches was identified. Founded on the functionally characterized CYP79 sequences, sequence features of the individual substrate recognition sites (SRSs) were analyzed. Co‐evolving amino acid residues were identified using co‐evolutionary sequence analysis. SRS4 possesses a specific sequence pattern when tyrosine is a substrate. Except for the CYP79Cs and CYP79Fs, substrate preferences toward specific amino acids could not be assigned to specific subfamilies. The highly diversified CYP79 tree, reflecting recurrent independent evolution of CYP79s, may relate to the different roles of oximes in different plant species. The sequence differences across individual CYP79 subfamilies may facilitate the in vivo orchestration of channeled metabolic pathways based on altered surface charge domains of the CYP79 protein. Alternatively, they may serve to optimize dynamic interactions with oxime metabolizing enzymes to enable optimal ecological interactions. The outlined detailed curation of the CYP79 sequences used for building the phylogenetic tree made it appropriate to make a conservative phylogenetic tree‐based revision of the naming of the sequences within this highly complex cytochrome P450 family. The same approach may be used in other complex P450 subfamilies. The detailed phylogeny of the CYP79 family will enable further exploration of the evolution of function in these enzymes.
‘Smartness’ narratives: A critical discourse analysis of smart eldercare in urban China
Authors: Yu Yi
Published: October 2024

The rise of smart technology, endorsed by government institutions and recognised for its societal benefits and potential for urban management, has carved a niche for smart eldercare. However, discourses around smart care vary among stakeholders, leading to a constant (re)production of it. This paper investigates three overlapping and sometimes converging stakeholders' (governments, corporations and capital investors) discourses in defining ‘smart eldercare’, arguing that these discourses significantly influence the promotion, implementation and acceptance of smart eldercare in urban Chinese communities. Government entities view smart eldercare as an efficient tool for facilitating community‐based population governance and providing a social safety net. In contrast, eldercare corporations view smart eldercare as a powerful narrative to attract investment and secure government funding, while also serving as a means of surveilling in‐home care labour. For capital investors, eldercare stands out as a burgeoning and resilient sector, encompassing latent values that warrant careful consideration, especially during periods of economic downturn. Through the lens of discourse analysis, this study underscores the tensions between different discourses and the ways it produces ‘smartness’ in urban China. This paper advocates for understanding ‘smartness’ as a complex, multifaceted concept shaped by diverse stakeholder discourses and socio‐economic‐political contexts, necessitating flexible, context‐sensitive interpretations through discourse analysis. To advance ongoing debates in geography on smart care, smart cities and ageing, this paper reveals how these stakeholder discourses co‐produce the notion of ‘smartness’ in urban eldercare, while highlighting the socio‐political dynamics underlying technology‐driven governance in China.
Outcomes of dermal substitutes in burns and burn scar reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van den Bosch Anna S. , Verwilligen Robin A. F. , Pijpe Anouk , Bosma Eelke , van der Vlies Cees H. , Lucas Ymke , Burchell George L. , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Middelkoop Esther ,   The National Burn Care, Education & Research group, The Netherlands
Published: October 2024

Dermal substitutes have been introduced in burn care to improve wound healing outcomes; however, their use remains limited in standard treatments. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of dermal substitutes in patients with burns and patients requiring burn scar reconstruction and subsequently contribute to optimising the integration of dermal substitutes into clinical practice and reducing the knowledge gap. A comprehensive search across various databases included human studies from peer‐reviewed journals on dermal substitutes for deep dermal and full‐thickness burns, and scar reconstruction across all ages. Data from comparative trials were extracted, focusing on patient and wound characteristics, treatment specifics, and outcomes related to wound healing and scar quality. Meta‐analysis was performed on trials reporting similar post‐burn measures, with statistical heterogeneity assessed. Outcomes were presented using mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 31 comparative trials were included. The overall quality of the studies was considered moderate. The meta‐analysis indicated delayed re‐epithelialization 4–7 days after treatment with a collagen‐elastin matrix compared to split‐thickness skin graft in acute burns (−7.30%, p = 0.02). Significant improvement in subjective scar quality was observed with acellular dermal matrix compared to split‐thickness skin graft in acute burn wounds 6 months post‐operative (−1.95, p <0.01). While acknowledging the initially delayed wound healing, incorporating dermal substitutes into the surgical treatment of burn patients holds promise for enhancing scar quality. However, future research must prioritise outcome measure uniformity, address variations in dermal substitute application, and standardise indications for consistent and effective practices.
In Situ Synthesis of Nano PtRuW/WC Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Acid Hydrogen Evolution by a Microwave Method
Authors: Sun Liangliang , Chen Zihao , Huang Zitong , Liu Xiang , Yang Yang , Wu Yongxin , Han Zhaoyan , Liang Fengbo
Published: October 2024

One of the primary challenges in electrocatalysis for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) lies in the development of highly efficient catalysts suitable in acidic environments. Tungsten carbide-based materials have long been proposed as potential substitutes for Pt due to their “Pt-like” electronic properties in the HER process. However, tungsten carbide still falls short of the performance exhibited by commercial precious-metal catalysts. Herein, PtRuW/WC was prepared by a microwave heating method and acted as a HER electrocatalyst. The microwave method not only enhances the diffraction peaks of the substrate tungsten carbide but also facilitates the growth of metal ions at specific sites. The PtRuW/WC catalyst demonstrates outstanding performance in acidic HER, characterized by a minimal overpotential of 40.7 mV at 10 mA/cm2 (ɳ10). Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional stability in acidic solutions, showing no substantial degradation during 20 h at 1000 mA/cm2. The catalyst-assembled polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolytic water electrode further proves that PtRuW/WC has excellent electrolytic water performance and makes some efforts for the development of commercial PEM electrolytic water.
Experimental Investigation on Vortex Generator's Distance From Film Cooling Hole
Authors: Halder Nirmal
Published: October 2024

The effects of vortex generator distance from film cooling holes on increasing gas turbine blade film cooling efficiency have been studied experimentally. The technique of infrared (IR) thermography has been implemented to study the temperature field. The diameter of the film cooling hole and the crossflow velocity define the Reynolds number, which is fixed at 2369. There are now three different jets for crossflow blowing ratio adjustments: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. Three different vortex generator distances from the film cooling hole have been studied experimentally to increase the gas turbine blade film cooling efficiency. It has been shown that the lowest distance between vortex generator distance and film cooling hole yields better film cooling efficiency. Overall, the delta winglet pair with the lowest distance between vortex generator distance and film cooling hole outperforms the higher distance because of the generation of secondary longitudinal vortices that completely destroy counter-rotating vortex structures because their rotational tendency is opposite to that of the counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP).
Regression Orthogonal Analysis of Underground Coal Gasification Products
Authors: Yuan Shuxia , Wang Yi , Zhang Jiafeng , Wu Song
Published: October 2024

Underground coal gasification is the process of converting coal deep buried underground into a combustible gas in situ through appropriate chemical reactions and extracting it to the ground for use. Since the chemical reactions take place underground, controls and measurements are extremely difficult. In addition, it is very expensive to conduct underground coal gasification tests directly in underground coal seams, and field tests cannot accomplish the same conditions as underground. To establish the relationship between injection parameters and gasification products in underground coal gasification, the process simulation software, Aspen Plus, was used to simulate the underground coal gasification process. The state parameters of processing units and nodes under each injection parameter, as well as the state parameters and mole content of the gasification products were obtained through calculating the mass balance and energy balance by using thermodynamic equations, unit operation equations, and mathematical equations. The orthogonal experimental method was adopted to analyze the significant influence of gasification agent injecting parameters on products. It is expressed from the result that the oxygen flow rate has a significant impact on the gasification products, followed by the water flow rate, and the influence of temperature and pressure of the gasification agents, i.e. oxygen and water, on the products are minor. Finally, the quantitative relationship between the gasification products and the injection parameters of each agent was established through regression orthogonal method, and the regression equation was confirmed by the inverse calculation and correlation coefficient test. The research results can provide reference for the technique formulating and parameters controlling of underground coal gasification.
The Flexibility Enhancement of Subcritical Coal-Fired Power Plants: Control Strategy Optimization for Live and Reheat Steam Temperature
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Ming , Wang Chaoyang , Zhao Yongliang , Yan Hui , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

With the increasing penetration of renewable power, flexible power sources are urgently required by the power grid to balance the supply and demand sides. Therefore, the operational flexibility of subcritical coal-fired power plants should be further enhanced. In this study, dynamic models of a reference 330MW subcritical coal-fired power plant were developed and validated. The load ramp performances of the reference plant were simulated. The maximum ramp rates during loading down processes were 2%Pe/min and 1.5%Pe/min in 75%–50% and 50%–40% load cycling ranges, respectively, and the maximum ramp rate during loading up processes is 1.5%Pe/min. That the live steam and reheat steam temperatures exceeding their thresholds limits for the load ramp rates. The subcritical power unit has a steam drum, serving as a substance and energy storage device, and allows partial decoupling of feedwater flow and coal flow. Consequently, an enhanced steam temperature control strategy, facilitated by adjusting the feedwater flow rate during the load ramp processes, was proposed. The feedwater flow rate is appropriately regulated during load cycling dynamic processes to assist the control of live steam and reheat steam temperatures. The models to obtain the live steam and reheat steam temperature variations influenced by the feedwater flow rates are developed, and implemented in the control strategy. Then, simulations on the reference power plant with the enhanced control strategy were conducted, and the temperature overshoots have been effectively suppressed. As a result, the load ramp rate is increased. For example, in the load cycling range of 75%–40%, the overall unit ramp rate is increased by 1%Pe/min, achieving an enhancement in the operational flexibility of subcritical units.
Effect of Blending Straw Powder Into Coal Gangue on Loading-Up Characteristics of the Circulating Fluidized Bed Generator Unit
Authors: Zhao Chenyu , Wang Chaoyang , Liu Ming , Liu Jiping , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2024

To increase the contribution to the regional environment, the feasibility of blending agricultural residues was explored by a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) generator unit using coal gangue as the single fuel. In this study, straw powder was chosen to blend into the coal gangue, and the whole thermal system was built as a dynamic model based on self-programming and GSE software. Blending affects the load-increasing process from 75 % to 100 % rated power (Pe) with a load variation rate of 1 % Pe/min. With the blended fuel, the deviation of the output power was almost unchanged, and the maximum deviation of the live steam pressure was reduced by 0.04 MPa. With the blending ratios of 10 % and 20 %, the energy efficiencies of the whole unit were improved by 0.48% and 0.81%, respectively, the accumulative deviations of live steam temperature were reduced by 10.4% and 16.5%, respectively, the accumulative deviations of reheat steam temperature were reduced by 13.3% and 18.2% respectively, and the maximum deviations of bed temperature were increased to 8.9 °C and 9.5 °C respectively. The increased fluctuations in bed temperature are still far from the safe boundary, so the CFB generator unit can safely load up with the blending ratios of 10 % and 20 %.
Aluminum-Air Batteries: Pioneering a New Frontier in Combating Global Energy Poverty
Authors: Mohan Siddharth , Manthena Pranava , Palaniswamy Poojitha , Beerala Sahasra , Aditya Advik , Singh Gopal
Published: October 2024

Many products have entered the market to alleviate energy poverty, including solar, ionic, and hydroelectric energy. This study completes a literature review of relevant sources from academic journals, government publications, and online databases to evaluate the unique advantages of aluminum-air batteries as the differentiating solution. The research on oleophobicity (property of a material that repels oils and oil-based substances) and other technologies relevant to aluminum-air batteries are evaluated for feasibility and potential further development of the aluminum-air battery technology. Aluminum-air batteries were found to offer a lightweight and sustainable solution. The design is further improved by flexible electrolytes such as polymer and solid-state electrolytes other than the current aqueous solutions which can be compromised. By using more powerful electrolytes, the energy output of aluminum-air batteries is virtually limitless when the corrosion of the aluminum is solved by an oil pump inspired by research on oleophobicity. Beyond these advantages, aluminum-air batteries have replaceable and recyclable components, on-demand high energy output, and a safe, stable energy delivery system, effectively avoiding combustion. The findings show that the result of aluminum-air batteries can be utilized for developments in the field of sustainable energy in order to challenge energy poverty.
Enhanced cell stress response and protein degradation capacity underlie artemisinin resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Rosenthal Melissa R. , Vijayrajratnam Sukhithasri , Firestone Tessa M. , Ng Caroline L.
Published: October 2024

Malaria remains a global health burden, killing over half a million people each year. Decreased therapeutic efficacy to artemisinin, the most efficacious antimalarial, has been detected in sub-Saharan Africa, a worrying fact given that over 90% of deaths occur on this continent. Mutations in Kelch13 are the most well-established molecular marker for artemisinin resistance, but these do not explain all artemisinin-resistant isolates. Understanding the biological underpinnings of drug resistance is key to curbing the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. Artemisinin-mediated non-specific alkylation leads to the accumulation of misfolded and damaged proteins and activation of the parasite unfolded protein response (UPR). In addition, the parasite proteasome is vital to artemisinin resistance, as we have previously shown that chemical inhibition of the proteasome or mutations in the β2 proteasome subunit increase parasite susceptibility to dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active metabolite of artemisinins. Here, we investigate parasites with mutations at the Kelch13 and/or 19S and 20S proteasome subunits with regard to UPR regulation and proteasome activity in the context of artemisinin resistance. Our data show that perturbing parasite proteostasis kills parasites, early parasite UPR signaling dictates DHA survival outcomes, and DHA susceptibility correlates with impairment of proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Importantly, we show that functional proteasomes are required for artemisinin resistance in a Kelch13-independent manner, and compound-selective proteasome inhibition demonstrates why artemisinin-resistant Kelch13 mutants remain susceptible to the related antimalarial peroxide OZ439. These data provide further evidence for targeting the parasite proteasome and UPR to overcome existing artemisinin resistance.

IMPORTANCE

Decreased therapeutic efficacy represents a major barrier to malaria treatment control strategies. The malaria proteasome and accompanying unfolded protein response are crucial to artemisinin resistance, revealing novel antimalarial therapeutic strategies.
Impact of rapid blood culture identification PCR panel on optimal antibiotic use in methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia
Authors: Yetukuri Jahnavi , Patel Dimple , Bandali Aiman , Giordano Pamela , Roland Robert , Kessler Jason
Published: October 2024

Rapid identification of methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) bacteremia may optimize antibiotic use and clinical outcomes. The study objective was to assess the impact of the BioFire® blood culture identification (BCID) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel on antibiotic use and clinical outcomes in patients with MSSA bacteremia. This was a retrospective chart review of adult inpatients with MSSA bacteremia during the pre-PCR (June 2018–December 2019) and post-PCR (June 2020–December 2021) implementation periods. The primary endpoint was the difference between the pre-PCR and post-PCR groups in time to optimal MSSA antibiotic therapy (oxacillin or cefazolin). Secondary endpoints included duration of anti-MRSA antibiotic use, in-hospital mortality, hospital and ICU lengths of stay, duration of bacteremia, and 30-day MSSA-related and all-cause readmissions. Two hundred patients were included in the study (100 per group). Median time to optimal therapy was reduced by 19.9 hours in the post-PCR group (49 vs 29.1 hours, respectively,
P
< 0.001). PCR implementation was associated with significant reductions in the initiation of empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic therapy (98% vs 84%,
P
= 0.001), duration of empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic use (44.2 vs 20.9 hours,
P
< 0.001), and duration of bacteremia (68.6 vs 47.3 hours,
P
= 0.015). No significant differences in length of stay, in-hospital mortality, or 30-day MSSA-related or all-cause readmissions were observed. In patients with MSSA bacteremia, BCID PCR panel implementation decreased time to optimal MSSA antibiotic therapy, duration of bacteremia, and duration of empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic therapy.

IMPORTANCE

In this retrospective study of 200 patients with methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) bacteremia, the implementation of the BioFire® blood culture identification polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel was associated with a decreased time to optimal MSSA antibiotic therapy and shorter durations of empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic therapy and bacteremia. The findings demonstrate the significant role of rapid PCR testing and routine stewardship review in optimizing antimicrobial therapy and management of MSSA bacteremia.
Evaluation of a multiplex real-time PCR targeting the β-tubulin gene for the detection and differentiation of
Sporothrix schenckii
and
Sporothrix brasiliensis
Authors: López Luisa F. , Gade Lalitha , Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Sexton D. Joseph
Published: October 2024

Sporothrix
sp. is a thermally dimorphic genus of fungi known to cause subacute or chronic subcutaneous lesions in humans and animals and is the cause of increasing public health concern due to spread of feline-associated cases. Here, we adapted and evaluated a recently described real-time PCR assay targeting the β-tubulin gene to rapidly detect and differentiate two related species,
S. schenckii
and
S. brasiliensis
. The assay was tested with 55
S
.
brasiliensis,
19
S
.
schenckii
, and 85 isolates from other clinically relevant fungi, and showed 100% concordance with reference identification methods. The assay showed high analytical sensitivity with a limit of detection of 1 pg of DNA per microliter of sample for both targets. The assay was further evaluated with 11 fresh and 17 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. This multiplex real-time PCR assay successfully detected the DNA from both
S. brasiliensis
and
S. schenckii
isolates as well as
S. schenckii
from fresh and FFPE tissues. Our results demonstrate this assay performs well and could be a helpful molecular tool to support rapid species identification in cultures and primary specimens.

IMPORTANCE

Having available molecular tools to identify and differentiate closely related species will allow clinical, veterinarians, and public health labs to provide diagnostic results with accuracy and short turnaround time for the routine and outbreak response activities.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities of a food fermentate of
Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Choi Dasol , Alshannaq Ahmad F. , Bok Yohan , Yu Jae-Hyuk
Published: October 2024

Amid persistent concerns over microbial foodborne illnesses and escalating antibiotic resistance, we introduce “NP,” a novel and effective broad-spectrum

n

atural antimicrobial

p

roduct derived from the filtered culture broth of
Aspergillus oryzae
grown in a food-grade liquid medium. NP demonstrates potent bactericidal activity against a range of food-borne and ESKPAE pathogens, including
Staphylococcus aureu
s (including eight distinct drug-resistant methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strains),
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Salmonella typhimurium
,
Klebsiella pneumonia
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
and
Escherichia coli
(including O157:H7) with minimal inhibitory strength ranging from 25% to 100%. In addition, NP exhibits robust antifungal activity against several human pathogenic fungi including
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Candida albicans,
and the prevalent food spoilage mold
Penicillium
species, arresting spore germination and vegetative cell growth. Mechanistically, NP disrupts the structural integrity of bacterial and fungal cell membranes, increasing membrane permeability and leading to cell death. Furthermore, genome-wide expression analyses of
A. fumigatus
vegetative cells exposed to NP reveal the downregulation of genes associated with the liveness of the fungal cells including ergosterol biosynthesis, cell wall maintenance, and development, with network analysis highlighting NP’s impact on various metabolic pathways. Notably, NP is presumed safe and thermally stable, holding promise for addressing foodborne illnesses and drug-resistant infections through the development and widespread application of a new generation of antimicrobials.

IMPORTANCE

The development of NP, a potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial, is a significant breakthrough in the ongoing challenge against microbial foodborne illnesses and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. This food-grade culture broth of
Aspergillus oryzae
demonstrates exceptional broad-spectrum efficacy against a variety of harmful bacteria and fungi, including drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
and prevalent food spoilage molds. NP exhibits strong bactericidal activity against various foodborne and ESKAPE pathogens, and strong antifungal activity against Penicillium species,
Aspergillus fumigatus
, and
Candida albicans
. The potent bactericidal and antifungal properties of NP are a result of its ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes leading to increased permeability. Furthermore, the genome-wide impact of NP on fungal gene expression and metabolic pathways underscores its comprehensive antimicrobial action, leading to transcriptomic and metabolic changes associated with cell death in
A. fumigatus
.
Heterogeneous survival upon disinfection underlies evolution of increased tolerance
Authors: Nordholt Niclas , Sobisch Lydia-Yasmin , Gödt Annett , Lewerenz Dominique , Schreiber Frank
Published: October 2024

Disinfection is important to limit the spread of infections, but failure of disinfection may foster the evolution of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. Persisters are phenotypically tolerant subpopulations that survive toxic stress longer than susceptible cells, leading to failure in treatments with antimicrobials and facilitating resistance evolution. To date, little is known about persistence in the context of disinfectants. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of persisters on disinfection and to determine the consequences of disinfectant persistence for the evolution of increased tolerance to disinfectants. Disinfection kinetics with high temporal resolution were recorded for
Escherichia coli
exposed to the following six disinfectants: hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
), glutaraldehyde (GTA), chlorhexidine (CHX), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), and isopropanol (ISO). A mathematical model was used to infer the presence of persisters from the time–kill data. Time–kill kinetics for BAC, DDAC, and ISO were indicative of persisters, whereas no or weak evidence was found for H
2
O
2
, GTA, and CHX. When subjected to comparative experimental evolution under recurring disinfection,
E. coli
evolved increased tolerance to substances for which persisters were predicted (BAC and ISO), whereas adaptation failed for substances in which no persisters were predicted (GTA and CHX), causing extinction of exposed populations. Our findings have implications for the risk of disinfection failure, highlighting a potential link between persistence to disinfectants and the ability to evolve disinfectant survival mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE

Disinfection is key to control the spread of infections. But the application of disinfectants bears the risk to promote the evolution of reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials if bacteria survive the treatment. The ability of individual bacteria to survive disinfection can display considerable heterogeneity within isogenic populations and may be facilitated by tolerant persister subpopulations. Using time–kill kinetics and interpreting the data within a mathematical framework, we quantify heterogeneity and persistence in
Escherichia coli
when exposed to six different disinfectants. We find that the level of persistence, and with this the risk for disinfection failure, depends on the disinfectant. Importantly, evolution experiments under recurrent disinfection provide evidence that links the presence of persisters to the ability to evolve reduced susceptibility to disinfectants. This study emphasizes the impact of heterogeneity within bacterial populations on disinfection outcomes and the potential consequences for the evolution of antimicrobial resistances.
Somatic coliphages as bioindicators of contamination in Lake Guamuez, Colombia
Authors: Pantoja-España Mario Andres , Gómez Miller Cerón , Molano Eddy Patricia López , Insuasty Raúl Mauricio , Ibarguen-Mondragón Eduardo , Martínez María Alejandra Mármol , Guerrero-Ceballos Deisy Lorena , Arrieta Jenny Dimelza Gómez , García Juan Camilo Paz , Izquierdo Pablo Heyman Fernández , Troya Arsenio Hidalgo , Mena-Huertas Sandra Jaqueline , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Namiyama Gislene Mitsue , Burbano-Rosero Edith Mariela
Published: October 2024

Lake Guamuez is the second largest lake in Colombia and economically supports hundreds of families in the area. The main activities carried out in the region have focused on tourism, agriculture, livestock, and rainbow trout production; however, these activities have been associated with contamination of the lake. This research aimed to evaluate the water quality of Lake Guamuez using somatic coliphages (SCs) as bioindicators. For this purpose, periodic sampling was carried out for 6 months at nine strategic points of the lake. For the detection of SCs, the method described in 9211 D of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater was used. The genomic variability and presence of virulence genes in the isolated SCs were determined. Water contamination in the lake is evident, and the SCs titer is greater in areas with a high flow of anthropogenic activities. An important degree of genetic diversity and a high prevalence of virulence genes could be observed among the SCs analyzed. The results when compared with guidelines and water quality standards from various countries showed concentrations of SCs higher than those allowed. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in the region suggests a link to water contamination.
IT Service Disruptions and Provider Choice
Authors: Yeo M. Lisa , Hidaji Hooman , Rolland Erik , Patterson Raymond A. , Nault Barrie , Kolfal Bora
Published: October 2024

Digital supply chains are increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to disruption, causing service interruptions impacting many firms and their customers. Combating threats to the digital supply chain is the top challenge for leaders in most supply chain industries, demonstrated by the tacit approval of nation-states for cyber-attacks on corporate supply chains to disrupt downstream firms.

Disruptions to digital supply chains are not new. In April 2019, hundreds of flights in the United States were delayed when a critical service provider, AeroData, had a computer systems failure. AeroData delivers flight planning services to many airlines including Southwest, United, American, and Delta. All flight operations for AeroData’s over 100 clients simultaneously ceased and thousands of customers were stranded at airports across the country. In an increasingly connected business environment, competitors may be simultaneously disrupted due to a common service provider, impacting all affected firms’ demand.

The synchronization of disruptions for firms that use a common service provider has implications for service provider choice and investment. We use a two-stage game to model how a firm’s customer demand is impacted by disruptions at a service provider, and how this subsequently affects the firms’ choices in managing service provider risk. Considering downstream demand effects from upstream service disruptions, the contribution of this paper is the examination of how risk synchronization impacts provider choice decisions and profits. In addition, we illustrate how these choices impact upstream industry concentration.
Trajectories and Platoon-forming Algorithm for Intersections with Heterogeneous Autonomous Traffic
Authors: Joshi Purva , Boon Marko , Borst Sem
Published: October 2024

The anticipated launch of fully autonomous vehicles presents an opportunity to develop and implement novel traffic management systems. Intersections are one of the bottlenecks for urban traffic, which offer tremendous potential for efficiency improvements. Platoon-forming algorithms, in which vehicles are grouped together with short inter-vehicular distances just before arriving at an intersection, seem particularly promising in this aspect. In this work, we present an intersection access control system based on platoon-forming for heterogeneous autonomous traffic. The heterogeneity of traffic arises from vehicles with different acceleration capabilities and safety constraints. We focus on obtaining computationally fast and interpretable closed-form expressions for safe and efficient vehicle trajectories enabling platoon formation and show that these trajectories are solutions to certain optimisation problems. Additionally, we conduct a numerical study to obtain approximations for intersection capacity as a result of such platoon formation.
Modification of the Differential Transform Method With Search Direction Along the Spatial Axis
Authors: Nayar Helena , Phiri Patrick Azere
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a modification of the Differential Transform Method (ModDTM) formulated so that the search direction of the solution is along a spatial axis (x). It is shown that the method is applicable to a wide spectrum of (1 + 1) partial differential equations, integro partial differential equations, and integral equations. The solutions obtained are in the form of a Taylor series, the coefficients of which are determined by recursively operating a differential transform of the equation. These solutions are either exact and in closed form, or are good approximations. To illustrate the application of the method, as well as to show its versatility, examples are chosen from all the categories mentioned earlier. These include equations such as the nonlinear Fisher, combined KdV‐mKdV, Hunter–Saxton (H‐S), Fornberg–Whitham (FW), coupled systems such as the Whitham–Broer–Kaup (WBK) and the sine‐Gordon (s‐G) equations, integral equations, Volterra partial integro‐differential equations (PIDE), and linear and nonlinear versions of the (complex) Schröedinger equation. The Tables and 3D‐plots show the good rate of convergence of the obtained solutions with the exact ones. It is thus found that the new scheme is successful in producing satisfactory results as any other method in which the conventional approach of searching for solutions along the temporal axis is followed. Further, the procedures involved are simple, and hence may be operated with great ease.
Effect of Fertilizer, Furrow Length, and Irrigation Flow Rate on Soil Nutrient and Yield of Apple Orchard
Authors: Mammadov G. M. , Mahboub Khomami A. , Mammadov T. G.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of furrow irrigation with a length of 96, 144, and 192 m and a flow rate of between 0.2 and 0.4 Ls−1 on the leaching of nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus from dry subtropical soils in Azerbaijan. Moreover, the impact of six fertilizer levels, namely, control (without fertilizer), 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, N90P90K90 + 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, N120P90K90 + 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, N120P120K90 + 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, and N120P90K120 + 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, on the performance of apple orchards, has been examined. The findings indicate that the brown soils of the irrigated grassland exhibit normal humus, total nitrogen, and weak phosphorus levels, with a gradual decline observed in the lower layers. Applicable to the agricultural and subsurface layers, the aggregates are 0.25–1.0 mm in diameter, with an agricultural value of 12.9% and 21.8%, respectively. This indicates a poor structural condition of the apple orchard soil. The elevation of the water flow rate from 0.2 to 0.4 Ls−1 resulted in a greater extraction of humus, nitrogen, and phosphorus from the soil. Both water flow rates increased the nutrients and humus leaching from the soil. By extending the furrow length to 192 m, the losses of humus (3.25%), nitrogen (0.36%), and phosphorus (0.30%) from the soil in both water flows significantly increased in comparison to the 96‐m length. By extending the length of furrows to 192 m, the yield (21.97 t ha−1) was significantly reduced in comparison to the 96‐m length (22.31 t ha−1). As a consequence of the application of N120P90K120 + 10 t ha−1 of cow manure, the yield of 27.3 t ha−1 was significantly elevated in comparison to other fertilizer treatments and the control treatment (17.9 t ha−1). Therefore, management of fertilizer systems, furrow length, and water flow can improve soil fertility and plant yield by reducing erosion in the meadow‐brown soil of Azerbaijan.
Supplementary Table S1 from Incorporating Alternative Polygenic Risk Scores into the BOADICEA Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Model
Authors: Mavaddat Nasim , Ficorella Lorenzo , Carver Tim , Lee Andrew , Cunningham Alex P. , Lush Michael , Dennis Joe , Tischkowitz Marc , Downes Kate , Hu Donglei , Hahnen Eric , Schmutzler Rita K. , Stockley Tracy L. , Downs Gregory S. , Zhang Tong , Chiarelli Anna M. , Bojesen Stig E. , Liu Cong , Chung Wendy K. , Pardo Monica , Feliubadaló Lidia , Balmaña Judith , Simard Jacques , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F.
Published: October 2024

Supplementary Table S1 shows studies and samples used in these analyses
Figure 2 from Small-Molecule CCR4 Antagonists in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Wang Xiaohong , Velatooru Loka Reddy , Han Wei , Bijani Pedram , Ni Xiao
Published: October 2024

Chemotaxis of MJ and HuT 78 cells to CCL22 and CCL17 and inhibitory effects of CCR4 antagonists on chemotaxis. A, Transwell plates were used for the chemotaxis assay. Chemotaxis of MJ and HuT 78 cells to series doses of CCL22 or CCL17 [log(M)] was assessed after 3 hours, and the data are plotted. B, For the inhibitory chemotaxis assay, cells were first treated with series doses of C021 or AZD-2098 for 30 minutes and then used for the chemotaxis assay. The dose-dependent inhibition of C021 or AZD-2098 on chemotaxis to CCL17 (100 nmol/L) and CCL22 (10 nmol/L) is plotted for MJ and HuT 78 cells, respectively.
Data from Small-Molecule CCR4 Antagonists in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Enriquez José S. , Wang Xiaohong , Velatooru Loka Reddy , Han Wei , Bijani Pedram , Ni Xiao
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are two most common types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of MF and SS, effective treatments remain limited. CC chemokine receptor-4 (CCR4) is highly expressed on CTCL cells and serves as a great therapeutic target. Mogamulizumab, an FDA-approved anti-CCR4 antibody, has shown efficacy in treating MF/SS; however, its side effects have raised concerns, underscoring the need for more effective and less toxic CCR4-targeted therapies. Although small-molecule CCR4 antagonists have been studied in other diseases involving CCR4+ Th2 cells and regulatory T cells, their effects in CTCL have not been previously explored. This study assessed the effects of two small-molecule CCR4 antagonists: C021 (class-I) and AZD-2098 (class-II) in MF-derived cell line (MJ) and SS-derived cell line (HuT 78) in vitro and in vivo. As per results, both C021 and AZD-2098 inhibited chemotactic responses to CCL17 and CCL22 in MJ and HuT 78 cells. However, only C021 downregulated CCR4 expression, inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, and decreased colony formation in MJ and HuT 78 cells in vitro. Furthermore, only C021 inhibited tumor growth in CTCL xenograft mice in vivo. These findings suggest that class-I CCR4 antagonists such as C021 exert more potent antitumor effects on CTCL cells in vitro and in vivo than do class-II CCR4 antagonists like AZD-2098, highlighting their potential for clinical application.
Significance:
Our findings are of interest to readers because they bring new evidence that small-molecule CCR4 antagonists may be an alternative therapeutic strategy to target CCR4+ CTCL cells. They may inhibit CCR4 function but not eradicate cells, so the side effects may be avoided or minimized.
Disparities in the Use of Annual Heart Health Screenings Among Latino, Black, and Asian Immigrants: Evidence from the 2011 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Elias Sabrina , Lim Arum , Byiringiro Samuel , Chen Yuling , Kruahong Suratsawadee , Turkson‐Ocran Ruth‐Alma , Dennison Himmelfarb Cheryl R. , Commodore‐Mensah Yvonne , Koirala Binu
Published: October 2024

Background

Immigrants are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease burden. Heart health screenings, including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood cholesterol screenings, can help identify cardiovascular disease risk. Evidence on heart health screenings among diverse immigrant groups is still limited. This study examined the disparities in heart health screenings among the immigrant population compared with US‐born White adults.

Methods and Results

A cross‐sectional design was used to analyze data from the 2011 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution were applied to compare the prevalence of annual blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and blood cholesterol screenings among Latino, Black, and Asian immigrants and US‐born White adults. The analysis included 145 149 adults (83.60% US‐born White adults, 9.55% Latino immigrants, 1.89% Black immigrants, and 4.96% Asian immigrants), with a mean age of 50 years and 53.62% women. Latino (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.91–0.93]) and Asian (aOR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.92–0.94]) immigrants were less likely to have blood pressure screening than US‐born White adults. Latino (aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.19–1.25]), Black (aOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.09–1.21]), and Asian (aOR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08–1.15]) immigrants were more likely to have fasting blood glucose screening, and Latino (aOR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.09–1.13]), Black or (aOR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.09–1.16]), and Asian (aOR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04–1.07]) immigrants were more likely to have blood cholesterol screening than US‐born White adults.

Conclusions

Latino and Asian immigrants have lower odds of annual blood pressure screenings than US‐born White adults. More studies exploring facilitators and barriers to the accessibility and use of heart health screenings are needed.
Lipoprotein(a) and High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein Compound the Risk of Hypoattenuating Leaflet Thickening After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Shi Wence , Feng Dejing , Hu Xiangming , Wang Can , Niu Guannan , Zhao Zhenyan , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Moyang , Wu Yongjian
Published: October 2024

Background

The mechanism for hypoattenuating leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is still not well elucidated, and the role of Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]) and hs‐CRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) has rarely been studied. This study sought to test the hypothesis that the risk of HALT is associated with an elevated level of Lp(a) or hs‐CRP.

Methods and Results

A total of 307 consecutive individuals who underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure were included. All patients received their first postoperative computed tomography scans within 12 months, and raw data were analyzed on 3mensio software. HALT was defined as visually identified increased leaflet thickness with typical meniscal appearance and at least 2 different multiplanar reformation projections. Associations of Lp(a) or hs‐CRP with the risk of HALT were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The incidence of HALT within 12 months after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in this study was 36.2%, and the risk of HALT was associated with higher baseline Lp(a) (the multivariable adjusted odds ratio [OR] for every 10 mg/dL change was 1.18 [95% CI, 1.09–1.29]) and hs‐CRP level (the multivariable adjusted OR for every 1 mg/L change was 1.08 [95% CI, 1.00–1.27]). Compared with individuals out of the top 25th percentile for both Lp(a) and hs‐CRP, the multivariable adjusted OR for HALT was 4.74 (95% CI, 1.65–14.37) for the top 25th percentile. This result remained consistent after excluding patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusions

The top 25th percentile of Lp(a) level (≥40 mg/dL) combined with the top 25th percentile of hs‐CRP level (≥3.5 mg/L) conferred a 4.74‐fold risk of HALT.
Choroid Plexus Volume in Rural Chinese Older Adults: Distribution and Association With Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Li Chunyan , Zhang Huisi , Wang Jiafeng , Han Xiaodong , Liu Cuicui , Li Yuanjing , Gong Tao , Hou Tingting , Wang Yongxiang , Cong Lin , Kalpouzos Grégoria , Wardlaw Joanna , Song Lin , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: October 2024

Background

The choroid plexus (CP) is involved in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the association of CP with cardiovascular risk factors and cerebral small vessel disease in older adults remains unclear.

Methods and Results

This population‐based study included 1263 participants (60 years and older) from the MIND‐China (Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China) substudy (2018–2020), of which 111 individuals completed diffusion tensor imaging examination. CP volume was automatically segmented. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), cerebral microbleeds, and lacunes were assessed following the Standards for Reporting Vascular Changes on Neuroimaging 1. Peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity and free water were derived from diffusion tensor imaging images. We used linear regression models to evaluate the association between CP volume and cardiovascular risk factors, WMH volumes, and diffusion tensor imaging metrics, and logistic regression models to examine the association between CP volume and EPVS, cerebral microbleeds, and lacunes. The CP volume increased with age (
P
<0.001). Men (β coefficient=0.47 [95% CI, 0.29–0.64]) and participants with diabetes (β coefficient=0.16 [95% CI, 0.01–0.31]) had larger CP volumes than women and individuals without diabetes, respectively (
P
<0.05). Greater CP volume was significantly associated with larger total and periventricular WMH volumes and moderate to severe EPVS in basal ganglia (
P
<0.05) but not with deep WMHs, EPVS in centrum semiovale, lacunes, or cerebral microbleeds. In the diffusion tensor imaging subsample, enlarged CP was significantly associated with higher peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity and free water of periventricular and deep white matter (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

An enlarged CP is associated with larger global and periventricular WMH volume and higher likelihoods of EPVS in basal ganglia and impaired white matter integrity, suggesting that an enlarged CP may represent a precursor of cerebral small vessel disease.