bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex disparities in clinical features and burden of narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Ingravallo Francesca , Bassi Chiara , Zenesini Corrado , Vignatelli Luca , Pagotto Uberto , Pizza Fabio , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

To investigate potential sex‐related differences in patients with narcolepsy type 1, we carried out an analysis of baseline data from 93 women and 89 men with narcolepsy type 1 who participated in the TElemedicine for NARcolepsy (TENAR) trial. The following data were considered: sociodemographics; diagnostic (disease history, polysomnography, orexin, human leukocyte antigen) and clinical features, including sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), cataplexy and other narcolepsy symptoms; disease severity (Narcolepsy Severity Scale); pharmacological treatment; depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory); and self‐reported relevance of eight narcolepsy‐related issues. We found that, compared with men, significantly more women reported automatic behaviours (55.4% versus 40%) and had higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (median 10 versus 9) and Beck Depression Inventory scores (median 10.5 versus 5), and there was a trend for a higher Narcolepsy Severity Scale total score in women (median 19 versus 18, p = 0.057). More women than men were officially recognized as having a disability (38% versus 22.5%) and considered 5/8 narcolepsy‐related issues investigated as a relevant problem. More severe sleepiness and a greater narcolepsy‐related burden in women could mirror sex differences present in the general population, or may be related to suboptimal management of narcolepsy type 1 or to more severe depressive symptoms in women. Future studies and guidelines should address these aspects.
Chemical compositions of Fe‐rich relict olivines from cosmic spherules, understanding their links with ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Fernandes D. , Rudraswami N. G. , Pandey M. , Singh V. P.
Published: February 2024

Fe‐rich relict olivine grains are found in a small percentage of cosmic spherules, which are studied here to determine the nature of their precursors. We examined 128 Fe‐rich relict olivine grains with Fa >10 mol% from 53 cosmic spherules of different types collected from Antarctica (Antarctica micrometeorites [AMM]) and deep‐sea sediments (DSS) of the Indian Ocean. Fe‐rich olivines identified in cosmic spherules are close analogs of type II chondrule olivines formed in the early solar system. The olivine analysis shows well‐defined trends in molar Fe/Mn versus Fe/Mg with an affinity for ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites. The minor oxides in olivine are in ranges such as MnO ~0.1–0.8 wt%, Cr2O3 ~0–0.7 wt%, CaO ~0–0.6 wt%, and Al2O3 ~0–0.2 wt%, respectively. The chemical composition suggests that the precursors for these Fe‐rich olivine‐bearing cosmic spherules consist of ordinary chondrites (~21%–23%, AMM‐DSS), carbonaceous chondrites (~17%–36%, AMM‐DSS), and a large fraction overlapping both carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites (~41%–62% AMM‐DSS). The elemental ratios Fe/Si/CI and Mg/Si/CI for the Fe‐rich relict olivines ranging between the values 0.5–1.0 and 1.1–1.7 are compatible with IDPs, Comet 81P/Wild 2 as well as the Asteroid Itokawa and Ryugu, which are indistinguishable from carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites. In addition, pyroxene and olivine assemblages in their Fa versus Fs mol% show strong similarities to EOC chondrites. Our results on Fe‐rich relict olivines show that these grains in cosmic spherules are less common than Mg‐rich olivines, which show a narrow range of chemical compositions identical to those from ordinary chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites, indicating a supplementary contribution of an ordinary chondritic component to the micrometeorite source of dust.
Overcoming the challenges posed by disasters through learning, reflection and adaption
Authors: Bailie Jodie , Scott Karen M.
Published: February 2024

Drawing on explorations of emergency responses, Bailie and Scott comment on learning through covid, highlighting influences on sense of duty, the concept of volunteering, and the importance of adaptability.
Large whale entanglements in Mexico, a 25‐year review from 1996 to 2021
Authors: Frisch‐Jordán Astrid , López‐Arzate Diana C.
Published: February 2024

Large whale entanglements are considered a significant threat to populations on a global scale. In the Mexican Pacific and Baja California Peninsula (1996–2021) a total of 218 confirmed entangled whales, from which 99 (45.4%) whales were fully released (66 by the Mexican Whale Disentanglement Network, known as RABEN). Five whale species were reported in confirmed entanglements: humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae, n = 187), gray (Eschrichtius robustus, n = 19), sperm (Physeter macrocephalus, n = 5), Bryde's (Balaenoptera edeni, n = 4), and fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n = 3). Eight types of fishing gear were identified out of 209 different gear sets; gill nets were the most common (n = 101, 48.3%), followed by pots (n = 49, 23.4%). Entanglements were reported in sixteen locations, and Banderas Bay had the most entanglement reports (n = 81, 32.8%). Several entanglements were tracked across multiple locations (n = 7), involving two teams with the most successful releases (n = 5), proving the efficiency of the RABEN entanglement response network. This information can be used to better understand entanglement impacts on large whales in the North Pacific and particularly in Mexico, to work towards mitigation of a problem that affects both whales and fishermen.
The Resurrection of the Flesh: the ‘Peculiar Treasure’ of the Church
Authors: Thompson Jon W.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents an argument for the recovery of the doctrine of the resurrection of the flesh. I argue that the doctrine accords with creedal and doctrinal tradition (§2), as well as the scriptural witness about the goodness and destiny of human flesh (§3). I then outline what it means to say – minimally – that the flesh (or ‘numerically the same body’) will be raised (§4). In §5, I argue that the doctrine speaks to the unique predicament of human beings, namely, that our very being (our flesh) is the site and source of our greatest fear – the fear of death. By focusing its proffered hopes on the same flesh in which our deepest fears are located, the promise of resurrection is shown to be a ‘peculiar treasure’. Finally, I suggest in §5a‐5c three practices by which the church can inculcate this hope in the face of death.
Measuring the needs of older adult patients in intensive care units: A translation and validation study of the NAPinICU questionnaire
Authors: Hussein Hanaa Abou El‐Soued , Hassan Eman Arafa , Baraka Azza Abd Elrazek , Al‐Gameel Magda Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: February 2024

The NAPinICU questionnaire, specifically designed to assess the needs of older adult patients in intensive care units, serves as a valuable tool for understanding and addressing their unique requirements. This study applied a cross‐cultural translation process, followed by a cross‐sectional survey to measure patients' needs and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic‐translated version of the NAPinICU questionnaire. The older adults' translated questionnaire demonstrated high content validity, good test–retest reliability and acceptable internal consistency. Discriminative validity confirmed significant differences in needs ratings between university and private hospital patients. This translated and validated tool can help in assessing the needs of older adults in intensive care units. Assessment of these patients' needs assists in enhancing the quality of care delivered to them by nurses and other healthcare providers.
Mechanisms underlying the laxative effect of lactulose: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial showing increased small bowel water and motility unaltered by the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron
Authors: Gunn D. , Yeldho C. , Hoad C. , Menys A. , Gowland P. , Marciani L. , Spiller R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Lactulose is a laxative which accelerates transit and softens stool. Our aim was to investigate its mechanism of action and use this model of diarrhea to investigate the anti‐diarrheal actions of ondansetron.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study of the effect of ondansetron 8 mg in 16 healthy volunteers. Serial MRI scans were performed fasted and 6 h after a meal. Participants then received lactulose 13.6 g twice daily and study drug for a further 36 h. On Day 3, they had further serial MRI scans for 4 h. Measurements included small bowel water content (SBWC), colonic volume, colonic gas, small bowel motility, whole gut transit, and ascending colon relaxation time (T1AC), a measure of colonic water content.

Key Results

Lactulose increased area under the curve (AUC) of SBWC from 0 to 240 min, mean difference 14.2 L · min (95% CI 4.1, 24.3), p = 0.009, and substantially increased small bowel motility after 4 h (mean (95% CI) 523 (457–646) a.u. to 852 (771–1178) a.u., p = 0.007). There were no changes in T1AC after 36 h treatment. Ondansetron did not significantly alter SBWC, small bowel motility, transit, colonic volumes, colonic gas nor T1AC, with or without lactulose.

Conclusion & Inferences

Lactulose increases SBWC and stimulates small bowel motility; however, unexpectedly it did not significantly alter colonic water content, suggesting its laxative effect is not osmotic but due to stimulation of motility. Ondansetron's lack of effect on intestinal water suggests its anti‐diarrheal effect is not due to inhibition of secretion but more likely altered colonic motility.
Global pediatric anesthesia–Anglophone West Africa perspective
Authors: Desalu Ibironke , Sarpong Pokua , Osazuwa Maryrose O. , Ndikontar Kwinji Raymond , Faponle Aramide Folayemi , Suleiman Musa Kallamu , Metogo Mbengono epse Njoki Junette , Ilori Iniabasi , Eyelade Olayinka R. , Ohene Anastasia Abena , Anno Audrey , Addison William
Published: February 2024

Background

This article gives the pediatric anesthesia perspective from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Gambia, five out of six countries in Anglophone West Africa. Over 40% of the population of most of these countries are younger than 14 years and there is an increasing need for paediatric anesthesia services.

Findings

Workforce density ranges from 0.08 to 0.58 physician anesthesia providers per 100,000 population. There are only 13 trained pediatric anesthetists; ratios range from 0 to 0.4 per 100,000 children, thus pediatric anesthesia services are provided by various cadres of physician and non‐physician anesthesia providers. Physician anesthesia training is mostly carried out by the West African College of Surgeons as well as national postgraduate colleges. Pediatric anesthesia services are provided in tertiary (teaching), secondary (general), district, faith‐based, military, private hospitals and through surgical missions. Challenges include lack of trained personnel, high morbidity from late presentation to health facilities and financial constraints, lack of health insurance for pediatric anesthesia services, unavailability of appropriate equipment and consumables, a narrow range of medications, very few pediatric‐specific operating theaters, and inadequate critical care services.

Solutions

The lack of opportunities for sub‐specialty training in pediatric anesthesia in West Africa is currently being addressed in Nigeria and Ghana. Non‐governmental agencies fund programs and courses related to pediatric anesthesia and have also provided fully equipped operating theaters. Advocacy for pediatric anesthesia can be achieved through the National Surgical Obstetric Anesthesia and Nursing Plans Implementation Committee of the various countries. There is an urgent need for prioritization of health in the budgets of Anglophone West African countries and governments must deliberately provide support for anesthesia and surgical services. More international collaborations towards workforce training and creation of children's hospitals are needed.
Restricted internal diffusion weakens transpiration–photosynthesis coupling during heatwaves: Evidence from leaf carbonyl sulphide exchange
Authors: Sun Wu , Maseyk Kadmiel , Lett Céline , Seibt Ulli
Published: February 2024

Increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves threaten ecosystem health in a warming climate. However, plant responses to heatwaves are poorly understood. A key uncertainty concerns the intensification of transpiration when heatwaves suppress photosynthesis, known as transpiration–photosynthesis decoupling. Field observations of such decoupling are scarce, and the underlying physiological mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we use carbonyl sulphide (COS) as a leaf gas exchange tracer to examine potential mechanisms leading to transpiration–photosynthesis decoupling on a coast live oak in a southern California woodland in spring 2013. We found that heatwaves suppressed both photosynthesis and leaf COS uptake but increased transpiration or sustained it at non‐heatwave levels throughout the day. Despite statistically significant decoupling between transpiration and photosynthesis, stomatal sensitivity to environmental factors did not change during heatwaves. Instead, midday photosynthesis during heatwaves was restricted by internal diffusion, as indicated by the lower internal conductance to COS. Thus, increased evaporative demand and nonstomatal limitation to photosynthesis act jointly to decouple transpiration from photosynthesis without altering stomatal sensitivity. Decoupling offered limited potential cooling benefits, questioning its effectiveness for leaf thermoregulation in xeric ecosystems. We suggest that adding COS to leaf and ecosystem flux measurements helps elucidate diverse physiological mechanisms underlying transpiration–photosynthesis decoupling.
Redox regulation of chromatin remodelling in plants
Authors: Plskova Zuzana , Van Breusegem Frank , Kerchev Pavel
Published: February 2024

Changes in the cellular redox balance that occur during plant responses to unfavourable environmental conditions significantly affect a myriad of redox‐sensitive processes, including those that impact on the epigenetic state of the chromatin. Various epigenetic factors, like histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and DNA methyltransferases can be targeted by oxidative posttranslational modifications. As their combined action affects the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, they form an integral part of plant responses to (a)biotic stress. Epigenetic changes triggered by unfavourable environmental conditions are intrinsically linked with primary metabolism that supplies intermediates and donors, such acetyl‐CoA and S‐adenosyl‐methionine, that are critical for the epigenetic decoration of histones and DNA. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of redox regulation of chromatin remodelling, dynamics of epigenetic marks, and the interplay between epigenetic control of gene expression, redox signalling and primary metabolism within an (a)biotic stress context.
“Go Back To Where You Came From!”: Moral Economy of Land and the Politics of Belonging in Coastal Tanzania☆
Authors: Chung Youjin B.
Published: February 2024

This article examines how the threat of eviction by a transnational land deal in coastal Tanzania shaped competing narratives with which longtime residents and migrants defended and legitimated the moral economy of land: a widely shared customary norm that land belonged to those who cleared, occupied, and used it continuously for their daily provisioning, with or without title deeds. To counter the state's claim that all villagers were “invaders,” long‐term residents appealed to their ethnic and ancestral connections to the land, while migrants invoked a broader idiom of agrarian citizenship that placed land entitlements at the heart of rural people's relationship with the state. Despite this divergence, nervousness similarly pervaded both group's narratives, due in part to the instability of the notion of ethnicity and autochthony in coastal Tanzania and people's historically informed sense of foreboding about state‐sanctioned dispossession. The article draws on the analytic of assemblage to advance a more relational and dynamic understanding of the co‐construction and performance of moral economy and rural identity. Analyzing how villagers imagine and articulate their identities, and how discourses of exclusion and belonging get deployed in conjunctures of displacement is critical to understanding the socio‐material realities of rural life in Tanzania today.
Primary hyperoxaluria: Description of a new oral finding and review of literature
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Hassan Sora , Atef Alaa , Flaifl Yara , AlShammas Faris , Abdaljaleel Maram
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Oro‐dental manifestations of hyperoxaluria and dental management of affected patients are rarely reported in the literature. We describe a new oral presentation of primary hyperoxaluria (PH) and review relevant literature about oro‐dental manifestations and management of dental complications of hyperoxaluria.

Methods

A case report of a 44‐year‐old female who presented with symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction due to hyperoxaluria was described according to the CARE guidelines. In addition, an extensive search of biomedical databases (PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Embase) for articles describing oro‐dental manifestations and/or dental management in patients with hyperoxaluria was performed using the key words (“oral” and/or “hyperoxaluria” and/or “dental” and/or “oxalosis”). Included articles were reviewed and data about patient demographics, disease type and stage, oral and dental manifestations, and dental treatment outcome were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

A total of 14 articles describing the oral and dental manifestations in 15 patients with hyperoxaluria were included. Tooth mobility, root resorption, and radiographic alterations were consistently described in all cases. Oral manifestations were described mainly in PH at late stages, and only after the onset of chronic renal disease. Dental management in all reported cases was palliative and aimed to relive pain and treat periodontal infection. Tooth loss due to extraction or uncontrolled mobility was the ultimate outcome in almost all reported cases.

Conclusion

Oral and dental manifestations in hyperoxaluria are rarely reported in the literature. Management of tooth mobility and root resorption in hyperoxaluria is challenging and clinical guidelines and evidence‐based recommendations are lacking. Early diagnosis and treatment of hyperoxaluria might be the only effective approach to prevent dental and periodontal complications of the disease.
MdWER interacts with MdERF109 and MdJAZ2 to mediate methyl jasmonate‐ and light‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple fruit
Authors: Zhang Xi , Yu Lujia , Zhang Mengjiao , Wu Ting , Song Tingting , Yao Yuncong , Zhang Jie , Tian Ji
Published: February 2024

Anthocyanin generation in apples (Malus domestica) and the pigmentation that results from it may be caused by irradiation and through administration of methyl jasmonate (MeJA). However, their regulatory interrelationships associated with fruit coloration are not well defined. To determine whether MdERF109, a transcription factor (TF) involved in light‐mediated coloration and anthocyanin biosynthesis, has synergistic effects with other proteins, we performed a yeast two‐hybrid assessment and identified another TF, MdWER. MdWER was induced by MeJA treatment, and although overexpression of MdWER alone did not promote anthocyanin accumulation co‐overexpression with MdERF109 resulted in significantly increase in anthocyanin biosynthesis. MdWER may form a protein complex with MdERF109 to promote anthocyanin accumulation by enhancing combinations between the proteins and their corresponding genes. In addition, MdWER, as a MeJA responsive protein, interacts with the anthocyanin repressor MdJAZ2. Transient co‐expression in apple fruit and protein interaction assays allowed us to conclude that MdERF109 and MdJAZ2 interact with MdWER and take part in the production of anthocyanins upon MeJA treatment and irradiation. Our findings validate a role for the MdERF109‐MdWER‐MdJAZ2 module in anthocyanin biosynthesis and uncover a novel mechanism for how light and MeJA signals are coordinated anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple fruit.
Development of a reference interval for urinary ammonia‐to‐creatinine ratio in feline patients
Authors: Brown Eleanor E. , Castro Rebecca A. , Griffin Francesca C. , Mandese Wendy W. , Rooks Jenna K. , Stone Amy E. , Wuerz Julia A. , Cooke Kirsten L. , Specht Andrew J. , Harris Autumn N.
Published: February 2024

Background

Disruption of acid–base homeostasis can lead to many clinical problems. Ammonia excretion by the kidneys is critical to maintaining acid–base homeostasis through bicarbonate production. Measurement of ammonia excretion may help determine if the kidneys are properly functioning in maintaining acid–base balance. Reference intervals are essential tools for clinical decision‐making but do not currently exist for urinary ammonia‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) in feline patients.

Objective

This study aimed to generate a reference interval (RI) for UACR in healthy adult cats.

Methods

The study used samples from client‐owned adult healthy cats that presented to the University of Florida Primary Care and Dentistry service (n = 92). Physical examination, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, urine ammonia, and creatinine concentrations were measured. Cats were excluded if there were significant abnormalities in their urinalysis or biochemistry panel. The RI for UACR was calculated according to the recommendation of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. The UACR was evaluated for correlation with serum bicarbonate, weight, age, and sex.

Results

The RI for UACR was 3.4–20.7 with 90% confidence intervals for the lower and upper limits of (3.0–3.7) and (16.0–23.7), respectively. No significant correlation with age, sex, or weight was found. There was no discernable relationship between serum bicarbonate and UACR.

Conclusions

Establishing an RI for UACR in healthy adult cats will allow further studies to determine if changes in UACR are observed during specific disease states.
Comparison of visual outcomes between medical treatment alone and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Kubo Akira , Ito Yosuke
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).

Procedures

Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p < .001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p < .001). By the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p < .01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED.

Conclusions

AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery.
On Newton polytopes of Lagrangian augmentations
Authors: Capovilla‐Searle Orsola , Casals Roger
Published: February 2024

This note explores the use of Newton polytopes in the study of Lagrangian fillings of Legendrian submanifolds. In particular, we show that Newton polytopes associated to augmented values of Reeb chords can distinguish infinitely many distinct Lagrangian fillings, both for Legendrian links and higher dimensional Legendrian spheres. The computations we perform work in finite characteristic, which significantly simplifies arguments and also allows us to show that there exist Legendrian links with infinitely many nonorientable exact Lagrangian fillings.
The higher regularity and decay estimates for positive solutions of fractional Choquard equations
Authors: Deng Yinbin , Yang Xian
Published: February 2024

In the paper, we study the higher regularity and decay estimates for positive solutions of the following fractional Choquard equations:

where , is a constant, , , , . Let be a positive solution of (). We obtain an optimal decay estimate for and reveal the relation between and the decay rate of for all permitting . We skillfully use the properties of Bessel kernel to deduce our main result by iteration. Moreover, by the decay estimates, the stronger regular estimates for are obtained.
A Volume-Averaged Hyperbolic System of Governing Equations for Granular Turbulent Flow Modeling With Phase Change
Authors: Balakrishnan Kaushik , Bellan Josette
Published: February 2024

A formulation is developed using volume-averaging and the concept of added mass to derive a hyperbolic system of governing equations for modeling turbulent, dense granular flows. The large eddy simulations (LES) framework is employed for the fluid phase, whereas the solid phase equations are based on enlarged Kinetic Theory concepts. To obtain the LES equations, the volume-averaged equations are filtered and the filtered terms not directly computable from the LES solution are generically modeled. Additionally, the pseudo-turbulent kinetic energy (PTKE) is included in the formulation and it is shown how its contribution is distinct from turbulence and leads to different terms that must be modeled in the conservation equations. Volume-averaging of the continuity, momentum and energy equations result in many integrals that are used to rigorously define the meaning of terms that have only been included heuristically in existing formulations. Simulations with this model are conducted in a configuration representing the interaction of a turbulent supersonic jet with a bed of solid particles. The results are analyzed to demonstrate hyperbolicity. Comparisons of results from a model including PTKE and one excluding it show that the inclusion of PTKE has no role in bestowing hyperbolicity to the model, and furthermore does not affect the macroscopic aspects of the crater. Comparisons between results obtained with a hyperbolic model and a model that is hyperbolic everywhere except in regions of particle/fluid interaction show that the macroscopic crater aspects are different, affecting the crater shape and topography.
In Situ Analysis of the Effect of Ultrasonic Cavitation on Electrochemical Polishing of Additively Manufactured Metal Surfaces
Authors: Jeon Ji Ho , Ahn Sung-Hoon , Melkote Shreyes N.
Published: February 2024

The effects of a hybrid process that combines ultrasonic cavitation and electrochemical polishing on the electrochemical behavior and the resulting surface characteristics of additively manufactured 316-L stainless steel were investigated. In situ potentiodynamic scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted to gain a fundamental understanding of the effect of ultrasonic cavitation on the electrochemical processes involved, considering the influence of electrolyte temperature at 60 and 70 °C. The potentiodynamic scans revealed that increasing the ultrasonic excitation amplitude from 20 to 80 µm at 20 µm intervals and temperature from 60 to 70 °C led to reduced polishing resistance, and elevated passivation current density at equivalent applied potentials, thus leading to an increased polishing rate. These findings are attributed to intensified cavitation near the material surface, which promoted anodic dissolution reactions and accelerated the polishing rate. In situ EIS measurements provided valuable information on the charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance and their influence on the hybrid process. Specifically, higher ultrasonic amplitudes and elevated temperatures contributed to enhanced electrical double-layer formation and ion adsorption, resulting in a faster rate of polishing, indicating the efficacy of the hybrid process. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between ultrasonic cavitation and electrochemical dissolution processes that occur during ultrasonic cavitation-assisted electrochemical polishing. The research provides valuable insights for optimizing the process and its potential application in the post-processing of metal additive manufactured parts.
A Perspective on Plasticity, Dissipation and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Authors: Needleman Alan
Published: February 2024

The requirement of a non-negative dissipation rate for all possible deformation histories is generally imposed on plastic constitutive relations. This is a constraint analogous to the Coleman–Noll [Coleman, B. D., and Noll, W., 1964, “The Thermodynamics of Elastic Materials With Heat Conduction and Viscosity,” Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal., 13, pp. 167–178. 10.1007/BF01262690] postulate that the Clausius–Duhem inequality needs to be satisfied for all possible deformation histories. The physical basis for the Clausius–Duhem inequality is as a statistical limit for a large number of discrete events for a long time and is not a fundamental physical requirement for small systems for a short time. The relation between the requirement of a non-negative dissipation rate and the Clausius–Duhem inequality is considered. The consequences of imposing a non-negative dissipation rate for all possible deformation histories are illustrated for: (i) a single crystal plasticity framework that accounts for elastic lattice curvature changes as well as elastic lattice straining and (ii) for discrete defect theories of plasticity, with attention specifically on discrete dislocation plasticity for crystalline solids and discrete shear transformation zone (STZ) plasticity for amorphous solids. Possible less restrictive conditions on the evolution of dissipation in plasticity formulations are considered as are implications for stability. The focus is on open questions and issues.
Dimerization of a 5-kDa domain defines the architecture of the 5-MDa gammaproteobacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Authors: Meinhold Sarah , Zdanowicz Rafal , Giese Christoph , Glockshuber Rudi
Published: February 2024

The
Escherichia coli
pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) is a ~5 MDa assembly of the catalytic subunits pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3). The PDHc core is a cubic complex of eight E2 homotrimers. Homodimers of the peripheral subunits E1 and E3 associate with the core by binding to the peripheral subunit binding domain (PSBD) of E2. Previous reports indicated that 12 E1 dimers and 6 E3 dimers bind to the 24-meric E2 core. Using an assembly arrested E2 homotrimer (E2
3
), we show that two of the three PSBDs in the E2
3
dimerize, that each PSBD dimer cooperatively binds two E1 dimers, and that E3 dimers only bind to the unpaired PSBD in E2
3
. This mechanism is preserved in wild-type PDHc, with an E1 dimer:E2 monomer:E3 dimer stoichiometry of 16:24:8. The conserved PSBD dimer interface indicates that PSBD dimerization is the previously unrecognized architectural determinant of gammaproteobacterial PDHc megacomplexes.
Haplotype-phased genome unveils the butylphthalide biosynthesis and homoploid hybrid origin of
Ligusticum chuanxiong
Authors: Nie Bao , Chen Xueqing , Hou Zhuangwei , Guo Miaoxian , Li Cheng , Sun Wenkai , Ji Jiaojiao , Zang Lanlan , Yang Song , Fan Pengxiang , Zhang Wenhao , Li Hang , Tan Yuzhu , Li Wei , Wang Li
Published: February 2024

Butylphthalide is one of the first-line drugs for ischemic stroke therapy, while no biosynthetic enzyme for butylphthalide has been reported. Here, we present a haplotype-resolved genome of
Ligusticum chuanxiong
, a long-cultivated and phthalide-rich medicinal plant in Apiaceae. On the basis of comprehensive screening, four Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate–dependent dioxygenases and two CYPs were mined and further biochemically verified as phthalide C-4/C-5 desaturases (P4,5Ds) that effectively promoted the forming of (
S
)-3-
n
-butylphthalide and butylidenephthalide. The substrate promiscuity and functional redundancy featured for P4,5Ds may contribute to the high phthalide diversity in
L. chuanxiong
. Notably, comparative genomic evidence supported
L. chuanxiong
as a homoploid hybrid with
Ligusticum sinense
as a potential parent. The two haplotypes demonstrated exceptional structure variance and diverged around 3.42 million years ago. Our study is an icebreaker for the dissection of phthalide biosynthetic pathway and reveals the hybrid origin of
L. chuanxiong
, which will facilitate the metabolic engineering for (
S
)-3-
n
-butylphthalide production and breeding for
L. chuanxiong
.
Fully gapped pairing state in spin-triplet superconductor UTe
2
Authors: Suetsugu Shota , Shimomura Masaki , Kamimura Masashi , Asaba Tomoya , Asaeda Hiroto , Kosuge Yuki , Sekino Yuki , Ikemori Shun , Kasahara Yuichi , Kohsaka Yuhki , Lee Minhyea , Yanase Youichi , Sakai Hironori , Opletal Petr , Tokiwa Yoshifumi , Haga Yoshinori , Matsuda Yuji
Published: February 2024

The recently discovered superconductor UTe
2
is a promising candidate for spin-triplet superconductors, but the symmetry of the superconducting order parameter remains highly controversial. Here, we determine the superconducting gap structure by the thermal conductivity of ultraclean UTe
2
single crystals. We find that the
a
-axis thermal conductivity divided by temperature κ/
T
in zero-temperature limit is vanishingly small for both magnetic field

H

‖
a
and

H

‖
c
axes up to
H
/
H

c
2

∼ 0.2, demonstrating the absence of nodes around the
a
axis contrary to the previous belief. The present results, combined with the reduction of nuclear magnetic resonance Knight shift, indicate that the superconducting order parameter belongs to the isotropic

A
u

representation with a fully gapped pairing state, analogous to the B phase of superfluid
3
He. These findings reveal that UTe
2
is likely to be a long-sought three-dimensional strong topological superconductor, hosting helical Majorana surface states on any crystal plane.
CD23
+
IgG1
+
memory B cells are poised to switch to pathogenic IgE production in food allergy
Authors: Ota Miyo , Hoehn Kenneth B. , Fernandes-Braga Weslley , Ota Takayuki , Aranda Carlos J. , Friedman Sara , Miranda-Waldetario Mariana G. C. , Redes Jamie , Suprun Maria , Grishina Galina , Sampson Hugh A. , Malbari Alefiyah , Kleinstein Steven H. , Sicherer Scott H. , Curotto de Lafaille Maria A.
Published: February 2024

Food allergy is caused by allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, but little is known about the B cell memory of persistent IgE responses. Here, we describe, in human pediatric peanut allergy, a population of CD23
+
IgG1
+
memory B cells arising in type 2 immune responses that contain high-affinity peanut-specific clones and generate IgE-producing cells upon activation. The frequency of CD23
+
IgG1
+
memory B cells correlated with circulating concentrations of IgE in children with peanut allergy. A corresponding population of “type 2–marked” IgG1
+
memory B cells was identified in single-cell RNA sequencing experiments. These cells differentially expressed interleukin-4 (IL-4)– and IL-13–regulated genes, such as
FCER2
/
CD23
+
,
IL4R
, and germline
IGHE
, and carried highly mutated B cell receptors (BCRs). In children with high concentrations of serum peanut-specific IgE, high-affinity B cells that bind the main peanut allergen Ara h 2 mapped to the population of “type 2–marked” IgG1
+
memory B cells and included clones with convergent BCRs across different individuals. Our findings indicate that CD23
+
IgG1
+
memory B cells transcribing germline
IGHE
are a unique memory population containing precursors of high-affinity pathogenic IgE-producing cells that are likely to be involved in the long-term persistence of peanut allergy.
Antibacterial synergy between a phage endolysin and citric acid against the Gram-negative kiwifruit pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
actinidiae
Authors: Sisson Hazel M. , Fagerlund Robert D. , Jackson Simon A. , Briers Yves , Warring Suzanne L. , Fineran Peter C.
Published: February 2024

The phytopathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
actinidiae
(
Psa
) causes major impacts to kiwifruit horticulture, and the current control strategies are heavily reliant on copper and antibiotics. The environmental impact and increasing resistance to these agrichemicals are driving interest in alternative antimicrobials including bacteriophage-derived therapies. In this study, we characterize the endolysin from the
Otagovirus Psa374
which infects
Psa
. When combined with citric acid, this endolysin displays an impressive antibacterial synergy to reduce viable
Psa
below the limit of detection. The use of citric acid as a synergistic agent with endolysins has not been extensively studied and has never been evaluated against a plant pathogen. We determined that the synergy involved a combination of the chelation activity of citric acid, acidic pH, and the specific activity of the ΦPsa374 endolysin. Our study highlights an exciting opportunity for alternative antimicrobials in agriculture.
Extraction of the CDRH3 sequence of the mouse antibody repertoire selected upon influenza virus infection by subtraction of the background antibody repertoire
Authors: Shingai Masashi , Iida Sayaka , Kawai Naoko , Kawahara Mamiko , Sekiya Toshiki , Ohno Marumi , Nomura Naoki , Handabile Chimuka , Kawakita Tomomi , Omori Ryosuke , Yamagishi Junya , Sano Kaori , Ainai Akira , Suzuki Tadaki , Ohnishi Kazuo , Ito Kimihito , Kida Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Historically, antibody reactivity to pathogens and vaccine antigens has been evaluated using serological measurements of antigen-specific antibodies. However, it is difficult to evaluate all antibodies that contribute to various functions in a single assay, such as the measurement of the neutralizing antibody titer. Bulk antibody repertoire analysis using next-generation sequencing is a comprehensive method for analyzing the overall antibody response; however, it is unreliable for estimating antigen-specific antibodies due to individual variation. To address this issue, we propose a method to subtract the background signal from the repertoire of data of interest. In this study, we analyzed changes in antibody diversity and inferred the heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (CDRH3) sequences of antibody clones that were selected upon influenza virus infection in a mouse model using bulk repertoire analysis. A decrease in the diversity of the antibody repertoire was observed upon viral infection, along with an increase in neutralizing antibody titers. Using kernel density estimation of sequences in a high-dimensional sequence space with background signal subtraction, we identified several clusters of CDRH3 sequences induced upon influenza virus infection. Most of these repertoires were detected more frequently in infected mice than in uninfected control mice, suggesting that infection-specific antibody sequences can be extracted using this method. Such an accurate extraction of antigen- or infection-specific repertoire information will be a useful tool for vaccine evaluation in the future.

IMPORTANCE

As specific interactions between antigens and cell-surface antibodies trigger the proliferation of B-cell clones, the frequency of each antibody sequence in the samples reflects the size of each clonal population. Nevertheless, it is extremely difficult to extract antigen-specific antibody sequences from the comprehensive bulk antibody sequences obtained from blood samples due to repertoire bias influenced by exposure to dietary antigens and other infectious agents. This issue can be addressed by subtracting the background noise from the post-immunization or post-infection repertoire data. In the present study, we propose a method to quantify repertoire data from comprehensive repertoire data. This method allowed subtraction of the background repertoire, resulting in more accurate extraction of expanded antibody repertoires upon influenza virus infection. This accurate extraction of antigen- or infection-specific repertoire information is a useful tool for vaccine evaluation.
Co-occurrence network analysis reveals the alterations of the skin microbiome and metabolome in adults with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: P. Gomes Paulo Wender , Mannochio-Russo Helena , Mao Junhong , Zhao Haoqi Nina , Ancira Jacob , Tipton Craig D. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Li Min
Published: February 2024

Skin microbiome can be altered in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). An understanding of the changes from healthy to atopic skin can help develop new targets for treatment by identifying microbial and molecular biomarkers. This study investigates the skin microbiome and metabolome of healthy adult subjects and lesion (ADL) and non-lesion (ADNL) of AD patients by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Samples from AD patients showed alterations in the diversity and composition of the skin microbiome, with ADL skin having the greatest divergence.
Staphylococcus
species, especially
S. aureus
, were significantly increased in AD patients. Metabolomic profiles were also different between the groups. Dipeptide derivatives are more abundant in ADL, which may be related to skin inflammation. Co-occurrence network analysis of the microbiome and metabolomics data revealed higher co-occurrence of metabolites and bacteria in healthy ADNL compared to ADL.
S. aureus
co-occurred with dipeptide derivatives in ADL, while phytosphingosine-derived compounds showed co-occurrences with commensal bacteria, for example
, Paracoccus
sp.,
Pseudomonas
sp.,
Prevotella bivia
,
Lactobacillus iners
,
Anaerococcus
sp.,
Micrococcus
sp.,
Corynebacterium ureicelerivorans
,
Corynebacterium massiliense
,
Streptococcus thermophilus
, and
Roseomonas mucosa
, in healthy and ADNL groups. Therefore, these findings provide valuable insights into how AD affects the human skin metabolome and microbiome.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides valuable insight into changes in the skin microbiome and associated metabolomic profiles in an adult population with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. It also identifies new therapeutic targets that may be useful for developing personalized treatments for individuals with atopic dermatitis based on their unique skin microbiome and metabolic profiles.
First report of
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 plasmids in multidrug-resistant
Enterobacter hormaechei
and
Serratia nevei
recovered from canine and feline opportunistic infections
Authors: Leelapsawas Chavin , Sroithongkham Parinya , Payungporn Sunchai , Nimsamer Pattaraporn , Yindee Jitrapa , Collaud Alexandra , Perreten Vincent , Chanchaithong Pattrarat
Published: February 2024

Whole-genome sequence analysis of six
Enterobacter hormaechei
and two
Serratia nevei
strains, using a hybrid assembly of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, revealed the presence of the epidemic
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 plasmids co-harboring
qnrS1
and ∆
ere
(A) genes, as well as multiple multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids disseminating in all strains, originated from dogs and cats in Thailand. The subspecies and sequence types (ST) of the
E. hormaechei
strains recovered from canine and feline opportunistic infections included
E. hormaechei
subsp.
xiangfangensis
ST171 (
n
= 3), ST121 (
n
= 1), and ST182 (
n
= 1), as well as
E. hormaechei
subsp.
steigerwaltii
ST65 (
n
= 1). Five of the six
E. hormaechei
strains harbored an identical 51,479-bp
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 plasmid. However, the
bla
OXA-181
plasmid (pCUVET22-969.1) of the
E. hormaechei
strain CUVET22-969 presented a variation due to the insertion of IS
Kpn74
and IS
Sbo1
into the
virB
region. Additionally, the
bla
OXA-181
plasmids of
S. nevei
strains were nearly identical to the others at the nucleotide level, with IS
Ecl1
inserted upstream of the
qnrS1
gene. The
E. hormaechei
and
S. nevei
lineages from canine and feline origins might acquire the epidemic
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 and MDR plasmids, which are shared among Enterobacterales, contributing to the development of resistance. These findings suggest the spillover of significant OXA-181-encoding plasmids to these bacteria, causing severe opportunistic infections in dogs and cats in Thailand. Surveillance and effective hygienic practice, especially in hospitalized animals and veterinary hospitals, should be urgently implemented to prevent the spread of these plasmids in healthcare settings and communities.

IMPORTANCE

bla
OXA-181
is a significant carbapenemase-encoding gene, usually associated with an epidemic IncX3 plasmid found in Enterobacterales worldwide. In this article, we revealed six carbapenemase-producing (CP)
Enterobacter hormaechei
and two CP
Serratia nevei
strains harboring
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 and multidrug resistance plasmids recovered from dogs and cats in Thailand. The carriage of these plasmids can promote extensively drug-resistant properties, limiting antimicrobial treatment options in veterinary medicine. Since
E. hormaechei
and
S. nevei
harboring
bla
OXA-181
-carrying IncX3 plasmids have not been previously reported in dogs and cats, our findings provide the first evidence of dissemination of the epidemic plasmids in these bacterial species isolated from animal origins. Pets in communities can serve as reservoirs of significant antimicrobial resistance determinants. This situation places a burden on antimicrobial treatment in small animal practice and poses a public health threat.
Management of lower extremity vascular injuries in pediatric trauma patients: 20-year experience at a level 1 trauma center
Authors: Lyons Nicole B , Berg Arthur , Collie Brianna L , Meizoso Jonathan P , Sola Juan E , Thorson Chad M , Proctor Kenneth G , Namias Nicholas , Pizano Louis R , Marttos Antonio C , Sciarretta Jason D
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pediatric lower extremity vascular injuries (LEVI) are rare but can result in significant morbidity. We aimed to describe our experience with these injuries, including associated injury patterns, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective review at a single level 1 trauma center from January 2000 to December 2019. Patients less than 18 years of age with LEVI were included. Demographics, injury patterns, clinical status at presentation, and intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) were collected. Surgical data were extracted from patient charts.

Results

4,929 pediatric trauma patients presented during the 20-year period, of which 53 patients (1.1%) sustained LEVI. The mean age of patients was 15 years (range 1–17 years), the majority were Black (68%), male (96%), and most injuries were from a gunshot wound (62%). The median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15, and the median Injury Severity Score was 12. The most commonly injured arteries were the superficial femoral artery (28%) and popliteal artery (28%). Hard signs of vascular injury were observed in 72% of patients and 87% required operative exploration. There were 36 arterial injuries, 36% of which were repaired with a reverse saphenous vein graft and 36% were repaired with polytetrafluoroethylene graft. One patient required amputation. Median ICU LOS was three days and median hospital LOS was 15 days. There were four mortalities.

Conclusion

Pediatric LEVIs are rare and can result in significant morbidity. Surgical principles for pediatric vascular injuries are similar to those applied to adults, and this subset of patients can be safely managed in a tertiary specialized center.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective study.