bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using kin discrimination to construct synthetic microbial communities of Bacillus subtilis strains impacts the growth of black soldier fly larvae
Authors: Zhao Jun‐Hui , Cheng Ping , Wang Yi , Yan Xun , Xu Zhi‐Min , Peng Dong‐Hai , Yu Guo‐Hui , Shao Ming‐Wei
Published: March 2024

Using synthetic microbial communities to promote host growth is an effective approach. However, the construction of such communities lacks theoretical guidance. Kin discrimination is an effective means by which strains can recognize themselves from non‐self, and construct competitive microbial communities to produce more secondary metabolites. However, the construction of cooperative communities benefits from the widespread use of beneficial microorganisms. We used kin discrimination to construct synthetic communities (SCs) comprising 13 Bacillus subtilis strains from the surface and gut of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. We assessed larval growth promotion in a pigeon manure system and found that the synthetic community comprising 4 strains (SC 4) had the most profound effect. Genomic analyses of these 4 strains revealed that their complementary functional genes underpinned the robust functionality of the cooperative synthetic community, highlighting the importance of strain diversity. After analyzing the bacterial composition of BSF larvae and the pigeon manure substrate, we observed that SC 4 altered the bacterial abundance in both the larval gut and pigeon manure. This also influenced microbial metabolic functions and co‐occurrence network complexity. Kin discrimination facilitates the rapid construction of synthetic communities. The positive effects of SC 4 on larval weight gain resulted from the functional redundancy and complementarity among the strains. Furthermore, SC 4 may enhance larval growth by inducing shifts in the bacterial composition of the larval gut and pigeon manure. This elucidated how the SC promoted larval growth by regulating bacterial composition and provided theoretical guidance for the construction of SCs.
Enhanced chaotrope tolerance and (S)‐2‐hydroxypropiophenone production by recombinant Pseudomonas putida engineered with Pprl from Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Kordesedehi Reihaneh , Shahpiri Azar , Asadollahi Mohammad Ali , Biria Davoud , Nikel Pablo Iván
Published: March 2024

Pseudomonas putida is a soil bacterium with multiple uses in fermentation and biotransformation processes. P. putida ATCC 12633 can biotransform benzaldehyde and other aldehydes into valuable α‐hydroxyketones, such as (S)‐2‐hydroxypropiophenone. However, poor tolerance of this strain toward chaotropic aldehydes hampers efficient biotransformation processes. To circumvent this problem, we expressed the gene encoding the global regulator PprI from Deinococcus radiodurans, an inducer of pleiotropic proteins promoting DNA repair, in P. putida. Fine‐tuned gene expression was achieved using an expression plasmid under the control of the LacIQ/Ptrc system, and the cross‐protective role of PprI was assessed against multiple stress treatments. Moreover, the stress‐tolerant P. putida strain was tested for 2‐hydroxypropiophenone production using whole resting cells in the presence of relevant aldehyde substrates. P. putida cells harbouring the global transcriptional regulator exhibited high tolerance toward benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ethanol, butanol, NaCl, H2O2 and thermal stress, thereby reflecting the multistress protection profile conferred by PprI. Additionally, the engineered cells converted aldehydes to 2‐hydroxypropiophenone more efficiently than the parental P. putida strain. 2‐Hydroxypropiophenone concentration reached 1.6 g L−1 upon a 3‐h incubation under optimized conditions, at a cell concentration of 0.033 g wet cell weight mL−1 in the presence of 20 mM benzaldehyde and 600 mM acetaldehyde. Product yield and productivity were 0.74 g 2‐HPP g−1 benzaldehyde and 0.089 g 2‐HPP g cell dry weight−1 h−1, respectively, 35% higher than the control experiments. Taken together, these results demonstrate that introducing PprI from D. radiodurans enhances chaotrope tolerance and 2‐HPP production in P. putida ATCC 12633.
Meta‐analysis: Incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Fontan palliation
Authors: Hitawala Asif A. , Gopalakrishna Harish , Mironova Maria , Livinski Alicia A. , Wright Elizabeth C. , Downing Tacy , Ito Seiji , Fisher Stacy D. , Cedars Ari M. , John Anitha S. , Heller Theo
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

The Fontan palliation is the final stage of surgery for many children born with univentricular physiology. Almost all Fontan patients develop liver fibrosis which may eventually lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These are important causes of morbidity and mortality in these patients. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the incidence of cirrhosis and HCC in Fontan patients and stratify it based on time since surgery.

Methods

A literature search of seven databases identified 1158 records. Studies reporting the number of cirrhosis and HCC cases in Fontan patients and time since Fontan surgery were included. In the cirrhosis cohort, we included only those studies where all patients underwent liver biopsy.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included: 12 and 13 studies in the cirrhosis and HCC cohorts, respectively, with two studies included in both cohorts. The incidence of cirrhosis was 0.97 per 100 patient‐years (95% CI 0.57–1.63), with the incidence and cumulative incidence ≥20 years post Fontan surgery being 1.61 per 100 patient‐years (95% CI 1.24–2.08) and 32.2% (95% CI 25.8%–39.4%), respectively. The incidence of HCC was 0.12 per 100 patient‐years (95% CI 0.07–0.21), with the incidence and cumulative incidence ≥20 years post Fontan surgery being 0.20 per 100 patient‐years (95% CI 0.12–0.35) and 3.9% (95% CI 2.2%–6.8%), respectively. Only about 70% of patients with HCC (20/28) had underlying cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The incidence of cirrhosis and HCC increases over time, especially at ≥20 years post Fontan surgery. Studies are needed to further identify at‐risk patients in order to streamline surveillance for these highly morbid conditions.
Poor accuracy and sustainability of the first‐step FIB4 EASL pathway for stratifying steatotic liver disease risk in the general population
Authors: De Vincentis Antonio , Tavaglione Federica , Namba Shinichi , Kanai Masahiro , Okada Yukinori , Kamatani Yoichiro , Maurotti Samantha , Pedone Claudio , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Valenti Luca , Romeo Stefano , Vespasiani‐Gentilucci Umberto
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

The European Association for the Study of the Liver introduced a clinical pathway (EASL CP) for screening significant/advanced fibrosis in people at risk of steatotic liver disease (SLD). We assessed the performance of the first‐step FIB4 EASL CP in the general population across different SLD risk groups (MASLD, Met‐ALD and ALD) and various age classes.

Methods

We analysed a total of 3372 individuals at risk of SLD from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES17‐18), projected to 152.3 million U.S. adults, 300,329 from the UK Biobank (UKBB) and 57,644 from the Biobank Japan (BBJ). We assessed liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥8 kPa and liver‐related events occurring within 3 and 10 years (3/10 year‐LREs) as outcomes. We defined MASLD, MetALD, and ALD according to recent international recommendations.

Results

FIB4 sensitivity for LSM ≥ 8 kPa was low (27.7%), but it ranged approximately 80%‐90% for 3‐year LREs. Using FIB4, 22%–57% of subjects across the three cohorts were identified as candidates for vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE), which was mostly avoidable (positive predictive value of FIB4 ≥ 1.3 for LSM ≥ 8 kPa ranging 9.5%–13% across different SLD categories). Sensitivity for LSM ≥ 8 kPa and LREs increased with increasing alcohol intake (ALD>MetALD>MASLD) and age classes. For individuals aged ≥65 years, using the recommended age‐adjusted FIB4 cut‐off (≥2) substantially reduced sensitivity for LSM ≥ 8 kPa and LREs.

Conclusions

The first‐step FIB4 EASL CP is poorly accurate and feasible for individuals at risk of SLD in the general population. It is crucial to enhance the screening strategy with a first‐step approach able to reduce unnecessary VCTEs and optimise their yield.
Tumor suppressive role of the epigenetic master regulator BRD3 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Masahiro , Masuda Takaaki , Nakano Yusuke , Tobo Taro , Saito Hideyuki , Koike Kensuke , Takahashi Junichi , Abe Tadashi , Ando Yuki , Ozato Yuki , Hosoda Kiyotaka , Higuchi Satoshi , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Toshima Takeo , Yonemura Yusuke , Hata Tsuyoshi , Uemura Mamoru , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki , Mimori Koshi
Published: March 2024

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins are epigenetic master regulators of gene expression via recognition of acetylated histones and recruitment of transcription factors and co‐activators to chromatin. Hence, BET family proteins have emerged as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. In this study, we examined the functional role of bromodomain containing 3 (BRD3), a BET family protein, in colorectal cancer (CRC). In vitro and vivo analyses using BRD3‐knockdown or BRD3‐overexpressing CRC cells showed that BRD3 suppressed tumor growth and cell cycle G1/S transition and induced p21 expression. Clinical analysis of CRC datasets from our hospital or The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that BET family genes, including BRD3, were overexpressed in tumor tissues. In immunohistochemical analyses, BRD3 was observed mainly in the nucleus of CRC cells. According to single‐cell RNA sequencing in untreated CRC tissues, BRD3 was highly expressed in malignant epithelial cells, and cell cycle checkpoint‐related pathways were enriched in the epithelial cells with high BRD3 expression. Spatial transcriptomic and single‐cell RNA sequencing analyses of CRC tissues showed that BRD3 expression was positively associated with high p21 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of BRD3 combined with knockdown of, a driver gene in the BRD family, showed strong inhibition of CRC cells in vitro. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel tumor suppressive role of BRD3 that inhibits tumor growth by cell cycle inhibition in part via induction of p21 expression. BRD3 activation might be a novel therapeutic approach for CRC.
Autologous HSCT with novel agent‐based induction and consolidation followed by lenalidomide maintenance for untreated multiple myeloma
Authors: Mori Yasuo , Takizawa Jun , Katsuoka Yuna , Takezako Naoki , Nagafuji Koji , Handa Hiroshi , Kuroda Junya , Sunami Kazutaka , Kamimura Tomohiko , Ogawa Ryosuke , Kikushige Yoshikane , Harada Mine , Akashi Koichi , Miyamoto Toshihiro ,   The Japan Study Group for Cell Therapy and Transplantation
Published: March 2024

Triplet regimen comprising proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and dexamethasone (DEX) is a recommended induction/consolidation therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) patients eligible for transplant. In this Japanese phase II study conducted from 2017 to 2019, newly diagnosed MM patients aged 20–65 received four induction cycles with bortezomib (Bor), lenalidomide (Len), and DEX (VRD), followed by Bor and high‐dose melphalan with autologous stem cell rescue. Subsequently, they underwent four consolidation cycles with carfilzomib, Len, and DEX (KRD), followed by Len maintenance until disease progression. A total of 141 patients were analyzed. In an intent‐to‐treat population, the complete or better response post induction was 19.9%, rising to 39.7%, 58.9%, and 62.4% after transplant, consolidation, and 1‐year maintenance, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 38 months, the 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate was 83.5% and the 3‐year overall survival rate was 92.5%. Severe adverse events (≥grade 3) occurred in ~30% of patients; however, there was no treatment‐related mortality. These findings clearly showed the tolerability and effectiveness of this protocol. Nevertheless, patients with high‐risk cytogenetics showed a trend toward lower 3‐year PFS than those without (77.8% vs. 89.4%, p = 0.051), and ultra‐high‐risk cytogenetics (≥2 high‐risk cytogenetics) had an even worse prognosis, with 61.2% 3‐year PFS. To overcome this situation, a more potent treatment strategy incorporating novel agents such as the CD38‐antibody should be assessed in future studies.
Innovating in the Time of Covid: Adapting Services for Young People Experiencing Extra‐Familial Risks and Harms
Authors: Peace Delphine , Goldsmith Carlie , Lefevre Michelle
Published: March 2024

This paper explores how seven organisations from the children's social care sector in England adapted their service during the Covid‐19 pandemic restrictions to better meet the needs of young people experiencing extra‐familial risks and harms. Particularly, it focuses on these organisations' experience of attempting to transform services in a unique crisis context and considers what insights this situated study offers into the processes of innovation and practice improvement in the sector. Twelve respondents from these seven organisations participated in semi‐structured interviews, which were analysed both narratively and thematically. Six of these participants were interviewed longitudinally over 6 months, enabling consideration of barriers encountered within their innovation journeys and the factors and conditions that facilitated the process. From these, three longitudinal narrative accounts were selected, highlighting themes emblematic of the overall dataset. The findings indicate that, unencumbered by the usual constraints of bureaucracy, organisations could adapt service provision with unprecedented speed, to respond in more youth‐centred and welfare‐oriented ways to young people's needs. Rapid cycles of iterative development in response to young people's feedback suggested a surprising potential for agility and responsivity in the children's services sector, raising questions about whether and how this might be mobilised outside of crisis conditions.
Directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into parathyroid cells and establishment of parathyroid organoids
Authors: Wang Ge , Du Yaying , Cui Xiaoqing , Xu Tao , Li Hanning , Dong Menglu , Li Wei , Li Yajie , Cai Wenjun , Xu Jia , Li Shuyu , Yang Xue , Wu Yonglin , Chen Hong , Li Xingrui
Published: March 2024

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into human embryonic stem cells‐derived parathyroid‐like cells (hESC‐PT) has clinical significance in providing new therapies for congenital and acquired parathyroid insufficiency conditions. However, a highly reproducible, well‐documented method for parathyroid differentiation remains unavailable. By imitating the natural process of parathyroid embryonic development, we proposed a new hypothesis about the in vitro differentiation of parathyroid‐like cells. Transcriptome, differentiation marker protein detection and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion assays were performed after the completion of differentiation. To optimize the differentiation protocol and further improve the differentiation rate, we designed glial cells missing transcription factor 2 (GCM2) overexpression lentivirus transfection assays and constructed hESCs‐derived parathyroid organoids. The new protocol enabled hESCs to differentiate into hESC‐PT. HESC‐PT cells expressed PTH, GCM2 and CaSR proteins, low extracellular calcium culture could stimulate hESC‐PT cells to secrete PTH. hESC‐PT cells overexpressing GCM2 protein secreted PTH earlier than their counterpart hESC‐PT cells. Compared with the two‐dimensional cell culture environment, hESCs‐derived parathyroid organoids secreted more PTH. Both GCM2 lentiviral transfection and three‐dimensional cultures could make hESC‐PT cells functionally close to human parathyroid cells. Our study demonstrated that hESCs could differentiate into hESC‐PT in vitro, which paves the road for applying the technology to treat hypoparathyroidism and introduces new approaches in the field of regenerative medicine.
Manifestations of X‐linked pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency in female PDHA1 carriers
Authors: Savvidou Antri , Sofou Kalliopi , Eklund Erik A. , Aronsson Johan , Darin Niklas
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency is in up to 90% caused by pathogenic variants in the X‐linked PDHA1 gene. We aimed to investigate female relatives of index patients with PDHA1‐related disease to (i) describe the prevalence of female PDHA1 carriers, (ii) determine whether they had symptoms and signs, and (iii) delineate the associated phenotype.

Methods

In a national population‐based study, we identified 37 patients with pathogenic variants in PDHA1. Sanger sequencing for the presence of the pathogenic variant was performed in their mothers and female relatives. The identified female carriers were clinically assessed, and their medical records were reviewed.

Results

The proportion carrying a de novo variant was 86%. We identified seven female PDHA1 carriers from five families. Five of them exhibited clinical features of the disease and were previously undiagnosed; all had signs of peripheral axonal neuropathy, four presented with strokelike episodes including two with Leigh‐like lesions, and three had facial stigmata.

Conclusions

PDHA1‐related disease is underrecognized in heterozygous female carriers. Peripheral axonal neuropathy, strokelike and Leigh‐like changes, and facial dysmorphism should raise suspicion of the disorder. Genetic analysis and clinical examination of potential female carriers are important for genetic counseling and have implications for treatment.
Long‐term studies on West Antarctic Peninsula phytoplankton blooms suggest range shifts between temperate and polar species
Authors: Antoni Julieta S. , Almandoz Gastón O. , Goldsmit Jesica , Garcia Maximiliano D. , Flores‐Melo Ximena , Hernando Marcelo P. , Schloss Irene R.
Published: March 2024

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) experiences one of the highest rates of sea surface warming globally, leading to potential changes in biological communities. Long‐term phytoplankton monitoring in Potter Cove (PC, King George Island, South Shetlands) from the 1990s to 2009 revealed consistently low biomass values, and sporadic blooms dominated by cold‐water microplankton diatoms. However, a significant change occurred between 2010 and 2020, marked by a notable increase in intense phytoplankton blooms in the region. During this period, the presence of a nanoplankton diatom, Shionodiscus gaarderae, was documented for the first time. In some instances, this species even dominated the blooms. S. gaarderae is recognized for producing blooms in temperate waters in both hemispheres. However, its blooming in the northern Southern Ocean may suggest either a recent introduction or a range shift associated with rising temperatures in the WAP, a phenomenon previously observed in experimental studies. The presence of S. gaarderae could be viewed as a warning sign of significant changes already underway in the northern WAP plankton communities. This includes the potential replacement of microplankton diatoms by smaller nanoplankton species. This study, based on observations along the past decade, and compared to the previous 20 years, could have far‐reaching implications for the structure of the Antarctic food web.
Improvement in storage stability of fresh instant rice using non‐starch polysaccharides
Authors: Li Sixuan , Zhang Min , Ren Xin , Guan Lina , Ye Guodong , Li Yumeng
Published: March 2024

In this study, non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs), namely konjac glucomannan (KGM), inulin (IN), and oat β‐glucan (OG), were selected as ingredients to inhibit the retrogradation of fresh instant rice. Through a comprehensive comparison, it was found that the addition of 0.4% KGM, 0.6% IN, and 1.5% OG (w/w, based on rice mass) gave fresh instant rice a favourable eating quality. Furthermore, as the storage time increased, adding these NSPs mitigated the increase in hardness, retrogradation enthalpy (), and free water, indicating their ability to prevent water migration and improve the storage stability of fresh instant rice. Among them, the OG was the most effective additive in delaying retrogradation behaviours, and the flavour profiles of the OG‐treated fresh instant rice group (OG‐FIR) were more similar to those of the control group (FIR). Overall, the addition of NSPs probably was a novel strategy for improving the quality of fresh instant rice.
Effect of Zijuan tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica cv. Zijuan) on starch digestion properties of bread and its mechanisms
Authors: Yu Haixia , Xu Xingrui , Zhao Shuai , Shan Meimei , Cai Shengbao
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the effect of water extract (ZTWE) and ethanol extract (ZTEE) from Zijuan tea on the in vitro starch digestibility of bread, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Results revealed that the ZTWE and ZTEE could reduce the starch digestibility of bread, especially ZTEE, which may be due to the higher polyphenols contains in ZTEE (TPC: 233.11 mg GAE/g) than ZTWE (TPC: 195.94 mg GAE/g). Furthermore, results of enzyme activity experiments and in silico analyses demonstrated that the main four polyphenols enriched in ZTWE and ZTEE could inhibit the activities of starch digestive enzymes. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and in silico analyses showed that the predominant polyphenols in ZTWE and ZTEE could interact with the starch molecule to alter its structure, thereby reducing the starch digestibility. These findings may offer a theoretical foundation for the development of Zijuan tea‐based functional products aimed at diabetes management.
Foodomics: futuristic omic strategies to assess the impact of food nutrients on human health and gut microbiome
Authors: Singh Narpinder , Barthwal Riya , Negi Akanksha , Aggarwal Sonal , Kathuria Deepika , Kumar Vinod , Paul Maman
Published: March 2024

Foodomics is an omic technique that integrates with the study of food and nutrition. The technique delves into the composition, functions, and expression outcomes of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, shedding light on how nutrients influence gene and protein expression. It enables the understanding of cellular processes, functional mechanisms, and molecules involved and identifies targets for bioactive compounds desirable for nutritional intervention strategies. It also facilitates the discovery of biomarkers that elucidate the bioactivities of various food components, offering insights into their implications for individual well‐being. Furthermore, due to the molecular interplay between food and gut microbiome, this technique offered a comprehensive understanding of nutritional dynamics and the role of nutrients in maintaining optimal health. Hence, the article highlights the recent research that deciphers the bioactive activities of various food components, shedding insight on their consequences for individual well‐being and intricating the balance of the gut microbiota using this omic technique.
Gluten‐free pasta fortified with moringa leaves: effect of recipe ratios on quality and structural properties
Authors: Alsalman Fatemah B. , Al‐Sharrah Tahani
Published: March 2024

Pasta has a big publicity worldwide and gone through lots of research to improve its quality. It is a good source of carbohydrates and recently new types of pasta are being good sources of fibres and proteins, too. The objective in this study is to produce highly nutritious pasta with good quality trying to reduce some of Kuwaiti population diseases such as obesity and diabetes. I optimal RSM design was used to make combinations of three ingredients with different ratios (oats, corn, and moringa) and check their effect on proximate composition, textural properties, colour, cooking loss percentage, microstructural properties, and fatty acid profile. Results found that run #2 (10:70:20) (Moringa: Corn: Oats) is the optimum run with 0.63 desirability through having high protein and fibre contents 11.5% and 5.1%, respectively, with low fat and cooking loss percentages (10.3%). The same run also had the highest total unsaturated fatty acids (78%). Both microstructure and the texture affected cooking loss results where more cavities in the microstructure increased cooking loss and harder samples reduced cooking loss.
RETRACTED: Wound infection and healing in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis compared with intramedullary nail for distal tibial fractures: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Shao‐Feng , Ji Qin‐Long
Published: March 2024

To systematically explore the effects of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) versus intramedullary nail (IMN) on wound infection and wound healing in patients with distal tibia fractures. A computerised search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was performed, from their inception to October 2023, to identify relevant studies on the application of MIPO and IMN in patients with distal tibial fractures. The quality of the included literature was evaluated by two researchers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and basic information of the literature was collected, with wound infection, postoperative complications and wound healing time as the main indicators for analysis. Stata 17.0 software was applied for analysis. Overall, 23 papers and 2099 patients were included, including 1026 patients in the MIPO group and 1073 patients in the IMN group. The results revealed, when compared with IMN treatment, patients with distal tibia fractures who underwent MIPO treatment had a lower incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.25–0.42, p < 0.001) and a shorter wound healing time (SMD = −1.00, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.49, p < 0.001), but the incidence of postoperative wound infection was higher (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.35–3.01, p = 0.001). Both MIPO and IMN are excellent treatments for distal tibia fractures. MIPO is effective in reducing the incidence of complications as well as shortening the time of wound healing time but increases the risk of wound infection. In clinical practice, surgeons can make individual choices based on the patient's wishes and proficiency in both techniques.
Effects of cluster nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers in intensive care units patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Guo , Li Ling , Li Yuan‐Li , Sun Shun‐Xia , Wang Min , Tang Xiao‐Ling
Published: March 2024

A meta‐analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the impact of cluster nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Computer searches were performed in databases including Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) implementing cluster nursing interventions for PUs prevention in ICU patients, with the search period covering the database inception to November 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and conducted quality assessments. Stata 17.0 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 17 RCTs involving 1463 ICU patients were included. The analysis showed that compared with conventional nursing, cluster nursing interventions significantly reduced the incidence of PUs (odds ratio: 0.24, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.17–0.34, p < 0.001) and also significantly improved the levels of anxiety (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −1.39, 95% CI: −1.57 to 1.22, p < 0.001) and depression (SMD: −1.64, 95% CI: −2.02 to 1.26, p < 0.001) in ICU patients. This study indicates that the application of cluster nursing interventions in ICU patients can effectively reduce the incidence of PUs, as well as improve patients' anxiety and depression levels, thereby enhancing their quality of life, which is worth clinical promotion and application.
Monitoring the quality changes and freshness assessment of eggs based on chemometrics method
Authors: Çiftçi Hüseyin Güray , Bilge Gonca , Aytaç Ezgi
Published: March 2024

Despite their low cost, egg mislabeling is a prevalent problem in the market, resulting in the sale of stale eggs as fresh. In this study, unlike the classical egg freshness parameters such as Haugh Unit and air cell height, UV–Visible (UV‐Vis) spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy, and pH + color properties combined chemometrics methods were used to monitor the eggs' ages. It is known that these methods are able to detect furosine formation and chemical changes during storage. To do this, the qualities of eggs were observed for 15–24 days at three different temperatures: 4°C (refrigeration temperature), 25°C (room temperature), and 35°C (abuse temperature). After conducting a pattern recognition analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), a correlation between storage days and UV–Vis spectra, fluorescence spectra, and pH + color parameters at various temperatures was created using the partial least‐squares (PLS) method. Results showed that PLS models were able to predict eggs' ages successfully. The most reliable age assessment models for eggs were obtained for UV–Vis spectra and fluorescence spectra (ex: 320 nm) of egg samples at 35°C. Real and predicted ages of eggs were presented in validation graphs of UV–Vis spectra and fluorescence spectra (ex: 320 nm) with excellent performance of R2P of 0.96 and 0.97, and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.08 and 0.87, respectively. This method could help food safety organizations use UV–Vis and fluorescence spectrometers at various levels of the egg supply chain as an alternative method.
Gluing together a fragmented healthcare system for geriatrics will be hard. It's time for united action
Authors: Colenda Christopher C. , Applegate William B.
Published: March 2024

“Gluing” together integrated Geriatric Clinical Service lines (GCSL) within the US healthcare system is a significant challenge. Reasons encompass health professional workforce shortages, inconsistent requirements for geriatric educational competencies among the health professional disciplines, preconceived ageist attitudes about older adults with complex illnesses, and a US healthcare system infrastructure that is not aligned with longitudinal and interdisciplinary care needs for older adults. This review focuses on three major characteristics of the US healthcare system that have impeded widespread dissemination of GCSLs: (1) the US's historical fee for service (FFS) reimbursement system; (2) increasing reliance upon disease specific specialty care services for older patients that have resulted from advances in medicine; and (3) rising consolidation of US healthcare systems over the last 30 years. Three specific options are also provided that might help change the current and future trajectories of GCSLs: (1) local political advocacy to implement health policy legislation; (2) expand geriatric physician and health professional workforce by nontraditional means; and (3) reprioritize expansionist healthcare systems corporate behavior. Each of these interventions will be hard to achieve, but it is time to unite if GCSLs are to thrive as pathways to improve care outcomes for older adults with complex medical, cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders.
The digitalization of family life: A multilevel conceptual framework
Authors: Qian Yue , Hu Yang
Published: March 2024

The internet and digital technologies have penetrated all domains of people's lives, and family life is no exception. Despite being a characterizing feature of contemporary family change, the digitalization of family life has yet to be systematically theorized. Against this backdrop, this article develops a multilevel conceptual framework for understanding the digitalization of family life and illustrates the framework by synthesizing state‐of‐the‐art research from multiple disciplines across global contexts. At a micro level, as individuals “do” family online, digitalization influences diverse aspects of family practices, including family formation, functioning, and contact. How individuals “do” family online is not free‐floating but embedded in macro‐level economic, sociocultural, and political systems underpinning processes of digitalization. Bridging the micro–macro divide, family‐focused online communities serve as a pivotal intermediary at the meso level, where people display family life to, and exchange family‐related support with, mostly nonfamily members. Meso‐level online communities are key sites for forming and diffusing collective identities and shared family norms. Bringing together the three levels, the framework also considers cross‐level interrelations to develop a holistic digital ecology of family life. The article concludes by discussing the contributions of the framework to understanding family change and advancing family scholarship in the digital age.
Extraversion and low introversion more equivalent to high introversion in depression during COVID‐19
Authors: Lassi Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study investigated whether forms of extraversion‐introversion produced different depression‐related outcomes before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

One‐way MANCOVAs were conducted to investigate the relationship between extraversion‐introversion and depressive symptoms. These data were sourced from the NLSY97, consisting of 4846 individuals born between 1980 and 1984.

Results

During pre‐pandemic periods, high introversion increased the risk of depressive symptoms. During the pandemic, the risk for depressive symptoms was more equivalent, or less predominately high‐introvert‐based, among extraverted/low introverted and high introverted subjects.

Conclusions

Extraversion/low introversion was linked with increased depression, relative to high introversion, during the pandemic. The findings raise significant questions about how individuals with distinct personality traits may experience changes in their psychological well‐being during challenging public health events.
Does the composition of meteoritic metal change with forging? An experimental study
Authors: Ouzillou Mendy M. , Herd Christopher D. K.
Published: March 2024

The use of meteoritic iron in the manufacture of human artifacts since the Bronze Age has been well documented, including the iron blade of Tutankhamun's dagger. Whereas the preservation of textures and mineral inclusions suggest relatively low temperature (<950°C) working of meteoritic metal used in artifacts, higher temperature working—that is, forging—could have occurred, based on studies of Bronze Age slag. The extent to which the forging of meteoritic iron might change the bulk composition, especially the trace elements used for classification of iron meteorites, is largely unknown. Using electron microbeam methods (SEM and EPMA), and trace element analysis (ICP‐MS), we analyze metal obtained at different stages during the modern forging of a set of knife blades from fragments of the Gebel Kamil meteorite, and assess the degree to which bulk element composition, mineral inclusions, and textures are modified. We find that while forging does destroy the original texture and removes mineral inclusions, it does not significantly modify the trace elements typically used in iron meteorite classification, at least for the relatively Ni‐rich composition represented by Gebel Kamil. While we acknowledge that the modern method by which the knife blades were forged from Gebel Kamil would not have occurred in the Bronze Age, our results represent an upper temperature limit relative to the inferred conditions used in ancient forging. The identification of the meteorite (if still in existence) that was used for artifacts is feasible, based on our results and current literature on ancient meteoritic artifacts.
Microbial composition and diversity in intraradicular biofilm formed in situ: New concepts based on next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Matoso Felipe Barros , Montagner Francisco , Grecca Fabiana Soares , Rampelotto Pabulo Henrique , Kopper Patrícia Maria Poli
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to characterize the taxonomic composition of intraradicular multispecies biofilms (IMBs) formed in situ in a model to reproduce clinical conditions. Twelve palatal roots of maxillary molars had its canals prepared. Two roots were randomly selected to sterility control. Ten intraoral prosthetic appliances with lateral slots were fabricated. The roots were positioned in the slots with the canal access open to the oral cavity. Eight volunteers wore the appliance for 21 days, and two wore it at two different time points. One root from each appliance was removed and stored at −20°C until DNA extraction and sequencing (n = 10). Biofilm was analyzed using next‐generation sequencing and bioinformatics. The V4 hyper‐variable region of the 16SrRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. For data analyses, the mothur pipeline was used for 16SrRNA processing, and subsequent analyses of the sequence dataset were performed in R using the MicrobiomeAnalyst R package. The taxonomy‐based analysis of bacterial communities identified 562 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which belonged to 93 genera, 44 families, and 8 phyla. Bacterial colonization was different for each biofilm, and samples did not have the same group of bacteria. Alpha and beta diversity analysis revealed some general patterns of sample clustering. A core microbiome of prevalent OTUs and genera was identified. IMBs were heterogeneous when analyzed individually, but some diversity patterns were found after sample clustering. The experimental model seemed to reproduce the actual biofilm composition in endodontic infections, which suggests that it may be used to evaluate disinfection protocols.
Symmetries and Representation
Authors: Hall Geoffrey , Murgueitio Ramírez Sebastián
Published: March 2024

It is often said in physics that if two models of a theory are related by a symmetry, then the two models provide (or could provide) two different representations of the very same situation, alike the case of two maps of different color for the very same city. It is also said that the situations represented by two models of a theory are indiscernible in some ways when the models in question are related by a symmetry of the theory, just like the situation in the interior of the cabin of a train when the train is at rest in the station is empirically indiscernible from the situation in the interior when the train is moving uniformly (in classical mechanics, these two situations are represented by two models related by a boost). In recent years, philosophers of physics have focused a lot of attention in developing various principles that aim to elucidate these and similar remarks on symmetries, models, physical equivalence, and representation that are widespread in physics practice. The goal of the current article is to provide a critical review of these principles, and suggest a new framework for thinking about these kinds of questions. One important upshot of the paper is that questions of indiscernibility, and questions of the representational capacity of models, must be distinguished from one another.
Ambient temperature modelling from surface characteristics and associating urban morphology with thermal discomfort
Authors: Dutta Kanaya , Basu Debolina , Agrawal Sonam
Published: March 2024

Urban heat island assessment is of paramount importance when monitoring microclimate changes, increased heat stress, mortality and energy consumption. Simply analysing land surface temperature patterns for human comfort and health assessment is often inadequate. In this study, we attempt to resolve this inadequacy with ambient temperature modelling from multiple surface characteristics for a tropical megacity. A 336 datapoint‐based multilinear regression model was formulated to predict the maximum summer air temperature with a mean absolute error of 0.694°C. Specific locations of critical thermal environments were demarcated with Getis‐Ord statistic. Based on our results, extreme hotspots covered 10.53 per cent of the city on a daily basis at 99 per cent confidence level. The application of an outdoor thermal comfort index highlighted the existence of very strong heat stress zones over 14.67 per cent of the study area. The air temperature hotspots were verified with intra‐urban variation in carbon sequestration. This environmental parameter was used to strengthen the observed results since, carbon sequestration directly links urbanization with degradation of thermal environments. Further, five urban morphological parameters were analysed to conclude that building density and height were the most significant urban design factors leading to increased air temperature. Simultaneous local climate zone mapping depicted that heat islands were dominated by mid and high‐rise built‐up areas, of which 68.44 km2 of that area is suitable for vertical and roof gardening. Another 33.29 km of road stretch was delineated within low‐rise built‐up areas with scope for green landscaping to improve urban sustainability.
The novel HLA‐B*46:01:42 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Lou Can , Xie Zhi‐cong , Ma Li , Hu Xiao‐zhuang , Lei Hang
Published: March 2024

HLA‐B*46:01:42 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 5.
Diffusion Generative Model-Based Learning for Smart Layer-Wise Monitoring of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yangue Emmanuel , Fullington Durant , Smith Owen , Tian Wenmeng , Liu Chenang
Published: March 2024

Despite the rapid adoption of deep learning models in additive manufacturing (AM), significant quality assurance challenges continue to persist. This is further emphasized by the limited availability of sample objects for monitoring AM-fabricated builds. Thus, this study advances an emerging diffusion generative model, i.e., the denoising diffusion implicit model (DDIM), for layer-wise image augmentation and monitoring in AM. The generative model can be used to generate potential layer-wise variations, which can be further studied to understand their causation and prevent their occurrence. The proposed models integrate two proposed kernel-based distance metrics into the DDIM framework for effective layer-wise AM image augmentation. These newly proposed metrics include a modified version of the kernel inception distance (m-KID) as well as an integration of m-KID and the inception score (IS) termed KID-IS. These novel integrations demonstrate great potential for maintaining both similarity and consistency in AM layer-wise image augmentation, while simultaneously exploring possible unobserved process variations. In the case study, six different cases based on both metal-based and polymer-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) are examined. The results indicate that both the proposed DDIM/m-KID and DDIM/KID-IS models outperform the four benchmark methods, including the popular denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPMs), and three other generative adversarial networks (GANs). Overall, DDIM/KID-IS emerges as the best-performing model with an average KID score of 0.840, m-KID score of 0.1185, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 18.150, and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.173, which demonstrated strong capabilities in generating potential AM process variations in terms of layer-wise images.
Comparison of Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Steering Using Event-Triggered Predictive Motion Control and Scale Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Zhaodong , Rother Christopher , Chen Jun
Published: March 2024

This study compares the trajectory tracking performance of two- and four-wheel steering systems, especially under normal driving conditions. Specifically, the lateral motion is controlled by an event-triggered model predictive control (MPC), which activates either when consecutive control steps surpass the predictive horizon or when tracking error exceeds a predetermined lateral offset. Using a modified 1/10th scale Tamiya TT-02 RC car as a test platform, the tracking performance of both two- and four-wheel systems are evaluated. Results from the experiments highlight the better tracking performance of the four-wheel steering system over the traditional two-wheel systems and demonstrate the benefit of using event-triggered MPC for lateral motion control even under normal driving conditions, contrary to common belief that four-wheel steering systems are beneficial only in tight steering maneuvers.
A novel glycoside hydrolase 43-like enzyme from
Clostridium boliviensis
is an endo-xylanase and a candidate for xylooligosaccharide production from different xylan substrates
Authors: Salas-Veizaga Daniel Martin , Rocabado-Villegas Leonardo Roberto , Linares-Pastén Javier A. , Gudmundsdottir Elisabet Eik , Hreggvidsson Gudmundur Oli , Álvarez-Aliaga María Teresa , Adlercreutz Patrick , Nordberg Karlsson Eva
Published: March 2024

An uncharacterized gene encoding a glycoside hydrolase family 43-like enzyme from
Clostridium boliviensis
strain E-1 was identified from genomic sequence data, and the encoded enzyme,
CbE1
Xyn43-l, was produced in
Escherichia coli. CbE1
Xyn43-l (52.9 kDa) is a two-domain endo-β-xylanase consisting of a C-terminal CBM6 and a GH43-like catalytic domain. The positions of the catalytic dyad conserved in GH43, the catalytic base (Asp74), and proton donor (Glu240) were identified in alignments including GH43-enzymes of known 3D-structure from different subfamilies.
CbE1
Xyn43-l is active at pH 7.0–9.0, with optimum temperature at 65°C, and a more than 7 days’ half-life in irreversible deactivation studies at this temperature. The enzyme hydrolyzed birchwood xylan, quinoa stalks glucuronoarabinoxylan, and wheat arabinoxylan with xylotriose and xylotetraose as major hydrolysis products.
CbE1
Xyn43-l also released xylobiose from
p
NPX
2
with low turnover (
k
cat
of 0.044 s
−1
) but was inactive on
p
NPX, showing that a degree of polymerization of three (DP3) was the smallest hydrolyzable substrate. Divalent ions affected the specific activity on xylan substrates, which dependent on the ion could be increased or decreased. In conclusion,
CbE1
Xyn43-l from
C. boliviensis
strain E-1 is the first characterized member of a large group of homologous hypothetical proteins annotated as GH43-like and is a thermostable endo-xylanase, producing xylooligosaccharides of high DP (xylotriose and xylotetraose) producer.

IMPORTANCE

The genome of
Clostridium boliviensis
strain E-1 encodes a number of hypothetical enzymes, annotated as glycoside hydrolase-like but not classified in the Carbohydrate Active Enzyme Database (CAZy). A novel thermostable GH43-like enzyme is here characterized as an endo-β-xylanase of interest in the production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharides (XOs) from different xylan sources.
CbE1
Xyn43-l is a two-domain enzyme composed of a catalytic GH43-l domain and a CBM6 domain, producing xylotriose as main XO product. The enzyme has homologs in many related
Clostridium
strains which may indicate a similar function and be a previously unknown type of endo-xylanase in this evolutionary lineage of microorganisms.
Capsid-dependent lentiviral restrictions
Authors: Twentyman Joy , Emerman Michael , Ohainle Molly
Published: March 2024

Host antiviral proteins inhibit primate lentiviruses and other retroviruses by targeting many features of the viral life cycle. The lentiviral capsid protein and the assembled viral core are known to be inhibited through multiple, directly acting antiviral proteins. Several phenotypes, including those known as
Lv1
through
Lv5
, have been described as cell type-specific blocks to infection against some but not all primate lentiviruses. Here we review important features of known capsid-targeting blocks to infection together with several blocks to infection for which the genes responsible for the inhibition still remain to be identified. We outline the features of these blocks as well as how current methodologies are now well suited to find these antiviral genes and solve these long-standing mysteries in the HIV and retrovirology fields.