bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TSP1 promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition via the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in keloids
Authors: Feng Qing‐Lan , Gu Jing‐Jing , Chen Jun‐Yi , Zheng Wen‐Yue , Pan Hui‐Hui , Xu Xue‐Yan , Deng Cheng‐Cheng , Yang Bin
Published: June 2022

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative diseases with abnormally proliferated bulges beyond the edge of the skin lesions, and they are characterized by uncontrolled fibroblast proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the dermis. However, the definite mechanisms that increase fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in keloids remain unclear. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) has been suggested to play an important role in wound healing and fibrotic disorders, but its role in keloids is unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the specific role of TSP1 in keloids and explore the potential mechanism. Our results demonstrated that TSP1 was highly expressed in keloid lesions compared to normal skin. Knockdown of TSP1 in keloid fibroblasts decreased cell proliferation and collagen I deposition. Exogenous TSP1 treatment increased cell proliferation and collagen I deposition in normal fibroblasts. We further investigated the underlying mechanism and found that TSP1 promoted fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition by upregulating the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we verified that TSP1 expression was positively correlated with IL6/STAT3 signalling activity in keloids. Taken together, our findings indicate that TSP1 promotes keloid development via the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway and blocking TSP1 may represent a potential strategy for keloid therapy.
Experimental study on triaxial creep behavior of red sandstone under different pore pressures based on ultrasonic measurement
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Shen Fan , Berto Filippo
Published: June 2022

Creep behavior of red sandstone under different pore pressures with a high temperature and confining pressure condition is studied in this paper. Ultrasonic detection method is used to monitor the variation of S wave in the creep test. The attenuation coefficient and S‐wave velocity in the creep process are analyzed. Fast Fourier transform is used to analyze the variation of amplitude in peak frequency and four main frequencies. The experimental results show that the creep deformation increases with increasing pore pressure for a given deviatoric stress, and the S‐wave velocity and attenuation coefficient decrease with increasing pore pressure. The relationship between creep strain and damage of the sample is established. It is found that the increase of pore pressure accelerates the increased rate of sample damage. Frequency spectrum analysis shows that the generation and development rate of microcracks increases with increasing pore pressure. The research can provide a theoretical basis for mining of deep mineral resources and the structural stability analysis of deep underground engineering.
Helicobacter bilis infection induces oxidative stress in and enhances the proliferation of human cholangiocytes
Authors: Yamashita Mampei , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Yoshino Kyohei , Imamura Hajime , Matsushima Hajime , Tanaka Takayuki , Kosaka Taichiro , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Kanetaka Kengo , Eguchi Susumu
Published: June 2022

Background

Helicobacter bilis, an enterohepatic Helicobacter species, represents a carcinogenic risk factor for cholangiocytes owing to the prevalence of infections in patients with biliary tract cancer, cholecystitis, and pancreaticobiliary maljunction. However, the effect of H. bilis infection on cholangiocytes and the process and mechanism of carcinogenesis are not known. We aimed to determine the effects of H. bilis on cholangiocytes, focusing on inflammation and oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods

Helicobacter bilis and MMNK‐1 cells were cocultured for 24 h and inflammatory cytokine secretion was evaluated. Furthermore, MMNK‐1 cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxidant species (ROS) production, and DNA damage caused by ROS were investigated. All factors were compared with and without H. bilis infection.

Results

Interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 secretion were significantly increased in MMNK‐1 cocultures with H. bilis (IL‐6, 24.3 ± 12.2 vs. 271.1 ± 286.4 pg/ml; IL‐8, 167.6 ± 78.7 vs. 1085.1 ± 1047.1 pg/ml, p < .05). MMNK‐1 proliferation was also significantly higher in H. bilis cocultures (1.05 ± 0.02 vs. 1.00‐fold, respectively; p < .05). Coculturing enhanced the production of ROS in MMNK‐1 cells depending on the cell concentration of H. bilis (1.0 vs. 1.17 ± 0.06, p < .05); however, DNA injury was not observed in cocultures with H. bilis (5.35 ± 0.87 vs. 6.08 ± 0.55 pg/μl, p = .06).

Conclusions

Helicobacter bilis infection induced ROS production in and enhanced the proliferation of cholangiocytes.
Late diagnosis of HIV infection in Warsaw: Estimating the scale of the problem and demographic trends
Authors: Puła Joanna , Kowalska Justyna , Paciorek Marcin , Bednarska Agnieszka , Skrzat‐Klapaczyńska Agata , Horban Andrzej
Published: June 2022

Background

Late diagnosis of a significant number of people with HIV remains a problem. This study analysed 1711 patients from the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw who were diagnosed with HIV infection in 2008–2010 and 2016–2018.

Methods

Patients with late diagnosis and advanced disease were distinguished on the basis of the consensus definition. In statistical analysis, non‐parametric tests were used to compare the groups: the χ2 test for categorized data and the Mann–Whitney U test for the comparison of continuous variables.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of patients with early diagnosis, late diagnosis, advanced disease and patients with an indicator disease between the two analysed periods in the Warsaw centre. A much higher percentage of men than women was found. The dominant route of acquisition among newly diagnosed patients and among late presenters in both periods were men who have sex with men (MSM). The highest percentage of patients with late diagnosis was among heterosexual men and the lowest was among MSM in both periods.

Conclusions

The results of the analysis of patients from the Warsaw centre confirmed that late diagnosis of HIV infection continues to be a problem, with no improvement seen over the analysed periods, although the scale of the problem is smaller than in national and European statistics. MSM and heterosexual men appear to be key groups in need of intensified testing.
The Red‐billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea): a new invasive species for Britain?
Authors: Broughton Richard K. , Ramellini Samuele , Maziarz Marta , Pereira Pedro F.
Published: June 2022

Invasive non‐native species (INNS) are one of the major threats to global biodiversity. Climate change and garden bird‐feeding may facilitate the establishment of INNS. The Red‐billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea is a small woodland passerine, native to subtropical Asia, that is an INNS in several parts of the world, including Europe, following escapes from the aviculture trade. Recently, populations of Red‐billed Leiothrix have established in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Previous studies have shown that much of Europe is suitable for the species, including southern Britain. The Red‐billed Leiothrix has not previously been considered as at high risk of establishment in Britain, but we document recent records, including a cluster in southern England, suggesting that establishment may already be underway. We discuss the potential negative impacts of this invasive species on local ecosystems, and how a warming climate and garden bird‐feeding might assist their establishment in temperate Europe. We also highlight the importance of improved recording to monitor the potential establishment of INNS, such as the Red‐billed Leiothrix, in Britain.
Does a short Pollard walk transect capture butterfly and bee diversity? A test to inform pollinator monitoring and community science initiatives
Authors: Viliani Leonardo , Bonelli Simona , Vercelli Monica , Roy David B. , Riva Federico
Published: June 2022

Widespread declines in insects will threaten ecosystem functioning and services. Nevertheless, a lack of data hinders assessments of population and biodiversity trends for many insect groups and thus effective conservation actions. Implementing cost‐effective, unbiased, and accurate monitoring programmes targeting different groups across a larger geographical range has therefore become a key conservation priority.

We evaluated a sampling protocol designed for community science initiatives targeting butterflies and bees. Specifically, we tested how well a short (200‐m long) version of traditional Pollard walk transects, designed to be accessible for large numbers of community scientists, captures changes in alpha and beta diversity of these two pollinator groups.

We used resampling methods to simulate and assess scenarios varying in sampling intensity and frequency. We found that alpha and beta diversity of butterflies and bees were estimated at similar accuracies across different scenarios, which suggests that even short transects can provide useful information on diversity patterns for both taxa. However, common sampling frequencies resulted in low accuracies (e.g. one sample every 10 days finds on average ~50% of the species present at a site).

We discuss our results in the context of developing large scale, structured monitoring systems for multiple insect taxa, and how information on biodiversity patterns can inform the expansion of monitoring schemes. We explain why, moving forward, even rapid sampling designs similar to the approach tested here will be useful given a higher potential to involve community scientists, data integration techniques, and the opportunities to sample under‐represented habitat types
Pre‐ and post‐association barriers to host switching in sympatric mutualists
Authors: Dinges Zoe M. , Phillips Raelyn K. , Lively Curtis M. , Bashey Farrah
Published: June 2022

Coevolution between mutualists can lead to reciprocal specialization, potentially causing barriers to host switching. Here, we conducted assays to identify pre‐ and post‐association barriers to host switching by endosymbiotic bacteria, both within and between two sympatric nematode clades. In nature, Steinernema nematodes and Xenorhabdus bacteria form an obligate mutualism. Free‐living juvenile nematodes carry Xenorhabdus in a specialized intestinal receptacle. When nematodes enter an insect, they release the bacteria into the insect hemocoel. The bacteria aid in killing the insect and facilitate nematode reproduction. Prior to dispersing from the insect, juvenile nematodes must form an association with their symbionts; the bacteria must adhere to the intestinal receptacle. We tested for pre‐association barriers by comparing the effects of bacterial strains on native versus non‐native nematodes via their virulence towards, nutritional support of, and ability to associate with different nematode species. We then assessed post‐association barriers by measuring the relative fitness of nematodes carrying each strain of bacteria. We found evidence for both pre‐ and post‐association barriers between nematode clades. Specifically, some bacteria were highly virulent to non‐native hosts, and some nematode hosts carried fewer cells of non‐native bacteria, creating pre‐association barriers. In addition, reduced infection success and lower nematode reproduction were identified as post‐association barriers. No barriers to symbiont switching were detected between nematode species within the same clade. Overall, our study suggests a framework that could be used to generate predictions for the evolution of barriers to host switching in this and other systems.
Composition of a chemical signalling trait varies with phylogeny and precipitation across an Australian lizard radiation
Authors: Zozaya Stephen M. , Teasdale Luisa C. , Moritz Craig , Higgie Megan , Hoskin Conrad J.
Published: June 2022

The environment presents challenges to the transmission and detection of animal signalling systems, resulting in selective pressures that can drive signal divergence amongst populations in disparate environments. For chemical signals, climate is a potentially important selective force because factors such as temperature and moisture influence the persistence and detection of chemicals. We investigated an Australian lizard radiation (Heteronotia) to explore relationships between a sexually dimorphic chemical signalling trait (epidermal pore secretions) and two key climate variables: temperature and precipitation. We reconstructed the phylogeny ofHeteronotiawith exon capture phylogenomics, estimated phylogenetic signal in amongst‐lineage chemical variation and assessed how chemical composition relates to temperature and precipitation using multivariate phylogenetic regressions. High estimates of phylogenetic signal indicate that the composition of epidermal pore secretions varies amongst lineages in a manner consistent with Brownian motion, although there are deviations to this, with stark divergences coinciding with two phylogenetic splits. Accounting for phylogenetic non‐independence, we found that amongst‐lineage chemical variation is associated with geographic variation in precipitation but not temperature. This contrasts somewhat with previous lizard studies, which have generally found an association between temperature and chemical composition. Our results suggest that geographic variation in precipitation can affect the evolution of chemical signalling traits, possibly influencing patterns of divergence amongst lineages and species.
Dementia and COVID‐19 infection control in assisted living in seven states
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl , Sloane Philip D. , Hickey Johanna Silbersack , Wretman Christopher J. , Gizlice Selen P. , Thomas Kali S. , Carder Paula , Preisser John S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Assisted living (AL) is the largest residential long‐term care provider in the United States, including for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Despite recognizing the challenge of infection control for persons with dementia, this study of 119 AL communities is the first to describe dementia‐relevant COVID‐19 infection control across different types of AL communities, and to discuss implications for the future.

Methods

From a parent study sampling frame of 244 AL communities across seven states, 119 administrators provided data about COVID‐19 infection control practices and resident behaviors. Data were collected from July 2020 through September 2021. Communities were differentiated based on the presence of beds/units dedicated for persons living with dementia, as being either dementia‐specific, mixed, or integrated. Data obtained from administrators related to feasibility of implementing seven infection control practices, and the extent to which residents themselves practiced infection prevention. Analyses compared practices across the three community types.

Results

Less than half of administrators found it feasible to close indoor common areas, all community types reported a challenge organizing group activities for safe distancing, and more than half of residents with dementia did not wear a face covering or maintain physical distance from other residents when indicated. Dementia‐specific AL communities were generally the most challenged with infection control during COVID‐19.

Conclusion

All AL community types experienced infection control challenges, more so in dementia‐specific communities (which generally provide care to persons with more advanced dementia and have fewer private beds). Results indicate a need to bolster infection prevention capacity when caring for this especially vulnerable population, and have implications for care in nursing homes as well.
Is there a correlation between pelvic incidence and orientation of the acetabulum? An analysis based on a three‐dimensional statistical model of the pelvic ring
Authors: Arand Charlotte , Noser Hansrudi , Kamer Lukas , Gehweiler Dominic , Handrich Kirstin , Rommens Pol M. , Wagner Daniel
Published: June 2022

The pelvic ring is a complex anatomical structure building up the connection between the trunk and the legs. Whilst there is a broad discussion in the literature about the dynamic interaction between spine, pelvis and the hip joints, there is still little information about the relation and interaction of the constant pelvic parameters. Based on a three‐dimensional (3D) statistical model consisting of 150 uninjured and bony healthy pelves (100 Europeans, 50 Japanese; 81 males, 69 females; average age 74.3 years ± 17.5 years) an evaluation of pelvic incidence (PI) and acetabular orientation in anteversion and inclination was performed and potential correlations of these intraindividual constant parameters were investigated. Pelvic incidence is defined as the angle between the perpendicular to the sacral plate at its midpoint and the line connecting this point to the middle axis of the femoral heads. Acetabular anteversion is defined as the angle between the perpendicular to the best‐fit plane on the acetabular rim and the coronal plane measured in strict lateral view. Acetabular inclination is defined as the angle between the perpendicular to the best‐fit plane on the acetabular rim and the sagittal plane in strict frontal view. Data were further analysed with regard to different subgroup's age, sex and ethnicity. A positive correlation between PI and acetabular anteversion could be demonstrated. Further, PI and also the acetabular parameters anteversion and inclination were found to be significantly higher in the European individuals than in the Asian. The results of the present study demonstrate a relation between the anatomical configuration of the constant pelvic parameters building up the connection points to the next proximal respectively caudal skeleton section. The findings might lead to more comprehensive treatment strategies in case of trauma or degenerative pathologies of the pelvis in the future.
Surgery for deep infiltrating rectal endometriosis—Selecting the right approach
Authors: Jeyabalan Tamyenthini , Ambikapathi Theiyallen , Subramaniam Sentilnathan , Sriram Ratha Krishnan , Azizan Nornazirah , Hayati Firdaus
Published: June 2022

Endometriosis involving the bowel is a form of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The endometriotic lesions can infiltrate the bowel layers mimicking a malignancy. The majority of bowel involvement happens in the colon and rectum. We report our experience in surgically managing rectal endometriosis in two patients, one via a conservative approach and the other with a more radical approach and their associated short‐term and long‐term outcomes are observed. In principle, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in managing rectal DIE with adjuvant hormonal therapy. The selection of surgical approach should be based on disease factors such as the size of the lesions and extent of the disease, patient factors including fitness for surgery and expectations as well as logistics and resource limitations.
Digital White Racial Socialization: Social Media and the Case of Whiteness
Authors: Frey William R. , Ward L. Monique , Weiss Amanda , Cogburn Courtney D.
Published: June 2022

The Internet has become a ubiquitous central element in the lives of adolescents. In this conceptual paper, we focus on digital white racial socialization (D‐WRS), arguing: (1) for an expanded conceptualization of WRS asdoings, and (2) that social media may be changing processes of WRS through an extension of traditional settings and through the creation of unique social contexts. We highlight the uniqueness of social media contexts due to the designednormalization of whiteness,weak‐tie racism,social media affordances, andracialized pedagogical zonesallowing adolescents to practicedoingrace. We introduce a conceptual framework for D‐WRS and end with an expressed need for conceptually guided research on the multidimensional relationship between social media and WRS processes.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Transdiagnostic Treatment of a Breast Cancer Survivor: A Case Study1
Authors: Sakai Mie , Kondo Masaki , Sugiura Takeshi , Akechi Tatsuo
Published: June 2022

We describe a case report on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for a breast cancer survivor with chronic postsurgical pain, fear of cancer recurrence, and depression. As part of multidisciplinary therapy at the pain center, 17 sessions of ACT and two follow‐up sessions were provided over approximately 6 months. Outcome measures (chronic pain and fear of cancer recurrence) and process measures (pain acceptance and valued action) were assessed. Outcome measures, including pain intensity, interference, quality of life, and fear of cancer recurrence, and ACT process measures improved after the intervention and at follow‐up sessions compared to baseline. Over the treatment course, depression symptoms worsened, which necessitated a leave of absence from work for several months, during which time the patient engaged in intensive ACT. Ultimately, the patient returned to work, resumed her hobbies, and acquired a new habit of exercising, demonstrating changes to her lifestyle as well. The results support the efficacy of ACT in patients with multiple psychological and physical symptoms.
A subnational affordability assessment of nutritious foods for complementary feeding in Kenya
Authors: Ryckman Theresa , Codjia Patrick , Nordhagen Stella , Arimi Caroline , Kirogo Veronica , Kiige Laura , Kamudoni Penjani , Beal Ty
Published: June 2022

Complementary feeding among children aged 6–23 months is a key determinant of micronutrient deficiencies and childhood stunting, the burdens of which remain high in Kenya. This study examines the affordability of complementary foods to increase young children's nutrient consumption across eight provinces in Kenya. We combined data from household surveys, food composition tables and published sources to estimate the cost of portion sizes that could meet half of the children's daily iron, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, folate, vitamin B12 and protein requirements from complementary feeding. These costs were compared to current household food expenditures. The selection of foods and price and expenditure data were stratified by province. Our analysis indicates that vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folate are affordable to most households in Kenya via liver, beans and in some provinces, orange‐fleshed fruits and vegetables, avocado and small dried fish. Calcium, animal‐source protein, zinc and iron were less affordable and there was more provincial variation. In some provinces, small dried fish were an affordable source of calcium, protein and zinc. In others (North Eastern, Central, Eastern, parts of Rift Valley and Coast), small dried fish were not commonly consumed and other foods were less affordable. Future research should consider interventions aimed at reducing prices, increasing availability and changing behaviours related to these foods. Solutions such as supplementation and fortification may be needed for iron and zinc in some locations. Food affordability presented the greatest barriers in North Eastern province, which had lower dietary diversity and may require additional targeted interventions.
Joint power distribution and charging network design for electrified mobility with user equilibrium decisions
Authors: Hajibabai Leila , Atik Asya , Mirheli Amir
Published: June 2022

Rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) requires the development of a highly flexible charging network. The design and management of the charging infrastructure for EV‐dominated transportation systems are intertwined with power grid operations both economically and technically. High penetration of EVs in the future can increase the charging loads and cause a wide range of operational issues in power distribution networks (PDNs). This paper aims to design an EV charging network with an embedded PDN layout to account for energy dispatch and underlying traffic flows in urban transportation networks supporting electric mobility in the near future. A mixed‐integer bilevel model is proposed with the EV charging facility location and PDN energy decisions in the upper level and user equilibrium traffic assignment in the lower level considering an uncertain charging demand. The objective is to minimize the cost of PDN operations, charging facility deployments, and transportation. The proposed problem is solved using a column and constraint generation (C&CG ) algorithm, while a macroscopic fundamental diagram concept is implemented to estimate the arc travel times. The methodology is applied to a hypothetical and two real‐world case study networks, and the solutions are compared to a Benders decomposition benchmark. The east‐coast analysis results indicate a 77.3% reduction in the computational time. Additionally, the benchmark technique obtains an optimality gap of 1.15%, while the C&CG algorithm yields a 0.61% gap. The numerical experiments show the robustness of the proposed methodology. Besides, a series of sensitivity analyses has been conducted to study the impact of input parameters on the proposed methodology and draw managerial insights.
Risk of transfusion‐related acute lung injury and human immunodeficiency virus associated with donations from trans donors in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Domingue Marie‐Pier , Camirand Lemyre Félix , Aubé Eliana , Renaud Christian , Thibeault Catherine , Caruso Jessica , Otis Joanne , Grégoire Yves , Lewin Antoine
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Blood operator must establish selection criteria according to the populations at risk of blood‐related infections and complications. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risks of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated with donations from trans persons.

Materials and Methods

Donor screening data from Héma‐Québec were used. The risks of TRALI and HIV were estimated based on internal data and assumptions derived from the literature. The risk was assessed under four scenarios: a most likely scenario, an optimistic scenario and two pessimistic scenarios. All scenarios assumed no prior screening for trans donors.

Results

The trans population comprised 134 donors, including 94 (70.1%) trans men. Of the 134 donors, 58 (43.3%) were deferred from donating a blood‐derived product because of an ongoing gender‐affirming genital surgery, and the remaining 76 (56.7%) were eligible donors. The risk of having a TRALI‐causing donation, given that it comes from a trans man, was estimated at one every 115–999 years for all scenarios. The risk of having an HIV‐contaminated donation, given that it comes from a trans woman, was estimated at one every 1881–37,600 years for all scenarios.

Conclusion

This study suggests that donations from trans persons are associated with a negligible risk of TRALI and HIV.
Caracterización y evaluación de la función preventiva del control interno en Colombia
Authors: Restrepo Medina Manuel Alberto
Published: June 2022

Este artículo expone los referentes internacionales del estado actual de la configuración de los sistemas de control interno en la administración pública y su influencia en el desarrollo específico del caso colombiano, del cual se explica su diseño normativo e institucional y lo contrasta con los resultados de su aplicación, para llegar a formular algunas propuestas concretas encaminadas a la superación de sus disfuncionalidades, de manera que sirva para el propósito de prevenir y detectar a tiempo el riesgo de desviación o apropiación indebida de los recursos públicos, que tiene una especial incidencia para que no se logren los objetivos que legitiman el ejercicio de la función pública.
Civis Mundi Sum: un llamado por la validez universal de los derechos humanos
Authors: Chaux Donado Francisco José
Published: June 2022

Los derechos humanos son el resultado de una búsqueda por crear un sistema en el que la protección jurídica al individuo sea en función de su calidad de ser humano. De allí que el presente artículo, fruto de una reflexión teórica, tenga como objetivo comprobar la universalidad de estas garantías, en virtud a cinco argumentos: (I) los derechos humanos son una expresión de una moralidad aplicable a toda persona por el hecho de ser agentes morales, (II) se considera a los derechos humanos como principios debido a su indeterminación, lo cual permite su aplicación en contextos diferentes, (III) los derechos humanos no pertenecen de manera exclusiva a una civilización, su abstracción les permite un diálogo e interacción con diversas culturas, (IV) los derechos humanos cuentan con la capacidad de ser extraterritoriales, con lo cual se amplía el concepto de jurisdicción y (V) existe una importante tendencia internacional que afirma que los derechos humanos son normas de ius cogens, por lo cual son normas vinculantes para todos los estados. La conclusión de este artículo es que los derechos humanos aseguran unas garantías al individuo, independiente de su nacionalidad, lugar o tiempo de protección, toda vez que su fundamento es la condición de persona o ciudadano del mundo.
Salmonella Central Carbon Metabolism Enhances Bactericidal Killing by Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Authors: Braetz Sebastian , Schwerk Peter , Thompson Arthur , Tedin Karsten , Fulde Marcus
Published: June 2022

The efficacy of killing by bactericidal antibiotics has been reported to depend in large part on the ATP levels, with low levels of ATP leading to increased persistence after antibiotic challenge. Here, we show that an
atp
operon deletion strain of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium lacking the ATP synthase was at least 10-fold more sensitive to killing by the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin and yet showed either increased survival or no significant difference compared with the wild-type strain when challenged with aminoglycoside or β-lactam antibiotics, respectively.
Candidate Phyla Radiation, an Underappreciated Division of the Human Microbiome, and Its Impact on Health and Disease
Authors: Naud Sabrina , Ibrahim Ahmad , Valles Camille , Maatouk Mohamad , Bittar Fadi , Tidjani Alou Maryam , Raoult Didier
Published: June 2022

Candidate phyla radiation (CPR) is an emerging division of the bacterial domain within the human microbiota. Still poorly known, these microorganisms were first described in the environment in 1981 as “ultramicrobacteria” with a cell volume under 0.1 μm
3
and were first associated with the human oral microbiota in 2007.
The Hidden Crisis in the Times of COVID-19: Critical Shortages of Medical Laboratory Professionals in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Leber Amy L. , Peterson Ellena , Dien Bard Jennifer
Published: June 2022

The COVID pandemic has put a spotlight on laboratory medicine, showcasing how vital diagnostic testing is for society and the health care system. It has also brought to light and accelerated the critical shortage of trained and experienced laboratory personnel that has been felt for decades.
Considerations regarding Interpretation of Positive SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Results with Late Cycle Threshold Values
Authors: Mitchell Stephanie L. , Loeffelholz Michael J.
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 disease lies on a spectrum, ranging from completely asymptomatic to mild disease to severe and critical disease. Studies have shown that prolonged shedding or sporadic detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can occur long after symptom resolution.
Setting the Stage for the Next Great Vaccine Success Story
Authors: Freeman Megan Culler
Published: June 2022

In this Commentary, the article by Rosenfeld et al. “Cross-Reactive Antibody Responses against Nonpoliovirus Enteroviruses” is put into context of the historic poliovirus epidemics and resultant vaccination success story as it compares to the current state of acute flaccid myelitis; the relationship to nonpoliovirus enteroviruses (EVs), in particular EV-D68 and EV-A71; and the potential for successful vaccination strategies. The discovery of cross-protective antibody neutralization among polio and nonpolio enteroviruses, specifically EV-D68, opens future questions about EV-D68 vaccination strategies, circulation patterns of nonpolio enteroviruses, and the interpretation of EV-D68 serostudies.
A Virus Is a Community: Diversity within Negative-Sense RNA Virus Populations
Authors: González Aparicio Lavinia J. , López Carolina B. , Felt Sébastien A.
Published: June 2022

Negative-sense RNA virus populations are composed of diverse viral components that interact to form a community and shape the outcome of virus infections. At the genomic level, RNA virus populations consist not only of a homogeneous population of standard viral genomes but also of an extremely large number of genome variants, termed viral quasispecies, and nonstandard viral genomes, which include copy-back viral genomes, deletion viral genomes, mini viral RNAs, and hypermutated RNAs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus Infecting Cotton in Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Ferguson Connor , Ali Akhtar
Published: June 2022

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) (genus
Polerovirus
, family
Luteoviridae
) was first reported in the United States in 2017. In this study, we present a complete genome sequence (5,866 nucleotides) of a CLRDV isolate, EC4, that had been collected during the 2021 cotton growing season in Oklahoma.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Listeria monocytogenes Strain Isolated from Sprouts and Carrying an Antimicrobial Resistance Gene
Authors: Huang Hongsheng , Mathews Amit , Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Kang Mingsong , Wang Lin Ru , Naushad Sohail
Published: June 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, is an important foodborne bacterial pathogen for humans worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a
Listeria monocytogenes
strain with an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene, isolated from sprouts in Canada.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Listeria monocytogenes Strain with Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Isolated from Lettuce in Canada
Authors: Mathews Amit , Naushad Sohail , Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Kang Mingsong , Wang Lin Ru , Huang Hongsheng
Published: June 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, is an important foodborne bacterial pathogen for humans worldwide. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a Canadian
Listeria monocytogenes
strain with an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene that was isolated from lettuce.
Overproduction of Chromosomal
ampC
β-Lactamase Gene Maintains Resistance to Cefazolin in Escherichia coli Isolates
Authors: Kawamura Masato , Ito Ryota , Tamura Yurina , Takahashi Mio , Umenai Miho , Chiba Yuriko , Sato Takumi , Fujimura Shigeru
Published: June 2022

This study is the first to demonstrate that mutations in the chromosomal-
amp
C attenuator region are responsible for the emergence of cefazolin resistance in
Escherichia coli
strains. The resistance was maintained even after culturing
E. coli
without cefazolin. This study highlights one of the key factors contributing to the increase in the number of cefazolin-resistant
E. coli
strains, which can pose a considerable challenge for treating common infections, such as urinary tract infections.
Insertion-and-Deletion Mutations between the Genomes of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Bat Coronavirus RaTG13
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya
Published: June 2022

The developmental mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains inconclusive. This study compared the base sequence one-by-one between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) or bat coronavirus RaTG13 and SARS-CoV-2.
Yersinia pestis
-Induced Mitophagy That Balances Mitochondrial Homeostasis and mROS-Mediated Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Jiao Yang , Cao Shiyang , Zhang Yuan , Tan Yafang , Zhou Yazhou , Wang Tong , You Yang , Chen Hongyan , Ren Yifan , Yang Ruifu , Du Zongmin
Published: June 2022

Y. pestis
, the pathogen of plague, also known as the “Black Death,” has caused millions of deaths throughout history. This study reports that
Y. pestis
infection induces mitochondrial fragmentation and abnormal mROS accumulation, and releases mitochondrial contents into the cytoplasm in macrophages. mROS promotes the antibacterial activity of macrophages against
Y. pestis
and increases apoptosis of the infected cells.
Detection and Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Three Self-Collected Specimen Types: Flocked Midturbinate Swab (MTS) in Viral Transport Media, Foam MTS, and Saliva
Authors: Veguilla Vic , Fowlkes Ashley L. , Bissonnette Adam , Beitel Shawn , Gaglani Manjusha , Porucznik Christina A. , Stockwell Melissa S. , Tyner Harmony L. , Naleway Allison L. , Yoon Sarang K. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Wesley Meredith G. , Duque Jazmin , Jeddy Zuha , Stanford Joseph B. , Daugherty Michael , Dixon Ashton , Burgess Jefferey L. , Odean Marilyn , Groom Holly C. , Phillips Andrew L. , Schaefer-Solle Natasha , Mistry Peenaz , Rolfes Melissa A. , Thompson Mark , Dawood Fatimah S. , Meece Jennifer
Published: June 2022

Findings from this analysis indicate that (1) self-collection of flocked and foam MTS and saliva samples is feasible in both adults and children, (2) foam MTS with VTM and saliva are both viable and reasonable alternatives to traditional flocked MTS in VTM for SARS-CoV-2 detection, and (3) these sample types may be stored and transported at ambient temperatures for up to 7 days without compromising sample quality. These findings support methods of sample collection for SARS-CoV-2 detection that may facilitate widespread community testing in the setting of supply and personnel shortages during the current pandemic.
Deletion of AA9 Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases Impacts A. nidulans Secretome and Growth on Lignocellulose
Authors: Terrasan César Rafael Fanchini , Rubio Marcelo Ventura , Gerhardt Jaqueline Aline , Cairo João Paulo Franco , Contesini Fabiano Jares , Zubieta Mariane Paludetti , Figueiredo Fernanda Lopes de , Valadares Fernanda Lima , Corrêa Thamy Lívia Ribeiro , Murakami Mario Tyago , Franco Telma Teixeira , Davies Gideon J. , Walton Paul H. , Damasio Andre
Published: June 2022

Fungal lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are copper-dependent enzymes that boost plant biomass degradation in combination with glycoside hydrolases. Secretion of LPMO9s arsenal by
Aspergillus nidulans
is influenced by the substrate and time of induction.
Whole-Genome Sequencing for Resistance Level Prediction in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Li Jinli , Yang Tingting , Hong Chuangyue , Yang Zheng , Wu Likai , Gao Qian , Yang Hui , Tan Weiguo
Published: June 2022

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has excellent potential in drug-resistance prediction. The MICs are essential indications of adding a particular antituberculosis drug dosage or changing the entire treatment regimen.
Supplemental Material: Geoheritage: Progress toward Preservation
Authors: Clary Renee , al. et
Published: June 2022

Table S1. Geoheritage video and Story Maps, aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards Earth and Space Science Disciplinary Core Ideas, with suggested free resources from SERC Carlton Teach the Earth Collection.  
Unleashing the Power of Paying Multiplexing Only Once in Stochastic Network Calculus
Authors: Bouillard Anne , Nikolaus Paul , Schmitt Jens
Published: June 2022

The stochastic network calculus (SNC) holds promise as a versatile and uniform framework to calculate probabilistic performance bounds in networks of queues. A great challenge to accurate bounds and efficient calculations are stochastic dependencies between flows due to resource sharing inside the network. However, by carefully utilizing the basic SNC concepts in the network analysis the necessity of taking these dependencies into account can be minimized. To that end, we unleash the power of the pay multiplexing only once principle (PMOO, known from the deterministic network calculus) in the SNC analysis. We choose an analytic combinatorics presentation of the results in order to ease complex calculations. In tree-reducible networks, a subclass of general feedforward networks, we obtain an effective analysis in terms of avoiding the need to take internal flow dependencies into account. In a comprehensive numerical evaluation, we demonstrate how this unleashed PMOO analysis can reduce the known gap between simulations and SNC calculations significantly, and how it favourably compares to state-of-the art SNC calculations in terms of accuracy and computational effort. Motivated by these promising results, we also consider general feedforward networks, when some flow dependencies have to be taken into account. To that end, the unleashed PMOO analysis is extended to the partially dependent case and a case study of a canonical example topology, known as the diamond network, is provided, again displaying favourable results over the state of the art.
Prosocial Norm Emergence in Multi-agent Systems
Authors: Mashayekhi Mehdi , Ajmeri Nirav , List George F. , Singh Munindar P.
Published: June 2022

Multi-agent systems provide a basis for developing systems of autonomous entities and thus find application in a variety of domains. We consider a setting where not only the member agents are adaptive but also the multi-agent system viewed as an entity in its own right is adaptive. Specifically, the social structure of a multi-agent system can be reflected in the social norms among its members. It is well recognized that the norms that arise in society are not always beneficial to its members. We focus on prosocial norms, which help achieve positive outcomes for society and often provide guidance to agents to act in a manner that takes into account the welfare of others.

Specifically, we propose Cha, a framework for the emergence of prosocial norms. Unlike previous norm emergence approaches, Cha supports continual change to a system (agents may enter and leave) and dynamism (norms may change when the environment changes). Importantly, Cha agents incorporate prosocial decision-making based on inequity aversion theory, reflecting an intuition of guilt arising from being antisocial. In this manner, Cha brings together two important themes in prosociality: decision-making by individuals and fairness of system-level outcomes. We demonstrate via simulation that Cha can improve aggregate societal gains and fairness of outcomes.
Exploiting Nil-external Interfaces for Fast Replicated Storage
Authors: Ganesan Aishwarya , Alagappan Ramnatthan , Rebello Anthony , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: June 2022

Do some storage
interfaces
enable higher performance than others? Can one identify and exploit such interfaces to realize high performance in storage systems? This article answers these questions in the affirmative by identifying
nil-externality
, a property of storage interfaces. A nil-externalizing (nilext) interface may modify state within a storage system but does not externalize its effects or system state immediately to the outside world. As a result, a storage system can apply nilext operations lazily, improving performance.

In this article, we take advantage of nilext interfaces to build high-performance replicated storage. We implement

Skyros

, a nilext-aware replication protocol that offers high performance by deferring ordering and executing operations until their effects are externalized. We show that exploiting nil-externality offers significant benefit: For many workloads,

Skyros

provides higher performance than standard consensus-based replication. For example,

Skyros

offers 3× lower latency while providing the same high throughput offered by throughput-optimized Paxos.
Queueing Networks and Markov Chains Analysis with the Octave queueing package
Authors: Marzolla Moreno
Published: June 2022

Queueing networks and Markov chains are a widely used modeling notation that has been successfully applied to many kind of systems. In this paper we describe the queueing package, a free software package for product-form queueing networks and Markov chains analysis written in GNU Octave. The queueing package allows users to compute performance measures of Markov chains, single-station queueing systems and product- and some non product-form Queueing Network (QN) models. We present some practical examples showing how the queueing package can be used for reliability analysis, capacity planning and general systems modeling.
Unveiling the potential of Graph Neural Networks for robust Intrusion Detection
Authors: Pujol-Perich David , Suarez-Varela Jose , Cabellos-Aparicio Albert , Barlet-Ros Pere
Published: June 2022

The last few years have seen an increasing wave of attacks with serious economic and privacy damages, which evinces the need for accurate Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS). Recent works propose the use of Machine Learning (ML) techniques for building such systems (e.g., decision trees, neural networks). However, existing ML-based NIDS are barely robust to common adversarial attacks, which limits their applicability to real networks. A fundamental problem of these solutions is that they treat and classify flows independently. In contrast, in this paper we argue the importance of focusing on the structural patterns of attacks, by capturing not only the individual flow features, but also the relations between different flows (e.g., the source/destination hosts they share). To this end, we use a graph representation that keeps flow records and their relationships, and propose a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN) model tailored to process and learn from such graph-structured information. In our evaluation, we first show that the proposed GNN model achieves state-of-the-art results in the well-known CIC-IDS2017 dataset. Moreover, we assess the robustness of our solution under two common adversarial attacks, that intentionally modify the packet size and interarrival times to avoid detection. The results show that our model is able to maintain the same level of accuracy as in previous experiments, while state-of-the-art ML techniques degrade up to 50% their accuracy (F1-score) under these attacks. This unprecedented level of robustness is mainly induced by the capability of our GNN model to learn flow patterns of attacks structured as graphs.
Layers of Political Repression: Integrating Research on Social Movement Repression
Authors: Earl Jennifer , Braithwaite Jessica Maves
Published: June 2022

Social movements are critical sources of change in both democratic and undemocratic contexts, leading authorities and others to attempt to prevent, constrain, or otherwise control them. In this review, we argue that research relevant to a comprehensive understanding of social movement repression is scattered across disciplines, including sociology, political science, law and society, and area studies, with each discipline focusing on different aspects. We introduce a layered framework that positions social movement repression within a larger field of political repression, connecting these unproductively siloed areas. This provides diverse researchers a map for locating one another and situating their work in relation to other disciplines. It also highlights the importance of sociolegal concepts and expertise (i.e., on understanding how illegality is defined, how legal systems may be used to suppress minoritized groups, diverse motivations for legal action) to deepening the study of political repression generally and social movement repression specifically.