bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caring, Coping and Rebuilding—The Role of Social Infrastructure During and After the 2021 Flood Event in Germany
Authors: Otto Danny , Reckhaus Zora , Kuhlicke Christian
Published: February 2025

Previous research has indicated the important role of social infrastructures during and after flood events. While struggling to uphold their caring responsibilities, they are also deemed relevant for coping and rebuilding after a disaster. We revisit this line of argument for the 2021 flood event in western Germany to deepen the understanding of the societal dimension of caring, coping and rebuilding (CCR) in and after flood events. Based on 21 semi‐structured interviews in three case study regions, we analyse how social infrastructures were affected during the flood, their contribution to resilience in the acute and rebuilding phases, and factors influencing their response to extreme events. Moving beyond the conventional focus on technical solutions for flood management, our study examines the significant societal aspects of responding to and recovering from flood events. Our research empirically underscores the critical role of social infrastructure during and after flood events. Recognising the assistance provided by these infrastructures, our findings offer a basis for policy recommendations. Ensuring sufficient financial and political support for social infrastructures is crucial, as is actively involving them in rebuilding initiatives. These measures are vital for facilitating the expansion of social infrastructure and enhancing its resilience potential during flood events.
Phytochemicals as Natural Antimicrobials: A Promising Strategy for Food Safety and Foodborne Pathogens Control
Authors: Elafify Mahmoud , Bakry Amr M. , Tian Hailong , Huang Jihong
Published: February 2025

Foodborne pathogens are critical concerns in the food safety sector and for regulatory agencies due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. They also significantly impact the economy, particularly in countries with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the rapid progression of microbial resistance to antibiotics and the hazards associated with chemical preservatives are global challenges. This underscores the importance of developing natural antimicrobial additives for the food industry. Plants offer a promising source of effective antimicrobial agents with significant activity against foodborne pathogens. In particular, phytochemicals demonstrate significant potential for improving food safety due to their broad antimicrobial properties. In this context, we reviewed the classification and extraction processes of phytochemicals, their antimicrobial activities, mechanisms of action, factors influencing their antimicrobial efficacy, and their applications in food safety. Additionally, we explored the current challenges associated with the industrial application of phytochemicals as natural preservatives. Phytochemicals have demonstrated substantial antimicrobial effects against a variety of foodborne pathogens through diverse mechanisms. Thus, they represent a promising solution for advancing the food industry and enhancing food safety.
Around the EQUATOR With Clin‐STAR: AI‐Based Randomized Controlled Trial Challenges and Opportunities in Aging Research
Authors: Yang Betsy , Park Caroline , Lin Steven , Muralidharan Vijaytha , Kado Deborah M.
Published: February 2025

The CONSORT 2010 statement is a guideline that provides an evidence‐based checklist of minimum reporting standards for randomized trials. With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based interventions in the past 10 years, the CONSORT‐AI extension was created in 2020 to provide guidelines for AI‐based randomized controlled trials (RCT). The Clin‐STAR “Around the EQUATOR” series features existing reported standards while also highlighting the inherent complexities of research involving research of older participants. In this work, we propose that when designing AI‐based RCTs involving older adults, researchers adopt a conceptual framework (CONSORT‐AI‐5Ms) designed around the 5Ms (Mind, Mobility, Medications, Matters most, and Multi‐complexity) of Age‐Friendly Healthcare Systems. Employing the 5Ms in this context, we provide a detailed rationale and include specific examples of challenges and potential solutions to maximize the impact and value of AI RCTs in an older adult population. By combining the original intent of CONSORT‐AI with the 5Ms framework, CONSORT‐AI‐5Ms provides a patient‐centered and equitable perspective to consider when designing AI‐based RCTs to address the diverse needs and challenges associated with geriatric care.
Did You Miss the Ride? Housing Boom and Household Wealth in China
Authors: Sun Hongliang , Wu Youmeng , Wang Xianzhu , Wang Rui
Published: February 2025

In the two decades following housing privatization, housing quickly dominated Chinese urban household wealth growth and inequality. We test hypotheses derived from a housing investment production function in China's unique context against multiyear microdata. During 2011–2019, housing wealth of different birth cohorts followed disparate paths, with clear spatial, socioeconomic and social identity‐based polarization. The biggest winners in China's housing boom were the well‐educated in superstar cities. 5%–10% of the young homeowners born since the late 1970s, especially those born since mid‐1980s, seem most vulnerable in a housing bust or when facing a negative income shock.
Assessing the Impact of Brown Spot Disease on Seed Health, Quality and Transmission in Paddy
Authors: Prasad Niranjan , Theerthagiri Anand , Karuppannan Raja , Ranganathan Umarani , Sharma Pankaj
Published: February 2025

Brown spot disease, caused by Bipolaris oryzae, poses a significant threat to rice production, affecting both yield and quality. The present study aimed to investigate the major mycoflora associated with seeds of 11 paddy varieties and the effects of B. oryzae on seed health and quality, encompassing morphological characterisation, location and transmission studies and assessing seed infection under hydropriming and pregermination conditions. The results revealed that the major fungi associated with paddy seeds were B. oryzae, Aspergillus spp., Fusarium sp., Curvularia sp., Trichoconiella padwickii and Rhizopus sp. Among these, B. oryzae was the predominant fungus observed in all 11 rice varieties with the maximum seed infection. Studies on the cultural and morphological variations among the 11 isolates from B. oryzae revealed that they had diverse colony colour, growth patterns and conidial characteristics. Brown spot diseased seeds showed a substantial decline in germination (%) and seedling vigour with ADT (Aduthurai) 46 rice variety showing highest reduction in germination (47%), followed by ADT 42 (54%) compared to healthy seeds. Furthermore, brown spot infection was prevalent across all seed components tested—lemma, palea, endosperm and embryo at varying rates—, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the disease's impact on the seed structure. Disease progression studies using different methods revealed varying infection rates, with the test tube agar method demonstrating the highest assessment rates (44%–65%), followed by the blotter method (40%–46%) and sand method (18%–38%). Furthermore, lower brown spot pathogen infection from the seedling emerged after 30 days of sowing and was observed when diseased seeds were exposed to hydropriming conditions compared to pregerminated and untreated conditions. This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of brown spot disease in rice which has negative impact on seed health, germination rate and, ultimately, rice productivity and quality.
Should positive airway pressure be continued uninterrupted after endoscopic skull base surgery? A review of current literature
Authors: Rosen Ross , Rajan Jayanth , Richter John , Karasik Daniel , Cabrera Claudia I. , Stuyt John Gerka , Rodriguez Kenneth , D'Anza Brian , Curado Thomaz Fleury , Rangarajan Sanjeet V.
Published: February 2025

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses unique challenges to the perioperative management of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). Currently, no consensus or guidelines exist on the reintroduction of positive airway pressure (PAP) in these patients. To better clarify the safety of PAP reintroduction after ESBS, the databases Pubmed and Embase were searched in May 2024 for studies on PAP reintroduction after ESBS. Two articles, comprising 15 patients, met the inclusion criteria. All patients resumed PAP the first night after surgery. All patients underwent ESBS for transsphenoidal pituitary resection. Only one patient experienced cerebrospinal fluid leak, and no other complications were reported. While these results suggest that early reintroduction of PAP for ESBS patients with OSA may be safer than theoretically expected, the current literature on the topic remains scarce and more research is needed.
Pharmacokinetics and Physiological Effects of a Single Oral Dose of Oxycodone in Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Militana Erika , Schwark Wayne , Flanagan Amanda , Pan Ziyu , Riley Elizabeth , Sorge Colleen , Gleed Robin D. , Boesch Jordyn M.
Published: February 2025

Oxycodone, a full mu opioid receptor agonist prescribed for moderate‐to‐severe pain in people, could provide outpatient analgesia for dogs with post‐operative or cancer pain. To determine the pharmacokinetic profile and physiological side effects of a single oral (PO) dose, five healthy, 2‐year‐old, castrated male hounds were administered a standard amount of food, with or without immediate‐release oxycodone (1 mg/kg), in random order, separated by 1 month. At intervals between 0.25 and 8 h later, blood was sampled to measure plasma oxycodone concentration using ultra high‐pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection, and vital signs were evaluated. Pharmacokinetic variables were estimated using noncompartmental analysis. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 58.6 (39.3, 61.6) ng/mL, time to maximal plasma concentration (tmax) was 1.5 (0.5, 2.0) h, elimination half‐life (t1/2el) was 2.6 (2.0, 6.7) h, area under the curve from time 0 to last measurement (AUC0‐t) was 236.1 (204.6, 256.0) ng‐h/mL, and mean residence time (MRT) was 3.9 (3.4, 9.8) h. Computer simulations using the calculated pharmacokinetic data predicted that 1 mg/kg PO every 6 h would achieve peak (Cmax) and trough (minimum plasma concentration, Cmin) of 69.4 (60.8, 74.6) and 17.0 (15.5, 46.7), respectively, at steady state. Assuming minimum effective analgesic concentration is similar in humans and dogs (~25 mg/mL), therapeutic concentrations were achieved, but administration more frequently than every 6 h would be necessary. Oxycodone produced a significantly lower rectal temperature 1 and 4 h after administration.
Iron Swords and Ancient Echoes: Ancient Jewish History in the Israeli Far‐Right Rhetoric for Unity After October 7
Authors: Bar Neil
Published: February 2025

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the rhetorical strategies and narrative techniques employed by Israeli far‐right political figures during the early months of the Iron Swords War (October–December 2023) in Gaza. Utilising a qualitative discourse analysis approach, the research focuses on televised speeches and public statements made by key far‐right figures within Netanyahu's coalition, amidst the crisis following the October 7 attacks and the contentious jurisdictional reforms. These narratives served as a pivotal tool for political consolidation and public persuasion. Central to this analysis are concepts that elucidate how historical narratives are employed to shape collective identity and behaviour. The study reveals that, in response to accusations against Netanyahu's coalition for failures related to the events of October 7, there was a strategic emphasis on fostering national unity. This was achieved by invoking ancient Jewish historical narratives and symbols, with the aim of transcending religious and political divides and instilling a sense of shared heritage and purpose. The findings suggest that these rhetorical strategies were not only a response to the immediate crisis but also a critical tool for consolidating power and bolstering the coalition's legitimacy. The study contributes to the understanding of political discourse in times of national crisis, highlighting the role of historical narratives in shaping national identity and the dynamics of power within contemporary Israeli politics.
Advancing the Federal Budget Debate: The Debt, Deficits, Budgeting Rules and Practices
Authors: Johnson Craig L.
Published: February 2025

This special issue on “Advancing the Federal Budget Debate: The Debt, Deficits, Budgeting Rules & Practices,” goes to press at the same time a new US presidential administration faces daunting fiscal challenges. The articles in the issue are all written by public finance and budgeting experts. In five original research articles, two research notes, and five commentary essays, the authors provide a rigorous discourse on US fiscal sustainability. Their scholarly analysis is comprehensive, understandable, reliable, thoughtful, informative and non‐partisan. This issue provides a critical analysis of the issues and practices essential to understanding the federal government's fiscal quagmire, as well as practical solutions for policymakers to debate going forward.
Trinidad's Role in the Development of Nonviolent Strategies: Focus on C. L. R. James
Authors: Presbey Gail
Published: February 2025

This paper will focus on the often‐neglected peace and nonviolence contributions of Afro‐Trinidadian radicals C.L.R. James and George Padmore. Regularly not included in accounts of the development of nonviolent strategies because of their Marxist and Trotskyist approaches, I will argue that they play a key role in the development of nonviolent strategies, both in their native Trinidad and in the greater Pan‐African world. James and Padmore each explicitly mention ways in which the cross‐racial alliances and workers' movements in Trinidad inspired them. They insist, along with Gandhi, that disciplined strikes and boycotts are part of the tactics of nonviolence. The article focuses on James, as he recounts his first encounters with Gandhian nonviolent tactics as he learned them from C.F. Andrews who visited Trinidad in 1929, giving talks and writing news articles. James along with Padmore debated the use of nonviolence in their publications in the late 1930s. Through the influence of W.E.B. DuBois and Kwame Nkrumah (and with James' concurrence), the 1945 Pan‐African Congress in Manchester, England decided to fully defend a project of nonviolent action based on boycotts and strikes, in order to win Africa's liberation from European colonization.
From singular to plural. . . and beyond?
Authors: Payton Jonathan D.
Published: February 2025

A growing number of philosophers and logicians advocate for plural languages in which we can refer to and quantify over pluralities of individuals. Some go further, advocating for higher‐level languages in which we can refer to and quantify over, not just pluralities of individuals, but pluralities of pluralities, pluralities of pluralities of pluralities, and so on. These languages suggest a metaphysical picture on which even a small pool of individuals gives rise to a potentially infinite hierarchy of distinct pluralities. Most higher‐levellists would be loathe to take that picture seriously, but avoiding it turns out to be more difficult than it appears. Fortunately, we can develop a ‘one‐level’ plural language which has all the benefits of higher‐level ones but which avoids any commitment to the hierarchy.
Why can't we be friends? Untangling conjoined polarization in America
Authors: Norman Julie M. , Green Beniamino
Published: February 2025

Party affiliation in the United States is increasingly aligned with multiple social identities. In this era of social sorting, to what extent is polarization motivated by partisan identities compared to other overlapping identities in non‐political settings? Using a conjoint survey experiment to examine the multivariate nature of affective polarization, we find that political identity outweighs all other social identities in informing citizens' attitudes and projected behaviors towards others. In addition, we find that partisanship usually outweighs ideology, but ideology matters in driving polarization; Democrats dislike Republicans more than Republicans dislike Democrats; and partisan identity has a particularly strong effect on racial and religious biases and preferences. Contrary to assumptions, cross‐cutting identities do not appear to dampen social polarization. We also find that, while out‐group animosity is stronger than in‐group sentiment in abstract attitudinal measurements, the results are mixed in interpersonal behavioral measurements, suggesting that partisan animus between citizens at the community level may be more nuanced than often suggested.
Different performance of tea plants to shade based on key metabolites and transcriptome profiles: case study of cultivars Longjing 43 and Yabukita
Authors: Li Wen‐Xuan , Fang Qi‐Ting , Han Qian‐Ou , Huang Hui‐Hui , Zheng Xin‐Qiang , Lu Jian‐Liang , Liang Yue‐Rong , Ye Jian‐Hui
Published: February 2025

Shading is widely used in tea cultivation to improve quality by modulating various metabolic pathways in tea plants. However, the differential sensitivity of specific metabolites and the cultivar‐dependent responses to shading are not yet fully understood. This study examined the impact of shading on the chemical composition and transcriptional profiles of cv. Longjing 43 and cv. Yabukita. Among the main quality‐related compounds, flavonol glycosides were highly responsive to shading, while catechins displayed distinct cultivar‐specific responses. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis was the key secondary metabolic difference between cv. Longjing and cv. Yabukita plants under the sunlight, and shading regulated flavonoid biosynthetic pathways in both cultivars. The genes such as ANTHOCYANIDIN REDUCTASE (CsANR) and ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (CsANS) were less sensitive to shade in cv. Longjing 43 than cv. Yabukita, leading to relatively higher levels of epi‐type catechins in the shade‐treated cv. Longjing 43 sample. Additionally, the UVR8‐mediated light signaling pathway demonstrated cultivar‐specific expression patterns, although the functional roles of key signaling proteins were conserved across both cultivars. The insights into the chemical and molecular responses of tea plants to shading deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cultivar‐dependent behaviors of flavonoids, which offers valuable applications for maintaining consistent matcha quality and informing breeding programs of matcha.
Comprehensive Analysis of Event‐Related Potentials of Response Inhibition: The Role of Negative Urgency and Compulsivity
Authors: Wüllhorst Verena , Wüllhorst Raoul , Overmeyer Rebecca , Endrass Tanja
Published: February 2025

Behavioral and neural correlates of response inhibition are assumed to relate to impulsivity and compulsivity, but findings are inconsistent, possibly due to prior research studying these dimensions in isolation. Negative urgency, the tendency to act impulsive under negative affect, and compulsivity relate to various mental disorders and are assumed to reflect deficits in inhibitory control. However, few studies have examined how response inhibition relates to negative urgency, compulsivity, or their interaction. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the behavioral and neural correlates of response inhibition and their associations with negative urgency and compulsivity. We examined 233 participants who performed a stop‐signal task while electroencephalography was recorded. The analysis involved single‐trial regression and latency analyses to explore the relationships with self‐reported negative urgency and compulsivity. Stop‐signal reaction times (SSRTs) and negative urgency were associated with an attenuated P3 effect contrasting successful stop versus go trials. Crucially, longer SSRT was associated with reduced P1 amplitudes (on successful and failed stops) and a later onset and peak of the P3. Interestingly, the opposite pattern was observed for higher negative urgency with higher P1 amplitudes and an earlier P3 onset and peak in successful stop trials. Associations with compulsivity were not observed. Considering early sensorimotor processes and latency effects are important to capture differences between negative urgency and SSRT. Higher stop‐signal‐related P1 amplitudes and a faster action cancellation process may compensate reduced P3‐related activity in high negative urgency.
Post‐selection inference for the Cox model with interval‐censored data
Authors: Zhang Jianrui , Li Chenxi , Weng Haolei
Published: February 2025

We develop a postselection inference method for the Cox proportional hazards model with interval‐censored data, which provides asymptotically valid p‐values and confidence intervals conditional on the model selected by lasso. The method is based on a pivotal quantity that is shown to converge to a uniform distribution under local parameters. Our method involves estimation of the efficient information matrix, for which several approaches are proposed with proof of their consistency. Thorough simulation studies show that our method has satisfactory performance in samples of modest sizes. The utility of the method is illustrated via an application to an Alzheimer's disease study.
Body Regard as a Volitional Factor for Suicide Attempts: Implications for Ideation to Action Frameworks
Authors: Mendes Kameron M. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

One's relationship with, attitudes toward, and subjective experiences of the body have been theorized to contribute to self‐preservation and self‐destruction. These components of body regard have demonstrated associations with suicidal thoughts and behaviors but remain understudied. This study examined whether body regard acts as a moderator of the relationship between suicide ideation and attempts as well as its effect on the relationships of other established suicide risk factors.

Methods

A random sample survey of 2021 young adults was conducted assessing body regard, fearlessness about death, depression, anxiety, stress, lifetime NSSI, and past year suicide ideation and attempts.

Results

A logistic regression analyses revealed that body regard was a significant predictor of past year suicide attempt, alongside NSSI, and suicide ideation. Follow‐up moderation analyses found that body regard significantly moderated the effect of suicide ideation such that ideation was only significantly associated with suicide attempts when body regard was low. High body regard also weakened the effect of ideation on attempts across levels of NSSI.

Conclusions

Body regard may operate as a volitional factor for suicide attempts while also buffering the moderating relationships of other risk factors. Etiological models, assessment, and treatments aimed at addressing suicide risk should include attention to one's body regard.
Low‐titer group O whole blood implementation in a tertiary care hospital in Estonia
Authors: Kullaste Riin , Pikta Marika , Loot Mari , Russakova Stanislava , Laansoo Eve , Rohtla Kadri , Khanirzajeva Gulara , Vadi Ene , Ljahh Dina
Published: February 2025

The implementation of the use of low titre group O whole blood in the North Estonia Medical Centre took place in a little more than 2 years. It began with the creation of a low‐titer O+ male donor registry, included a pilot project with a limited number of patients, validation of whole blood as a new product, and also required a change in the Estonian law. Today, whole blood is in routine use in emergency patients of both sexes and all ages with life‐threatening bleeding. Among the indications, gastro intestinal bleeding comes first, followed by acute blood loss associated with trauma. Whole blood is also included in the massive transfusion protocol.
Multiple carbamylation events are required for differential modulation of Cx26 hemichannels and gap junctions by CO2
Authors: Nijjar Sarbjit , Brotherton Deborah , Butler Jack , Dospinescu Valentin‐Mihai , Gannon Harry G. , Linthwaite Victoria , Cann Martin , Cameron Alexander , Dale Nicholas
Published: February 2025

CO2 directly modifies the gating of connexin26 (Cx26) gap junction channels and hemichannels. This gating depends upon Lys125, and the proposed mechanism involves carbamylation of Lys125 to allow formation of a salt bridge with Arg104 on the neighbouring subunit. We demonstrate via carbamate trapping and tandem mass spectrometry that five Lys residues within the cytoplasmic loop, including Lys125, are indeed carbamylated by CO2. The cytoplasmic loop appears to provide a chemical microenvironment that facilitates carbamylation. Systematic mutation of these Lys residues to Arg shows that only carbamylation of Lys125 is essential for hemichannel opening. By contrast, carbamylation of Lys108 and Lys125 is essential for gap junction closure to CO2. Chicken (Gallus gallus) Cx26 gap junction channels lack Lys108 and do not close to CO2, as shown by both a dye transfer assay and a high‐resolution cryogenic electron microscopy structure. The mutation Lys108Arg prevents CO2‐dependent gap junction channel closure in human Cx26. Our findings directly demonstrate carbamylation in connexins, provide further insight into the differential action of CO2 on Cx26 hemichannels and gap junction channels, and increase support for the role of the N‐terminus in gating the Cx26 channel.

image

Key points

Direct evidence of carbamylation of multiple lysine residues in the cytoplasmic loop of Cx26.

Concentration‐dependent carbamylation at lysines 108, 122 and 125.

Only carbamylation of lysine 125 is essential for hemichannel opening to CO2.

Carbamylation of lysine 108 along with lysine 125 is essential for CO2‐dependent gap junction channel closure.
Role of particle size distribution on microstructure, defects, and mechanical properties in laser-based powder bed fusion of Scalmalloy®
Authors: Singh Jaivindra , Rovisco Ana , Taylor Hunter , Mireles Jorge , Rivas Jesus , Oliveira Joao Pedro , Wicker Ryan
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of particle size distribution (PSD) in Scalmalloy® powder feedstocks on the geometrical accuracy, microstructure, defect formation, and mechanical properties of test artifacts fabricated via Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Metals (PBF-LB/M). Two powder feedstocks were analyzed: Powder-1, with a mean particle size of 29.30–29.72 μm and a narrower, more uniform PSD, and Powder-2, with a mean particle size of 40.80–41.53 μm and a broader, more heterogeneous PSD. Powder-2 produced artifacts with improved geometrical accuracy and surface finish but exhibited cracking in both lattice (small features) and bulk regions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed Si precipitation near cracks in the lattice regions, attributed to segregation caused by heat accumulation in thin features and the coarser, more heterogeneous PSD of Powder-2. Powder-2 samples exhibited higher strain at break during tensile testing, likely due to its lower porosity compared to Powder-1. Single-line and hatch scan results indicated no cracking for either powder, highlighting the susceptibility of small features to thermal gradients, segregation, and geometric stress concentrators. The observation of cracking exclusively in the thin features, and not in the bulk regions, underscores the artifact's utility in investigating how geometrical features influence thermal fields, microstructural evolution, and ultimately, performance in PBF-LB/M processes.
Review of the behavior of helium bubbles in aged plutonium and their influence on material properties
Authors: Wheeler David W. , Roussel Paul
Published: February 2025

The latest understanding of helium (He) bubbles in aged plutonium (Pu) and their effects on the properties and behavior of Pu is reviewed and compared to results from our laboratory. The radioactive decay of Pu atoms leads to the generation of uranium (U) atoms and alpha particles, the latter resulting in the evolution of He atoms, which aggregate over time to form He bubbles in the Pu lattice. A variety of techniques have been used to understand the He diffusion in aged Pu and the mechanisms of bubble formation. Also discussed are the effects of He bubbles on the mechanical properties (e.g., strength and hardness) as a result of the continuing formation of He bubbles over time.
The large role of declining atmospheric sulfate deposition and rising CO
2
concentrations in stimulating future wetland CH
4
emissions
Authors: Shen Lu , Peng Shushi , Zhang Zhen , Tong Chuan , Lin Jintai , Li Yang , Zhong Huiru , Ma Shuang , Zhuang Minghao , Gauci Vincent
Published: February 2025

Existing projections of wetland methane emissions usually neglect feedbacks from global biogeochemical cycles. Using data-driven approaches, we estimate wetland methane emissions from 2000 to 2100, considering effects of meteorological changes and biogeochemical feedbacks from atmospheric sulfate deposition and CO
2
fertilization. In low-CO
2
scenarios (1.5° and 2°C warming pathways), the suppressive effect of sulfate deposition on wetland methane emissions largely diminishes by 2100 due to clean air policies, with resulting emission increases (7 ± 2 Tg a
−1
) being 35 and 22% of total wetland emission changes. In mid-CO
2
scenarios (2.4° to 3.6°C warming pathways), sulfate deposition changes modestly, and CO
2
fertilization contributes >30% of wetland emission increases. Across all scenarios, biogeochemical feedbacks can stimulate 30 to 45% of future wetland emission rises. Under 1.5° and 2°C pathways, wetland methane emissions will likely increase by 20 to 34 Tg a
−1
by 2100, representing 8 to 15% of the allowable space for anthropogenic methane emissions, a factor not yet considered by current assessments.
Electronic commensuration of a spin moiré superlattice in a layered magnetic semimetal
Authors: Kurumaji Takashi , Paul Nisarga , Fang Shiang , Neves Paul M. , Kang Mingu , White Jonathan S. , Nakajima Taro , Graf David , Ye Linda , Chan Mun K. , Suzuki Takehito , Denlinger Jonathan , Jozwiak Chris , Bostwick Aaron , Rotenberg Eli , Zhao Yang , Lynn Jeffrey W. , Kaxiras Efthimios , Comin Riccardo , Fu Liang , Checkelsky Joseph G.
Published: February 2025

Spin moiré superlattices (SMSs) have been proposed as a magnetic analog of crystallographic moiré systems and a source of electron minibands offering vector-field moiré tunability and Berry curvature effects. However, it has proven challenging to realize an SMS in which a large exchange coupling
J
is transmitted between conduction electrons and localized spins. Furthermore, most systems have carrier mean free paths
l
mfp
shorter than their spin moiré lattice constant
a
spin
, inhibiting miniband formation. Here, we discover that the layered magnetic semimetal EuAg
4
Sb
2
overcomes these challenges by forming an interface with
J
~ 100 milli–electron volts transferred between a Eu triangular lattice and anionic Ag
2
Sb bilayers hosting a two-dimensional electron band in the ballistic regime (
l
mfp
>>
a
spin
). The system realizes an SMS with
a
spin
commensurate with the Fermi momentum, leading to a marked quenching of the transport response from miniband formation. Our findings demonstrate an approach to magnetically engineering moiré superlattices and a potential route to an emergent spin-driven quantum Hall state.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection induces intragraft lymphocytotoxicity that triggers lung transplant antibody-mediated rejection
Authors: Liao Fuyi , Zhou Dequan , Cano Marlene , Liu Zhiyi , Scozzi Davide , Tague Laneshia K. , Byers Derek E. , Li Wenjun , Sivapackiam Jothilingam , Sharma Vijay , Krupnick Alexander S. , Frank Dara W. , Kreisel Daniel , Kulkarni Hrishikesh S. , Hachem Ramsey R. , Gelman Andrew E.
Published: February 2025

How pathogens inhibit transplant tolerance remains unclear. Here, we found that
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection, but not other common bacterial respiratory infections, increases antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) risk in recipients of lung transplants. To explore this relationship, we performed orthotopic lung transplants in mice, infected recipients with
P. aeruginosa
, and observed for the development of AMR. Intravital two-photon microscopy showed that
P. aeruginosa
rapidly invaded bronchial-associated lymphoid tissues, which resulted in acute lymphocytotoxicity, including the death of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)
+
CD4
+
T cells that are required to suppress AMR.
P. aeruginosa
–mediated AMR required expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS), which injects exotoxins into the cell cytoplasm. Through a combination of mutagenesis and epitope tagging experiments, we revealed that T3SS exotoxin T ADP ribosyl-transferase activity was sufficient for graft-resident Foxp3
+
CD4
+
T cell apoptosis, leading to myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88)–dependent generation of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet)– and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)–positive germinal center and memory B cells with high donor antigen avidity. We also found that T-bet
+
and CXCR3
+
B cells were elevated in biopsies from recipients of lung transplants who were diagnosed with AMR. In mice, CXCR3 deficiency restricted to B cells or CXCR3 blockade prevented AMR despite
P. aeruginosa
infection. Our work has identified a previously unrecognized role of bacterial virulence in lung allograft rejection and suggests potential strategies to prevent AMR for those at high risk of
P. aeruginosa
infection after transplant.
Antimicrobial peptide DiPGLa-H exhibits the most outstanding anti-infective activity among the PGLa variants based on a systematic comparison
Authors: Zheng Liangjun , Zafir Muhammad , Zhang Ziqian , Ma Yadong , Yang Fengyi , Wang Xiaokun , Xue Xuemei , Wang Chen , Li Ping , Liu Pilong , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Zhao Xin , Xue Huping
Published: February 2025

The escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has heightened global interest in antimicrobial peptides as promising candidates due to their potent broad-spectrum activity and low likelihood of resistance development. Despite this potential, these peptides face challenges, including modest bactericidal efficacy, insufficient safety assessment, and expensive production. In this study, we systematically evaluated a panel of nine AMP variants of PGLa, a natural AMP derived from
Xenopus laevis
. All peptides retained α-helical structures and exhibited high biocompatibility, with hemolytic concentrations above 128 µg/mL and macrophage survival rates over 80%. Among them, a tandem-repeat variant DiPGLa-H demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial activity, with a therapeutic index of 35.94, against key pathogens such as
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
. A DAMP4-DiPGLa-H fusion protein was engineered to mitigate potential host toxicity, and we achieved high-purity biosynthesis of DiPGLa-H by employing a combination of acid cleavage and non-chromatographic purification, with yields reaching 21.2 mg/mL. The biosynthesized DiPGLa-H exhibited robust stability across a wide pH range and high temperatures, effectively disrupting biofilms formed by multiple pathogenic species. Mechanistically, DiPGLa-H disrupts both the inner and outer bacterial membranes, causing cell shrinkage, vesiculation, and intracellular leakage.
In vivo
, DiPGLa-H significantly improved survival rates in mice with induced peritoneal inflammation by 31%–38% while reducing bacterial burdens in key organs by 100-fold to 1,000-fold. These findings unearthed DiPGLa-H as a highly promising AMP. Moreover, the successful development of a cost-effective, high-purity biosynthesis method for DiPGLa-H, utilizing DAMP4 fusion technology, enables its low-cost application in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

AMPs are innate defense molecules in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Notably, one-third of these peptides in databases originate from amphibians. We discovered that naturally weak AMPs from this source can be enhanced through artificial design. Specifically, variant DiPGLa-H showed superior germicidal efficacy and cell selectivity both
in vivo
and
in vitro
and can be biosynthesized and purified by combining DAMP4 fusion protein strategy and a simple non-chromatographic method that facilitates large-scale production. Our focus is on understanding the structure-activity relationships of PGLa. Furthermore, the development of a non-chromatographic purification technique for AMPs offers a viable pathway for the large-scale production of these essential compounds.
Draft genome sequences of
Bordetella parapertussis
clinical isolates during an increase in confirmed cases from Colombia, 2023
Authors: Montilla-Escudero Efraín , Rojas-Baquero Fabiola , Bonilla-Bravo Valentina , Vargas-Florez Nathalia
Published: February 2025

We report three
Bordetella parapertussis
genome sequences obtained from national pertussis surveillance in Colombia during an increase in confirmed cases not linked to outbreaks
Draft genome of
Enterococcus faecium
CV167, a bacteriocinogenic strain isolated from raw milk in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Sabino Yasmin Neves Vieira , Silva Joice Fátima Moreira , Alonso Bruna Vieira , Barbosa Isabela Vieira , Almeida Paula Aparecida Azevedo , Pinto Claudia Oliveira , Hungaro Humberto Moreira , Silva Marcio Roberto , de Souza Guilherme Nunes , Costa Geraldo Marcio , Carneiro Heloisa , Castro Karina Neoob de Carvalho , Paiva Aline Dias , Bruno Laura Maria , Ribeiro João Batista
Published: February 2025

Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus faecium
CV167, a strain isolated from raw milk in Brazil that exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. The draft genome has a completeness index of 99.3%, spans 2,736,418 base pairs, has a guanine–cytosine content of 37.93%, and encodes 2,554 proteins.
Antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens isolated in respiratory tract samples of recently hospitalized patients
Authors: Reiner-Benaim Anat , Henig Oryan , Coronel Pilar , Gimeno Mercedes , Rozenberg Gilad , Shlon Dima , Neuberger Ami
Published: February 2025

Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (CA-LRTIs) treatment is largely empirical as microbiologic testing is rarely performed. Here, we provide microbiologic data of severe CA-LRTI cases requiring hospitalization. We aim to describe the distribution and susceptibility patterns of pathogens causing severe CA-LRTI. We analyzed respiratory samples from recently admitted patients with CA-LRTIs to assess pathogen distribution and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. We divided patients into three groups: CA-LRTI and no prior healthcare exposure, CA-LRTI with healthcare exposure, and patients diagnosed with LRTI 48 to 7 days of hospital admission. In a sub-cohort, we assessed the bacteria’s susceptibility to cefditoren. A total of 1,395, 2,212, and 2,760 samples were included in the three study groups. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common bacteria isolated.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
was over-represented in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the first two study groups, and was fully susceptible to penicillin in only ~50% of cases, and to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins including cefditoren in >95% of cases. Susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to penicillins and to second-generation cephalosporins was lower than 50%. Age, admission to an ICU or surgical department, healthcare-associated infections, and infections with Gram-negative bacteria,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Stenotrophomonas
/
Acinetobacter baumannii
were associated with increased mortality. These results highlight pathogen diversity and concerning antibiotic susceptibility patterns in LRTI. These findings emphasize the importance of improving diagnostics and addressing antibiotic resistance in the effective management of LRTI.

IMPORTANCE

This survey aims to describe the microbiologic aspects of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (CA-LRTI) in a large cohort of patients recently admitted to hospital. In a small sub-study, we assessed antibiotic susceptibility to cefditoren, an oral third-generation cephalosporin not used in Israel. By analyzing specimens from recently admitted patients with CA-LRTI, we aim to provide physicians with the relevant microbiologic data of the more severe CA-LRTI cases, i.e., those that resulted in hospital admission. Such microbiological data would provide primary care and emergency room physicians with additional insights as to the causative agents of severe CA-LRTI.
Comparison of Raman spectroscopy with mass spectrometry for sequence typing of
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains: a single-center study
Authors: Liu Suling , Zhang Ni , Tang Jiawei , Chen Chong , Wang Weisha , Zhou Jingfang , Ye Long , Chen Xiaoli , Li ZhengKang , Wang Liang
Published: February 2025

The rapid sequence typing (ST) of bacterial strains is crucial for effective nosocomial infection control and mitigating the spread of nosocomial pathogens, e.g.,
Acinetobacter baumannii
. While accurate in identifying
A. baumannii
strains, current typing methods are often impractical in clinical settings due to their time-consuming nature. This study developed a novel approach, combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with machine-learning (ML) algorithms, to construct predictive models for
A. baumannii
sequence typing based on SERS spectra. The objective was to assess the feasibility of this integrated method for efficient sequence typing of
A. baumannii
strains. Clinically isolated
A. baumannii
strains (
N
= 267) were collected from a single hospital between 2013 and 2023. Based on multilocus sequence typing, 39 STs of
A. baumannii
were identified. Then, a SERS spectral database for all these strains was constructed, and predictive models based on eight ML algorithms were developed to predict SERS signals to determine their STs, among which the support vector machine (SVM) model had the best performance (fivefold cross-validation = 99.74%). The typing capacity of the SERS-SVM method was compared with that of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) for
A. baumannii
sequence typing, confirming the superiority of SERS-SVM over MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. This pilot study lays the groundwork for employing the SERS-ML method to rapidly identify
A. baumannii
strain types in clinical laboratories, aiding in controlling bacterial pathogen transmission. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its potential in nosocomial surveillance systems, especially for rapidly identifying outbreaks within hospitals.

IMPORTANCE

The rapid and accurate sequence typing (ST) of bacterial pathogens is pivotal in controlling transmission within healthcare settings.
Acinetobacter baumannii
infection, known for its high transmissibility and drug resistance, presents a major challenge in nosocomial infection control. In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to differentiate
A. baumannii
strains with distinct STs based on unique Raman spectral profiles. We then constructed and compared eight machine-learning models on SERS spectra to quickly identify bacterial STs. The results showed that the support vector machine model outperformed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer in determining
A. baumannii
STs. This approach enables rapid identification of
A. baumannii
variants with different STs, supporting the early detection and control of nosocomial infections by this multidrug-resistant pathogen.
Temporary dietary fiber depletion prompts rapid and lasting gut microbiota restructuring in mice
Authors: Rous Colombe , Cadiou Julie , Yazbek Hiba , Monzel Elena , Desai Mahesh S. , Doré Joel , van de Guchte Maarten , Mondot Stanislas
Published: February 2025

Long-term alterations of the gut microbiota and host symbiosis after a dietary perturbation remain insufficiently understood and characterized. In this study, we investigate the impact of temporary dietary fiber depletion in mice that received a diet with reduced fiber content (RFD) for 3 weeks followed by a return to a standard chow diet for 6 weeks, compared to mice that only received a chow diet. Fiber deprivation was accompanied by a reduction of microbiota diversity and an increase in mucolytic and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The activities of enzymes targeting glycans from the host mucus were increased accordingly, while those targeting plant fibers were decreased. On the host side, we report transiently higher quantities of host DNA in feces during the RFD suggesting an impaired gut barrier function. Six weeks after the return to the chow diet, lasting changes in microbiota composition were observed, as exemplified by the replacement of durably depleted amplicon sequence variants close to
Duncaniella dubosii
by other members of the
Muribaculaceae
family. The observation of two distinct gut microbial communities in mice under identical environmental and alimentary conditions at the end of the experiment suggests the existence of alternative stable microbiota states.

IMPORTANCE

In this article, the authors explore the impact of a diet with reduced fiber content on the gut microbiota-host symbiosis in a mouse model. More importantly, they examine the resilience of the intestinal symbiosis after the return to a standard (chow) diet. Some of the measured parameters (intestinal barrier impairment and bacterial glycan-degrading enzymatic activities) returned to control values. However, this was not the case for bacterial richness—the number of different bacteria observed—which remained durably reduced. Among related bacteria, some groups receded and remained undetected until 6 weeks after the return to the chow diet while others saw their abundance increase in replacement. The authors find that a temporary fiber deprivation lasting as little as 3 weeks can cause a transition to an alternative stable microbiota state, i.e., a lasting change in intestinal microbiota composition.