bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐3‐upregulated FAK promotes angiogenesis through oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts
Authors: Xu Xiaoheng , Mi Qian , Chen Siting , Liu Yang , Xiong Xiaoqin , Yang Yinshen , Li Qian , Li Shuhua , Meng Wenxia
Published: July 2024

Background

The specific mechanism underlying the role of oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts in angiogenesis remains undefined. Herein, the expression of Galectin‐3 in oral lichen planus and verifying whether Galectin‐3 can promote angiogenesis through oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts has been investigated.

Methods

The expression of Galectin‐3 and CD34 in the oral lichen planus tissues (n = 30) and normal oral mucosa tissues (n = 15) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Galectin‐3 in the oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts was determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Galectin‐3 overexpression lentiviral vector was constructed and transfected with oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts. In addition, oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts were treated with GB1107 (5 and 10 μM) to inhibit Galectin‐3 expression and co‐cultured with human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells, and analyzed by Transwell and tube formation assays. The expression of VEGF and FGF2 in oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts was detected, and the expression and phosphorylation levels of VEGFR2 and FAP in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells were determined.

Results

Oral lichen planus subcutaneous tissues highly expressed Galectin‐3, positively correlated with angiogenesis. Oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts expressed significantly higher Galectin‐3 than NFs. Oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts overexpressing Galectin‐3 enhanced the migration and tube‐forming capacity of co‐cultured human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells. In oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts, 10 μM GB1107 reduced the proliferation and migration capacity, decreased the expression of α‐SMA, FAP, VEGF, and FGF2, and inhibited the tube‐forming capacity and the expression of VEGFR2 phosphorylation and FAK in co‐cultured human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions

The upregulation of Galectin‐3 expression in oral lichen planus is associated with angiogenesis, and the oral lichen planus‐activated fibroblasts promote human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells migration and tube‐forming differentiation through VEGFR2/FAP activation by Galectin‐3.
Genetic differentiation across a steep and narrow environmental gradient: Quantitative genetic and genomic insights into Lake Superior populations of Quercus rubra
Authors: Gómez Quijano María José , Gross Briana L. , Etterson Julie R.
Published: July 2024

Adaptive differentiation of traits and underlying loci can occur at a small geographical scale if natural selection is stronger than countervailing gene flow and drift. We investigated this hypothesis using coupled quantitative genetic and genomic approaches for a wind‐pollinated tree species, Quercus rubra, along the steep, narrow gradient of the Lake Superior coast that encompasses four USDA Hardiness Zones within 100 km. For the quantitative genetic component of this study, we examined phenotypic differentiation among eight populations in a common garden, measuring seed mass, germination, height, stem diameter, leaf number, specific leaf area and survival. For the genomic component, we quantified genetic differentiation for 26 populations from the same region using RAD‐seq. Because hybridisation with Quercus ellipsoidalis occurs in other parts of the species' range, we included two populations of this congener for comparison. In the common garden study, we found a strong signal of population differentiation that was significantly associated with at least one climate factor for nine of 10 measured traits. In contrast, we found no evidence of genomic differentiation among populations based on FST or any other measures. However, both distance‐based and genotype–environment association analyses identified loci showing the signature of selection, with one locus in common across five analyses. This locus was associated with the minimum temperature of the coldest month, a factor that defines the climate zones and was also significant in the common garden analyses. In addition, we documented introgression from Q. ellipsoidalis into Q. rubra, with rates of introgression correlated with the climate gradient. In sum, this study reveals signatures of selection at the quantitative trait and genomic level consistent with climate adaptation, a pattern that is more often documented at a much broader geographical scale, especially in long‐lived wind‐pollinated species.
Forward to the Past? Regional Repercussions of the Gaza War
Authors: Valbjørn Morten , Bank André , Darwich May
Published: July 2024

The Gaza war between Israel and Hamas marks the end of the long decade after the Arab uprisings. In this paper, we explore how the conflict has altered the regional political landscape in the Middle East, which bears similarities to the pre‐2011 dynamics but includes new elements. On the one hand, the war has taken the region “forward to the past” by revitalizing “Palestine” as a central issue, accentuating the so‐called Axis of Resistance, and increasing the prominence of the regimes‐people divide in Middle Eastern countries. On the other, the war has generated novel repercussions. “Palestine” today has broader global resonance than previous Arab and Islamic framings. And the regional alliance structure has been altered, with the “moderate Arab camp” fading and new actors, such as the Houthis in Yemen, rising and joining the resistance axis. As we demonstrate, the Gaza war is a critical juncture whose ramifications for both regional and domestic politics in the Middle East will reverberate for years to come.
Stereochilus linearifolius (Orchidaceae): a new species of Orchidaceae (Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Wu Pengyu , Zhang Yutian , Shan Qiantong , Han Zhoudong , Wang Ziyang , Lou Yajuan , Qin Xinyuan , Xu Zhifeng
Published: July 2024

A newly discovered species, Stereochilus linearifolius (Vandeae, Orchidaceae), which was found in Maguan (Yunnan Province, China), is described and illustrated. Detailed morphological examination revealed that S. linearifolius exhibits similarities to S. dalatensis, however, it distinguishes itself in terms of plant size, leaf dimensions (length and width), sepal width, spur shape, midlobe shape, as well as the coloration of lip, anther cap and stigma.
Germination of 10 midland plant species from the eastern Mediterranean Basin: effects of smoke, syringaldehyde, karrikinolide and cyanohydrin
Authors: Çatav Şükrü Serter , Akbaş Kenan , Kaplan Yaren Fulya , Kızıl Ceren , Bürün Betül
Published: July 2024

The beneficial effects of smoke and its constituents, karrikinolide (KAR1) and cyanohydrin glyceronitrile, on the germination of Mediterranean lowland species are well‐documented. However, very little is known about the role of these signals on the germination of plants at higher altitudes. In addition, lignin‐derived chemicals, such as syringaldehyde (SAL), have recently been proposed as overlooked cues for smoke‐induced germination. To address these gaps in the literature, we investigated the effects of smoke‐water and SAL on the germination of 10 midland species growing on serpentine soils. We also sought to determine whether SAL interacts with KAR1 and/or mandelonitrile (MAN, a cyanohydrin) to enhance seed germination. The results show that smoke‐water significantly improved the germination of three species (Barbarea duralii, Digitalis cariensis and Turritis laxa). SAL, on the other hand, had no positive effect on the germination of the 10 species tested. Furthermore, three smoke‐sensitive species and Verbascum cariense responded to KAR1 and/or MAN. Finally, SAL did not exert any synergistic effects on germination in interaction with KAR1 and MAN. In conclusion, we provide evidence that smoke is an important germination cue also for Mediterranean midland species. Moreover, SAL did not play a role in stimulating germination in smoke‐sensitive species, either independently or in combination with other smoke chemicals.
The COVID‐19 pandemic as a modifier of DGBI symptom severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kulin Dmitrii , Shah Ayesha , Fairlie Thomas , Wong Reuben K. , Fang Xiucai , Ghoshal Uday C. , Kashyap Purna C. , Mulak Agata , Lee Yeong Yeh , Talley Nicholas J. , Koloski Natasha , Jones Michael P. , Holtmann Gerald J.
Published: July 2024

Background

This SRMA reviewed and assessed the changes in the severity of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and evaluated factors associated with symptom severity changes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched until February 2024, for articles reporting on changes in symptom severity in DGBI patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The proportion of DGBI patients who reported a change in their symptom severity were pooled using a random‐effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effect of socio‐cultural modifiers on symptom severity in DGBI.

Key Results

Twelve studies including 3610 DGBI patients found that 31.4% (95% CI, 15.9–52.5) of DGBI patients experienced symptom deterioration, while 24.3% (95% CI, 10.2–47.5) experienced improvement. Countries with high gross domestic product (GDP) had a 43.5% (95% CI, 16.3–75.2) likelihood of symptom deterioration, compared to 9.2% (95% CI, 1.4–42.2) in lower GDP countries. Similarly, countries with low COVID fatality rates had a 60.1% (95% CI, 19.7–90.3) likelihood of symptom deterioration, compared to 18.3% (95% CI, 7.8–36.9) in higher fatality rate countries. Countries with lenient COVID policies had a 58.4% (95% CI, 14.1–92.3) likelihood of symptom deterioration, compared to 19% (95% CI, 8.2–38.1) in countries with stricter policies. Patients in high vaccine hesitancy countries had a 51.4% (95% CI, 19.5–82.2) likelihood of symptom deterioration, compared to 10.6% (95% CI, 2.7–33.4) in low vaccine hesitancy countries.

Conclusions & Inferences

This meta‐analysis reveals that a significantly higher proportion of DGBI patients experienced deterioration of symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Various sociocultural, economic and environmental factors potentially modify the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on DGBI.
Hypoalbuminemia is Highly Prevalent in Patients with Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Strongly Associated with Treatment Failure
Authors: Li Zhi‐Yuan , Li Zhuo , Xu Chi , Fu Jun , Maimaiti Zulipikaer , Hao Li‐Bo , Zhang Qing‐Meng , Chen Ji‐Ying
Published: July 2024

Objective

The role of hypoalbuminemia throughout the course of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients and to explore the association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 387 PJI cases who underwent two‐stage exchange arthroplasty between January 2007 and August 2020, of which 342 were reimplanted. The mean follow‐up period was 7.9 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hypoalbuminemia and to assess the effect of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange on the treatment outcome. Furthermore, the impact of dynamic changes in hypoalbuminemia was investigated.

Results

The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange was 22.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Patients with age ≥ 68 years and those with isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, or Gram‐negative bacteria exhibited a higher risk of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐stage was significantly related to treatment failure (OR = 3.3), while hypoalbuminemia at 2nd‐stage raised the OR to 10.0. Patients with persistent hypoalbuminemia at both the 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchanges had a significantly higher rate of treatment failure than patients with hypoalbuminemia at the 1st‐stage but normal albumin levels at the 2nd‐stage exchange (55.6% vs 20.0%, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

One in five patients with chronic PJI exhibits hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia is more likely to develop in patients of advanced age and those infected by specific highly virulent organisms. Also, our results highlight the close association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes.
Partisan collaboration in policy adoption: An experimental study with local government officials
Authors: Liu Yixin
Published: July 2024

Partisanship plays a central role in the policy process, but its impact on the adoption of collaborative strategy by policymakers remains unknown. To fill this gap, I conducted a conjoint experiment involving municipal officials across the United States, examining the effect of co‐partisanship on policy collaboration and its moderating impact on collaborative attributes such as resource allocation, reciprocal trust, and policy outcome. The findings reveal that a collaborating partner's co‐partisanship status increases the likelihood of local policymakers adopting a program by 12.75 percentage points. Moreover, co‐partisan program proposals generally enhance the favorability of collaborative attributes. Finally, the consistency of the co‐partisanship effect across ideologies and various subgroups demonstrates that party identity is rooted in in‐group loyalty and fundamentally affects the collaborative process.
Decrease in soil test phosphorus levels under omitted phosphorus fertilizer application
Authors: Steinfurth Kristin , Börjesson Gunnar , Denoroy Pascal , Eichler‐Löbermann Bettina , Gans Wolfgang , Heyn Johannes , Hirte Juliane , Jansen Florian , Koch Dierk , Merbach Ines , Mollier Alain , Morel Christian , Panten Kerstin , Peiter Edgar , Poulton Paul R. , Reitz Thomas , Rubæk Gitte Holton , Spiegel Heide , van Laak Michael , von Tucher Sabine , Buczko Uwe
Published: July 2024

Many European cropped soils have high soil test P (STP) values in the top soil because of P accumulation over many years of fertilizer application. This should allow to save P fertilizer applications for some years without STP values decreasing to a level that might negatively impact crop yield. However, the way STP develops under omitted P fertilizer application is not well understood. We examined STP development under omitted P fertilizer application for timeframes between 7 and 46 years on 96 unfertilized treatments (P0 treatments) of 43 European long‐term P field experiments, using five different STP methods. For comparability, values obtained by different STP methods were converted to Olsen‐P concentrations. We fitted exponential decay curves to Olsen‐P data of each P0 treatment defined by initial Olsen‐P values (Olsen‐Pi), rates of decrease (k) and asymptotes (A), reflecting minimum obtainable STP. Subsequently, we analysed whether the variables most commonly recorded in experiments, are sufficient to explain the variation in model parameters, these variables being P export, clay content, Corg and pH as well as average annual temperature and precipitation. We found that out of our predictor variables, soil clay content, precipitation and temperature were showing the most prominent effects on the parameters Olsen‐Pi, A or k. However, the amount of variation explained by the considered variables was too low to potentially facilitate a prediction of STP decrease, and various P0 treatments showed no clear Olsen‐P decrease or unexpectedly high asymptotes. This hints at a strong influence of the P sorption capacity of the soil with often high potential for replenishment from less available P pools. In connection with P introduction from the subsoil or possibly from surrounding plots, the extension of timeframes of omitted P fertilizer application without reaching critical STP values for crop production, might be explainable. Corresponding effects could not be analysed because of lack of data for most P0 treatments, calling for the additional determination of, for example, the maximum P sorption capacity, total P and subsoil P in future experiments.
The effect of pruned tea leave biochar and cattle manure for soil acidification
Authors: Kelin Chen , Yiheng Li , Heng Zhang , Kang Long , Yunfei Yan , Yingjie Zhou , Keming Tang
Published: July 2024

Soil acidification in tea gardens has become an increasingly serious problem. In this study, we conducted an outdoor pot experiment to investigate the effects of pruned tea leaf biochar and cattle manure on soil acidification. We observed that amendments effectively increased soil pHBC, which increased 12.43%, 3.24%, 8.38%, 5.68% and 11.35% for BC, M, BCM1, BCM2 and BCM3. Exchangeable K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations increased after application of the amendments. Furthermore, the total exchangeable acidity concentration (EA) and the exchangeable Al3+ and H+ concentration (Al3+ and H+) decreased after application of amendments. In addition, pHBC showed a strong positive correlation with K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg3+ and cation exchange capacity and strong negative correlations with EA and Al3+. Moreover, EA and K+ were the primary factors influencing pHBC. The relationships among pHBC, EA and K+ can be expressed as a power function.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐A*33:01:21 allele, first identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Cunha Mayara , Andrade Gabriela , Vianna Romulo , Porto Luís Cristóvão , Secco Danielle
Published: July 2024

The novel HLA‐A*33:01:21 allele, first described in a potential bone marrow donor from Brazil.
Field‐of‐view modeling of hilly terrain based on physically based rendering of spatial–temporal variations within optical radiation
Authors: Song Ci , Chen Nan , Xu YueXue , Zhang YiNing , Zhu HongChun
Published: July 2024

The current research focus on visualizing terrain features emphasizes quantification and detailed simulation, without adequately considering the impact of spatial–temporal variations in the terrain on human cognition. However, advancements in visualization technology, such as efficient and rapid construction of large‐scale three‐dimensional (3D) terrain scenes, real‐time dynamic display, and free‐roaming from any viewpoint, currently provide ample technical support for visualizing spatial–temporal information. Therefore, this article proposes a 3D terrain viewing model that considers the spatial–temporal changes in light intensity and incident direction in a terrain scene, based on the principles of radiometry and computer graphics theory and supported by the physically based rendering techniques. This model aims to accurately represent the subtle variations in real‐world terrain surfaces and highlight the key elements of hill terrain. Theoretically, this model provides a foundation for the virtual reconstruction of real‐world terrain.
Managing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria from Australian blood donations: Recommendation of a new screening strategy
Authors: Schenberg Katia , Hoad Veronica C. , Harley Robert , Bentley Peter
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

To reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) from transfusible components, Australia tests for malaria antibodies in both travellers returning from and former residents of malaria‐endemic areas. The testing is performed a minimum of 120 days after last potential exposure. TTM is an extremely rare event and managing the risk adds considerable complexity. The objectives of this study were to analyse various testing and deferral strategies, considering the risk, donation numbers and operational complexities.

Materials and Methods

A residual risk model was developed to calculate the risk of TTM in five testing/deferral strategies. Australian blood donor data from 2020 and 2021 were used and incorporated the incidence of parasitaemia, Plasmodium species and the malaria enzyme immunoassay test's failure rate. Donor and donation loss or gain and an operational assessment were performed.

Results

The current model's estimated risk of TTM is 1 in 67.9 million transfused units. Testing residents with a 120‐day plasma restriction for visitors without testing was found to have the same estimated risk, with an expected increase of 342 donations per year, significant cost savings and a 62% reduction in the number of donors requiring assessment.

Conclusion

A strategy that involves testing residents of malaria areas only and a 120‐day plasma travel restriction would not significantly increase the risk of TTM, is operationally simpler, costs less and results in a small increase in donations.
Routine maternal ABO/Rhesus D blood typing can alert of massive foetomaternal haemorrhage
Authors: Bonstein Lilach , Khaldi Hussaien , Dann Eldad J. , Weiner Zeev , David Chen Ben , Solt Ido
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Spontaneous massive foetomaternal haemorrhage (SM‐FMH) is a rare yet critical condition that poses substantial risk to foetal health and survival. Existing data indicate that many cases may be undiagnosed. The current study aimed to investigate and validate the utility of identifying mixed field red blood cell (RBC) agglutination during maternal blood typing as a diagnostic aid for SM‐FMH.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records from neonates born at our tertiary, university‐affiliated medical centre between 2016 and 2023 was performed. Diagnosis of SM‐FMH was based on neonates born with severe anaemia (haematocrit [HCT] <15%) within the first 24 h post‐delivery with positive maternal Kleihauer–Betke (KB) test. Maternal ABO/Rhesus D (RhD) blood typing results were scrutinized with the primary objective of assessing the ability to identify dual RBC populations in cases clinically diagnosed with SM‐FMH.

Results

Among 29,192 neonates studied, a mere 0.02% (5 cases) exhibited severe SM‐FMH. Notably, a mixed field RBC agglutination was discerned in 80% (4/5) of these cases.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significance of detecting mixed field RBC agglutination during antepartum maternal ABO/RhD blood typing as a potential indicator for SM‐FMH. Increased awareness among blood bank technology specialists and obstetricians regarding these laboratory findings could prove instrumental in saving foetal lives.
Development of a Bioreactor-Based Model for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) Biodegradation by Aspergillus brasiliensis
Authors: Garcia Moreno Daniela , Morales Fonseca Diana Milena , Nausa Galeano Gloria Astrid
Published: July 2024

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a widely used polymer due to its chemical resistance, high flexibility, and mechanical properties. However, its low degradation rate, coupled with its low lifespan and widespread accumulation, poses significant environmental and public health concerns. This study presents a biodegradation model for LDPE using a suspension bioreactor, which could serve as a biological treatment alternative before polymer disposal. In our model, an initial culture of Aspergillus brasiliensis metabolized the carbon within the polymer structure and used it as an energy source, leading to LPDE biodegradation and mineralization. The procedure took place in a laboratory-scale bioreactor prototype under aerobic conditions and submerged liquid fermentation. After one month of culture, a biodegradation percentage of 1:890:56 % was reached. The treated materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found evidence of biodegradation, colonization of the material, and biofilm formation. This research provides preliminary data on the biodegradation of LDPE under submerged liquid fermentation, marking an initial phase in the development of a prototype for polymer biodegradation.
Internal Short Circuit and Dynamic Response of Large-Format Prismatic Lithium-Ion Battery Under Mechanical Abuse
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Shi Fangyuan , Li Jie , Pan Yongjun , Li Honggang , Liu Binghe
Published: July 2024

Prismatic lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming the most prevalent battery type in electric vehicles, and their mechanical safety is garnering increased attention. Understanding the mechanical response and internal short circuit (ISC) of prismatic LIBs during dynamic impact is important for enhancing the safety and reliability of electric vehicles. Thanks to the pioneer's works on the cylindrical and pouch LIB, prismatic LIB can draw on relevant experimental and numerical modeling methods. However, there is still a lack of research on the dynamic effects of prismatic LIB in various loading directions. To address this disparity, the current research utilizes quasi-static and dynamic impact experiments on prismatic LIBs as a foundation. First, the mechanical response of a sizable prismatic LIB under quasi-static conditions and the dynamic effects are examined when subjected to mechanical abuse from various loading directions. Second, an anisotropic finite element model that considers dynamic strain rates are developed, enabling it to accurately represent the mechanical response to both quasi-static and dynamic impact loads. At last, we performed an analysis of ISC occurring under dynamic loading conditions combining the experimental and simulated results. The experimental results as well as the established model can provide reference for the safe design, application, and analysis of prismatic LIBs.
Focused Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers for Lamb Wave Inspection
Authors: Cregeen Joseph S. , Edwards Rachel S.
Published: July 2024

Ultrasonic inspection of conductive samples can be performed using electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs). These allow generation of guided waves, such as Lamb waves, in thin plates. Lamb waves are used for defect screening as they can travel long distances with relatively little attenuation. However, large wavelengths are used, which results in poor sensitivity to subwavelength sized defects. This work presents methods for using Lamb waves to detect smaller defects. Curved, geometrically focused EMATs were used to generate and detect Lamb waves in a 1 mm thick aluminum plate. The focal spot of these EMATs is investigated and the dependence of the focal spot dimensions and locations on the wavelength of the generation signal are presented. An array of geometrically focused detection EMATs was used to measure a 10×10×0.5mm square machined defect, simulating wall thinning. Perturbations in the pulse transmission in the region of the defect were detected, along with reflections, with each detector in the array sensitive to different defect features. B-scans and C-scans are presented utilizing these perturbations and reflections to locate, size, and image the machined defect. Analysis of data from the B-scan is shown to accurately size the defect width to within ±0.73mm. Very good agreement is shown between the C-scan images and the known location and orientation of the defect. Data fusion techniques are presented to combine data sets from different receiver EMATs and increase the defect detection capability, accuracy, and precision, with the potential for full defect sizing demonstrated.
Capital Destruction—What is the Cost of Carbon-Neutrality in Shipping Competition?
Authors: Schwartz Henry , Solakivi Tomi , Spohr Jonas , Gustafsson Magnus
Published: July 2024

The shipping sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers demand green travel and transport services, but shipping is still to a large extent powered by fossil fuels. One of the key factors affecting the released emissions onboard the ship is the type of fuel utilized. Technological development is making new kinds of engines running with carbon-neutral fuels available. However, the new build and retrofit projects encountering the green transition have to be planned in detail. We analyze future cash flows of ropax ships operating with different types of fuel systems on an identical route. We base our findings on calculated asset values and internal rates of return. Based on our analysis of the given scenarios, the transition to carbon-neutral fuels comes with a cost for the shipping companies. In the forthcoming shipping competition, ships using fossil fuels will be more likely than their less polluting counterparts to be categorized as stranded assets.
Quantum and coherent signal transmission on a single-frequency channel via the electro-optic serrodyne technique
Authors: Rübeling Philip , Heine Jan , Johanning Robert , Kues Michael
Published: July 2024

Fiber-optical networks are well established to accommodate global data traffic via coherent information transmission. The next generation of telecommunications will require the integration of quantum information into fiber-optic networks, e.g., for quantum key distribution. A promising and scalable route to enable quantum networking is encoding quantum information into the frequency of photons. While the cointegration of frequency-entangled photons with coherent information transmission is achieved via spectral multiplexing, more resource-efficient approaches are required. In this work, we introduce and experimentally demonstrate a transceiver concept that enables the transmission of coherent and frequency-entangled photons over a single-frequency channel. Our concept leverages the serrodyne technique via electro-optic phase modulation leading to very different dynamics for entangled and coherent photons. This enables temporal multiplexing of the respective signals. We demonstrate the preservation of entanglement over the channel in the presence of coherent light. Our approach reveals a strong potential for efficient bandwidth use in hybrid networks.
Transmission-blocking activities of artesunate, chloroquine, and methylene blue on
Plasmodium vivax
gametocytes
Authors: Chaumeau Victor , Wasisakun Praphan , Watson James A. , Oo Thidar , Aryalamloed Sarang , Sue Mu Phang , Htoo Gay Nay , Tha Naw Moo , Archusuksan Laypaw , Sawasdichai Sunisa , Gornsawun Gornpan , Mehra Somya , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François H.
Published: July 2024

Plasmodium vivax
is now the main cause of malaria outside Africa. The gametocytocidal effects of antimalarial drugs are important to reduce malaria transmissibility, particularly in low-transmission settings, but they are not well characterized for
P. vivax
. The transmission-blocking effects of chloroquine, artesunate, and methylene blue on
P. vivax
gametocytes were assessed. Blood specimens were collected from patients presenting with vivax malaria, incubated with or without the tested drugs, and then fed to mosquitos from a laboratory-adapted colony of
Anopheles dirus
(a major malaria vector in Southeast Asia). The effects on oocyst and sporozoite development were analyzed under a multi-level Bayesian model accounting for assay variability and the heterogeneity of mosquito
Plasmodium
infection. Artesunate and methylene blue, but not chloroquine, exhibited potent transmission-blocking effects. Gametocyte exposures to artesunate and methylene blue reduced the mean oocyst count 469-fold (95% CI: 345 to 650) and 1,438-fold (95% CI: 970 to 2,064), respectively. The corresponding estimates for the sporozoite stage were a 148-fold reduction (95% CI: 61 to 470) and a 536-fold reduction (95% CI: 246 to 1,311) in the mean counts, respectively. In contrast, high chloroquine exposures reduced the mean oocyst count only 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.64) and the mean sporozoite count 1.34-fold (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.66). This suggests that patients with vivax malaria often remain infectious to anopheline mosquitos after treatment with chloroquine. Use of artemisinin combination therapies or immediate initiation of primaquine radical cure should reduce the transmissibility of
P. vivax
infections.
Isolation and characterization of a
Halomonas
species for non-axenic growth-associated production of bio-polyesters from sustainable feedstocks
Authors: Woo Sung-Geun , Averesch Nils J. H. , Berliner Aaron J. , Deutzmann Joerg S. , Pane Vince E. , Chatterjee Sulogna , Criddle Craig S.
Published: July 2024

Biodegradable plastics are urgently needed to replace petroleum-derived
polymeric materials and prevent their accumulation in the environment. To
this end, we isolated and characterized a halophilic and alkaliphilic
bacterium from the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The isolate was identified as a
Halomonas
species and designated
“CUBES01.” Full-genome sequencing and genomic reconstruction
revealed the unique genetic traits and metabolic capabilities of the strain,
including the common polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis pathway.
Fluorescence staining identified intracellular polyester granules that
accumulated predominantly during the strain’s exponential growth, a
feature rarely found among natural PHA producers. CUBES01 was found to
metabolize a range of renewable carbon feedstocks, including glucosamine and
acetyl-glucosamine, as well as sucrose, glucose, fructose, and further
glycerol, propionate, and acetate. Depending on the substrate, the strain
accumulated up to ~60% of its biomass (dry wt/wt) in
poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), while reaching a doubling time of 1.7 h at
30°C and an optimum osmolarity of 1 M sodium chloride and a pH of
8.8. The physiological preferences of the strain may not only enable
long-term aseptic cultivation but also facilitate the release of
intracellular products through osmolysis. The development of a minimal
medium also allowed the estimation of maximum polyhydroxybutyrate production
rates, which were projected to exceed 5 g/h. Finally, also, the genetic
tractability of the strain was assessed in conjugation experiments: two
orthogonal plasmid vectors were stable in the heterologous host, thereby
opening the possibility of genetic engineering through the introduction of
foreign genes.

IMPORTANCE

The urgent need for renewable replacements for synthetic materials may be
addressed through microbial biotechnology. To simplify the large-scale
implementation of such bio-processes, robust cell factories that can utilize
sustainable and widely available feedstocks are pivotal. To this end,
non-axenic growth-associated production could reduce operational costs and
enhance biomass productivity, thereby improving commercial competitiveness.
Another major cost factor is downstream processing, especially in the case
of intracellular products, such as bio-polyesters. Simplified cell-lysis
strategies could also further improve economic viability.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
spp. in wild small mammals from South Africa
Authors: Mhlanga Tapiwanashe Annamary , Chitanga Simbarashe , Matthee Sonja , Malatji Mokgadi Pulane , Mukaratirwa Samson
Published: July 2024

Bartonella
spp. are intracellular bacteria associated with
several re-emerging human diseases. Small mammals play a significant role in
the maintenance and spread of
Bartonella
spp. Despite the
high small mammal biodiversity in South Africa, there is limited
epidemiological information regarding
Bartonella
spp. in
these mammals. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence
and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
spp. from wild small
mammals from 15 localities in 8 provinces of South Africa. Small mammals
(
n
= 183) were trapped in the Eastern Cape, Free State,
Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape
provinces of South Africa between 2010 and 2018. Heart, kidney, liver, lung,
and spleen were harvested for
Bartonella
DNA screening, and
prevalence was determined based on the PCR amplification of partial
fragments of the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region,
gltA,
and
rpoB
genes.
Bartonella
DNA was detected in
Aethomys
chrysophilus
,
Aethomys ineptus
,
Gerbillurus
spp.,
Lemniscomys rosalia
,
Mastomys coucha
,
Micaelamys
namaquensis
,
Rhabdomys pumilio,
and
Thallomys paedulcus
. An overall prevalence of 16.9%
(31/183, 95% CI: 12.2%–23%) was observed.
Bartonella
elizabethae
,
Bartonella grahamii,
and
Bartonella tribocorum
were the zoonotic species
identified, while the remaining sequences were aligned to uncultured
Bartonella
spp. with unknown zoonotic potential.
Phylogenetic analyses confirmed five distinct
Bartonella
lineages (I–V), with lineage IV displaying strong
M.
coucha
host specificity. Our results confirm that South African
wild small mammals are natural reservoirs of a diverse assemblage of
Bartonella
spp., including some zoonotic species with
high genetic diversity, although prevalence was relatively low.

IMPORTANCE

Small mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of
zoonotic pathogens such as
Bartonella
spp. Despite the
high small mammal biodiversity in southern Africa including South
Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding
Bartonella
spp. in these mammals across the
country. Results from our study showed the liver and spleen had the
highest positive cases for
Bartonella
spp. DNA among
the tested organs.
Bartonella elizabethae
,
B.
grahamii,
and
B. tribocorum
were the three
zoonotic species identified and five distinct Bartonella lineages
(I–V) were confirmed through phylogenetic analyses. To the best
of our knowledge, this study presents the first extensive nuclear
diversity investigation of
Bartonella
spp. in South
African small mammals in South Africa.
Performance evaluation of the Xpert MTB/XDR test for the detection of drug resistance to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
among people diagnosed with tuberculosis in South Africa
Authors: Omar Shaheed Vally , Louw Gail , Ismail Farzana , Liu Xiaohong , Ngcamu Dumsani , Gwala Thabisile , van der Meulen Minty , Joseph Lavania
Published: July 2024

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health concern in South Africa due to its complexity in diagnosis, treatment, and management. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of the Xpert MTB/XDR test for detecting drug resistance in patients with TB by using archived sputum sediments. This study analyzed 322 samples collected from patients diagnosed with TB between 2016 and 2019 across South Africa, previously characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The Xpert MTB/XDR test was evaluated for its ability to detect resistance to isoniazid (INH), ethionamide (ETH), fluoroquinolones (FLQ), and second-line injectable drugs (SLIDs) compared with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Culture, Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra, and Xpert MTB/RIF (G4) tests were performed to determine sensitivity and agreement with this test for TB detection. The sensitivities using a composite reference standard, pDST, and sequencing were >90% for INH, FLQ, amikacin (AMK), kanamycin (KAN), and capreomycin (CAP) resistance, meeting the WHO target product profile criteria for this class. A lower sensitivity of 65.9% (95% CI: 57.1–73.6) for ETH resistance was observed. The Xpert MTB/XDR showed a sensitivity of 98.3% (95% CI: 96.1–99.3) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 86.7–100) compared with culture, a positive percent agreement (PPA) of 98.8% (95% CI: 93.7–99.8) and negative percent agreement (NPA) of 100.0% (95% CI: 78.5–100.0) compared with G4, and a PPA of 99.5% (95% CI: 97.3–99.9) and NPA of 100.0% (95% CI: 78.5–100.0) compared with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for detecting
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The test offers a promising solution for the rapid detection of drug-resistant TB and could significantly enhance control efforts in this setting.
Regulatory complexity of cellular differentiation in
Candida albicans
revealed through systematic screening of protein kinase mutants
Authors: Lorenz Michael C.
Published: July 2024

A recent study in
mBio
reports the construction and preliminary screening of a library containing mutants of 99 of the 119 predicted protein kinases in
Candida albicans
(the majority of the remaining 20 are probably essential) (J. Kramara, M.-J. Kim, T. L. Ollinger, L. C. Ristow, et al., mBio e01249-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01249-24
). Using a quantitative competition assay in 10 conditions that represent nutritional, osmotic, cell wall, and pH stresses that are considered to model various aspects of the host environment allowed them to phenotypically cluster kinases, which highlight both the integration and specialization of signaling pathways, suggesting novel functions for many kinases. In addition, they tackle two complex and partially overlapping differentiation events, hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation. They find that a remarkable 88% of the viable kinase mutants in
C. albicans
affect hyphal growth, illustrating how integrated morphogenesis is in the overall biology of this organism, and begin to dissect the regulatory relationships that control this key virulence trait.
Mobile genetic elements define the non-random structure of the
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi pangenome
Authors: Peñil-Celis Arancha , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Webb Hattie E. , Redondo-Salvo Santiago , Francois Watkins Louise , Vielva Luis , Griffin Chelsey , Kim Justin Y. , Folster Jason P. , Garcillan-Barcia M. Pilar , de la Cruz Fernando
Published: July 2024

Bacterial relatedness measured using select chromosomal loci forms the basis of public health genomic surveillance. While approximating vertical evolution through this approach has proven exceptionally valuable for understanding pathogen dynamics, it excludes a fundamental dimension of bacterial evolution—horizontal gene transfer. Incorporating the accessory genome is the logical remediation and has recently shown promise in expanding epidemiological resolution for enteric pathogens. Employing
k
-mer-based Jaccard index analysis, and a novel genome length distance metric, we computed pangenome (i.e., core and accessory) relatedness for the globally important pathogen
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhi (Typhi), and graphically express both vertical (homology-by-descent) and horizontal (homology-by-admixture) evolutionary relationships in a reticulate network of over 2,200 U.S. Typhi genomes. This analysis revealed non-random structure in the Typhi pangenome that is driven predominantly by the gain and loss of mobile genetic elements, confirming and expanding upon known epidemiological patterns, revealing novel plasmid dynamics, and identifying avenues for further genomic epidemiological exploration. With an eye to public health application, this work adds important biological context to the rapidly improving ways of analyzing bacterial genetic data and demonstrates the value of the accessory genome to infer pathogen epidemiology and evolution.

IMPORTANCE

Given bacterial evolution occurs in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, inclusion of both core and accessory genetic material (i.e., the pangenome) is a logical step toward a more thorough understanding of pathogen dynamics. With an eye to public, and indeed, global health relevance, we couple contemporary tools for genomic analysis with decades of research on mobile genetic elements to demonstrate the value of the pangenome, known and unknown, annotated, and hypothetical, for stratification of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi (Typhi) populations. We confirm and expand upon what is known about Typhi epidemiology, plasmids, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics, and offer new avenues of exploration to further deduce Typhi ecology and evolution, and ultimately to reduce the incidence of human disease.
Multilocus sequence typing database for
Streptococcus agalactiae
contains a spurious allele of the transketolase gene
Authors: Chen Swaine L. , Tiruvayipati Suma , Tang Wen Ying , M. S. Barkham Timothy
Published: July 2024

The
tkt
(transketolase) gene is one of the seven gene fragments used in the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) system for
Streptococcus agalactiae
. We discovered that the tkt_134 allele is derived from a homologous gene (which we designate
tktX
) that is not present in all
S. agalactiae
; all known strains that contain a match to the tkt_134 allele also contain a gene sequence that is much closer in sequence identity to the other non-tkt_134 alleles (i.e., the canonical tkt gene) in the database. Based on these data, the tkt_134 allele has been removed from the MLST database as of September 2021, and all sequence types containing tkt_134 have also been removed.

IMPORTANCE

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) databases are a common good and remain important for research, medical, and epidemiological purposes. This remains true even in the context of widespread whole-genome sequencing. We discovered a contaminating allele of the
tkt
gene in the
S. agalactiae
MLST database that led to unstable, ambiguous, or erroneous MLST assignment. The allele has since been removed from the public database based on the results presented in this manuscript.
Collision structures of the Prince William terrane and Chugach terrane docking along the Shumagin and Unimak convergent margins, Alaska, USA
Authors: von Huene Roland , Miller John J.
Published: July 2024

Western Alaska's convergent margins are composed of tectonostratigraphic terranes. On land, terrane assembly is recognized along boundaries or sutures between neighboring geologic elements with distinctly different origins. In marine areas where rock outcrops are covered by sediment, recognizing terrane sutures is problematic. A fault in seismic dip line 5 of the ALEUT project has been interpreted as a terrane suture. It is imaged intermittently down to the 30+-km-deep plate interface. Processing of ALEUT strike line 7 revealed the suture at ~18 km depths extending 300 km along the margin. Upper structures in line 5 are like the structures of adjacent seismic transects where imaging is only 8−10 km deep. They were previously not recognized as the upper reaches of terrane sutures and show structural details obscured at greater depths. The composite data are the basis for a simple tectonic model of terrane docking.