bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Trimester Preeclampsia Screening and Prevention: Perspective in Chinese Mainland
Authors: Liu Jiao , Chen Yunyu , Tai Sin Ting , Nguyen-Hoang Long , Li Kunping , Lin Jing , Lu Xiaohong , Poon Liona C.
Published: April 2024

Preeclampsia (PE), a multisystem disorder in pregnancy, is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality that poses financial and physical burdens worldwide. Preterm PE with delivery at <37 weeks of gestation is associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes than term PE with delivery at ≥37 weeks of gestation. A myriad of first trimester screening models have been developed to identifying women at risk of preterm PE. In fact, the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) first trimester prediction model has undergone successful internal and external validation. The FMF triple test enables the estimation of patient-specific risks, using Bayes theorem to combine maternal characteristics and medical history together with measurements of mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, and serum placental growth factor. Establishing a quality control process for regular monitoring and to ensure data standardization, reliability, and accuracy is key to maintaining optimal screening performance. The rate of preterm PE can be reduced by 62% by using the FMF prediction model, followed by the administration of low-dose aspirin. Recent evidence has also demonstrated that metformin has the potential for preventing PE in patients at high-risk of the disorder. In this article, we will summarize the existing literature on the different screening methods, different components of risk assessment, therapeutic interventions, and clinical implementation of the first trimester screening and prevention program for PE with specific considerations for Chinese mainland.
Caspase-1 Cleavage of Aldolase B Impairs Hepatic Fructose Metabolism and Aggravates Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Tang Hong , Hu Haiming , Gao Yanhang , Wang Zhilong , Yuan Feng , Zhang Chao , Deng Sisi , Lyu Pingyun , Zhan Jingying , Li Chengkai , Chen Hairong , Niu Junqi
Published: April 2024

Of dietary monosaccharides, fructose is primarily metabolized by aldolase B (ALDOB) in the liver, whereas glucose is metabolized elsewhere in the body. It has been documented that overconsumption of dietary fructose, especially industrial fructose, associates significantly with advanced inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. However, little is known about whether impaired fructolysis might attribute to CHC hepatopathogenesis. Herein we found that the level of ALDOB protein was significantly reduced in CHC patients and mice that were persistently infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). In vitro, HCV infection activated caspase-1, and caspase-3 to a lesser extent, which proteolyzed ALDOB and blocked fructose metabolism in hepatocytes. Downregulation of ALDOB attenuated HCV replication, indicating an intrinsic anti-HCV role for homeostatic fructolysis. On the other hand, reduced ALDOB caused intracellular fructose 1-phosphate accumulation that provoked severe cellular toxicity through intracellular ATP depletion and heightened glycation, which was aggravated by HCV infection. Taken together, these results have unveiled that inflammatory activation of caspase-1 impairs homeostatic fructolysis and exacerbates liver damage.
Acute rejection post lung transplant
Authors: Hanks Justin , Girard Christine , Sehgal Sameep
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

To review what is currently known about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute rejection (AR) in lung transplantation.

Recent Findings

Epigenomic and transcriptomic methods are gaining traction as tools for earlier detection of AR, which still remains primarily a histopathologic diagnosis.

Acute rejection is a common cause of early posttransplant lung graft dysfunction and increases the risk of chronic rejection. Detection and diagnosis of AR is primarily based on histopathology, but noninvasive molecular methods are undergoing investigation. Two subtypes of AR exist: acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Both can have varied clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to fulminant ARDS, and can present simultaneously. Diagnosis of ACR requires transbronchial biopsy; AMR requires the additional measuring of circulating donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels. First-line treatment in ACR is increased immunosuppression (pulse-dose or tapered dose glucocorticoids); refractory cases may need antibody-based lymphodepletion therapy. First line treatment in AMR focuses on circulating DSA removal with B and plasma cell depletion; plasmapheresis, intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG), bortezomib, and rituximab are often employed.
HIV preexposure prophylaxis in adolescents and young adults: an update
Authors: Camfield Caitlin , Evans Yolanda N. , Kumbhakar Raaka G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

This review provides an update of evidence for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including efficacy and safety of newly available medications. It discusses barriers to care that are unique to adolescents and young adults as well as interventions that may help increase uptake, adherence, and retention in care.

Recent findings

Tenofovir alafenamide-emtricitabine and cabotegravir are both newly approved medications for the prevention of HIV and are well tolerated and effective for adolescents. These medications, along with tenofovir disoproxil-emtricitabine, offer a variety of PrEP options to choose from.

Adolescents and young adults have many options when it comes to HIV prevention, but barriers persist in terms of uptake and adherence to PrEP and retention in care. Technology-based interventions, provider education, navigation support, and multiple access options are all tools to help increase PrEP use in young people.
Randomized Control Trial to Compare Effects of Ultra-Low Dose (Ethinylestradiol 20 μg or 15 μg) With Low Dose (Ethinylestradiol 30 μg) Hormonal Pills on Lipid Discordance in Non-Obese PCOS Women
Authors: Dasgupta Subhankar , Mondal Joyeeta , Goswami Barnali , Dasgupta Jija
Published: April 2024

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol Sci 2023;66:572–583

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently treated using low-dose hormonal pills with ethinylestradiol (EE) 35 μg combined with progestins for cycle control. Use of these combined oral contraceptives has been associated with metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and a risk of cardiovascular events for women with metabolic disorders.
Protean Forms in Humphry Davy's Notebooks
Authors: Ruston Sharon
Published: April 2024

In this essay I argue that Humphry Davy uses the figure of Proteus to illustrate his conception of a world in a state of perpetual change. Over the past four years, 11 417 pages of Davy's notebooks have been transcribed by more than 3500 volunteers from around the world. These have revealed the extent of Davy's poetic output and confirmed his world view that matter is constantly being made, unmade, and made again in new forms. For Davy, atoms are drawn dynamically towards and away from each other, forging new entities through the power of heat, cold, and other chemical interventions. Here, I look at specific instances where Davy's poetry and science are in close proximity to each other, on the same notebook page or in the same notebook, paying attention to Davy's interest in the so-called ‘proteus' fish, which was thought to be able to adapt to life on land or sea at will. Davy saw the mythological figure Proteus as a symbol for chemical change and for the changes that all matter goes through. I will also use this trope to discuss the development of Davy’s ideas from notebook to lecture and published page.
Active viscoelastic models for cell and tissue mechanics
Authors: Tajvidi Safa Bahareh , Huang Changjin , Kabla Alexandre , Yang Ruiguo
Published: April 2024

Living cells are out of equilibrium active materials. Cell-generated forces are transmitted across the cytoskeleton network and to the extracellular environment. These active force interactions shape cellular mechanical behaviour, trigger mechano-sensing, regulate cell adaptation to the microenvironment and can affect disease outcomes. In recent years, the mechanobiology community has witnessed the emergence of many experimental and theoretical approaches to study cells as mechanically active materials. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in incorporating active characteristics of cellular behaviour at different length scales into classic viscoelastic models by either adding an active tension-generating element or adjusting the resting length of an elastic element in the model. Summarizing the two groups of approaches, we will review the formulation and application of these models to understand cellular adaptation mechanisms in response to various types of mechanical stimuli, such as the effect of extracellular matrix properties and external loadings or deformations.
Stability in social networks
Authors: Acharjee Santanu , Oza Amlanjyoti
Published: April 2024

Dunbar’s number is the cognitive limit of human beings to maintain stable relationships with other individuals in their social networks, and it is found to be 150. It is based on the neocortex size of humans. Usually, Dunbar’s number and related phenomena are studied from the perspective of an individual. Dunbar’s number also plays a crucial role in evolutionary psychology and allied areas. However, no study done so far has considered a couple who are in a stable relationship as a system from the perspective of Dunbar’s number and its hierarchy layers. In this paper, we study the impact of Dunbar’s number and Dunbar’s hierarchy from the perspective of a couple by studying mathematically the conjoint Dunbar graphs for a couple. The cost of romance is the loss of almost two people from one’s support network when a human being enters into a new relationship. Thus, we obtain mathematically that there is no significant change in one’s friendship if human beings spend negligible time with their partners. Also, along with marriage and friendship development, we attempt to assess how a person’s social network structure holds up over the course of a romantic relationship. The stability of personal social networks is discussed through soft set theory and balance theoretic approach.
Kappa-carrageenan and sodium alginate-based pH-responsive hydrogels for controlled release of methotrexate
Authors: Anees Ur Rehman Qureshi Muhammad , Arshad Nasima , Rasool Atta , Janjua Naveed Kausar , Butt Muhammad Shoaib , Naqeeb Ur Rehman Qureshi Muhammad , Ismail Hammad
Published: April 2024

Despite remarkable progress in medical sciences, modern man is still fighting the battle against cancer. In 2022, only in the USA, 640 000 deaths and 2 370 000 patients were reported because of cancer. Chemotherapy is the most widely used for cancer treatments. However, chemotherapeutics have severe physicochemical side effects. Therefore, we have prepared poly(amididoamine) dendrimeric carrageenan (CG), sodium alginate (SA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels by using solution casting methodology. The constituents of hydrogels were cross-linked by mutable quantity of 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methyl silane (APDMS). Hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. Hydrogels exhibited higher swelling volumes in 5–7 pH range.
In vitro
biodegradation in ribonuclease-A solution and cytocompatibility analysis against DF-1 fibroblasts established their biodegradable and non-toxic nature, which enables them as a suitable carrier for chemotherapeutic compounds. Hence, methotrexate (MTX) as a model drug was loaded on CAP-8 hydrogel and its release was detected by the UV–visible spectrophotometer in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. In 13.5 h, 81.25% and 77.23% of MTX were released at pH 7.4 (blood pH) and 5.3 (tumour pH) in PBS, respectively. MTX was released by super case II mechanism and best fitted to zero-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The synthesized APDMS cross-linked CG/SA/PVA dendrimeric hydrogels could be an efficient model platform for the effective delivery of MTX in cancer treatments.
A practical guide to cross-cultural and multi-sited data collection in the biological and behavioural sciences
Authors: Spake Laure , Hassan Anushé , Schaffnit Susan B. , Alam Nurul , Amoah Abena S. , Badjie Jainaba , Cerami Carla , Crampin Amelia , Dube Albert , Kaye Miranda P. , Kotch Renee , Liew Frankie , McLean Estelle , Munthali-Mkandawire Shekinah , Mwalwanda Lusako , Petersen Anne-Cathrine , Prentice Andrew M. , Zohora Fatema tuz , Watts Joseph , Sear Rebecca , Shenk Mary K. , Sosis Richard , Shaver John H.
Published: April 2024

Researchers in the biological and behavioural sciences are increasingly conducting collaborative, multi-sited projects to address how phenomena vary across ecologies. These types of projects, however, pose additional workflow challenges beyond those typically encountered in single-sited projects. Through specific attention to cross-cultural research projects, we highlight four key aspects of multi-sited projects that must be considered during the design phase to ensure success: (1) project and team management; (2) protocol and instrument development; (3) data management and documentation; and (4) equitable and collaborative practices. Our recommendations are supported by examples from our experiences collaborating on the Evolutionary Demography of Religion project, a mixed-methods project collecting data across five countries in collaboration with research partners in each host country. To existing discourse, we contribute new recommendations around team and project management, introduce practical recommendations for exploring the validity of instruments through qualitative techniques during piloting, highlight the importance of good documentation at all steps of the project, and demonstrate how data management workflows can be strengthened through open science practices. While this project was rooted in cross-cultural human behavioural ecology and evolutionary anthropology, lessons learned from this project are applicable to multi-sited research across the biological and behavioural sciences.
Warming effects on lizard gut microbiome depend on habitat connectivity
Authors: Fromm Emma , Zinger Lucie , Pellerin Félix , Di Gesu Lucie , Jacob Staffan , Winandy Laurane , Aguilée Robin , Parthuisot Nathalie , Iribar Amaia , White Joël , Bestion Elvire , Cote Julien
Published: April 2024

Climate warming and landscape fragmentation are both factors well known to threaten biodiversity and to generate species responses and adaptation. However, the impact of warming and fragmentation interplay on organismal responses remains largely under-explored, especially when it comes to gut symbionts, which may play a key role in essential host functions and traits by extending its functional and genetic repertoire. Here, we experimentally examined the combined effects of climate warming and habitat connectivity on the gut bacterial communities of the common lizard (
Zootoca vivipara
) over three years. While the strength of effects varied over the years, we found that a 2°C warmer climate decreases lizard gut microbiome diversity in isolated habitats. However, enabling connectivity among habitats with warmer and cooler climates offset or even reversed warming effects. The warming effects and the association between host dispersal behaviour and microbiome diversity appear to be a potential driver of this interplay. This study suggests that preserving habitat connectivity will play a key role in mitigating climate change impacts, including the diversity of the gut microbiome, and calls for more studies combining multiple anthropogenic stressors when predicting the persistence of species and communities through global changes.
Paucibacter sediminis sp. nov., isolated from sediment in a freshwater pond
Authors: Jung Ji Young , Lee Mi Hwa , Nam Young Ho , Kang Hye-Kyeong , Jeon Ju Hyung , Kim Jun Sung , Kim Eui Jin
Published: April 2024

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, oxidase-positive, weakly catalase-positive, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, rod-shaped bacterium designated as strain S2-9T was isolated from sediment sampled in Wiyang pond, Republic of Korea. Growth of this strain was observed at 10–40 °C (optimum, 35 °C) and pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and in the presence of 0–0.5 % NaCl in Reasoner's 2A broth. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain S2-9T were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising a mixture of C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c). Ubiquinone-8 was detected as the respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Strain S2-9T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Paucibacter oligotrophus CHU3T (98.7 %), followed by ‘Paucibacter aquatile’ CR182 (98.4 %), all type strains of Pelomonas species (98.1–98.3 %), Mitsuaria chitosanitabida NBRC 102408T (97.9 %), Kinneretia asaccharophila KIN192T (97.8 %), Mitsuaria chitinivorans HWN-4T (97.4 %), and Paucibacter toxinivorans 2C20T (97.4 %). Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences showed that strain S2-9T formed a tight phylogenetic lineage with Paucibacter species (CHU3T, CR182, and 2C20T). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain S2-9T and Paucibacter strains were 76.6–79.3% and 19.5–21.5 %, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S2-9T was 68.3 mol%. Notably, genes responsible for both sulphur oxidation and reduction and denitrification were found in the genome of strain S2-9T, suggesting that strain S2-9T is involved in the nitrogen and sulphur cycles in pond ecosystems. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic results, strain S2-9T represents a novel species of the genus Paucibacter, for which the name Paucibacter sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2-9T (= KACC 22267T= JCM 34541T).
Whole-genome assembly of a novel invertebrate herpesvirus from the gastropod Babylonia areolata
Authors: Divilov Konstantin
Published: April 2024

Molluscan herpesviruses cause disease in species of major importance to aquaculture and are the only known herpesviruses to infect invertebrates, which lack an adaptive immune system. Understanding the evolution of malacoherpesviruses in relation to their hosts will likely require comparative genomic studies on multiple phylogenetic scales. Currently, only two malacoherpesvirus species have genomes that have been fully assembled, which limits the ability to perform comparative genomic studies on this family of viruses. In the present study, we fully assemble a herpesvirus from Illumina and Nanopore sequence data that were previously used to assemble the genome of the gastropod Babylonia areolata. We tentatively assign this novel herpesvirus to the genus Aurivirus within the family Malacoherpesviridae based on a phylogenetic analysis of DNA polymerase. While structurally similar to other malacoherpesvirus genomes, a synteny analysis of the novel herpesvirus with another Aurivirus species indicates that genomic rearrangements might be an important process in the evolution of this genus. We anticipate that future complete assemblies of malacoherpesviruses will be a valuable resource in comparative herpesvirus research.
Extensive population structure highlights an apparent paradox of stasis in the impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Authors: Garcia-Erill Genis , Wang Xi , Rasmussen Malthe S. , Quinn Liam , Khan Anubhab , Bertola Laura D. , Santander Cindy G. , Balboa Renzo F. , Ogutu Joseph O. , Pecnerova Patricia , Hanghoej Kristian , Kuja Josiah , Nursyifa Casia , Masembe Charles , Muwanika Vincent , Bibi Faysal , Moltke Ida , Siegismund Hans R. , Albrechtsen Anders , Heller Rasmus
Published: April 2024

Impalas are unusual among bovids because they have remained morphologically similar over millions of years - a phenomenon referred to as evolutionary stasis. Over the same period, other bovid lineages in Africa radiated prolifically. Here, we sequenced 119 whole genomes from the two extant subspecies of impala, the common (Aepyceros melampus melampus) and black-faced (A. m. petersi) impala. We investigated the evolutionary forces working within the species to explore how they might be associated with its evolutionary stasis as a taxon. Despite being one of the most abundant bovid species, we found unexpectedly low genetic diversity overall, and a clear phylogeographic signal of spatial expansion from southern to eastern Africa. Contrary to expectations under a scenario of evolutionary stasis, we found pronounced genetic structure between and within the two subspecies with indications of ancient, but not recent, gene flow. Black-faced impala and eastern African common impala populations had more runs of homozygosity than common impala in southern Africa, and, using a proxy for genetic load, we found that natural selection is working less efficiently in these populations compared to the southern African populations. Together with the fossil record, our results are consistent with a fixed-optimum model of evolutionary stasis, in which impalas in the southern African core of the range are able to stay near their evolutionary fitness optimum as a generalist ecotone species, whereas eastern African impalas may struggle to do so due to the effects of genetic drift and reduced adaptation to the local habitat, leading to recurrent local extinction in eastern Africa and re-colonization from the South.
Shu complex is an ATPase that regulates Rad51 filaments in homologous recombination-directed DNA damage response
Authors: Chu Sam S. H. , Xing Guangxin , Jha Vikash K. , Ling Hong
Published: April 2024

Rad51 filaments are Rad51-coated single-stranded DNA and essential intermediates in homologous recombination (HR) and the HR-associated DNA damage response. The yeast Shu complex (Shu) is a conserved regulator of HR, working through its modulation of Rad51 filaments. However, the biochemical properties of Shu remain unclear, which hinders molecular insight into Shu’s role in HR and the DNA damage response. In this work, we biochemically characterized Shu and analyzed its molecular actions on single-stranded DNA and Rad51 filaments. First, we revealed that Shu preferentially binds DNA with ssDNA components and ssDNA/double-stranded DNA junctions. Then, we identified and validated, through site-specific mutagenesis, that Shu is an ATPase and hydrolyzes ATP in a DNA-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that Shu interacts with ssDNA and Rad51 filaments at the 5’ end preferentially, altering the conformations of ssDNA and the filaments. The alterations depend on the ATP hydrolysis of Shu, suggesting that the ATPase activity of Shu is important in regulating its functions in HR. The preference of Shu for acting on the 5’ end of Rad51 filaments aligns with the observation that Shu promotes lesion bypass at the lagging strand of a replication fork. Our work on Shu, a prototype modulator of Rad51 filaments in eukaryotes, provides a general molecular mechanism for Rad51-mediated error-free DNA lesion bypass.
Catalytically distinct IDH1 mutants tune phenotype severity in tumor models
Authors: Adam Mowaffaq Adam Ahmed , Robinson Mikella , Schwartz Ashley V. , Wells Grace A. , Hoang An , Albekioni Elene , Gallo Cecilia , Chao Grace , Weeks Joi , Quichocho Giovanni , George Uduak Z. , House Carrie D. , Turcan Sevin , Sohl Christal D.
Published: April 2024

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) impart a neomorphic reaction that produces D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG), which can inhibit DNA demethylases to drive tumorigenesis. Mutations affect residue R132 and display distinct catalytic profiles for D2HG production. We show that catalytic efficiency of D2HG production is greater in IDH1 R132Q than R132H mutants, and expression of R132Q in cellular and xenograft models leads to higher D2HG concentrations in cells, tumors, and sera compared to R132H. Though expression of IDH1 R132Q leads to hypermethylation in DNA damage pathways, DNA hypomethylation is more notable when compared to R132H expression. Transcriptome analysis shows increased expression of many pro-tumor pathways upon expression of IDH1 R132Q versus R132H, including transcripts of EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways. Thus, IDH1 mutants appear to modulate D2HG levels via altered catalysis, resulting in distinct epigenetic and transcriptomic consequences where higher D2HG levels appear to be associated with more aggressive tumors.
Effective Coverage of Management of Wasting in Ethiopia
Authors: Farah Alinoor Mohammed , Gebremedhin Samson , Rago Beshada , Kebede Aweke , Barsenga Kemeria , Chiriga Mufaro , Darge Tefara , Ndumiyana Tafara , Yimer Tayech , Darsene Hiwot , Kelbessa Shibru , Yilma Beza , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos
Published: April 2024

Background

Child wasting, or acute malnutrition, is a life-threatening condition that increases the risk of death and serious illness. Despite efforts such as the Global Action Plan on Child Wasting, which aims to reduce wasting prevalence to less than 3% by 2030, challenges persist, with Ethiopia recording a 7.2% rate. A major shortcoming of the global strategy is the focus on contact coverage, which often overlooks service quality. Effective coverage that incorporates the quality of health services offers a solution.

Objective

To assess the effective coverage of management of child wasting in six regions of Ethiopia.

Data and Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data obtained from household and institutional surveys. Participants included caregivers and children aged 6-59 months. By combining household data with expanded measures of health facility readiness and process quality from health posts, we calculated the quality-adjusted coverage.

Results

Contact coverage for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) was 40% and 37%, respectively. Readiness scores for providing SAM and MAM services at health posts were 57.9% and 76.4%, respectively. The input-adjusted coverage for SAM and MAM, considering facility readiness, was 23% and 28%, respectively. The coverage adjusted for complete intervention receipt was 7% for SAM and 12% for MAM. Quality-adjusted coverage for both SAM and MAM was 4%.

Conclusion

Efforts to address acute malnutrition in the Ethiopian health system show commendable progress but also highlight critical gaps and inconsistencies. A holistic, quality-driven approach is needed to effectively combat child-wasting in Ethiopia.

Strengths and limitations of this study

Household surveys and facility data were concurrently collected within the same year. This allowed for an effective comparison between the readiness of facilities and services provided for acute malnutrition at that time.

The selection of items for readiness and process quality was guided by WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment and the National Guideline for the Management of Acute Malnutrition.

The study included only health posts in selected IMAM districts. This restricts the generalizability of the findings, as the care characteristics and quality at these excluded facilities might differ significantly.

Although the health facility survey was extensive, it did not capture all the necessary data for a holistic calculation of the care cascade, particularly missing information needed for user adherence-adjusted coverage and outcome-adjusted coverage.
Contribution of Beta-Lactamases and Efflux Pumps to Multidrug Resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosaIsolates from ICU Patients in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Maia Marília S. , Nogueira Lavouisier F.B. , Clementino Marco A.F , Filho Jose Q.S. , Lima Ila F.N. , Sousa José K. , Costa Deiziane V.S. , Rodrigues Jorge L.N. , Fragoso Luciana V.C. , Havt Alexandre , Lima Aldo A.M.
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen with high clinical relevance in intensive care units (ICU) due to its elevated resistance to various antimicrobials, which lead to high morbidity and mortality in patients in critical situations. In this study, we aimed to detect variants of genes encoding β-lactamases and efflux pumps inP. aeruginosaisolates resistant to β-lactams, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. All genes belonging to the subfamilies were included in this study:blaSHV,blaTEM,blaNDM,blaKPC,blaGES,blaCTX-M. In addition, we investigated the most relevant variants of theblaOXAsubfamily and genes belonging to the efflux pumps of the Mex family. We tested 54 isolates ofP. aeruginosawith a high prevalence of resistance to the antimicrobials piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem and meropenem. Resistance genes related to carbapenems and spectrum β-lactamases extended were found, which includedblaKPCgenes (81.49%),blaCTXM-2(72.22%) andblaCTXM-1(66.66%). In relation to the presence of Mex family efflux pumps genes, 100% of positivity were detected. These findings suggest thatP. aeruginosaisolates exhibit an arsenal of genes encoding β-lactamases able to induce phenotypic patterns of resistance to several antimicrobials commonly used as first-line treatment.

Author Summary

Since the introduction of the use of antimicrobials, resistance to antimicrobials has been growing and becoming a global public health problem, as it leads to ineffective treatment and an increased risk of mortality.P. aeruginosais included in the World Health Organization (WHO) critical list of bacteria that have a higher rate of resistance to antimicrobials, requiring constant epidemiological investigation of the strains, especially in hospital environments, to correctly approach them. In this work, we used a methodology that detects 740 variants of different classes of β-lactamases to evaluate the genotype of the study strains against the phenotype found. We evidenced a high prevalence of strains carrying genes related to carbapenems and extended-spectrum β-lactamases, demonstrating a correlation with the phenotypes. Furthermore, we found a 100% positivity rate among the efflux pumps tested belonging to the MEX family.
Antimicrobial effects, and selection for AMR by non-antibiotic drugs on bacterial communities
Authors: Hayes April , Zhang Lihong , Feil Edward , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara , Snape Jason , Gaze William H , Murray Aimee K
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human, veterinary, and agricultural health. AMR can be directly selected for by antibiotics, and indirectly co-selected for by biocides and metals. Some evidence suggests that non-antibiotic drugs (NADs) can co-select for AMR, but previous work focused on exposing single model bacterial species to predominately high concentrations of NADs. Here, we determined the antimicrobial effect and selective potential of three commonly used NADs against a complex bacterial community using a combination of culture based, metagenomic, and metratranscriptomic approaches. We found that three of five NADs tested on growth significantly reduced growth of a bacterial community, although only one (17-β-estradiol) selected for an AMR marker using qPCR. Whole metagenome sequencing indicated that there was no clear strong selection by NADs for antibiotic resistance genes, nor effects on community composition. However, some changes in relative abundance of metal resistance genes were observed after exposure to diclofenac, metformin, and 17-β-estradiol. Together, these results indicate that the NADs tested likely do not strongly select for AMR at both clinically and environmentally relevant concentrations.
Passage of the HIV capsid cracks the nuclear pore
Authors: Kreysing Jan Philipp , Heidari Maziar , Zila Vojtech , Cruz-Leon Sergio , Obarska-Kosinska Agnieszka , Laketa Vibor , Welsch Sonja , Köfinger Jürgen , Turoňová Beata , Hummer Gerhard , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Beck Martin
Published: April 2024

Upon infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) releases its cone-shaped capsid into the cytoplasm of infected T-cells and macrophages. As its largest known cargo, the capsid enters the nuclear pore complex (NPC), driven by interactions with numerous FG-repeat nucleoporins (FG-Nups). Whether NPCs structurally adapt to capsid passage and whether capsids are modified during passage remains unknown, however. Here, we combined super-resolution and correlative microscopy with cryo electron tomography and molecular simulations to study nuclear entry of HIV-1 capsids in primary human macrophages. We found that cytosolically bound cyclophilin A is stripped off capsids entering the NPC, and the capsid hexagonal lattice remains largely intact inside and beyond the central channel. Strikingly, the NPC scaffold rings frequently crack during capsid passage, consistent with computer simulations indicating the need for NPC widening. The unique cone shape of the HIV-1 capsid facilitates its entry into NPCs and helps to crack their rings.
Regulation of Microprocessor assembly and localization via Pasha’s WW domain inC. elegans
Authors: Montgomery Brooke E. , Knittel Thiago L. , Reed Kailee J. , Chong Madeleine C. , Isolehto Ida J. , Cafferty Erin R. , Smith Margaret J. , Sprister Reese A. , Magelky Colin N. , Scherman Hataichanok , Ketting Rene F. , Montgomery Taiowa A.
Published: April 2024

Primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts are processed by the Microprocessor, a protein complex that includes the ribonuclease Drosha and its RNA binding partner DGCR8/Pasha. We developed a live, whole animal, fluorescence-based sensor that reliably monitors pri-miRNA processing with high sensitivity inC. elegans. Through a forward genetic selection for alleles that desilence the sensor, we identified a mutation in the conserved G residue adjacent to the namesake W residue of Pasha’s WW domain. Using genome editing we also mutated the W residue and reveal that both the G and W residue are required for dimerization of Pasha and proper assembly of the Microprocessor. Surprisingly, we find that the WW domain also facilitates nuclear localization of Pasha, which in turn promotes nuclear import or retention of Drosha. Furthermore, depletion of Pasha or Drosha causes both components of the Microprocessor to mislocalize to the cytoplasm. Thus, Pasha and Drosha mutually regulate each other’s spatial expression inC. elegans.
Ovo is a master regulator of the piRNA pathway in animal ovarian germ cells
Authors: Alizada Azad , Hannon Gregory J , Nicholson Benjamin Czech
Published: April 2024

The gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of the germline PIWI- interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway components within the gonads of metazoan species remain largely unexplored. In contrast to the male germline piRNA pathway, which in mice is known to be activated by the testis-specific transcription factor A-MYB, the nature of the ovary-specific gene-regulatory network driving the female germline piRNA pathway remains a mystery. Here, usingDrosophilaas a model, we combine multiple genomics approaches to reveal the transcription factor Ovo as the master regulator of the germline piRNA pathway in ovaries. The enforced expression of Ovo in somatic cells activates germline piRNA pathway components, including the ping-pong factors Aubergine, Argonaute-3, and Vasa, leading to assembly of peri-nuclear cellular structures resembling nuage bodies of germ cells. Cross-species ChIP-seq and motif analyses demonstrate Ovo binding to genomic CCGTTA motifs within the promoters of germline piRNA pathway genes, suggesting a regulation by Ovo in ovaries analogous to that of A-MYB in testes. Our results also show consistent engagement of the Ovo transcription factor family at ovarian piRNA clusters across metazoan species, reflecting a deep evolutionary conservation of this regulatory paradigm from flies to humans.
CurrentSchistosoma mansoniexposure and infection have distinct determinants: a data-driven population-based study in rural Uganda
Authors: Reitzug Fabian , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Byaruhanga Anatol M. , Besigye Fred , Nabatte Betty , Chami Goylette F.
Published: April 2024

Exposure to parasitic flatworms causing schistosomiasis is a complex set of human-environment interactions. Yet, exposure often is equated to current infection. Here we studied risk factors and population patterns of exposure (water contact) within the SchistoTrack Cohort for 2867 individuals aged 5-90 years in Eastern and Western Uganda. Households within 0.34 km of waterbodies accounted for 80% of all water contact. We found a 15-year gap between population-level peak in water contact (age 30) and infection (age 15) with practically no correlation (ρ=0.03) of individual-level water contact and current infection. Bayesian selection for 30 biosocial variables was used to separately predict water contact and current infection. Water contact was positively associated with older age, female gender, fishing occupation, lack of site contamination, unsafe village drinking water, number of sites and type (beach/pond), lower village-level infection prevalence, and fewer village roads. Among these variables, only older age and fishing were positively, though inconsistently associated with infection status/intensity. Water, sanitation, and hygiene influenced water contact but not infection. Our findings highlight that exposure was highly focal and at-risk groups for exposure and infection were different. Precision mapping and targeted treatment/interventions directly focused on exposure are needed to save medicines and reduce transmission.
Unified Treatment of Light Emission by Inelastic Tunneling: Interaction of Electrons and Photons beyond the Gap
Authors: Muniain Unai , Esteban Ruben , Aizpurua Javier , Greffet Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2024

A direct current through a metal-insulator-metal tunneling junction emits light when surface-plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are excited. Two distinct processes are believed to coexist in this light emission mediated by surface plasmons: inelastic tunneling, where electrons excite SPPs in the insulator gap, and hot-electron radiative decay, which occurs in the electrodes after elastic tunneling. Previous theoretical approaches to study light emission by inelastic tunneling have relied on Bardeen’s approximation where the electronic wave functions are considered only in the barrier of the junction. In this work, we introduce an extension to models of inelastic tunneling by incorporating the full quantum device solution of the Schrödinger equation, which can also account for processes in the metallic electrodes. The extension unveils the existence of long-range correlations of the current density across the barrier and enables us to establish the equivalence between two models widely used in the past: (i) a calculation of the inelastic transition rate between two states across the barrier based on Fermi’s golden rule and (ii) a calculation of the power transferred to plasmons by current fluctuations. Importantly, the new model accounts for processes that take place in the metallic electrodes and that could not be described within Bardeen’s approximation. Hence, it is no longer necessary to invoke a hot-electron mechanism to obtain a dependence on the geometry of metallic electrodes. The new framework enables to discuss the role of surface plasmons localized in different metal-insulator interfaces and to include possible nonlocal effects at the interfaces.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal, electronic structure and hydrogenation properties of the Mg5.57Ni16Ge7.43 cluster phase with a new type of polyhedron
Authors: Pavlyuk Nazar , Dmytriv Grygoriy , Bondaruk Alina , Ciesielski Wojciech , Pavlyuk Volodymyr
Published: April 2024

The ternary germanide Mg5.57Ni16Ge7.43 (cubic, space group Fm\overline{3}m, cF116) belongs to the structural family based on the Th6Mn23-type. The Ge1 and Ge2 atoms fully occupy the 4a (m\overline{3}m symmetry) and 24d (m.mm) sites, respectively. The Ni1 and Ni2 atoms both fully occupy two 32f sites (.3m symmetry). The Mg/Ge statistical mixture occupies the 24e site with 4m.m symmetry. The structure of the title compound contains a three-core-shell cluster. At (0,0,0), there is a Ge1 atom which is surrounded by eight Ni atoms at the vertices of a cube and consequently six Mg atoms at the vertices of an octahedron. These surrounded eight Ni and six Mg atoms form a [Ge1Ni8(Mg/Ge)6] rhombic dodecahedron with a coordination number of 14. The [GeNi8(Mg/Ge)6] rhombic dodecahedron is encapsulated within the [Ni24] rhombicuboctahedron, which is again encapsulated within an [Ni32(Mg/Ge)24] pentacontatetrahedron; thus, the three-core-shell cluster [GeNi8(Mg/Ge)6@Ni24@Ni32(Mg/Ge)24] results. The pentacontatetrahedron is a new representative of Pavlyuk's polyhedra group based on pentagonal, tetragonal and trigonal faces. The dominance of the metallic type of bonding between atoms in the Mg5.57Ni16Ge7.43 structure is confirmed by the results of the electronic structure calculations. The hydrogen sorption capacity of this intermetallic at 570 K reaches 0.70 wt% H2.
Understanding dollar dynamics and SME performance in GCC economies
Authors: Yusuf Nadia , Ali Inass Salamah , Zubair Tariq
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of US dollar volatility and oil rents on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with an emphasis on understanding how these factors influence SME financing constraints in economies with fixed currency regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a random effects panel regression analysis, this research considers US dollar volatility and oil rents as independent variables, with SME performance, measured through the financing gap, as the dependent variable. Controls such as trade balance, inflation deltas and gross domestic product (GDP) growth are included to isolate their effects on SME financing constraints.

Findings

The study reveals a significant positive relationship between dollar volatility and the financing gap, suggesting that increased volatility can exacerbate SME financing constraints. Conversely, oil rents did not show a significant direct influence on SME performance. The trade balance and inflation deltas were found to have significant effects, highlighting the multifaceted nature of economic variables affecting SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges potential biases due to omitted variables and the limitations inherent in the use of secondary data.

Practical implications

Findings offer pertinent guidance for SMEs and policymakers in the GCC region seeking to develop strategies that mitigate the impact of currency volatility and support SME financing.

Originality/value

The research provides new insights into the dynamics of SME performance within fixed currency regimes, which significantly contributes to the limited literature in this area. The paper further underscores the complex connections between global economic factors and SME financial health.
The influence of shear surface quality on the mechanical properties of long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridge
Authors: Zhang Xinmin , Luo Jiqing , Dong Zhenhua , Jiang Linsong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The long-span continuous rigid-frame bridges are commonly constructed by the section-by-section symmetrical balance suspension casting method. The deflection of these bridges is increasing over time. Wet joints are a typical construction feature of continuous rigid-frame bridges and will affect their integrity. To investigate the sensitivity of shear surface quality on the mechanical properties of long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridges, a large serviced bridge is selected for analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Its shear surface is examined and classified using the damage measuring method, and four levels are determined statistically based on the core sample integrity, cracking length and cracking depth. Based on the shear-friction theory of the shear surface, a 3D solid element-based finite element model of the selected bridge is established, taking into account factors such as damage location, damage number and damage of the shear surface. The simulated results on the stress distribution of the local segment, the shear surface opening and the beam deflection are extracted and analyzed.

Findings

The findings indicate that the main factors affecting the ultimate shear stress and shear strength of the shear surface are size, shear reinforcements, normal stress and friction performance of the shear surface. The connection strength of a single or a few shear surfaces decreases but with little effect on the local stress. Cracking and opening mainly occur at the 1/4 span. Compared with the rigid “Tie” connection, the mid-span deflection of the main span increases by 25.03% and the relative deflection of the section near the shear surface increases by 99.89%. However, when there are penetrating cracks and openings in the shear surface at the 1/2 span, compared with the 1/4 span position, the mid-span deflection of the main span and the relative deflection of the cross-section increase by 4.50%. The deflection of the main span increases with the failure of the shear surface.

Originality/value

These conclusions can guide the analysis of deflection development in long-span prestressed continuous rigid-frame bridges.
Social media, trust and intention to pay zakat through institution: lessons from Indonesian experience
Authors: Hamdani Lukman , Sunarsih Sunarsih , Yusfiarto Rizaldi , Rizal Achmad , Khoirunnisa Annes Nisrina
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to elaborate on the antecedents of muzakki (zakat payers) paying zakat (Islamic philanthropy) through institutions with social media arrangements, while the drivers of social media engagement are used in the conceptual model with trust and intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Overall, the final sample of 230 respondents was obtained through the database of official zakat management institutions. Regarding analytical tools, this study combines the partial least square structural equation modelling and necessary condition analysis approaches to explore research findings.

Findings

The findings show that firm-generated information and trust play an important role directly and indirectly. At the same time, other constructions, such as social factors and user-based factors, provide variations in necessary conditions to increase the muzakki’s intention to channel their zakat through institutions.

Practical implications

Zakat institutions must focus on improving social media-based services by integrating important information, such as credibility and transparency, with muzakki’s preferences. Additionally, zakat information on social media must be attractively packaged and contain facilities that muzakki can use in communicating, such as; their opinions, suggestions and input. The findings, in general, underscore the attachment between muzakki and zakat institutions through social media, which can significantly impact the positive environment of zakat institutions.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking drivers of social media engagement, trust and intention to pay zakat through the institution, particularly in the levels of necessity.