bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening for change: quantifying the impact of ecological restoration on soundscapes in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Choksi Pooja , Kotian Mayuri , Biniwale Siddharth , Mourya Pravar , Korche Devendra , Agarwala Meghna , Khanwilkar Sarika , Ramesh Vijay , DeFries Ruth
Published: January 2023

Ecological restoration is crucial to mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity, and accurately monitoring responses to restoration is imperative to guide current and future efforts. This study examines the impact of ecological restoration of a tropical dry forest in Central India. Here, the state forest department and a nongovernmental organization work with local communities to remove an invasive shrub, Lantana camara, in the forest, to assist natural regeneration, primarily for the purpose of improving access to forest resources for forest‐dependent people. We used acoustic technology to examine the bird community composition and the acoustic space used (ASU) across comparable restored, unrestored (with L. camara), and naturally low L. camara density (LLD) sites. We found no significant difference in the cumulative number of bird species detected between the site types (median in restored and LLD = 38, unrestored = 41). We found a significant difference in bird community composition across sites (r2 = 0.049, p ≤ 0.001). ASU differs between site types (r2 = 0.023, p ≤ 0.10), with restored sites positively associated with ASU compared to unrestored and LLD sites, which could represent a temporary increase in ASU as animal communities are reorganized after the complete removal of L. camara. Our results suggest that small‐scale restoration efforts that aim to help meet livelihood needs have the potential to contribute to ecological goals in this landscape. However, it is necessary to continue to monitor the regeneration trajectory in restored sites and the possible changes in the ASU.
Simulating the soil phosphorus dynamics of four long‐term field experiments with a novel phosphorus model
Authors: Gasser S. Anton A. , Nielsen Kerstin , Eichler‐Löbermann Bettina , Armbruster Martin , Merbach Ines , Franko Uwe
Published: January 2023

Phosphorus is a nonrenewable resource, which is required for crop growth and to maintain high yields. The soil P cycle is very complex, and new model approaches can lead to a better understanding of those processes and further guide to research gaps. The objective of this study was to present a P‐submodel, which has been integrated in the existing Carbon Candy Balance (CCB) model that already comprises a C and N module. The P‐module is linked to the C mineralization and the associated C‐pools via the C/P ratio of fresh organic material. Besides the organic P cycling, the module implies a plant‐available P‐pool (Pav), which is in a dynamic equilibrium with the nonavailable P‐pool (Pna) that comprises the strongly sorbed and occluded P fraction. The model performance was tested and evaluated on four long‐term field experiments with mineral P fertilization, farmyard manure as organic fertilizer and control plots without fertilization. The C dynamics and the Pav dynamics were modelled with overall good results. The relative RMSE for the C was below 10% for all treatments, while the relative RMSE for Pav was below 15% for most treatments. To accommodate for the rather small variety of available P‐models, the presented CNP‐model is designed for agricultural field sites with a relatively low data input, namely air temperature, precipitation, soil properties, yields and management practices. The CNP‐model offers a low entry threshold model approach to predict the C‐N and now the P dynamics of agricultural soils.
Validation and Applicability Analysis of a Computational Model of External Defibrillation
Authors: Blauer Joshua J. E. , Gray Richard A. , Swenson Darrell J. , Pathmanathan Pras
Published: January 2023

Survival rates for sudden cardiac death treated with external defibrillation are estimated to be up to five times greater compared to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation alone. Computational modeling can be used to investigate the relationship between patch location and defibrillation efficacy. However, credibility of model predictions is unclear. The aims of this paper are to (1) assess credibility of a commonly used computational approach for predicting impact of patch relocation on defibrillation efficacy; and (2) provide a concrete biomedical example of a model validation study with supporting applicability analysis, to systematically assess the relevance of the validation study for a proposed model context of use (COU). An electrostatic heart and torso computational model was developed. Simulations were compared against experimental recordings from a swine subject with external patches and multiple body surface and intracardiac recording electrodes. The applicability of this swine validation study to the human COU was assessed using an applicability analysis framework. Knowledge gaps identified by the applicability analysis were addressed using sensitivity analyses. In the swine validation study, quantitative agreement (R2 = 0.85) was observed between predicted and observed potentials at both surface and intracardiac electrodes using a left-right patch placement. Applicability analysis identified uncertainty in tissue conductivities as one of the main potential sources of unreliability; however, a sensitivity the analysis demonstrated that uncertainty in conductivity parameters had relatively little impact on model predictions (less than 10% relative change for twofold conductivity changes). We believe the results support pursuing human simulations further to evaluate impact of patch relocation.
Effects of Motion Vision and Neural Efficiency on Target Capture in Basketball Players
Authors: Li Xianghui
Published: January 2023

Basketball players' visual and neurological characteristics may affect their sports performance. In this paper, 100 basketball players and 100 nonathletes received motion vision and a neurological efficiency tests. The experimental stimulus was to determine whether a ball was in the picture. The relevant visual data were obtained by an eye tracker. The brain area activity data were obtained by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The data were processed and analyzed. The results showed that the reaction time of group A (basketball players) was 526.78 ± 75.36 ms, and the correct rate was 94.12 ± 3.45%, both of which were better than group B (nonathletes). The fixation duration and fixation frequency of group A were 204.77 ± 40.23 ms and 1.67 ± 0.41 times, suggesting good fixation stability, and group A activated fewer brain areas than group B. The experimental results verify that basketball players have better target capture ability and higher neural efficiency while consuming fewer neural resources.
Influence of Real Lubricant Density–Pressure Behavior on the Dynamic Response of Elastohydrodynamic Lubricated Conjunctions
Authors: Issa J. S. , Habchi W.
Published: January 2023

The current work investigates the influence of real lubricant density–pressure behavior on the dynamic response of elastohydrodynamic lubricated conjunctions. Such a response is often based on a nonrealistic universal equation of state, despite longstanding evidence of its lack of support by measurements. A finite element framework is employed to investigate the damping and stiffness characteristics of line contact elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubricating films, subject to a harmonic loading. Both the equivalent stiffness and damping coefficients of lubricating films are found to increase with the base applied external load and its amplitude of oscillation. They decrease however with increasing mean entrainment speed and load oscillation frequency. That is, they both increase as lubricant films get thinner. By comparison with the real density–pressure response of a highly compressible silicon oil, the universal equation of state is shown to underestimate the lubricant film’s stiffness and damping characteristics. The relative deviations in equivalent damping and stiffness coefficients can reach up to about 12% and 25%, respectively. Therefore, realistic lubricant characteristics should always be considered. In particular, the use of the universal equation of state should not be taken for granted, as is customary in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) literature. Lubricant density–pressure response is not of a secondary nature when it comes to predicting the dynamic performance characteristics of EHL conjunctions.
On the Lubrication and Stability Behaviors of a Conical Hybrid Floating Ring Bearing With Thermal Effects
Authors: Yang Shuai , Jiang Xueqing , Zhang Shaolin , Guo Hong , Cen Shaoqi
Published: January 2023

The conical bearing can withstand both journal and axial load because of the conical-shape fluid film, and an investigation concerning the thermodynamic lubrication and stability properties is proposed for a conical hydrostatic/hydrodynamic floating ring bearing theoretically and experimentally. The finite element method is coupled with the finite difference method to solve the variable-viscosity Reynolds equations, thermal energy equations, and the corresponding boundary conditions for the inner and outer films in a floating ring equilibrium state, and the conical bearing-rotor dynamic and stability performance models are built up with the perturbation theory and Routh–Hurwitz method. The primary characteristics parameters that are obtained under different operational conditions suggested that there presents a significant temperature gradient distribution over the lubricated domain, the thermal effects decrease the load carrying capacity, friction power loss, and stiffness and damping coefficients, and the viscous dissipation influences the variation of threshold instability speed with eccentricity and reduces its maximum value. In experiments, the temperature distributions of the oil leakage flow are measured to compare with the calculated results for the validation of the mathematic model using an infrared thermal imager, and the thermal effects need to be taken into consideration for the bearing lubrication analysis and design.
Sample size matters in calculating Pillai scores
Authors: Stanley Joseph A. , Sneller Betsy
Published: January 2023

Since their introduction to sociolinguistics by Hay, Warren, and Drager [(2006). J. Phon. (Modell. Sociophon. Var.) 34(4), 458–484], Pillai scores have become a standard metric for quantifying vowel overlap. However, there is no established threshold value for determining whether two vowels are merged, leading to conflicting ad hoc measures. Furthermore, as a parametric measure, Pillai scores are sensitive to sample size. In this paper, we use generated data from a simulated pair of underlyingly merged vowels to demonstrate (1) larger sample sizes yield reliably more accurate Pillai scores, (2) unequal group sizes across the two vowel classes are irrelevant in the calculation of Pillai scores, and (3) it takes many more data than many sociolinguistic studies typically analyze to return a reliably low Pillai score for underlyingly merged data. We provide some recommendations for maximizing reliability in the use of Pillai scores and provide a formula to assist researchers in determining a reasonable threshold to use as an indicator of merged status given their sample size. We demonstrate these recommendations in action with a case study.
Crucial 3-D viscous hydrodynamic contributions to the theoretical modeling of the cochlear response
Authors: Sisto Renata , Belardinelli Daniele , Altoè Alessandro , Shera Christopher A. , Moleti Arturo
Published: January 2023

This study uses a 3-D representation of the cochlear fluid to extend the results of a recent paper [Sisto, Belardinelli, and Moleti (2021b). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 150, 4283–4296] in which two hydrodynamic effects, pressure focusing and viscous damping of the BM motion, both associated with the sharp increase in the wavenumber in the peak region, were analyzed for a 2-D fluid, coupled to a standard 1-D transmission-line WKB approach to cochlear modeling. The propagation equation is obtained from a 3-D fluid volume conservation equation, yielding the focusing effect, and the effect of viscosity is represented as a correction to the local 1-D admittance. In particular, pressure focusing amplifies the BM response without modifying the peak admittance, and viscous damping determines the position of the response peak counteracting focusing, as sharp gradients of the velocity field develop. The full 3-D WKB formalism is necessary to represent satisfactorily the behavior of the fluid velocity field near the BM-fluid interface, strictly related to viscous losses. As in finite element models, a thin layer of fluid is effectively attached to the BM due to viscosity, and the viscous force associated with the vertical gradient of the fluid vertical velocity acts on the BM through this layer.
Semi-blind source separation using convolutive transfer function for nonlinear acoustic echo cancellation
Authors: Cheng Guoliang , Liao Lele , Chen Kai , Hu Yuxiang , Zhu Changbao , Lu Jing
Published: January 2023

The recently proposed semi-blind source separation (SBSS) method for nonlinear acoustic echo cancellation (NAEC) outperforms adaptive NAEC in attenuating the nonlinear acoustic echo. However, the multiplicative transfer function (MTF) approximation makes it unsuitable for real-time applications, especially in highly reverberant environments, and the natural gradient makes it hard to balance well between fast convergence speed and stability. In this paper, two more effective SBSS methods based on auxiliary-function-based independent vector analysis (AuxIVA) and independent low-rank matrix analysis (ILRMA) are proposed. The convolutive transfer function approximation is used instead of the MTF so that a long impulse response can be modeled with a short latency. The optimization schemes used in AuxIVA and ILRMA are carefully regularized according to the constrained demixing matrix of NAEC. The experimental results validate significantly better echo cancellation performances of the proposed methods.
A lightweight metastructure for simultaneous low-frequency broadband sound absorption and vibration isolation
Authors: Gu Tianyu , Wen Zhihui , He Liangshu , Yu Minle , Li Yong , Li Yan , Jin Yabin
Published: January 2023

We theoretically, numerically, and experimentally study a lightweight metastructure that can simultaneously reduce vibration and noise in a broad low-frequency range. We introduce spiral slits and micro-perforations in the panel and core plate of a face-centered cubic sandwich structure, respectively. A bottom-up acoustic impedance theory is developed to describe the impedance of a single unit cell. Broadband low-frequency sound absorption is achieved for a 3 × 3 supercell via reinforcement learning optimization. The resonant coupling of the upper spiral panel and the lower panel of the unit can form a wide hybridized bandgap for flexural waves, which is further validated for vibration isolation with a one-dimensional supercell. The proposed multifunctional metastructure provides a new route to design lightweight load-bearing structures with noise and vibration reduction performance for potential applications such as aerospace engineering and transportation vehicles, among others.
Past history of obesity triggers persistent epigenetic changes in innate immunity and exacerbates neuroinflammation
Authors: Hata Masayuki , Andriessen Elisabeth M. M. A. , Hata Maki , Diaz-Marin Roberto , Fournier Frédérik , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Blot Guillaume , Juneau Rachel , Pilon Frédérique , Dejda Agnieszka , Guber Vera , Heckel Emilie , Daneault Caroline , Calderon Virginie , Des Rosiers Christine , Melichar Heather J. , Langmann Thomas , Joyal Jean-Sebastien , Wilson Ariel M. , Sapieha Przemyslaw
Published: January 2023

Age-related macular degeneration is a prevalent neuroinflammatory condition and a major cause of blindness driven by genetic and environmental factors such as obesity. In diseases of aging, modifiable factors can be compounded over the life span. We report that diet-induced obesity earlier in life triggers persistent reprogramming of the innate immune system, lasting long after normalization of metabolic abnormalities. Stearic acid, acting through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), is sufficient to remodel chromatin landscapes and selectively enhance accessibility at binding sites for activator protein-1 (AP-1). Myeloid cells show less oxidative phosphorylation and shift to glycolysis, ultimately leading to proinflammatory cytokine transcription, aggravation of pathological retinal angiogenesis, and neuronal degeneration associated with loss of visual function. Thus, a past history of obesity reprograms mononuclear phagocytes and predisposes to neuroinflammation.
Global glacier change in the 21st century: Every increase in temperature matters
Authors: Rounce David R. , Hock Regine , Maussion Fabien , Hugonnet Romain , Kochtitzky William , Huss Matthias , Berthier Etienne , Brinkerhoff Douglas , Compagno Loris , Copland Luke , Farinotti Daniel , Menounos Brian , McNabb Robert W.
Published: January 2023

Glacier mass loss affects sea level rise, water resources, and natural hazards. We present global glacier projections, excluding the ice sheets, for shared socioeconomic pathways calibrated with data for each glacier. Glaciers are projected to lose 26 ± 6% (+1.5°C) to 41 ± 11% (+4°C) of their mass by 2100, relative to 2015, for global temperature change scenarios. This corresponds to 90 ± 26 to 154 ± 44 millimeters sea level equivalent and will cause 49 ± 9 to 83 ± 7% of glaciers to disappear. Mass loss is linearly related to temperature increase and thus reductions in temperature increase reduce mass loss. Based on climate pledges from the Conference of the Parties (COP26), global mean temperature is projected to increase by +2.7°C, which would lead to a sea level contribution of 115 ± 40 millimeters and cause widespread deglaciation in most mid-latitude regions by 2100.
Has China’s Young Thousand Talents program been successful in recruiting and nurturing top-caliber scientists?
Authors: Shi Dongbo , Liu Weichen , Wang Yanbo
Published: January 2023

In this study, we examined China’s Young Thousand Talents (YTT) program and evaluated its effectiveness in recruiting elite expatriate scientists and in nurturing the returnee scientists’ productivity. We find that YTT scientists are generally of high caliber in research but, as a group, fall below the top category in pre-return productivity. We further find that YTT scientists are associated with a post-return publication gain across journal-quality tiers. However, this gain mainly takes place in last-authored publications and for high-caliber (albeit not top-caliber) recruits and can be explained by YTT scientists’ access to greater funding and larger research teams. This paper has policy implications for the mobility of scientific talent, especially as early-career scientists face growing challenges in accessing research funding in the United States and European Union
Maize resistance to witchweed through changes in strigolactone biosynthesis
Authors: Li C. , Dong L. , Durairaj J. , Guan J.-C. , Yoshimura M. , Quinodoz P. , Horber R. , Gaus K. , Li J. , Setotaw Y. B. , Qi J. , De Groote H. , Wang Y. , Thiombiano B. , Floková K. , Walmsley A. , Charnikhova T. V. , Chojnacka A. , Correia de Lemos S. , Ding Y. , Skibbe D. , Hermann K. , Screpanti C. , De Mesmaeker A. , Schmelz E. A. , Menkir A. , Medema M. , Van Dijk A. D. J. , Wu J. , Koch K. E. , Bouwmeester H. J.
Published: January 2023

Maize (
Zea mays
) is a major staple crop in Africa, where its yield and the livelihood of millions are compromised by the parasitic witchweed
Striga
. Germination of
Striga
is induced by strigolactones exuded from maize roots into the rhizosphere. In a maize germplasm collection, we identified two strigolactones, zealactol and zealactonoic acid, which stimulate less
Striga
germination than the major maize strigolactone, zealactone. We then showed that a single cytochrome P450, ZmCYP706C37, catalyzes a series of oxidative steps in the maize-strigolactone biosynthetic pathway. Reduction in activity of this enzyme and two others involved in the pathway, ZmMAX1b and ZmCLAMT1, can change strigolactone composition and reduce
Striga
germination and infection. These results offer prospects for breeding
Striga
-resistant maize.
Cilia function as calcium-mediated mechanosensors that instruct left-right asymmetry
Authors: Djenoune Lydia , Mahamdeh Mohammed , Truong Thai V. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Fraser Scott E. , Brueckner Martina , Howard Jonathon , Yuan Shiaulou
Published: January 2023

The breaking of bilateral symmetry in most vertebrates is critically dependent upon the motile cilia of the embryonic left-right organizer (LRO), which generate a directional fluid flow; however, it remains unclear how this flow is sensed. Here, we demonstrated that immotile LRO cilia are mechanosensors for shear force using a methodological pipeline that combines optical tweezers, light sheet microscopy, and deep learning to permit in vivo analyses in zebrafish. Mechanical manipulation of immotile LRO cilia activated intraciliary calcium transients that required the cation channel Polycystin-2. Furthermore, mechanical force applied to LRO cilia was sufficient to rescue and reverse cardiac situs in zebrafish that lack motile cilia. Thus, LRO cilia are mechanosensitive cellular levers that convert biomechanical forces into calcium signals to instruct left-right asymmetry.
Immotile cilia mechanically sense the direction of fluid flow for left-right determination
Authors: Katoh Takanobu A. , Omori Toshihiro , Mizuno Katsutoshi , Sai Xiaorei , Minegishi Katsura , Ikawa Yayoi , Nishimura Hiromi , Itabashi Takeshi , Kajikawa Eriko , Hiver Sylvain , Iwane Atsuko H. , Ishikawa Takuji , Okada Yasushi , Nishizaka Takayuki , Hamada Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

Immotile cilia at the ventral node of mouse embryos are required for sensing leftward fluid flow that breaks left-right symmetry of the body. However, the flow-sensing mechanism has long remained elusive. In this work, we show that immotile cilia at the node undergo asymmetric deformation along the dorsoventral axis in response to the flow. Application of mechanical stimuli to immotile cilia by optical tweezers induced calcium ion transients and degradation of
Dand5
messenger RNA (mRNA) in the targeted cells. The Pkd2 channel protein was preferentially localized to the dorsal side of immotile cilia, and calcium ion transients were preferentially induced by mechanical stimuli directed toward the ventral side. Our results uncover the biophysical mechanism by which immotile cilia at the node sense the direction of fluid flow.
Repurposing Carbamazepine To Treat Gonococcal Infection in Women: Oral Delivery for Control of Epilepsy Generates Therapeutically Effective Levels in Vaginal Secretions
Authors: Shewell Lucy K. , Day Christopher J. , De Bisscop Xavier , Edwards Jennifer L. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: January 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeaehas developed resistance to all previous antibiotics used for treatment. This highlights a crucial need for novel antimicrobials to treat gonococcal infections.
Pharmacological Profiling of a Brugia malayi Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor as a Putative Antiparasitic Target
Authors: Gallo Kendra J. , Wheeler Nicolas J. , Elmi Abdifatah M. , Airs Paul M. , Zamanian Mostafa
Published: January 2023

The diversification of anthelmintic targets and mechanisms of action will help ensure the sustainable control of nematode infections in response to the growing threat of drug resistance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are established drug targets in human medicine but remain unexploited as anthelmintic substrates despite their important roles in nematode neuromuscular and physiological processes.
Myxobacterial Outer Membrane β-1,6-Glucanase Induced the Cell Death of Fusarium oxysporum by Destroying the Cell Wall Integrity
Authors: Ye Xianfeng , Xu Changsheng , Xie TingTing , Zhang Yu , Zhao Yuqiang , Xia Chengyao , Li Zhoukun , Huang Yan , Fan Jiaqin , Cao Hui , Zhang Zhengguang , Cui Zhongli
Published: January 2023

Phytopathogenic fungi are the most devastating plant pathogens in agriculture, causing enormous economic losses to global crop production. Biocontrol agents have been promoted as replacements to synthetic chemical pesticides for sustainable agriculture development.
Isolation and Identification of Novel Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N8) Subclade 2.3.4.4b from Geese in Northeastern China
Authors: Zhu Yanting , Cong Yulin , Sun Yixue , Han Jinhong , Gai Lili , Yang Tiantian , Liu Chang , Zhao Lifeng , Cong Yanlong
Published: January 2023

H5N8, a highly pathogenic avian influenza, not only has an impact on public health, but also has a huge negative impact on animal health, food safety, safety, and even on the local and international economy. The migratory wild birds play a vital role in the intercontinental transmission of H5N8 virus.
The Mobility of the Cap Domain Is Essential for the Substrate Promiscuity of a Family IV Esterase from Sorghum Rhizosphere Microbiome
Authors: Distaso Marco , Cea-Rama Isabel , Coscolín Cristina , Chernikova Tatyana N. , Tran Hai , Ferrer Manuel , Sanz-Aparicio Julia , Golyshin Peter N.
Published: January 2023

A better understanding of structure-function relationships of enzymes allows revelation of key structural motifs or elements. Here, we studied the structural basis of the substrate promiscuity of EH
0
, a family IV esterase, isolated from a sample of the
Sorghum bicolor
rhizosphere microbiome exposed to technical cashew nut shell liquid.
The Protective Role of Interleukin 17A in Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia Is Associated with Candida albicans in the Airway
Authors: Tang Jiaxin , Li Jiamin , Pan Jinqing , Shen Xiaoyuan , Ye Xiangsheng , Zhou Jiamin , Wang Ni , Xie Liang , Fuchs Beth Burgwyn , Lionakis Michail S. , Mylonakis Eleftherios , Tan Xiaojiang
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have found that the coexistence of fungi and bacteria in the airway may increase the risk of infection, contribute to the development of pneumonia, and increase the severity of disease. Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) plays important roles in host resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
Identification of Mycobacterium abscessus Subspecies by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Machine Learning
Authors: Rodríguez-Temporal David , Herrera Laura , Alcaide Fernando , Domingo Diego , Héry-Arnaud Genevieve , van Ingen Jakko , Van den Bossche An , Ingebretsen André , Beauruelle Clémence , Terschlüsen Eva , Boarbi Samira , Vila Neus , Arroyo Manuel J. , Méndez Gema , Muñoz Patricia , Mancera Luis , Ruiz-Serrano María Jesús , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium abscessus
is one of the most common and pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated in clinical laboratories. It consists of three subspecies:
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
,
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletii
, and
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
.
Dynamics of Microbial Community and Potential Microbial Pollutants in Shopping Malls
Authors: An Xin-Li , Xu Jian-Xin , Xu Mei-Rong , Zhao Cai-Xia , Li Hu , Zhu Yong-Guan , Su Jian-Qiang
Published: January 2023

Shopping malls are distinct microbial environments which can facilitate a constant transmission of microorganisms of public health concern between humans and the built environment or between human and human. Despite extensive investigation of the natural environmental microbiome, no comprehensive profile of microbial ecology has been reported in malls. Characterizing microbial distribution, potential pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance will enhance our understanding of how these microbial communities are formed, maintained, and transferred and help establish a baseline for biosurveillance of potential public health threats in malls.
Clinical Diagnostic Performance of Droplet Digital PCR for Suspected Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Lin Ke , Zhao Yuanhan , Xu Bin , Yu Shenglei , Fu Zhangfan , Zhang Yi , Wang Hongyu , Song Jieyu , Fan Mingxiang , Zhou Yang , Ai Jingwen , Qiu Chao , Zhang Haocheng , Zhang Wenhong
Published: January 2023

ddPCR is a promising method to address the current challenges of BSI diagnosis and precise treatment, as it is highly efficient in DNA detection. It shortens the identification of BSI-related pathogens from several days of traditional bacterial culture to 4 to 5 h.
Prebiotic Activity of Vaginal Lactobacilli on Bifidobacteria: from Concept to Formulation
Authors: Giordani Barbara , Abruzzo Angela , Parolin Carola , Foschi Claudio , Laghi Luca , Marangoni Antonella , Luppi Barbara , Vitali Beatrice
Published: January 2023

Bifidobacteria in the gut tract of infants play crucial roles in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and the maturation of the immune system. Consequently, strategies to trigger a bifidogenic shift in the infant gut are highly desirable.
CRISPR-Based Detection, Identification and Typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Lineages
Authors: Padane A. , Harouna Hamidou Z. , Drancourt M. , Saad J.
Published: January 2023

The whole-genome sequence comparison of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC) genomic sequences that are available in the NCBI database identified a unique, specific gene to be used directly on clinical diagnostic samples to detect MTC against all species of mycobacteria and to differentiate between MTC species, lineages, and sublineages.
Insights into the Effects and Mechanism of Andrographolide-Mediated Recovery of Susceptibility of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Ma Qiang , Wang Guilai , Li Na , Wang Xin , Kang Xinyun , Mao Yanni , Wang Guiqin
Published: January 2023

Increasingly, alternatives to antibiotics are being used to mitigate the rapid onset and development of bacterial resistance, and the combination of natural compounds with traditional antibiotics has become an effective therapeutic strategy. Therefore, we attempted to discover more mechanisms to restore susceptibility and effective dosing strategies.
Discovery and Mechanism of Action of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from an Earthworm
Authors: Wu Yizhao , Deng Songge , Wang Xiuhong , Thunders Michelle , Qiu Jiangping , Li Yinsheng
Published: January 2023

Drug-resistant bacteria are a great threat to public health and drive the search for new antibacterial agents. The living environment of earthworms necessitates a strong immune system, and therefore, they are potentially a rich resource of novel antibiotics.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Citrate Synthase GltA Influences Antibiotic Tolerance and the Type III Secretion System through the Stringent Response
Authors: Chen Hao , Gong Xuetao , Fan Zheng , Xia Yushan , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Pan Xiaolei , Wu Weihui
Published: January 2023

Rising antimicrobial resistance imposes a severe threat to human health. It is urgent to develop novel antimicrobial strategies by understanding bacterial regulation of virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Phylogeny and Genomic Characterization of Clinical Salmonella enterica Serovar Newport Collected in Tennessee
Authors: Hudson Lauren K. , Andershock William E. , Qian Xiaorong , Gibbs Paula L. , Orejuela Kelly , Garman Katie N. , Dunn John R. , Denes Thomas G.
Published: January 2023

This study provides insight on the genomic diversity of one of theSalmonellaserovars that most frequently cause human illness. Specifically, we explored the diversity of human clinical isolates from a localized region (Tennessee) and compared this level of diversity with the global context.
Magmatic record of changing Cordilleran plate-boundary conditions—Insights from Lu-Hf isotopes in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Howard Keith A. , Shaw Stirling E. , Allen Charlotte M.
Published: January 2023

Belts of Cordilleran arc plutons in the eastern part of the Mojave crustal province, inboard from the southwestern North American plate boundary, record major magmatic pulses at ca. 180–160 and 75 Ma and smaller pulses at ca. 100 and 20 Ma. This cyclic magmatism likely reflects evolving plate-margin processes. Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic characteristics and inherited zircons for different-age plutons may relate magma sources to evolving tectonics. Sources similar in age to the bulk of the exposed Mojave crust (1.6–1.8 Ga) dominated the magmas. Rare zircons having εHf(t) values as low as −52 indicate that Cretaceous melt sources also included more ancient crustal components, such as Archean-derived detritus in supracrustal gneisses of the Vishnu basin. Some rocks signal contributions from mantle lithosphere (in the Miocene) or asthenosphere (middle Cretaceous).

Temporal shifts in isotopic pattern in this sample of the Cordillera relate to cyclic pulses of magmatic flux. Hf-isotopic pull-downs suggestive of dominantly crustal sources characterize the Jurassic and Late Cretaceous flare-ups. The Late Cretaceous flare-up, occurring near the onset of flat-slab subduction, produced abundant Proterozoic xenocrystic zircon and Hf isotopes implicating derivation largely from heterogeneous deep Mojave crust. Isotopic pull-ups characterize the lower-flux middle Cretaceous and Miocene magmatic episodes. The middle Cretaceous pulse ca. 105–95 Ma produced Mojave crust signals but also the isotopically most juvenile magmatic zircons, ranging upward to barely positive εHf values and suspected to signal an asthenosphere contribution. This may point toward transtension or slab retreat causing 105–95 Ma backarc extension in the Mojave hinterland of the Cordillera. That possibility of backarc extension raises questions about the tectonic environment of the contemporaneous main Sierra Nevada high-flux arc closer to the continental margin.
Boudinage and the rheology of syntectonic migmatites in the high-strain Taili deformation zone, NE China
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Zeng Zuoxun , Liu Yongjiang
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a detailed field characterization of boudinage in a high-strain zone several kilometers wide in Northern China to establish relationships between boudin types and rheological contrasts between different parts of migmatites during the migmatization process. This zone contains nearly all types of boudins: foliation boudins, blocktorn boudins, pinch- and- swell structures, tapering boudins, object boudins, and modified boudins. These boudinage structures record the different stages of melt-involved and solid-state deformation.

The boudinage of migmatites is significantly controlled by the evolving rheological contrasts between the leucosome and melanosome. During the melting stage, the deformation and boudinage of rocks are controlled by the melt fraction. Migmatite strength progressively decreases with increasing melt fraction. The occurrence of melt-filled foliation boudins and melanosome block boudins suggests that the residuum and melanosome are more competent than the leucosome. During solid-state deformation after crystallization, the existence of recrystallized solid-state leucosomes and the intrusion of pegmatites cause the migmatite strength to increase. The relationship is reversed: the leucosome is much more competent than the melanosome. The type and geometry of boudins and pinch- and- swell structures are correlated to the fraction of leucosome in the migmatites. The mechanical strength and strain localization of migmatites after crystallization depend on the presence and volume fraction of the different mineral phases, as well as the mineral grain size. The type and geometry of boudins suggest that the effective viscosity of migmatite can be ranked, from high to low, as: quartz veins; coarse-grained, thick pegmatite; coarse-grained, diatexite migmatite; medium-grained leucosome; and fine-grained melanosome.

While experiencing partial melting and migmatization, a rheologically homogeneous protolith is turned into two dominant lithologic domains: a competent diatexite migmatite domain and an incompetent melanosome migmatite domain. Spatially, with the increasing leucosome fraction in migmatites, the migmatite rheology of rock changes from homogeneous to heterogeneous and anisotropic, and then back to homogeneous. The strain distribution likewise changes from uniform to partitioned, and then back to uniform. This evolutionary process of strength and rheological properties of rocks during migmatization may promote strain localization at mid-crustal conditions.
Case of leptospirosis causing pancytopenia
Authors: Haryono Ian Satya , Tinson Alistair John , Abasszade Joshua Haron , O’Donnobhain Ronan
Published: January 2023

We present the case of a young female landscaper who presented to an Australian tertiary hospital with persistent fevers and new pancytopenia. Extensive initial workup for her presenting illness did not identify a cause; however, a detailed history of her occupation revealed she worked heavily with soil on farms that had domestic livestock in addition to rodents. Hence, further serological testing for leptospirosis was performed, revealing a diagnosis of infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo. Treatment covering leptospirosis was commenced, and she improved clinically, and her cell counts returned to normal. Pancytopenia is a rare manifestation of leptospirosis and has only been reported in a handful of case studies. We highlight that leptospirosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those with fever, and new pancytopaenia, particularly in patients with relevant risk factors for exposure.
Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: a scoping review
Authors: Hayman Melanie , Brown Wendy J , Brinson Alison , Budzynski-Seymour Emily , Bruce Tracy , Evenson Kelly R
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

Despite the known health benefits of physical activity (PA), pregnancy is a time of marked decline in PA levels. To provide women with reliable and trustworthy information, and to encourage greater participation in PA during pregnancy, many governments have developed guidelines for PA during pregnancy. Our aim was to synthesise the most recent public health guidelines on PA during pregnancy from different countries in order to understand the nature and extent of advice that is available.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Search of the grey literature, direct contact with international experts, screening of relevant academic literature and citation searching.

Eligibility criteria

Public health guidelines developed or endorsed by government departments published since 2010.

Results

Our search located 30 eligible guidelines, published in 11 different languages. There is remarkable concordance in the advice offered. For women with uncomplicated pregnancy, guidelines recommend: 150–300 min/week of moderate intensity aerobic activity; pelvic floor and muscle strengthening exercises; modification of some exercises (eg, supine position); and provide lists of warning signs to cease activity (eg, persistent dizziness, vaginal bleeding) and activities that should be avoided (eg, if high risk of falling/collision). Few guidelines offer specific advice for highly active women (eg, athletes), or trimester-specific or culturally specific considerations.

Conclusions

This review provides a summary of public health recommendations for PA during pregnancy around the world. The challenge is now to ensure that all who provide healthcare for women understand the guidelines and encourage safe participation in PA during pregnancy.
Impact of frailty on disease-specific health status in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Nguyen Dan D , Arnold Suzanne V
Published: January 2023

Frailty is a syndrome of older age that reflects an impaired physiological reserve and decreased ability to recover from medical stressors. While the impact of frailty on mortality in cardiovascular disease has been well described, its impact on cardiovascular disease–specific health status—cardiac symptoms, physical functioning and quality of life—has been less well studied. In this review, we summarise the impact of frailty on health status outcomes across different cardiovascular conditions. In heart failure, frail patients have markedly impaired disease-specific health status and are at risk for subsequent health status deteriorations. However, frail patients have similar or even greater health status improvements with interventions for heart failure, such as cardiac rehabilitation or guideline-directed medical therapy. In valvular heart disease, the impact of frailty on disease-specific health status is of even greater concern since management involves physiologically taxing procedures that can worsen health status. Frailty increases the risk of poor health status outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve intervention or surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis, but there is no evidence that frail patients benefit more from one procedure versus another. In both heart failure and valvular heart disease, health status improvements may reverse frailty, highlighting the overlap between cardiovascular disease and frailty and emphasising that treatment should typically not be withheld based on the presence of frailty alone. Meanwhile, data are limited on the impact of frailty on health status outcomes in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and atrial fibrillation, and requires further research.
Chondroblastoma: clinicopathological analyses of 307 cases from a single institution in China and the diagnostic value of the H3F3 K36M mutant antibody
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Tang Juan , Luo Yanli , Huang Jin , Hu Dingjun , Zhu Jinyu , Jiang Ting , Zhang Huizhen , Liu Zhiyan
Published: January 2023

Aims

To elucidate the clinicopathological features and the diagnostic value of mutation specific antibody H3F3 K36M of chondroblastoma (CB) in China.

Methods

Clinicopathological profiles were retrieved, and immunohistochemistry was performed on 185 CB specimens and the control group.

Results

Our series included 307 patients with a mean age of 22.1 years. Long tubular bones (63.8%, 196/307) were most commonly involved, followed by short bones of the hands and feet (22.1%, 68/307), sesamoid bones (8.1%, 25/307), flat bones and irregular bones (5.9%, 18/307). The most commonly involved site was the proximal femur, followed by distal femur, proximal humerus and calcaneus. The average age in the long bones group (20.3 years) was significantly younger than the short bones group (24.9 years) (p<0.001), sesamoid bones group (24.4 years) (p=0.02) and flat bones and irregular bones group (29.1 years) (p<0.001). Microscopically, aneurysmal bone cyst-like change (63.6%, 117/184), necrosis (43.5%, 80/184) and chicken-wire calcification (26.1%, 48/184) were variably noted. In rare cases, cortical destruction, soft tissue and lymphovascular invasion were identified. Positive immunoreaction with H3F3 K36M was examined in all non-decalcified, all EDTA decalcified, 87.1% hydrochloric acid (HCl) decalcified CB samples and the high-grade sarcoma secondary to CB, but not the control group.

Conclusions

CB usually involves the long tubular bones in younger age group. H3F3 K36M can identify K36M mutation with 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity in non-decalcified and EDTA decalcified samples, more than 80% sensitivity in HCl decalcified samples. Virtually, all CBs harbour an H3K36M mutation.
Improving practice in PD-L1 testing of non-small cell lung cancer in the UK: current problems and potential solutions
Authors: Gosney John R , Peake Michael D , Kerr Keith M
Published: January 2023

Aims

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, used universally to predict response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to immune-modulating drugs, is a fragile biomarker due to biological heterogeneity and challenges in interpretation. The aim of this study was to assess current PD-L1 testing practices in the UK, which may help to define strategies to improve its reliability and consistency.

Methods

A questionnaire covering NSCLC PD-L1 testing practice was devised and members of the Association of Pulmonary Pathologists were invited to complete this online.

Results

Of 44 pathologists identified as involved in PD-L1 testing, 32 (73%) responded. There was good consistency in practice and approach, but there was wide variability in the distribution of PD-L1 scoring. Although the proportions of scores falling into the three groups (negative, low and high) defined by the 1% and 50% ‘cut-offs’ (38%, 33% and 27%, respectively) reflect the general experience, the range within each group was wide at 23–70%, 10–60% and 15–36%, respectively.

Conclusions

There is inconsistency in the crucial endpoint of PD-L1 testing of NSCLC, the expression score that guides management. Addressing this requires formal networking of individuals and laboratories to devise a strategy for its reduction.
Where past meets present: Indigenous vaccine hesitancy in Saskatchewan
Authors: Sullivan Patrick , Starr Victor , Dubois Ethel , Starr Alyssa , Acharibasam John Bosco , McIlduff Cari
Published: January 2023

In Canada, colonisation, both historic and ongoing, increases Indigenous vaccine hesitancy and the threat posed by infectious diseases. This research investigated Indigenous vaccine hesitancy in a First Nation community in Saskatchewan, ways it can be overcome, and the influence of a colonial history as well as modernity. Research followed Indigenous research methodologies, a community-based participatory research design, and used mixed methods. Social media posts (interventions) were piloted on a community Facebook page in January and February (2022). These interventions tested different messaging techniques in a search for effective strategies. The analysis that followed compared the number of likes and views of the different techniques to each other, a control post, and community-developed posts implemented by the community’s pandemic response team. At the end of the research, a sharing circle occurred and was followed by culturally appropriate data analysis (Nanâtawihowin Âcimowina Kika-Môsahkinikêhk Papiskîci-Itascikêwin Astâcikowina procedure). Results demonstrated the importance of exploring an Indigenous community’s self-determined solution, at the very least, alongside the exploration of external solutions. Further, some sources of vaccine hesitancy, such as cultural barriers, can also be used to promote vaccine confidence. When attempting to overcome barriers, empathy is crucial as vaccine fears exist, and antivaccine groups are prepared to take advantage of empathetic failures. Additionally, the wider community has a powerful influence on vaccine confidence. Messaging, therefore, should avoid polarising vaccine-confident and vaccine-hesitant people to the point where the benefits of community influence are limited. Finally, you need to understand people and their beliefs to understand how to overcome hesitancy. To gain this understanding, there is no substitute for listening.