bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Christian Leaders Navigate Race After George Floyd's Murder: A Study of Unsettled Times
Authors: Kalinowski Brenton , Schneider Rachel , Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: May 2024

The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent calls for a reckoning with systematic racism forced many religious leaders to confront the question of how to talk about race in their congregations to an extent not seen in the 21st century. We argue that this period reflects an “unsettled time” and prompted several types of leadership responses, which we have identified through interviews with Christian religious leaders. Among leaders of non‐Black congregations, we find three common responses: feeling called to openly take a stand against racial injustice, cautiously engaging the issue but experiencing tensions in one's congregation, and avoidance by claiming that racial justice is primarily a political issue that should only be addressed in religious contexts as far as it relates to biblical teachings. Finally, we find a more consistent assumption of the need to address racial injustice among the leaders of majority Black congregations.
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells are essential for the development of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Reuveni Debby , Assi Siwar , Gore Yael , Brazowski Eli , Leung Patrick S. C. , Shalit Tali , Gershwin Merrill E. , Zigmond Ehud
Published: May 2024

Background & Aims

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a progressive‐cholestatic autoimmune liver disease. Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen‐presenting cells and their prominent presence around damaged bile ducts of PBC patients are documented. cDC1 is a rare subset of DC known for its cross‐presentation abilities and interleukin 12 production. Our aim was to assess the role of cDC1 in the pathogenesis of PBC.

Methods

We utilized an inducible murine model of PBC and took advantage of the DC reporter mice Zbtb46gfp and the Batf3−/− mice that specifically lack the cDC1 subset. cDC1 cells were sorted from blood of PBC patients and healthy individuals and subjected to Bulk‐MARS‐seq transcriptome analysis.

Results

Histopathology assessment demonstrated peri‐portal inflammation in wild type (WT) mice, whereas only minor abnormalities were observed in Batf3−/− mice. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a two‐fold reduction in hepatic CD8/CD4 T cells ratio in Batf3−/− mice, suggesting reduced intrahepatic CD8 T cells expansion. Histological evidence of portal fibrosis was detected only in the WT but not in Batf3−/− mice. This finding was supported by decreased expression levels of pro‐fibrotic genes in the livers of Batf3−/− mice. Transcriptome analysis of human cDC1, revealed 78 differentially expressed genes between PBC patients and controls. Genes related to antigen presentation, TNF and IFN signalling and mitochondrial dysfunction were significantly increased in cDC1 isolated from PBC patients.

Conclusion

Our data illustrated the contribution the cDC1 subset in the pathogenesis of PBC and provides a novel direction for immune based cell‐specific targeted therapeutic approach in PBC.
Changes in blue whale survival and abundance in the Gulf of California
Authors: Whittome Georgina , Calambokidis John , Douglas Annie B. , Fishbach Michael , Sears Richard , Hammond Philip S.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the drivers of population abundance and distribution is fundamental to ecology and key to informing conservation actions, particularly in endangered species like blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Historically, some Eastern North Pacific blue whales have aggregated in the Gulf of California (GoC) each winter. Using photo‐identification data collected around Loreto Bay from 1984 to 2020, we analyzed 453 sightings histories using mark‐recapture models. Estimated apparent survival (including permanent emigration) decreased from 0.991, 95% CI [0.977, 0.997] in 1985 to 0.889, 95% CI [0.807, 0.939] in 2019. The estimated number of whales using the study area declined from 96 whales, 95% CI [50, 254] in 2012 to 13 whales, 95% CIs [12, 23 and 12, 28] in 2018 and 2019. Abundance of the whole Eastern North Pacific population is slowly increasing, so our results likely reflect declining usage of the GoC. Linear models found a relationship between the number of whales in the GoC and the difference in sea surface temperature between the study area and the Costa Rica Dome wintering area, suggesting that environmental variation could explain variation in blue whale numbers in the GoC. These results highlight the importance of tracking population dynamics as changing environmental conditions affect the range and distribution of populations.
Social structure and site fidelity of an oceanic delphinid: the rough‐toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) off the southwest Pacific coast of Mexico
Authors: Pouey‐Santalou Victoria , Weiss Michael , Ramos Eric Angel , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Ramírez Barragán Raúl Fernando , García Chavez Andrea Jacqueline , Audley Katherina
Published: May 2024

Rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) typically inhabit deep oceanic waters from tropical to temperate waters worldwide. However, their ecology and behavior remain poorly understood. We investigated site fidelity and social structure of rough‐toothed dolphins using photo‐identification data collected between 2014 and 2022 in the continental shelf waters of the southwestern coast of Mexico. A total of 133 groups of rough‐toothed dolphins were recorded. Mean group size was 4.9 individuals (SD = 4.5), and dolphins were encountered in waters of a mean depth of 110 m (SD = 188). Of 228 individuals identified, 55% were observed once, 39% were seen between two and four times, and 6% were seen five times or more. Site fidelity analysis suggests three levels of site fidelity: transients, occasional visitors, and regular visitors, which are likely to affect the social structure. Through network analysis, nonrandom social patterns were identified (S = 1.25 ± 0.26) and dolphins exhibited both preferences and avoidances of social partners. Cluster analysis suggested significant divisions within the population (Q = 0.43 ± 0.05). Despite limitations related to sample size and design, this preliminary study suggests that rough‐toothed dolphins are best characterized by a fission‐fusion society, which is similar to most coastal delphinid populations.
Effect of prostaglandin alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and luteal dynamics, estrus response and pregnancy in sub‐estrus buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Rajput A. S. , Sasidharan J. K. , Pandiyan N. , Rafiq M. M. , Pandey A. K. , Tomar A. K. S. , Singh M. , Das G. K. , Patra M. K.
Published: May 2024

Sub‐estrus is a condition when buffaloes do not display behavioural estrus signs, despite being in estrus and causes a delay in conception and increases the service period. The present study describes the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF2α) alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and corpus luteum (CL) dynamics, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentration correlating estrus response and pregnancy outcome in sub‐estrus buffaloes during the breeding season. A total of 50 sub‐estrus buffaloes, identified through ultrasonography (USG) examination, were randomly allocated into three groups, viz. T1 (Synthetic PGF2α, Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m, n = 17), T2 (Synthetic PGF2α + Trace mineral supplementation, Inj. Stimvet 1 mL/100 kg body weight, i.m., n = 17) and control (untreated; n = 16). Following treatment, 100% of sub‐estrus buffaloes were induced estrus in the T1 and T2 groups, while only 18.75% were induced in the control. The CL diameter and serum P4 concentration were significantly lower at post‐treatment, whereas the pre‐ovulatory follicle (POF) size and serum E2 concentration were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups as compared to the control (p < .05). The buffaloes of the T2 group had a greater proportion of moderate intensities estrus than those of T1. Moreover, the proportion of buffaloes conceived in the T1 and T2 were 41.2% and 52.95%, respectively. The larger POF diameter and higher serum E2 concentration were associated with intense intensity estrus and higher conception rate (66.7%) in sub‐estrus buffaloes. Similarly, CL regression rate, POF size and serum E2 concentration were relatively higher in the buffaloes conceived as compared to those not conceived. It is concluded that synthetic PGF2α in combination with trace minerals induces moderate to intense intensities estrus in a greater proportion of sub‐estrus buffaloes and increases the conception rate during the breeding season. Moreover, behavioural estrus attributes correlating follicle and luteal morphometry, serum E2 and P4 concentration could be used to optimise the breeding time for augmenting the conception rate in sub‐estrus buffaloes.
Development of PCR‐based genetic test for detection of TTF1 mutation causing abortion in Holstein Friesian cattle
Authors: Surati Utsav , Niranjan Saket Kumar
Published: May 2024

A stop‐gain mutation (rs715966442; BTA11: 1,02,463,944 nucleotide position) in transcription termination factor, RNA polymerase I (TTF1) gene causes abortion in Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle. A PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP)‐based genetic test has been developed and validated to screen the TTF1 mutation locus in HF cattle. The mutation locus was screened in 80 HF and HF crossbreds using the protocol, which revealed two animals as carriers of the mutant TTF1 allele. The test employed is cost‐effective, rapid and precise and can be utilized as an effective tool for the screening of TTF1 mutation carriers in HF cattle population.
The oral health status and treatment needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Auckland
Authors: Ngo Di Ying Joanna , Yeung Beth , Yap Qai Ven , Thomson William Murray
Published: May 2024

Aims

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are known to have poor oral health and complex dental needs requiring treatment under general anesthesia (GA). This retrospective chart review aimed to provide information on the oral health status and treatment needs of adults with ID in Auckland.

Methods and Results

Data on 1075 adult patients with ID seen through the Auckland public dental service during the period June 2016 to April 2020 were drawn from electronic notes. Analyses focused on age group differences and the characteristics associated with the use of GA for dental treatment. More cumulative caries experience, poorer oral hygiene, and more missing teeth were observed among those who were older. About half (50.8%) of the patients used GA for dental treatment. This proportion was higher among those who were younger, less independent, non‐verbal, with poorer oral hygiene, or who had active decay.

Conclusion

Adults with ID are a heterogeneous population with unmet dental treatment needs. Different age groups require consideration of distinct characteristics for dental care provision. It is important to be for public sector service provision to be developed to consider predictors for GA service use in patients who are younger, less independent, non‐verbal, or have active decay.
Dental findings and intravenous sedation in a patient with Potocki–Lupski syndrome: A case report
Authors: Wakita Ryo , Kusumoto Yasuka , Shinozuka Osamu ,   Tokyo Metropolitan Hachinan Dental Association, Fukayama Haruhisa , Maeda Shigeru
Published: May 2024

Aims

Potocki–Lupski syndrome (PTLS), which is caused by the partial duplication of the short arm of autosome 17, is characterized by feeding difficulties associated with muscle hypotonia and dysphagia in infancy, followed by growth retardation and low body weight in later stages. Speech and motor developmental disorders are observed in childhood, accompanied by autism spectrum disorders in several cases. Other disorders include dental and skeletal abnormalities, and associated sleep apnea. Herein, we describe the first case of dental evaluation and treatment under intravenous sedation in a patient with PTLS.

Methods

A 13‐year‐old boy with PTLS and intellectual disability was referred for the treatment of dental caries. Routine intraoral examination and dental treatment were not feasible. As the patient had no muscle hypotonia, dysphagia, or severe growth delay, intraoral examination and dental treatment were successfully performed under intravenous sedation. No incidence of intraoral airway obstruction or aspiration was reported. The patient was followed‐up post‐operatively.

Conclusion

PTLS, a newly identified syndrome, is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities, dysphagia, failure to thrive, and sleep apnea, which are potential risk factors for sedation. This case report highlights the importance of facial and oral findings in determining the risks of difficulties in airway management.
The Role of Cultural Communication: Stereotype and Prejudice in the Amhara & Afar Ethnic Groups
Authors: Gessese Ayele Anawetie , Haile Jemal Mohammed , Gedamu Kalewongel Minale
Published: May 2024

This study examines the role of intercultural communication barriers of stereotypes and prejudices that can escalate, prevent, and manage violent inter‐ethnic conflicts between Amhara and Afar ethnic groups. The study used an explanatory design. Data were mainly collected through Focus Group Discussions and In‐depth Interviews. Participants of FGD and respondents of the in‐depth interviews were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. As per the findings, several types of ethnic‐based negative stereotypical perceptions were manifested by both Amhara and Afar ethnic groups. Hostile prejudicial feelings are developed based on the stereotyped perceptions of both ethnic groups. As per the findings, this stereotype‐based hate and hostile prejudicial feelings affect the inter‐ethnic communication of the two ethnic groups and contribute to the escalation of violent conflicts.
Implementation of a countywide adult suicide review commission: Development, lessons learned, and recommendations
Authors: Kohlbeck Sara A. , Schramm Andrew T. , Monroe Tricia , Kant Jacey , McLeod Emilie , deRoon‐Cassini Terri A. , Hargarten Stephen W.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Fatality review is a public health approach designed to inform efforts to prevent fatalities of a certain kind (e.g., suicide, homicide) or in a specific setting or population (e.g., hospitals, youth). Despite extensive literature on fatality review generally, the literature on suicide review teams specifically is scant. The aim of this paper is to: describe the implementation of a local adult suicide review commission, detail examples of initial outcomes and recommendations developed by the commission, and provide recommendations and/or best practices for how to develop and implement an adult suicide review team.

Methods

We utilize framing questions from the American Association of Suicidology's psychological autopsy framework. By using these guiding questions in the discussion, members are invited to explore not only the stressors that may have more immediately preceded the suicide event itself, but to situate those stressors in the context of the individual's life course.

Results

Several recommendations proposed by our commission have resulted in tangible outcomes and are detailed using Haddon's Matrix as a guiding prevention planning tool.

Implications

We have highlighted the need to move beyond looking at individual‐level help‐seeking to focus on structural/systemic issues that result in stress or create unsafe environments for at‐risk individuals.
Impact of temperature on physical and cognitive performance in elite female football players during intermittent exercise
Authors: Pompeo Alberto , Afonso José , Cirillo Everton Luis Rodrigues , Costa Júlio A. , Vilaça‐Alves José , Garrido Nuno , González‐Víllora Sixto , Williams Andrew Mark , Casanova Filipe
Published: May 2024

There is limited research on female football players, especially related to their physical and cognitive performance under different climactic conditions. We analyzed the impact of a hot environmental temperature on physical performance and anticipation in elite female football players during a fatigue‐inducing intermittent protocol. Elite female players (n = 21) performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) and responded to filmed sequences of offensive play under two distinct environmental temperatures (i.e., mild environment temperature‐ 20°C and 30% rh versus hot environment temperature‐ 38°C and 80% rh), interspersed by 1‐week interval. Linear mixed models were used. CMJ performance declined following the intermittent protocol on both temperature conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant main effects for protocol on CMJ speed (m/s) (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.12), CMJ power (p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.11), and CMJ Heightmax (p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.12). After performing the intermittent protocol, exposure to a hot temperature caused a greater decline in anticipation accuracy (mild temperature = 64.41% vs. hot temperature = 53.44%; p < 0.001). Our study shows impaired performance in elite female football players following an intermittent protocol under hot compared with mild environmental conditions. We report decreased performance in both CMJ and anticipation performance under hotter conditions. The results reveal that exposure to hot temperatures had a negative effect on the accuracy of their anticipatory behaviors. We consider the implication of the work for research and training interventions.
Techniques for subretinal injections in animals
Authors: Boyd Ryan F. , Petersen‐Jones Simon M.
Published: May 2024

Subretinal injections are not commonly performed during clinical treatment of animals but are frequently used in laboratory animal models to assess therapeutic efficacy and safety of gene and cell therapy products. Veterinary ophthalmologists are often employed to perform the injections in the laboratory animal setting, due to knowledge of comparative ocular anatomy between species and familiarity with operating on non‐human eyes. Understanding the different approaches used for subretinal injection in each species and potential complications that may be encountered is vital to achieving successful and reproducible results. This manuscript provides a summary of different approaches to subretinal injections in the most common animal model species, along with information from published literature and experience of the authors to educate novice or experienced surgeons tasked with performing these injections for the first time.
Unified invariant of knots from homological braid action on Verma modules
Authors: Martel Jules , Willetts Sonny
Published: May 2024

We re‐build the quantum unified invariant of knots from braid groups' action on tensors of Verma modules. It is a two variables series having the particularity of interpolating both families of colored Jones polynomials and ADO polynomials, that is, semisimple and non‐semisimple invariants of knots constructed from quantum . We prove this last fact in our context that re‐proves (a generalization of) the famous Melvin–Morton–Rozansky conjecture first proved by Bar‐Natan and Garoufalidis. We find a symmetry of nicely generalizing the well‐known one of the Alexander polynomial, ADO polynomials also inherit this symmetry. It implies that quantum non‐semisimple invariants are not detecting knots' orientation. Using the homological definition of Verma modules we express as a generating sum of intersection pairing between fixed Lagrangians of configuration spaces of disks. Finally, we give a formula for using a generalized notion of determinant, that provides one for the ADO family. It generalizes that for the Alexander invariant.
Non-Gaussian Multivariate Process Capability Based on the Copulas Method: An Application to Aircraft Engine Fan Blades
Authors: Ferraris Cyprien , Achibi Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Process capability indices (PCIs) are major tools in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for quantifying the production quality, monitoring production, or prioritizing projects. Initially, PCIs were constructed for studying each characteristic of the process independently. Then, they have been extended to analyze several dependent characteristics simultaneously. Nowadays, with the increasing complexity of the production parts, for example, in aircraft engines, the conformity of one part may rely on the conformity of hundreds of characteristics. Also, because those characteristics are dependent, it may be misleading to make decisions based only on univariate PCIs. However, classical multivariate PCIs in the literature do not allow treating such amount of data efficiently, unless assuming Gaussian distribution, which may be false. Regarding those issues, we advocate for PCI based on some transformation of the conformity rates. This presents the advantage of being free from distributional assumptions, such as the Gaussian distribution. In addition, it has direct interpretation, allowing it to compare different processes. To estimate the PCIs of parts with hundreds of characteristics, we propose to use Vine Copulas. This is a very flexible class of models, which gives precise estimation even in high dimension. From an industrial perspective, the computation of the estimator can be costly. To answer this point, one explains how to compute a lower bound of the proposed PCI, which is faster to calculate. We illustrate our method adaptability with simulations under Gaussian and non-Gaussian distributions. We apply it to compare the production of fan blades of two different factories.
An Origami-Enabled Soft Linear Actuator and Its Application on a Crawling Robot
Authors: Yan Shuiqing , Song Keyao , Wang Xiashuang , Li Jiake , Ma Zhe , Zhou Xiang
Published: May 2024

Soft linear actuators have strong deformation ability and good environmental adaptability, which have been widely used in soft robot design. However, little work has focused on designing soft linear actuators with balanced performances, featuring fast driving speed, large output displacement, being lightweight, and miniaturization. Herein, we present a novel soft linear actuator design based on the Kresling origami structure. By driving the Kresling tubes with a servo motor, the soft linear actuator has good compliance and strong environmental adaptability and can achieve a driving speed, large driving force, and high control precision comparable to the traditional electrical motor. The analytical models of the Kresling tubes and the whole actuator are respectively derived to analyze the mechanical properties, determine the optimal geometry of the Kresling tube, and evaluate the driving performance of the whole actuator. The actuator prototype is fabricated by 3D printing, and the actual driving performance is tested. It is shown that the prototype can achieve a maximum output displacement of 18.9 mm without payload or 16 mm under a payload of 30 N. Finally, as a case study, the soft linear actuator is applied to a crawling robot, where the maximum moving speed of 28 mm/s is reached.
Experimental Heat Transfer Analysis of a New Turbulator in a Concentric Heat Exchanger Tube: A Full Factorial Design Approach
Authors: Karakaya Hakan , Deviren Hacire
Published: May 2024

People have been looking for alternative energy sources because current sources may be depleted. Furthermore, it is critical to utilize available energy sources as effectively as possible. Turbulators are among the topics to consider when it comes to energy efficiency. In practice, turbulators are often used in exchangers to enhance heat transfer. Putting newly constructed turbulators in determined locations of the constant surface temperature heat exchanger, velocity, temperatures, pressure, and flow measurements have been performed in the inlet and outlet. In the case of using different numbers of turbulators, their placement in different locations, their arrangement at different distances, and their use at different Reynolds, the changes in pressure drop, Nusselt number, friction factor, efficiency, exergy loss rate, and NTU were determined with the full-factor experimental design. When the test data were evaluated, it was seen that as the number of turbulators increased, the thermal efficiency, friction factor, and pressure loss also increased. Using turbulators in different numbers, at different positions, at different distances, and with different Reynolds numbers, the effect ratio on the pressure loss, Nusselt number, and friction factor parameters was detected. In the analyses made, the most efficient parameters on heat transfer were determined, respectively, as Reynolds number (64.55%), the position of turbulators (19.73%), the distance between turbulators (6.09%), and the number of turbulators (5.94%).
Thermal Optimization Strategies for Li-Ion Batteries: Predictive Temperature Algorithm
Authors: Antonio Metallo
Published: May 2024

Performance, safety, and longevity of batteries are all strongly impacted by thermal management, which is an essential component of battery design and operation. This work examines how accurate temperature control can result in significant improvements in performance and reliability with a focus on battery thermal heating. Predicting the temperature achieved by the battery during operation not only avoids conditions that lead to thermal runaway but also guarantees that the battery is used optimally within an optimal temperature range. Within the optimal temperature range, several advantages are observed. First, battery efficiency improves significantly as electrochemical processes occur more efficiently. Furthermore, by lowering the possibility of short circuits and improving overall battery safety, thermal stability aids in the prevention of undesirable phenomena like dendrite growth. By lessening the deterioration brought on by thermal degradation processes, thermal optimization also affects battery longevity. Based on experimental tests, a finite element method (FEM) model is developed. A model for thermal runaway propagation is established by combining thermal runaway and conduction models with an Arrhenius law-based combustion model. The study employed a cylindrical Li-ion cell to conduct tests, taking into account three parameters: discharge rate (CRate), ambient temperature (Tamb), and initial battery temperature (T0). An algorithm based on the three variables was developed using the simulation results. The algorithm enables the accurate prediction of rising battery temperature during use, facilitating the setting of an optimal maximum discharge rate considering initial and ambient temperatures, thereby ensuring optimal performance within the desired temperature range.
Coherence measurements of polaritons in thermal equilibrium reveal a power law for two-dimensional condensates
Authors: Alnatah Hassan , Yao Qi , Beaumariage Jonathan , Mukherjee Shouvik , Tam Man Chun , Wasilewski Zbigniew , West Ken , Baldwin Kirk , Pfeiffer Loren N. , Snoke David W.
Published: May 2024

We have created a spatially homogeneous polariton condensate in thermal equilibrium, up to very high condensate fraction. Under these conditions, we have measured the coherence as a function of momentum and determined the total coherent fraction of this boson system from very low density up to density well above the condensation transition. These measurements reveal a consistent power law for the coherent fraction as a function of the total density over nearly three orders of its magnitude. The same power law is seen in numerical simulations solving the two-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation for the equilibrium coherence.
Everlasting first impressions in B cells
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Maltzman Jonathan S.
Published: May 2024

Initial imprinting by type 1 interferons shapes memory B cell generation in chronic viral infection.
Validation of aminodeoxychorismate synthase and anthranilate synthase as novel targets for bispecific antibiotics inhibiting conserved protein-protein interactions
Authors: Funke Franziska Jasmin , Schlee Sandra , Sterner Reinhard
Published: May 2024

Multi-resistant bacteria are a rapidly emerging threat to modern medicine. It is thus essential to identify and validate novel antibacterial targets that promise high robustness against resistance-mediating mutations. This can be achieved by simultaneously targeting several conserved function-determining protein-protein interactions in enzyme complexes from prokaryotic primary metabolism. Here, we selected two evolutionary related glutamine amidotransferase complexes, aminodeoxychorismate synthase and anthranilate synthase, that are required for the biosynthesis of folate and tryptophan in most prokaryotic organisms. Both enzymes rely on the interplay of a glutaminase and a synthase subunit that is conferred by a highly conserved subunit interface. Consequently, inhibiting subunit association in both enzymes by one competing bispecific inhibitor has the potential to suppress bacterial proliferation. We comprehensively verified two conserved interface hot-spot residues as potential inhibitor-binding sites
in vitro
by demonstrating their crucial role in subunit association and enzymatic activity. For
in vivo
target validation, we generated genomically modified
Escherichia coli
strains in which subunit association was disrupted by modifying these central interface residues. The growth of such strains was drastically retarded on liquid and solid minimal medium due to a lack of folate and tryptophan. Remarkably, the bacteriostatic effect was observed even in the presence of heat-inactivated human plasma, demonstrating that accessible host metabolite concentrations do not compensate for the lack of folate and tryptophan within the tested bacterial cells. We conclude that a potential inhibitor targeting both enzyme complexes will be effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and offer increased resilience against antibiotic resistance.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotics are indispensable for the treatment of bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine and are thus a major pillar of modern medicine. However, the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics generates an unintentional selective pressure on bacterial assemblies that over time promotes the development or acquisition of resistance mechanisms, allowing pathogens to escape the treatment. In that manner, humanity is in an ever-lasting race with pathogens to come up with new treatment options before resistances emerge. In general, antibiotics with novel modes of action require more complex pathogen adaptations as compared to chemical derivates of existing entities, thus delaying the emergence of resistance. In this contribution, we use modified
Escherichia coli
strains to validate two novel targets required for folate and tryptophan biosynthesis that can potentially be targeted by one and the same bispecific protein-protein interaction inhibitor and promise increased robustness against bacterial resistances.
Complete genome sequence of iron-oxidizing
Stutzerimonas stutzeri
strain FeN3W isolated from Catalina Harbor sediment
Authors: Yu Jin-Sang , Rowe Annette R. , Sackett Joshua D.
Published: May 2024

Stutzerimonas stutzeri
strain FeN3W is an iron-oxidizing bacterium isolated from marine sediment. FeN3W’s 5.9 Mb genome encodes complete pathways for glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and aerobic and anaerobic (nitrate) respiration. The genome contains 32 putative heme-binding proteins predicted to localize to the cell envelope.
Complete genome sequence of
Delftia tsuruhatensis
strain HA60 isolated from a commercial hydroxyapatite nano-particle product (nano-hydroxyapatite)
Authors: Wang Sharon X. , Park Miseon , Kim Sung Guk
Published: May 2024

Delftia tsuruhatensis is
a Gram-negative rod-shaped aerobic bacterium with environmental remediation functions.
D. tsuruhatensis
strain HA60 was isolated from a commercial nano-particle product, nano-hydroxyapatite. We report that the genome of
D. tsuruhatensis
strain HA60 has a circular genome of 6,922,195 base pairs with a G+C content of 66.45%.
Genome sequence, antibiotic resistance genes, and plasmids in a monophasic variant of
Salmonella typhimurium
isolated from retail pork
Authors: Ghorbani Tajani Anahita , Sharma Aniket , Blouin Nicolas , Bisha Bledar
Published: May 2024

A
Salmonella
isolate from retail pork was whole genome sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq6000, with a 5,320,119 bp genome and 51.06% GC content. Several antibiotic resistance genes and plasmids, including
bla
TEM-1
,
aac(6')-IIc
, IncHI2, and p0111 were obtained from subsequent analysis. These findings provide vital insights into generic determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in this foodborne pathogen.
Fusion/fission protein family identification in Archaea
Authors: Padalko Anastasiia , Nair Govind , Sousa Filipa L.
Published: May 2024

The majority of newly discovered archaeal lineages remain without a cultivated representative, but scarce experimental data from the cultivated organisms show that they harbor distinct functional repertoires. To unveil the ecological as well as evolutionary impact of
Archaea
from metagenomics, new computational methods need to be developed, followed by in-depth analysis. Among them is the genome-wide protein fusion screening performed here. Natural fusions and fissions of genes not only contribute to microbial evolution but also complicate the correct identification and functional annotation of sequences. The products of these processes can be defined as fusion (or composite) proteins, the ones consisting of two or more domains originally encoded by different genes and split proteins, and the ones originating from the separation of a gene in two (fission). Fusion identifications are required for proper phylogenetic reconstructions and metabolic pathway completeness assessments, while mappings between fused and unfused proteins can fill some of the existing gaps in metabolic models. In the archaeal genome-wide screening, more than 1,900 fusion/fission protein clusters were identified, belonging to both newly sequenced and well-studied lineages. These protein families are mainly associated with different types of metabolism, genetic, and cellular processes. Moreover, 162 of the identified fusion/fission protein families are archaeal specific, having no identified fused homolog within the bacterial domain. Our approach was validated by the identification of experimentally characterized fusion/fission cases. However, around 25% of the identified fusion/fission families lack functional annotations for both composite and split states, showing the need for experimental characterization in Archaea.

IMPORTANCE

Genome-wide fusion screening has never been performed in
Archaea
on a broad taxonomic scale. The overlay of multiple computational techniques allows the detection of a fine-grained set of predicted fusion/fission families, instead of rough estimations based on conserved domain annotations only. The exhaustive mapping of fused proteins to bacterial organisms allows us to capture fusion/fission families that are specific to archaeal biology, as well as to identify links between bacterial and archaeal lineages based on cooccurrence of taxonomically restricted proteins and their sequence features. Furthermore, the identification of poorly characterized lineage-specific fusion proteins opens up possibilities for future experimental and computational investigations. This approach enhances our understanding of Archaea in general and provides potential candidates for in-depth studies in the future.
Postexchange transfusion-related acute lung injury in a term neonate
Authors: Diwan Nikita , Kumar Mala , Tripathi Shalini
Published: May 2024

We report a successful case where a newborn with transfusion-related acute lung injury following an exchange transfusion was effectively treated using conservative methods, eliminating the need for surfactant therapy. Very few instances of this complication have been documented globally. A low birth weight, small for gestational age, term neonate, diagnosed with hyperbilirubinaemia due to Rh incompatibility, experienced sudden respiratory distress in the form of severe retractions, tachypnoea and cyanosis 3 hours after the procedure. Neonate required mechanical ventilation on the grounds of mixed acidosis and diffuse alveolar infiltrates on the chest radiograph. The medical team suspected and treated the baby for transfusion-related acute lung injury through conservative measures. Transfusion-related acute lung injury, an acute life-threatening complication of blood component transfusion, can exhibit symptoms in neonates that are frequently misinterpreted as sepsis. The baby was discharged in good health after successful management after 19 days.
Role of Gut Microbe Composition in Psychosocial Symptom Response to Exercise Training in Breast Cancer Survivors (ROME) study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Little Rebecca B , Carter Stephen J , Motl Robert W , Hunter Gary , Cook Abby , Liu Nianjun , Krontiras Helen , Lefkowitz Elliot J , Turan Bulent , Schleicher Erica , Rogers Laura Q
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer survivors have an increased risk for chronic fatigue and altered gut microbiota composition, both with negative health and quality of life affects. Exercise modestly improves fatigue and is linked to gut microbial diversity and production of beneficial metabolites. Studies suggest that gut microbiota composition is a potential mechanism underlying fatigue response to exercise. Randomised controlled trials testing the effects of exercise on the gut microbiome are limited and there is a scarcity of findings specific to breast cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to determine if fitness-related modifications to gut microbiota occur and, if so, mediate the effects of aerobic exercise on fatigue response.

Methods and analysis

The research is a randomised controlled trial among breast cancer survivors aged 18–74 with fatigue. The primary aim is to determine the effects of aerobic exercise training compared with an attention control on gut microbiota composition. The secondary study aims are to test if exercise training (1) affects the gut microbiota composition directly and/or indirectly through inflammation (serum cytokines), autonomic nervous system (heart rate variability) or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis mediators (hair cortisol assays), and (2) effects on fatigue are direct and/or indirect through changes in the gut microbiota composition. All participants receive a standardised controlled diet. Assessments occur at baseline, 5 weeks, 10 weeks and 15 weeks (5 weeks post intervention completion). Faecal samples collect the gut microbiome and 16S gene sequencing will identify the microbiome. Fatigue is measured by a 13-item multidimensional fatigue scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this study on 15 May 2019, UAB IRB#30000320. A Data and Safety Monitoring Board convenes annually or more often if indicated. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04088708.
How effective is topical miconazole or amorolfine for mild to moderately severe onychomycosis in primary care: the Onycho Trial – a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Watjer Roeland M , Bonten Tobias N , Sayed Khisraw , Quint Koen D , van der Beek Martha T , Mertens Bart J A , Numans Mattijs E , Eekhof Just A H
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of topical miconazole or amorolfine compared to placebo for mild to moderately severe onychomycosis.

Design

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with computer-generated treatment allocation at a 1:1:1 ratio.

Setting

Primary care, recruitment from February 2020 to August 2022.

Participants

193 patients with suspected mild to moderately severe onychomycosis were recruited via general practices and from the general public, 111 of whom met the study criteria. The mean age of participants was 51 (SD 13.1), 51% were female and onychomycosis was moderately severe (mean OSI 12.1 (SD 8.0)).

Interventions

Once-daily miconazole 20 mg/g or once-weekly amorolfine 5% nail lacquer solution was compared with placebo (denatonium benzoate solution).

Main outcome measures

Complete, clinical and mycological cure at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were clinical improvement, symptom burden, quality of life, adverse effects, compliance, patient-perceived improvement and treatment acceptability.

Results

Based on intention-to-treat analysis, none of the participants receiving miconazole or amorolfine reached complete cure compared with two in the placebo group (OR not estimable (n.e.), p=0.493 and OR n.e., p=0.240, respectively). There was no evidence of a significant difference between groups regarding clinical cure (OR n.e., p=0.493 and OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 5.45, p=0.615) while miconazole and amorolfine were less effective than placebo at reaching both mycological cure (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.98, p=0.037 and OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.92, p=0.029, respectively) and clinical improvement (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.91, p=0.028 and OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.85, p=0.021, respectively). There was no evidence of a significant difference in disease burden, quality of life, adverse reactions, compliance, patient-perceived improvement or treatment acceptability.

Conclusions

Topical miconazole and amorolfine were not effective in achieving a complete, clinical or mycological cure of mild to moderately severe onychomycosis, nor did they significantly alleviate the severity or symptom burden. These treatments should, therefore, not be advised as monotherapy to treat onychomycosis.

Trial registration number

WHO ICTRP NL8193.
Factors influencing the outcomes of non-pharmacological interventions for managing fatigue across the lifespan of people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fishpool Katie , Young George , Ciurtin Coziana , Cramp Fiona , Erhieyovwe Emmanuel Oghenetejiri , Farisogullari Bayram , Macfarlane Gary J , Machado Pedro M , Pearson Jen , Santos Eduardo , Dures Emma
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Fatigue is an important and distressing symptom for many people living with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Many non-pharmacological interventions have been investigated in recent years and some have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing fatigue and fatigue impact, however, there is limited guidance for clinicians to follow regarding the most appropriate management options. The objective of this scoping review is to understand and map the extent of evidence in relation to the factors that relate to the outcome of non-pharmacological interventions on MSK condition-related fatigue across the lifespan.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will include evidence relating to people of all ages living with chronic MSK conditions who have been offered a non-pharmacological intervention with either the intention or effect of reducing fatigue and its impact. Databases including AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHLPlus, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus will be searched for peer-reviewed primary research studies published after 1 January 2007 in English language. These findings will be used to identify factors associated with successful interventions and to map gaps in knowledge.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this review. Findings will be disseminated by journal publications, conference presentations and by communicating with relevant healthcare and charity organisations.
Ground state of two-species spin–orbit-coupled in mass-imbalanced Bose condensates
Authors: Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study the ground state of two-component spin–orbit-coupled (SOC) Bose–Einstein condensates with mass imbalance. Our results are based on the framework of mean-field Gross–Pitaevskii theory. The effects of unequal atomic mass and SOC strength are studied. Different density structures such as heliciform stripes, linear stripes and string vortex chains are found. Different density structures such as heliciform stripes, linear stripes and string vortex chains are found. With the increase of SOC strength, the azimuthal phase separation is kept while radial phase separation is broken. In addition, increasing the mass ratio is unfavorable to vortex formation, whereas more vortices can be generated by increasing the SOC strength. We also discuss the physical quantities such as angular momentum per atom and spin polarisation, for a larger mass ratio, showing that angular momentum gets a little bigger as the SOC strength increases and the first-order phase transition does not exist.
On macroscopic residual QCD force of electrodynamics
Authors: Spousta Martin
Published: May 2024

We explore a connection between virtual particles of quantum electrodynamics and quantum chromodynamics (QCD) which is predicted to give rise to a residual attractive interaction measurable as a macroscopic force. We calculate the asymptotic behavior of relevant scattering amplitudes, perform their resummation, and analyze the sign of the resulting interaction. Then, we calculate the primary experimentally observable consequences of this Standard Model force. We discuss the impact of this force at terrestrial scales and at astrophysical scales. In particular, we quantify the impact of this force on the warm ionized medium present in galaxies and the intracluster medium present in cluster of galaxies.
Intermittent Shot Noise Generating 1/f Fluctuations
Authors: Grüneis Ferdinand
Published: May 2024

When the rate of shot noise is controlled by on–off states we speak of intermittent shot noise. The on–off states lead to alternately occurring clusters of events and intermissions, respectively. We derive the power spectrum of the intermittent shot noise by applying the Wiener-Khinchin theorem. Besides reduced shot noise, we obtain excess noise, which depends on the parameters of the on–off states. We calculate the excess noise for power-law distributed on-states; within the scaling region, the excess noise is excellently approximated by [Formula: see text]. The behavior of the slope b and of the amplitude C in dependence of the on–off times is investigated. For large scaling regions, we find a preference for a pure 1/f shape. Finally, we regard the variance of events occurring within a time interval. In the presence of 1/f fluctuations, the variance of counts attains extreme values which are accompanied by an extreme property of slope b.
Uniform boundary estimates for Neumann problems in parabolic homogenization
Authors: Shi Bojing
Published: May 2024

For a family of second-order parabolic systems with periodic, oscillating and time-dependent coefficients, we establish the uniform boundary Hölder and Lipschitz estimates for Neumann problems in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] cylinders, respectively, by using the convergence rate method. Moreover, we establish the uniform [Formula: see text] estimates for initial-Neumann problems in [Formula: see text] cylinders for [Formula: see text] by using the real-variable method. As a by-product, we also obtain the Gaussian estimates for Neumann function and its derivatives.