bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ofatumumab for treating autoimmune nodopathy
Authors: Hu Jianian , Zheng Yongsheng , Sun Chong , Sun Jian , Xi Jianying , Luo Sushan , Qiao Kai , Zhao Chongbo , Lin Jie
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

To investigate the treatment of ofatumumab in autoimmune nodopathy (AN).

Methods

An open‐label, prospective, observational study was conducted in patients with AN. The regimen was 20 mg ofatumumab subcutaneously on day 0, 7, 14, 28, and subsequently every 4 weeks in a total of 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was the proportion of patients with confirmed clinical improvement.

Results

All of the eight patients (100%) improved at Week 24. The median time to improvement was 8 (IQR: 7–10) weeks. The four patients previously treated with rituximab and two with irregular injections of ofatumumab (OFA) improved. At Week 24, the adjusted INCAT score, MRC sum score, cI‐RODS, and grip strength in nondominant hand significantly improved from baseline. In nerve conduction studies, all of the six patients with available data (100%) improved. The median sNfL significantly reduced from baseline at Week 8. Anti‐paranodal antibody in seven patients with anti‐NF155 antibodies reduced from baseline at Week 20. In seven of the eight patients, CD19+ B cells were significantly reduced at Week 4. No serious adverse events were reported.

Interpretation

The regimen was 20 mg ofatumumab subcutaneously on day 0, 7, 14, 28, and every 4 weeks from Week 4, in a total of 24 weeks. The ofatumumab therapy may provide a more convenient and safer treatment for patients with AN, while serving as an effective alternative for those who did not respond to rituximab.
Minimal invasive biopsies are highly sensitive for amyloid detection in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy
Authors: Leonardi Luca , Adam Clovis , Beaudonnet Guillemette , Beauvais Diane , Cauquil Cécile , Not Adeline , Morassi Olivier , Trassard Olivier , Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Adams David , Labeyrie Céline
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of labial minor salivary gland biopsy (LSGB) alone or in combination with punch skin biopsy (SB) for the detection of amyloid deposits in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv‐PN).

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, Congo red staining of minimal invasive LSGB (4 mm) and SB (3 mm) was assessed in ATTRv‐PN patients consecutively evaluated between 2012 and 2023.

Results

Histopathological data of 171 ATTRv‐PN, including 49 early‐onset p.Val50Met, 58 late‐onset p.Val50Met, and 64 non‐p.Val50Met, were reviewed. LSGB and SB identified amyloid deposits in 123/171 (72%) and 131/171 (77%) patients respectively (p = 0.2). Combining LSGB and SB increased the amyloid detection rate to 150/171 (88%), especially in late‐onset p.Val50Met (48/58 [83%]) and non‐p.Val50Met patients (55/64 [86%]). LSGB and SB have a similar rate of detection of amyloid depositions in early onset p.Val50Met patients (94%). Also, the LSGB/SB combination identified amyloidosis in 89% (55/62) of early‐stage ATTRv‐PN patients.

Conclusions

In our study, combining LSGB and SB allowed the detection of amyloid deposits in 88% of ATTRv‐PN patients. LSGB/SB analysis may be of major interest to confirm entry in the disease at very early‐stage ATTRv‐PN, with implications in disease‐modifying treatment initiation.
Microbiome and Inflammatory Biomarkers Associated With Palatal Wound Healing
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid Fernandes , Ferreira Bonafé Ana Carolina , Gonzalez Octavio A. , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Monteiro Mabelle de Freitas , Casarin Renato Corrêa Vianna , Shaddox Luciana Macchion , Miguel Manuela Maria Viana
Published: January 2025

Aim

The clinical outcomes of a variety of surgical procedures highly depend on tissue repair and show high variability among patients. There is a gap in the literature on how the host inflammatory response, the microbiome, and the interplay between them can influence oral mucosa healing. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the microbiome and biomarkers profiles in patients who had desired versus undesired wound healing in the palatal mucosa.

Methods

Seventeen patients underwent a free gingival graft (FGG) for socket preservation. Palatal wound closure (WC) and epithelization (EPT) were assessed clinically. Biofilm from the palatal wound was collected before the surgical procedure and 3, 7, 14, and 30 days postoperatively. The inflammatory exudate was sampled on Days 3 and 7. At 14 days posttreatment, patients were classified into two groups based on EPT rates: (1) undesired healing (UH) and (2) desired healing (DH).

Results

No difference was observed in alfa diversity over time or between groups. In beta diversity, both UH and DH showed microbiome changes on Days 3–7 and 7, respectively, compared with the baseline (p = 0.01), returning to its initial condition 30 days later. There was a trend toward a different microbiome profile between groups on Day 7 (p = 0.08). Bacterium composition in DH showed a balance between healthy species and oral pathogens over time, whereas UH composition was characterized by microorganisms correlated with epithelium invasion/cytotoxicity; virulence factor upregulation; and oral diseases, such as periodontitis and aphthous stomatitis, until Day 30. UH showed an increase in IL‐6, MCP‐1, and MIP‐1α over time, and DH showed a decrease in TIMP‐1, IL‐1β, and MIP‐1α. On Days 3 and 7, MIP‐1α and MMP‐2 showed greater concentrations of DH in the intergroup assessment, and MCP‐1 increased on Day 7 in UH.

Conclusion

Specific microbiome/inflammatory profiles are associated with DH and UH.

Trial Registration: NCT05171400
Efficacy of probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic and postbiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health in cats: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: López Martí Á. , Montero Palma C. , López Martí H. , Ranchal Sánchez A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The clinical efficacy of the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics (biotics) in cats is unknown, despite their use in daily practice. The objectives of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of biotic supplementation in treating and preventing gastroenteropathies, and in reducing gastrointestinal signs associated with antibiotics in cats.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review was conducted by searching four databases for publications before August 2, 2024, following a pre‐registered protocol. Eligible publications were trials involving healthy cats or those with gastroenteropathies, supplemented with biotics (and an inactive control), studying outcomes such as faecal consistency, faecal microbiota or vomiting. Risk of bias and quality of reports were assessed. Effects were synthesised by meta‐analyses and vote counting based on direction of effect. Certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE approach.

Results

Twenty reports were included, presenting unclear or low risk of bias. The evidence did not permit a high‐confidence evaluation of the effectiveness of biotics, although five of the seven probiotic trials showed beneficial effects on faecal consistency. Synbiotics presented no clinically relevant effect in reducing antibiotics‐associated vomiting, with very low certainty, in a meta‐analysis including 32 adult cats. Probiotics significantly reduce the Bacillota/Actinomycetota ratio, with low certainty, in a meta‐analysis involving 34 healthy young‐adult cats. Following vote counting, probiotics improved immune profile in young cats, and increased butyric acid concentration in healthy cats.

Clinical Significance

Current data highlight the need for further research, especially focused on at‐risk groups and sick cats, before advocating the use of biotic supplementation.
Optimising lighting conditions to enhance seafarer adaptation to the ‘6‐h on/6‐h off’ shift pattern: a balanced crossover study
Authors: Zhao Chenyao , Li Nuoyi , Yi Xiangwei , Wang Xiao , He Ying , Shen Haiping , Lin Yandan
Published: January 2025

The ‘6‐h on/6‐h off’ shift pattern could potentially disrupt the physiological rhythms and cognitive performance of seafarers, attributed to its shorter and more frequent shifts. Conversely, light exposure has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive abilities and synchronise physiological processes. Therefore, we studied the fatigue, cognition, sleep and rhythm of seafarers with different shifts to determine how light can benefit their performance. A total of 16 seafarers participated in a 2 × 2 crossover study, which involved two shift types (Morning–Evening and Day–Night) and two lighting conditions (static lighting and dynamic lighting). Sleepiness, cognition and fatigue were assessed every 2 h during ‘6‐h on’ period, using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, psychomotor vigilance task, critical flicker frequency and visual analogue scale for fatigue. Sleep was monitored during ‘6‐h off’ period, core body temperature was continuously tracked for rhythm throughout the shift protocol. For the Day–Night shift, the static mode with stable higher illuminance than dynamic lighting significantly reduced sleepiness (p = 0.01), objective fatigue (p = 0.001), subjective fatigue (fatigue level [p = 0.004] and visual fatigue [p = 0.001]) during the night period, while increasing sleep duration during the day (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and delaying the rhythm. For the Morning–Evening shift, dynamic lighting with lower illuminance significantly increased sleep duration during the night (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) without causing a significant difference in performance. Overall, static lighting is more suitable for Day–Night shift seafarers due to lower sleepiness, fatigue and longer daytime sleep duration, while dynamic lighting is more suitable for Morning–Evening shift seafarers due to longer night‐time sleep duration. Therefore, different lighting patterns should be adopted for seafarers during different shifts.
Transforming medical anthropology: Community, praxis, and the Black Feminist Health Science Studies Collaboratory
Authors: Oni‐Orisan Adeola , Aboii Sheyda M. , Edu Ugo Felicia
Published: January 2025

Despite the transformative contributions of Black feminist thought, medical anthropology often fails to recognize or center the works of Black feminist thinkers. We argue that Black feminist theory is critical for a study and praxis of new approaches to healing, health, medicine, illness, disability, and care. We can't continue to simply recognize that current systems are failing us; Black feminist theory moves us past recognition toward transformative liberation. This special issue emerges from works and conversations leading up to, during, and after the first Black Feminist Health Science Studies Collaboratory, held virtually in May 2021. Through the Collaboratory, we propose a new form of coming together around the sharing of knowledge and practice based in Black feminist thought and Black feminist healing arts. The collection of works that follow demonstrates and provides practical means toward a more liberatory practice of medical anthropology.
Empowering Regional Conservation: Genetic Diversity Assessments as a Tool for Eelgrass Management
Authors: Faust Ellika , Rigby Kristie , Olsson Anders , Alenius Beatrice , Moksnes Per‐Olav , Jahnke Marlene
Published: January 2025

To halt the loss of biodiversity, collaboration among scientists, managers and decision‐makers is vital. Although biodiversity loss is a global problem, management actions influencing diversity are often on a local to regional scale. Our study is an example of a regional conservation genomic assessment developed in collaboration between scientists and managers. We used 2bRAD sequencing to assess 18 eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows in northwestern Sweden, an area that has experienced large losses of eelgrass since the 1980s. Genetic diversity was comparable to other assessed meadows in the Atlantic, but an order of magnitude lower than eelgrass in the Pacific. All but one meadow showed high rates of sexual reproduction. Almost all meadows were divergent but grouped into five genetic clusters. Four of the clusters correspond to geographic regions that can be used to define management units. Meadows in areas with a high decline in eelgrass between the 1980s and 2020s are more inbred than meadows in areas with an increase in eelgrass. Overall, our results indicate that striving to protect a number of large eelgrass meadows within each genetic cluster is important for maintaining the genetic diversity and connectivity of eelgrass in northwestern Sweden and is likely beneficial for the wider ecosystem. We estimate current indicators and essential biodiversity variables and discuss their challenges in marine facultative clonal species. We showcase how regional‐scale conservation genomic assessments can serve as a foundation for protection and restoration of a priority species.
Apple Bitter Rot: Biology, Ecology, Omics, Virulence Factors, and Management of Causal Colletotrichum Species
Authors: Boeckman Nathanial J. , Borba Matheus Correa , Bernal Valentina Valencia , Khodadadi Fatemeh , Jurick Wayne M. , Aćimović Srđan G.
Published: January 2025

Apple bitter rot is caused by various Colletotrichum spp. that threaten apple production globally resulting in millions of dollars in damage annually. The fungus causes a decline in fruit quality and yield, eventually rotting the fruit and rendering it inedible. The pathogen is difficult to keep out of orchards because of its broad host range and transmissibility by rain splash and insects. Once the disease manifests, pathogen identification is difficult due to evolving taxonomy and similar morphology between species. Current management strategies are threatened by an increase in fungicide resistance and regulations on many multisite fungicides, leading to a pressing need for new management options for control. This review aims to summarise the most current knowledge regarding the biology, virulence factors, ecology, omics and emerging management strategies for Colletotrichum species that cause apple bitter rot.

Taxonomy

Colletotrichum species—Domain Eukaryota, Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Sordariomycetes, Order Glomerellales, Family Glomerellaceae, Genus Colletotrichum.

Biology

Hemibiotrophic pathogen with a wide host range that establishes a biotrophic interaction where it penetrates host plants using appressoria followed by a switch to necrotrophy causing rot symptoms.

Toxins

Cercosporin, colletotrichins, colletotric acid, ferricrocin.

Host Range

The host range varies by species but largely occurs on dicotyledonous plants and is less prevalent on monocots as well as gymnosperms, ferns, mosses and animals (e.g., insects).

Disease Symptoms

Symptoms often manifest as flat to sunken necrotic areas on fruit. Lesions on leaves and fruit can have concentric rings with abundant pathogen sporulation.

Disease Control

Colletotrichum spp. are primarily managed by single‐site quinone outside inhibitor (Qol), methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC), demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides, and multisite dithiocarbamate and phthalimide fungicides. Susceptibility may vary with species, strain specificity, or geographic region. Other management options include clean stock production, cultural practices, resistance breeding, and biological control through the introduction of protective or competing microorganisms.
Navigating Toxicity: Investigating the Interplay Between Workplace Gaslighting, Workaholism, and Agility Among Nurses
Authors: El‐Sayed Ahmed Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Alsenany Samira Ahmed , Atta Mohamed Hussein Ramadan , Othman Ahmed Abdellah , Asal Maha Gamal Ramadan
Published: January 2025

Toxic workplace environments, especially those involving gaslighting, are known to contribute to stress and excessive work habits, such as workaholism, which may hinder a nurse's agility—an essential skill in adapting to fast‐paced healthcare environments. However, the interplay between workplace gaslighting, workaholism, and agility in nursing remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace gaslighting, workaholism, and agility among nurses, focusing on how gaslighting moderates this relationship. This study is a multicenter cross‐sectional that was conducted among 594 full‐time nurses from three major hospitals in Egypt. Data were collected using the Gaslighting at Work Questionnaire, Workforce Agility Scale, and Bergen Work Addiction Scale. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to test the study hypotheses. Results revealed that nurses reported moderate levels of workaholism, workplace gaslighting, and agility. Significant negative correlations were found between agility and both workplace gaslighting and workaholism. Gaslighting negatively moderated the relationship between workaholism and agility, exacerbating the impact of workaholism on nurses' ability to remain agile. The findings indicate that toxic workplace behaviors, such as gaslighting and workaholism, undermine nurses' agility. Regulatory safeguards are necessary to protect nurses from such environments, ensuring both their well‐being and the quality of healthcare services. These findings call for the development of national standards and policies to address workplace mental health and ensure accountability in healthcare settings.
Impact of orthokeratology and low‐dose atropine on corneal biomechanics and myopia progression in children
Authors: Lee Ssu‐Hsien , Tsai Ping‐Chiao , Chiu Yu‐Chieh , Wang Jen‐Hung , Chiu Cheng‐Jen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study evaluated the effects of orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine on corneal biomechanical properties (CBPs) and myopia progression in children, focusing on their association with axial length (AL) changes and treatment outcomes.

Methods

In this 1‐year prospective study, 53 children (aged 8–17 years) were enrolled, with 30 undergoing orthokeratology and 23 receiving 0.01% atropine. CBP parameters, including the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI), central corneal thickness (CCT), biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) and stress–strain index (SSI), were assessed at baseline and during follow‐ups at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The orthokeratology group was further stratified into good and poor responders based on early myopia reduction.

Results

The orthokeratology group exhibited a significant increase in CBI over time, particularly among good responders, while CCT, bIOP and SSI remained stable. In contrast, no significant changes in CBPs were observed in the atropine group. AL elongation showed no significant correlation with CBP changes in either group. The orthokeratology group achieved superior control of myopia progression compared to the atropine group at 12 months, with poor responders exhibiting better long‐term AL control.

Conclusions

Both orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine were effective in controlling myopia. While atropine had no impact on CBPs, the increase in CBI with orthokeratology may predict early treatment outcomes. However, the initial response to orthokeratology did not guarantee long‐term effectiveness, highlighting the need for individualised treatment monitoring.
Macrophage Polarisation During Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Infection in Mice
Authors: Floro e Silva Marina , Roque Guilherme Augusto Sanches , de Oliveira Coser Lilian , Jorge Genesy Pérez , de Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues , Rocha Francisca Janaína Soares , Giorgio Selma
Published: January 2025

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis causes cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Macrophages are host cells for parasite replication and act as effector cells against the parasite. The two main macrophage phenotypes (M1 and M2) and their polarisation states have been implicated in Leishmania infection despite scarce data on L. (V.) braziliensis. In this study, we investigated the temporal and spatial distribution and predominance of M1 and M2 macrophages during L. (V.) braziliensis infection in Balb/c mice. Animals were infected with L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes and were monitored for 25 weeks. Histopathological evaluation of footpad lesions, regional lymph nodes, and spleen; cellularity; and macrophage population quantification of M1, and M2 macrophages by flow cytometry were performed in different tissues. The results showed that after infection with either strain of L. (V.) braziliensis the lesions were small and non‐ulcerated. The dissemination of parasites to tissues reinforced the characteristic visualisation of dermotropicL. (V.) braziliensis. The proportion of M2 macrophages in different tissues was significantly higher than that of M1 macrophages. Overall, the results reported here confirm that Leishmania an intracellular parasite, promotes and influences macrophage phenotype polarisation in different tissues over time, and researchers testing therapies based on macrophage phenotype regulation should consider this evidence.
What Is Wrong with Imposing Risk of Harm?
Authors: Rowe Thomas
Published: January 2025

When and why is it wrong to impose a pure risk of harm on others? A pure risk of harm is a risk that fails to materialise into the harm that is threatened. It initially seems puzzling on what grounds a pure risk of harm can be wrong. There have been multiple attempts to explain the wrongness of imposing risk either by reference to the badness of the risked outcome itself or to impacts on the victim, such as harm. In this article, I argue that these approaches are unsatisfactory. Instead, I motivate another approach, what I call a wronging‐first approach to the wrongness of imposing pure risk of harm. This approach explains the wrongness of imposing risk of harm in virtue of it being a wronging. As an example of this approach, I put forward the Adequate Concern Account, which holds that an imposition of a risk of harm is wrong in virtue of the act failing to consider the victim's equal moral standing as a stringent source of constraints on conduct. I close by demonstrating the superiority of this approach and account to existing outcome‐based approaches.
The ITLOS advisory opinion on climate change: Revisiting the relationship between the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Paris Agreement
Authors: Klerk Bastiaan E.
Published: January 2025

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has issued its highly anticipated Advisory Opinion on Climate Change and International Law, following a request from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). The landmark Advisory Opinion elucidated numerous contentious issues around the interplay between the climate change and the law of the sea regimes. This article critically examines the ITLOS Advisory Opinion with respect to the relationship between the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contextualising them within the extensive academic and political discourse preceding the Opinion. In particular, the lex specialis question is brought into sharper focus. The Tribunal rejected the notion that the Paris Agreement is lex specialis with respect to climate change impacts on the ocean and clarified the nexus between adaptation measures and the overarching obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment. The analysis reveals that the Advisory Opinion conveys a generally critical view of the Paris Agreement, and may, despite its imposition of far‐reaching obligations upon States to mitigate marine pollution from greenhouse gases, inadvertently undermine global efforts to combat climate change. However, by articulating concrete legal obligations for States under the UNCLOS to prevent, control and reduce marine pollution from greenhouse gas emissions, the Advisory Opinion could further strengthen the legal foundations for domestic and international climate change litigation and elevate the profile of the oceans in global climate change negotiations.
Mineralogy and Hydrothermal Alteration of Rocks Associated With Gold Mineralization in Akobo Greenstone Belt, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Solomon Rebso , Krishnamurthi Rajagopal , Sahoo Ajit Kumar
Published: January 2025

The Akobo Greenstone Belt gold mineralization in the Western Ethiopian Greenstone Terrain is hosted by the Surma shear zone. Talc‐chlorite schist, chlorite schist, actinolite bearing rocks, granite, meta ultramafic rocks, felsic metavolcanic rocks, and Banded Iron Formation are the dominant rock types found in the Gindibab‐Wolleta and Chamo‐Segele areas. This study describes the geology, mineralogy, and mineral chemistry/alteration of host rocks associated to the gold mineralization. We conducted outcrop and hand specemen, petrography, and mineral chemistry analyses. The host rocks of the auriferous quartz vein in the Gindibab‐Wolleta area is felsic metavolcanics and banded iron formation. The metamorphosed felsic‐mafic igneous rocks of greenschist facies hosts the mineralization. Chloritization, carbonatization, sericitization, and biotitization are the common hydrothermal alteration associated with the host rocks. The hydrothermal alteration is characterized by the chlorite + plagioclase + ankerite + biotite + calcite + sericite assemblages. The chlorite geothermometery suggests that the temperatures of hydrothermal fluids associated to the gold mineralization in the Chamo‐Segele and Gindibab‐Wolleta areas ranges from 180°C to 350°C.
Assessing the combined effects of mechanical and chemical weeding on weed dynamics in winter wheat
Authors: Lacroix Christophe , Pierreux Jérôme , Brostaux Yves , Vandenberghe Christophe , Dumont Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Mechanical weeding, such as harrowing, offers a promising approach for reaching the European Union's goal of a 50% reduction in pesticide use. To assess its potential, used alone or with foliar‐applied herbicides without residual activity, a 6‐year study was conducted on winter wheat cultivated in loamy soil under temperate conditions (Belgium). Weed density dynamics and percentage weed control (WC) were measured and compared between wheat tillering (BBCH 27‐29) and wheat canopy closure (BBCH 39‐75). Weeds were categorised as weeds maturing generally synchronously with wheat (OW), newly emergent (NE) weeds, or new weed species (NS) appearing in spring. The presence of OW was negatively correlated with yields (up to −0.44), while spring weeds had low or no impact on yield. Overall, one harrow pass reduced OW pressure significantly, with no statistical differences between one versus two passes (the second pass was performed several days after the first). The percentage of WC reached 92%–94% when herbicide was used in combination with harrowing (respectively for one and two harrow passes), and proved to be more effective than harrowing alone whose efficacy reached 64%–70% (respectively for two and one harrow passes). This study also found evidence effects of natural competition from wheat on weeds. Specifically, 54% WC was observed just after harrowing, and 70% was observed when the wheat canopy was closed. These findings suggest that an integrated weed management approach may involve an initial harrowing pass with subsequent evaluation of its effectiveness prior to commencing another intervention. In the event of poor efficacy, a full dose application of herbicide may be warranted.
Nonminimum Phase Zeros of Multi-Degrees-of-Freedom Damped Flexible Systems
Authors: Rath Siddharth , Radgolchin Moeen , Maheshwari Arunav , Awtar Shorya
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the nonminimum phase (NMP) zeros in the transfer function, between actuated load input and measured displacement output, of a multi-degrees-of-freedom (DoF) flexible system in the presence of proportional viscous damping. NMP zeros have a negative impact on the dynamics and control of flexible systems and therefore are generally undesirable. Viscous damping is one potential means to guarantee that no NMP zeros exist in the system. However, the impact of viscous damping on NMP zeros of multi-DoF flexible systems is not adequately studied or understood in the literature. To address this gap, a change of variable method is used to first establish a simple mathematical relationship between the zeros of a multi-DoF undamped flexible system and its proportionally damped counterpart. The “proportional” viscous damping model is used due to its practical amenability, conceptual simplicity, and ease of application. This mathematical relationship (between zeros of an undamped system and its damped counterpart) is used to derive the necessary and sufficient condition for the absence of NMP zeros in proportionally damped flexible systems. A graphical analysis of this necessary and sufficient condition is provided, which leads to the formulation of simple proportional damping strategies. A case study of a 4DoF flexible system is presented to demonstrate how a proportional viscous damping strategy can be used to simultaneously guarantee the absence of NMP zeros in multiple single-input single-output (SISO) transfer functions of a multi-DoF flexible system.
Radiation efficiency varying equivalent radiated power
Authors: Kvist Kristian , Sorokin Sergey V. , Larsen Jan Balle
Published: January 2025

In this paper, an improved version of the classical equivalent radiated power (ERP) approximation is proposed based on principled physical arguments. A geometry-, frequency-, and vibration pattern-dependent approximation of radiation efficiency is developed and used as a corrective factor for the classical ERP approximation. The proposed method called “radiation efficiency varying equivalent radiated power” (revERP), is shown to greatly improve the accuracy of classical ERP at low Helmholtz numbers, while attaining the accuracy of classical ERP at high Helmholtz numbers. The revERP method is exemplified on several components of industrial complexity, and shows a valuable alternative to full vibro-acoustic finite element analysis for early-stage assessment of acoustic performance.
Coach Assist: Assessing Youth Basketball Coaches’ Feedback on Participation in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention Incorporating Self-Determination Theory Principles
Authors: Gutman Tomer , Lev-Arey Dalit , Erez Tamir , Tarrasch Ricardo
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a pioneering intervention program based mainly on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by sports coaches. In order to provide a more comprehensive intervention that bolsters coaches’ intra- and interpersonal skills, principles from Self-Determination Theory have been integrated as a complementary framework. The program was nationally implemented across 32 youth basketball clubs, engaging 172 coaches. These coaches participated in a four-session series, focusing on diverse facets including value exploration, awareness of behavioral functions (“choice point”), self-regulation techniques, and strategies to meet athletes’ basic psychological needs. Out of these, 108 coaches from 26 participating clubs filled out the online feedback form at the end of the intervention, highlighting their experiences, benefits, and areas of improvement within the program. Coaches’ feedback indicated that the program furnished an effective framework for sports coaching, suggesting enhancements in coaches’ abilities to navigate their challenges. Practical recommendations have been administered based on the coaches’ feedback.
Sustaining and Disrupting Psychologically Abusive Coaching Practices: An Archival Case Examination of National Hockey League Coach Mike Babcock
Authors: Battaglia Anthony , Kerr Gretchen
Published: January 2025

The athlete maltreatment crisis and associated cover-ups in sport have received considerable public attention. Calls have been made to critically reflect on broader social norms or features of the sport domain that may enable and sustain such behaviors. To demonstrate the systemic nature of maltreatment, we provide a critical analysis of the case of Mike Babcock, a highly regarded coach in the National Hockey League who reportedly engaged in psychologically abusive conduct throughout his career. Utilizing Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we discuss macrosystem-, exosystem-, mesosystem-, and microsystem-level factors that enabled Babcock to allegedly engage in psychologically abusive behaviors with adult male athletes in professional ice hockey without consequences. We also highlight several reasons as to why, after so many years (chronosystem), Babcock’s coaching methods received appropriate criticism. To advance the field of kinesiology, we suggest the importance of embedding maltreatment prevention and intervention education in kinesiology programs.
Sensing of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells by plasmacytoid dendritic cells is modulated via an interplay between CD54/ICAM-1 and CD11a/LFA-1 α
L
integrin
Authors: Cai ChenRongRong , Pham Tram N. Q. , Adam Damien , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Cohen Éric A.
Published: January 2025

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces interferon (IFN) response by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. Here, we show that the bulk of the IFN-I release comes from pDC sensing of infected cells and not cell-free virions. Physical contact (or conjugates) between pDCs and infected cells is mediated through CD54-CD11a engagement, and such conjugate formation is required for efficient IFN-I production. Interestingly, CD11a is inducible on infected epithelial cells when they are co-cultured with PBMCs, thus allowing for potentially bidirectional cross-talks between CD54 and CD11a, which further amplify the sensing. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are sensed less efficiently than the Wuhan ancestral strain (LSPQ1), but the mechanisms driving the defect are different among the VOCs. CD11a induction on infected cells is correlated with their ability to form cell conjugates with pDCs. Impaired sensing of the Alpha variant is linked to reduced CD11a induction on infected cells and to fewer conjugates formed with pDCs. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into how SARS-CoV-2-infected cells are sensed by pDCs and reveal that this process is targeted by some VOCs to limit IFN-I production.

IMPORTANCE

Type I interferons (IFN-I) represent an important component of the host’s innate defense against initial SARS-CoV-2 infections. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce large quantities of IFN-I upon recognition of viral particles or infected cells. This study shows that pDCs sense infected cells more efficiently than viral particles, leading to a higher production of IFN-I. Physical contact between a pDC and an infected cell is critical to this process; the interaction is mediated via CD11a and ICAM-1 complex and potentially is bidirectional. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have evolved to limit the IFN response through different mechanisms. For the Alpha variant, reduced level of CD11a on infected cells is linked to less contact with pDCs and decreased IFN-I release. Overall, our study characterizes some of the early steps involved in pDC-mediated response against SARS-CoV-2 infection and shows that these processes are targeted by VOCs to likely limit IFN-I response and enhance viral spread.
Genome sequence data of
Bacillus spizizenii
GM2: a lipopeptide producer
Authors: Lutfullina Guzel , Pudova Daria , Lutfullin Marat , Nikolaeva Anastasia , Abubakirova Adela , Akosah Yaw , Shagimardanova Elena , Sharipova Margarita , Mardanova Ayslu
Published: January 2025

We present the findings from the genome-sequencing project of
Bacillus spizizenii
GM2, sourced from rhizospheric soil and renowned for its lipopeptide production. The genome spans 4,216,713 base pairs with an average G + C content of 43,6%.
Complete genome sequence of the first
Capnocytophaga canimorus
strain isolated from a red fox (
Vulpes vulpes
) in Germany
Authors: Kuhnert Peter , Brodard Isabelle , Jores Joerg
Published: January 2025

The zoonotic pathogen
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
is part of the oral microbiome of dogs and cats. We report the genome sequence of strain KM3195_24, isolated from a red fox. It has a circular genome of 2,718,701 bp with a G + C content of 36%, 2,419 CDS, 3 rRNA operons, and 45 tRNAs.
Group a
Streptococcus
remains viable inside fibrin clots and gains access to human plasminogen for subsequent fibrinolysis and dissemination
Authors: Vu Henry M. , Moran Thomas E. , Liang Zhong , Bao Yun-Juan , Carles Paulina G. , Keane Jessica C. , Cerney Madelyn G. , Dahnke Caitlyn N. , Flores-Mireles Ana L. , Ploplis Victoria A. , Castellino Francis J. , Lee Shaun W.
Published: January 2025

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a major human pathogen that causes several invasive diseases including necrotizing fasciitis. The host coagulation cascade initiates fibrin clots to sequester bacteria to prevent dissemination into deeper tissues. GAS, especially skin-tropic bacterial strains, utilize specific virulence factors, plasminogen binding M-protein (PAM) and streptokinase (SK), to manipulate hemostasis and activate plasminogen to cause fibrinolysis and fibrin clot escape. A major unresolved question regards the temporal dynamics of how GAS enmeshed in a fibrin clot can access plasminogen for clot dissolution and eventual dissemination. Here, we reveal through live imaging studies that GAS trapped inside a fibrin clot can remain viable in a latent state, until access to plasminogen activates fibrinolysis and dissemination. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis shows marked changes in the wild-type (WT)-GAS transcriptome from the time bacteria were enmeshed inside the clot (4 h) to when dissemination was initiated (8 h). To gain a more fully realized model of how GAS trapped in fibrin clots can disseminate in the blood system, we utilized a novel 3D endothelial microfluidic device to demonstrate that GAS is fully capable of fibrinolysis in an endothelial environment, revealing a major underappreciated route by which GAS may cause more invasive outcomes. Our findings reveal for the first time that GAS can engage a latent, growth-suspended phase whereby physical structures such as fibrin clots that immobilize an invading pathogen allow bacteria to remain viable until sufficient access to plasminogen allows it to initiate fibrinolysis and escape into surrounding blood system and tissues.

IMPORTANCE

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human-specific bacterial pathogen that causes infections ranging in severity from mild to severe infections that can often be fatal. To protect the host, the innate immune system creates fibrin clots to trap bacteria and prevent deeper spread. GAS produces several factors that can initiate the dissolution of these fibrin clots to spread to deeper tissues, but we lack specific understanding of the timing of these events. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that GAS can delay their escape from fibrin clots to gain access to deeper tissues during infection, suggesting a key strategy that GAS utilize to cause more invasive disease.
A new procedure for volcanic glass hydrogen isotope studies of tuffaceous sediments and its application in the North American Cordillera
Authors: Nandy Rijumon , Fan Majie
Published: January 2025

Hydrated volcanic glass δD (δDg) values of pure tuffs have been used to reconstruct paleoprecipitation δD in paleoelevation and paleoclimate studies. These hydrated glasses in tuffaceous sediments hold the potential for providing extended and continuous paleoprecipitation δDw records due to their abundance in the geologic record. However, glasses in such materials may be recycled and subjected to surface alteration, and the δDw values of the water that hydrated the glasses can vary across different depositional environments. Here we first develop a method to reduce the influence of recycled glass and surface alteration, then apply the method to the Eocene−Oligocene tuffaceous sediments in the Sage Creek basin, southwestern Montana, USA, to examine the variation of δDg in different depositional environments and test a previous interpretation of early Oligocene surface uplift in southwestern Montana. Our integration of microscopic observations of glass morphology and lab experiments of hydrofluoric acid (HF) abrasion of glasses for various durations (30 s to 30 min) shows that 10% HF abrasion for at least 5 min removes most of the recycled glass in tuffaceous sediments and does not change the δDg values and hydration water contents. Our data also show that pumice and cuspate glasses have higher δDg and water content than blocky glasses, which explains some of the δDg variations. The extended HF abrasion method was applied to 91 tuffaceous sandstone samples from floodplain and alluvial/fluvial channel facies in the Renova Formation in the Sage Creek basin. The results show that the δDg values exhibit greater variations in trunk and avulsion channels and floodplain facies than in paleosols. These variations are likely due to the mixing of waters derived from diverse elevations and sources, with differing evaporation degrees and glass types. This study underscores the significant potential of utilizing hydrated volcanic glass δDg from tuffaceous sediments for paleoclimate and paleoelevation studies. Nonetheless, it is important to assess the influence of depositional environment when interpreting such data. Paleosols are more suitable than other facies for reconstructing basinal precipitation δDw, but it is crucial to evaluate the effect of evaporation on paleosol δDg before interpretation. Additionally, the study reveals an absence of the anticipated early Oligocene negative δDg shift, calling for further investigation of this hypothesis.
Integration Design of Chinese Painting and Architectural Space Based on Virtual Reality Technology
Authors: Qu Mei
Published: January 2025

Chinese painting elements are important elements in modern architectural design, which facilitate the integration of the entire building into the environment and present the scroll style spatial hierarchy of Chinese painting. Therefore, it is necessary to research on the integration design method of Chinese painting and architectural space based on virtual reality technology. First, the architectural space and landscape design plan images integrated with Chinese painting are imported into VTK software. Second, the median filtering method is used to filter the imported images, and a secure multi-party calculation method is used to construct building and landscape models, thus generating a database of architectural spatial layout element models. Then, for the 3D models in the database, Chinese painting elements are applied to architectural space design. Model rendering is achieved through lighting, color, atomization, and other processing to enhance the visual appeal of the models. Next, using the rendered 3D models of buildings and landscapes, a virtual interactive architectural spatial environment background is achieved through the freehand artistic conception concept and framing techniques in Chinese painting. Finally, we design a multi-sensory visual interactive interface based on virtual reality to display the results of the architectural spatial environment scenery to users. The experimental results show that this method has high modeling and rendering accuracy, and can achieve landscape layout browsing from different angles, improving user experience.
Research and Implementation of Adaptive Production Scheduling Algorithm in Digital Transformation and Upgrading of Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Zhao Feng , Wang Lingli
Published: January 2025

With the use of digital innovations including artificial intelligence (AI), the manufacturing business has been reshaped by the fourth industrial revolution. Yet, since rescheduling determinations are unpredictable and random mechanisms exist, controlling enhanced production scheduling still presents challenges. So, this study presents an innovative digital technologies-driven scheduling mechanism leveraging AI to tackle the difficulties of rescheduling in the aspect of production scheduling. A genetic-assisted beetle swarm optimization (GBSO) strategy is introduced for the flexible job shop problem (FJSP) with sequence-dependent configuration and constrained dual supplies. Then, rescheduling sequences are discovered using the support vector machine (SVM) approach. The Python environment is utilized for testing the suggested procedures, and the effectiveness of these approaches is examined in terms of scheduling latencies and the rate of rescheduling. This research demonstrated that the developed methodologies achieved the best performance in rescheduling frequency and scheduling latencies, thereby enhancing the manufacturing sector operations.
Decision Tree Model-Based Security Situational Awareness Approach for Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Yuan Shuhong , Shan Kangkang , Feng Jieying
Published: January 2025

Network security situational awareness is gaining increasing attention due to its capability to globally and dynamically detect potential network security risks. However, traditional security situational awareness models often exhibit poor classification performance, resulting in lower-than-expected acceleration and scalability ratios. In this paper, we propose a novel security situational awareness approach for wireless communication networks based on a decision tree model. First, reconfigure the category division module to categorize the attack data into four different types. Then, using time windows to segment the data flow between the network and the host promotes the design of effective security event detection mechanisms in the model. Finally, a comprehensive network security situational awareness model was constructed at the joint level using decision tree algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the acceleration ratio, and the space occupancy ratio can reach 80, indicating that the proposed method can have a high level of processing capability and accurate perception in network security situations, providing a guarantee for the security of wireless communication networks.
Application of Computer Vision in Automatic Generation of Product Appearance Design
Authors: Jia Beibei
Published: January 2025

One of the most important aspects of industrial manufacturing is the assessment of product appearance and quality, which frequently occurs manually. A product’s appearance can convey practical qualities, aesthetic value, and a sense of quality to consumers. This study explores the use of computer vision in the automatic generation of product appearance designs. In this study, a dolphin swarm-driven weighted random forest (DS-WRF) design approach is introduced to assist designers in improving the efficiency of product appearance design with automatic generation. In this study, we collected product image data. The data were preprocessed to resize the images. The two primary components of this method are sketched inversion and design scheme creation. The produced sketches are entered into the sketch inversion model combined with the matching color images for training. Sketches by hand are transformed into color design patterns using this approach. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed method involves the automatic generation of product appearance designs with high quality.
Building on Shaky Ground
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: January 2025

We owe it to the world to make systems work safely and reliably.