bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-flight testing of the integrated mission management system
Authors: Grzybowski Piotr , Ziółkowski Kamil
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research on the flight demonstration of avionics technology for CS-23 commuter category aircraft. The Integrated Mission Management System (IMMS) is designed to reduce pilot workload by aggregating hazard information from multiple domains (airspace, traffic, weather and terrain) and automatically prefiltering this data to display only hazards relevant to the flight plan, from origin to destination. This paper details the design of the IMMS, along with the process of the integration on aircraft and flight demonstration results.

Design/methodology/approach

The IMMS integrates several technologies, including the Advanced Weather Awareness System, Tactical Separation System, Compact Computing Platform and Flight Reconfiguration System. Hazards are consolidated in a Unified Hazard Database (UHD) and assigned severity levels, providing automated hazard filtering and path planning.

Findings

Simulations and flight tests demonstrated that the IMMS effectively reduces the information displayed to pilots in real-time without loss of critical safety data. Feedbacks from test pilots on IMMS usage, as well as suggestions for improving the multi-source Graphical User Interface, are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the UHD were identified, offering insights into potential expansions to support more efficient automatic flight planning. The technology was validated through extensive laboratory testing and real-world flight trials, achieving Technology Readiness Level 5. This validation demonstrated how the severity of hazards can be linked to their transparency level on the display, with the aim of reducing information overload.

Practical implications

The IMMS shows potential to be ground-breaking system in the CS-23 aircraft category, autonomously supporting route planning and flight execution while adapting to in-flight weather changes and ensuring tactical separation from other aircraft. It also shows that multi-domain hazard information can be processed on limited on-board avionics systems.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of Hardware-In-The-Loop testing in verifying new technologies and mitigating risks related to software reliability, flight demonstrations and system integration.
Health system responsiveness from perspective of people with disabilities in west of Iran: a quantitative study
Authors: Piroozi Bakhtiar , Shokri Azad , Safari Hossein , Mohammadi Bolbanabad Amjad , Hematpour Siroos , Rahimi Ramyar , Adabi Jalil , Mahmodpour Jamal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Responsiveness is one of the key components of good governance and one of the ultimate goals of health systems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance and level of health system responsiveness (HSR) from the perspective of people with disabilities in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was carried out using multi-stage sampling in Kurdistan province in 2020. Of 1,067 participants, 889 and 520 had used outpatient and inpatient services, respectively. HSR questionnaire developed by World Health Organization was completed.

Findings

The dimensions of prompt attention (97%) and social support (81%) were the most and the least important dimensions for the respondents, respectively. In general, 43.6% of the respondents reported a “poor” status for HSR.

Research limitations/implications

Designing targeted interventions to increase the level of health system responsiveness, especially with a focus on dimensions that are important to respondents but have weak performance, such as communication, confidentiality and autonomy, is suggested based on the findings of this study.

Originality/value

This is the first study performed on HSR from the perspective of people with disabilities in Iran. The findings of this study could be of interest to health policy makers to understand and improve healthcare experiences for marginalized populations globally.
Polysaccharides from fermented garlic attenuate high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in mice through gut microbes
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Ya‐Qian , Xu Wen‐Man , Fan Si‐Yao , Huang Yu , Lu Shi‐Rui , Kang Xue‐Ping , Zhang Yang , Ji Wenxiu , Dong Wei‐Wei
Published: December 2024

The weight loss and lipid‐lowering effects of fermented garlic polysaccharides (BGP) in obese mice were analyzed by detecting the intestinal flora and short‐chain fatty acids. An obesity model was established by feeding mice a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. After euthanasia, biochemical index testing and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed. Spearman analysis was used to assess the relationship between the 16S rRNA sequencing results and the fatty acid content in mouse feces. Compared with the obese model mice, the BGP group had significantly reduced body weight and serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and free fatty acids in the serum. Moreover, BGP reversed HFD‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, as indicated by the elevated populations of Paraclostridium, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_006, Enterorhabdus, and Lachnospiraceae‐NK4A136. BGP also significantly increased the contents of acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids. These results indicate that BGP may serve as a potential prebiotic agent that modulates particular bacteria in the gut and their byproducts that play a crucial role in preventing diseases associated with obesity.
Co‐encapsulation of vitamins B6 and B12 using zein/gum arabic nanocarriers for enhanced stability, bioaccessibility, and oral bioavailability
Authors: Karoshi Vijaykumar Ramesh , Nallamuthu Ilaiyaraja , Anand Tamatam
Published: December 2024

The present study aimed to fabricate a co‐deliver system using zein/gum arabic (GA) polymers for enhanced stability and bioavailability of vitamins (B6 and B12). The anti‐solvent evaporation method was used for the preparation of PC–ZG NPs (pyridoxine–cyanocobalamin zein–GA nanoparticles). The process conditions were statistically optimized using the design of Box–Behnken. The optimized conditions produced small‐sized particles (∼170 nm) with high zeta potential (−31 mV) and efficient encapsulation for pyridoxine (61.6%) and cyanocobalamin (56.3%). Scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffractometry, and Thermogravimetric analysis results confirmed that the developed formulation had a roughly spherical shape and an amorphous character with better thermal stability compared to free‐forms of the vitamins. The results of the storage study showed no significant changes in nanoparticle size at 4, 25, and 37°C over a 90‐day period. However, a slight variation in retention of the vitamins was observed during the initial period. The bioaccessibility of both the vitamins from PC–ZG NPs ranged between 56% and 62% post 6 h simulated digestion. In Caco‐2 cells, the cellular uptake of vitamins was higher from nanoforms compared to the free‐forms. Further, oral administration of PC–ZG NPs in rats exhibited 4.8‐ and 2.2‐fold increases in relative bioavailability of vitamins B6 and B12, respectively. A significant reduction of plasma homocysteine level (p ˂ 0.05) in the treated group was also observed. Together, these results suggest that the developed nanoformulation has improved physicochemical properties with enhanced bioavailability and, hence, could be used as an effective delivery system for the vitamins in food and nutraceutical products.
Impact of concomitant aortic valve replacement in patients with mild‐to‐moderate aortic valve regurgitation undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation: EUROMACS analysis
Authors: Gliozzi Gregorio , Nersesian Gaik , Gallone Guglielmo , Schoenrath Felix , Netuka Ivan , Zimpfer Daniel , de By Theo M. M. H. , Faerber Gloria , Spitaleri Antonio , Vendramin Igor , Gummert Jan , Falk Volkmar , Meyns Bart , Rinaldi Mauro , Potapov Evgenij , Loforte Antonio
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy may lead to an aortic regurgitation, limiting left ventricular unloading and causing adverse events. Whether concomitant aortic valve replacement may improve outcomes in patients with preoperative mild‐to‐moderate aortic regurgitation remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective propensity score‐matched analysis of adult patients with preoperative mild‐to‐moderate aortic regurgitation undergoing durable LVAD implantation between 01/01/2011 and 30/11/2021 was performed. Patients undergoing concomitant valve surgery other than biological aortic valve replacement were excluded, resulting in 77 with concomitant biological aortic valve replacement and 385 without.

Results

Following 1:1 propensity score matching, two groups of 55 patients with and without biological aortic valve replacement were obtained, (mean age 59 ± 11 years, 92% male, 59.1% HeartWare). Aortic regurgitation was mild in 72.7% and 76.4% and moderate in 27.3% and 23.6% in non‐replacement and replacement cohorts respectively. The 30‐day survival was 89.1% vs. 85.5% (p = 0.59), 1‐year survival 69.1% vs. 56.4% (p = 0.19), and 2‐year survival 61.8% vs. 47.3% (p = 0.10) in the non‐replacement and replacement groups, respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 1.2 years, non‐replacement patients had a higher incidence of pump thrombosis (11 [20%] vs. 3 [5.5%], p = 0.022) and fewer major bleedings (2 [3.6%] vs. 11 [20%], p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Compared with those treated conservatively, patients with mild‐to‐moderate aortic regurgitation undergoing concomitant aortic valve replacement during LVAD implantation have a similar survival up to 2 years on support. Patients with concomitant valve replacement had a higher risk of bleeding complications but fewer pump thromboses.
Elastoplastic Crack Initiation Behavior of Unsaturated Rock Fractures (Cavities) With Asymmetric Hole‐Edge Cracks Under Gas‐Ice Pressure
Authors: Chen Wenhua , Xiang Tian
Published: December 2024

Current research on frost heave‐induced cracking in fractures of rock masses in cold regions typically assumes that fractures are fully saturated. However, in actual engineering practice, rock mass fractures are often in an unsaturated state. Upon freezing, the fracture surfaces are subjected to a complex combination of gas pressure, freezing pressure, and ice friction forces. This study investigates the crack initiation mechanisms of unsaturated rock fractures with asymmetric edge cracks under gas‐ice pressure conditions. Assuming a small yield range, we derive the calculation formulas for gas pressure after freezing, stress intensity factor, crack initiation angle, and crack initiation stress based on the complex variable function and elastic‐plastic crack mechanics theory. Additionally, an improved phase‐field model is proposed for calculating dynamic crack propagation in mixed‐mode I‐II fractures, with key parameters analyzed and discussed. The results demonstrate that: By comparing the analytical solutions with numerical calculations, the validity of the proposed model is verified. During the freezing process, dynamic crack propagation in unsaturated fractures will exhibit bifurcation. At higher water saturation levels, crack propagation shows a pattern of initial bifurcation followed by subsequent merging.
Oral Hygiene Status and Psychological Factors Among Sheltered Adolescents in Recife
Authors: Vasconcelos Gabriela Brito , de Melo José Rodolfo Tavares , Barreira Alice Kelly , Colares Viviane
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between oral hygiene status and psychological factors among foster adolescents in Recife.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in Recife in 10 shelters for adolescents aged 10–17 years. After obtaining ethics approval, the adolescents were clinically examined. Their oral hygiene was recorded using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI), and they were asked about their oral hygiene and visits to the dentist. They were also asked about anxiety, depression and stress (DASS‐21). The results were statistically analysed using the chi‐squared and Fisher's exact test or odds ratios, as appropriate.

Results

Eighty‐one adolescents, of whom 56 were males and 25 were females, participated in the study. They had been admitted to shelters 2–6 months before because they had been neglected and/or abandoned and/or were homeless. Only 8.6% had visited a dentist in the previous 12 months. Seventy‐eight (94%) had access to toothbrushes and toothpaste and performed daily oral hygiene. Seventy‐one (88%) reported anxiety, 69 (85%) depression and 74 (91%) stress. There was no association between these three factors and OHI. Several factors, including the region of origin (p = 0.434) and time living in the shelter (p = 0.0303), were associated with stress.

Conclusions

Attention should be given to adolescents living in shelters to ensure their good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, especially those who have suffered abuse/violence/exploitation. They must also be given mental health assistance.
Feasibility and Clinical Efficacy of Focal Pulsed Field Ablation in Patients With Non‐Pulmonary Vein Triggered Atrial Arrhythmia From the Superior Caval Vein
Authors: Keelani Ahmad , Alothman Obaida , Borisov Georgi , Frommhold Markus , Bartoli Lorenzo , Abdelwahab Hytham , D'Ambrosio Gabriele , Shehri Sultan Al , Raffa Santi , Geller J. Christoph
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In patients with atrial arrhythmias originating from the superior vena cava (SVC), the use of radiofrequency energy to isolate the SVC is associated with a significant risk of injury both to the phrenic nerve and the sinus node. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) may overcome the disadvantages of thermal energy and improve both ablation efficacy and safety.

Objective

We report the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of focal monopolar PFA in patients with the origin of their atrial arrhythmia in the SVC.

Methods

Nine patients (7 men, age 66 ± 8 years) with SVC‐induced paroxysmal AF (n = 3), persistent AF (n = 5), or frequent premature atrial beats (n = 1) underwent SVC isolation using focal monopolar PFA.

Results

Acute circumferential SVC isolation was achieved in all cases, using 22 Ampere (A) or 25 A in areas with or without phrenic capture, respectively. The safety profile was excellent: two patients had transient sinus arrest and two had transient phrenic nerve stunning. Sinus node and phrenic nerve function recovered during the procedure, and no permanent damage was observed at follow‐up. Coronary vasospasm occurred (and quickly resolved after injection of nitroglycerin) in one patient during additional ablation of a focal atrial tachycardia at the coronary sinus ostium. Kidney function remained stable before and after ablation in all patients.

Conclusions

In this patient cohort with SVC‐triggered atrial arrhythmia, isolation using focal monopolar PFA was feasible, effective, and safe. No permanent injury to the phrenic nerve or sinus node was observed.
Exploring brain perfusion in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: A promising role for arterial spin labeling imaging
Authors: Arti Léa , Gnirs Kirsten , Papageorgiou Stella , Ruel Yannick , Agoulon Albert , Boddaert Nathalie , Gaillot Hugues
Published: December 2024

Background

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a noninvasive brain perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that has not been assessed in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess brain perfusion changes characteristics before and after medical treatment, and investigate the role of ASL perfusion in the diagnosis and prognosis of MUO in dogs.

Animals

Thirty‐one dogs with presumed MUO.

Methods

Prospective study. Each animal had brain MRI including standard and ASL perfusion sequences at presentation and after treatment of 3 months or longer. Brain perfusion characteristics were assessed visually and by cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements. Perfusion characteristics were compared pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

Dogs with MUO had preferential localization of lesions in optic nerves (ONs) and brainstem. At presentation, one third of the dogs with MUO had focal brain perfusion alterations and two‐thirds had global brain hypoperfusion. Both focal and global brain perfusion changes resolved after treatment in all surviving dogs. Arterial spin labeling failed to predict prognosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Brain ASL perfusion in dogs with MUO demonstrated the value of ASL in the diagnosis and follow‐up of the condition, suggesting the value of adding ASL to the clinical evaluation in dogs with suspected MUO. Preferential lesion localization in ON and brainstem resembled findings in the central nervous system of human patients with inflammatory demyelinating diseases. Future studies with histopathological confirmation are needed to better characterize the benefits of ASL in the different subtypes of non‐infectious encephalomyelitis in dogs.
Phylosymbiosis and Elevated Cancer Risk in Genetically Depauperate Channel Island Foxes
Authors: DeCandia Alexandra L. , Lu Jasmine , Hamblen Emily E. , Brenner Lara J. , King Julie L. , Gagorik Calypso N. , Schamel Juliann T. , Baker Stacy S. , Ferrara Francesca J. , Booker Melissa , Bridges Andrew , Carrasco Cesar , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Koepfli Klaus‐Peter , Maldonado Jesús E.
Published: December 2024

Examination of the host‐associated microbiome in wildlife can provide critical insights into the eco‐evolutionary factors driving species diversification and response to disease. This is particularly relevant for isolated populations lacking genomic variation, a phenomenon that is increasingly common as human activities create habitat ‘islands’ for wildlife. Here, we characterised the gut and otic microbial communities of one such species: Channel Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis). The gut microbiome provided evidence of phylosymbiosis by reflecting the host phylogeny, geographic proximity, history of island colonisation and contemporary ecological differences, whereas the otic microbiome primarily reflected geography and disease. Santa Catalina Island foxes are uniquely predisposed to ceruminous gland tumours following infection with Otodectes cynotis ear mites, while San Clemente and San Nicolas Island foxes exhibit ear mite infections without evidence of tumours. Comparative analyses of otic microbiomes revealed that mite‐infected Santa Catalina and San Clemente Island foxes exhibited reduced bacterial diversity, skewed abundance towards the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and disrupted microbial community networks. However, Santa Catalina Island foxes uniquely harboured Fusobacterium and Prevotella bacteria as potential keystone taxa. These bacteria have previously been associated with colorectal cancer and may predispose Santa Catalina Island foxes to an elevated cancer risk. In contrast, mite‐infected San Nicolas Island foxes maintained high bacterial diversity and robust microbial community networks, suggesting that they harbour more resilient microbiomes. Considered together, our results highlight the diverse eco‐evolutionary factors influencing commensal microbial communities and their hosts and underscore how the microbiome can contribute to disease outcomes.
Multistep Algorithm to Predict RVOT PVC Site of Origin for Successful Ablation Using Available Criteria: A Two‐Center Cross‐Validation Study
Authors: Amadis Muhammad Rafdi , Lo Li‐Wei , Salim Simon , Yamin Muhammad , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chung Fa‐Po , Sukardi Rubiana , Lin Chin‐Yu , Chang Ting‐Yung , Kuo Ling , Pramudita Angga , Liu Chih‐Min , Liu Shin‐Huei , Wu Cheng‐I , Huang Yu‐Shan , Nguyen Dinh Son Ngoc , Tran Dat Cao , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: December 2024

Background

Predicting premature ventricular contraction (PVC) origin pre‐ablation is a fundamental step, as right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) PVC often leads to higher success rates.

Objective

To compare nine published ECG criteria to differentiate between RVOT and non‐RVOT origins of PVCs and develop a stepwise algorithm using those criteria to better determine PVC origin to predict ablation success.

Methods

Two centers were involved in this study, the derivation group and the validation group. The derivation group included 65 patients with PVC left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern morphology (predominantly negative in lead V1) and inferior axis (predominantly positive in leads II and III), who underwent ablation at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) (2017–2022). The validation group included 291 patients who underwent ablation at the Taipei Veteran General Hospital (2020–2023). We calculated and compared six diagnostic accuracy measures from nine previously published ECG morphology criteria to develop an algorithm to enhance the accuracy of predicting RVOT PVC origin for successful ablation.

Results

Our multistep algorithm using Criteria 5, 8, and 1 enhanced diagnostic performance compared to using each criterion alone. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the derivation group were 86.2%, 93.6%, and 66.7%, respectively; those in the validation group were 85.9%, 90.8%, and 64.7%, respectively. The ROC curve AUCs were 0.802 and 0.775, respectively.

Conclusion

In cases of inferior axis and LBBB pattern PVCs, a multistep algorithm using multiple criteria increases the accuracy of predicting RVOT PVC origin instead of using a single criterion.
Association Between Melanoma Metastasis and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross‐Sectional Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Sha Shanshan , Sun Shuomin , Dong Liyun , Wei Haoran , Chen Weiyu , Dong Enzhu , Li Lu , Lan Jiajia , Li Jun , Yang Liu , Chen Yong , Tao Juan
Published: December 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains a significant global public health concern. However, the relationship between MetS, its individual components and melanoma metastasis remains unexplored. We analysed the clinical data of 258 Chinese melanoma patients who had not undergo systemic therapy. Binary logistic regression, adjusted for sex and age, was employed to evaluate the connection between MetS and its components and melanoma metastasis. Of the 258 melanoma patients, 92 met the MetS criteria upon diagnosis. No direct association between MetS and melanoma metastasis was identified. However, specific components of MetS, namely low HDL‐cholesterol levels (OR = 2.85, 95% CI:1.50–5.41, p < 0.05) and dysglycaemia (OR = 4.23, 95% CI:1.80–8.96, p < 0.05), were associated with melanoma metastasis. In subgroup analysis, hypertriglyceridemia correlated with melanoma metastasis in non‐elderly patients (< 65 years) (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.14–6.33, p < 0.05). Central obesity and hypertension showed no association. A dose–response analysis further indicated that melanoma metastasis risk escalated with increasing fasting blood glucose and blood triglyceride concentrations, and with decreasing blood HDL concentration. Our results suggest that monitoring and managing individual components of the MetS, particularly HDL‐cholesterol levels, fasting glucose and triglyceride levels, may have potential prognostic benefits for melanoma in the Chinese population.
Ambulatory autonomic nervous system activity in relation to hearing impairment
Authors: Huizinga Nicole A. , Keur‐Huizinga Laura , van de Ven Sjors , van Dijk Wieke , Versfeld Niek J. , Zekveld Adriana A. , Kramer Sophia E. , de Geus Eco J. C.
Published: December 2024

Previous research has demonstrated that hearing impairment is associated with heightened subjective experiences of listening effort, fatigue, and stress, impacting daily functioning. This study aimed to evaluate whether hearing impairment alters physiological stress systems and whether different aspects of hearing impairment could vary in predicting dysregulation in these systems. Hallmark measures of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity were derived from electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, and electrodermal activity recordings taken from 133 individuals, aged 37 to 73, over two 24‐hr periods, including sleep. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), participants reported mood, listening effort, and fatigue seven times daily. Hearing impairment was quantified through pure tone thresholds, speech perception in noise testing, and the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability questionnaire (Amsterdam Inventory). Using mixed models, we compared average daytime and sleep values of physiological measures across the 2 days, and their daytime‐to‐sleep contrast, based on each hearing impairment assessment. Results indicated that all three hearing impairment assessments were strong predictors of EMA outcomes of listening effort and fatigue. Contrary to expectations, hearing impairment did not have a significant impact on parasympathetic activity in daily life or on skin sympathetic activity. However, individuals with higher impairment exhibited a larger change in a cardiac sympathetic measure, the pre‐ejection period, during wakefulness compared to sleep. Overall, hearing impairment had a small impact on autonomic nervous system functioning in daily life, but the effects were potentially attenuated by reduced exposure to listening demand in those with hearing impairment.
Paternal depressive symptoms and infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia predict empathy‐related behaviors
Authors: Dann Yael , Egotubov Alisa , Gordon Hecker Avigail , Sheiner Eyal , Uzefovsky Florina , Gueron Sela Noa
Published: December 2024

Children with specific psychophysiological profiles may be more strongly affected by adverse environmental experiences. Guided by a biopsychosocial perspective, we examined whether infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of parasympathetic functioning, moderates the associations between paternal postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms and infants' observed empathy‐related responses. Participants were 142 families with infants (51% female) assessed at two time points. At T1 (3 months of age), fathers reported their depressive symptoms. Infants' cardiac activity was recorded during rest and estimates of RSA were calculated. In addition, infants' empathy‐related responses during a maternal distress simulation were observed and rated at T2 (12 months of age). Higher paternal PPD at T1 predicted higher infant affective (i.e., affective concern) and cognitive (i.e., inquiring behaviors) responses to maternal distress at T2. Infant RSA moderated this relationship for cognitive responses, with a significant positive association only for children with high or average RSA. These findings contribute to the understanding of the psychophysiological mechanisms that support empathy development.
Actors, spatiotemporal changes, and (un)sustainable practices in community peatland management: A case study from West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Octifanny Yustina , Norvyani Dini Aprilia , Pramulya Muhammad
Published: December 2024

This research explores the village community that manages large, degraded, abandoned, and ex‐logged peatlands in light of overlapping national development policy, global commodity market forces, and international conservation mandates. The transformation of peatland ownership from public to private owners has led to a predominant shift towards oil palm plantations, facilitated by village elites through partnerships, migration, and smallholder schemes. This conversion has resulted in extensive peatland degradation, drainage impacts, and frequent peat fires. In response, the local community has committed to reducing the use of fire for land clearance and water management. As an alternative, machinery is used to manage the peatland. However, employing excavators for land clearance and constructing peat water‐draining canals poses other threats, of peatland depletion, increased fire occurrences, degradation and compaction of peat. This study seeks to explore community‐level degraded peatland management dynamics by understanding (i) the actors’ conflicting intentions and continuous negotiation (between conservation, exploitation, and development), (ii) considering the impact of tenure insecurity and the power struggle surrounding further peatland exploitation, and (iii) the need for broader discussions about community peatland management beyond fires.
Assessment of Microbolometer Infrared Cameras for Thermoelastic Stress Analysis
Authors: Jiménez‐Fortunato I. , Devivier C. , Dulieu‐Barton J. M.
Published: December 2024

A means of simulating the performance of infrared (IR) cameras is described, with the purpose of assessing the suitability of the IR camera for thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA). The approach is demonstrated on two IR cameras containing different sensors: a standard microbolometer and a very low cost microbolometer based thermal core. The simulations take into account the sensor spatial resolution, the lenses and the sensor sensitivity. The analytical solution for a disc in 2‐point diametral compression (Brazilian disc) is used to generate the simulated thermoelastic response. The results from camera simulations are quantitatively compared with the experimental data, and accuracy and precision of the thermoelastic response relative to the simulated data are established for each camera. The approach highlights the limitations of using microbolometer based cameras for TSA. Additionally, three image processing algorithms for TSA, that is, least‐squares fitting, lock‐in and Fast‐Fourier Transform (FFT), are compared. The study showed that the three algorithms deliver similar results, with the least‐squares fitting using less computational time. Importantly, the results obtained with the thermal core are promising, strongly indicating that multiple camera TSA is a realistic possibility with an outlook to having cameras permanently installed on structures. However, at present, it is clear that the thermal core can only be used in a qualitative sense for TSA, as it has a very low response exacerbated by significant attenuation caused by the intrinsic sensor time constant in microbolometer‐based IR detectors and inbuilt software‐based noise reduction procedures.
A Wind Speed Forecasting Method Using Gaussian Process Regression Model Under Data Uncertainty
Authors: Jiang Xiaomo , Chen Huize , Hui Huaiyu , Zhang Kexin
Published: December 2024

Wind speed forecasting plays a pivotal role in power prediction, daily operations, and optimal scheduling of wind farms. However, accurately predicting wind speed remains challenging due to data uncertainties and the inherent randomness of wind resources. This paper introduces a novel wind speed forecasting method by combining Bayesian discrete wavelet packet thresholding (BDWPT) into Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). The BDWPT method is first employed to adaptively remove noise from wind speed data, retaining the main trend characteristics of the time series while removing redundant information. The GPR model is then utilized to capture the remaining randomness and effectively predict future probabilistic trends in wind speed. Comparative studies using real-world wind farm data demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method in both one-step and multistep forecasting scenarios, showcasing its potential to enhance turbine design and power management under uncertain conditions.
Closing the genome of
Teredinibacter turnerae
T7902 by long-read nanopore sequencing
Authors: Gasser Mark T. , Liu Annie , Flatau Ron , Altamia Marvin A. , Filone Claire Marie , Distel Daniel L.
Published: December 2024

We present the complete closed circular genome sequence derived from the Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the shipworm endosymbiont,
Teredinibacter turnerae
T7902 (DSM 15152, ATCC 39867), originally isolated from the shipworm,
Lyrodus pedicellatus
(1). This sequence will aid in the comparative genomics of shipworm endosymbionts and the understanding of the host–symbiont evolution.
Whole genome sequence of a
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
M64 isolate harboring extensive deletions, including the
katG
-containing region
Authors: Jeon Se-Mi , Park Sanghee , Kim Seonghan
Published: December 2024

Clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
M64 strain from South Korea lack the
katG
gene, which is associated with isoniazid resistance. Herein, we report the whole genome sequence of
M. tuberculosis
M64, with genomic coverage of 2,791× and a genome size of 4,353,699 bp.
Complete genomes of common bacterial hosts of RNA bacteriophage Φ6
Authors: Andrews Taylor , Duffy Siobain
Published: December 2024

Bacterial plant pathogens
Pseudomonas savastanoi
pv.
phaseolicola
,
P. syringae
pv.
tomato
,
P. syringae
pv.
atrofaciens
, and
P. oleovorans
East River isolate A serve as common laboratory hosts for bacteriophage Φ6, a widely used model organism for enveloped viruses. Here, we report complete genome sequences for strains of these bacterial hosts.
Evaluating the health risk of probiotic supplements from the perspective of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Tian Qiwen , Ye Hailv , Zhou Xuan , Wang Junyi , Zhang Lifang , Sun Wenxuan , Duan Chenxin , Fan Minyu , Zhou Wei , Bi Chuyun , Ye Qiong , Wong Aloysius
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial resistance remains a public health threat. Probiotics harboring antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs) have, in recent years, been considered a potential health risk. Studies conducted on probiotics from increasingly popular health supplements have raised the possibility of transmitting ARGs to commensals in the human gut, concomitantly establishing a reservoir of ARGs and risking acquisition by opportunistic pathogens. Building on our previous study that reported multiple antibiotic resistance in probiotics of health supplements, in this research, we have attempted to detect their ARGs that may account for resistant phenotypes. ARGs responsible for tetracycline, macrolide, aminoglycoside, and glycopeptide resistance were prevalent in probiotics. Through laboratory adaptive evolution studies, we also show that streptomycin-adapted probiotics gained resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, and doxycycline more effectively than non-adapted ones. When co-incubated with
Enterococcus faecalis
,
Escherichia coli
, or
Staphylococcus aureus
on Caco-2 and/or HCT-116 cells, streptomycin resistance was transferred from the adapted probiotics to generate transconjugants at frequencies comparable to or higher than that of other studies conducted through filter mating. Consistently, ARGs conferring resistance to streptomycin (
aadA
) and erythromycin [
erm(B)−1
] were detected in
E. coli
and
S. aureus
transconjugants, respectively, after co-incubation with streptomycin-adapted probiotics on Caco-2 cells.
aadA
and
erm(B)−1
were both detected in
E. faecalis
transconjugant after the same co-incubation on HCT-116 cells. Our data and future comparative genomics and metagenomics studies conducted on animal models and in healthy, immunocompromised, and/or antibiotic-treated human cohorts will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of probiotic consumption, application, and safety.

IMPORTANCE

Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular, with promising applications in food and medicine, but the risk of transferring ARGs to disease-causing bacteria has raised concerns. Our study detected ARGs in probiotics of health supplements conferring resistance to tetracycline, macrolide, aminoglycoside, and glycopeptide drugs. Streptomycin-adapted probiotics also gained resistance to other antibiotics more effectively than non-adapted ones. Importantly, we showed that streptomycin resistance could be transferred to other bacteria after co-incubation with probiotics on human intestinal cells. ARGs responsible for erythromycin and streptomycin resistance, which were initially absent in the recipient bacteria, were also detected in the transconjugants. Our data build the foundation for future studies that will be conducted on animal models and in humans and leveraging advanced metagenomics approaches to clarify the long-term health risk of probiotic consumption.
Nutrient conditions affect antimicrobial pharmacodynamics in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kok Maik , Hankemeier Thomas , van Hasselt J. G. Coen
Published: December 2024

The infectious microenvironment in chronic respiratory tract infections is characterized by substantial variability in nutrient conditions, which may impact colonization and treatment response of pathogens. Metabolic adaptation of the cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
has been shown to lead to changes in antibiotic sensitivity. The impact of specific nutrients on the response to antibiotics is, however, poorly characterized. Here, we investigated how different carbon sources impact the antimicrobial pharmacodynamic responses in
P. aeruginosa
. We evaluated the effect of six antibiotics (aztreonam, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, colistin, imipenem, and tobramycin) on
P. aeruginosa
cultured in a basal medium enriched for seven different carbon sources (alanine, arginine, aspartate, glucose, glutamate, lactate, and proline). Pharmacodynamic responses were characterized by measuring time-kill profiles for a bioluminescent
P. aeruginosa
PAO1
Xen41
strain. We show that single-nutrient modifications minimally affected bacterial growth rate. For specific nutrient-antibiotic combinations, we find relevant alterations in antibiotic sensitivity (i.e., EC
50
) and the maximum drug effect (E
max
), in particular for ciprofloxacin, colistin, imipenem, and tobramycin. The most pronounced effect was observed for tobramycin, where glucose was found to reduce the EC
50
(0.5-fold), whereas lactate-enriched conditions led to a 4.3-fold increase in EC
50
. Using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic simulations, we illustrate that the magnitude of the nutrient-driven pharmacodynamic changes impact treatment for clinical dosing strategies of tobramycin. In summary, this study underscores the impact of nutrient composition on antimicrobial pharmacodynamics, which could potentially contribute to observed variability of antimicrobial treatment responses in CF patients.

IMPORTANCE

Chronic respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients present significant challenges for antibiotic treatment due to the complexity of the respiratory environment. This study investigated how variations in nutrient levels, altered during chronic infections, affect pathogen response to antibiotics in an experimental setting. By simulating different nutrient conditions, we aimed to uncover interactions between nutrient availability and antibiotic sensitivity. Our findings provide critical insights that could lead to more effective treatment strategies for managing chronic respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients while also guiding future research in improving treatment methodologies.
Immunological mechanisms of tuberculosis susceptibility in TB-infected individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: insights from mycobacterial growth inhibition assay and cytokine analysis
Authors: Dasan Bindu , Rajamanickam Anuradha , Pandiarajan Arul Nancy , Shanmugam Sivakumar , Nott Sujatha , Babu Subash
Published: December 2024

Several studies have highlighted the increased risk of active tuberculosis (TB) in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), especially in TB-endemic regions. This dual burden poses significant challenges for TB control efforts. However, there is a lack of reliable laboratory tools to identify individuals at higher risk, and the immunological mechanisms underlying this susceptibility are poorly understood. In this study, we utilized the mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) to assess immune response capacity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
M.tb
) in TB infection (TBI) in individuals with type 2 DM (T2DM) (
n
= 11) compared to those without type 2 DM (NDM) (
n
= 23). Additionally, we measured various cytokines using multiplex ELISA to understand the immune profile. Our findings revealed that TBI-T2DM individuals exhibited a lower capacity to inhibit
M.tb
growth compared to TBI-NDM, as evidenced by MGIA results (
P
= 0.0029). Cytokine analysis further demonstrated diminished production of key cytokines involved in protection, including type 1 (IFNγ, TNFα, IL-2), type 17 (IL-17A), and proinflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70) cytokines in the TBI-T2DM group compared to TBI-NDM, upon
M.tb
infection. These findings suggest that MGIA holds promise as an
in vitro
marker for assessing
M.tb
immunological control in TBI individuals, particularly those with T2DM. The observed cytokine profile in TBI-T2DM individuals indicates a compromised immune response against
M.tb
activation, potentially explaining the heightened risk of active TB in this population.

IMPORTANCE

This study is important because it sheds light on the impaired immune response in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), offering critical insights into why they are at higher risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). By demonstrating that T2DM individuals exhibit a weakened ability to control M.tb growth and a compromised cytokine profile, the research underscores the need for better diagnostic tools, such as the mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA), to identify those at greater risk of progression to active TB. The findings also highlight the importance of integrated care strategies for managing both T2DM and TB, particularly in TB-endemic regions, and point to the need for further research to develop more effective interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
Using genomics to explore the epidemiology of vancomycin resistance in a sewage system
Authors: Jensen Emilie Egholm Bruun , Otani Saria , Liachko Ivan , Auch Benjamin , Aarestrup Frank M.
Published: December 2024

VanHAX
-mediated glycopeptide resistance has been consistently high in one of the three main sewer systems in Copenhagen, Lynetten, for +20 years. To explore this for other glycopeptide resistance genes, and whether the colonization has resulted in establishment of multiple bacterial taxa, we mapped 505 shotgun metagenomic data sets from the inlet of three sewage treatment plants to 831 different glycopeptide resistance genes. Only
vanHAX
and
vanHBX
genes were differentially abundant in Lynetten. Analyses of eight contigs suggested limited variations in the flanking regions. Proximity ligation metagenomic analysis of 12 samples from Lynetten identified 441 and 5 paired reads mapping to
vanHAX
and
vanHBX
, respectively. The other end of these reads was mapped to generated metagenomic-assembled genomes and NCBI using BLAST.
vanHBX
could only be linked to the phylum level (Bacillota). Plasmid analysis of
vanHBX
Hi-C contigs showed that these were mainly located on plasmids reported found in enterococci species. Most
vanHAX
-linked reads could only be linked to phylum and class level, but some reads were assigned to
Enterococcus faecium
(7 reads),
Enterococcus faecalis
(4 reads),
Paenibacillus apiarius
(2 reads), and
Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus
(27 reads). Ten of the 20 Hi-C contigs-containing
vanHAX
were annotated as plasmid, all reported found in
Enterococcus
species. This study shows that while Hi-C technology is valuable for linking antimicrobial resistance genes to bacterial taxa, it suffers from challenges in reliably mapping the linked read to a genomic region with sufficient taxonomic information. Our results also suggest that over the +20 years of colonizing a sewer system,
vanHAX
has not become widespread across multiple taxa, remaining primarily in
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
, with the exception of
Paenibacillus
.

IMPORTANCE

Long-term colonization of microbial communities with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is expected to result in sharing of the resistance genes between several different bacterial taxa of the communities. We investigated microbiomes from a sewer, which have been colonized with glycopeptide-resistant bacteria harboring the mobile
vanHAX
gene cluster for a minimum of 20 years, using metagenomics sequencing and Hi-C. We found that despite the long-term presence in the sewer, the
vanHAX
genes have seemingly not disseminated widely.
Characterization of YdgH: a mediator of beta-lactam susceptibility in Enterobacterales
Authors: Lazarus Jacob E. , Waldor Matthew K. , Hooper David C.
Published: December 2024

Beta-lactam antibiotics are often the treatment of choice for serious bacterial infections. In a previous screen for novel genetic mediators affecting beta-lactam susceptibility, we discovered that deletion of
ydgH
, a conserved gene of unknown function, leads to increased resistance to beta-lactams, as well as increased susceptibility to detergent compounds. Here, we further characterize YdgH in
Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae
, and
Escherichia coli
using a combination of biochemical and cell biological approaches. We find that YdgH fractionates with periplasmic proteins, and this periplasmic localization is necessary for its function. Using purified recombinant protein, we demonstrate that YdgH is a relatively compact, globular monomer. The YdgH polypeptide contains three tandem DUF1471 domains. In a Δ
ydgH
background, overexpression of polypeptides containing both the second and the third, but not the first DUF1471 domain, is necessary to rescue the deletion phenotype. To determine how YdgH function influences beta-lactam and detergent susceptibility, we tested several targeted hypotheses. We found that deletion of
ydgH
neither affects
ompC
or
ompF
transcript levels
,
nor does it alter the processing of lipopolysaccharide, nor does it activate the sigma E regulon alone or in combination with mutations in other periplasmic proteins. Finally, we delineate the results of a genetic screen for spontaneous mutants that complement the detergent susceptibility phenotype, the results of which may fuel the further studies that are necessary to determine the precise role YdgH plays in bacterial physiology.

IMPORTANCE

Beta-lactams such as penicillins and cephalosporins are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for serious bacterial infections. Increasing antibiotic resistance threatens their effectiveness. We previously identified the uncharacterized gene
ydgH
as a modifier of beta-lactam susceptibility in Gram-negative bacteria. To begin to understand the specific role of YdgH, in this study, we perform initial characterizations of this protein. We also test hypotheses as to how the function of YdgH contributes to beta-lactam physiology.