bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High spatial variability in a species‐rich assemblage of diadromous fishes in Hong Kong, southern China
Authors: Chan Jeffery C. F. , Liew Jia Huan , Dudgeon David
Published: June 2024

China has experienced substantial coastal reclamation and damming of rivers. These changes have the potential to impact migrations of diadromous fishes between the sea and fresh waters, but the composition of these fishes and the impacts of barriers to their movement in China have received little attention. We inventoried the species composition and distribution of diadromous fishes, and the impacts of barriers on them, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), southern China. Fish assemblages were surveyed using hand‐nets, supplemented by cast‐netting and single‐pass snorkel surveys, in 24 small coastal streams across three regions. Surveys were undertaken on multiple occasions during the wet and dry seasons to account for the monsoonal tropical climate. Twenty‐eight diadromous fishes were collected, mostly gobies, amounting to over half (53%) of the total richness of primary freshwater fishes; four additional species are known from literature records. Diadromous richness was 48% greater during the wet season, when all species were encountered. Richness varied substantially among streams, from a maximum of 17 (2 streams that were diversity hot spots) to none (3 streams). The most widespread diadromous fish was Glossogobius giuris (71% frequency of occurrence), followed by Mugil cephalus (58% occurrence) and Eleotris oxycephala (50% occurrence). The remaining 25 diadromous fishes occurred in fewer than half of the streams; 12 species were confined to a single stream and may be locally threatened. There were conspicuous spatial differences in diadromous assemblages across HKSAR, despite its limited extent (1114 km2), the proximity of the surveyed streams, and the broad geographic distribution of most species. Regional species assemblages were influenced by localized habitat characteristics, with a noticeable distinction between areas with and without large, fast‐flowing, and highly oxygenated streams. The presence of in‐stream barriers (weirs: 0.3–8.7 m high) did not affect spatial patterns in species assemblages, although, on average, diadromous richness was lower in weir‐obstructed streams (4.0 vs. 6.9 species in unobstructed streams). In total, 18 species were confined to unobstructed streams or sections below weirs, whereas the remaining 10 species were recorded both above and below weirs. Only the mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) and a goby (Stiphodon multisquamus) were able to ascend weirs over 2 m. Although at least 400 m of the lower course of each stream was sampled, diadromous fishes were confined to the first 300 m in 12 of the 13 weir‐obstructed streams. Remarkably, the tally of 32 diadromous species in HKSAR exceeds the 19 known from mainland China, highlighting the need for further research on composition and conservation status of diadromous fishes.
Minimizing the time to evaluate pheromone‐mediated reduction of aggressive behavior in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Authors: Ashouri Samyar , Hubbard Peter C. , Canário Adelino V. M.
Published: June 2024

Some cichlid fishes release urine‐containing chemical cues that lower aggression in their opponents. Bioassays to identify the aggression‐modulating pheromone include assessing the effect of urine fractions on the behavior towards a mirror image or in interactions with another male. However, many of these methods can be time‐consuming and require many fish. The objective of the present study was to assess the behavior of male Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) towards male urine using two methods with the intent of simplifying the bioassays: aggression towards a mirror image (mirror assay) and real opponents in which the urogenital papilla was tied using surgical silk to prevent urination. The results confirm the aggression‐reducing effect of dominant male urine in both experimental approaches. Ten minutes of biting or 15 min of tail‐beating behaviors in the mirror assay, or 5 min of opercular expansion or 15 min of lateral display in interactions with real opponents were necessary to detect a statistically significant reduction in aggressive behavior towards dominant male urine. We also found that males with subordinate status had lower latency to initiate aggressive behaviors towards the mirror than dominants in the same condition, even though fish had been isolated for 1 week. However, no such differences in latency were found in the real opponent assay. We conclude that 5 min of opercular expansion behavior in real opponent fights or 10 min of biting behavior in the mirror assay are the shortest times necessary to test aggressive behavior in urine fractions in bioassay‐guided identification of pheromones.
Do Foreign Yield Curves Predict U.S. Recessions and GDP Growth?
Authors: AHMED RASHAD , CHINN MENZIE D.
Published: June 2024

Foreign term spreads constructed from bond yields of non‐U.S. G‐7 constituents predict future U.S. recessions and foreign term spreads are stronger predictors of U.S. recessions occurring within the next year than U.S. term spreads. U.S. and foreign term spreads are both informative of the U.S. economy but over different horizons and for different components of economic activity. Smaller U.S. term spreads lead to smaller foreign term spreads and U.S. Dollar appreciation. Smaller foreign term spreads do not lead to significant U.S. Dollar depreciation but do lead to persistent declines in U.S. exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the United States. These findings are consistent with the proposition that foreign term spreads embed growth spillovers from the U.S. and the resulting Dollar strength and slowdown abroad spill back to the United States.
Response to Focus Issue
Authors: Barnett Christopher B.
Published: June 2024

Barnett responds to three articles that put the thought of Søren Kierkegaard in conversation with modern popular media. He argues that each of these pieces demonstrates that Kierkegaard's criticism of the burgeoning free press remains relevant today, particularly in the areas of journalistic practice, mental health, and political responsibility. At the same time, however, Barnett wonders if the radical nature of the Dane's critique has been fully considered. For Kierkegaard, in other words, it is not just that popular media have flaws in need of correction; it is that the media constitute “the evil principle in the modern world.”
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of malnutrition among infants aged less than 6 months in North–East Nigeria (2019–2022)
Authors: Amat Camacho Nieves , Husain Faisal , Bahya‐Batinda Dang , Aung Eithandee , Chara Abdullahi , Tanko Musa , Ogundipe Oluwakemi F. , Barbagallo Mario , Aung Kyi Htet , von Schreeb Johan , Della Corte Francesco , Kolokotroni Ourania , Sunyoto Temmy
Published: June 2024

Recommendations for the management of malnutrition among infants aged less than 6 months (<6 m) are based on limited evidence. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, treatment outcomes and outcome‐associated factors among malnourished infants <6 m admitted at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) inpatient and ambulatory therapeutic feeding centres (ITFC and ATFC) in North–East Nigeria, 2019–2022. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the cohorts and logistic regression to measure the association between two selected outcomes—inpatient mortality and defaulting from the ambulatory programme—and possible factors associated. In total, 940 infants <6 m were admitted at ITFC. Most of them presented severe acute malnutrition and comorbidities, with diarrhoea being the most frequent. On discharge, 13.3% (n = 125) of infants were cured, 72.9% (n = 684) stabilized (referred to ATFC), 6.5% (n = 61) left against medical advice and 4.2% (n = 39) died. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days [IQR 7–14]. A hospital stay shorter than 10 days was significantly associated with inpatient mortality (aOR = 12.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.72–42.11, p ≤ 0.01). Among 561 infants followed up at the ATFC, only 2.8% reported comorbidities. On discharge, 80.9% (n = 429) were cured, 16.2% (n = 86) defaulted and 1.1% (n = 6) died. Male sex (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.15–3.27, p = 0.01), internally displaced status (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.05–2.79, p = 0.03) and <−3 WLZ (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.05–3.63, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with programme defaulting. Stabilization and recovery rates among malnourished infants <6 m in the studied project align with acceptable standards in this humanitarian setting. Notable defaulting rates from outpatient care should be further explored.
Early experience of using regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients in a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Hasan M. Shahnaz , Jamaludin Muhammad Afif , Mohd Azman Sarah Aliah , Atan Rafidah , Yap Mei Hoon , Lee Zheng‐Yii , Mohd Yunos Nor'azim
Published: June 2024

Aim

Despite the superiority of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), its application is limited in resource‐limited settings. We aim to explore the cost and safety of RCA for CRRT in critically ill patients, compared to usual care.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients requiring CRRT in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) from February 2022 to January 2023. They were classified to either the RCA or usual care groups based on the anticoagulation technique chosen by the treating physician, considering contraindications. The CRRT prescription follows the institutional protocol. All relevant data were obtained from the ICU CRRT‐RCA charts and electronic medical records. A cost analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 54 patients (27 per group) were included, with no demographic differences. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and lactate levels were significantly higher in the usual care group. The number of filters used were comparable (p = .108). The median filter duration in the RCA group was numerically longer (35.00 [15.50–56.00] vs. 23.00 [17.00–29.00] h), but not statistically significant (p = .253). The duration of mechanical ventilation, vasopressor requirement, and mortality were similar, but the RCA group had a significantly longer ICU stay. The rate of adverse events was similar, with four severe metabolic alkalosis cases in the RCA group. The RCA group had higher total cost per patient per day (USD 611 vs. 408; p = .013).

Conclusion

In this resource‐limited setting, RCA for CRRT appeared safe and had clinically longer filter lifespan compared with usual care, albeit the increased cost.
The RALF2‐FERONIA‐MYB63 module orchestrates growth and defense in tomato roots
Authors: Fan Yanfen , Bai Junyu , Wu Shaofang , Zhang Min , Li Jiajia , Lin Rui , Hu Chaoyi , Jing Beiyu , Wang Jiachun , Xia Xiaojian , Hu Zhangjian , Yu Jingquan
Published: June 2024

Plant secreted peptides RAPID ALKALINISATION FACTORs (RALFs), which act through the receptor FERONIA (FER), play important roles in plant growth. However, it remains unclear whether and how RALF‐FER contributes to the trade‐off of plant growth–defense.

Here, we used a variety of techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, protein–protein interaction and transcriptional regulation methods to investigate the role of RALF2 and its receptor FER in regulating lignin deposition, root growth, and defense against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

The ralf2 and fer mutants show reduced primary root length, elevated lignin accumulation, and enhanced resistance against Fol than the wild‐type. FER interacts with and phosphorylates MYB63 to promote its degradation. MYB63 serves as an activator of lignin deposition by regulating the transcription of dirigent protein gene DIR19. Mutation of DIR19 suppresses lignin accumulation, and reverses the short root phenotype and Fol resistance in ralf2 or fer mutant.

Collectively, our results demonstrate that the RALF2‐FER‐MYB63 module fine‐tunes root growth and resistance against Fol through regulating the deposition of lignin in tomato roots. The study sheds new light on how plants maintain the growth–defense balance via RALF‐FER.
Glycosyltransferase Slr1064 regulates carbon metabolism by modulating the levels of UDP‐GlcNAc in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Han Yuling , Ge Haitao , Xu Congzhuo , Zeng Gang , Li Zhen , Huang Xiahe , Zhang Yuanya , Liu Zhipeng , Wang Yingchun , Fang Longfa
Published: June 2024

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are enzymes that transfer sugars to various targets. They play important roles in diverse biological processes, including photosynthesis, cell motility, exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism; however, their involvement in regulating carbon metabolism in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has not been reported.

We identified a novel GT protein, Slr1064, involved in carbon metabolism. The effect of slr1064 deletion on the growth of Synechocystis cells and functional mechanisms of Slr1064 on carbon metabolism were thoroughly investigated through physiological, biochemistry, proteomic, and metabolic analyses.

We found that this GT, which is mainly distributed in the membrane compartment, is essential for the growth of Synechocystis under heterotrophic and mixotrophic conditions, but not under autotrophic conditions. The deletion of slr1064 hampers the turnover rate of Gap2 under mixotrophic conditions and disrupts the assembly of the PRK/GAPDH/CP12 complex under dark culture conditions. Additionally, UDP‐GlcNAc, the pivotal metabolite responsible for the O‐GlcNAc modification of GAPDH, is downregulated in the Δslr1064.

Our work provides new insights into the role of GTs in carbon metabolism in Synechocystis and elucidate the mechanism by which carbon metabolism is regulated in this important model organism.
A systematic review of person‐environment fit in the public sector: Theorizing a multidimensional model
Authors: Wightman G. Breck , Christensen Robert K.
Published: June 2024

Following PRISMA guidelines, this study offers a systematic review of 78 articles on person‐environment (P‐E) fit in the public sector. The study reveals both an emphasis on supplementary person‐organization (P‐O) fit and its relationship to public service motivation (PSM). We also find evidence of both bottom‐up and top‐down processes that mutually adjust to determine fit over time. Building on these findings, we propose an integrative theory that models the multidimensionality of fit as mutual adjustment between the person and the environment along three major dimensions: values, needs, and skills. Integrating the temporal dynamics of the attraction‐selection‐attrition (ASA) model, we demonstrate how these dimensions interact and generally settle upon an equilibrium over time, which we define as P‐E fit.
Facilitators and barriers for implementing the PALS school‐wide positive behavior support model in a Swedish municipality: A focus group study
Authors: Berg Karin E. C. , Lundgren Julie S. , Bernhardsson Susanne
Published: June 2024

A research‐supported model to support schools' prevention of behavior problems and promotion of a positive school climate is school‐wide positive behavior support (SW‐PBS), in Scandinavia adapted into “positive behavior, interactions and learning environment in school” (PALS). Facilitators and barriers for achieving and sustaining a full implementation of PALS in a Swedish primary school context have not previously been studied. The purpose of this study was to explore school staff and administrators' experiences of implementing PALS in a municipal school district in the western region of Sweden. Using a qualitative focus group design, staff with roles in the implementation and school administrators (N = 22) representing 12 schools were asked about their experiences regarding facilitators and barriers for implementing PALS. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analyses involving a combination of inductive (data‐driven) and deductive (theory‐driven) approaches. In the deductive, final step, the inductively derived categories were associated with the Normalization process theory core constructs coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring. The analysis resulted in nine categories in which both facilitators and barriers were identified: alignment with school mission and values; building and strengthening relationships; shared staff engagement; administrators' commitment and leadership; support and resources for adopting PALS; changed experiences of PALS work over time; positive feedback sustains motivation; learning for quality improvement; and staff continuity throughout implementation. Findings indicate that staff and administrators experienced the implementation as predominantly positive, that PALS provides a structure for relationship‐based work, and fits particularly well in primary school contexts. The facilitators and barriers identified provide valuable knowledge that can inform sustainable implementations of PALS in similar contexts.
Optimization of Triple Effect Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Naga Sakshi , Rajput S. P. S.
Published: June 2024

The present paper optimized the first and second law performance of the triple-effect vapor absorption refrigeration systems (TE-VARS) using statistical techniques like Taguchi, Taguchi-based gray relational analysis (GRA), and response surface methodology (RSM)-based GRA methods, which provide the most accurate and optimized results. Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are considered as the source of energy to operate TE-VARS, as the system requires significantly higher generator temperature. Also, volume flowrate of these gases along with the annual operating cost to drive the system have been presented. A thermodynamic model was first formulated using engineering equation solver (ees) software for the computation of the coefficient of performance (COP) and exergetic efficiency (ECOP). The most influential parameters like temperature in the main generator, concentration, and pressure at different components are studied and determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Taguchi methods. The optimum parameters were determined based on the mean effect plot of S/N ratios for COP and ECOP. It has been found that the maximum COP and ECOP were calculated to be 1.915 and 0.15, respectively, under the Taguchi method. Furthermore, Taguchi-GRA was used for the simultaneous optimization of the operating parameters and performance of the system. It is observed that the absorber temperature is the most influential parameter for affecting COP and ECOP. Moreover, a RSM-based GRA method was also applied and developed regression models that yield most optimum COP and ECOP as 1.963 and 0.1606, respectively. Comparison shows that the RSM-based GRA method provides the most optimum conditions, which is one of the key finding of the present study. Also, rate of exergy destruction at each component of TE-VARS has been plotted under optimized operating conditions. The optimum volume flowrate for LPG and CNG comes out to be 0.057 and 0.177 m3/s, while the minimum operating cost (yearly) are 299.827$ and 183.293$, respectively.
Flow and Heat Transfer Experimental Study for 3D-Printed Solar Receiving Tubes With Helical Fins at Internal Surface
Authors: Haddad Fouad , Pidaparthi Bharath , Afrin Naznin Nuria , Missoum Samy , Li Jianzhi , Xu Ben , Li Peiwen
Published: June 2024

3D-printing technology was applied to fabricate novel solar thermal collection tubes that have internal heat transfer enhancement fins and external surfaces with high solar absorptivity and low emissivity due to the ability to use different materials in one tube. Helical fins were selected to introduce circumferential flow and thus minimize the circumferential temperature difference of the tube that receives sunlight on one side. The structures of the helical fins were previously optimized from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with the objective of low entropy production rate by looking for high heat transfer coefficient and relatively lower pressure loss. High-temperature alloy, Inconel-718, was used to 3D print the tubes, which can resist corrosion for the potential application of molten chloride salts as heat transfer fluid. Experimental tests were carried out using water as the heat transfer fluid with the high heat flux provided by a tubular furnace heater. The tested Reynolds number ranges from 3.9 × 103 to 6.1 × 104. Heat transfer coefficients of up to 2.8 times that of the smooth tube could be obtained with the expense of increased pressure loss compared to that of the smooth tube. The total system entropy generation can be significantly reduced due to the benefit of heat transfer enhancement that is greater than the expenses of the increased pressure loss. The experimental results of the 3D-printed heat transfer tubes confirmed the CFD-based results of fin optimization. The novel heat transfer tube is recommended for application in concentrating solar power systems.
Mechanical Response and Failure Modes of Three-Dimensional Auxetic Re-Entrant LPBF-Manufactured Steel Truss Lattice Materials
Authors: Vitalis Thomas , Gross Andrew , Gerasimidis Simos
Published: June 2024

Auxetic architected materials present a novel class of damage-tolerant materials with tunable mechanical characteristics and high energy absorption due to their unique ability to laterally contract and densify when subjected to axial compressive loading. The current state of research on negative Poisson’s ratio materials mainly focuses on 2D geometries and a few families of 3D geometries with limited experimental comparisons between different architectures and various geometrical features. Furthermore, when manufactured via laser powder bed fusion, the influence of as-built deviations of geometrical and material properties inherently present due to the melt pool solidification process for thin features is relatively unexplored in the case of metal-architected materials. The authors aim to study the elastic properties, peak characteristics, and failure modes of steel auxetic truss lattices subjected to axial compression while also addressing the uncertainties inherent to the metal laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of architected materials. This work presents an experimental and computational exploration and comparison of two promising three-dimensional auxetic truss lattice families of low relative densities. A comprehensive investigation of metal negative Poisson’s ratio mechanical metamaterials is presented, including the selection of the architectures, modeling, laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, as-built part characterization, material testing, and mechanical testing under axial compression. The study of such architectures can unlock their potential in making them readily adaptable to a wide variety of engineering applications.
Two Models on the Unsteady Heat and Fluid Flow Induced by Stretching or Shrinking Sheets and Novel Time-Dependent Solutions
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: June 2024

This study sheds light on unsteady heat and fluid flow problems over stretching and shrinking surfaces, enriching our understanding of these complex phenomena. We derive two mathematical models using a rigorous approach. The first model aligns with the model commonly employed by researchers in this field, but its steady-state solution remains trivial. The second model, introduced in this work, demonstrably captures the physically relevant steady-state solutions well-studied in the literature. Notably, we introduce new similarity solutions for the temperature field specifically within the first model. We further demonstrate that a uniform wall temperature condition leads to the optimal heat transfer rate. While similarity solutions can be derived for specific cases with the second model, nonsimilar solutions may be necessary for more general scenarios. We discuss the implications of our analysis for stagnation-point flow and non-Newtonian viscoelastic fluid flow problems, illuminating future research directions in the open literature.
The Role of Musculoskeletal Training During Return to Performance Following Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
Authors: Blagrove Richard C. , Brooke-Wavell Katherine , Plateau Carolyn R. , Nahman Carolyn , Hassan Amal , Stellingwerff Trent
Published: June 2024

Background: Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a condition that is associated with negative health and performance outcomes in athletes. Insufficient energy intake relative to exercise energy expenditure, resulting in low energy availability, is the underlying cause, which triggers numerous adverse physiological consequences including several associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) health and neuromuscular performance. Purpose: This commentary aims to (1) discuss the health and performance implications of REDs on the skeletal and neuromuscular systems and (2) examine the role that MSK training (ie, strength and plyometric training) during treatment and return to performance following REDs might have on health and performance in athletes, with practical guidelines provided. Conclusions: REDs is associated with decreases in markers of bone health, lean body mass, maximal and explosive strength, and muscle work capacity. Restoration of optimal energy availability, mainly through an increase in energy intake, is the primary goal during the initial treatment of REDs with a return to performance managed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. MSK training is an effective nonpharmacological component of treatment for REDs, which offers multiple long-term health and performance benefits, assuming the energy needs of athletes are met as part of their recovery. Supervised, prescribed, and gradually progressive MSK training should include a combination of resistance training and high-impact plyometric-based exercise to promote MSK adaptations, with an initial focus on achieving movement competency. Progressing MSK training exercises to higher intensities will have the greatest effects on bone health and strength performance in the long term.
A bacterial sense of touch: T4P retraction motor as a means of surface sensing by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PA14
Authors: Geiger C. J. , Wong G. C. L. , O'Toole G. A.
Published: June 2024

Most microbial cells found in nature exist in matrix-covered, surface-attached communities known as biofilms. This mode of growth is initiated by the ability of the microbe to sense a surface on which to grow. The opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
Pa
) PA14 utilizes a single polar flagellum and type 4 pili (T4P) to sense surfaces. For
Pa
, T4P-dependent “twitching” motility is characterized by effectively pulling the cell across a surface through a complex process of cooperative binding, pulling, and unbinding. T4P retraction is powered by hexameric ATPases.
Pa
cells that have engaged a surface increase production of the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) over multiple generations via the Pil-Chp system. This rise in cAMP allows cells and their progeny to become better adapted for surface attachment and activates virulence pathways through the cAMP-binding transcription factor Vfr. While many studies have focused on mechanisms of T4P twitching and regulation of T4P production and function by the Pil-Chp system, the mechanism by which
Pa
senses and relays a surface-engagement signal to the cell is still an open question. Here we review the current state of the surface sensing literature for
Pa
, with a focus on T4P, and propose an integrated model of surface sensing whereby the retraction motor PilT senses and relays the signal to the Pil-Chp system via PilJ to drive cAMP production and adaptation to a surface lifestyle.
Macaque antibodies targeting Marburg virus glycoprotein induced by multivalent immunization
Authors: Janus Benjamin M. , Wang Ruixue , Cleveland Thomas E. , Metcalf Matthew C. , Lemmer Aaron C. , van Dyk Nydia , Jeong Sarah , Astavans Anagh , Class Kenneth , Fuerst Thomas R. , Ofek Gilad
Published: June 2024

Marburg virus infection in humans is associated with case fatality rates that can reach up to 90%, but to date, there are no approved vaccines or monoclonal antibody (mAb) countermeasures. Here, we immunized Rhesus macaques with multivalent combinations of filovirus glycoprotein (GP) antigens belonging to Marburg, Sudan, and Ebola viruses to generate monospecific and cross-reactive antibody responses against them. From the animal that developed the highest titers of Marburg virus GP-specific neutralizing antibodies, we sorted single memory B cells using a heterologous Ravn virus GP probe and cloned and characterized a panel of 34 mAbs belonging to 28 unique lineages. Antibody specificities were assessed by overlapping pepscan and binding competition analyses, revealing that roughly a third of the lineages mapped to the conserved receptor binding region, including potent neutralizing lineages that were confirmed by negative stain electron microscopy to target this region. Additional lineages targeted a protective region on GP2, while others were found to possess cross-filovirus reactivity. Our study advances the understanding of orthomarburgvirus glycoprotein antigenicity and furthers efforts to develop candidate antibody countermeasures against these lethal viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Marburg viruses were the first filoviruses characterized to emerge in humans in 1967 and cause severe hemorrhagic fever with average case fatality rates of ~50%. Although mAb countermeasures have been approved for clinical use against the related Ebola viruses, there are currently no approved countermeasures against Marburg viruses. We successfully isolated a panel of orthomarburgvirus GP-specific mAbs from a macaque immunized with a multivalent combination of filovirus antigens. Our analyses revealed that roughly half of the antibodies in the panel mapped to regions on the glycoprotein shown to protect from infection, including the host cell receptor binding domain and a protective region on the membrane-anchoring subunit. Other antibodies in the panel exhibited broad filovirus GP recognition. Our study describes the discovery of a diverse panel of cross-reactive macaque antibodies targeting orthomarburgvirus and other filovirus GPs and provides candidate immunotherapeutics for further study and development.
Bactericidal effectors of the
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
type IV secretion system: functional definition of the nuclease TfdA and structural determination of TfcB
Authors: Cobe Brandi L. , Dey Supratim , Minasov George , Inniss Nicole , Satchell Karla J. F. , Cianciotto Nicholas P.
Published: June 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
expresses a type IV protein secretion system (T4SS) that promotes contact-dependent killing of other bacteria and does so partly by secreting the effector TfcB. Here, we report the structure of TfcB, comprising an N-terminal domain similar to the catalytic domain of glycosyl hydrolase (GH-19) chitinases and a C-terminal domain for recognition and translocation by the T4SS. Utilizing a two-hybrid assay to measure effector interactions with the T4SS coupling protein VirD4, we documented the existence of five more T4SS substrates. One of these was protein 20845, an annotated nuclease. A
S. maltophilia
mutant lacking the gene for 20845 was impaired for killing
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Moreover, the cloned 20845 gene conferred robust toxicity, with the recombinant
E. coli
being rescued when 20845 was co-expressed with its cognate immunity protein. The 20845 effector was an 899 amino-acid protein, comprised of a GHH-nuclease domain in its N-terminus, a large central region of indeterminant function, and a C-terminus for secretion. Engineered variants of the 20845 gene that had mutations in the predicted catalytic site did not impede
E. coli
, indicating that the antibacterial effect of 20845 involves its nuclease activity. Using flow cytometry with DNA staining, we determined that 20845, but not its mutant variants, confers a loss in DNA content of target bacteria. Database searches revealed that uncharacterized homologs of 20845 occur within a range of bacteria. These data indicate that the
S. maltophilia
T4SS promotes interbacterial competition through the action of multiple toxic effectors, including a potent, novel DNase.

IMPORTANCE

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is a multi-drug-resistant, Gram-negative bacterium that is an emerging pathogen of humans. Patients with cystic fibrosis are particularly susceptible to
S. maltophilia
infection. In hospital water systems and various types of infections,
S. maltophilia
co-exists with other bacteria, including other pathogens such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. We previously demonstrated that
S. maltophilia
has a functional VirB/D4 type VI protein secretion system (T4SS) that promotes contact-dependent killing of other bacteria. Since most work on antibacterial systems involves the type VI secretion system, this observation remains noteworthy. Moreover,
S. maltophilia
currently stands alone as a model for a human pathogen expressing an antibacterial T4SS. Using biochemical, genetic, and cell biological approaches, we now report both the discovery of a novel antibacterial nuclease (TfdA) and the first structural determination of a bactericidal T4SS effector (TfcB).
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile and molecular characterization of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
strains isolated from imported shrimps
Authors: Bourdonnais Erwan , Briet Arnaud , Brauge Thomas , Debuiche Sabine , Helsens Nicolas , Granier Sophie A. , Midelet Graziella
Published: June 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a threat to human health and one of the leading bacterial causes of seafood-borne infection worldwide. This pathogen is autochtonous in the marine environment and is able to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms, which is a global concern. However, the emergence of AMR
V. parahaemolyticus
strains in seafood is still understudied, as interpretation criteria for this species for antimicrobial susceptibility tests are limited in the literature. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility profiles to clinically important antibiotics and the associated genetic determinants of
V. parahaemolyticus
isolates cultured from imported shrimps. Based on the analysis of the resistance phenotypes of 304
V
.
parahaemolyticus
isolates, we have defined experimental epidemiological cutoff values (CO
WT
) for 14/15 antibiotics tested. We observed that 19.1% of the bacterial isolates had acquired resistance to at least one antibiotic class. The highest number of resistance was associated with tetracycline (14.5% of the strains) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (3.6%). Moreover, seven strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR, resistant to at least three antibiotic classes). The most frequently identified genes in these strains were
aph(3″)-Ib
/
aph(6)-Id
(aminoglycoside resistance),
sul2
(sulfonamide),
tet(59
) (tetracycline), and
floR
(chloramphenicol). The SXT/R391 family ICE and class 1 integron-integrase genes were detected by PCR in three and one MDR
V. parahaemolyticus
strains, respectively. Consequently,
V. parahaemolyticus
in seafood can act as a reservoir of AMR, constituting a health risk for the consumer.

IMPORTANCE

Our study on “Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Genetic Determinants of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Isolates from Imported Shrimps” addresses a critical gap in understanding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in this seafood-associated pathogen.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a major cause of global seafood-borne infections, and our research reveals that 19.1% of isolates from imported shrimps display resistance to at least one antibiotic class, with multidrug resistance observed in seven strains. Importantly, we establish experimental epidemiological cutoff values for antibiotic susceptibility, providing valuable criteria specific to
V. parahaemolyticus
. Our findings underscore the potential risk to consumers, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and intervention strategies. This study significantly contributes to the comprehension of AMR dynamics in
V. parahaemolyticus
, offering crucial insights for global public health. The dissemination of our research through Microbiology Spectrum ensures broad accessibility and impact within the scientific community and beyond.
Radiological features of multifocal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma affecting the vagina and the urinary bladder in a pediatric patient
Authors: Varrior Ajith Ramakumar , Thakkar Hemangini , Kale Sunita
Published: June 2024

Rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common soft-tissue sarcomas, found usually in the younger age group. Histologically, they are subdivided into embryonal, alveolar, pleomorphic and not otherwise specified. They have a heterogenous appearance on imaging with few additional characteristic features based on the subtype. Botryoid variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma commonly involves the genitourinary and the biliary system. They can be multifocal. Most of these lesions have a heterogenous appearance on imaging with areas of necrosis and haemorrhage. On ultrasound, they are polypoidal with cystic areas and are vascular. The lesions are hyperintense on T2 sequences, isointense to the skeletal muscle on T1 sequences and show heterogenous enhancement. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment along with radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the site and the stage of the tumour. We report a case of botryoid variant of rhabdomyosarcoma involving the vagina and the urinary bladder.
Thyroid storm after coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination in a patient with a history of Graves’ disease after coronavirus disease 2019 infection
Authors: Saito Masahiro , Iijima Toshie , Kurai Hidetaka , Aso Yosimasa
Published: June 2024

We report a case where the patient may have developed Graves’ disease after COVID-19 infection, and where the COVID-19 vaccination may have exacerbated the condition, inducing the onset of a thyroid storm. Although any association between the vaccine and the onset of thyroid disease is impossible to demonstrate through a single case, the antecedent COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 messenger ribonucleic acid vaccination may have synergistically contributed to the development of Graves’ disease followed by thyroid storm.
Staff disability data in UK higher education: Evidence from EDI reports
Authors: Saloniki Eirini-Christina , Halvorsrud Kristoffer , Whelan Isabelle , Halim Nishat , George Riya , Orkin Chloe
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To explore how higher education institutions (HEIs) make transparent the data they collect on staff disability, and how this relates to existing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) charters.

Design

Descriptive cross-sector quantitative study based on UK HEIs.

Setting

Higher education sector in the UK.

Participants

162 HEIs across the UK with information extracted from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), each institution’s website and Advance HE.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Availability of a publicly available EDI report. Type of information on staff disability identified within the EDI report and level of detail, the latter derived from the number of different types of information provided in the report. Athena SWAN and Disability Confident award level for each HEI were used as a proxy for the sector’s commitment to EDI.

Results

Under a quarter of HEIs do not have an open EDI report online. The majority of Athena SWAN award holders make their EDI reports publicly available, which is similar by Disability Confident status. Russell Group universities are more likely to have a publicly available report. Regionally, EDI report availability is lowest in London. The level of detail with regards to staff disability varies, with more than half of institutions providing ‘little detail’ and just under a third ‘some detail’. Athena SWAN award holders and Disability Confident members are twice as likely to provide ‘some detail’ than those which do not hold an award.

Conclusions

Challenges remain to obtain a clear picture of staff with disabilities within higher education. The lack of both uniformity and transparency in EDI reporting with respect to disability hinders the ability to quantify staff with disabilities within higher education, develop meaningful interventions and address inequities more widely.
Theoretical investigation on the second order nonlinear optical properties of heptagon bridged bi-porphyrin derivatives
Authors: Tang Xin-Wei , Yang Cui-Cui , Tian Wei Quan
Published: June 2024

Porphyrins and their derivatives have drawn extensive attention as promising nonlinear optical (NLO) materials especially for biological applications owing to its large aromatic conjugation and special biological activity and compatibility. However, it is still critical to strategically design porphyrin derivatives materials with high performance in second order NLO applications and disclose the structure property correlation. In the present work, a series of dual-metallic-porphyrin derivatives are designed by incorporating a heptagon between two porphyrins with further addition of heteroatoms and metals. The doping of B and N along the dipole direction induces large static first hyperpolarizability, and strong charge transfer occurs with further introduction of Mg, thus ultimately achieving excellent second order NLO properties including strong sum frequency generation and difference frequency generations under external fields. The doping of heteroatoms and metals synergistically tunes the electronic structure of porphyrin-based derivatives and brings about high performance in biological nonlinear optics.
Adaptive evolution of Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 on alternate carbon sources leads to altered fermentation profiles
Authors: Daley Steve R. , Kirby Samantha , Sparling Richard
Published: June 2024

Consolidated bioprocessing candidate, Clostridium thermocellum, is a cellulose hydrolysis specialist, with the ability to ferment the released sugars to produce bioethanol. C. thermocellum is generally studied with model substrates Avicel and cellobiose to understand the metabolic pathway leading to ethanol. In the present study, adaptive laboratory evolution, allowing C. thermocellum DSM 1237 to adapt to growth on glucose, fructose, and sorbitol, with the prospect that some strains will adapt their metabolism to yield more ethanol. Adaptive growth on glucose and sorbitol resulted in an approximately 1 mM and 2 mM increase in ethanol yield per millimolar glucose equivalent, respectively, accompanied by a shift in the production of the other expected fermentation end products. The increase in ethanol yield observed for sorbitol adapted cells was due to the carbon source being more reduced compared to cellobiose. Glucose and cellobiose have similar oxidation states thus the increase in ethanol yield is due to the rerouting of electrons from other reduced metabolic products excluding H2 which did not decrease in yield. There was no increase in ethanol yield observed for fructose adapted cells, but there was an unanticipated elimination of formate production, also observed in sorbitol adapted cells suggesting that fructose has regulatory implications on formate production either at the transcription or protein level.
miyo wîcêhtowin “good relations”: reckoning with the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and soil science in Canada
Authors: Arcand Melissa M.
Published: June 2024

I offer this perspective as hope that miyo wîcêhtowin (translated as “good relations” in Plains Cree) can be established between the discipline of soil science and Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This perspective reflects not only on the difficult truths of why the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and soil science is primarily one of exploitation and neglect, but also on how fostering a relationship built on reciprocity presents opportunities for Indigenous knowledge systems and soil science to improve the way we relate to land and how we steward soil. Soil science was borne in this country as an instrument of colonization of the plains, marginalizing First Nations from their lands and livelihoods through agricultural settlement. It is necessary to illuminate this fraught history to understand the contemporary realities of First Nations in the prairies, including the hopeful efforts First Nations are making towards conservation and restoration of prairie landscapes—and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems—especially though buffalo rematriation. This sharing is done in the hope that we can collectively work towards reciprocity in the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and soil science as a discipline for improved caretaking of the land.
Horizons that gyre and gimble: a differential characterization of null hypersurfaces
Authors: Blitz Samuel , McNutt David
Published: June 2024

Motivated by the thermodynamics of black hole solutions conformal to stationary solutions, we study the geometric invariant theory of null hypersurfaces. It is well-known that a null hypersurface in a Lorentzian manifold can be treated as a Carrollian geometry. Additional structure can be added to this geometry by choosing a connection which yields a Carrollian manifold. In the literature various authors have introduced Koszul connections to study the study the physics on these hypersurfaces. In this paper we examine the various Carrollian geometries and their relationship to null hypersurface embeddings. We specify the geometric data required to construct a rigid Carrollian geometry, and we argue that a connection with torsion is the most natural object to study Carrollian manifolds. We then use this connection to develop a hypersurface calculus suitable for a study of intrinsic and extrinsic differential invariants on embedded null hypersurfaces; motivating examples are given, including geometric invariants preserved under conformal transformations.
On causality violation in different classes of Ricci inverse gravity
Authors: de Souza J. C. R. , Santos A. F. , Ahmed F.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we investigate a causality-violating four-dimensional space-time, an extension of the two-dimensional Misner space within the framework of modified gravity theories, specifically in the context of Ricci-inverse gravity. To explore this, we focus on two classes of models denoted as $$f({\mathcal {R}}, A^{\mu \nu }\,A_{\mu \nu })$$

f
(
R
,

A

μ
ν

A

μ
ν

)

and $$f({\mathcal {R}}, {\mathcal {A}}, A^{\mu \nu }\,A_{\mu \nu })$$

f
(
R
,
A
,

A

μ
ν

A

μ
ν

)

, and derive the modified field equations using the four-dimensional space-time under consideration. Here, $$A^{\mu \nu }$$

A

μ
ν

is the anti-curvature tensor defined by inverse of the Ricci tensor $$R_{\mu \nu }$$

R

μ
ν

, that is, $$A^{\mu \nu }=R^{-1}_{\mu \nu }$$

A

μ
ν

=

R

μ
ν

-
1

. Additionally, $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
denotes its scalar, defined as $${\mathcal {A}}=g_{\mu \nu }\,A^{\mu \nu }$$

A
=

g

μ
ν

A

μ
ν

. Our analysis shows that in both models, the modified field equations can be solved by considering the matter energy content as a pure radiation field including the cosmological constant. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the energy density of the pure radiation field and the cosmological constant undergo modifications due to the coupling parameters, and these modifications converge to the results of general relativity when these parameters are set to zero. This observation confirms the possibility of causality violation in the form of closed time-like curves within the framework of Ricci-inverse gravity theory.