bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The differences in cytokine signatures between severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
Authors: Liu Zishuai , Xue Xiaoyu , Geng Shuying , Jiang Zhouling , Ge Ziruo , Zhao Chenxi , Xu Yanli , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Wei , Lin Ling , Chen Zhihai
Published: June 2024

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus and hantavirus are categorized under the Bunyavirales order. The severe disease progression in both SFTS and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is associated with cytokine storms. This study aimed to explore the differences in cytokine profiles and immune responses between the two diseases. A cross-sectional, single-center study involved 100 participants, comprising 46 SFTS patients, 48 HFRS patients, and 6 healthy controls. The study employed the Luminex cytokine detection platform to measure 48 cytokines. The differences in cytokine profiles and immune characteristics between the two diseases were further analyzed using multiple linear regression, principal component analysis, and random forest method. Among the 48 cytokines tested, 30 showed elevated levels in SFTS and/or HFRS compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, there were 19 cytokines that exhibited significant differences between SFTS and HFRS. Random forest analysis suggested that TRAIL and CTACK were predictive of SFTS, while IL2Ralpha, MIG, IL-8, IFNalpha2, HGF, SCF, MCP-3, and PDGFBB were more common with HFRS. It was further verified by the receiver operating characteristic with area under the curve >0.8 and
P
-values <0.05, except for TRAIL. Significant differences were observed in the cytokine profiles of SFTS and HFRS, with TRAIL, IL2Ralpha, MIG, and IL-8 being the top 4 cytokines that most clearly distinguished the two diseases.

IMPORTANCE

SFTS and HFRS differ in terms of cytokine immune characteristics. TRAIL, IL-2Ralpha, MIG, and IL-8 were the top 4 that differed markedly between SFTS and HFRS.
cAMP-independent DNA binding of the CRP family protein DdrI from
Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Wang Yudong , Hu Jing , Gao Xufan , Cao Yuchen , Ye Shumai , Chen Cheng , Wang Liangyan , Xu Hong , Guo Miao , Zhang Dong , Zhou Ruhong , Hua Yuejin , Zhao Ye
Published: June 2024

The cAMP receptor proteins (CRPs) play a critical role in bacterial environmental adaptation by regulating global gene expression levels via cAMP binding. Here, we report the structure of DdrI, a CRP family protein from
Deinococcus radiodurans
. Combined with biochemical, kinetic, and molecular dynamics simulations analyses, our results indicate that DdrI adopts a DNA-binding conformation in the absence of cAMP and can form stable complexes with the target DNA sequence of classical CRPs. Further analysis revealed that the high-affinity cAMP binding pocket of DdrI is partially filled with Tyr113-Arg55-Glu65 sidechains, mimicking the
anti
-cAMP-mediated allosteric transition. Moreover, the second
syn
-cAMP binding site of DdrI at the protein-DNA interface is more negatively charged compared to that of classical CRPs, and manganese ions can enhance its DNA binding affinity. DdrI can also bind to a target sequence that mimics another transcription factor, DdrO, suggesting potential cross-talk between these two transcription factors. These findings reveal a class of CRPs that are independent of cAMP activation and provide valuable insights into the environmental adaptation mechanisms of
D. radiodurans
.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria need to respond to environmental changes at the gene transcriptional level, which is critical for their evolution, virulence, and industrial applications. The cAMP receptor protein (CRP) of
Escherichia coli
(ecCRP) senses changes in intracellular cAMP levels and is a classic example of allosteric effects in textbooks. However, the structures and biochemical activities of CRPs are not generally conserved and there exist different mechanisms. In this study, we found that the proposed CRP from
Deinococcus radiodurans
, DdrI, exhibited DNA binding ability independent of cAMP binding and adopted an apo structure resembling the activated CRP. Manganese can enhance the DNA binding of DdrI while allowing some degree of freedom for its target sequence. These results suggest that CRPs can evolve to become a class of cAMP-independent global regulators, enabling bacteria to adapt to different environments according to their characteristics. The first-discovered CRP family member, ecCRP (or CAP) may well not be typical of the family and be very different to the ancestral CRP-family transcription factor.
Complete genome sequence of a metallo-β-lactamase-producing
Aeromonas dhakensis
strain, RYU-Ah62, isolated from a patient with an abdominal abscess
Authors: Nishiyama Naoya , Uechi Kohei , Arakaki Wakako , Utsumi Daisuke , Sato Yukuto , Nakamatsu Masashi , Kinjo Takeshi , Yamamoto Kazuko
Published: June 2024

Aeromonas dhakensis
is highly virulent but often misidentified in clinical settings. The entire genome sequence of a metallo-β-lactamase-producing
A. dhakensis
strain from a clinical specimen has been presented in this study. The genome comprised a single chromosome of 4.89 Mbp with 61.6% G + C content.
Unveiling genome sequence of
Bacillus safensis
strain WOB7 KX774196, a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) isolated from cassava wastewater (CWW) in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunyemi Adewale K. , Buraimoh Olanike M. , Dauda Wadzani P. , Akapo Olufunmilayo O. , Ogunyemi Bukola C. , Samuel Titilola A. , Ilori Matthew O. , Amund Olukayode O.
Published: June 2024

Bacillus safensis
strain WOB7 is a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) that was isolated from cassava wastewater obtained from a processing factory. We present here the draft genome sequence of the strain (WOB7). These data provide valuable information on the prospects of the linamarase and other genes of importance associated with cyanogen detoxification.
Whole-genome sequence of
Micrococcus
sp. strain HOU01 isolated from potato root
Authors: Dao Van Hong Thi , Nguyen Loan To , Tran Phuong Minh Thi , Nguyen Truong Xuan , Le Ha Hai Thanh , Dinh Son Truong
Published: June 2024

Endophytes play important roles in potato production. The whole genome of endophytic
Micrococcus
sp. Strain HOU01, isolated from potato root grown at Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam, was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore’s PromethION platform. The complete circular genome is 2,552,707 bp with a GC content of 72.5%.
Draft genome sequences of two wide-host-range phages of
Listeria monocytogenes
from food processing environments in the United States
Authors: Brown Phillip , Kilcher Samuel , Kim Jae-Won , Loessner Martin , Kathariou Sophia
Published: June 2024

Listeria monocytogenes
is notorious for persistence in food facilities. Phages can significantly impact the ecology of
Listeria
, but there is a dearth of genome sequence data for
Listeria
phages from food processing ecosystems. We report the genome sequences of two
Listeria
phages from turkey processing facilities in the USA.
Complete genome sequences of two closely related isolates of
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
isolated from human fingertips
Authors: Zhang S. Q. , Leung K. M. , Lai G. K. K. , Griffin S. D. J.
Published: June 2024

Complete genomes of two closely related isolates of
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
from human fingertips, SZ.YL11 and SZ.PL35w, were established through hybrid assembly. Each possesses a single circular chromosome and a circular plasmid, totaling 2,611,553 and 2,611,619 bp, respectively (with G + C 33.14% for both).
Genome sequences of
Vibrio diabolicus
and
Algoriphagus
sp. isolated from the San Elijo coastal lagoons in San Diego
Authors: Terrell Kaziah J. , Petre Rana , Stock Emma K. , Dyadyukova Polina , Kyndt John A.
Published: June 2024

We report two draft genome sequences related to the genera
Vibrio
and
Algoriphagus
, isolated from water samples at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, which is one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in San Diego, California. The initial whole genome-based comparison illustrates the uniqueness of these species.
Complete genome sequence of Japanese RSSC phylotype-I strains infecting different host plants
Authors: Rana Lokendra , Satoh Miho , Tsuzuki Masayuki , Kiba Akinori , Hikichi Yasufumi , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: June 2024

Ralstonia solanacearum
species complex (RSSC) shows a broad host range and is classified into four phylotypes. To compare type III effectors, we have determined the complete genome sequences of several RSSC strains, especially phylotype-I strains isolated in Japan, with different host specificity.
Metabologenomics reveals strain-level genetic and chemical diversity of
Microcystis
secondary metabolism
Authors: Yancey Colleen E. , Hart Lauren , Hefferan Sierra , Mohamed Osama G. , Newmister Sean A. , Tripathi Ashootosh , Sherman David H. , Dick Gregory J.
Published: June 2024

Microcystis
spp. are renowned for producing the hepatotoxin microcystin in freshwater cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms around the world, threatening drinking water supplies and public and environmental health. However,
Microcystis
genomes also harbor numerous biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, including many with toxic properties. Most of these BGCs are uncharacterized and currently lack links to biosynthesis products. However, recent field studies show that many of these BGCs are abundant and transcriptionally active in natural communities, suggesting potentially important yet unknown roles in bloom ecology and water quality. Here, we analyzed 21 xenic
Microcystis
cultures isolated from western Lake Erie to investigate the diversity of the biosynthetic potential of this genus. Through metabologenomic and
in silico
approaches, we show that these
Microcystis
strains contain variable BGCs, previously observed in natural populations, and encode distinct metabolomes across cultures. Additionally, we find that the majority of metabolites and gene clusters are uncharacterized, highlighting our limited understanding of the chemical repertoire of
Microcystis
spp. Due to the complex metabolomes observed in culture, which contain a wealth of diverse congeners as well as unknown metabolites, these results underscore the need to deeply explore and identify secondary metabolites produced by
Microcystis
beyond microcystins to assess their impacts on human and environmental health.

IMPORTANCE

The genus
Microcystis
forms dense cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) and can produce the toxin microcystin, which has been responsible for drinking water crises around the world. While microcystins are of great concern,
Microcystis
also produces an abundance of other secondary metabolites that may be of interest due to their potential for toxicity, ecological importance, or pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we combine genomic and metabolomic approaches to study the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites as well as the chemical diversity of produced metabolites in
Microcystis
strains from the Western Lake Erie Culture Collection. This unique collection comprises
Microcystis
strains that were directly isolated from western Lake Erie, which experiences substantial cyanoHAB events annually and has had negative impacts on drinking water, tourism, and industry.
Comparative genomic analysis of strain
Priestia megaterium
B1 reveals conserved potential for adaptation to endophytism and plant growth promotion
Authors: Mahmoud Fatma M. , Pritsch Karin , Siani Roberto , Benning Sarah , Radl Viviane , Kublik Susanne , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Schloter Michael
Published: June 2024

In our study, we aimed to explore the genomic and phenotypic traits of
Priestia megaterium
strain B1, which was isolated from root material of healthy apple plants, to adapt to the endophytic lifestyle and promote plant growth. We identified putative genes encoding proteins involved in chemotaxis, flagella biosynthesis, biofilm formation, secretory systems, detoxification, transporters, and transcription regulation. Furthermore, B1 exhibited both swarming and swimming motilities, along with biofilm formation. Both genomic and physiological analyses revealed the potential of B1 to promote plant growth through the production of indole-3-acetic acid and siderophores, as well as the solubilization of phosphate and zinc. To deduce potential genomic features associated with endophytism across members of
P. megaterium
strains, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis involving 27 and 31 genomes of strains recovered from plant and soil habitats, respectively, in addition to our strain B1. Our results indicated a closed pan genome and comparable genome size of strains from both habitats, suggesting a facultative host association and adaptive lifestyle to both habitats. Additionally, we performed a sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis to infer the most discriminative functional features of the two habitats based on Pfam annotation. Despite the distinctive clustering of both groups, functional enrichment analysis revealed no significant enrichment of any Pfam domain in both habitats. Furthermore, when assessing genetic elements related to adaptation to endophytism in each individual strain, we observed their widespread presence among strains from both habitats. Moreover, all members displayed potential genetic elements for promoting plant growth.

IMPORTANCE

Both genomic and phenotypic analyses yielded valuable insights into the capacity of
P. megaterium
B1 to adapt to the plant niche and enhance its growth. The comparative genomic analysis revealed that
P. megaterium
members, whether derived from soil or plant sources, possess the essential genetic machinery for interacting with plants and enhancing their growth. The conservation of these traits across various strains of this species extends its potential application as a bio-stimulant in diverse environments. This significance also applies to strain B1, particularly regarding its application to enhance the growth of plants facing apple replant disease conditions.
Long-term effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of doravirine in antiretroviral-experienced people with HIV in real life
Authors: Mejías-Trueba Marta , Gutierrez-Valencia Alicia , Llaves-Flores Silvia , Roca-Oporto Cristina , Herrero Marta , Sotomayor de la Piedra César , Lopez-Cortes Luis F. , Espinosa Nuria
Published: June 2024

Real-life data on doravirine (DOR) in different drug combinations are limited. We evaluated the effectiveness of DOR plus two nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), mainly abacavir/lamivudine, and dual therapies in people with HIV (PWH), mostly virologically suppressed. Ambispective observational study that enrolled adults PWH who initiated a DOR-based regimen from September 2020 to February 2022 at a referral center in Spain. Participants were grouped as follows: A, received DOR plus two NRTI; B, dual therapy (DT) with DOR plus dolutegravir (DTG) or darunavir/cobicistat (DRVc); C, DOR plus ≥two antiretroviral drugs. The primary endpoints were treatment effectiveness at week 48 by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analysis (OT). A cohort of 187 participants, 91% virologically suppressed, were analyzed after a median follow-up of 112 weeks (80–136). Group A received DOR plus abacavir/lamivudine (ABV/3TC) (
n
= 109) or tenofovir/emtricitabine (TFV/3TC) (
n
= 45). At week 48, the effectiveness of DOR plus ABV/3TC by ITT was 90.8% (CI
95
, 88.0–93.6), better than with TFV/FTC [73.3% (66.7–79.9);
P
= 0.003]. Only one virologic failure was observed. Mild adverse effects were the cause of treatment discontinuation in 7.8%, followed by switching to a single-tablet regimen. In group B, the effectiveness by ITT was 92.9% (CI
95
, 88.0–97.8) at week 48. No adverse effects or virologic failure were registered in this group. DOR plus two NRTI or DT have long-term effectiveness and safety as a switching option for PWH, mostly virologically suppressed. The DOR plus ABV/3TC combination has shown even better effectiveness than TFV/FTC.

IMPORTANCE

DOR-based regimens have shown long-term effectiveness and safety in PWH, mostly virologically suppressed. The combination of DOR plus ABV/3TC has shown even better safety and effectiveness than TFV/FTC. DOR plus two NRTI offers cost benefits compared to other regimens.
Cystic fibrosis pathogens persist in the upper respiratory tract following initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy
Authors: Hilliam Yasmin , Armbruster Catherine R. , Rapsinski Glenn J. , Marshall Christopher W. , Moore John , Koirala Junu , Krainz Leah , Gaston Jordan R. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Lee Stella E. , Bomberger Jennifer M.
Published: June 2024

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) for most affected individuals but the effects of treatment on sinus microbiota are still unknown. Changes to the airway microbiota in CF are associated with disease state and alterations to the bacterial community after ETI initiation may require changes to clinical management regimens. We collected sinus swab samples from the middle meatus in an observational study of 38 adults with CF and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) from 2017 to 2021 and captured the initiation of ETI therapy. We performed 16S and custom amplicon sequencing to characterize the sinus microbiota pre- and post-ETI. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to estimate total bacterial abundance. Sinus samples from people with CF (pwCF) clustered into three community types, dependent on the dominant bacterial organism: a
Pseudomonas
-dominant,
Staphylococcus
-dominant, and mixed dominance cluster. Shannon’s diversity index was low and not significantly altered post-ETI. Total bacterial load was not significantly lowered post-ETI.
Pseudomonas
spp. abundance was significantly reduced post-ETI, but eradication was not observed.
Staphylococcus
spp. became the dominant organism in most individuals post-ETI and we showed the presence of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) in the sinus both pre- and post-ETI. We also demonstrated that the sinus microbiome is predictive of the presence of
Pseudomonas
spp.,
Staphylococcus
spp., and
Serratia
spp. in the sputum.
Pseudomonas
spp. and
Staphylococcus
spp., including MRSA, persist in the sinuses of pwCF after ETI therapy, indicating that these pathogens will continue to be important in CF airway disease management in the era of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT).

IMPORTANCE

Highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT), such as elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), for cystic fibrosis (CF) have revolutionized patient care and quality of life for most affected individuals. The effects of these therapies on the microbiota of the airways are still unclear, though work has already been published on changes to microbiota in the sputum. Our study presents evidence for reduced relative abundance of
Pseudomonas
spp. in the sinuses following ETI therapy. We also show that
Staphylococcus
spp. becomes the dominant organism in the sinus communities of most individuals in this cohort after ETI therapy. We identified methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) in the sinus microbiota both pre- and post-therapy. These findings demonstrate that pathogen monitoring and treatment will remain a vital part of airway disease management for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) in the era of HEMT.
In vitro
identification of underutilized β-lactam combinations against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia isolates
Authors: Davis Kathleen P. , McDermott Laura A. , Snydman David R. , Aldridge Bree B.
Published: June 2024

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia is a serious clinical challenge with high mortality rates. Antibiotic combination therapy is currently used in cases of persistent infection; however, the limited development of new antibiotics will likely increase the need for combination therapy, and better methods are needed for identifying effective combinations for treating persistent bacteremia. To identify pairwise combinations with the most consistent potential for benefit compared to monotherapy with a primary anti-MRSA agent, we conducted a systematic study with an
in vitro
high-throughput methodology. We tested daptomycin and vancomycin each in combination with gentamicin, rifampicin, cefazolin, and oxacillin, and ceftaroline with daptomycin, gentamicin, and rifampicin. Combining cefazolin with daptomycin lowered the daptomycin concentration required to reach 95% growth inhibition (IC
95
) for all isolates tested and lowered daptomycin IC
95
below the sensitivity breakpoint for five out of six isolates that had daptomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations at or above the sensitivity breakpoint. Similarly, vancomycin IC
95
s were decreased when vancomycin was combined with cefazolin for 86.7% of the isolates tested. This was a higher percentage than was achieved by adding any other secondary antibiotic to vancomycin. Adding rifampicin to daptomycin or vancomycin did not always reduce IC
95
s and failed to produce synergistic interaction in any of the isolates tested; the addition of rifampicin to ceftaroline was frequently synergistic and always lowered the amount of ceftaroline required to reach the IC
95
. These analyses rationalize further
in vivo
evaluation of three drug pairs for MRSA bacteremia: daptomycin+cefazolin, vancomycin+cefazolin, and ceftaroline+rifampicin.

IMPORTANCE

Bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) have a high mortality rate despite the availability of vancomycin, daptomycin, and newer antibiotics including ceftaroline. With the slow output of the antibiotic pipeline and the serious clinical challenge posed by persistent MRSA infections, better strategies for utilizing combination therapy are becoming increasingly necessary. We demonstrated the value of a systematic high-throughput approach, adapted from prior work testing antibiotic combinations against tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, by using this approach to test antibiotic pairs against a panel of MRSA isolates with diverse patterns of antibiotic susceptibility. We identified three antibiotic pairs—daptomycin+cefazolin, vancomycin+cefazolin, and ceftaroline+rifampicin—where the addition of the second antibiotic improved the potency of the first antibiotic across all or most isolates tested. Our results indicate that these pairs warrant further evaluation in the clinical setting.
Agreement between two real-time commercial PCR kits and an in-house real-time PCR for diagnosis of mucormycosis
Authors: Rafanomezantsoa Lovanirina Clémencia , Sabourin Estelle , Guennouni Sebbouh Nadia , Sitterlé Emilie , Ben Halima Nada , Raveloarisaona Yannick Sonjah , Quesne Gilles , Dannaoui Eric , Bougnoux Marie-Elisabeth
Published: June 2024

Mucormycosis is a severe and emerging invasive fungal infection associated with high mortality rates. Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating specific antifungal treatment, with molecular tools currently representing the most efficient diagnostic approach. Presently, a standardized in-house real-time PCR method is widely employed for diagnosing mucormycosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the agreement for the Mucorales DNA detection between two commercial real-time PCR assays—the Fungiplex Mucorales Real-Time PCR Kit and the MycoGENIE
Aspergillus-Mucorales
spp. Real-Time PCR Kit—in comparison with the in-house PCR. We retrospectively analyzed 58 samples previously identified as positive for Mucorales using the in-house PCR. These samples, obtained from 22 patients with proven or probable mucormycosis, were tested with both commercial kits. Additionally, samples from 40 patients without mucormycosis served as negative controls. Our findings revealed that the MycoGENIE Kit demonstrated superior performance in detecting Mucorales DNA in samples identified as positive by the in-house PCR. Notably, we observed minimal variability in cycle threshold (CT) values when comparing the results of the MycoGENIE Kit with those of the in-house PCR, with an average difference of 1.8 cycles. In contrast, the Fungiplex Kit exhibited a larger discrepancy in CT values compared to the in-house PCR, with an average difference of 4.1 cycles. The MycoGENIE Kit exhibited very good agreement (kappa of 0.82) with the in-house PCR for detecting Mucorales DNA across various sample types. These findings are important for the choice of kits that could be used to diagnose mucormycosis in clinical microbiology laboratories.

IMPORTANCE

Early diagnosis of mucormycosis is crucial for initiating effective treatment. The detection of Mucorales DNA by PCR in serum has revolutionized the diagnosis of this infection. However, the use of in-house methods can be time consuming. The availability of a commercial kit eliminates the need for in-house assay development, reducing laboratory workload and ensuring consistent performance across different healthcare settings. Currently, there are several commercial assays available, but many have limited evaluation. In this study, we compared two commercial kits and found that the MycoGENIE Kit offers a promising alternative to the in-house method.
Comparative performance of the Platelia
Aspergillus
Antigen and
Aspergillus
Galactomannan antigen Virclia Monotest immunoassays in serum and lower respiratory tract specimens: a “real-life” experience
Authors: Albert Eliseo , Alcaraz María Jesús , Giménez Estela , Clari María Ángeles , Torres Ignacio , Colomina Javier , Olea Beatriz , Tormo Mar , Piñana José Luis , Oltra Rosa , Signes-Costa Jaime , Carbonell Nieves , Solano Carlos , Navarro David
Published: June 2024

The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay is the “gold standard” for Aspergillus galactomannan (GLM) measurement in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We evaluated the performance of the Aspergillus GLM antigen Virclia Monotest compared to the Platelia assay. A total of 535 specimens [320 sera, 86 bronchial aspirates (BAs), 70 BAL, and 59 tracheal aspirates (TAs)] from 177 adult patients (72 hematological, 32 Intensive Care Unit, and 73 hospitalized in other wards) were processed for GLM testing upon clinical request. One patient had proven IPA, and 11 had probable disease. After excluding indeterminate Virclia results (
n
= 38), 396 specimens yielded concordant results (56 positive and 340 negative) and 101 discordant results (Virclia positive/Platelia negative,
n
= 95). The overall agreement between immunoassays was higher for sera (
κ
0.56) than for BAL (
κ
≤ 0.24) or BAS and TA (
κ
≤ 0.22). When considering all specimen types in combination, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Virclia assay for the diagnosis of proven/probable IPA were 100% and 65%, respectively, and for the Platelia immunoassay, sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 89.4%, respectively. The correlation between index values by both immunoassays was strong for serum/BAL (
ρ
= 0.73;
P
< 0.001) and moderate for BAS/TA (Rho = 0.52;
P
= 0.001). The conversion of Virclia index values into the Platelia index could be derived by the formula
y
= (11.97 *
X
)/3.62 +
X
). Data from GLM-positive serum/BAL clinical specimens fitted the regression model optimally (
R
2
= 0.94), whereas that of BAS and TA data did not (
R
2
= 0.11). Further studies are needed to determine whether the Virclia assay may be an alternative to the Platelia assay for GLM measurement in sera and lower respiratory tract specimens.

IMPORTANCE

Galactomannan detection in serum or bronchoalveolar fluid specimens is pivotal for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay has become the “gold standard” for Aspergillus GLM measurement. Here, we provide data suggesting that the Virclia Monotest assay, which displays several operational advantages compared with the Platelia assay, may become an alternative to the Platelia assay, although further studies are needed to validate this assumption. We also provide a formula allowing the conversion of Virclia index values into Platelia values. The study may contribute toward positioning the Virclia assay within the diagnostic algorithm of IPA.
Imaging primary cardiac angiosarcoma: case-based illustrations with multimodality imaging and emphasis on the role of positron emission tomography-CT
Authors: Jose Ann Mary , Karthik Gadabanahalli , Shetty Pradeep Kumar , Bhat Venkatraman
Published: June 2024

Primary cardiac angiosarcomas are extremely rare, highly aggressive tumours with rapid progression and high metastatic capability. More than 60% of tumours are detected after the onset of a metastatic disease. In the two cases presented, we demonstrate the role of muti-modality imaging in the diagnosis of the lesion and provide valuable input in prognosticating the disease burden. In both cases, the diagnosis was suspected initially by imaging, based on radiological observations, before the final histopathology confirmation was made. Positron emission tomography– (PET-CT) was a critical component of the diagnostic workup for the detection of disease extent and volume of total disease burden. Hence, PET-CT imaging should be performed in all aggressive appearing cardiac tumours. In view of misleading clinical presentation, we suggest that aggressive workup to be performed in suspected patients. Young patients presenting with vague symptoms and those with recurrent, unresolving, unexplained pericardial effusion deserves special consideration.
Multidisciplinary full-mouth rehabilitation using minimally invasive dental implant therapy: a report on three different clinical scenarios
Authors: Haque Aehad Ul , Verma Umesh Pratap , Singh Pooja
Published: June 2024

Conventional operative dental procedures are being revisited with an approach that seeks to preserve the original tissue as much as possible. Implant dentistry has also seen the advent of various techniques which make minimal alteration to natural tissue. The flapless technique involves implant placement either through a freshly extracted socket or through a tansmucosal punch hole, without elevating mucoperiosteal flap. This paper presents a report on three cases of patient centric, conventional dental implant-based full-mouth rehabilitation, which was successfully carried out using the flapless technique, under varied clinical situations. Each case showed a favourable outcome in terms of restoration of the form and function of the patient’s dentition.
Pneumoconiosis among artisanal miners in Chunya district, Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Mwakyula Issakwisa Habakkuk , Makarius Emanuel , Maro Haika , Ngatunga Cecilia
Published: June 2024

This case series sheds light on the pulmonary diseases afflicting artisanal gold miners in Chunya district, Mbeya, Tanzania. We present 3 cases from a group of 21 miners. The patients, ranging in age and mining exposure, exhibited symptoms of severe pulmonary conditions, including pneumoconiosis, pulmonary hypertension and Cor pulmonale, attributed to prolonged exposure to dust and inadequate protective measures in mining environments. These cases underscore the urgent need for enhanced occupational health standards and preventive strategies in artisanal mining communities.
Joint preserving procedures for Takakura stage IIIB varus ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Choi Jun Young , Suh Jin Soo
Published: June 2024

A man in his early 70s with right Takakura stage IIIB varus ankle osteoarthritis underwent medial opening wedge supramalleolar osteotomy with inframalleolar correction as joint preserving procedure. We also performed anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) resection with fibular shortening valgisation osteotomy to enhance the talar tilt correction. Postoperative decrease in talar tilt with dramatic symptom improvement was achieved. Performing the AITFL resection with fibular shortening valgisation osteotomy plus concomitant supramalleolar osteotomy and inframalleolar correction for Takakura stage IIIB varus ankle osteoarthritis resulted in successful improvement in talar tilt by making room for the valgus deviation of the talus.
miR-520e and its promoter region DNA methylation as potential biomarkers in atherosclerosis
Authors: Mu Mimi , Liu Gao , Ding Xiaoyu , Xue Lijun , Li Dandan , Zhu Yunhua , Zhang Nan , Wu Jia , Wang Junjun
Published: June 2024

In atherosclerosis, DNA methylation plays a key regulatory role in the expression of related genes. However, the molecular mechanisms of these processes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are unclear. Here, using high-throughput sequencing from the Infinium HumanMethylation450 assay, we manifested that the cg19564375 methylation of miR-520e promoter region in the peripheral blood of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients was higher than that of healthy controls. As shown by RQ-MSP, the upstream DNA methylation level of the miR-520e promoter region was considerably increased in ACS patients. miR-520e was markedly downregulated in ACS patients compared with healthy controls. In the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced HUVECs injury model, DNA methylation of the upstream region of miR-520e was significantly increased. With increasing concentrations of the methylase inhibitor 5-Aza, miR-520e expression was upregulated. The silence of methyltransferase DNMT1, rather than DNMT3a or DNMT3b, abolished the influence of miR-520e expression by ox-LDL treatment in HUVECs. A dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-520e regulated the TGFBR2 3′-untranslated region region. After silencing TGFBR2, the promoting effect of miR-520e inhibitor on cell proliferation and migration may be attenuated. In conclusion, the expression of miR-520e is modified by its promoter region DNA methylation, and miR-520e and its promoter region DNA methylation may be potential biomarkers in atherosclerosis.
Centrifuge modeling of backfill consolidation in soil-bentonite cutoff walls
Authors: Dong Honghan , Wang Zhengkai , Yan Zizhuang , Chen Yun-Min , Li Yu-Chao , Chen Guan-nian
Published: June 2024

Soil-bentonite (SB) is commonly adopted for the backfill of vertical cutoff walls to contain contaminated groundwater. The permeability of SB backfill is dependent on its effective stress state, which is affected by the backfill consolidation process. This paper presents a geotechnical centrifuge model test to simulate the primary consolidation of typical SB cutoff walls with the advantages of reduced scale in time and size. The moisture content and earth pressure of the wall were monitored at varied depths. Test results showed that the rapid consolidation stage developed swiftly and various consolidation indicators exhibited significant development. Within the buried depth over the half (approximately two-thirds), the distribution of vertical effective stress was similar to the Bucknell field testing results, namely that it increased nonlinearly and then tended to stabilize. Also, the cumulative effect of lateral frictional resistance increased with depth and reached its peak value. In the deeper buried areas, lateral frictional resistance decreased sharply before increasing again with increasing depth, while vertical effective stress followed a pattern of significant increase followed by a decrease, which was found to be in good agreement with the predicted model compared in the literature. Analysis of consolidation behaviour and mechanisms could be fully validated from directly monitored indicators, including excess pore pressure dissipation, consolidation settlement, moisture content distribution patterns, and permeability coefficient inside the wall. This centrifuge test may be useful for achieving a comprehensive evaluation of the consolidation behaviour and mechanism of SB cutoff walls.
A purification-free method for the synthesis of thiazolium salts using P2S5-Py2 complex or P4S10
Authors: Ji Tianqi , Garapati Venkata Krishna Rao , Gravel Michel
Published: June 2024

An expedient method to prepare thiazolium salts using the P2S5-Py2 complex or P4S10 has been studied. A variety of thiazolium salts can be rapidly accessed by the clean reaction between readily available α-formamido ketones and these reagents. The pure thiazolium salts are obtained via simple filtration followed by salt metathesis with sodium tetrafluoroborate or sodium tetraphenylborate. The method is suitable for a variety of substituents on the heterocycle. The use of these reagents confers a practical advantage over the use of Lawesson’s reagent, making the purification of the thiazolium salt straightforward.
Seasonal patterns and key chemical predictors of dissolved greenhouse gases in small prairie pothole ponds
Authors: Miranda Lauren T. , Whitfield Colin J.
Published: June 2024

Shallow ponds can provide ideal conditions for production of greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), and thus are important to include in global and regional GHG budgets. The Canadian Prairie Pothole Region contains millions of shallow natural ponds, and we investigated GHG dynamics in 145 ponds across the region. Ponds were consistently supersaturated with CH4, often supersaturated with CO2 (57% occurrence), and often undersaturated with N2O (65% occurrence). Spring measurements showed higher N2O saturation ( p = 0.0037) than summer, while summer had higher CH4 ( p < 0.001) and CO2 ( p = 0.023) saturation than spring. Ponds exhibited large physicochemical variation, yet sulfate concentration and pH were strong predictors of dissolved CH4 and CO2, respectively. No predictor was identified for N2O. The link between sulfate and CH4 has important implications as dissolved CH4 in low sulfate (<178 mg L−1) systems was much more responsive to changes in temperature. This research fills an important knowledge gap about the GHG dynamics of prairie pothole ponds and the role of water chemistry for diffuse GHG release. Our work can also be used in ongoing efforts to describe ecosystem services (or disservices) assigned to ponds in this agriculture-dominated region.
The impact of different unravelings in a monitored system of free fermions
Authors: Piccitto Giulia , Rossini Davide , Russomanno Angelo
Published: June 2024

We consider a free-fermion chain undergoing dephasing, described by two different random-measurement protocols (unravelings): a quantum-state-diffusion and a quantum-jump one. Both protocols keep the state in a Slater-determinant form, allowing to address quite large system sizes. We find a bifurcation in the distribution of the measurement operators along the quantum trajectories, that’s to say, there is a point where the shape of this distribution changes from unimodal to bimodal. The value of the measurement strength where this phenomenon occurs is similar for the two unravelings, but the distributions and the transition have different properties reflecting the symmetries of the two measurement protocols. We also consider the scaling with the system size of the inverse participation ratio of the Slater-determinant components and find a power-law scaling that marks a multifractal behaviour, in both unravelings and for any nonvanishing measurement strength.

Graphical abstract

Position of the maxima ofPnvs$$\gamma $$γfor the QSD protocol. The two maxima stem continuously and symmetrically at the bifurcation point$$\gamma $$γQSD$$\sim 0.2$$∼0.2, with a discontinuity of the derivative.
Gluon GTMDs at nonzero skewness and impact parameter dependent parton distributions
Authors: Tan Chentao , Lu Zhun
Published: June 2024

We investigate the leading twist generalized transverse momentum dependent parton distributions (GTMDs) of the unpolarized and longitudinally polarized gluons in the nucleon. We adopt a light-front gluon-triquark model for the nucleon motivated by soft-wall AdS/QCD. The gluon GTMDs are defined through the off-forward gluon-gluon generalized correlator and are expressed as the overlap of light-cone wave functions. The GTMDs can be employed to provide the generalized parton distributions (GPDs) by integrating out the transverse momentum. The Fourier transform of the GPDs encodes the parton distributions in the transverse position space, namely, the impact parameter dependent parton distributions (IPDs). We also calculate the three gluon IPDs corresponding to the GPDs $$H^g$$

H
g

, $$E^g$$

E
g

and $$\widetilde{H}^g$$

H
~

g

, and present their dependence on x and $$b_\perp $$

b
⊥

, respectively.
Classical acceleration temperature from evaporated black hole remnants and accelerated electron-mirror radiation
Authors: Lin Kuan-Nan , Ievlev Evgenii , Good Michael R. R. , Chen Pisin
Published: June 2024

We investigate the radiation from accelerating electrons with asymptotic constant velocity and their analog signatures as evaporating black holes with left-over remnants. We find high-speed electrons, while having a high temperature, correspond to low-temperature analog remnants.
Superoscillations in high energy physics and gravity
Authors: Addazi Andrea , Gan Qingyu
Published: June 2024

We explore superoscillations within the context of classical and quantum field theories, presenting novel solutions to Klein–Gordon’s, Dirac’s, Maxwell’s and Einstein’s equations. In particular, we illustrate a procedure of second quantization of fields and how to construct a Fock space which encompasses Superoscillating states. Furthermore, we extend the application of superoscillations to quantum tunnelings, scatterings and mixings of particles, squeezed states and potential advancements in laser interferometry, which could open new avenues for experimental tests of quantum gravity effects. By delving into the relationship among superoscillations and phenomena such as Hawking radiation, the black hole (BH) information and the Firewall paradox, we propose an alternative mechanism for information transfer across the BH event horizon.
Dynamics of quantum coherence and non-classical correlations between non-interacting two 2-level atoms in thermal baths
Authors: Benzahra Mourad , Dahbi Zakaria , Mansour Mostafa , Bouafia Zakaria
Published: June 2024

This paper delves into the exploration of quantum resources within a two-qubit system composed of two 2-level atoms connected to distinct thermal baths. Various quantifiers are employed to evaluate different aspects of the system’s quantum characteristics. Specifically, the [Formula: see text]-norm and relative entropy of coherence ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are utilized to gauge quantum coherence, while local quantum Fisher information (LQFI) is used to quantify non-classical correlations within the system. The findings suggest that the amount of quantum correlations and coherence decline as the spontaneous emission rate [Formula: see text] and the mean thermal photon number n increase. However, it is observed that manipulating parameters defining the initial state of the two-level atoms system can enhance non-classical correlations and quantum coherence between the two atoms. Additionally, it is noted that these three key metrics entirely vanish in the asymptotic limit of time. Our research underscores the importance of precisely adjusting the parameters of the initial system state, which is prepared in an extended Werner-like state (EWL), to protect quantum resources shared between the two atoms from environmental influences.
Magnetic Bianchi-I cosmology in the Horndeski theory
Authors: Muharlyamov Ruslan K. , Pankratyeva Tatiana N. , Bashir Shehabaldeen O. A.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the evolution of Bianchi-I spacetimes within the framework of the Horndeski theory with [Formula: see text]. The spacetimes are filled a global unidirectional electromagnetic field interacting with a scalar field. We consider the minimal interaction and the non-minimal interaction by the law [Formula: see text]. The Horndeski theory allows anisotropy to grow over time, so the question arises of regulating the anisotropic level in this theory. Using the designer method, we build models in which the anisotropic level tends to a small value as the Universe expands. One of the results is a model with a anisotropic bounce.
Pulse electrodeposited Ni–C films and its performance
Authors: Liu Zihan , Cui Haitao , Tan Jingyi , Chen Luyuan , He Zhen , Wang Yuxin
Published: June 2024

In this study, Ni–C films have been fabricated via pulse electrochemical deposition and carbon sol reinforcement methods. The surfacing of prepared films significantly improved due to the uniform distribution of nanoparticles. Additionally, the maximum thickness is attained when the concentration of carbon sol is 15[Formula: see text]ml/L. X-ray diffraction analysis of the Ni–C composite films reveals adding carbon sol effectively refines the grain size of prepared films. The highest film hardness, 420[Formula: see text]HV, is achieved at a carbon sol concentration of 15[Formula: see text]ml/L, corresponding to the best wear and corrosion resistance. Excessive carbon sol can lead to agglomeration of carbon particles, resulting in defects such as cracks and pores within the coating, thereby degrading its performance.
Northward drift of the Burma Terrane with India during the Cenozoic and implications for the India–Asia collision
Authors: Westerweel Jan , Roperch Pierrick , Win Zaw , Dupont-Nivet Guillaume
Published: June 2024

The past location of the Burma Terrane during the convergence of the Indian and Asian tectonic plates is key to unravelling the regional geodynamic, palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographical history of the eastern edge of the Himalayan orogen. Palaeomagnetic data provide the ability to constrain the location of the Burma Terrane, but it has been very difficult to find rocks with palaeomagnetic records of primary characteristic remanent magnetizations. We present here new palaeomagnetic results spanning the Paleocene to late middle Eocene within the Burma Terrane, complementing palaeolatitudes previously established from Late Cretaceous intrusive rocks and late middle Eocene sedimentary rocks. Our palaeomagnetic data indicate that the Burma Terrane remained at equatorial latitudes during the Paleocene and early Eocene, at a considerable distance from the South Asian margin. In addition, palaeomagnetic results from mid- to late Eocene sedimentary rocks yield a predominantly north–south orientation of the Burma Terrane over the past 45 Myr, showing that it was not part of the NW–SE-oriented Sundaland margin before its collision with India. Our results support collision models involving a Trans-Tethyan subduction system during the Late Cretaceous and early Paleocene. We propose that this system incorporated the Burmese volcanic arc and continental fragments of Argoland before drifting north with India towards Asia. The new palaeogeographical model considers a reduced amount of oblique subduction of the Indian plate below Burma during the Cenozoic. A possible source of sediments filling the thick Myanmar basins from the Gangdese belt during the Eocene supports the hypothesis of an India–Asia collision around ∼50 Ma. The new palaeogeography supporting the formation of the Myanmar Cretaceous amber on an isolated Trans-Tethyan Arc is also a key element in discussions of the palaeobiogeographical evolution of the numerous faunas it contains.
Generative AI and the Future of Democratic Citizenship
Authors: Formosa Paul , Kashyap Bhanuraj , Sahebi Siavosh
Published: June 2024

Generative AI technologies have the potential to be socially and politically transformative. In this paper, we focus on exploring the potential impacts that Generative AI could have on the functioning of our democracies and the nature of citizenship. We do so by drawing on accounts of deliberative democracy and the deliberative virtues associated with it, as well as the reciprocal impacts that social media and Generative AI will have on each other and the broader information landscape. Drawing on this background theory, we outline some of the key positive and negative impacts that Generative AI is likely to have on democratic citizenship. The political significance of these impacts suggests the need for further regulation.