bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor for tracing unmanned underwater vehicles
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Guochang , Li Haoxuan , Cheng Nuo , Kong Xiangzheng , Jia Licheng , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Wendong , Wang Renxin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Currently, various detection technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles are highly susceptible to environmental impacts. Wake detection technologies have gradually gained attention and development. However, the clarity of detection results remains a challenge. This paper aims to present the design of a MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor. Compared to similar sensors, the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor offers improved propeller wake measurement capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor inspired by the fish lateral line system is designed. This paper discusses the working principle of the sensor. Finite element simulation is used to determine the optimal dimensions of the sensor’s sensitive chip and packaging structure. In addition, the wake environment is simulated for performance testing.

Findings

Flow velocity calibration test results confirm that the MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor exhibits high sensitivity, achieving 1727.6 mV/(m/s). Vector capability tests show that the data consistency in the same direction reaches 91.8%. The sensor demonstrates strong vector detection capability.

Practical implications

The MEMS three-dimensional vector wake sensor plays a critical role in the formation control of unmanned underwater vehicle fleets and target detection.

Originality/value

This study focuses on applications for unmanned underwater vehicles. It enhances the detection capabilities of unmanned underwater vehicles. This is of significant importance for future deep-sea target detection.
Risankizumab in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar pustulosis: Results from the randomized, phase 3 JumPPP study
Authors: Okubo Yukari , Murakami Masamoto , Kobayashi Satomi , Tsuji Shigeyoshi , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Ikeda Kimitoshi , Jibiki Maiko , Neimark Ezequiel , Padilla Byron , Shen Jie , Peters Sydney , Terui Tadashi
Published: February 2025

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease of the palms and/or soles. We report the efficacy and safety of risankizumab (RZB), an interleukin 23 p19 inhibitor, from the JumPPP study (a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study to evaluate RZB in adult Japanese sUbjects with Moderate‐to‐severe PalmoPlantar Pustulosis; NCT04451720). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive RZB (150 mg) or placebo at weeks 0 and 4; all patients received RZB from week 16 to week 52 (patients initially randomized to RZB) or week 56 (patients initially randomized to placebo). The primary end point was a Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) change from baseline; secondary end points were ≥50%/≥75% improvement in PPPASI (PPPASI 50/75) at week 16. Efficacy and safety were evaluated to 68 and 76 weeks, respectively. In total, 119 patients (RZB, n = 61; placebo, n = 58) were enrolled. Greater improvement with RZB versus placebo was demonstrated by the significant difference in PPPASI change from baseline at week 16 (least squares mean treatment difference, −3.48; p < 0.05). At week 16, a greater proportion of patients receiving RZB vs placebo achieved PPPASI 50 (41.0% vs 24.1%; nominal p < 0.05) but not PPPASI 75 (13.1% vs 15.5%; nominal p = 0.74). Improvements generally continued through to week 68. The safety profile was generally consistent with previous studies of RZB in psoriasis. RZB demonstrated efficacy over placebo at week 16 in Japanese patients with PPP, with improvements sustained through to week 68, and was well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings.
High Quality Diet Enhances Immune Response and Affects Gene Expression During Viral Infection in an Insect Herbivore
Authors: Yoon Su'ad A. , So Kevin , Harrison Joshua G. , Shastry Vivaswat , Urie Katherine , Gompert Zach , Miura Pedro , Smilanich Angela M. , Forister Matthew L. , Chaturvedi Samridhi
Published: February 2025

Herbivorous insects tolerate chemical and metabolic variation in their host plant diet by modulating physiological traits. Insect immune response is one such trait that plays a crucial role in maintaining fitness but can be heavily influenced by variation in host plant quality. An important question is how the use of different host plants affects the ability of herbivorous insects to resist viral pathogens. Furthermore, the transcriptional changes associated with this interaction of diet and viral pathogens remain understudied. The Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa) has colonised the exotic legume Medicago sativa as a larval host within the past 200 years. We used this system to study the interplay between the effects of host plant variation and viral infection on physiological responses and global gene expression. We measured immune strength in response to infection by the Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) in two ways: (1) direct measurement of phenoloxidase activity and melanisation, and (2) transcriptional sequencing of individuals exposed to different viral and host plant treatments. Our results demonstrate that viral infection caused total phenoloxidase (total PO) to increase and viral infection and host plant interactively affected total PO such that for infected larvae, total PO was significantly higher for larvae consuming the native host plant. Additionally, L. melissa larvae differentially expressed several hundred genes in response to host plant treatment, but with minimal changes in gene expression in response to viral infection. Not only immune genes, but several detoxification, transporter, and oxidase genes were differentially expressed in response to host plant treatments. These results demonstrate that in herbivorous insects, consumption of a novel host plant can alter both physiological and transcriptional responses relevant to viral infection, emphasising the importance of considering immune and detoxification mechanisms into models of evolution of host range in herbivorous insects.
Validity evidence based on internal structure and reliability for the Locus of Control Scale (ELOCUS)
Authors: Ferreira Couto Leila Maria , Bonfá-Araujo Bruno , Nunes Baptista Makilim
Published: February 2025

The Locus of Control Scale (ELOCUS) is a new self-report instrument to measure generalized expectations of control in adults. Accordingly, validity evidence based on the internal structure of this instrument is presented. A total of 1,324 participants, over 18 years of age (M = 37.7 years; SD = 12.8), completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the ELOCUS in a virtual environment. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted using the full sample. A two-factor solution was found, consistent with the theoretical framework, with all fit indices in both analyses being satisfactory. The internal consistency coefficients were adequate: Composite Reliability (CR), Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega of 0.89, 0.83 and 0.84 for the external locus and 0.96, 0.94 and 0.94 for internal locus, respectively, were found. Therefore, the ELOCUS presented satisfactory evidence based on the internal structure. Limitations of this study and suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Low-temperature ALD of metallic cobalt using the CoCOhept precursor: Simulation-assisted process development for deposition on temperature sensitive 3D-structures
Authors: Franz Mathias , Jäckel Linda , Hu Xiao , Kaßner Lysann , Thurm Camilla , Rittrich Dirk , Helke Christian , Schuster Jörg , Daniel Marcus , Stahr Frank , Rüffer Natalia , Kretschmer Robert , Schulz Stefan E.
Published: February 2025

This work presents the development and implementation of a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for metallic cobalt thin films. The works are based on a set of five different Co precursors with alkyne ligands. Computational analysis identified CoCOhept([Co2(CO)6HC≡CC5H11]) as the most promising candidate among a series of potential precursors. Using density functional theory calculations, we examined the surface chemistry of Co2(CO)6HC≡CCH3 during Co ALD. The precursor undergoes dissociative adsorption on Co(001), followed by efficient ligand removal via a hydrogenation reaction with surface H atoms. Simultaneously to the process development with CoCOhept, the chamber geometry has been co-optimized using computational fluid dynamics simulation. By this, the chamber height was identified as a critical factor for a homogenous precursor distribution. We show that a minimum height is mandatory in order to avoid local concentration hot-spots under the gas inlets. The predictions by the model are in good agreement with experiments employing varying chamber geometries. Further experimental tests show the influence of the precursor flow and the plasma pulse duration. We demonstrate the integration of the process in high aspect-ratio silicon structures and on temperature sensitive 3D-photoresist structures.
Optimal structural design of nanoscale dual-gate air-channel triode via 3D simulation
Authors: Shen Zhihua , Cai Qing , Li Qiaoning , Ge Bin , Wang Xiao
Published: February 2025

A nanoscale air-channel triode with dual-gate structure was proposed and systematically simulated. The simulation results indicate that with an increase in the gate width, the transconductance of the device initially rises before reaching saturation. Moreover, a thinner gate insulation layer enhances the gate’s ability to modulate current in the channel. When the gate size sufficiently covers the air channel, a decrease in the gate width leads to a higher cutoff frequency of the device. Furthermore, the top and bottom gate structures with unequal dimensions are advantageous for enhancing the device cutoff frequency, particularly when the top gate width exceeds the channel length, while the bottom gate width is narrower. This configuration not only facilitates radiation isolation of the air channel beneath the top gate but also contributes to an improved cutoff frequency.
Unraveling the Dynamics Between Motor Skill Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, Health-Related Fitness, and Weight Status in Children: A Spiral of (Dis)Engagement?
Authors: den Uil Anne R. , Busch Vincent , Janssen Mirka , Scholte Ron H.J.
Published: February 2025

The goal of this study was to expand knowledge on the longitudinal relationships between motor skill competence, physical activity, perceived motor competence, health-related fitness, and weight status and its age dependency in children between 6 and 11 years old. Participants were Dutch primary school children (N = 1,268 children, 49.4% boys and 50.6% girls) divided over three age groups, Group 1 (5.5–7.49 years), Group 2 (7.5–9.49 years), and Group 3 (9.5+ years). Measurements were done at baseline (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Structural equation modeling resulted in a final model with an excellent fit to the data, χ2(40) = 34,783, p = .704, root mean square error of approximation < .001, comparative-fit index = 1.000, standardized root mean square residual = .023. Results demonstrated that all variables showed significant autoregressive relationships over time, ranging between β = 0.3 (perceived motor competence, Group 1) and β = 0.9 (weight status, Groups 2 and 3). Furthermore, physical activity predicted motor skill competence (p < .05), but motor skill competence did not predict physical activity. The cross-lagged relationships did not change with age. Distinct pathways were identified for boys and girls. The key finding is that all variables are interrelated which supports the idea of a spiral of (dis)engagement. Hence, a multifaceted approach will be most beneficial to support the healthy development of children.
Outsmarted by fungi
Authors: Gutjahr Caroline
Published: February 2025

A fungal pathogen fabricates phosphate starvation in plant cells to promote virulence
‘Patent mills’ offer intellectual property for sale
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: February 2025

Companies register bizarre designs with U.K. office and sell them to scientists to boost CVs
Identification and functional characterization of major gene
pcmfs
, controlling cap color formation in
Pleurotus cornucopiae
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xu Siyu , Li Yuting , Zhang QianQian , Wang Wei , Li Zhuang
Published: February 2025

Oyster mushrooms are grown commercially worldwide, especially in many developing countries, for their easy cultivation and high biological efficiency. Cap color is an important commercial trait for oyster mushrooms. Little is known about the genetic mechanism of the cap color trait in oyster mushrooms, which limits molecular breeding for the improvement of cap color-type cultivars. In this study, an important candidate gene,
pcmfs
, for cap color in the oyster mushroom
Pleurotus cornucopiae
was identified based on the results of QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping and comparative transcriptome analysis of our previous research. The
pcmfs
gene belonged to major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and was localized to the cell membrane. Expression pattern analysis and overexpression experiment demonstrated that
pcmfs
played an important positive role in cap color formation, with high expression levels leading to dark cap color. To our knowledge, this is the first reported gene that may be involved in the melanin transport in edible fungi. The results will enhance our understanding of the genetic basis for cap color formation in oyster mushrooms, ultimately facilitating the targeted molecular breeding of this phenotypic trait.

IMPORTANCE

Oyster mushrooms are widely cultivated worldwide, particularly in developing countries, owing to their straightforward cultivation requirements and high biological efficiency. Cap color represents a significant commercial trait of oyster mushrooms. Despite its significance, the genetic basis of this trait remains poorly understood, limiting progress in molecular breeding to diversify cap color variants. Bridging this knowledge gap could improve the market appeal and consumer satisfaction of these cultivars by facilitating targeted breeding strategies. In our previous research, a major QTL of cap color in oyster mushroom
P. cornucopiae
was mapped and DEGs (differentially expressed genes) between the dark strains and white strains were identified. Based on this, the candidate gene for cap color
pcmfs
was further mined. The
pcmfs
gene, belonging to the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), is localized to the cell membrane. Expression pattern analysis and overexpression experiments have shown that
pcmfs
plays a significant role in cap color formation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported gene that may be involved in the melanin transport in edible fungi. The results contribute to elucidate the genetic mechanisms governing cap color formation in mushrooms, advancing targeted molecular breeding for this trait.
The production of esters by specific sourdough lactic acid bacteria species is limited by the precursor concentrations
Authors: Pradal Inés , Weckx Stefan , De Vuyst Luc
Published: February 2025

The production of fruity esters by sourdough lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts has not been explored in detail. Moreover, the biosynthesis of esters by LAB species under conditions similar to those occurring during sourdough production is still questionable. Concerning yeasts, a genome mining of 75 genomes revealed a strain dependency of the presence of seven specific ester biosynthesis genes. Accordingly, PCR assays to detect these acetate (
ATF1
and
ATF2
) and ethyl ester (
EHT1
and
EEB1
) biosynthesis genes were developed and used to screen 91 strains of yeast species. Concerning LAB, a genome mining of 401 genomes revealed a species dependency of the presence of three esterase-encoding genes (
estA
,
estB
, and
estC
). A phenotypic analysis carried out with a selection of 10 strains of the LAB species
Companilactobacillus crustorum
,
Companilactobacillus nantensis
,
Companilactobacillus paralimentarius, Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis
,
Lactiplantibacillus xiangfangensis
,
Levilactobacillus zymae
, and
Limosilactobacillus fermentum
in a wheat sourdough simulation medium (WSSM) supplemented with ester precursor molecules ([higher] alcohols and fatty acids) revealed that their ester biosynthesis capacity was limited by the precursor concentrations. Ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate were produced by all strains, except for those of
Frul. sanfranciscensis
. These results suggested that one of the esterase-encoding genes considered could be implicated in the ethyl acetate and/or ethyl lactate biosynthesis. Overall, the ester biosynthesis capacity by LAB is of great interest in view of fruity flavor formation during sourdough and sourdough bread productions.

IMPORTANCE

The present study gave insights into the production of esters, which impart fruity flavors to fermented foods, by not only sourdough yeasts but also lactic acid bacteria. It showed that some lactic acid bacteria species can synthesize the esters ethyl acetate (sweet notes) and ethyl lactate (creamy notes) under specific conditions. The information gathered during the present study will enable sourdough bakers and companies from the bakery sector to get more information on how to produce sourdoughs that can add fruity notes to the final products after a rational screening and selection of potential starter culture strains.
Spatiotemporal binding of cyclophilin A and CPSF6 to capsid regulates HIV-1 nuclear entry and integration
Authors: Ingram Zachary , Kline Christopher , Hughson Alexandra K. , Singh Parmit K. , Fischer Hannah L. , Radhakrishnan Rajalingham , Sowd Gregory A. , Dos Santos Nayara F. B. , Ganser-Pornillos Barbie K. , Watkins Simon C. , Kane Melissa , Engelman Alan N. , Ambrose Zandrea
Published: February 2025

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid, which is the target of the antiviral lenacapavir, protects the viral genome and binds multiple host proteins to influence intracellular trafficking, nuclear import, and integration. Previously, we showed that capsid binding to cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6 (CPSF6) in the cytoplasm is competitively inhibited by cyclophilin A (CypA) binding and regulates capsid trafficking, nuclear import, and infection. Here, we determined that a capsid mutant with increased CypA binding affinity had significantly reduced nuclear entry and mislocalized integration. However, disruption of CypA binding to the mutant capsid restored nuclear entry, integration, and infection in a CPSF6-dependent manner. Furthermore, relocalization of CypA expression from the cell cytoplasm to the nucleus failed to restore mutant HIV-1 infection. Our results clarify that sequential binding of CypA and CPSF6 to HIV-1 capsid is required for optimal nuclear entry and integration targeting, providing insights for the development of antiretroviral therapies, such as lenacapavir.

IMPORTANCE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encodes a protein that forms a conical shell, called a capsid, that surrounds its genome. The capsid has been shown to protect the viral genome from innate immune sensors in the cell, to help transport the genome toward and into the nucleus, to keep the components of reverse transcription together for conversion of the RNA genome into DNA, and to target viral DNA integration into specific regions of the host genome. In this study, we show that HIV hijacks two host proteins to bind to capsid sequentially in order to choreograph the precise order and timing of these virus replication steps. Disruption of binding of these proteins to capsid or their location in the cell leads to defective HIV nuclear import, integration, and infection. Mutations that exist in the capsid protein of HIV in infected individuals may reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral drugs that target capsid.
HPSE-mediated proinflammatory signaling contributes to neurobehavioral deficits following intranasal HSV-1 infection
Authors: Borase Hemant , Patil Chandrashekhar D. , Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Shukla Deepak
Published: February 2025

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic virus that can infect the brain, and an uncontrolled infection can lead to a range of diseases, including chronic nerve pain, encephalitis, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. These outcomes are often severe and have lasting consequences, highlighting the need to identify host factors that contribute to disease severity. In this study, we report that intranasal HSV-1 infection in murine model, which promotes viral dissemination into the brain, implicates the host protein heparanase (HPSE) as a key mediator of neuroinflammation. Specifically, we observed that the HPSE activity during HSV-1 infection in naïve animals promotes the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, enhances microglial activity in the brain, and contributes to cognitive impairment, anxiety, and motor coordination deficits. Such effects are significantly less detectable in heparanase deficient (
Hpse−/
−) mice. Additionally, we found that moderate activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly in
Hpse+/+
mice, may contribute to the activation of the inflammasome pathway. This, in turn, leads to the activation of caspase-1 (
Casp1
) and caspase-3 (
Casp3
), which may play a role in nerve function loss. Our findings position HPSE as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating virus-induced neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral defects.

IMPORTANCE

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection in the brain can lead to severe and often permanent neurological consequences. Host factors influence disease outcomes in response to infection, and understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective therapies. This study identifies the host protein HPSE as a key mediator of neuroinflammation in response to HSV-1 infection. We demonstrate that the HPSE activity drives proinflammatory cytokine expression and microglial activation and promotes a signaling cascade involving toll-like receptors and caspase activation, potentially intensifying neuroinflammatory responses. These findings implicate HPSE as an important player in HSV-1 pathogenesis in the central nervous system and suggest that targeting HPSE could provide a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate virus-induced neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral disturbance.
Draft genome sequences of 58 isolates of
Campylobacter jejuni
and
Campylobacter coli
from domestic ducks
Authors: Meinersmann Richard J. , Robinson-McKenzie Tanisha S. , McMillan Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

We present the draft genomic sequences of 58 isolates of
Campylobacter
spp. (32
Campylobacter coli
and 26
Campylobacter jejuni
) isolated from domestic ducks (
Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
). This provides a substantial increase in the number of publicly available genomic sequences of
Campylobacter
isolated from farm-raised ducks in the United States.
Long-read transcriptomics of caviid gammaherpesvirus 1: compiling a comprehensive RNA atlas
Authors: Torma Gábor , Dörmő Ákos , Fülöp Ádám , Tombácz Dóra , Mizik Máté , Pretory Amanda M. , Lee See-Chi , Toth Zsolt , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: February 2025

Caviid gammaherpesvirus 1 (CaGHV-1), formerly known as the guinea pig herpes-like virus, is an oncogenic gammaherpesvirus with a sequenced genome but an as-yet uncharacterized transcriptome. Using nanopore long-read RNA sequencing, we annotated the CaGHV-1 genome and constructed a detailed transcriptomic atlas. Our findings reveal diverse viral mRNAs and non-coding RNAs, along with mapped promoter elements for each viral gene. We demonstrated that the CaGHV-1 RTA lytic cycle transcription factor activates its own promoter, similar to Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and that the CaGHV-1 ORF50 promoter responds to RTA proteins from other gammaherpesviruses, highlighting the evolutionary conservation of RTA-mediated transcriptional mechanisms. Additionally, our analysis uncovered extensive transcriptional overlap within the viral genome, suggesting a role in regulating global gene expression. Given its tumorigenic properties, broad host range, and non-human pathogenicity, this work establishes CaGHV-1 as a promising small animal model for investigating human gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

The molecular underpinnings of gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis remain poorly understood, partly due to limited animal models. This study provides the first comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of CaGHV-1, highlighting both coding and non-coding RNAs and revealing regulatory elements that drive viral gene expression. Functional studies of the CaGHV-1 RTA transcription factor demonstrated its ability to self-activate and cross-activate promoters from homologous gammaherpesviruses, reflecting conserved mechanisms of transcriptional control. These findings solidify CaGHV-1 as a unique and versatile small animal model, offering new opportunities to investigate gammaherpesvirus replication, transcriptional regulation, and tumorigenesis in a controlled experimental system.
Evolutionary trajectory of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Feiyu , Wang Dejuan , Zhang Haijie , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Yuan
Published: February 2025

The global crisis of antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to human health, underscoring the urgency of developing new antibacterial strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to antibiotic therapy, yet potential microbial resistance is of great concern. Resistance is often accompanied by fitness costs, which may in turn influence the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and their susceptibility to other antimicrobial agents. Herein, we investigate the evolutionary trajectory of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and AMPs in
Escherichia coli
, and evaluate the fitness costs and collateral sensitivity of drug-resistant strains. We reveal that
E. coli
develops resistance to antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin and kanamycin, at a notably faster rate than to AMPs. Moreover, antibiotic-evolved strains exhibit slightly higher fitness costs than AMP-evolved bacteria, primarily manifested in reduced bacterial growth and swimming motility. Notably, we demonstrate that trimethoprim-resistant
E. coli,
with mutations in
thyA
gene, displays enhanced susceptibility to pexiganan, as evidenced by both
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies. Overall, our findings shed new insights for the clinical deployment of AMPs and propose innovative therapeutic strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

IMPORTANCE

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the development of innovative anti-infective strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives in the post-antibiotic era. By monitoring the evolutionary trajectory of bacterial resistance to eight antibiotics and ten AMPs in
Escherichia coli
, we demonstrate that
E. coli
exhibits slower emergence of resistance against AMPs compared with antibiotics. Additionally, these antibiotic-resistant strains incur significant fitness costs, particularly in bacterial growth and motility. Most importantly, we find that some antibiotic-resistant strains show collateral sensitivity to specific AMPs in both
in vitro
and animal infection models, which is conducive to accelerating the development of AMP-based antibacterial treatment.
In vitro
activities of lipopeptides against fluconazole-resistant
Candida auris
Authors: Fioriti Simona , Pallotta Francesco , D'Achille Gloria , Cirioni Oscar , Simonetti Oriana , Neubauer Damian , Kamysz Elzbieta , Kamysz Wojciech , Brescini Lucia , Caucci Sara , Caggiano Giuseppina , Giacometti Andrea , Morroni Gianluca , Barchiesi Francesco
Published: February 2025

Candida auris
has increasingly become a global threat due to its wide range of antifungal resistances as well as its ability to sustain outbreaks in clinical settings. Two lipopeptides, C14-NleRR-NH
2
(Nel) and C14-WRR-NH
2
(WR), were evaluated against six fluconazole-resistant
C. auris
isolates. Both molecules showed good antimicrobial activity as demonstrated by MIC determination, time-kill, and microscopy experiments. The peptides were able to inhibit fungal growth, while sub-MIC concentrations of the molecules delayed the growth. Moreover, the combinations of the two peptides with fluconazole demonstrated a reciprocal potentiation by checkerboard and time-kill experiments. Our results showed that antimicrobial peptides could be a promising option for the treatment of antifungal-resistant
C. auris
.

IMPORTANCE

As well as antibiotics, also in fungal infections, antimicrobial resistance increased over the years. Moreover, in the last years, a new species emerged,
Candida auris
, as a nosocomial pathogen.
C. auris
possesses intrinsic resistance to common antifungals, such as azoles, that complicate therapeutic options. The combination of these two elements poses a risk for the treatment of fungal infections in the next years. The search for novel compounds with antimicrobial properties is crucial for the treatment of infections to overcome the increasing resistance of these etiological agents.
Comparative phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance in
Achromobacter
spp. through whole genome sequencing
Authors: Ray Sreejana , Flemming Laurie K. , Scudder Chelsea J. , Ly Melissa A. , Porterfield Harry S. , Smith Richard D. , Clark Andrew E. , Johnson J. Kristie , Das Sanchita
Published: February 2025

Treatment of
Achromobacter
infections remains challenging due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents and no established clinical breakpoints. We attempted accurate species-level identification and compared the presence of genotypic resistance markers to phenotypic susceptibility patterns in retrospectively collected clinical isolates of
Achromobacter
spp. Our study concludes that
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
is the most prevalent species. Commercial matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) systems cannot accurately identify all
Achromobacter
species due to the limited inclusion of spectra in the databases. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) confirms resistance to the majority of antibiotics tested. Newer agents like delafloxacin, plazomicin, and omadacycline showed little or no activity, while minimum inhibitory concentrations were low for eravacycline. In general, the species other than
A. xylosoxidans
showed lower MIC
50
and MIC
90
, especially to carbapenems and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations like piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, and imipenem-relebactam. Genotypic analysis confirmed that
A. xylosoxidans
carries a high number of resistance genes, including multidrug efflux pump AxyXY-OprZ, several class D (OXA-type), and the Class A ß-lactamase

bla
AXC

, while
Achromobacter mucicolens
has the lowest number of resistance genes and no efflux pumps. This study concludes that there is significant genotypic and phenotypic diversity within the different species of
Achromobacter,
which are important for the identification of the species and for appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

IMPORTANCE

Identification and susceptibility testing of Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria belonging to the genus
Achromobacter
is difficult due to the lack of robust databases in commercial identification systems such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and clinical breakpoints for antimicrobial agents. Most clinical laboratories interpret minimum inhibitory concentration data using the “non-
Enterobacterales
” breakpoints included in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M100. These are breakpoints used for a group of organisms for which data is insufficient to provide species-specific interpretation. Our study provides phenotypic data regarding identification and susceptibility testing and correlates this with the genotypic characterization of 109 clinical isolates belonging to
Achromobacter
spp. This comprehensive study sheds light on the phenotypic and genotypic character of this bacteria, that is of increasing clinical relevance in hospital-acquired infections.
Supplemental Material: Crustal versus mantle-level aggregation of heterogeneous melts at mid-ocean ridges
Authors: Cooper George , al. et
Published: February 2025

Item S1 contains full details of the methods; item S2 contains element maps of all samples used in this study; item S3 is a spreadsheet containing all data from this manuscript. 
Fifteen-minute consultation: Approach to recurrent cutaneous and ophthalmic herpes simplex virus infection
Authors: Moore Tomas , Nourse Clare , Dai Shuan , Zappala Tania , Berkhout Angela
Published: February 2025

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in children is a common and challenging disease characterised by frequent misdiagnosis, a variety of treatment protocols and frequent recurrences from latent infection. With potential consequences such as pain, disfigurement, self-esteem issues, school exclusion and vision loss in eye disease, early diagnosis, informed management and appropriate interventions to prevent recurrences are essential.

Management of HSV disease typically involves the use of oral antivirals for cutaneous disease and a combination of oral and topical treatment for eye disease. For children with recurrent disease, management options include episodic or chronic suppressive treatment for cutaneous disease, while longer-term suppressive therapy is often recommended for eye disease.
Retinal detachment incidence in refractive lens exchange versus cataract surgery: uncommon versus rare – systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Passaro Maria Laura , Kilic Deniz , Virgili Gianni , Romano Vito , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Dick Burkhard , Taneri Suphi
Published: February 2025

Aims

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is becoming a popular refractive solution for patients ineligible for corneal surgeries or phakic intraocular lenses. However, concerns regarding retinal detachment (RD) risk persist.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed in Medline and Scopus.

The final search was updated on 30 March 2024.

Results

Of 2415 full-text screening reports, 40 studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 8 592 380 eyes. This included 20 264 eyes that underwent RLE and 8 572 116 eyes that underwent cataract surgery. In the RLE surgery subgroup, the RD incidence for follow-up <12 months was 0.00016% (0.00000%; 0.00034%), for follow-up between 12 and 24 months was 0.0000% (0.0000%; 0.03102%), and for follow-up >24 months was 0.02312% (0.00984%; 0.03640%) (p<0.01). In the cataract surgery subgroup, the incidence for follow-up >24 months was 0.01244% (0.00655%; 0.01832%), and for missing follow-up was 0.00429% (0.00221%; 0.00637%).

Conclusions

We found that the incidence of RD after RLE was approximately double that observed after cataract surgery with at least 24 months (median 4 years) follow-up. Thus, RD may be classified as rare complication after cataract surgery (1/1000) and an uncommon complication after RLE (1/500). It must be noted that the heterogeneity of the subgroups after RLE was low. While some limitations, such as the lack of long-term follow-up in certain studies and incomplete reporting of factors like axial length or PVD status, may slightly influence the interpretation, these findings provide valuable insights. Acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in interpreting these results, additional studies are recommended.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431420.
Implementation strategies of financial navigation and its effects on alleviating financial toxicity among cancer survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Feng Yujia , Su Mingzhu , Sun Xiaojie , Zhang Jinxin , Yao Nengliang Aaron
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This systematic review aims to identify the implementation strategies of financial navigation and systematically synthesise its effects on mitigating financial toxicity among cancer survivors, based on the theoretical framework of implementation science.

Methods

Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, ScienceDirect and ProQuest Health & Medical Collection databases were searched for studies published before 22 August 2023. We sought original research on financial navigation interventions among adult cancer survivors with financial toxicity in healthcare settings. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials, 2.0 and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions-I were used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. In addition, the implementation strategies of the included studies were categorised and collated based on Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was adopted to explain barriers and facilities for implementation.

Results

In total, 6855 records were screened, yielding 14 full-text articles, which were included (3 randomised clinical trials and 11 non-randomised studies). ‘Train and educate stakeholders’ (n=13 (92.9%)) and ‘use evaluative and iterative strategies’ (n=12 (85.7%)) were the most common implementation strategies in financial navigation. The feasibility of financial navigation is relatively high, but generally hindered by the health condition of cancer survivors, low willingness to participate and insufficient number of navigators to cover all participants. After the intervention, three of seven studies reported statistically significant mitigations in patient-reported financial toxicity. In studies reporting statistically significant outcomes, ‘adapt and tailor to the context’ and ‘change infrastructure’ were proposed as key corresponding recommendations.

Conclusions

Financial navigation is a potentially beneficial intervention for lessening the financial toxicity of cancer survivors, but more high-level evidence is needed for further validation. Financial navigation combined with the theoretical framework of implementation science provides a foundation for the future realisation of the leap from knowledge to practice.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023469114.
Genetic contributions to the educational inequalities in coronary heart disease incidence: a population-based study of 32 000 middle-aged men and women
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Lahtinen Hannu , Korhonen Kaarina , Morris Tim T , Martikainen Pekka
Published: February 2025

Background

The background of educational disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is still not well understood. We used a polygenic score for education (PGSEDU), socioeconomic indicators and indicators of CHD risk to investigate whether these disparities result from causality or are influenced by shared factors.

Methods

Population-based health surveys including baseline measures on cardiometabolic risk factors at 25–70 years of age (N=32 610) and PGSEDUwere conducted in Finland between 1992 and 2011. Longitudinal information on education, social class, income and CHD incidence (1716 CHD cases up to 2019) was based on national registers. Linear regression, Poisson regression, Cox regression and linear structural equation models were used.

Results

Education and PGSEDUwere inversely associated with body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and CHD incidence and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men and women. Part of the associations of PGSEDUwith CHD incidence (57% in men and 28% in women) and cardiometabolic factors (30%–55% and 31%–92%, respectively) were mediated by education, social class and income, but a substantial part of them was independent of socioeconomic factors. These associations were consistent across different levels of education.

Conclusions

PGSEDUcaptures CHD risk that is not solely attributable to education and other socioeconomic indicators. This suggests that not only causality affects the educational disparities of CHD risk but also factors reflected by PGSEDUcan contribute to them. Identifying these factors can help to understand and reduce socioeconomic health disparities.
HIV incident infections during pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in Wroclaw, Poland, 2017–2023: a real-life experience
Authors: Szetela Bartosz , Serwin Karol , Bozejko Mateusz , Zinczuk Aleksander , Zielinska Kamila , Lapinski Lukasz , Szymczak Aleksandra , Urbanska Anna , Gąsiorowski Jacek , Parczewski Miłosz
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) relies on adherence to effective regimens. As data on real-life PrEP roll-out and efficacy from Central and Eastern Europe are scarce, we explored the HIV incident infections among PrEP users in an observational cohort in Poland.

Methods

A cohort of 887 men having sex with men (MSM) on generic emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (FTC/TDF) were followed for a cumulative 2587 person years (PY). HIV infection was confirmed using molecular and immunoassays, with subtype and genotyping performed at diagnosis. For phylogenetic analysis, we used 2087 HIV-1 A6 partialpolsequences from Poland as background.

Results

Nine (1%) PrEP users acquired HIV during the follow-up period. The estimated HIV incidence was 0.347 per 100 PY, with a relative risk reduction of 90.9%. All users who acquired HIV were cisgender white MSM of European origin (median age: 35.5 years). The majority (eight out of nine) used PrEP on demand (ie, 2-1-1 schedule), with one using PrEP only before receptive and not insertive sexual contacts and seven skipping the double dose. Infections occurred due to inadequate PrEP dosing. In five (55.6%) and four (44.4%) users, subtypes B and A6 were acquired, respectively, with no drug resistance. Each of the four A6 sub-subtypes belonged to distinct clusters. Three of them had distinct regional origins within Poland and one in Ukraine. Users were started on tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/bictegravir at a median of 10.5 days from diagnosis and reached undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL) at a median of 63 days.

Conclusions

Overall, FTC/TDF PrEP was very effective, with failures occurring due to suboptimal adherence to on-demand dosing. Effective communication of HIV-related risks and clear instructions on how to use on-demand PrEP without missing doses should be provided to PrEP users. Despite the lack of transmitted drug resistance, we noted a higher number of infections with the A6 subtype and independent lineage introductions.
The Power of Community Knowledge Exchange for Research: Community Knowledge Exchanges Lead to Innovation and Action in the Arctic
Authors: Fox Shari
Published: February 2025

Indigenous peoples from Arctic communities who are engaged in various aspects of science, research and community work have much to share with one another. Here, we—a team of Indigenous Arctic community members and visiting researchers—present examples of such sharing during and after four knowledge exchange gatherings that formed the core of a multi-year project, bringing together Indigenous scholars, harvesters, whalers, herders, leaders, and allies from Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Finland, and Siberia. We present community-to-community knowledge exchange and describe specific examples of exchange approaches, methods, successes, and challenges, as well as direct outcomes from facilitating these interactions. We suggest that the remarkable nature of those outcomes was the result not of something unique to our project, but of the inherent value of creating a venue and opportunities where people felt at ease conversing with others from elsewhere in the Arctic through loosely structured conversations that were situated in place. By not having rigid objectives to follow, participants were able to explore topics that mattered most to them. We argue this approach can lead to un-anticipated results which are best embedded in Indigenous Arctic communities. This paper demonstrates some of such results. The lessons learned through this experience are intended to contribute to conversations on research that are designed to practically respond to community needs.
Kinetic and equilibrium investigation of the lead (II) adsorption via orange peel and lemon peel: realistic adsorption design for poly(limonene) framework
Authors: Abouzeid F.M.A. , El-Sayed Doaa.S.
Published: February 2025

A laboratory investigation was performed to regulate the physicochemical attributes—geomorphological and organizational, kinetic estates, and purposeful groups—of orange ( Citrus × sinensis) and lemon ( Citrus × limon) with a view toward a prospective adsorbent of toxic lead ions from aquatic solution. Outcomes demonstrated that optimal requirements for the Pb (II) removal are a preliminary concentration of 50 mg/L, an adsorbent mass of 0.2 g, and 6 and 4.4 as pH for orange peel and lemon peel, respectively. The investigational statistics were discussed via Freundlich, Langmuir, and D–R isotherm. Equilibrium statistics matched appropriately via Langmuir typical with a qmax of 16.76 mg/g for orange peel and 76.92 mg/g for lemon peel. The kinetic adsorption process was inspected and was adequately accomplished via a second-order equivalence. The characterization of lemon peel and orange peel was examined with a scanning electron microscope, Vis-IR spectroscopy, and GC-mass. The Pb(II) adsorption spontaneity onto orange peel is enhanced by enhancing temperature. The positive ∆ H° (53.76 kJ/mol) estimate implies an endothermic system. The positive ∆ S° (180.41 J/mol) estimate implies an enhanced randomness on the solid/liquid periphery during adsorption. In the case of lemon peel, the Pb(II) adsorption spontaneity is reduced by temperature. The negative ∆ H° (−32.71 kJ/mol) estimate implied an exothermic adsorption nature. The ∆ S° parameter was (−70.17 J/mol.K) for lemon peel, indicating that the Pb(II) in the bulk phase was more disorderly. Scanning electron microscopy exhibits a distinctive development in the adsorbent surface. The removal efficiency reached 92.34 and 90.4 for lemon peel and orange peel, respectively, at 0.2 mol/L KOH. Molecular electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbital, and the density of states analysis were conducted to investigate the important active sites on the adsorption.
Chromosome identification of Medicago polymorpha by oligonucleotide-based FISH
Authors: Cheng Min , Xu Jia , Li Ying , Jian Yaling , Yu Feng
Published: February 2025

Medicago polymorpha (2 n = 2 x = 14) is a valuable forage legume, but the identification of its somatic chromosomes has been challenging due to a lack of distinctive chromosome morphological features. With appropriate probes, oligonucleotide-based FISH is a highly effective method for chromosome identification. However, there are no available probes for M. polymorpha. In this study, we isolated five tandem repeats from the M. polymorpha genome, named Mp51, Mp139, Mp167, Mp179, and Mp497. Mp51 showed two pairs of signals located at the pericentromere. Mp139 exhibited four pairs of signals, located at the pericentromere and short arm of chromosomes. Mp167 and Mp179 showed seven pairs of signals, respectively, concentrated in the pericentromere. Mp497 exhibited three pairs of signals, distributed across the pericentromere and proximal position of the chromosomes. The combined FISH results of Mp51 and Mp139 oligo probes with 5S rDNA and 18S-26S rDNA probes demonstrated distinct signal patterns for each chromosome, enabling the precise identification of all chromosome pairs. Finally, the visual identification of M. polymorpha chromosomes was resolved. This will provide useful cytological information for studying the chromosomal structure and behavior of M. polymorpha.