bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmogenicity of monophasic and biphasic PFA waveforms in a porcine model
Authors: Kumru Hanife Tugba , Mattison Lars , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Verma Atul , Sigg Daniel C.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The potential risk of inducing ventricular arrhythmias was explored by employing pulsed field ablation (PFA) through the administration of both monophasic and biphasic waveform deliveries.

Methods

PFA was applied to specific locations in the right ventricle (RV, n = 5 sites) in swine (n = 2), utilizing identical settings with consistent amplitude, pulse width, and a number of pulses for both monophasic and biphasic waveforms. PFA deliveries were precisely timed in 10‐ms intervals across the entire T wave.

Results

Using monophasic waveforms, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced 7/7 times when PFA pulses were delivered during the T wave. Biphasic waveforms resulted in no ventricular arrhythmias when PFA was delivered across the entire duration of T wave.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that VF can be consistently induced with monophasic pulse waveforms, but not with biphasic pulse waveforms in a porcine model.
Downregulation of GLYAT correlates with tumour progression and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Fengchen , Zhou Shuiping , Xia Chuanlong , Lu Jiale , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaowei , Shen Jiandong , Ding Wei , Yin Mengjie , Dai Feng , Fu Shouzhong
Published: November 2024

Glycine N‐acyltransferase (GLYAT), known to influence glycine metabolism, has been implicated in the progression of various malignant tumours. However, its clinical relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unexplored. Here, GLYAT expression levels in HCC tissues were significantly reduced compared to normal liver tissues. Similarly, GLYAT expression levels in Huh 7, HepG2, PLC and SK‐HEP1 were lower than those in LO2. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that GLYAT exhibited good diagnostic performance for HCC. Kaplan–Meier analyses suggested that decreased GLYAT expression was correlated with poorer progress in HCC. Low GLYAT expression was significantly associated with gender and histologic grade. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified low GLYAT expression and T stage as independent prognostic factors. Nomograms based on GLYAT mRNA expression and T stage showed good concordance with actual survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. Moreover, GLYAT downregulation in the Huh 7 cell line enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and migration abilities, while GLYAT overexpression in the HepG2 cell line inhibited these abilities. HCC patients with low GLYAT expression exhibited a predisposition to immune escape and poor response to immunotherapy. This research revealed that GLYAT holds promise as both a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
Hypoxic Responses in Periodontal Tissues: Influence of Smoking and Periodontitis
Authors: Bozyel Bejna , Doğan Özlem , Elgün Serenay , Özdemir Burcu
Published: November 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the hypoxic changes in periodontal tissues resulting from smoking and periodontitis by assessing levels of hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, HIF‐3α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Materials and Methods

The study comprised 22 periodontally healthy non‐smokers (Group H), 22 periodontally healthy smokers (Group HS), 22 non‐smokers with periodontitis (Group P) and 22 smokers with periodontitis (Group PS). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented, and GCF samples were collected and analysed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Significantly elevated levels of HIF‐1α, HIF‐3α and VEGF were observed in Groups HS, P and PS compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher HIF‐2α levels were detected in the Groups HS and P compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all evaluated hypoxia biomarkers in the Group P (p < 0.05) except HIF‐2α and HIF‐3α. However, in the PS group, significant correlation appeared only between HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that smoking and periodontitis induce comparable hypoxic effects in periodontal tissues, as evidenced by the evaluated biomarkers. Further research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypoxia in periodontal tissues.
Incidence, types and predictors of adverse events and their impact on treatment outcomes in multidrug/rifampicin resistant tuberculosis patients receiving all oral treatment regimens
Authors: Shah Sayed Idrees , Ghafoor Abdul , Rahman Shafiq Ur , Abidullah  , Ahmad Nafees , Al‐Qaaneh Ayman M. , Younis Faisal
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients suffering from multidrug/rifampicin resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR‐TB) are treated for prolonged periods with a complex regimen comprised of relatively less effective and more toxic anti‐TB drugs, consequently resulting in high incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Study Aim

The current study evaluates the incidence, types, management and predictors of AEs, and their impact on treatment outcomes in MDR/RR‐TB patients receiving all oral treatment regimens.

Study Design

A total of 242 eligible MDR/RR‐TB patients treated at two different study sites from June 2019 to December 2021 were included in this study.

Measures and Outcomes

Patients' sociodemographic, microbiological, clinical characteristics, reported AEs and treatment outcomes were retrospectively abstracted from their medical records. Chi‐square, and Fisher exact tests (wherever applicable) were used to find the association between the variable and the occurrence of AEs.

Results

Majority of the patients were suffered from MDR‐TB (71.9%) and were treated with longer treatment regimen (77.7%). Overall 206/242 patients (85%) experienced at least one AE during their treatment. Gastrointestinal disturbance was the most common AE (49.6%), followed by arthralgia (49.2%), psychiatric disturbances (39.3%), dermatological reactions (27.7%), body/headache (24.8%) and hyperuricemia (19%). Due to AEs, treatment modification was noted in 55 (22.72%) patients. Level of modification in the treatment regimen was higher in optic neuritis (100%) followed by neuropathies (80%) and myelosuppression (59%). Similarly, hepatotoxicity was the most serious AE in which the whole treatment regimen was terminated in 27% of patients. Furthermore, the results revealed that only patients' education status had statistically significant association with the incidence of AEs (p = 0.02). The treatment success rate was 80.6% whereas the ratio of died and LTFU patients were 15.3% and 4.1% respectively. Although patients who experienced AEs were more likely to develop successful treatment outcomes (82%) than their counterparts (72.2%), though this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Although AEs were highly present in the current cohort, but they were successfully managed mostly by nonpharmacological interventions or symptomatic treatment. Besides, the incidence of AEs did not have a negative impact on treatment outcomes. High‐risk patients for AEs must receive special attention and enhanced clinical management.
The Incidence and Predictive Factors of Thromboembolism During Hospitalizations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare‐Ups: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Meng Ming‐Jung , Chung Chen‐Shuan , Chang Chen‐Wang , Pan Yu‐Bin , Kuo Chia‐Jung , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Le Puo‐Hsien
Published: November 2024

Background/Aims

Thromboembolism (TE) notably increase morbidity and mortality among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Despite ECCO's 2024 guidelines advocating routine anticoagulant prophylaxis, its application in Asia remains inconsistent due to a lack of regional studies. This research investigates the incidence and predictors of TE during IBD‐related hospitalizations in Taiwan, aiming to improve prevention strategies.

Materials and Methods

Our retrospective cohort study included 282 adult IBD patients, accounting for 515 flare‐up related hospitalizations at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2001 to March 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the occurrence of TE.

Results

The incidence of TE was 1.55%. The TE group had significantly lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin and albumin levels but higher rate of sepsis and concurrent autoimmune diseases compared to the non‐TE group. Multivariate analysis indicated that concurrent autoimmune diseases and hypoalbuminemia were independent predictors of TE. The optimal serum albumin cutoff was established at 3.01 g/dL, with sensitivities and specificities of 87.5% and 77.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

This pioneering Asian study identifies concurrent autoimmune diseases and low serum albumin as key predictors of TE in hospitalized IBD patients. We recommend targeted anticoagulant prophylaxis for IBD patients with these risk factors, especially when serum albumin falls below 3.01 g/dL.
Efficacy of Pseudo‐Ceramide Absorption Into the Stratum Corneum and Effects on Transepidermal Water Loss and the Ceramide Profile: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Akahane Tomoki , Watanabe Daisuke , Shimizu Eri , Tanaka Kosei , Kaizu Kazuhiro
Published: November 2024

Background

Changes in the level or profile of ceramides are associated with decreased stratum corneum (SC) barrier function. Topical application of a pseudo‐ceramide (pCer)‐containing moisturizer can improve barrier function. Additionally, pCer that absorbs into the SC may improve ceramide profiles.

Aim

We investigated the relationship between pCer absorption into the SC and SC properties and determined the efficacy of a pCer‐containing spray compared with that of a commercial spray without pCer.

Patients/Methods

Patients with self‐perceived dry and sensitive skin and decreased barrier function (transepidermal water loss [TEWL] > 10 g/m2h) were randomized into two groups to topically apply a pCer‐containing spray (test group; N = 33) or commercial spray without pCer (control group; N = 19) twice daily as a single‐blind study. SC function and ceramide properties were investigated before and after 4 weeks of application.

Results

In the test group, the ceramide (NP)/(NS) ratio proportionally increased with the pCer application level after 4 weeks of pCer‐containing spray application. In the control group, there were no changes in SC function after topical application of the commercially available spray without pCer; however, the SC water content, TEWL, SC cell area, and scaling score improved in the test group. Furthermore, the changes in TEWL in the test group were significantly negatively correlated with the pCer application level.

Conclusions

The efficacy of pCer‐containing sprays for those who have sensitive skin with impaired barrier function was demonstrated. Furthermore, the improvement in SC barrier function induced by pCer may contribute to normalizing the SC ceramide profile.
Changing the Oral Tribology of Emulsions Through Crystallization of the Dispersed Triglyceride Phase
Authors: Schochat Philipp R. , Lepp Lina , Karbstein Heike P. , Leister Nico
Published: November 2024

Suspoemulsions are used for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including food such as dairy products and non‐dairy alternatives. Product properties, such as flow behavior or sensory perception of non‐dairy products differ from those of dairy products and are therefore perceived by consumers as products of inferior quality. One reason for this may be the crystallization behavior of the added triglycerides leading to differences in solid fat content in comparison to cow milk. This is discussed with the solidity of the dispersed phase as a parameter of suspoemulsions. The solidity was varied by using low and high melting triglycerides and measuring at different temperatures. The dispersed phase fraction is φ = 30%. The droplet size distribution showed a x50,3 of 1.2 and 3.66 μm, mimicking the droplet sizes of milk and dairy cream. Rheological frequency sweeps were carried out within a temperature range from 5°C to 50°C. The differences in solidity of the dispersed phase caused no changes in viscosity at each temperature. In contrast, oral tribology distinguished different solidities of the dispersed phase with changes in the friction coefficient. The friction coefficient was determined for increasing rotational speeds (0.01–100 mm/s), to compare the so called Stribeck curves with each other. In general, with increasing solidity of the dispersed phase, the friction coefficient increases. Comparing the Stribeck curves of pure butter fat suspoemulsion with those of plant‐based fat suspoemulsions, different plant‐based fats can be mixed, to mimic the friction profile of milk products in plant‐based alternatives.
Semiautomatic volumetry of the temporal lobes of the brain and correlation with electroencephalography results in dogs with assumed idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Drobot Paulina Kinga , Banasik Aleksandra , Owsińska‐Schmidt Karolina , Wrzosek Marcin , Podgórski Przemysław
Published: November 2024

Background

Lesions causing refractory epilepsy, often associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), can be undetectable on standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs. Automated brain volumetry, widely used in human medicine, can now be applied in veterinary medicine because of the availability of brain atlases.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop an automatic volumetry method, translate the outcomes into the assessment of temporal lobe volumes in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, and correlate the results with the electroencephalography (EEG) data of epileptiform discharges (EDs).

Animals

Thirty‐one dogs of various breeds with dominant temporal lobe discharge.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study. The MRI and EEG examination results of dogs referred for neurological diagnosis data between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. An automated volumetry method was developed, which allowed the evaluation of temporal lobe volumes of the dogs. The asymmetric ratio (AR) was then estimated, and the results were correlated with the EEG EDs.

Results

12/31 (38%; 95% CI: 21.8%‐57.8%) dogs had an asymmetric ratio >6%. Among them, reduction in temporal lobe volumes correlated with the side of the EEG EDs in 7 cases. There was no statistical correlation between temporal lobe volume changes and ED location.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Preliminary volumetric analysis of the temporal lobes indicates the presence of volume differences between the lobes in some dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Diagnosis of TLE in dogs based on MRI volumetry in correlation with EEG examination, especially for dogs with drug‐resistant epilepsy, can influence the development of new therapeutic options, such as surgery.
The endosomal–vacuolar transport system acts as a docking platform for the Pmk1 MAP kinase signaling pathway in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Jing , Huang Zhicheng , Li Yan , Li Hui , Huang Pengyun , Cai Yingying , Wang Jiaoyu , Liu Xiaohong , Lin Fu‐Cheng , Lu Jianping
Published: November 2024

In Magnaporthe oryzae, the Pmk1 MAP kinase signaling pathway regulates appressorium formation, plant penetration, effector secretion, and invasive growth. While the Mst11‐Mst7‐Pmk1 cascade was characterized two decades ago, knowledge of its signaling in the intracellular network remains limited.

In this study, we demonstrate that the endosomal surface scaffolds Pmk1 MAPK signaling and Msb2 activates Ras2 on endosomes in M. oryzae.

Protein colocalization demonstrated that Msb2, Ras2, Cap1, Mst50, Mst11, Mst7, and Pmk1 attach to late endosomal membranes. Damage to the endosome–vacuole transport system influences Pmk1 phosphorylation. When Msb2 senses a plant signal, it internalizes and activates Ras2 on endosome membrane surfaces, transmitting the signal to Pmk1 via Mst11 and Mst7. Signal‐sensing and delivery proteins are ubiquitinated and sorted for degradation in late endosomes and vacuoles, terminating signaling. Plant penetration and lowered intracellular turgor are required for the transition from late endosomes to vacuoles in appressoria.

Our findings uncover an effective mechanism that scaffolds and controls Pmk1 MAPK signaling through endosomal–vacuolar transport, offering new knowledge for the cytological and molecular mechanisms by which the Pmk1 MAPK pathway modulates development and pathogenicity in M. oryzae.
Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion: Beware the Left Atrial Appendage Isolation
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Xu Juan , Wei Tong , Liang Lin , Li Jun , Liu Shaowen , Chen Songwen
Published: November 2024

A 58‐year‐old woman was referred for atrial flutter ablation after atrial fibrillation ablation. Linear and reinforcement mitral isthmus ablation failed to terminate the perimitral flutter. During vein of Marshall ethanol infusion (VOMEI), the flutter was terminated and followed by left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation. Voltage mapping showed that a large low voltage area was created in the superior and anterior wall of left atrium. During the waiting time, the LAA activation recovered. It would be necessary to keep in mind that VOMEI would lead to uncontrolled lesion of left atrium.
The effect of trauma‐focused therapy on voice‐hearing: An experience sampling study
Authors: Burger Simone R. , Hardy Amy , Verdaasdonk Inez , van der Vleugel Berber , Delespaul Philippe , van Zelst Catherine , de Bont Paul A. J. , Staring Anton B. P. , de Roos Carlijn , de Jongh Ad , Marcelis Machteld , van Minnen Agnes , van der Gaag Mark , van den Berg David
Published: November 2024

Trauma and post‐traumatic stress are involved in the aetiology and maintenance of voice‐hearing. It has been proposed that trauma‐focused therapy (TFT) might affect voice‐hearing, but previous studies are limited and remain undecided.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effect of TFT on voice‐hearing in people with PTSD and psychosis using experience sampling method (ESM). A secondary aim was to explore how changes in voice‐hearing are related to changes in PTSD.

Design

This is an adjunct longitudinal ESM study of a sub‐group of participants (N = 39) from a randomised controlled trial that compared TFT to a waiting‐list control group.

Methods

Voice‐hearing participants filled in 10 daily voice‐hearing‐related questionnaires for six consecutive days at baseline and post‐treatment at pseudo‐random times during the day. PTSD symptom severity was assessed at baseline and post‐treatment. Multilevel linear regression was used to test the effect of TFT on voice‐hearing and to analyse the relationship between changes in voice‐hearing and changes in PTSD.

Results

The intention‐to‐treat analysis showed a significant interaction effect between time and treatment condition (p < .00001) with a small effect size (dppc2 = −0.27), indicating a larger decrease in voice‐hearing in the TFT group than in the waiting‐list control group. Also, a significant association was observed between changes in PTSD symptoms and changes in voice‐hearing (p < .00001).

Conclusions

Our findings tentatively suggest that, even when voices are not targeted directly, TFT for PTSD can alleviate distressing voices.
A standard area diagram for Fusarium yellows rating in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)
Authors: Todd Olivia E. , Hanson Linda E. , Dorn Kevin M.
Published: November 2024

Members of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex are pathogens of sugar beet causing Fusarium yellows. Fusarium yellows can reduce plant stand, yield and extractable sugar. Improving host plant resistance against Fusarium‐induced diseases, like Fusarium yellows, represents an important long‐term breeding target in sugar beet breeding programmes. Current methods for rating Fusarium yellows disease severity rely on an ordinal scale, which limits precision for intermediate phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to improve the accuracy and precision of rating Fusarium yellows by developing a standard area diagram (SAD). Two SAD versions were created using images of sugar beets infected with Fusarium oxysporum strain F19. Each version was tested using inexperienced raters. Version 1 and the improved version 2 SAD showed no statistical differences in Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (LCC) values, which was used to assess accuracy and precision between the two versions (Cb = 0.99 for both versions, c = 0.97 and 0.96 for version 1 and 2, respectively). In addition, five naïve Bayesian machine‐learning models that used pixel classification to determine disease score were tested for congruency to human estimates in SAD version 2. Root mean square error was lowest compared to the ‘true’ values for the unweighted model and a model where necrotic tissue was given a 2× weight (12.4 and 12.6, respectively). The creation of this SAD enables breeding programmes to make consistent, accurate disease ratings regardless of personnel's previous experience with Fusarium yellows. Additionally, more iterations of pixel quantification equations may overcome accuracy issues for rating Fusarium yellows.
Natural colonization as a means to upscale restoration of subarctic woodlands in Iceland
Authors: Behrend Anna M. , Aradóttir Ása L. , Svavarsdóttir Kristín , Thórhallsdóttir Thóra E. , Pommerening Arne
Published: November 2024

The global climate and biodiversity crisis has led to extensive restoration initiatives, calling for cost‐effective strategies harnessing the potential of natural processes. Natural colonization of target species is a key process in the scaling up of woodland restoration, and effective planning and implementation of restoration strategies requires a mechanistic understanding of colonization processes. In this study, we investigated patterns and processes of natural colonization of mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa), the only native woodland‐forming tree species in Iceland, into adjacent treeless lands under diverse conditions, and its implications for low‐intensity restoration strategies. Accordingly, we assessed spatial patterns of seedling densities on transects extending from 10 birch woodlands in Iceland and analyzed the impact of local environments on colonization dynamics. Seedling densities generally decreased rapidly with distance from the seed source to around 40 m. In many study areas, however, birch seedlings were registered at high enough densities to potentially form woodlands, up to 140 m from a standing seed source. We identified a range of biotic and abiotic determinants of colonization, with the largest number affecting the early‐establishment phase of birch colonization, including safe site availability, wind speed and dominant direction, and grazing. Our results demonstrate a good potential for natural colonization as a restoration strategy for birch woodlands in subarctic environments, and they can furthermore be used to identify areas where birch colonization is likely to occur naturally and determine appropriate interventions that can facilitate birch colonization in areas where it is less likely.
‘In a village, everybody knows the stranger’: Constructing local belonging of refugees in rural areas in Germany
Authors: Schneider Hanne
Published: November 2024

This article explores the local belonging of refugees in rural areas in Germany from the perspectives of both migrants and local integration actors. It analyses the development of a personal sense of belonging and the construction of the politics of belonging, with the aim of understanding belonging as a socio‐spatial process. The analysis is based on 64 semi‐structured and semi‐narrative qualitative interviews conducted in eight rural communities and small towns in different regions across Germany. The findings indicate that the sense of belonging to rural localities among refugees is influenced not only by personal and biographical experiences but also by overarching policies and administrative practices. They also reflect the expectations of the receiving communities, which imply imaginaries of rural communities. In addition to convivial everyday experiences, the demarcation of boundaries in everyday life appears to be particularly powerful for a sense of belonging.
Novel resources to investigate leaf plasmodesmata formation in C3 and C4 monocots
Authors: Tsang Hong Ting , Ganguly Diep R. , Furbank Robert T. , von Caemmerer Susanne , Danila Florence R.
Published: November 2024

Plasmodesmata (PD) are nanochannels that facilitate cell‐to‐cell transport in plants. More productive and photosynthetically efficient C4 plants form more PD at the mesophyll (M)‐bundle sheath (BS) interface in their leaves than their less efficient C3 relatives. In C4 leaves, PD play an essential role in facilitating the rapid metabolite exchange between the M and BS cells to operate a biochemical CO2 concentrating mechanism, which increases the CO2 partial pressure at the site of Rubisco in the BS cells and hence photosynthetic efficiency. The genetic mechanism controlling PD formation in C3 and C4 leaves is largely unknown, especially in monocot crops, due to the technical challenge of quantifying these nanostructures with electron microscopy. To address this issue, we have generated stably transformed lines of Oryza sativa (rice, C3) and Setaria viridis (setaria, C4) with fluorescent protein‐tagged PD to build the first spatiotemporal atlas of leaf pit field (cluster of PD) density in monocots without the need for electron microscopy. Across leaf development, setaria had consistently more PD connections at the M‐BS wall interface than rice while the difference in M‐M pit field density varied. While light was a critical trigger of PD formation, cell type and function determined leaf pit field density. Complementary temporal mRNA sequencing and gene co‐expression network analysis revealed that the pattern of pit field density correlated with differentially expressed PD‐associated genes and photosynthesis‐related genes. PD‐associated genes identified from our co‐expression network analysis are related to cell wall expansion, translation and chloroplast signalling.
Flow and Heat Transfer in Rotating Compressor Cavities With Inverted Shroud-Throughflow Temperature Differences
Authors: Pernak Mikolaj J. , Nicholas Tom E. W. , Carnevale Mauro , Lock Gary D. , Tang Hui , Scobie James A.
Published: November 2024

In an aero-engine compressor, co-rotating discs form cavities that interact with an axial throughflow of secondary air at low radius. In the high-pressure (HP) compressor the shroud is hotter than the throughflow (directed downstream to the turbine) and the radial temperature gradient creates buoyancy-induced flow at Grashof numbers ∼1013. Such flows can be unstable and typically take the form of counter-rotating vortex pairs separated by radial hot and cold plumes. However, in low pressure (LP) and intermediate pressure (IP) compressors the secondary air is directed upstream. In this inverse scenario, the axial throughflow is hotter than the compressor discs, reversing the disc temperature gradient and eliminating the fundamental driver for buoyancy. Despite its practical application and importance, this inverse scenario has not been previously investigated. The University of Bath Compressor Cavity Rig has been uniquely designed to simulate such flows, measuring temperature, and unsteady pressure in the frame of reference of the rotating discs. Bayesian and spectral analysis have determined the radial distribution of disc heat flux, as well as the asymmetry of the rotating vortex structures and their slip relative to the discs. Unexpectedly, the new data reveal the flow structure in cavities with positive and inverted temperature differences are fundamentally similar (albeit with reversed radial-temperature profiles). Isothermal cases identified a critical Rossby number (Ro), above which the flow structure in the cavity was dominated by a toroidal vortex. At subcritical Ro, the flow structure for the inverted temperature gradient continued to be governed by buoyancy due to disc heat transfer. Momentum exchange with the axial throughflow and the gradient of circumferential pressure combine to vary the slip and vortex symmetry. This paper provides the first data and analysis of flow and heat transfer during inverse throughflow conditions in LP and IP compressors. The new insights are of importance for the determination of the thermal stresses in discs, engine life, compressor blade clearance and efficiency.
A multi-year study of acoustic propagation and ambient sound in a Thalassia testudinum seagrass meadow in a shallow sub-tropical lagoon
Authors: Ballard Megan S. , Lee Kevin M. , Capistrant-Fossa Kyle A. , McNeese Andrew R. , Cushing Colby W. , Jerome Thomas S. , Taylor Robert T. , Dunton Kenneth H. , Wilson Preston S.
Published: November 2024

Seagrasses provide a multitude of ecosystem services and act as important carbon sinks. However, seagrass habitats are declining globally, and they are among the most threatened ecosystems on earth. For these reasons, long-term and continuous measurements of seagrass parameters are of primary importance for ecosystem health assessment and sustainable management. This paper presents results from both active and passive acoustical methods for ecosystem monitoring in seagrass meadows. From a propagation perspective, gas bodies contained within the seagrass tissue as well as photosynthetic-driven bubble production result in attenuation, dispersion, and scattering of sound that produce increased transmission loss. For the passive approach, the detachment of gas bubbles from the plants is an important component of the ambient soundscape. Examples of both techniques will be presented based on data collected as part of a two-year continuous deployment of an acoustical measurement system operating in a moderately dense seagrass bed dominated by Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass) in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas. The data show annual trends related to the seasonal growth pattern of Thalassia as well as diurnal trends correlated with photosynthetically active radiation.
Trainers’ Perceptions on the Development of Leadership Knowledge and Competencies on Official Union of European Football Associations Football Coach Courses
Authors: da Silva Neto Lourival Vianna , Miragaia Dina Alexandra Marques , Ibáñez Sergio José , Braga Garcez Ana Paula
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the perception of trainers on official football courses regarding the development of leadership knowledge and competencies in coaches’ teaching learning process. Understanding the Union of European Football Association trainers’ perception of the importance and role of leadership knowledge and competencies in football is fundamental in order to raise the quality in preparing future coaches. A qualitative approach was adopted by conducting semi-structured interviews with Union of European Football Association trainers in Portugal. The data were subject to content analysis using NVivo software; the following three dimensions of leadership were observed: knowledge, training, and competencies. The results revealed that trainers recognise the importance of the three dimensions analysed, emphasising the relevance of leadership competencies in improving coaches’ interventions. The trainers also highlighted the need for coaches to develop effective communication skills, the capacity to make decisions under pressure, and interpersonal skills to lead football teams efficiently. In addition, they reinforced the importance of coaches’ continuous training, encouraging them to seek learning opportunities in this field of knowledge. They suggest that coaches must be able to adapt to different contexts and learn from practical experience. These results have practical implications for football coaches’ training and development, namely the need to reflect on current training programmes.
Association Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Adiposity in Malaysian Schoolchildren: A Compositional Isotemporal Substitution Analysis
Authors: Wong Jyh Eiin , Palarea-Albaladejo Javier , Lee Shoo Thien , Koh Denise , Khouw Ilse , Poh Bee Koon , _ _
Published: November 2024

Background: Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are interrelated 24-hour movement behaviors that are important for the growth and well-being of children. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity, and predicted changes in adiposity following compositional time reallocations in 7- to 12.9-year-old Malaysian children from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II Malaysia. Methods: A total of 381 children (mean age 9.7 [1.6] y, 57% girls) provided 24-hour wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometry data which captured time spent for sleep, SB, light PA and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). Indicators of adiposity were derived from anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis: body-mass-index-for-age, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat, and body mass index. The composition of 4-part movement behaviors was expressed as isometric log-ratio coordinates which were entered into regression models. Isotemporal substitution analysis was used to assess changes in adiposity indicators when reallocating time between movement behaviors. Results: Relative to other movement behaviors, time spent on MVPA was significantly associated with waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percent body fat, and fat mass index. A 15-minute one-to-one reallocation from other movement behaviors to MVPA predicted lower body-mass-index-for-age (−0.03 to −0.11), smaller waist circumference (−0.67 to −1.28 cm), lower waist-to-height ratio (−0.004 to −0.008), percent body fat (−0.87% to −1.47%), and fat mass index (−0.23 to −0.42). Replacing SB and light PA with sleep or MVPA was associated with lower adiposity. Conclusions: The overall composition of movement behavior was significantly associated with the adiposity of Malaysian schoolchildren. Promoting MVPA and sleep and reducing SB and light PA are important for prevention of childhood obesity.
The Use of Photovoice in Youth Health Education Programs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Burke Lorna , Gavigan Nathan , Smith Craig , Belton Sarahjane , Goss Hannah
Published: November 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of photovoice in health education programs designed for young people. Methodology: Nine electronic databases were systematically searched and screened using specific predetermined criteria. Data, such as intervention characteristics, methodology, and analysis, were extracted and narratively analyzed. Results: A total of 96 studies were included. Photovoice was used in a wide variety of health programs such as obesity prevention and physical activity promotion. Thematic analysis was generally used to analyze the use of photovoice; other measures of effectiveness and impact were rare. Conclusion: Visual methods such as photovoice are emerging as a valuable tool to use when delivering health education programs to young people. It is critical that photovoice is chosen and adapted to suit participant needs in order to optimize engagement within the project.
Insights into the regulatory mechanisms and application prospects of the transcription factor Cra
Authors: Huang Ying , Jia Kai-Zhi , Zhao Wei , Zhu Li-Wen
Published: November 2024

Cra (catabolite repressor/activator) is a global transcription factor (TF) that plays a pleiotropic role in controlling the transcription of several genes involved in carbon utilization and energy metabolism. Multiple studies have investigated the regulatory mechanism of Cra and its rational use for metabolic regulation, but due to the complexity of its regulation, there remain challenges in the efficient use of Cra. Here, the structure, mechanism of action, and regulatory function of Cra in carbon and nitrogen flow are reviewed. In addition, this paper highlights the application of Cra in metabolic engineering, including the promotion of metabolite biosynthesis, the regulation of stress tolerance and virulence, the use of a Cra-based biosensor, and its coupling with other transcription factors. Finally, the prospects of Cra-related regulatory strategies are discussed. This review provides guidance for the rational design and construction of Cra-based metabolic regulation systems.
Potential health risk assessment of cyanobacteria across global lakes
Authors: Hu Hang , Zhang Zhenyan , Chen Bingfeng , Zhang Qi , Xu Nuohan , Paerl Hans W. , Wang Tingzhang , Hong Wenjie , Penuelas Josep , Qian Haifeng
Published: November 2024

Cyanobacterial blooms pose environmental and health risks due to their production of toxic secondary metabolites. While current methods for assessing these risks have focused primarily on bloom frequency and intensity, the lack of comprehensive and comparable data on cyanotoxins makes it challenging to rigorously evaluate these health risks. In this study, we examined 750 metagenomic data sets collected from 103 lakes worldwide. Our analysis unveiled the diverse distributions of cyanobacterial communities and the genes responsible for cyanotoxin production across the globe. Our approach involved the integration of cyanobacterial biomass, the biosynthetic potential of cyanotoxin, and the potential effects of these toxins to establish potential cyanobacterial health risks. Our findings revealed that nearly half of the lakes assessed posed medium to high health risks associated with cyanobacteria. The regions of greatest concern were East Asia and South Asia, particularly in developing countries experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Using machine learning techniques, we mapped potential cyanobacterial health risks in lakes worldwide. The model results revealed a positive correlation between potential cyanobacterial health risks and factors such as temperature, N
2
O emissions, and the human influence index. These findings underscore the influence of these variables on the proliferation of cyanobacterial blooms and associated risks. By introducing a novel quantitative method for monitoring potential cyanobacterial health risks on a global scale, our study contributes to the assessment and management of one of the most pressing threats to both aquatic ecosystems and human health.

IMPORTANCE

Our research introduces a novel and comprehensive approach to potential cyanobacterial health risk assessment, offering insights into risk from a toxicity perspective. The distinct geographical variations in cyanobacterial communities coupled with the intricate interplay of environmental factors underscore the complexity of managing cyanobacterial blooms at a global scale. Our systematic and targeted cyanobacterial surveillance enables a worldwide assessment of cyanobacteria-based potential health risks, providing an early warning system.
Lyme borreliosis in Brazil: a critical review on the Baggio–Yoshinari syndrome (Brazilian Lyme-like disease)
Authors: Labruna Marcelo B. , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A. , Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Szabó Matias P. J. , Angerami Rodrigo N.
Published: November 2024

Lyme borreliosis or Lyme disease is the most frequently reported tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. In countries of the Southern Hemisphere, such as Brazil, since the early 1990s, some researchers have argued for the existence of an autochthonous Lyme-like borreliosis, known locally as the Baggio–Yoshinari syndrome (BYS), an alleged “Brazilian borreliosis” supposedly caused by a different strain of
Borrelia burgdorferi
and transmitted by hard ticks. Currently, the existence of BYS in Brazil is still accepted by a large part of the human health care workers, scientists, medical societies, and patients. In fact, this alleged “Brazilian borreliosis” has been the tick-borne zoonotic disease with the greatest number of reported cases and published studies in Brazil during this century, second only to Brazilian spotted fever. In this manuscript, we reviewed all manuscripts directly related to BYS that have been published in Brazil during the last 35 years. This analysis included 199 individual human cases that have been reported in Brazil since 1989, plus multiple studies on ticks, domestic, and wild animals. Our revision aimed to provide a critical opinion on whether the current published works allow healthcare workers, public health agencies, and patients to accept the existence of Lyme disease, BYS, or other Lyme borreliosis-related disease in Brazil. For this purpose, we evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of each published study, considering the diagnostic methods used, such as serological, microbiological, and molecular analyses. Based on these evaluations, we conclude that there is not enough evidence to support the occurrence of Lyme borreliosis in Brazil or that BYS (Brazilian Lyme-like disease) is caused by a bacterium of the genus
Borrelia
. This assumption is based on the inaccuracy, unreliability, and misinterpretation of the different diagnostic methods that have been used in Brazil. Recognizing the lack of technical evidence for the occurrence of Lyme borreliosis in Brazil has highly relevant implications. For example, it becomes imperative to raise awareness among the country’s medical profession, as they have adopted unnecessary and extreme therapies recommended for patients with a supposed borrelial infection, including BYS, in Brazil. Finally, the technical analyses carried out in this study could be applied to other countries in the Southern Hemisphere (
e.g.
, Argentina, South Africa, Australia), where cases classified and alleged as Lyme disease have been reported.
Dissecting the role of the HA1-226 leucine residue in the fitness and airborne transmission of an A(H9N2) avian influenza virus
Authors: Sun Xiangjie , Belser Jessica A. , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Brock Nicole , Kieran Troy J. , Pappas Claudia , Zeng Hui , Tumpey Terrence M. , Maines Taronna R.
Published: November 2024

A better understanding of viral factors that contribute to influenza A virus (IAV) airborne transmission is crucial for pandemic preparedness. A limited capacity for airborne transmission was recently observed in a human A(H9N2) virus isolate (A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018, AL/39) that possesses a leucine (L) residue at position HA1-226 (H3 numbering), indicative of human-like receptor binding potential. To evaluate the roles of the residue at this position in virus fitness and airborne transmission, a wild-type AL/39 (AL/39-wt) and a mutant virus (AL/39-HA1-L226Q) with a single substitution at position HA1-226 from leucine to glutamine (Q), a consensus residue in avian influenza viruses, were rescued and assessed in the ferret model. The AL/39-HA1-L226Q virus lost the ability to transmit by air, although the virus had a comparable capacity for replication, induced similar levels of host innate immune responses, and was detected at comparable levels in the air surrounding the inoculated ferrets relative to AL/39-wt virus. However, ferrets showed a lower susceptibility to AL/39-HA1-L226Q virus infection compared to the AL/39-wt virus. Furthermore, the AL/39-wt and AL/39-HA1-L226Q viruses each gained dominance in different anatomic sites in the respiratory tract in a co-infection competition model in ferrets. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the increasing dominance of HA1-L226 residue in an avian A(H9N2) virus plays multifaceted roles in virus infection and transmission in the ferret model, including improved virus fitness and infectivity.

IMPORTANCE

Although the capacity for human-like receptor binding is a key prerequisite for non-human origin influenza A virus (IAV) to become airborne transmissible in mammalian hosts, the underlying molecular basis is not well understood. In this study, we investigated a naturally occurring substitution (leucine to glutamine) at residue 226 in the HA of an avian-origin A(H9N2) virus and assessed the impact on virus replication and airborne transmission in the ferret model. We demonstrate that the enhanced airborne transmission associated with the HA1-L226 virus was mainly due to the increased infectivity of the virus. Interestingly, we found that, unlike most sites in the ferret respiratory tract, ferret ethmoid turbinate lined with olfactory epithelium favors replication of the AL/39-HA1-L226Q virus, suggesting that this site may serve as a unique niche for IAV with avian-like receptor binding specificity to potentially allow the virus to spread to extrapulmonary tissues and to facilitate adaptation of the virus to human hosts.
Rapid production of recombinant rotaviruses by overexpression of NSP2 and NSP5 genes with modified nucleotide sequences
Authors: Kanai Yuta , Kotaki Tomohiro , Sakai Satoko , Ishisaka Toshie , Matsuo Kayoko , Yoshida Yukino , Hirai Katsuhisa , Minami Shohei , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Reverse genetics systems for rotaviruses (RV) facilitate the generation of genetically engineered RVs by transfection of 11 plasmids encoding 11 genomic viral RNA segments. In addition to viral genome expression, overexpression of NSP2 and NSP5 has been used to increase the rescue efficiency of recombinant RVs. Here, we showed that the overexpression of nucleotide sequence-modified NSP2 and NSP5 enabled the rapid and efficient production of recombinant RVs. Using improved reverse genetics, we established a reverse genetics system for human and bovine RV clinical isolates, as well as laboratory strains of bovine RV (NCDV and UK) and porcine RV (Gottfried). In addition, we rescued low-replicating recombinant RVs carrying a mutant NSP4 lacking the double-layered particle-binding domain, which was deficient in the efficient production of mature virions. These advancements in reverse genetics enabled the generation of molecular clones of RV clinical isolates and recombinant RVs harboring critical amino acid mutations, offering a versatile platform for investigating RV biology and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Recombinant rotavirus (RV) synthesis via reverse genetics relies on both the viral propagation capacity and the efficiency of the experimental system. Since the establishment of our reverse genetics system, several enhancements have been implemented to augment the rescue efficiency. Nevertheless, challenges persist in generating RV clinical strains and recombinant viruses with low replication capacities. Notably, this improved reverse genetics system successfully facilitated the establishment of molecular clones of human and bovine RV clinical isolates. Fecal samples from patients with RV typically harbor quasi-species or, occasionally, multiple genotypes of RV. In the present study, we performed the genetic sequencing of clinical viral strains during the early propagation stages in cultured cells. Subsequently, infectious viruses were synthesized, allowing the characterization of circulating viruses in nature. This approach provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and dynamics of RV populations and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of viral pathogenesis and evolution.