bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of measurements for tracheal hypoplasia in French bulldogs
Authors: du Preez Marina , Taggart Ryan , Nakahara Nima , Tuke Jonothan , Siow Jia Wen
Published: September 2024

Tracheal narrowing may increase airflow resistance, resulting in clinical manifestations associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). When diagnosing tracheal hypoplasia, established values are based on measurements established for English bulldogs or non‐specific “bulldog” breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate tracheal diameter ratios in French bulldogs to gain a better understanding of what would constitute tracheal hypoplasia in this breed. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted to measure the right lateral thoracic radiographs of 139 French bulldogs to investigate tracheal diameter ratios. Pulmonary disease was observed in 55/139 dogs. The mean TD:Ti for healthy French bulldogs was 0.15 (±0.02), and the mean TD:ML was 0.32 (±0.07). 44/84 dogs had a TD:Ti < 0.15 (±0.02), and 37/65 dogs had a TD:ML < 0.32 (±0.07). At least one thoracic vertebral anomaly was observed in 131/139 of evaluated French bulldogs, and sternal malformations were observed in 42/139 dogs. TD:ML showed an excellent interclass correlation between observers (ICCinter 0.9562). The listed covariables were compared for statistical significance when measuring relative tracheal ratios, and none were found. There was a statistically significant relationship between TD:Ti and sex. An objective value for tracheal hypoplasia in French bulldogs has previously not been established. The mean TD:Ti described for French bulldogs in this study is higher than that previously described in other “bulldog” populations. The mean TD:ML is similar to previously reported for non‐brachycephalic and non‐bulldog brachycephalic small breed dogs. The correlative relationship between TD:Ti and TD:ML was statistically significant but weak.
Projective structures with (Quasi‐)Hitchin holonomy
Authors: Alessandrini Daniele , Davalo Colin , Li Qiongling
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the properties of the real and complex projective structures associated to Hitchin and quasi‐Hitchin representations that were originally constructed using Guichard–Wienhard's theory of domains of discontinuity. We determine the topology of the underlying manifolds and we prove that some of these geometric structures are fibered in a special standard way. In order to prove these results, we give two new ways to construct these geometric structures: we construct them using gauge theory, flat bundles, and Higgs bundles, and we also give a new geometric way to construct them.
Bayesian Inference for the Calibration of Cohesive Zone Models of Dovetail Specimens From Laminated Composite Fan Blade
Authors: Tang Xu , Chen Yong
Published: September 2024

Composite fan blades are the preferred alternative for the fan stage of most advanced high bypass ratio turbofan engines. The dovetail part bears a significant centrifugal load, and its ability to safely bear this load is one of the key points of the multilevel “test pyramid” approach of compliance demonstration. Debonding between adjacent layers is the main damage mode of laminated composite fan blades. However, there is difficulty in measuring the as-manufactured interlaminar mechanical properties used in finite element models. In this study, tensile loading was applied to simulate the interacting centrifugal force and capture mixed-mode damage evolution. Structural responses and material damages were calibrated with measured tensile loads through Bayesian inversion, where interface and contact elements with distinct bilinear behavior were selected. Posterior probability distributions of maximum interface tractions and contact stresses were solved using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler. Results indicated that the two bilinear cohesive material models had a capacity of predicting empirical means of longitudinal reaction forces as that in test considering additional discrepancy term (0.035 kN and 0.96 kN respectively), while they made an significant impact on the prediction of tensile load history especially when two delamination cracks initiated and propagated. Interface elements provided a higher matching quality in predicting loading history and capturing damage mechanism in association with in-plane progressive damage analysis. This calibrated parameter set could be functioned as benchmark in numerically determining the ultimate tensile load of dovetail elements and reducing the necessary number of physical tests at elemental length level.
Validation of Energy Saving From Cooperative Driving Automation via Vehicle-in-the-Loop Tests
Authors: Hyeon Eunjeong , Di Russo Miriam , Zhan Lu , Jeong Jongryeol , Kim Namdoo , Han Jihun , Misra Priyash , Stutenberg Kevin , Karbowski Dominik
Published: September 2024

This article presents an experimental validation of energy savings achieved through cooperative driving automation (CDA) measured by vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) testing in car-following scenarios. The impacts of different CDA classes—from status sharing to prescriptive—on vehicle energy efficiency are explored. In the experiments, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle runs on a chassis dynamometer integrated with simulation software that creates a virtual environment. Results indicate that when agreement-seeking cooperation operates with even a minimal number of vehicles, energy can be saved by up to 5% over human driving. Our findings highlight the considerable promise of CDA technologies for enhancing energy efficiency, especially fostering research on agreement-seeking cooperation.
A longitudinal 5-year study for the prediction of HCC, death and liver decompensation by ARFI elastography
Authors: Pfeifer Lukas , Klueppel Moritz , Adler Werner , Schellhaas Barbara , Neurath Markus , Strobel Deike
Published: September 2024

Aim: Numerous studies have evaluated elastography for the staging of liver fibrosis. Fewer studies were performed investigating the prognostic relevance using transient elastography (TE), although with promising results. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic relevance of ARFI elastography.Material and method: Patients receiving ARFI elastography in our ultrasound department between 2010 and 2012 were initially screened for an ARFI examination with a clinical follow-up of at least 5 years. The following events were recorded: liver related death, liver unrelated death, HCC, liver decompensation/ variceal bleeding.Results: A total of 335 patients were included in the final analysis with an ARFI examination of the liver and a follow-up of 60 months. Within the observation interval the number of events with corresponding AUROCs (shown with 95% confidence interval) were: overall death (n=49, 0.76 [0.69 – 0.83]), liver related death (n=25, 0.85 [0.77 – 0.93]), liver unrelated death (n=24, 0.66 [0.55 – 0.77]), HCC (n=15, 0.80 [0.72 – 0.87]), liver related complications/variceal bleeding (n=34, 0.87 [0.82 – 0.93]). In the group of patients with ARFI values suggestive of cirrhosis (equal to or above 1.80 m/s; n=110) higher values (<2.5 m/s vs. >= 2.5 m/s) where associated with a significant decline in liver related survival (p=0.007).Conclusion: ARFI elastography seems to have a good diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of liver related death and decompensation. Further it seems to allow a risk stratification in patients with cirrhosis suspicious elastography values
How to perform Point of Care Ultrasound at resuscitation and when it is useful
Authors: Wastl Daniel , Blaivas Michael , Horn Rudolf , Michels Guido , Seibel Armin , Schwarz Simone , Hoffmann Beatrice Hoffmann , Hoffmann Oliver , Von Ow Dieter , Dietrich Christoph F
Published: September 2024

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) can be useful as a tool before, during and after the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Before or after resuscitation it can help with monitoring unstable hemodynamics, has the potential to identify reversible causes if patient deteriorates. During resuscitation POCUS can help detect potentially treatable causes of the cardiac arrest. Performance of POCUS while resuscitation requires experienced sonologists and a good team structure to embed the examination in advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) algorithms. This article gives an overview and tips about how to detect potential reversible causes of patient deterioration in all three phases of CPR. We describe some special situations in which resuscitation could take place. Further we give a comment about sonographic education of physicians and nonacademic medical staf
Student physical therapists’ confidence in appraising and applying research after participating in a weekly journal club
Authors: Almonroeder Thomas
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess changes in student physical therapists’ confidence in their ability to critically appraise research and use research findings to inform their practice after completing a weekly journal club.
Methods: Thirty-four students in a doctoral-level physical therapist education program completed a questionnaire before and after participating in a weekly journal club. The questionnaire asked students to rate their confidence in critically appraising research and using research to inform their practice.
Results: Over the semester, there was significant improvement in students’ confidence in their ability to critically appraise research related to physical therapy practice and their confidence in using research to inform their practice.
Conclusions: In general, it appears that a course-based weekly journal club can be effective for improving student physical therapists’ confidence in their ability to perform some of the key functions required for evidence-based practice.
Improving the Agreement Between the First Heart-Rate-Variability Threshold and the Gas-Exchange Threshold
Authors: Rogers Bruce , Fleitas-Paniagua Pablo R. , Murias Juan M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The first heart-rate (HR) -variability (HRV) -derived threshold based on detrended fluctuation analysis alpha 1 (DFA a1) has shown inconsistent agreement with the gas-exchange threshold (GET). This study examined whether a custom method of computing the first HRV threshold (HRVT1) based on individual HRV characteristics would improve agreement. Methods: Fourteen participants underwent ramp incremental testing measuring gas-exchange variables and RR intervals. Comparisons were made between the oxygen consumption at the GET versus the at the standard DFA a1 = 0.75 (HRVT1s) or a custom value (HRVT1c) based on the DFA a1 midway between the maximum seen during the early ramp incremental and 0.5. Results: Mean values for GET versus HRVT1s and GETHR versus HRVT1sHR were statistically different (25.4 [3.3] vs 29.8 [6.8] mL·kg−1·min−1, P = .01, d = 0.80; 131 [11] vs 146 [22] beats·min−1, P = .005, d = 0.91). There were no statistical differences when using the HRVT1c (25.4 [3.3] vs 25.1 [5.7] mL·kg−1·min−1, P = .77, d = 0.08; 131 [11] vs 132 [17] beats·min−1, P = .65, d = 0.12). Equivalence between GET and HRVT1c was also verified. Mean maximal DFA a1 during the early ramp incremental was 1.52 (0.22) with mean HRVT1c of 1.01 (0.11). Pearson r correlation coefficients were between .67 and .70 for all GET to HRVT1 comparisons. The second HRV threshold and respiratory compensation point parameters showed agreement and correlations in line with prior studies. Conclusions: The HRVT1c showed stronger agreement to GET parameters than seen using the HRVT1s. It is recommended that evaluations of the HRVT1 consider this approach in determining the HR and at this threshold.
Ten-Year Evolution of World Swimming Trends for Different Performance Clusters: A Gaussian Model
Authors: Veiga Santiago , Grenouillat Alexia , Rodríguez-Adalia Luis , Zarzosa-Alonso Fernando , Pla Robin
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To analyze the evolution of the world ranking in swimming over the last 10 years, with particular attention to the effects of COVID-19 on the different levels of participating athletes. Methods: The top 200 world-ranked entries in all swimming events (50-m pool) were collected from 2013 to 2022. A mathematical model (Gaussian model) was proposed to evaluate the ranking progression for different performance levels (clusters) according to distance, stroke, and gender. The model was applied both with and without the COVID season data. Results: Overall results indicated a general progression in world rankings over the last 10 years, except for the COVID season and the post-Olympic year(s), with peak results in the 2021 postpandemic (Olympic) year. The gender gap in World Aquatics points scoring has shown an increasing gap in favor of males since 2017, reaching 1.5% in 2022. The top 200 positions of world rankings were grouped into 3 different clusters defined by the 23.3%, 66.5%, and 100% of ranked male swimmers (or 31.5%, 72.5%, and 100% for females) and with average World Aquatics scores of 910 (12), 858 (10) and 816 (11) points (907 [13], 847 [11], and 802 [12] for females). The Gaussian model showed a gap averaging ∼21 to ∼36 points between performance curves with or without COVID season data, with larger gaps for female rankings and cluster-3 swimmers. Conclusions: These results suggest that, given the lower relative performance of female swimmers in the different clusters of world rankings, female events may provide an opportunity to enter international-level swimming.
Prospective Association Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Fundamental Movement Skills in Chinese Preschoolers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Compositional and Reallocation Analysis
Authors: Song Huiqi , Lau Patrick W.C. , Wang Jing-Jing , Zhou Peng , Shi Lei
Published: September 2024

Background: This prospective observation study explored the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in Chinese preschoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Four hundred and eighteen preschoolers (226 males; 4.0 [0.6] y old) from Zhuhai, China, completed the device-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior measures, and sleep duration was reported by parents at baseline (October 2021 to December 2021). FMS was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development: Third Edition at 1-year follow-up (October 2022 to December 2022). The compositional analysis and isotemporal substitution were used. Results: Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was positively associated with locomotor skills and ball skills (P < .05), and light physical activity was negatively associated with locomotor skills (P < .05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. FMS improvements were linked to the addition of MVPA at the expense of light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. The estimated detriments to FMS were larger in magnitude than the estimated benefits of time reallocation from MVPA to light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about 24-hour movement behaviors and FMS during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of participating in MVPA to improve preschoolers’ FMS development during the COVID-19 era.
Spectinamide MBX-4888A exhibits favorable lesion and tissue distribution and promotes treatment shortening in advanced murine models of tuberculosis
Authors: Bauman Allison A. , Sarathy Jansy P. , Kaya Firat , Massoudi Lisa M. , Scherman Michael S. , Hastings Courtney , Liu Jiuyu , Xie Min , Brooks Elizabeth J. , Ramey Michelle E. , Jones Isabelle L. , Benedict Noalani D. , Maclaughlin Madelyn R. , Miller-Dawson Jake A. , Waidyarachchi Samanthi L. , Butler Michelle M. , Bowlin Terry L. , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Lenaerts Anne J. , Meibohm Bernd , Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Lyons Michael A. , Dartois Veronique , Lee Richard E. , Robertson Gregory T.
Published: September 2024

The spectinamides are novel, narrow-spectrum semisynthetic analogs of spectinomycin, modified to avoid intrinsic efflux by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Spectinamides, including lead MBX-4888A (Lee-1810), exhibit promising therapeutic profiles in mice, as single drugs and as partner agents with other anti-tuberculosis antibiotics including rifampin and/or pyrazinamide. Here, we show that MBX-4888A, given by injection with the front-line standard of care regimen, is treatment shortening in multiple murine tuberculosis infection models. The positive treatment responses to MBX-4888A combination therapy in multiple mouse models, including mice exhibiting advanced pulmonary disease, can be attributed to favorable distribution in tissues and lesions, retention in caseum, along with favorable effects with rifampin and pyrazinamide under conditions achieved in necrotic lesions. This study also provides an additional data point regarding the safety and tolerability of spectinamide MBX-4888A in long-term murine efficacy studies.
Rift Valley fever virus is able to cross the human blood–brain barrier
in vitro
by direct infection with no deleterious effects
Authors: Quellec Jordan , Piro-Megy Camille , Cannac Marion , Nisole Sébastien , Marty Florent H. , Gosselet Fabien , Shimizu Fumitaka , Kanda Takashi , Cêtre-Sossah Catherine , Salinas Sara
Published: September 2024

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic arboviral disease that causes recurrent epidemics in Africa that may trigger fatal neurological disorders. However, the mechanisms of neuroinvasion by which the RVF virus (RVFV) reaches the human central nervous system (CNS) remain poorly characterized. In particular, it is not clear how RVFV is able to cross the human blood–brain barrier (hBBB), which is a neurovascular endothelium that protects the brain by regulating brain and blood exchanges. To explore these mechanisms, we used an
in vitro
hBBB model to mimic
in vivo
hBBB selectiveness and apicobasal polarity. Our results highlight the ability of RVFV to cross the hBBB by direct infection in a non-structural protein S (NSs)-independent but strain-dependent manner, leading to astrocyte and pericyte infections. Interestingly, RVFV infection did not induce hBBB disruption and was associated with progressive elimination of infected cells with no impairment of the tight junction protein scaffold and barrier function. Our work also shows that NSs, a well described RVFV virulence factor, limited the establishment of the hBBB-induced innate immune response and subsequent lymphocyte recruitment. These results provide
in vitro
confirmation of the ability of RVFV to reach human CNS by direct infection of the hBBB without altering its barrier function, and provide new directions to explore human RVFV neurovirulence and neuroinvasion mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE

The RVF virus (RVFV) is capable of infecting humans and inducing severe and fatal neurological disorders. Neuropathogenesis and human central nervous system (CNS) invasion mechanisms of RVFV are still unknown, with only historical studies of autopsy data from fatal human cases in the 1980s and exploration studies in rodent models. One of the gaps in understanding RVFV human pathogenesis is how RVFV is able to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in order to reach the human CNS. For the first time, we show that RVFV is able to directly infect cells of the human BBB
in vitro
to release viral particles into the human CNS, a well-characterized neuroinvasion mechanism of pathogens. Furthermore, we demonstrate strain-dependent variability of this neuroinvasion mechanism, identifying possible viral properties that could be explored to prevent neurological disorders during RVFV outbreaks.
Draft genome sequence of
Aspergillus ochraceus
VKM-F4104D (L-1) producing peptidase activator of protein C
Authors: Shestakova Anna , Surkova Daria , Fatkulin Artem , Osmolovskiy Alexander , Popova Elizaveta
Published: September 2024

Aspergillus ochraceus
VKM-F4104D (L-1) is a saprotrophic fungus isolated from buried soils of Phanagoria (Russia). This strain is known as a producer of the fibrinolytic peptidase-activating plasma protein C. We have sequenced and assembled its genome for a more detailed understanding of the fungus’ physiology and encoded peptidases.
Complete genome sequence of white sturgeon herpesvirus 2 isolated from farmed white sturgeon (
Acipenser transmontanus
)
Authors: Doszpoly Andor , Subramaniam Kuttichantran , Kerr Karen , Davison Andrew J. , Waltzek Thomas B.
Published: September 2024

The complete genome sequence of white sturgeon herpesvirus 2 (strain UC Davis) was determined. Comparative genomic analyses confirmed the classification of this virus in the species
Ictavirus acipenseridallo2
in the family
Alloherpesviridae
.
Improved draft genome of
Ignatzschineria larvae
DSM 13226 via hybrid assembly
Authors: Cantrell Emily G. , Burcham Zachary M.
Published: September 2024

Ignatzschineria larvae
is studied for its role in decomposition and disease ecology; however, the type strain reference genome remains fragmented. The current reference genome consists of 61 contigs calculated at 82.18% complete with 10.98% contamination. Here, we announce the hybrid genome assembly as an improved single contig.
Genome sequence of the New Zealand cheese isolate and candidate probiotic strain
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
FNZ042
Authors: de Almeida Eduardo L. , O’Toole Paul W. , Bassett Shalome A.
Published: September 2024

The complete genome sequence of the candidate probiotic strain
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
FNZ042 was determined using a hybrid genome assembly comprising data from Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. The genome assembly comprised 3,265,637 bp, including the complete circular chromosome and three circular plasmids.
Complete genome sequences of four representative
Corynebacterium belfantii
strains
Authors: Peng Yanhui , Fueston Heather , Irfan Muhammad , Hammond John , Morales Diego , Ju Hong , Bentz Meghan L. , Heuser James , Burroughs Mark , Tondella Maria Lucia , Weigand Michael R.
Published: September 2024

This report describes the complete genome sequence assemblies from four representative isolates of the human pathogen
Corynebacterium belfantii
. These data provide necessary references to aid accurate sequence-based species discrimination among closely related
Corynebacterium
spp. pathogens.
Whole-genome sequences of vaginal isolates
Lactobacillus crispatus
CECT30647 and
Lactobacillus gasseri
CECT30648
Authors: Huedo Pol , Perez Marta , Armengol Eva , Del Casale Antonio , Campedelli Ilenia , Espadaler-Mazo Jordi
Published: September 2024

We present the whole-genome sequences of
Lactobacillus crispatus
CECT30647 and
Lactobacillus gasseri
CECT30648, two vaginal isolates with probiotic potential.
Complete genome sequence of
Luteolibacter
sp. strain Populi, a member of phylum Verrucomicrobiota isolated from the
Populus trichocarpa
rhizosphere
Authors: Imai Sora , Allen Benjamin , Hochanadel Leah H. , Alexander William G. , Cottingham Robert W. , Schadt Christopher W. , Pelletier Dale A. , Podar Mircea
Published: September 2024

Luteolibacter
sp. strain Populi is a bacterium from the phylum Verrucomicrobiota, isolated from the rhizosphere of a black cottonwood tree,
Populus trichocarpa
, from the Cascade mountains in Washington. Its 6.6-Mb chromosome was completely sequenced using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and is predicted to encode 5,301 proteins and 60 RNAs.
Complete genome sequence of
Mediterraneibacter gnavus
strain RI1, isolated from human feces
Authors: Ichimura Ryoha , Tanaka Kazuki , Nakato Gaku , Fukuda Shinji , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: September 2024

We report the complete genome sequence of
Mediterraneibacter gnavus
strain RI1, a Gram-positive anaerobic gut microbe isolated from human feces. The complete circular genome has a genome size of 3.25  Mb, with a G+C content of 42.6%.
Draft genome sequence of
Gordonia
sp. ABKF26, a potential petroleum, plastic, and rubber-degrading bacterium, isolated from St. Albans Bay, VT, USA
Authors: Felix Kermisha , Barkley Ashley , Myers Luke , Ankrah Nana Y. D.
Published: September 2024

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Gordonia
sp. ABKF26, a potential petroleum, plastic, and rubber degrading bacterium isolated from Lake Champlain. The assembled genome comprises a 6.0-Mb chromosome with a GC content of 67.8%.
Gordonia
sp. ABKF26 is predicted to be lysogenized by one intact 52.2 Kbp prophage.
Genome sequences of
Mycobacterium
sp. Elmwood and accompanying phage, isolated from a public swimming pool in Nebraska
Authors: Hernandez-Velazquez Daniela , Vasquez Madelynn K. , Petre Rana , Kyndt John A.
Published: September 2024

Genome sequencing of a non-tuberculosis
Mycobacterium
species, isolated from a public pool, shows that the genome contains several genes for antibiotic resistance and anti-phage defense, which are absent from other related
Mycobacteria
. Metagenomic binning also provided the genome of the accompanying phage, which is distinct from other mycobacterial phages.
Comparative genome analysis of cluster EF bacteriophages Ajin and OverHedge isolated from soil in Tennessee
Authors: Markov Sergei A. , Atuahene Paul Y. , Barnes Clayton W. , Butler Taquerra , Cooper Stephan D. , Covel Emma M. , Diaz Kayla R. , Gadson Dalon , Holt Anna C. , Litchfield Maegan A. , Nefe Alexis J. , Ogbu Comfort E. , Rupp Kiara M. , Simpson Falisaty , Wood Elyse
Published: September 2024

Bacteriophages Ajin and OverHedge were isolated from soil in Tennessee using the bacterium
Microbacterium foliorum
. Ajin and OverHedge (cluster EF) have a genome of 56,993 bp and 56,559 bp, containing 86 and 81 predicted genes, respectively. The Ajin genome has unique genes, phosphatase and glycosyltransferase, compared to the OverHedge.
Seasonal dynamics of
Haemaphysalis
tick species as SFTSV vectors in South Korea
Authors: Jang Hyunwoo , Casel Mark Anthony B. , Jang Seung-gyu , Choi Jeong Ho , Gil Juryeon , Rollon Rare , Cheun So youn , Kim Young-Il , Song Min Suk , Choi Young Ki
Published: September 2024

Ticks pose a significant public health threat due to their ability to transmit various pathogens, including emerging tick-borne diseases. This study conducted a comprehensive surveillance of
Haemaphysalis
tick species and their severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) infection rates in South Korea throughout the year 2023, from January to December. To ensure accurate and rapid identification of the prevalent
Haemaphysalis
tick species in South Korea, we designed PCR primer sets targeting the ITS1 gene, specifically distinguishing
Haemaphysalis longicornis
from
Haemaphysalis flava
. Among the 10,343 ticks collected from wild animals,
H. longicornis
constituted the majority, accounting for 65.5% (6,784/10,343 ticks), followed by
H. flava
at 33.8% (3,491/10,343 ticks), and
Ixodes nipponensis
at 0.7% (68/10,343 ticks). These identified ticks were then categorized into 811 pools, with 63 pools testing positive for SFTSV. Remarkably, the prevalence of SFTSV-positive
H. longicornis
ticks peaked during the summer months, aligning with heightened human outdoor activities and, consequently, an increased risk of human exposure. Conversely, it is noteworthy that
H. flava
exhibited a higher prevalence during the winter season, reaching its peak in January, with an SFTSV minimum infection rate similar to that of
H. longicornis
. These findings underscore the year-round presence of
Haemaphysalis
ticks as potential vectors for SFTSV, extending the temporal window for potential human exposure. Consequently, these results emphasize the necessity for active and continuous field surveillance to comprehensively understand and mitigate the public health risks associated with these tick-borne pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

To date, the majority of tick surveillance studies have primarily focused on warmer seasons, which are considered optimal periods for ticks to actively seek hosts and transmit pathogens through blood-feeding activities. Consequently, tick species active during winter have often been overlooked, leading to an underestimation of their significance in transmitting severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). In this study, we aimed to examine year-round tick prevalence with SFTSV and illuminate the role of the winter-dominant species,
Haemaphysalis flav
a, in South Korea. Through rigorous identification facilitated by a primer set designed specifically for this purpose, we emphasize that
H. flava
, a competent vector species, harbors SFTSV in the winter season, thereby acting as an overwintering reservoir for the virus. This phenomenon may contribute to a higher infection rate among ticks in the following year.
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and microbial dysbiosis in hospitalized patients
Authors: Basting Christopher M. , Langat Robert , Broedlow Courtney A. , Guerrero Candace R. , Bold Tyler D. , Bailey Melisa , Velez Adrian , Schroeder Ty , Short-Miller Jonah , Cromarty Ross , Mayer Zachary J. , Southern Peter J. , Schacker Timothy W. , Safo Sandra E. , Bramante Carolyn T. , Tignanelli Christopher J. , Schifanella Luca , Klatt Nichole R.
Published: September 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its associated severity have been linked to uncontrolled inflammation and may be associated with changes in the microbiome of mucosal sites including the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. These sites play an important role in host–microbe homeostasis, and disruption of epithelial barrier integrity during COVID-19 may potentially lead to exacerbated inflammation and immune dysfunction. Outcomes in COVID-19 are highly disparate, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal, and the impact of microbial dysbiosis on disease severity is unclear. Here, we obtained plasma, rectal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, and nasal swabs from 86 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 12 healthy volunteers. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the microbial communities in the mucosal swabs and measured concentrations of circulating cytokines, markers of gut barrier integrity, and fatty acids in the plasma samples. We compared these plasma concentrations and microbiomes between healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients, some of whom had unfortunately died by the end of the study enrollment, and performed a correlation analysis between plasma variables and bacterial abundances. Rectal swabs of COVID-19 patients had reduced abundances of several commensal bacteria including
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
and an increased abundance of the opportunistic pathogens
Eggerthella lenta
and
Hungatella hathewayi
. Furthermore, the oral pathogen
Scardovia wiggsiae
was more abundant in the oropharyngeal swabs of COVID-19 patients who died. The abundance of both
H. hathewayi
and
S. wiggsiae
correlated with circulating inflammatory markers including IL-6, highlighting the possible role of the microbiome in COVID-19 severity and providing potential therapeutic targets for managing COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE

Outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are highly disparate and are associated with uncontrolled inflammation; however, the individual factors that lead to this uncontrolled inflammation are not fully understood. Here, we report that severe COVID-19 is associated with systemic inflammation, microbial translocation, and microbial dysbiosis. The rectal and oropharyngeal microbiomes of COVID-19 patients were characterized by a decreased abundance of commensal bacteria and an increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens, which positively correlated with markers of inflammation and microbial translocation. These microbial perturbations may, therefore, contribute to disease severity in COVID-19 and highlight the potential for microbiome-based interventions in improving COVID-19 outcomes.
Evaluating the duration of antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of orthopedic hardware infections
Authors: Asim Rija , Fuchs Christian J. , Summers Nathan A.
Published: September 2024

The optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy for orthopedic hardware infections is unclear. We identified 216 patients with orthopedic hardware infections, of whom 42 (19%) later had relapsed infection. Chronic suppressive antimicrobial therapy beyond 12 weeks was not significantly associated with lower odds of relapse.

IMPORTANCE

There is debate about how long to continue antibiotics after initial treatment of bone and joint infections when hardware remains in place. This study found no benefit from continuing antibiotics longer than 12 weeks when trying to prevent recurrent infection.
The effect of
Asparagopsis taxiformis
,
Ascophyllum nodosum
, and
Fucus vesiculosus
on ruminal methanogenesis and metagenomic functional profiles
in vitro
Authors: Yergaliyev Timur , Künzel Susanne , Hanauska Anna , Rees Antonia , Wild Katharina J. , Pétursdóttir Ásta H. , Gunnlaugsdóttir Helga , Reynolds Christopher K. , Humphries David J. , Rodehutscord Markus , Camarinha-Silva Amélia
Published: September 2024

The ruminant-microorganism symbiosis is unique by providing high-quality food from fibrous materials but also contributes to the production of one of the most potent greenhouse gases—methane. Mitigating methanogenesis in ruminants has been a focus of interest in the past decades. One of the promising strategies to combat methane production is the use of feed supplements, such as seaweeds, that might mitigate methanogenesis via microbiome modulation and direct chemical inhibition. We conducted
in vitro
investigations of the effect of three seaweeds (
Ascophyllum nodosum
,
Asparagopsis taxiformis
, and
Fucus vesiculosus
) harvested at different locations (Iceland, Scotland, and Portugal) on methane production. We applied metataxonomics (16S rRNA gene amplicons) and metagenomics (shotgun) methods to uncover the interplay between the microbiome’s taxonomical and functional states, methanogenesis rates, and seaweed supplementations. Methane concentration was reduced by
A. nodosum
and
F. vesiculosus
, both harvested in Scotland and
A. taxiformis
, with the greatest effect of the latter.
A. taxiformis
acted through the reduction of archaea-to-bacteria ratios but not eukaryotes-to-bacteria. Moreover,
A. taxiformis
application was accompanied by shifts in both taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial communities, decreasing not only archaeal ratios but also abundances of methanogenesis-associated functions.
Methanobrevibacter
“SGMT” (
M. smithii, M. gottschalkii, M. millerae
or
M. thaueri
; high methane yield) to “RO” (
M. ruminantium
and
M. olleyae
; low methane yield) clades ratios were also decreased, indicating that
A. taxiformis
application favored
Methanobrevibacter
species that produce less methane. Most of the functions directly involved in methanogenesis were less abundant, while the abundances of the small subset of functions that participate in methane assimilation were increased.

IMPORTANCE

The application of
A. taxiformis
significantly reduced methane production
in vitro
. We showed that this reduction was linked to changes in microbial function profiles, the decline in the overall archaeal community counts, and shifts in ratios of
Methanobrevibacter
“SGMT” and “RO” clades.
A. nodosum
and
F. vesiculosus
, obtained from Scotland, also decreased methane concentration in the total gas, while the same seaweed species from Iceland did not.
Spatial variability of bacterial biofilm communities in a wastewater effluent-impacted suburban stream ecosystem
Authors: Veach Allison M. , Steinbrecher Aimee , Le Michelle
Published: September 2024

Wastewater discharge is a global threat to freshwater resources. Streams, in particular, are receiving waterbodies that are directly impacted chemically and biologically due to effluent discharge. However, it is largely unknown how wastewater serves as a subsidy or a stressor to aquatic biodiversity, particularly microbiota, over space. Nutrient-diffusing substrata (NDS) were deployed; NDS release nutrients through diffusion into the water column into a wastewater-dependent stream across three reaches. We used N, P, and N + P treatments for the measurement of single nutrient and co-nutrient limitation, and a no-nutrient control. Both algal and total biofilm biomass was measured and the 16S ribosomal RNA genes via targeted amplicon sequencing was used to assess bacterial/archaeal community diversity. Data indicated that total organic matter in biofilms differs spatially with the greatest organic matter (OM) concentrations in the confluence downstream of wastewater inputs. Biofilm OM concentrations were greatest in P and N + P treatments in the confluence site relative to control or N-only treatments. This indicates heterotrophic microbial communities—likely bacteria that dominate stream biofilms—are P-limited in this ecosystem even with upstream wastewater inputs. In conjunction, bacteria/archaeal communities differed the greatest among nutrient treatments versus spatially and had several indicator taxa belonging to
Flavobacterium
spp. in N treatments relative to controls. Collectively with historical water quality data, we conclude that this wastewater-fed stream is primarily N-enriched but potentially P-limited, which results in significant shifts in biofilm bacterial communities and likely their overall biomass in this urban watershed.

IMPORTANCE

Streams in arid and semi-arid biomes are often dependent on their flow from municipal sources, such as wastewater effluent. However, wastewater has been shown to contain high concentrations of nutrients and chemical pollutants that can potentially harm aquatic ecosystems and their biota. Understanding if and the type of microorganisms that respond to pollution sources, specifically effluent from wastewater treatment facilities, in regions where flow is predominantly from treatment facilities, is critical for developing a predictive monitoring approach for eutrophication or other ecological degradation states for freshwaters.
Veillonella parvula
acts as a pathobiont promoting the biofilm virulence and cariogenicity of
Streptococcus mutans
in adult severe caries
Authors: Wei Yuan , Zhang Yu , Zhuang Yuan , Tang Yifei , Nie Hua , Haung Yequan , Liu Ting , Yang Weidong , Yan Fuhua , Zhu Yanan
Published: September 2024

Adult severe caries (ASC) brings severe oral dysfunction and treatment difficulties to patients, and yet no clear pathogenic mechanism for it has been found. This study is focused on the composition of dental plaque microbiome profiles in order to identify disease-relevant species and to investigate into their interactions with the
S. mutans
. Samples of dental plaque were collected for metagenomic analysis. The acidification, aciduricity, oxidative stress tolerance, and
gtf
(glucosyltransferase) gene expression of
S. mutans
cocultured with
V. parvula
which was identified as ASC-related dominant bacterium. The bioﬁlm formation and extracellular exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis of dual-strain were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystal violet (CV) staining, live/dead bacterial staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Furthermore, rodent model experiments were performed to validate the
in vivo
cariogenicity of the dual-species biofilm. The most significantly abundant taxon found associated with ASC was
V. parvula
.
In vitro
experiments found that
V. parvula
can effectively promote
S. mutans
mature biofilm formation with enhanced acid resistance, hydrogen peroxide detoxicity, and biofilm virulence. Rodent model experiments revealed that
V. parvula
was incapable of causing disease on its own, but it significantly heightened the biofilm virulence of
S. mutans
when being co-infected and augmented the progression, quantity, and severity of dental caries. Our findings demonstrated that
V. parvula
may act as a synergistic pathobiont to modulate the metabolic activity, spatial structure, and pathogenicity of biofilms of
S. mutans
in the context of ASC.

IMPORTANCE

Adult severe caries (ASC), as a special type of acute caries, is rarely reported and its worthiness of further study is still in dispute. Yet studies on the etiology of severe caries in adults have not found a clear pathogenic mechanism for it. Knowledge of the oral microbiota is important for the treatment of dental caries. We discovered that the interaction between
V. parvula
and
S. mutans
augments the severity of dental caries
in vivo
, suggesting
V. parvula
may act as a synergistic pathobiont exacerbating biofilm virulence of
S. mutans
in ASC. Our findings may improve the understanding of ASC pathogenesis and are likely to provide a basis for planning appropriate therapeutic strategies.
Coulomb Correlations and the Electronic Structure of Bulk V2Te2O
Authors: Skornyakov S. L. , Trifonov I. O. , Anisimov V. I.
Published: September 2024

The effect of Coulomb correlations on the electronic structure of bulk van der Waals material V2Te2O is studied by the charge self-consistent density functional theory and dynamical mean-field theory method. Our results show a significant correlation-induced renormalization of the spectral functions in the vicinity of the Fermi energy which is not accompanied by a transfer of the spectral weight to Hubbard bands. The computed quasiparticle effective mass enhancement m*/m for the V $$3d$$ states varies from 1.31 to 3.32 indicating an orbital-dependent nature of correlation effects and suggests an orbital-selective formation of local moments in the V $$3d$$ shell. We demonstrate that taking into account of Coulomb interaction between the V $$3d$$ electrons yields the electronic specific heat coefficient $$\gamma = 26.94$$ mJ K–2 mol–1 in reasonable agreement with the experiment. We show that the strength of Coulomb correlations is sufficient to trigger a band shift along the Z–Γ–X path of the Brillouin zone leading to a collapse of the electronic Fermi surface pocket centered on the Γ–Z direction predicted by density functional theory.
Spatial single-cell profiling and neighbourhood analysis reveal the determinants of immune architecture connected to checkpoint inhibitor therapy outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Salié Henrike , Wischer Lara , D’Alessio Antonio , Godbole Ira , Suo Yuan , Otto-Mora Patricia , Beck Juergen , Neumann Olaf , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schirmacher Peter , Fulgenzi Claudia A M , Blaumeiser Andreas , Boerries Melanie , Roehlen Natascha , Schultheiß Michael , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert , Pinato David J , Longerich Thomas , Bengsch Bertram
Published: September 2024

Background

The determinants of the response to checkpoint immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poorly understood. The organisation of the immune response in the tumour microenvironment (TME) is expected to govern immunotherapy outcomes but spatial immunotypes remain poorly defined.

Objective

We hypothesised that the deconvolution of spatial immune network architectures could identify clinically relevant immunotypes in HCC.

Design

We conducted highly multiplexed imaging mass cytometry on HCC tissues from 101 patients. We performed in-depth spatial single-cell analysis in a discovery and validation cohort to deconvolute the determinants of the heterogeneity of HCC immune architecture and develop a spatial immune classification that was tested for the prediction of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis identified 23 major immune, stroma, parenchymal and tumour cell types in the HCC TME. Unsupervised neighbourhood detection based on the spatial interaction of immune cells identified three immune architectures with differing involvement of immune cells and immune checkpoints dominated by either CD8 T-cells, myeloid immune cells or B- and CD4 T-cells. We used these to define three major spatial HCC immunotypes that reflect a higher level of intratumour immune cell organisation: depleted, compartmentalised and enriched. Progression-free survival under ICI therapy differed significantly between the spatial immune types with improved survival of enriched patients. In patients with intratumour heterogeneity, the presence of one enriched area governed long-term survival.
Single-arm trial of neoadjuvant ipilimumab plus nivolumab with chemoradiotherapy in patients with resectable and borderline resectable lung cancer: the INCREASE study
Authors: Bahce Idris , Dickhoff Chris , Schneiders Famke L , Veltman Joris , Heineman David J , Hashemi Sayed M S , Vrijmoet Anne , Houda Ilias , Ulas Ezgi B , Bakker Joyce , van de Ven Peter , Bouwhuis Natalja , Meijboom Lilian J , Oprea-Lager Daniela E , van Maldegem Febe , Fransen Marieke F , de Gruijl Tanja D , Radonic Teodora , Senan Suresh
Published: September 2024

Background

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), chemoradiotherapy (CRT) yields pathological complete response (pCR) rates of approximately 30%. We investigated using ipilimumab plus nivolumab (IPI-NIVO) with neoadjuvant CRT in resectable, and borderline resectable NSCLC.

Methods

This single-arm, phase-II trial enrolled operable T3-4N0–2 patients with NSCLC without oncogenic drivers. Primary study endpoints were safety, major pathological response (MPR) and pCR. Treatment encompassed platinum-doublet concurrent CRT, IPI 1 mg/kg intravenous and NIVO 360 mg intravenous on day-1, followed by chemotherapy plus NIVO 360 mg 3 weeks later. Thoracic radiotherapy was 50 or 60 Gy, in once-daily doses of 2 Gy. Resections were 6 weeks post-radiotherapy.

Results

In a total of 30 patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, grades 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 70%, one TRAE grade 5 late-onset pneumonitis on day 96 post-surgery (1/30, 3.3%) occurred, and one non-TRAE COVID-19 death (1/30, 3.3%). pCR and MPR were achieved in 50% (15/30) and 63% (19/30) of the ITT; and in 58% (15/26) and 73% (19/26) of the 26 patients who underwent surgery, respectively. Postoperative melanoma was seen in one non-pCR patient. The R0 rate was 100% (26/26), and no patient failed surgery due to TRAEs. In peripheral blood, proliferative CD8+T cells were increased, while proliferative regulatory T cells (Tregs) were not. On-treatment, pCR-positives had higher CD8+CD39+T cells and lower HLA-DR+Tregs.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant IPI-NIVO-CRT in T3-4N0–2 NSCLC showed acceptable safety with pCR and MPR in 58% and 73% of operated patients, respectively. No patient failed surgery due to TRAEs.

Trial registration number

NCT04245514.
Defining the acute care surgeon: American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) panel discussion on full-time employment, compensation and career trajectory
Authors: Murphy Patrick B , Nahmias Jeffry , Bonne Stephanie , Coleman Jamie , de Moya Marc
Published: September 2024

Since its inception, the specialty of acute care surgery has evolved and now represents a field with a broad clinical scope and large variations in implementation and practice. These variations produce unique challenges and there is no consistent definition of the scope, intensity or value of the work performed by acute care surgeons. This lack of clarity regarding expectations extends to surgeons and non-surgeons outside of our specialty, compounding difficulties in advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. Coupled with a lack of clarity surrounding the definition of full-time employment, these challenges have prompted surgeons to develop initiatives within acute care surgery in collaboration with the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST). A panel session at the AAST 2023 annual meeting was held to discuss the need to define a full-time equivalent for an acute care surgeon and how to consider and incorporate non-clinical responsibilities. Experiences, perspectives and propositions for change were discussed and are presented here.