bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health and work: a European perspective
Authors: Fioritti Angelo , Jònasson Hlynur , de Winter Lars , Van Audenhove Chantal , van Weeghel Jaap
Published: April 2024

Among the many social determinants of health and mental health, employment and work are getting momentum in the European political agenda. On 30–31 January 2024, a ‘High-level Conference on Mental Health and Work’ was held in Brussels on the initiative of the rotating Belgian Presidency of the European Union. It addressed the issue developing two different perspectives: (1) preventing the onset of poor mental health conditions or of physical and mental disorders linked to working conditions (primary prevention); (2) create an inclusive labour market that welcomes and supports all disadvantaged categories who are at high risk of exclusion (secondary and tertiary prevention). In the latter perspective, the Authors were involved in a session focused on ‘returning to work’ for people with mental disorders and other psychosocial disadvantages, with particular reference to Individual Placement and Support as a priority intervention already implemented in various European nations. The themes of the Brussels Conference will be further developed during the next European Union legislature, with the aim of approving in 4–5 years a binding directive for member states on Mental Health and Work, as it is considered a crucial issue for economic growth, social cohesion and overall stability of the European way of life.
Nitrogen Fixation at the Mid‐Atlantic Bight Shelfbreak and Transport of Newly Fixed Nitrogen to the Slope Sea
Authors: Selden C. R. , Mulholland M. R. , Crider K. E. , Clayton S. , Macías‐Tapia A. , Bernhardt P. , McGillicuddy D. J. , Zhang W. G. , Chappell P. D.
Published: April 2024

Continental shelves contribute a large fraction of the ocean's new nitrogen (N) via N2 fixation; yet, we know little about how physical processes at the ocean's margins shape diazotroph biogeography and activity. Here, we test the hypothesis that frontal mixing favors N2 fixation at the Mid‐Atlantic Bight shelfbreak. Using the 15N2 bubble release method, we measured N2 fixation rates on repeat cross‐frontal transects in July 2019. N2 fixation rates in shelf waters (median = 5.42 nmol N L−1 d−1) were higher than offshore (2.48 nmol N L−1 d−1) but did not significantly differ front frontal waters (8.42 nmol N L−1 d−1). However, specific N2 uptake rates, indicative of the relative contribution of diazotroph‐derived N to particulate N turnover, were significantly higher in frontal waters, suggesting that diazotroph‐derived N is of greater importance in supporting productivity there. This study furthered captured an ephemeral shelf‐water streamer, which resulted from the impingement of a warm core ring on the shelf. The streamer transported shelf‐water diazotrophs (including UCYN‐A and Richelia spp., as assessed by qPCR) offshore with sustained high N2 fixation rates. This feature injected >50 metric tons d−1 of newly fixed N to the Slope Sea—a rate equivalent to ∼4% of the total N flux estimated for the entire Mid‐Atlantic Bight. As intrusions of Gulf Stream meanders and eddies onto the shelf are increasing in frequency due to climate change, episodic lateral fluxes of new N into the Slope Sea may become increasingly important to regional budgets and ecosystem productivity.
Africa’s Carbon Sink Capacity Is Shrinking
Authors: Fritts Rachel
Published: April 2024

A new estimate of Africa’s greenhouse gas budget from 2010 to 2019 shows increasing emissions from cropland expansion, livestock, and fossil fuel use—meaning the continent may have transitioned from an overall carbon sink to a slight carbon source.
The Crocodile Dundee Site Helping Rewrite the History of Australian Bushfires
Authors: Morris Bill
Published: April 2024

A lake made famous by Hollywood has yielded powerful new evidence that humans have conducted controlled burns on the Red Continent for tens of thousands of years.
A case report of three people experiencing intractable autonomic dysreflexia following instillation of Uro-Tainer® Polyhexanide 0.02%
Authors: Kelly Louise C. , Glinsky Joanne V. , Harvey Lisa A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Historically, bladder washouts were used to instil therapeutic reagents directly into the bladder. This practice has expanded to include instillation of solutions that deal with catheter issues such as encrustation or formation of bio-film. They appear to provide a promising strategy for people with long term catheters. These products are readily available to purchase, but there is concern that people are using these solutions without a complete understanding of the purpose for the rinse and without clinical guidance to monitor response to treatment.

Case presentation

These case studies include three people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) who developed severe autonomic dysreflexia (AD) when a catheter rinse was carried out using a particular solution. Each of the cases developed immediate and, in some cases, intractable AD requiring further intervention to resolve symptoms.

Discussion

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with SCI. Long-term catheters provide a vector for opportunistic micro-organisms to form bio-film and create an environment that promotes formation of struvite calculi, thus increasing the risk of chronic catheter blockage and urinary tract infection. Whilst these solutions are used to reduce these risks, they also pose additional risks to people susceptible to AD. These cases highlight the need for judicious patient selection and clinical oversight and management of adverse events when using catheter rinse solutions in certain people living with SCI. This is supported by a decision-making algorithm and a response to AD algorithm.

This case report was prepared following the CARE Guidelines (supplementary file 1).
Potential role of lipophagy impairment for anticancer effects of glycolysis-suppressed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiheng , Aoki Haruna , Umezawa Keitaro , Kranrod Joshua , Miyazaki Natsumi , Oshima Taichi , Hirao Takuya , Miura Yuri , Seubert John , Ito Kousei , Aoki Shigeki
Published: April 2024

Although increased aerobic glycolysis is common in various cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells can survive a state of glycolysis suppression. We aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets in glycolysis-suppressed PDAC cells. By screening anticancer metabolic compounds, we identified SP-2509, an inhibitor of lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (LSD1), which dramatically decreased the growth of PDAC PANC-1 cells and showed an anti-tumoral effect in tumor-bearing mice. The growth of glycolysis-suppressed PANC-1 cells was also inhibited by another LSD1 inhibitor, OG-L002. Similarly, the other two PDAC cells (PK-1 and KLM-1) with suppressed glycolysis exhibited anticancer effects against SP-2509. However, the anticancer effects on PDAC cells were unrelated to LSD1. To investigate how PDAC cells survive in a glycolysis-suppressed condition, we conducted proteomic analyses. These results combined with our previous findings suggested that glucose-starvation causes PDAC cells to enhance mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In particular, mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism was identified as a key factor contributing to the survival of PDAC cells under glycolysis suppression. We further demonstrated that SP-2509 and OG-L002 disturbed fatty acid metabolism and induced lipid droplet accumulation through the impairment of lipophagy, but not bulk autophagy. These findings indicate a significant potential association of lipophagy and anticancer effects in glycolysis-suppressed PDAC cells, offering ideas for new therapeutic strategies for PDAC by dual inhibition of glycolysis and fatty acids metabolism.
Discovery of a small-molecule inhibitor that traps Polθ on DNA and synergizes with PARP inhibitors
Authors: Fried William , Tyagi Mrityunjay , Minakhin Leonid , Chandramouly Gurushankar , Tredinnick Taylor , Ramanjulu Mercy , Auerbacher William , Calbert Marissa , Rusanov Timur , Hoang Trung , Borisonnik Nikita , Betsch Robert , Krais John J. , Wang Yifan , Vekariya Umeshkumar M. , Gordon John , Morton George , Kent Tatiana , Skorski Tomasz , Johnson Neil , Childers Wayne , Chen Xiaojiang S. , Pomerantz Richard T.
Published: April 2024

The DNA damage response (DDR) protein DNA Polymerase θ (Polθ) is synthetic lethal with homologous recombination (HR) factors and is therefore a promising drug target in BRCA1/2 mutant cancers. We discover an allosteric Polθ inhibitor (Polθi) class with 4–6 nM IC50 that selectively kills HR-deficient cells and acts synergistically with PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in multiple genetic backgrounds. X-ray crystallography and biochemistry reveal that Polθi selectively inhibits Polθ polymerase (Polθ-pol) in the closed conformation on B-form DNA/DNA via an induced fit mechanism. In contrast, Polθi fails to inhibit Polθ-pol catalytic activity on A-form DNA/RNA in which the enzyme binds in the open configuration. Remarkably, Polθi binding to the Polθ-pol:DNA/DNA closed complex traps the polymerase on DNA for more than forty minutes which elucidates the inhibitory mechanism of action. These data reveal a unique small-molecule DNA polymerase:DNA trapping mechanism that induces synthetic lethality in HR-deficient cells and potentiates the activity of PARPi.
Attribute latencies causally shape intertemporal decisions
Authors: Chen Fadong , Zheng Jiehui , Wang Lei , Krajbich Ian
Published: April 2024

Intertemporal choices – decisions that play out over time – pervade our life. Thus, how people make intertemporal choices is a fundamental question. Here, we investigate the role of attribute latency (the time between when people start to process different attributes) in shaping intertemporal preferences using five experiments with choices between smaller-sooner and larger-later rewards. In the first experiment, we identify attribute latencies using mouse-trajectories and find that they predict individual differences in choices, response times, and changes across time constraints. In the other four experiments we test the causal link from attribute latencies to choice, staggering the display of the attributes. This changes attribute latencies and intertemporal preferences. Displaying the amount information first makes people more patient, while displaying time information first does the opposite. These findings highlight the importance of intra-choice dynamics in shaping intertemporal choices and suggest that manipulating attribute latency may be a useful technique for nudging.
Global latitudinal gradients and the evolution of body size in dinosaurs and mammals
Authors: Wilson Lauren N. , Gardner Jacob D. , Wilson John P. , Farnsworth Alex , Perry Zackary R. , Druckenmiller Patrick S. , Erickson Gregory M. , Organ Chris L.
Published: April 2024

Global climate patterns fundamentally shape the distribution of species and ecosystems. For example, Bergmann’s rule predicts that homeothermic animals, including birds and mammals, inhabiting cooler climates are generally larger than close relatives from warmer climates. The modern world, however, lacks the comparative data needed to evaluate such macroecological rules rigorously. Here, we test for Bergmann’s rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs and mammaliaforms that radiated within relatively temperate global climate regimes. We develop a phylogenetic model that accounts for biases in the fossil record and allows for variable evolutionary dispersal rates. Our analysis also includes new fossil data from the extreme high-latitude Late Cretaceous Arctic Prince Creek Formation. We find no evidence for Bergmann’s rule in Mesozoic dinosaurs or mammaliaforms, the ancestors of extant homeothermic birds and mammals. When our model is applied to thousands of extant dinosaur (bird) and mammal species, we find that body size evolution remains independent of latitude. A modest temperature effect is found in extant, but not in Mesozoic, birds, suggesting that body size evolution in modern birds was influenced by Bergmann’s rule during Cenozoic climatic change. Our study provides a general approach for studying macroecological rules, highlighting the fossil record’s power to address longstanding ecological principles.
Rewritable printing of ionic liquid nanofilm utilizing focused ion beam induced film wetting
Authors: Gu Haohao , Meng Kaixin , Yuan Ruowei , Xiao Siyang , Shan Yuying , Zhu Rui , Deng Yajun , Luo Xiaojin , Li Ruijie , Liu Lei , Chen Xu , Shi Yuping , Wang Xiaodong , Duan Chuanhua , Wang Hao
Published: April 2024

Manipulating liquid flow over open solid substrate at nanoscale is important for printing, sensing, and energy devices. The predominant methods of liquid maneuvering usually involve complicated surface fabrications, while recent attempts employing external stimuli face difficulties in attaining nanoscale flow control. Here we report a largely unexplored ion beam induced film wetting (IBFW) technology for open surface nanofluidics. Local electrostatic forces, which are generated by the unique charging effect of Helium focused ion beam (HFIB), induce precursor film of ionic liquid and the disjoining pressure propels and stabilizes the nanofilm with desired patterns. The IBFW technique eliminates the complicated surface fabrication procedures to achieve nanoscale flow in a controllable and rewritable manner. By combining with electrochemical deposition, various solid materials with desired patterns can be produced.
Bioelectric stimulation controls tissue shape and size
Authors: Shim Gawoon , Breinyn Isaac B. , Martínez-Calvo Alejandro , Rao Sameeksha , Cohen Daniel J.
Published: April 2024

Epithelial tissues sheath organs and electro-mechanically regulate ion and water transport to regulate development, homeostasis, and hydrostatic organ pressure. Here, we demonstrate how external electrical stimulation allows us to control these processes in living tissues. Specifically, we electrically stimulate hollow, 3D kidneyoids and gut organoids and find that physiological-strength electrical stimulation of ∼ 5 - 10 V/cm powerfully inflates hollow tissues; a process we call electro-inflation. Electro-inflation is mediated by increased ion flux through ion channels/transporters and triggers subsequent osmotic water flow into the lumen, generating hydrostatic pressure that competes against cytoskeletal tension. Our computational studies suggest that electro-inflation is strongly driven by field-induced ion crowding on the outer surface of the tissue. Electrically stimulated tissues also break symmetry in 3D resulting from electrotaxis and affecting tissue shape. The ability of electrical cues to regulate tissue size and shape emphasizes the role and importance of the electrical micro-environment for living tissues.
The recent rapid expansion of multidrug resistant Ural lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Moldova
Authors: Chitwood Melanie H. , Colijn Caroline , Yang Chongguang , Crudu Valeriu , Ciobanu Nelly , Codreanu Alexandru , Kim Jaehee , Rancu Isabel , Rhee Kyu , Cohen Ted , Sobkowiak Benjamin
Published: April 2024

The projected trajectory of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) epidemics depends on the reproductive fitness of circulating strains of MDR M. tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous efforts to characterize the fitness of MDR Mtb have found that Mtb strains of the Beijing sublineage (Lineage 2.2.1) may be more prone to develop resistance and retain fitness in the presence of resistance-conferring mutations than other lineages. Using Mtb genome sequences from all culture-positive cases collected over two years in Moldova, we estimate the fitness of Ural (Lineage 4.2) and Beijing strains, the two lineages in which MDR is concentrated in the country. We estimate that the fitness of MDR Ural strains substantially exceeds that of other susceptible and MDR strains, and we identify several mutations specific to these MDR Ural strains. Our findings suggest that MDR Ural Mtb has been transmitting efficiently in Moldova and poses a substantial risk of spreading further in the region.
Compact meta-differentiator for achieving isotropically high-contrast ultrasonic imaging
Authors: Jia Yurou , Zhang Suying , Zhang Xuan , Long Houyou , Xu Caibin , Bai Yechao , Cheng Ying , Wu Dajian , Deng Mingxi , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Liu Xiaojun
Published: April 2024

Ultrasonic imaging is crucial in the fields of biomedical engineering for its deep penetration capabilities and non-ionizing nature. However, traditional techniques heavily rely on impedance differences within objects, resulting in poor contrast when imaging acoustically transparent targets. Here, we propose a compact spatial differentiator for underwater isotropic edge-enhanced imaging, which enhances the imaging contrast without the need for contrast agents or external physical fields. This design incorporates an amplitude meta-grating for linear transmission along the radial direction, combined with a phase meta-grating that utilizes focus and spiral phases with a first-order topological charge. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, we substantiate the effectiveness of our technique in distinguishing amplitude objects with isotropic edge enhancements. Importantly, this method also enables the accurate detection of both phase objects and artificial biological models. This breakthrough creates new opportunities for applications in medical diagnosis and nondestructive testing.
COVID-19 vaccination induces distinct T-cell responses in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients and immunocompetent children
Authors: Roznik Katerina , Xue Jiashu , Stavrakis Georgia , Johnston T. Scott , Kalluri Divya , Ohsie Rivka , Qin Caroline X. , McAteer John , Segev Dorry L. , Mogul Douglas , Werbel William A. , Karaba Andrew H. , Thompson Elizabeth A. , Cox Andrea L.
Published: April 2024

Immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination are attenuated in adult solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and additional vaccine doses are recommended for this population. However, whether COVID-19 mRNA vaccine responses are limited in pediatric SOTRs (pSOTRs) compared to immunocompetent children is unknown. Due to SARS-CoV-2 evolution and mutations that evade neutralizing antibodies, T cells may provide important defense in SOTRs who mount poor humoral responses. Therefore, we assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, surrogate neutralization, and spike (S)-specific T-cell responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in pSOTRs and their healthy siblings (pHCs) before and after the bivalent vaccine dose. Despite immunosuppression, pSOTRs demonstrated humoral responses to both ancestral strain and Omicron subvariants following the primary ancestral strain monovalent mRNA COVID-19 series and multiple booster doses. These responses were not significantly different from those observed in pHCs and significantly higher six months after vaccination than responses in adult SOTRs two weeks post-vaccination. However, pSOTRs mounted limited S-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and qualitatively distinct CD4+ T-cell responses, primarily producing IL-2 and TNF with less IFN-γ production compared to pHCs. Bivalent vaccination enhanced humoral responses in some pSOTRs but did not shift the CD4+ T-cell responses toward increased IFN-γ production. Our findings indicate that S-specific CD4+ T cells in pSOTRs have distinct qualities with unknown protective capacity, yet vaccination produces cross-reactive antibodies not significantly different from responses in pHCs. Given altered T-cell responses, additional vaccine doses in pSOTRs to maintain high titer cross-reactive antibodies may be important in ensuring protection against SARS-CoV-2.
The strategy of three-dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks to exclude dye contaminants in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ghahari Afsaneh , Farzad Farzaneh , Azadnejad Reza
Published: April 2024

The development of effective solid adsorbents is necessary to remove organic pollutants from wastewater in response to the global water crisis. The present study investigates the adsorption behavior of dye pollutants on a 1, 3, 6, 8-tetrakis (4formylphenyl) pyrene (TFPPy) for the self-assembly of an innovative three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Molecular dynamics (MD) and the well-tempered metadynamics simulation were used to evaluate the ability of COFs to adsorb seven types of dye pollutants (DPs). These include methyl orange (MO), gentian violet (GV), brilliant green (BG), tolonium chloride (TC), methylene blue (MB), anionic congo red (CR), and rhodamine B (Rh B). To examine this process, several descriptors are calculated from the simulation trajectories, including interaction energies, root-mean-square deviation, radial distribution function, solvent-accessible surface area, mean square displacement, and the number of hydrogen bonds to figure out the process. After analyzing the data, it was found that the MO/COFs system displayed exceptional stability. It was confirmed by a significant value of −448.54 KJmol−1 for total interaction energy. The density profile of dye molecules in the MO and Rh B-COFs systems exhibits the highest peaks at approximately 325.79, and 26.75 kg/m³, respectively. The free energy values for the DPs/COFs complexes at their global minima reached about, −512.127, −435.603, −381.244, −300.313, and −283.230 kJmol-1 for MO/GV/BG/TC/ and Rh B with the COFs, respectively. The nature of the design of TFFPy-COF’s unique, ultrafast kinetics, high adsorption capacity, and good reusability endow them with great potential for removing dyes in an aqueous environment.
The chromosomal-scale genome sequencing and assembly of Athetis lepigone
Authors: Yesaya Alexander , Zhang Lei , Wu Chao , Fu Yiheng , Zhang Ji , An Jingjie , Xiao Yutao
Published: April 2024

Athetis lepigone is an emerging highly polyphagous insect pest reported to cause crop damage in several European and Asian countries. However, our understanding of its genetic adaptation mechanisms has been limited due to lack of high-quality genetic resources. In this study, we present a chromosomal-level genome of A. lepigone, representing the first species in the genus of Athetis. We employed PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technologies to generate 612.49 Mb genome assembly which contains 42.43% repeat sequences with a scaffold N50 of 20.9 Mb. The contigs were successfully clustered into 31 chromosomal-size scaffolds with 37% GC content. BUSCO assessment revealed a genome completeness of 97.4% with 96.3 identified as core Arthropoda single copy orthologs. Among the 17,322 genes that were predicted, 15,965 genes were functionally annotated, representing a coverage of 92.17%. Furthermore, we revealed 106 P450, 37 GST, 27 UGT, and 74 COE gene families in the genome of A. lepigone. This genome provides a significant and invaluable genomic resource for further research across the entire genus of Athetis.
The influence of Gleason score ≤ 6 histology on the outcome of high-risk localized prostate cancer after modern radiotherapy
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Suzuki Gen , Masui Koji , Aibe Norihiro , Kimoto Takuya , Yamada Kei , Okihara Koji , Hongo Fumiya , Okumi Masayoshi , Shiraishi Takumi , Fujihara Atsuko , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki , Kato Takashi , Hashimoto Yasutoshi , Okabe Haruumi
Published: April 2024

We aimed to retrospectively review outcomes in patients with high-risk prostate cancer and a Gleason score ≤ 6 following modern radiotherapy. We analyzed the outcomes of 1374 patients who had undergone modern radiotherapy, comprising a high-risk low grade [HRLG] group (Gleason score ≤ 6; n = 94) and a high-risk high grade [HRHG] group (Gleason score ≥ 7, n = 1125). We included 955 patients who received brachytherapy with or without external beam radio-therapy (EBRT) and 264 who received modern EBRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT] or stereotactic body radiotherapy [SBRT]). At a median follow-up of 60 (2–177) months, actuarial 5-year biochemical failure-free survival rates were 97.8 and 91.8% (p = 0.017), respectively. The frequency of clinical failure in the HRLG group was less than that in the HRHG group (0% vs 5.4%, p = 0.012). The HRLG group had a better 5-year distant metastasis-free survival than the HRHG group (100% vs 96.0%, p = 0.035). As the HRLG group exhibited no clinical failure and better outcomes than the HRHG group, the HRLG group might potentially be classified as a lower-risk group.
The role of genetic polymorphisms in the sulfation of pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2B1a
Authors: Alatwi Eid , Bairam Ahsan F.
Published: April 2024

Pregnenolone is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of many steroid hormones and neuroprotective steroids. Sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1 (SULT2B1a) has been reported to be highly selective to sulfate pregnenolone. This study aimed to clarify the effect of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human SULT2B1 gene on the sulfating activity of coded SULT2B1a allozymes toward Pregnenolone. To investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the SULT2B1 gene on the sulfation of pregnenolone by SULT2B1a allozymes, 13 recombinant SULT2B1a allozymes were generated, expressed, and purified using established procedures. Human SULT2B1a SNPs were identified by a comprehensive database search. 13 SULT2B1a nonsynonymous missense coding SNPs (cSNPs) were selected, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate the corresponding cDNAs, packaged in pGEX-2TK expression vector, encoding these 13 SULT2B1a allozymes, which were bacterially expressed in BL21 E. coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Purified SULT2B1a allozymes were analyzed for sulfating activities towards pregnenolone. In comparison with the wild-type SULT2B1a, of the 13 allozymes, 11 showed reduced activity toward pregnenolone at 0.1 µM. Specifically, P134L and R259Q allozymes, reported to be involved in autosomal-recessive congenital ichthyosis, displayed low activity (1–10%) toward pregnenolone. The findings of this study may demonstrate the impact of genetic polymorphism on the sulfation of pregnenolone in individuals with different SULT2B1 genotypes.
Innovative textiles treated with TiO2-AgNPs with succinic acid as a cross-linking agent for medical uses
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abdel-Shakur , Abdel-Rahim Emam Abdel-Mobdy , Mahmoud Azza Abdel-Aziz , Mohamed Sahar Emam
Published: April 2024

Silver and titanium-silver nanoparticles have unique properties that make the textile industry progress through the high quality of textiles. Preparation of AgNPs and TiO2-Ag core–shell nanoparticles in different concentrations (0.01% and 0.1% OWF) and applying it to cotton fabrics (Giza 88 and Giza 94) by using succinic acid 5%/SHP as a cross-linking agent. Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) are tools for AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs characterization and the treated cotton. The resulting AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs were added to cotton fabrics at different concentrations. The antimicrobial activities, UV protection, self-cleaning, and the treated fabrics' mechanical characteristics were investigated. Silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide-silver nanoparticles core–shell were prepared to be used in the treatment of cotton fabrics to improve their UV protection properties, self-cleaning, elongation and strength, as well as the antimicrobial activities to use the produced textiles for medical and laboratory uses and to increase protection for medical workers taking into account the spread of infection. The results demonstrated that a suitable distribution of prepared AgNPs supported the spherical form. Additionally, AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs have both achieved stability, with values of (− 20.8 mV and − 30 mV, respectively). The synthesized nanoparticles spread and penetrated textiles' surfaces with efficiency. The findings demonstrated the superior UV protection value (UPF 50+) and self-cleaning capabilities of AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs. In the treatment with 0.01% AgNPs and TiO2-AgNPs, the tensile strength dropped, but the mechanical characteristics were enhanced by raising the concentration to 0.1%. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the cotton fabric treated with TiO2-AgNPs exhibited superior general characteristics when compared to the sample treated only with AgNPs.
Resistant Escherichia coli isolated from wild mammals from two rescue and rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica: characterization and public health relevance
Authors: Fernandes Rita , Abreu Raquel , Serrano Isa , Such Roger , Garcia-Vila Encarnación , Quirós Sandy , Cunha Eva , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence profiles of 67 Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faecal samples of 77 wild mammals from 19 different species, admitted in two rescue and rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica. It was possible to classify 48% (n = 32) of the isolates as multidrug-resistant, and while the highest resistance levels were found towards commonly prescribed antimicrobials, resistance to fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins were also observed. Isolates obtained from samples of rehabilitated animals or animals treated with antibiotics were found to have significantly higher AMR levels, with the former also having a significant association with a multidrug-resistance profile. Additionally, the isolates displayed the capacity to produce α-haemolysins (n = 64, 96%), biofilms (n = 51, 76%) and protease (n = 21, 31%). Our results showed that AMR might be a widespread phenomenon within Costa Rican wildlife and that both free-ranging and rehabilitated wild mammals are potential carriers of bacteria with important resistance and virulence profiles. These results highlight the need to study potential sources of resistance determinants to wildlife, and to determine if wild animals can disseminate resistant bacteria in the environment, potentially posing a significant threat to public health and hindering the implementation of a “One Health” approach.
The functional and psychological impact of delayed hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 89,996 patients
Authors: Cooper G. M. , Bayram J. M. , Clement N. D.
Published: April 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of presurgical waiting times on pre-/post-operative joint specific pain and function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and perspectives of patients awaiting primary elective total hip (THR) and knee (TKR) replacements. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception until 30th January 2023 (CRD42022288128). Secondary literature and unpublished datasets containing paediatric, non-elective, partial, or revision replacement populations were excluded. PRISMA 2020 reporting and GRADE certainty of evidence guidelines were followed. Residual maximum likelihood meta-analysis and linear meta-regression was performed to elucidate the influence of presurgical waiting time. Twenty-six studies were eligible for systematic review and sixteen for meta-analysis, capturing 89,996 patients (60.6% female, mean age 67.4 years) between 2001 and 2022. A significant deterioration in joint function (mean difference (MD):0.0575%; 95% CI 0.0064, 0.1086; p = 0.028(4d.p.); I2 = 73.1%) and HRQOL (MD: 0.05%; 95% CI − 0.0001.0009; p = 0.011(4 d.p.); I2 = 80.6%) was identified per additional day of waiting. Despite qualitative evidence, meta-analysis could not observe a relationship with postoperative outcome data. Patient responses to delayed THR and TKR surgery were unanimously negative. Immediate action should seek to reduce the increased patient anxiety and significant reductions in pre-operative joint functionality and HRQOL associated with prolonged pre-surgical waiting time, whilst mitigating any potential deleterious post-operative effects.
Analysis and dynamical structure of glucose insulin glucagon system with Mittage-Leffler kernel for type I diabetes mellitus
Authors: Batool Maryam , Farman Muhammad , Ghaffari Abdul Sattar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Munjam Shankar Rao
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a fractional-order mathematical model to explain the role of glucagon in maintaining the glucose level in the human body by using a generalised form of a fractal fractional operator. The existence, boundedness, and positivity of the results are constructed by fixed point theory and the Lipschitz condition for the biological feasibility of the system. Also, global stability analysis with Lyapunov’s first derivative functions is treated. Numerical simulations for fractional-order systems are derived with the help of Lagrange interpolation under the Mittage-Leffler kernel. Results are derived for normal and type 1 diabetes at different initial conditions, which support the theoretical observations. These results play an important role in the glucose-insulin-glucagon system in the sense of a closed-loop design, which is helpful for the development of artificial pancreas to control diabetes in society.
Trade-offs constrain the success of glyphosate-free farming
Authors: Metcalfe H. , Storkey J. , Hull R. , Bullock J. M. , Whitmore A. , Sharp R. T. , Milne A. E.
Published: April 2024

Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide, is linked with environmental harm and there is a drive to replace it in agricultural systems. We model the impacts of discontinuing glyphosate use and replacing it with cultural control methods. We simulate winter wheat arable systems reliant on glyphosate and typical in northwest Europe. Removing glyphosate was projected to increase weed abundance, herbicide risk to the environment, and arable plant diversity and decrease food production. Weed communities with evolved resistance to non-glyphosate herbicides were not projected to be disproportionately affected by removing glyphosate, despite the lack of alternative herbicidal control options. Crop rotations with more spring cereals or grass leys for weed control increased arable plant diversity. Stale seedbed techniques such as delayed drilling and choosing ploughing instead of minimum tillage had varying effects on weed abundance, food production, and profitability. Ploughing was the most effective alternative to glyphosate for long-term weed control while maintaining production and profit. Our findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of trade-offs arising in scenarios where glyphosate is removed. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) with more use of cultural control methods offers the potential to reduce chemical use but is sensitive to seasonal variability and can incur negative environmental and economic impacts.
Semi-focal bone transport versus traditional bone transport technique for the management of large tibial bone defects after trauma
Authors: Wang Qian , Ma Teng , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Huang Qiang
Published: April 2024

How to deal with large tibial bone defects is still controversial. The purpose of this research was to compare the semi-focal bone transport (SFBT) technique with traditional bone transport (TBT) technique for treating such patients. Sixty-two patients were included and retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, after radical debridement large tibial bone defects remained. Patients were treated by the SFBT or TBT technique. The distraction, consolidation duration and complications were recorded by the patients’ medical files. Based on the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard, the bone and functional results were evaluated. The mean bone defect size was 7.7 ± 1.6 cm and 7.5 ± 2.1 cm for SFBT and TBT patients. The mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.51 ± 0.14 months/cm and 1.89 ± 0.25 months/cm for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05), respectively. With respect to bone and function results, there was no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean number of complications per patient was 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.7 for SFBT and TBT patients (p < 0.05). Compared to the traditional bone transport technique, patients using the semi-focal bone transport technique achieved better clinical effects, including shorter EFI and less complications. Therefore, the SFBT technique could be a new option for patients with large tibial bone defects.
FAST, a method based on split-GFP for the detection in solution of proteins synthesized in cell-free expression systems
Authors: Pham Thuy Duong , Poletti Chiara , Tientcheu Therese Manuela Nloh , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Spurio Roberto , Fabbretti Attilio , Milon Pohl , Giuliodori Anna Maria
Published: April 2024

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems offer a versatile platform for a wide range of applications. However, the traditional methods for detecting proteins synthesized in CFPS, such as radioactive labeling, fluorescent tagging, or electrophoretic separation, may be impractical, due to environmental hazards, high costs, technical complexity, and time consuming procedures. These limitations underscore the need for new approaches that streamline the detection process, facilitating broader application of CFPS. By harnessing the reassembly capabilities of two GFP fragments—specifically, the GFP1-10 and GFP11 fragments—we have crafted a method that simplifies the detection of in vitro synthesized proteins called FAST (Fluorescent Assembly of Split-GFP for Translation Tests). FAST relies on the fusion of the small tag GFP11 to virtually any gene to be expressed in CFPS. The in vitro synthesized protein:GFP11 can be rapidly detected in solution upon interaction with an enhanced GFP1-10 fused to the Maltose Binding Protein (MBP:GFP1-10). This interaction produces a fluorescent signal detectable with standard fluorescence readers, thereby indicating successful protein synthesis. Furthermore, if required, detection can be coupled with the purification of the fluorescent complex using standardized MBP affinity chromatography. The method's versatility was demonstrated by fusing GFP11 to four distinct E. coli genes and analyzing the resulting protein synthesis in both a homemade and a commercial E. coli CFPS system. Our experiments confirmed that the FAST method offers a direct correlation between the fluorescent signal and the amount of synthesized protein:GFP11 fusion, achieving a sensitivity threshold of 8 ± 2 pmol of polypeptide, with fluorescence plateauing after 4 h. Additionally, FAST enables the investigation of translation inhibition by antibiotics in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, FAST is a new method that permits the rapid, efficient, and non-hazardous detection of protein synthesized within CFPS systems and, at the same time, the purification of the target protein.
Feasibility analysis of China's medical insurance coverage of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Huang Rong , Yu Jing-Yun , He Wei-Chao , Liu Ri-Hui
Published: April 2024

There are millions of patients experiencing infertility in China, but assisted reproductive technology (ART) is performed at the patient's expense and is difficult to afford. With the sharp decline in China's birth rate, there is a growing controversy over the inclusion of ART in medical insurance (MI). This study aims to explore the feasibility of ART coverage by MI for the first time. We obtained basic data such as the prevalence of infertility, the cost of ART, and the success rate in China with the method of meta-analysis and consulting the government bulletin. Then, we calculated the number of infertile couples in China and the total financial expenditure of MI covering ART. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of coverage, and analyzed the population growth and economic benefits after coverage. According to our research results, it was estimated that there were 4.102–11.792 million infertile couples in China, with an annual increase of 1.189–1.867 million. If MI covered ART, the fund would pay 72.313–207.878 billion yuan, accounting for 2–6% of the current fund balance, and the subsequent annual payment would be 20.961–32.913 billion yuan, accounting for 4–7% of the annual fund balance. This was assuming that all infertile couples would undergo ART, and the actual cost would be lower. The financial input‒output ratio would be 13.022. Benefiting from the inclusion of ART in MI coverage, there would be 3.348–9.624 million new live infants, and 8–13% newborns would be born every year thereafter, which means that by 2050, 37–65 million people would be born. Due to its affordable cost, high cost-effectiveness and favourable population growth, it may be feasible to include ART in MI.
Targeted phasing of 2–200 kilobase DNA fragments with a short-read sequencer and a single-tube linked-read library method
Authors: Mikhaylova Veronika , Rzepka Madison , Kawamura Tetsuya , Xia Yu , Chang Peter L. , Zhou Shiguo , Paasch Amber , Pham Long , Modi Naisarg , Yao Likun , Perez-Agustin Adrian , Pagans Sara , Boles T. Christian , Lei Ming , Wang Yong , Garcia-Bassets Ivan , Chen Zhoutao
Published: April 2024

In the human genome, heterozygous sites refer to genomic positions with a different allele or nucleotide variant on the maternal and paternal chromosomes. Resolving these allelic differences by chromosomal copy, also known as phasing, is achievable on a short-read sequencer when using a library preparation method that captures long-range genomic information. TELL-Seq is a library preparation that captures long-range genomic information with the aid of molecular identifiers (barcodes). The same barcode is used to tag the reads derived from the same long DNA fragment within a range of up to 200 kilobases (kb), generating linked-reads. This strategy can be used to phase an entire genome. Here, we introduce a TELL-Seq protocol developed for targeted applications, enabling the phasing of enriched loci of varying sizes, purity levels, and heterozygosity. To validate this protocol, we phased 2–200 kb loci enriched with different methods: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated excision coupled with pulse-field electrophoresis for the longest fragments, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated protection from exonuclease digestion for mid-size fragments, and long PCR for the shortest fragments. All selected loci have known clinical relevance: BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, APC, PMS2, SCN5A-SCN10A, and PKI3CA. Collectively, the analyses show that TELL-Seq can accurately phase 2–200 kb targets using a short-read sequencer.
Enhancing fracture diagnosis in pelvic X-rays by deep convolutional neural network with synthesized images from 3D-CT
Authors: Rahman Rashedur , Yagi Naomi , Hayashi Keigo , Maruo Akihiro , Muratsu Hirotsugu , Kobashi Syoji
Published: April 2024

Pelvic fractures pose significant challenges in medical diagnosis due to the complex structure of the pelvic bones. Timely diagnosis of pelvic fractures is critical to reduce complications and mortality rates. While computed tomography (CT) is highly accurate in detecting pelvic fractures, the initial diagnostic procedure usually involves pelvic X-rays (PXR). In recent years, many deep learning-based methods have been developed utilizing ImageNet-based transfer learning for diagnosing hip and pelvic fractures. However, the ImageNet dataset contains natural RGB images which are different than PXR. In this study, we proposed a two-step transfer learning approach that improved the diagnosis of pelvic fractures in PXR images. The first step involved training a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) using synthesized PXR images derived from 3D-CT by digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR). In the second step, the classification layers of the DCNN were fine-tuned using acquired PXR images. The performance of the proposed method was compared with the conventional ImageNet-based transfer learning method. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed DRR-based method, using 20 synthesized PXR images for each CT, achieved superior performance with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of 0.9327 and 0.8014 for visible and invisible fractures, respectively. The ImageNet-based method yields AUROCs of 0.8908 and 0.7308 for visible and invisible fractures, respectively.
Design optimization of buttress type premium casing connection by modifying lower corner radius of stab flank
Authors: Kim Byeongil , Yoon Jong-Yun
Published: April 2024

Full-scale drilling for shale gas has been deepening, and the horizontal definitions have been increasing for drilling efficiency. Pressures and bending stresses are generated in the joints of gas-cored pipes, which seriously affect their durability. Premium casing connections are primarily forced at the interfaces of two parts, so the design of the threads is crucial, and the choice of optimal parameters is precisely related to their resistance to stresses. This article proposes a novel premium connection design, and its performance is validated through simulations to demonstrate good noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and durability performance. A parametric study is especially performed with the change of lower corner radius to observe maximum stress changes of the system and it is advised that a parameter be optimized. This study demonstrates that it is possible to design a premium connection capable of reducing the stress concentrated on the stab flank contact portion when drilling deep gas wells in response to parameter changes.
Spin-reorientation driven emergent phases and unconventional magnetotransport in quasi-2D vdW ferromagnet Fe4GeTe2
Authors: Pal Riju , Pal Buddhadeb , Mondal Suchanda , Sharma Rajesh O. , Das Tanmoy , Mandal Prabhat , Pal Atindra Nath
Published: April 2024

Non-trivial spin textures driven by strong exchange interaction, magneto-crystalline anisotropy, and electron correlation in a low-dimensional magnetic material often lead to unusual electronic transitions. Through a combination of transport experiments in exfoliated nanoflakes down to 16 layers and first principle calculations, we unravel emergent electronic phases in quasi-2D van der Waals ferromagnet, Fe4GeTe2, possessing ferromagnetic TC ~ 270 K, along with a spin-reorientation transition (TSR ~ 120 K) with the change of magnetic easy axis. Two electronic transitions are identified. The first transition near TSR exhibits a sharp fall in resistivity, followed by a sign change in the ordinary Hall coefficient (R0), together with, maximum negative magnetoresistance (MR) and anomalous Hall conductivity. Another unusual electronic transition, hitherto unknown, is observed near ~ 40–50 K (TQ), where R0 again changes sign and below which, the resistivity shows a quadratic temperature dependence, and MR becomes positive. An analysis of the experimental data further uncovers the role of competing inelastic scattering processes in anomalous magnetotransport behavior. The density-functional theory based first-principle calculations unveil two possible magnetic phases, followed by a low-energy model Hamiltonian which captures the essence of these phases as well as explains the observed magnetotransport behavior. Thus, we demonstrate an interplay between magnetism and band topology and its consequence on electron transport in Fe4GeTe2, important for spintronic applications.