bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Communication Study: A Review
Authors: Lin Yansong , Yang Yang
Published: October 2024

Political communication is one of the most fundamental and crucial concepts in politics and communication studies. This article systematically reviews existing relevant literature to the definition of political communication and theoretical and empirical study of political communication. It hopes to provide some guidance for this field, with the aim of promoting the development of political communication study. This study finds that digital technology is quietly and powerfully shaping a new political communication landscape and the political communication study is showing an increasingly strong trend of interdisciplinary intersection and integration, with computational and experimental social science methods continuing to empower and become new research directions.
Psychosocial Challenges and Hopelessness of Children Living in Alternative Care: Case of SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda
Authors: Manirareba Uzziel , Biracyaza Emmanuel , Rutembesa Eugene
Published: October 2024

Homelessness among street children is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where many children live on the streets. Alternative care is an essential strategy for improving the well-being of these at-risk children. However, there is a dearth of evidence concerning hopelessness and its contextual determinants among street children in Rwanda. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the degree of hopelessness among children in alternative care settings, emphasizing the contribution of SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda in promote health of this population. Convergent mixed-methods were employed with 200 children from SOS Children’s Villages. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Data were gathered through a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Hopeless Children Scale (HCS), as psychometric instrument. For qualitative data, focus group discussions involving 8 to 10 participants were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim, followed by thematic analysis. The study found that 69.1% of participants were male, with the HCS demonstrating an internal consistency of α=0.78. A majority (61.2%) lacked both parents. The results indicated a high incidence of hopelessness, with 90.3% of participants experiencing severe hopelessness, 7.5% experiencing moderate hopelessness, and only 2.2% exhibiting hope. Despite receiving critical support such as basic needs from SOS Children’s Villages, the children’s expectations for the future, particularly regarding effective family reintegration, remained predominantly negative. Vulnerable children endure substantial psychosocial challenges that influence their levels of hope. To improve the psychosocial well-being of street children, SOS Children’s Villages, in collaboration with national and international partners and policymakers, should implement comprehensive health strategies that address not only the children but also involve their families. The development of these appropriate approaches based on our results would contribute to an achievement of sustainable and effective reintegration for street children.
Uso de medicina alternativa en pacientes oncológicos en la ciudad de Neiva (Colombia)
Authors: Martínez-Ramos Nicolás , Mariño Carolina , Olaya-SanMiguel Laura Camila , Murillo Raúl
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de uso de medicina alternativa y complementaria (MAC) en pacientes oncológicos en la ciudad de Neiva (Colombia) así como caracterizar las prácticas de MAC empleadas por los pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en el que se encuestaron a pacientes en un centro de salud de Neiva. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con cualquier tipo de cáncer, en todos los estadios clínicos y que se encontraran en tratamiento activo. Mediante un análisis multivariado se buscó identificar asociaciones entre el empleo de MAC y variables sociodemográficas-clínicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 526 pacientes, de los cuales el 57,2% (301) reportaron ser usuarios de MAC. La principal razón fue la intención paliativa; pero un número significativo las utiliza con fin curativo. Las MAC más frecuentes fueron las de tipo de herbal, de las cuales el anamú fue el producto al cual más recurrieron los pacientes. Se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre MAC sexo, edad y ocupación. Conclusiones: Una elevada proporción de pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento activo emplea MAC. Es necesario incorporar esta información en el cuidado del paciente y desarrollar servicios que orienten este tipo de prácticas.
Effect of Blade Thickness on Hemodynamics and Hemolysis: A Case Study of Pediatric Centrifugal Blood Pumps
Authors: Abbasnezhad Navideh , Bakir Farid
Published: October 2024

Blood pumps, critical components in ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems, are primarily evaluated based on their ability to minimize blood damage through optimized design. Despite extensive research, the impact of impeller blade thickness and the proximity of rotating and stationary surfaces remains insufficiently explored. This study presents a comprehensive analysis, combining experimentally validated numerical simulations with an advanced Lagrangian approach, to compare the hemodynamic and hemolytic performance of three centrifugal pumps. These pumps share identical volutes but differ in impeller blade thickness. The selected operating point—a blood flow rate of 1 l/min and a pressure differential of 60 mm Hg—was chosen for its clinical relevance, particularly in pediatric applications. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed to evaluate hemodynamic performance, while Lagrangian postprocessing was used to estimate the hemolysis index (HI) by tracing fluid particle trajectories. These analyses provided detailed insights into velocity, pressure, and shear stress (SS) distributions, with special attention given to critical regions near clearance gaps and solid boundaries. The results reveal a significant increase in hemolysis risk in these regions, especially as the size of opposing rotating and stationary surfaces increases. The pump with the thickest blades (pump 3) exhibited the poorest performance, with shear stress and hemolysis index negatively impacted by the increased blade thickness. Although specific to the pumps studied, these findings offer valuable guidance for the optimal design of blood pumps and suggest that the analytical approach could be applied to other sensitivity studies.
Topology Optimization of Compliant Grippers Based on Stress Constraints
Authors: Du Yunsong , Zhang Pengwei , Li Tiemin
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a topology optimization method of compliant grippers considering stress constraints. The proportional topology optimization (PTO) algorithm is applied to the design of compliant grippers, and it is improved by introducing weight factors into the objective function and adding stress conditions on the basis of constraints. In the current gradient modeling of topology optimization, the global maximum stress is measured by P-norm function, and its sensitivity analysis of stress constraints is derived by adjoint equations. It is worth noting that more rigorous gradient calculations are employed in stress problems and their computation brings an additional computational burden. By contrast, the non-gradient method using PTO algorithm allocates design variables to the element proportionally according to the values of stress. It can eliminate difficulties in the analytical derivation and calculation of gradient, and improve the calculation efficiency. Subsequently, performances of compliant grippers generated by these two methods are compared through finite element analysis. Finally, the optimized compliant gripper prototype is manufactured by three-dimensional (3D) printing using flexible thermoplastic urethane. Experimental results indicate that the non-gradient method is effective, and the optimized compliant gripper has excellent characteristics of low stress and high output performance.
Model for Local Cavitation Instabilities in Two-Bladed Turbopump Inducers
Authors: Yoon Youngkuk , Song Seung Jin
Published: October 2024

Various local cavitation instabilities in turbopump inducers (e.g., alternate blade cavitation, supersynchronous rotating cavitation) have been previously experimentally identified. However, a model that is capable of predicting such local instabilities is still lacking. Therefore, a new model, which models an N-bladed inducer as a system of N-coupled mass-spring-damper systems, is presented to predict postonset behavior of alternate blade cavitation instabilities. The model predicts that alternate blade cavitation will occur. As the flow coefficient is decreased, the model predicts that the magnitude of alternate blade cavitation first increases and then decreases and then finally vanishes. If the flow coefficient is further decreased beyond the range of alternate blade cavitation, a sudden increase in equilibrium incidence is predicted. All of these predictions agree with the previous experimental findings. Furthermore, simultaneous in-phase oscillations of the blade cavities are predicted during alternate blade cavitation. These in-phase oscillations of the cavities correspond to the surge mode oscillation, which had been previously mistakenly categorized as a global (system) instability. Finally, it is proposed that the aforementioned postonset behaviors of alternate blade cavitation are general in two-bladed inducers, as long as the change in incidence on the following blade has a local minimum when it is expressed as a function of leading blade's incidence.
Correlation for Maximum Heat Transfer Between Fluidized Bed and Its Wall and Application to Solar Power Plants
Authors: Shah Mirza M.
Published: October 2024

Heat transfer from and to fluidized beds is involved in many applications including chemical processes, power generation, solar collectors, etc. It is generally desired to operate in the range in which the heat transfer coefficient is maximum. Several good correlations have been developed for maximum heat transfer to objects immersed in fluidized beds. However, there is no correlation for maximum heat transfer between the fluidized bed and its enclosing wall. The present research was done to develop such a correlation. A correlation for maximum heat transfer to bed wall has been developed which is in satisfactory agreement with test data from published papers. The data include a wide variety of particles with diameters 70–900 µm, bed diameters 25–101 mm, particle density from 1800 to 3200 kg/m3, particle thermal conductivity 0.5–237 W/m/K, and bed temperature from 18 to 316 °C. A correlation for the optimum velocity was also developed based on the same data. The new heat transfer correlation was compared to published test data for fluidized beds made to flow into solar collector tubes by the application of pressure difference. A modification of it was developed which agrees well with available data.
MoS2/Ti Co-Deposited Coatings and Their Fretting Wear Properties at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Liang Shenglin , Dai Qingwen , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: October 2024

Fretting wear refers to the damage phenomenon experienced by the mechanical components undergoing micro-amplitude relative slip at their contact region due to vibration. Titanium alloys find their extensive application in aerospace industry components such as splines and dovetail joints, where they experience fretting wear phenomenon. This research work investigates the effect of MoS2/Ti co-deposition coatings with varying Ti contents, deposited on the TC4 titanium alloy substrate using magnetron sputtering. Fretting wear tests were conducted at room temperature, 100 ℃, and 200 °C, using a specially designed fretting test fixture with a ball-on-flat contact configuration, mounted on a servo-hydraulic fatigue testing machine. The results indicated that the coating becomes denser with an increase in the Ti content. The coating exhibited the highest hardness and better anti-fretting wear performance at room temperature. However, the effect of Ti content on the fretting wear behaviors changed at elevated temperatures. At the highest Ti content coating, excessive oxide particles were found on the worn surface at elevated temperatures, inducing an abrasive effect and localized cracks. However, coatings with moderate Ti content (9.62 at%) effectively protected the substrate from significant wear at room temperature and maintained a low coefficient of friction at high temperatures without failure.
Long-Range Electrostatic Adhesive Contact Between an Elastic Half-Space and a Rigid Indenter With Power-Law Profile
Authors: Zhou Yunong
Published: October 2024

In this study, the electrostatic adhesive contact between a smooth indenter with a power-law geometry and an elastic half-space is studied using both a theoretical and numerical approach. Both the indenter and substrate are coated with an electrically insulating layer. The Maxwell stress and hard-wall constraint are applied to describe the interaction between the indenter and elastic counter face. By assuming electrostatic adhesion as a long-range interaction, we derived a theoretical relation between external load and contact radius. We show that the theoretical and numerical results are plausible when the Tabor parameter is small. However, when the Tabor parameter is large, the numerical results get closer to the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) limit. The generalized Tabor parameter, which depends on the applied voltage and indenter shape, has been derived by following the technique of dimensional analysis.
Curve Smoothening for the Analysis of Fractal Dimensions of Blast-Cleaned Steel Surface Textures for Tribological and Adhesion Interfaces
Authors: Marquardt T. , Momber A. W.
Published: October 2024

Fractal dimensions are increasingly used for the characterization of surface textures for tribological and adhesion applications. The resolution of 2D profiles acquired from various measurement methods can be adjusted via curve smoothing. It is still unclear whether curve smoothing would notably affect the estimated fractal dimensions. In this communication, 2D profiles of 12 blast-cleaned surface settings were derived by means of a data manipulation software, including a curve smoothing procedure. The fractal dimensions were estimated, and design of experiments was applied to analyze the relationships. Factors included abrasive type, preparation grade, roughness, and curve smoothing. Analysis of variance indicated that the contribution of curve smoothing to the regression model was as low as 1.0%. Therefore, for blast-cleaned substrates, curve smoothing effects can be neglected with respect to the contributions of roughness and abrasive type, when estimating the fractal dimensions.
Investigating pathways for deep-UV photolithography of large-area nanopost-based metasurfaces with high feature-size contrast
Authors: Palatnick Skyler , John Demis , Millar-Blanchaer Maxwell
Published: October 2024

A major challenge in photolithography-based nanofabrication is the patterning of large features next to small features. However, such arrangements of features are often required by nanofabricated devices such as metasurfaces. Oftentimes, electron-beam lithography is utilized to circumvent this problem, but at the expense of cost, fabrication time, and limited write-area, which, thus, limits fabrication throughput. In this work, we detail an aperiodic design framework for metasurfaces that can achieve 2π phase control in the near-infrared (NIR) and can be easily fabricated with deep-UV photolithography. We also explore several approaches by which we can achieve the fabrication of fixed pitch metasurfaces with a range of nanopost diameters as small as 220 nm and as large as 480 nm directly adjacent to one another by splitting each device into several photomask images based on a nanopost diameter and/or a pitch, a diluting photoresist developer, and tailoring photoresist thickness. We report on the effectiveness of each strategy individually and in combination with each other and characterize the optical behavior of metasurfaces fabricated with these techniques. Ultimately, we find that using a combination of all three strategies results in the best fabrication performance, allowing us to fabricate 1 mm2 NIR metasurfaces that can achieve 2π phase control within design tolerance specifications and can be scaled to large-area optics.
AC thin-film electroluminescence: A historical overview with a look ahead
Authors: Poelman Dirk
Published: October 2024

50 years ago, television screens used bulky cathode ray tubes (CRTs) with a size limited to about 70 cm in diagonal (28 in.), while flat panel displays belonged to the realm of science fiction. Although the performance of CRTs in terms of energy consumption, size, and color rendering slowly improved, there were numerous applications where flat panel displays would present a tremendous advantage, notably for confined spaces and in portable equipment. Starting from the 1970s, AC thin-film electroluminescence (ACTFEL) was investigated as a high performance alternative to the—also emerging—liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and plasma display panels (PDPs). For a number of years, ACTFEL developed from the phase of fundamental research to commercial products (for monochrome displays) and full color prototype displays. However, due to the fast development and strong cost reduction of LCDs, ACTFEL did not remain competitive and most of the research activities were ceased. The current overview sketches a brief history of the ACTFEL technology, its merits and limitations, and the reasons why such displays still have their use in some niche applications.
The Use of OPTIMAL Instructions and Feedback in Physical Education Settings
Authors: Simpson Thomas , Cronin Lorcan , Ellison Paul , Hawkins Thomas , Carnegie Evelyn , Marchant David
Published: October 2024

In physical education (PE), the use of instruction and feedback is central to children’s motor skill learning. Recently, it has been identified that instruction, and feedback, which promote OPTIMAL theory motor learning factors (e.g., an external focus of attention, enhanced expectancies, and autonomy support) can enhance children’s motor learning. However, it is unclear how PE teachers use OPTIMAL instructional approaches and therefore, was examined in the present study. Verbal statements (n = 5,765) from seven PE teachers (mean age: 39.29 ± 7.19 years) over 10 PE lessons were collected and thematically analyzed. Results indicate that PE teachers use more externally focused (25%) versus internally focused (10%) instructional behaviors. Moreover, PE teachers used instructional approaches that enhanced (35%) as compared with diminished expectancies (8%) in addition to statements which supported (35%) rather than thwarted (23%) autonomy. Overall, PE teachers appear to use instructional behaviors which support OPTIMAL motor learning; however, more efforts are needed to improve the provision of optimized instructional behaviors. Additionally, the findings indicate that OPTIMAL instructions and feedback are rarely delivered in isolation and may be influenced by the contextual factors of PE and sometimes conflict in their delivery (i.e., externally focused and autonomy thwarting).
Watching Exercise and Fitness Videos on TikTok for Physical Education: Motivation, Engagement, and Message Sensation Value
Authors: Garcia Manuel B.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine how physical education (PE) students engage with fitness content on TikTok. Methods: The evaluation involved 597 students enrolled in a PE 1 course across three campuses of a prominent university. Results: Findings show that students primarily watch TikTok videos for entertainment, with male students also seeking motivation and social interaction, while female students look for escape, advice, and guidance. Engagement is highest for videos featuring body transformations, fitness tips, and motivational content, with a tendency to apply learned exercises, tips, and nutrition education. Body transformations and motivational videos effectively arouse emotions and elicit affective responses. Conclusion: This research highlights diverse motivations and impacts of fitness content on TikTok among PE students, contributing to the literature on social media usage and offering insights for enhancing instructional practices in PE and understanding digital media interaction.
Transitioning From Traditional Sport to Esport: Exploring Sport Psychology Practitioners’ Experiences
Authors: Brain Jonathan , Quartiroli Alessandro , Wagstaff Christopher R.D.
Published: October 2024

Sport psychology practitioners are increasingly operating in the esport domain. Yet it remains unclear how practitioners who have exclusively been trained in traditional sport develop a contextually grounded understanding of their practice in esport. This study, framed from an ontological relativism and epistemological interpretivism approach, involved semistructured interviews with 10 qualified practitioners (three female, seven male) who transitioned from traditional sport to esport. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and presented via three composite vignettes: (a) My wish was to feel a part of the team, but there’s no team; (b) To be honest, did I have assumptions going into esport? Absolutely!; and (c) Esport is the wild, wild west. Our findings offer insights on the hurdles associated with transitioning from traditional sport to esport, thus highlighting the important role that esport organizations, training routes, and educational institutions have in supporting practitioners to ethically and effectively work in this domain.
Neurons go antiviral
Authors: Baek Amy E.
Published: October 2024

A neuropeptide-receptor pair promotes the differentiation of T
H
1 cells and enhances their response to viral infection.
Risk of collagen-related disorders and neurological events among patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection following short treatment with fluoroquinolones: a cohort study
Authors: Mitrani-Gold Fanny S. , Ju Shinyoung , Drysdale Myriam , Schultze Anna , Mu George , Logie John
Published: October 2024

Studies of fluoroquinolone (FQ) safety across indications show increased collagen/neurological adverse event (AE) risk, yet patients still receive FQs for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs). This retrospective, cohort study investigated the risk of collagen/neurological AEs of special interest (AESIs) with short-term FQ use versus standard-of-care antibiotics (trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole [SXT], nitrofurantoin [NTF]) among female outpatients with uUTIs. This study was conducted between December 2009 and 2019 using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Adjusted absolute risks were calculated for composite/collagen/neurological AESIs (Kaplan–Meier cumulative hazards, after applying stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting [sIPTW]). Adjusted hazard ratios were generated (sIPTW Cox proportional hazard modeling). Overall, 954,777 patients were included: FQ (
n
= 386,537 [40.5%]); SXT (
n
= 237,120 [24.8%]); NTF (
n
= 314,585 [32.9%]). Adjusted absolute risk range for collagen/neurological AESIs was <1%–4.5%. The hazard (95% CI) of tendon rupture was 25% higher with FQ versus SXT (1.25 [1.00–1.57];
P
= 0.0497). Patients receiving FQ had lower hazard of neurological (0.95 [0.93–0.97];
P
< 0.0001), central nervous system (0.85 [0.80–0.89];
P
< 0.0001), and peripheral nervous system (0.96 [0.93–0.98];
P
= 0.0016) AESIs versus NTF. Following a short treatment duration, FQs were associated with increased risk of tendon rupture versus SXT and reduced risk (adjusted hazard ratios) of neurological AESI versus NTF. Individual patient risk and consequences for known uncommon, yet serious, AEs need to inform appropriate antibiotic choice in treating uUTIs. Patient profile, efficacy, microbiome impact, safety, and surveillance should inform antibiotic selection for uUTI management, in accordance with guidelines.
Long-term clinical course of
Mycobacterium avium
complex pulmonary disease patients with treatment failure
Authors: Zo Sungmin , Choe Junsu , Kim Dae Hun , Kim Su-Young , Jhun Byung Woo
Published: October 2024

Despite guideline-based therapy, some patients with
Mycobacterium avium
complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) experience treatment failure. We analyzed the clinical courses of 271 patients with treatment-refractory MAC-PD who discontinued therapy after at least 12 months. Patients were categorized into two groups—the retreatment group, who resumed antibiotics due to clinical or radiological deterioration, and the stable group, who did not require antibiotics. Of the study patients, 138 (51%) were in the retreatment group, whereas 133 (49%) were in the stable group. In the multivariate analysis models, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] =1.01), the presence of a cavity (aHR = 1.75), and the number of lobes affected by bronchiectasis (aHR = 1.21) were associated with the need for retreatment. Our data indicated that approximately 50% of the patients with refractory MAC-PD who discontinued antibiotics eventually required retreatment, which was influenced by the extent of lung destruction or inflammation. These findings can aid in determining treatment strategies for patients with refractory diseases.
Cyanobacteria newly isolated from marine volcanic seeps display rapid sinking and robust, high-density growth
Authors: Schubert Max G. , Tang Tzu-Chieh , Goodchild-Michelman Isabella M. , Ryon Krista A. , Henriksen James R. , Chavkin Theodore , Wu Yanqi , Miettinen Teemu P. , Van Wychen Stefanie , Dahlin Lukas R. , Spatafora Davide , Turco Gabriele , Guarnieri Michael T. , Manalis Scott R. , Kowitz John , Hann Elizabeth C. , Dhir Raja , Quatrini Paola , Mason Christopher E. , Church George M. , Milazzo Marco , Tierney Braden T.
Published: October 2024

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms that play important roles in carbon cycling and are promising bioproduction chassis. Here, we isolate two novel cyanobacteria with 4.6Mbp genomes, UTEX 3221 and UTEX 3222, from a unique marine environment with naturally elevated CO₂. We describe complete genome sequences for both isolates and, focusing on UTEX 3222 due to its planktonic growth in liquid, characterize biotechnologically relevant growth and biomass characteristics. UTEX 3222 outpaces other fast-growing model strains on a solid medium. It can double every 2.35 hours in a liquid medium and grows to high density (>31 g/L biomass dry weight) in batch culture, nearly double that of
Synechococcus
sp. PCC 11901, whose high-density growth was recently reported. In addition, UTEX 3222 sinks readily, settling more quickly than other fast-growing strains, suggesting favorable economics of harvesting UTEX 3222 biomass. These traits may make UTEX 3222 a compelling choice for marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and photosynthetic bioproduction from CO₂. Overall, we find that bio-prospecting in environments with naturally elevated CO₂ may uncover novel CO₂-metabolizing organisms with unique characteristics.

IMPORTANCE

Cyanobacteria provide a potential avenue for both biomanufacturing and combatting climate change via high-efficiency photosynthetic carbon sequestration. This study identifies novel photosynthetic organisms isolated from a unique geochemical environment and describes their genomes, growth behavior in culture, and biochemical composition. These cyanobacteria appear to make a tractable research model, and cultures are made publicly available alongside information about their culture and maintenance. Application of these organisms to carbon sequestration and/or biomanufacturing is discussed, including unusual, rapid settling characteristics of the strains relevant to scaled culture.
Protein phosphatase 1 suppresses PKR/EIF2α signaling during human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Lenarcic Erik M. , Hale Andrew E. , Vincent Heather A. , Dickmander Rebekah J. , Sanders Wes , Moorman Nathaniel J.
Published: October 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects the majority of the world’s population. Lytic HCMV replication in immunocompromised individuals or neonates can lead to severe disease in multiple organ systems and even death. The establishment of lytic replication is driven by the first viral proteins expressed upon infection, the immediate early proteins, which play a key role in creating an intracellular environment conducive to virus replication. Two immediate early proteins, the functional orthologs pTRS1 and pIRS1, stimulate immediate early gene expression by suppressing antiviral PKR/eIF2α signaling and enhance the translation of viral mRNAs independent of PKR antagonism. To better understand the molecular functions of pTRS1, we used proximity labeling proteomics to identify proteins that interact with pTRS1 in infected cells. Multiple novel host and viral interactors were identified, including the catalytic subunits of the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) holoenzyme. Mutations to a PP1 catalytic subunit known to disrupt binding to PP1 regulatory subunits decreased binding to pTRS1. pTRS1 immune complexes contained phosphatase activity, and inhibition of phosphatase activity in transfected or infected cells reversed the ability of pTRS1 to inhibit the antiviral kinase PKR. Depletion of individual PP1 catalytic subunits decreased virus replication and increased the phosphorylation of the PKR substrate eIF2α. Taken together, our data suggest potential novel functions for pTRS1 and define a novel role for PP1 as an antagonist of the antiviral PKR/eIF2α signaling axis during HCMV infection.

IMPORTANCE

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pTRS1 and pIRS1 proteins are critical regulators of HCMV replication, both during primary infection and during reactivation from viral latency. Thus, defining the molecular functions of pTRS1/pIRS1 is important for understanding the molecular events controlling HCMV replication and viral disease. These data provide new insights into potential pTRS1 functional roles, providing a starting point for others to understand new features of infected cell biology. Another important result of this study is the finding that specific protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunits are required to suppress PKR/eIF2α signaling, a critical cellular innate immune defense to viral infection. These data lay the groundwork for future efforts to discover therapeutics that disrupt pTRS1 interaction with PP1 allowing cellular defenses to limit HCMV replication and disease.
Small hepatitis B virus surface antigen (SHBs) induces dyslipidemia by suppressing apolipoprotein-AII expression through ER stress-mediated modulation of HNF4α and C/EBPγ
Authors: Wu Yunli , Ren Lan , Mao Chenglei , Shen Zhiqing , Zhu Wenyu , Su Zhijun , Lin Xinjian , Lin Xu
Published: October 2024

Persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) often leads to disruptions in lipid metabolism. Apolipoprotein AII (apoAII) plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and is implicated in various metabolic disorders. However, whether HBV could regulate apoAII and contribute to HBV-related dyslipidemia and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study revealed significant reductions in apoAII expression in HBV-expressing cell lines, the serum, and liver tissues of HBV-transgenic mice. The impact of HBV on apoAII is related to small hepatitis B virus surface antigen (SHBs). Overexpression of SHBs decreased apoAII levels in SHBs-expressing hepatoma cells, transgenic mice, and the serum of HBV-infected patients, whereas suppression of SHBs increased apoAII expression. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that SHBs repressed the apoAII promoter activity through a HNF4α- and C/EBPγ-dependent manner; SHBs simultaneously upregulated C/EBPγ and downregulated HNF4α by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Serum lipid profile assessments revealed notable decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) in SHBs-transgenic mice compared to control mice. However, concurrent overexpression of apoAII in these mice effectively counteracted these reductions in lipid levels. In HBV patients, SHBs levels were negatively correlated with serum levels of HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, and TG, whereas apoAII levels positively correlated with lipid content. This study underscores that SHBs contributes to dyslipidemia by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway via inducing ER stress, leading to altered expression of HNF4α and C/EBPγ, and subsequently reducing apoAII expression.

IMPORTANCE

The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of how the hepatitis B virus (HBV), specifically through its small hepatitis B virus surface antigen (SHBs), impacts lipid metabolism—a key aspect often disrupted by chronic HBV infection. By elucidating the role of SHBs in regulating apolipoprotein AII (apoAII), a critical player in lipid processes and associated metabolic disorders, this research provides insights into the molecular pathways contributing to HBV-related dyslipidemia. Discovering that SHBs downregulates apoAII through mechanisms involving the repression of the apoAII promoter via HNF4α and C/EBPγ, and the modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, adds critical knowledge to HBV pathogenesis. The research also shows an inverse correlation between SHBs expression and key lipid markers in HBV-infected individuals, suggesting that apoAII overexpression could counteract the lipid-altering effects of SHBs, offering new avenues for understanding and managing the metabolic implications of HBV infection.
Draft genomes of the bile duct microbiome strains
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Enterococcus lactis
isolated from bilioenteric drainages with biofilm-forming abilities
Authors: Dumann Güel , Rohland Oliver , Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Allen Rosalind J. , Bauer Michael , Busch Anne
Published: October 2024

We describe the genetic properties of two strains isolated from the elusive bile duct microbiome from solid organ transplant patients. Bacterial strains
Enterococcus lactis
(MS-STENT-08-E-001) and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(MS-STENT-01-M-001) were isolated from the biofilms of bile duct catheters.
Draft genome sequence of a cyanobacterium
Gloeocapsa
sp. BRSZ, isolated from Bo Khlueng hot spring in Ratchaburi, Thailand
Authors: Aono Taiki , Samsri Sasiprapa , Waditee-Sirisattha Rungaroon , Kageyama Hakuto
Published: October 2024

We report the draft genome sequence of
Gloeocapsa
sp. BRSZ isolated from Bo Khlueng hot spring in Thailand, comprising 42 contigs assembled at the scaffold level, totaling 6,084,403 bp, with 43.5% G + C content. It contains 5,456 putative protein-coding genes, including genes responsible for biosynthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids.
Complete genome sequence of
Promicromonospora
sp. strain Populi
,
an actinobacterium isolated from
Populus trichocarpa
rhizosphere
Authors: Podar Mircea , Hochanadel Leah H. , Alexander William G. , Schadt Christopher W. , Pelletier Dale A.
Published: October 2024

Promicromonospora
sp. strain Populi is an actinobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of a black cottonwood tree,
Populus trichocarpa
. We completely sequenced its 5.2-Mbp chromosome using Oxford Nanopore long reads and predicted it to encode 4,685 proteins, 3 rRNA operons, and 54 tRNAs and noncoding RNAs.
Complete genome sequences of nine double recombinant vaccine-derived novel oral poliovirus type 2 genomes from Nigeria 2023–2024
Authors: Castro Christina J. , Oderinde Bamidele Soji , Poston Katherine D. , Mawashi Kabir Yusuf , Bullard Kelley , Akinola Monilade , Meade Caeden , Liu Hongmei , Hu Fang , Bullows James E. , Gonzalez Zachary , Pang Hong , Sarris Sarah , Agha Chadi , Dybdahl-Sissoko Naomi , Perry Daniel B. , McDuffie Larin , Henderson Elizabeth , Burns Cara C. , Jorba Jaume , Baba Marycelin
Published: October 2024

We report the complete genome sequences of nine double recombinant vaccine-derived novel oral poliovirus type 2 genomes from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases (
n
= 3), AFP case contacts (
n
= 4), and environmental surveillance sampling (
n
= 2) in Nigeria.
Gut and oral microbial compositional differences in women with breast cancer, women with ductal carcinoma
in situ
, and healthy women
Authors: McCune Emma , Sharma Anukriti , Johnson Breanna , O'Meara Tess , Theiner Sarah , Campos Maribel , Heditsian Diane , Brain Susie , Gilbert Jack A. , Esserman Laura , Campbell Michael J.
Published: October 2024

This study characterized and compared the fecal and oral microbiota from women with early-stage breast cancer (BC), women with ductal carcinoma
in situ
(DCIS), and healthy women. Fecal and oral samples were collected from newly diagnosed patients prior to any therapy and characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing. Measures of gut microbial alpha diversity were significantly lower in the BC vs healthy cohort. Beta diversity differed significantly between the BC or DCIS and healthy groups, and several differentially abundant taxa were identified. Clustering (non-negative matrix factorization) of the gut microbiota identified five bacterial guilds dominated by
Prevotella
, Enterobacteriaceae,
Akkermansia
, Clostridiales, or
Bacteroides
. The
Bacteroides
and Enterobacteriaceae guilds were significantly more abundant in the BC cohort compared to healthy controls, whereas the Clostridiales guild was more abundant in the healthy group. Finally, prediction of functional pathways identified 23 pathways that differed between the BC and healthy gut microbiota including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, lipid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. In contrast to the gut microbiomes, there were no significant differences in alpha or beta diversity in the oral microbiomes, and very few differentially abundant taxa were observed. Non-negative matrix factorization analysis of the oral microbiota samples identified seven guilds dominated by
Veillonella
,
Prevotella
, Gemellaceae,
Haemophilus
,
Neisseria
,
Propionibacterium
, and
Streptococcus
; however, none of these guilds were differentially associated with the different cohorts. Our results suggest that alterations in the gut microbiota may provide the basis for interventions targeting the gut microbiome to improve treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.

IMPORTANCE

Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in breast cancer. Few studies have evaluated both the gut and oral microbiomes in women with breast cancer (BC), and none have characterized these microbiomes in women with ductal carcinoma
in situ
(DCIS). We surveyed the gut and oral microbiomes from women with BC or DCIS and healthy women and identified compositional and functional features of the gut microbiota that differed between these cohorts. In contrast, very few differential features were identified in the oral microbiota. Understanding the role of gut bacteria in BC and DCIS may open up new opportunities for the development of novel markers for early detection (or markers of susceptibility) as well as new strategies for prevention and/or treatment.
The ability in managing reactive oxygen species affects
Escherichia coli
persistence to ampicillin after nutrient shifts
Authors: Zhang Ruixue , Hartline Christopher , Zhang Fuzhong
Published: October 2024

Bacterial persistence profoundly impacts biofilms, infections, and antibiotic effectiveness. Persister formation can be substantially promoted by nutrient shift, which commonly exists in natural environments. However, mechanisms that promote persister formation remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the persistence frequency of
Escherichia coli
after switching from various carbon sources to fatty acid and observed drastically different survival rates. While more than 99.9% of cells died during a 24-hour ampicillin (AMP) treatment after the glycerol to oleic acid (GLY → OA + AMP) shift, a surprising 56% of cells survived the same antibiotic treatment after the glucose to oleic acid (GLU → OOA + AMP) shift. Using a combination of single-cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy, we discovered that the induction of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by AMP is the primary mechanism of cell killing after switching from gluconeogenic carbons to OA + AMP. Moreover, the timing of the ROS burst is highly correlated (
R
2
= 0.91) with the start of the rapid killing phase in the time-kill curves for all gluconeogenic carbons. However, ROS did not accumulate to lethal levels after the GLU → OA + AMP shift. We also found that the overexpression of the oxidative stress regulator and ROS detoxification enzymes strongly affects the amounts of ROS and the persistence frequency following the nutritional shift. These findings elucidate the different persister frequencies resulting from various nutrient shifts and underscore the pivotal role of ROS. Our study provides insights into bacterial persistence mechanisms, holding promise for targeted therapeutic interventions combating bacterial resistance effectively.

IMPORTANCE

This research delves into the intriguing realm of bacterial persistence and its profound implications for biofilms, infections, and antibiotic efficacy. The study focuses on
Escherichia coli
and how the switch from different carbon sources to fatty acids influences the formation of persister-resilient bacterial cells resistant to antibiotics. The findings reveal a striking variation in survival rates, with a significant number of cells surviving ampicillin treatment after transitioning from glucose to oleic acid. The key revelation is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell killing, particularly after switching from gluconeogenic carbons. The timing of ROS bursts aligns with the rapid killing phase, highlighting the critical impact of oxidative stress regulation on persistence frequency. This research provides valuable insights into bacterial persistence mechanisms, offering potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions to combat bacterial resistance effectively.
Unraveling the full impact of SPD_0739: a key effector in
S. pneumoniae
iron homeostasis
Authors: Womack Edroyal , Antone Melina , Eichenbaum Zehava
Published: October 2024

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a common member of the nasopharynx commensal microflora and the leading etiological agent of bacterial pneumonia in young children and aging adults. SPD_0739, a highly expressed lipoprotein, is the predicted substrate-binding component of an ABC transporter linked to the uptake of nucleosides and heme by independent studies (named PnrA or Spbhp-37, respectively). Here, we demonstrate that SPD_0739 binds heme
in vitro
and contributes to the bacterial binding to hemoglobin. A ∆
spd_0739
strain exhibited growth attenuation that was relieved by the inactivation of the
piuBCDA
transporter. Knocking out
spd_0739
in the wild type, or the Δ
piuBCDA
strain resulted in heme accumulation, higher sensitivity to heme toxicity, and a small growth reduction compared to medium supplemented with a nucleoside mixture. In addition,
spd_0739
loss results in higher iron- and heme-related gene expression and lower H
2
O
2
production. Altogether, the data are consistent with a role in nucleoside import and show that SPD_0739 does not import heme. Instead, it indirectly influences iron and heme metabolism, linking nucleosides and iron status in
S. pneumonia
e.

IMPORTANCE

S. pneumoniae
obtains growth essential iron from hemoglobin and other host hemoproteins. Still, the bacterial mechanisms involved are only partially understood, and there are inconsistent reports regarding the function of several transporters implicated in iron uptake. In this study, we clarified the role of PnrA/Spbhp-37, a ligand-binding protein previously linked to nucleoside or heme by different studies. We present data supporting a role in nucleoside scavenging rather than heme import and reveal that PnrA/Spbhp-37 modulates iron and heme uptake, likely by influencing the nucleoside cellular pool. Hence, this work provides a new understanding of a process critical to the pathophysiology of a significant human pathogen. Moreover, PnrA/Spbhp-37 is an abundant and immunogenic surface protein that is highly conserved. Hence, this study also clarifies the function of a promising vaccine target.
Bound States and Scattering of Magnons on a Superconducting Vortex in Ferromagnet–Superconductor Heterostructures
Authors: Katkov D. S. , Apostoloff S. S. , Burmistrov I. S.
Published: October 2024

We study the magnon spectrum in a thin ferromagnet–superconductor heterostructure in the presence of a single superconducting vortex. We employ the Bogolubov–de Gennes Hamiltonian which describes the magnons in the presence of the stray magnetic field and the nonuniform magnetic texture induced by the vortex. We find that the vortex localizes magnon states approximately in the same way as a charge center produces electron bound states due to screened Coulomb interaction in the two-dimensional electron gas. The number of these localized states is substantially determined by the material parameters of the ferromagnetic film only. We solve the scattering problem for an incident plane spin wave and compute the total and transport cross sections. We demonstrate that the vortex-induced nonuniform magnetic texture in chiral ferromagnetic film produces a skew scattering of magnons. We explore the peculiarities of the quantum scattering problem that correspond to orbiting in the classical limit.
Evolving use and clinical outcomes of coronary intravascular lithotripsy: insights from an international, multicentre registry
Authors: van Oort Martijn J H , Al Amri Ibtihal , Bingen Brian O , Oliveri Federico , Claessen Bimmer E P M , Dimitriu-Leen Aukelien C , Vossenberg Tessel N , Kefer Joelle , Girgis Hany , van der Kley Frank , Jukema J Wouter , Montero-Cabezas Jose M
Published: October 2024

Background

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is increasingly used for treatment of coronary artery calcification. This study aimed to evaluate contemporary utilisation patterns, safety and efficacy of IVL in an unselected real-world patient cohort.

Methods

We included 454 patients undergoing IVL from May 2019 to February 2024 across seven centres in two European countries. Key endpoints included device success, technical success, procedural success, IVL-related complications and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1-year follow-up.

Results

The cohort (mean age 73±9 years, 75% male) had a mean SYNTAX Score of 22.0±13.6. Device, technical and procedural success were achieved in 98%, 91% and 89% of patients, respectively. IVL-related complications occurred in six patients (1%). At 1-year follow-up, MACE was observed in 37 patients (13%). Over time, IVL use increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome (p=0.004) and in combination with intracoronary imaging (p=0.002), while use of other calcium modification devices decreased (p=0.034).

Conclusion

In this real-world registry, IVL demonstrated efficacy across diverse clinical and anatomical settings. High success rates, low complication rates and MACE rates were observed acutely and at 1-year follow-up. Utilisation patterns evolved over time, with increased adoption in acute scenarios and alongside intracoronary imaging.