bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Sustainable Grout Composites Utilizing Construction and Date Palm Waste for Under-Grouting Applications
Authors: Waseetuddin Nahri S. , Abubakar Abba A.
Published: January 2025

Cementitious grouts, created by blending Portland cement, water, and aggregates/binders, are widely used in the construction industry, particularly for under-grouting equipment and machine beds, due to their affordability, simple preparation, and robust mechanical properties. Incorporating waste materials into grout composites is increasingly favored for its environmental benefits and sustainability focus. This study explores construction and date palm waste in cementitious grouts for under-grouting heavy machinery within Saudi Arabia’s local industries. Three types of grouts (CCW, CDP, CFDP) with the same water-to-cement ratio but varying levels of waste substitution were compared against a benchmark specimen with no waste. The properties of these grout specimens with 2%, 5%, and 10% waste content were analyzed. The inclusion of construction waste generally maintained or slightly improved compressive strength; notably, grouts with construction waste reached peak strength within seven days and showed a 16.23% increase in flexural strength compared to the control. Conversely, as optical microscopy showed, grouts containing date palm waste performed poorly due to high water absorption and inadequate bonding within the matrix, leading to weaker mechanical properties. Thus, while cementitious grouts containing construction waste demonstrate enhanced sustainability and mechanical strength suitable for replacing the benchmark grouts in under-grouting applications, where the primary concern is the compressive strengths, those modified with date palm waste do not meet the necessary mechanical standards due to structural weaknesses.
Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Feasibility Study of a Regional Blue Hydrogen Plant
Authors: Tasnim Anika Farhat , Ryen Ahmed Ann Noor , Shafquat Safwan , Itul Afsana Mustari , Chanda Sumit , Choudhuri Ahsan , Islam Nawshad Arslan
Published: January 2025

The economy-wide decarbonization attempts to reverse the everlasting climate and environmental effects have propelled the energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives. Hydrogen has been identified as the fuel of the future in the US energy transition owing to its high energy density and clean emissions. However, massive end-to-end technology and infrastructure developments are required to realize a hydrogen-based economy. The current article investigates a concept of local hydrogen resiliency that can reduce infrastructure, storing, supply, and delivery challenges, life cycle emissions, and hydrogen costs. This article explores the techno-economic and life cycle feasibility of a regional hydrogen plant in El Paso, TX, which is away from operational service areas of any hydrogen hubs. A conceptual hydrogen plant with an integrated combined cycle is designed to meet the local hydrogen demand of this region. Locally available biomasses (pecan shells and cotton gin waste) were used as feedstock. The study investigates techno-economic (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA) to analyze their costs and environmental impact. Gasifying pecan shells and cotton gin wastes obtained a net negative carbon footprint of 67.8 and 93.2 g CO2-eq, respectively, per megajoule of energy produced. The estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) were $112.1 million and $24.79 million. The findings provide valuable information on the economic feasibility of a hydrogen plant running on waste feedstocks and expected emission impacts.
Bayesian Neural Networks and Kriging Modeling for the Prediction of Crack Propagation in Rotating Machines Considering Uncertainties in the Model Parameters
Authors: de Moraes Matheus , Iguma William Ken , Dias João Paulo , Fiori de Castro Hélio
Published: January 2025

Rotating machines play a crucial role in various engineering domains. Despite their importance, these machines are subject to complex operational challenges and continuous exposure to harsh environments that involve heavy loads and mechanical wear. As a result, the potential for failures is significant, posing risks such as accidents and substantial losses in production yield and revenue. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable and proactive monitoring systems to detect and mitigate emerging issues before they escalate into crises. Nowadays, advances in computational modeling and deep learning have created new opportunities in condition monitoring for rotating machines. This study presents a novel methodology based on Bayesian neural networks to estimate the length of shaft cracks in rotating equipment and predict their temporal propagation. This approach relies on uncertainty quantification techniques to provide dependable estimates in the lack of complete data. The specific aims of this work are (i) to develop, train, and assess the performance of the BNN for shaft crack length detection, (ii) to perform simulations using commercial finite element method software, and (iii) to create a Kriging surrogate model for crack propagation. Several computational simulations were conducted to perform a proof of concept for this approach, incorporating a range of crack lengths on the machinery’s shafts. Utilizing the vibration data obtained from these simulations, a Bayesian Neural Network was trained, demonstrating its ability to accurately determine crack lengths through the pattern recognition in the system’s vibratory signatures. To track crack propagation over time, a Kriging model emerged as a leading method, refined through the integration of simulation data obtained via commercial finite element method (FEM) software. The combination of these efforts highlights that our approach not only accurately estimates crack lengths but also provides valuable information about the equipment’s deteriorating condition. This predictive capability is essential for optimizing maintenance schedules, minimizing the risk of unscheduled downtime, and enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Adaptive-Mesh Refinement Based Simulation of Iron Pellet Melting in Decarbonized Steelmaking Processes
Authors: Martin Michael , Sitaraman Hariswaran , Bianco Federico , Yoo Eunji , Day Marc
Published: January 2025

Decarbonizing iron and steelmaking processes requires understanding how changes in one part of the process impact other stages. One area of concern is the potential for iron pellets produced using hydrogen as a reducing agent, or hydrogen direct reduction iron (H2-DRI), to melt in an electric arc furnace (EAF) when compared to conventional direct reduction iron (DRI). Using simulation to understand how physical parameters affect melt times for pellets in EAFs will help reduce the technical risk in decarbonizing steel-making. The ideal simulation framework for these processes would (1) incorporate both fluid motion outside of the pellet and heat transfer in the pellet and (2) capture the complex physics of the problem, including the formation of a shell outside the pellet once dropped in the bath. In practice, these requirements make adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) a viable approach to simulation. The current paper shows results from AMR simulation of the melting of pellets that demonstrate the validity of the approach and its ability to capture the geometry changes that characterize this system.
Numerical Study on Semi-Active Flapping Hydrofoils for Energy Extraction Using Overset Mesh
Authors: Masud Nahian , Qin Chris
Published: January 2025

The exploitation of flapping hydrofoils presents a promising avenue for harnessing hydrokinetic energy in riverine and tidal environments. Unlike traditional rotational mechanisms, flapping hydrokinetic devices offer several advantages, including simpler foil geometries, reduced structural demands, improved hydrodynamic performance, suitability for shallow waters, and lower impacts on aquatic ecosystems. While previous numerical studies have mainly focused on hydrofoils with fully prescribed motions, this research introduces a semi-active strategy that allows the heaving motion of a NACA0012 hydrofoil to respond passively to the hydrodynamic forces, while maintaining prescribed pitching. The simulations were conducted at a Reynolds number of 3.6 × 105, representing practical conditions for efficient energy extraction. Two-dimensional (2D) unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulations are implemented and validated with experimental data. The overset mesh interface provides improved control over the meshing for the hydrofoil’s pitching and heaving compared to traditional dynamic mesh approaches, which require mesh regeneration. A user-defined function (UDF) is utilized to model the pitching and dynamically predict the heaving motions based on the hydrodynamic forces exerted on the foil. Importantly, this UDF enables the dynamic modeling of power take-off systems to directly predict power generation, including aspects such as generator torque and rotational speed. This study offers new insights into the non-sinusoidal angle of attack dynamics across various operational pitching frequencies and reveals that higher pitching frequencies can result in increased normal forces and enhanced heaving motion. The results not only enhance understanding of heaving motion dynamics but also hold significant implications for the design and optimization of hydrokinetic systems in terms of environmental compatibility and energy efficiency.
Experimental Evaluation of the Thermal Conductivity of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Composite Materials
Authors: MacFarland Noah , Carbajal Gerardo , Romero-Ramirez Edwar , Stanfill Christian
Published: January 2025

This research project aims to determine the thermal conductivity of 3D-printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) composite materials by applying experimental analysis. With the ability to fabricate composite materials from 3D printing, research on the thermal conductivity of such materials will provide important insight for thermal applications. Composite filaments add conductive materials to enhance the thermal conductivity of traditional polymers. A testing apparatus was constructed to allocate the PLA composite’s unknown thermal conductivity. The testing apparatus is connected to a heater and a heat sink acting as cold and hot sources, idling around 120 Celsius. Type-T thermocouples measure the temperature difference to find the heat transfer rate. To approximate the heat transfer as a one-dimensional flow perpendicular to the surface area, the surrounding materials to the sample were insulated to minimize the heat lost in other directions. PLA with copper particles at 90% by weight was the tested composite sample, while a reference PLA sample was also used. The composite Copper-PLA was determined as having higher thermal values, more than six times, with thermal conductivities of 1.55 ± 0.03 W/m·K.
Atomic layer deposition of crystalline molybdenum trioxide and suboxide thin films using molybdenum(II) acetate dimer precursor
Authors: Ganzhinov Alexey , Mattinen Miika , Mizohata Kenichiro , Chundak Mykhailo , Hatanpää Timo , Ritala Mikko , Putkonen Matti
Published: January 2025

Molybdenum oxide thin films are of interest due to a large range of possible phases, high work functions, and catalytic activity. These films have applications in areas, such as sensors, chromic, and semiconductor devices. In this work, a molybdenum(II) acetate dimer precursor was used with ozone for the atomic layer deposition of molybdenum oxide thin films. The films were grown at 200–300 °C yielding highly crystalline films even at the lowest deposition temperatures. X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the as-deposited films consist of molybdenum suboxides and/or a phase-pure orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide phase depending on the deposition conditions. Time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis showed that the stoichiometry was close to molybdenum trioxide, and the films were exceptionally pure with main impurities being hydrogen and carbon, which were at the detection limit of the instrument (0.1 at. %). This process, allowing the deposition of very pure and highly crystalline thin films with tunable phases and oxidation states, is very promising for future industrial applications.
A single gene orchestrates androgen variation underlying male mating morphs in ruffs
Authors: Loveland Jasmine L. , Zemella Alex , Jovanović Vladimir M. , Möller Gabriele , Sager Christoph P. , Bastos Bárbara , Dyar Kenneth A. , Fusani Leonida , Gahr Manfred , Giraldo-Deck Lina M. , Goymann Wolfgang , Lank David B. , Tokarz Janina , Nowick Katja , Küpper Clemens
Published: January 2025

Androgens are pleiotropic and play pivotal roles in the formation and variation of sexual phenotypes. We show that differences in circulating androgens between the three male mating morphs in ruff sandpipers are linked to 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD17B2), encoded by a gene within the supergene that determines the morphs. Low-testosterone males had higher
HSD17B2
expression in blood than high-testosterone males, as well as in brain areas related to social behaviors and testosterone production. Derived HSD17B2 isozymes, which are absent in high-testosterone males but preferentially expressed in low-testosterone males, converted testosterone to androstenedione faster than the ancestral isozyme. Thus, a combination of evolutionary changes in regulation, sequence, and structure of a single gene introduces endocrine variation underlying reproductive phenotypes.
Identification of the subventricular tegmental nucleus as brainstem reward center
Authors: Zichó Krisztián , Balog Boldizsár Zsolt , Sebestény Réka Z. , Brunner János , Takács Virág , Barth Albert M. , Seng Charlotte , Orosz Áron , Aliczki Manó , Sebők Hunor , Mikics Eva , Földy Csaba , Szabadics János , Nyiri Gábor
Published: January 2025

Rewards are essential for motivation, decision-making, memory, and mental health. We identified the subventricular tegmental nucleus (SVTg) as a brainstem reward center. In mice, reward and its prediction activate the SVTg, and SVTg stimulation leads to place preference, reduced anxiety, and accumbal dopamine release. Mice self-stimulate the SVTg, which can also be activated directly by the neocortex, resulting in effective inhibition of the lateral habenula, a region associated with depression. This mechanism may also explain why SVTg suppression induces aversion and increases fear. The translational relevance of these findings is supported by evidence in the rat, monkey, and human brainstem, establishing SVTg as a key hub for reward processing, emotional valence, and motivation.
Ductilization of 2.6-GPa alloys via short-range ordered interfaces and supranano precipitates
Authors: Yan Yong-Qiang , Cha Wen-Hao , Liu Sida , Ma Yan , Luan Jun-Hua , Rao Ziyuan , Liu Chang , Shan Zhi-Wei , Lu Jian , Wu Ge
Published: January 2025

Higher strength and higher ductility are desirable for structural materials. However, ultrastrong alloys inevitably show decreased strain-hardening capacity, limiting their uniform elongation. We present a supranano (<10 nanometers) and short-range ordering design for grain interiors and grain boundary regions, respectively, in fine-grained alloys based on vanadium, cobalt, and nickel, with additions of tungsten, copper, aluminum, and boron. The pronounced grain boundary–related strengthening and ductilization mechanism is realized through segregation of the short-range ordering near the grain boundary. Furthermore, the supranano ordering with a larger size has an enhanced pinning effect for dislocations and stacking faults, multiplied and accumulated in grain interiors during plastic deformation. These mechanisms promote continuously increased flow stress until fracture of the alloy at 10% strain with 2.6-gigapascal tensile stress.
Chirality à la carte
Authors: Romao Carl P. , Juraschek Dominik M.
Published: January 2025

Light drives a fast switching between achiral and chiral states in a crystal
Citizen of science
Authors: Leshner Alan I. , Thorp H. Holden
Published: January 2025

Floyd Bloom, who died on 8 January, was a towering figure in both neuroscience and the scientific community as a whole. As Editor-in-Chief of
Science
from 1995 to 2000, he presided over a transformative period in which the journal embraced the digital age, expanding its reach and impact while advocating for open access and the sharing of data. His groundbreaking contributions to neuropharmacology and the understanding of neurotransmitters were only part of his legacy. Through his leadership, mentorship, and pioneering research, Bloom left an indelible mark on the scientific world, one that continues to inspire new generations.
In Science Journals
Authors: Osborne Ian S. , Lopez Bianca , Lavine Marc S. , Ross Sarah H. , Szuromi Phil , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Neuhofer Daniela , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Funk Michael A. , Jiang Di , Maroso Mattia , Ash Caroline , Vignieri Sacha , Isles Hannah M.
Published: January 2025

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Global Gac/Rsm regulatory system activates the biosynthesis of mupirocin by controlling the MupR/I quorum sensing system in
Pseudomonas
sp. NCIMB 10586
Authors: Cai Yuyuan , Huang Peng , Venturi Vittorio , Xiong Runyao , Wang Zheng , Wang Wei , Huang Xianqing , Hu Hongbo , Zhang Xuehong
Published: January 2025

The biosynthesis of mupirocin, a clinically significant antibiotic produced by
Pseudomonas
sp. NCIMB 10586, is activated by the
N
-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) MupR/I quorum sensing (QS) system. However, to date, limited research has focused on the influence of global regulators such as the GacS/A two-component system (TCS) on the MupR/I QS system or mupirocin biosynthesis. In this study, we characterized the regulatory components of the Gac/Rsm transduction system in the mupirocin-producing model strain NCIMB 10586 and investigated their interconnection with the MupR/I QS circuit and subsequent mupirocin biosynthesis. The production of mupirocin was hampered by either
gacS
inactivation,
gacA
inactivation, or the double-mutant of the sRNAs ( RsmY and RsmZ). Similarly, the expressions of
mupR
and
mupI
, and AHL synthesis significantly decreased in
gacS, gacA,
or
rsmY/Z
mutants, indicating that the GacS/A system stimulates mupirocin biosynthesis via the MupR/I QS system. Five CsrA family proteins, RsmA/E/I/F/N, were found in strain NCIMB 10586, and the single and multiple mutants of
rsmA/E/I/F/N
showed different phenotypes with respect to mupirocin production. Our results revealed that mupirocin biosynthesis was likely to be negatively regulated by RsmA/E/I, but positively regulated by RsmF. Additionally, the RsmF protein was shown to interact with the 5’ leader of
mupR
mRNA. In summary, the Gac/Rsm system positively regulates the biosynthesis of mupirocin mainly through the MupR/I QS system, and the model of the regulatory mechanism is proposed. The elucidation of the Gac/Rsm-MupR/I regulatory pathway could help devise ways for improving mupirocin production through genetic engineering.

IMPORTANCE

The Gac/Rsm regulatory system plays a global regulatory role in bacterial physiology and metabolism, including secondary metabolism. Mupirocin is a clinically important antibiotic, produced by
Pseudomonas
sp. NCIMB 10586, whose biosynthesis is activated by the MupR/I quorum sensing system. Global regulators have important impacts on the gene expression of secondary metabolic gene clusters and QS genes, and the GacS/A two-component system is one of the main regulators across
Pseudomonas
species, which significantly influences antibiotic production. Our study presented that the expressions of QS genes and
mup
gene cluster were downregulated in
gacS, gacA,
or
rsmY/Z
mutants compared to the wild-type. The inactivation of
rsmA/E/I/F/N
in NCIMB 10586, encoding CsrA family proteins, showed different regulatory traits of mupirocin production, in which the RsmF protein could interact with the 5’ UTR region of
mupR
mRNA. These findings provide the understanding of the regulatory role of Gac/Rsm on mupirocin biosynthesis and
mupR/I
QS system and lay foundations for further improving mupirocin production.
Francisella tularensis
universal stress protein contributes to persistence during growth arrest and paraquat-induced superoxide stress
Authors: Girardo Benjamin , Yue Yinshi , Lockridge Oksana , Bartling Amanda M. , Schopfer Lawrence M. , Augusto Leonardo , Larson Marilynn A.
Published: January 2025

Francisella tularensis
is one of the most virulent bacterial pathogens known and causes the disease tularemia, which can be fatal if untreated. This zoonotic and intracellular pathogen is exposed to diverse environmental and host stress factors that require an appropriate response to survive. However, the stress tolerance mechanisms used by
F. tularensis
to persist are not fully understood. To address this aspect, we evaluated the highly conserved
u
niversal
s
tress
p
rotein (Usp) that is encoded by a single-copy gene in
F. tularensis
, unlike the majority of other bacterial pathogens that produce several to many Usp homologs. We determined that the
F. tularensis
Usp transcript is unusually stable with a half-life of over 30 minutes, and that
usp
transcript and protein levels remained abundant when exposed to low pH, nutrient deprivation, hydrogen peroxide, and paraquat. Of these and other stress conditions evaluated, the
F. tularensis
Δ
usp
mutant only exhibited reduced survival relative to the wild type during stationary phase and exposure to paraquat, a highly toxic compound that generates superoxide anions and other free radicals. Comparison of transcript levels in untreated and paraquat-treated
F. tularensis
wild type and Δ
usp
indicated that Usp contributes to enhanced expression of antioxidant defense genes,
oxyR
and
katG
. In summary, the high abundance and stability of Usp provide prompt protection during extended periods of growth arrest and free radical exposure, promoting
F. tularensis
persistence. We propose that
F. tularensis
Usp contributes to an adaptive response that prolongs viability and increases the longevity of this zoonotic pathogen in the environment.

IMPORTANCE

Francisella tularensis
is classified as a Tier 1 select agent due to the low infectious dose, ease of transmission, and potential use as a bioweapon. To better understand the stress defense mechanisms that contribute to the ability of this highly virulent pathogen to persist, we evaluated the conserved
F. tularensis
u
niversal
s
tress
p
rotein (Usp). We show that
F. tularensis
Usp is unusually stable and remains abundant, regardless of the stress conditions tested, differing from other bacterial Usp homologs. We also determined that
F. tularensis
Usp enhances the expression of several critical antioxidant defense genes and increases survival during paraquat exposure and growth arrest. Determining the factors that promote
F. tularensis
persistence in the environment is needed to prevent tularemia transmission.
Impacts of
perR
on oxygen sensitivity, gene expression, and murine infection in
Clostridioides difficile
630∆
erm
Authors: Gregory Anna L. , Bussan Hailey E. , Topf Madeline A. , Hryckowian Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI), characterized by colitis and diarrhea, afflicts approximately half a million people in the USA every year, burdening both individuals and the healthcare system.
C. difficile
630Δ
erm
is an erythromycin-sensitive variant of the clinical isolate
C. difficile
630 and is commonly used in the
C. difficile
research community due to its genetic tractability. 630Δ
erm
possesses a point mutation in
perR
, an autoregulated transcriptional repressor that regulates oxidative stress resistance genes. This point mutation results in a constitutively de-repressed PerR operon in 630Δ
erm
. To address the impacts of
perR
on phenotypes relevant for oxygen tolerance and relevant to a murine model of CDI, we corrected the point mutant to restore PerR function in 630∆
erm
(herein, 630∆
erm perR
WT
). We demonstrate that there is no difference in growth between 630Δ
erm
and 630Δ
erm perR
WT
under anaerobic conditions or when exposed to concentrations of O
2
that mimic those found near the surface of the colonic epithelium. However, 630∆
erm perR
WT
is more sensitive to ambient oxygen than 630∆
erm
, which coincides with alterations in expression of a variety of
perR
-dependent and
perR
-independent genes. Finally, we show that 630∆
erm
and 630∆
erm perR
WT
do not differ in their ability to infect and cause disease in a well-established murine model of CDI. Together, these data support the hypothesis that the
perR
mutation in 630∆
erm
arose as a result of exposure to ambient oxygen and that the
perR
mutation in 630∆
erm
is unlikely to impact CDI-relevant phenotypes in laboratory studies.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficile
is a diarrheal pathogen and a major public health concern. To improve humans’ understanding of
C. difficile
, a variety of
C. difficile
isolates are used in research, including
C. difficile
630Δ
erm
. 630Δ
erm
is a derivative of the clinical isolate 630 and is commonly studied because it is genetically manipulable. Previous work showed that a mutation in
perR
in 630Δ
erm
results in a dysregulated oxidative stress response, but no work has been done to characterize
perR
-dependent effects on the transcriptome or to determine impacts of
perR
during infection. Here, we identify transcriptomic differences between 630∆
erm and
630∆
erm perR
WT
exposed to ambient oxygen and demonstrate that there is no strain-based difference in burdens in murine
C. difficile
infection.
Growing microbiology literacy through interdisciplinary approaches to food fermentations and an Indigenous peoples’ rights framework
Authors: Hauptmann Aviaja Lyberth , Maroney Stephanie , Bissett Perea Jessica , Marco Maria L.
Published: January 2025

New approaches to microbiology education are needed to ensure equitable representation in microbiology and to build literacy in microbiology and science broadly. To address this goal, we developed a course held at the collegiate level that uniquely integrated microbiology, Indigenous studies, science and technology studies, and arts and performance. The course participants included students in 12 majors across science, engineering, humanities, and arts. The different disciplines of the course intersected around Inuit fermented foods as the basis for discussions on fundamental microbiological principles, the scientific method, food sovereignty, and Indigenous peoples’ rights. A diverse array of activities was included, ranging from lectures in microbiology and fermentation, a sauerkraut-making lab, a walk through the Native American contemplative garden, a workshop on Inuit drum making and dance, as well as a performance by Inuit-soul group Pamyua. We propose that a radically interdisciplinary approach and a human rights framework in microbiology education can be a way to enhance microbiology and science literacy for a diverse group of students.
Dehydration-induced
Ae-Aper50
regulates midgut infection in
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes
Authors: Accoti Anastasia , Becker Margaret , Abu Angel Elma I. , Vulcan Julia , Jun Ruimei , Widen Steven G. , Sylla Massamba , Popov Vsevolod L. , Dickson Laura B.
Published: January 2025

Climate change is predicted to increase the spread of mosquito-borne viruses, but genetic mechanisms underlying the influence of environmental variation on the ability of insect vectors to transmit human pathogens is unknown. In response to a changing climate, mosquitoes will experience longer periods of drought. An important physiological response to dry environments is the protection against dehydration, here defined as desiccation tolerance. While temperature is known to impact interactions between mosquito and virus, the role of dehydration remains unknown. We identified two genetically diverse lines of the mosquito
Aedes aegypti
, a major arbovirus vector, with marked differences in desiccation tolerance. To determine the genetic response to dehydration between these contrasting lines, we compared gene expression profiles between desiccant- and non-desiccant-treated individuals in both the desiccation-tolerant and -susceptible lines by RNAseq. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that several genes are differentially expressed in response to desiccation stress between desiccation-tolerant and -susceptible lines. The most highly expressed transcript under desiccation stress in the desiccation-susceptible line encodes a peritrophin protein,
Ae-Aper50
. Peritrophins play a crucial role in peritrophic matrix formation in the mosquito midgut after a bloodmeal. Gene silencing of
Ae-Aper50
by RNAi demonstrated that expression of
Ae-Aper50
is required for survival of the desiccation-susceptible line under desiccation stress, but not for the desiccation-tolerant line. Moreover, the knockdown of
Ae-Aper50
resulted in higher Zika virus (ZIKV) infection rates in the desiccation-tolerant line and increased ZIKV viral replication in the desiccation susceptible line, and higher chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection rates in the desiccation-tolerant line. Altogether, these results provide a link between protection against desiccation and midgut infection, which has important implications in predicting how climate change will impact mosquito-borne viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Climate change will have profound impacts on the burden of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. While we know how changes in temperature impact mosquito physiology and dynamics of viral replication within the mosquito, there is a complete lack of knowledge in how low humidity, or drought tolerance, will impact interactions between mosquitoes and arboviruses. Understanding how drought tolerance will alter mosquito infection with arboviruses is critical in predicting and preventing the impact that climate change will have on mosquito-borne viruses. This work demonstrates a functional link between dehydration tolerance and midgut infection. This knowledge significantly enhances our understanding of how the predicted increase in droughts could impact the dynamics of mosquito-borne viruses.
Antifungal susceptibility testing and determination of local epidemiological cut-off values for
Candida
species isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Kroustali Vasiliki , Kanioura Lamprini , Resoulai Esmeralda , Siopi Maria , Antonopoulou Stavroula , Meletiadis Joseph
Published: January 2025

The lack of clinical breakpoints and epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) for antifungals prescribed for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) make interpretation of antifungal susceptibility data difficult. This leads to empirical prescribing, poor clinical management and emergence of resistance. The
in vitro
susceptibilities of 152
Candida albicans
, 105
Candida parapsilosis
, 31
Nakaseomyces glabratus,
and 8
Pichia kudriavzevii
VVC isolates against eight antifungals, were determined according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) E.Def 7.4. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions were analyzed and local ECOFFs were determined visually and statistically. The
in vitro
activity of azoles was correlated with fluconazole susceptibility and clinical data were evaluated. The MICs of various azoles showed a significant correlation with the MICs of fluconazole and fluconazole non-wild type (WT) isolates had significantly higher MICs for other azoles. The estimated local ECOFFs for
C. albicans
were 0.016 mg/L (ketoconazole, clotrimazole), 0.06 mg/L (miconazole, econazole, itraconazole), 1 mg/L (fenticonazole), and 3,200 mg/L (boric acid). For
C. parapsilosis
, local ECOFFs were 0.06 mg/L (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole), 1 mg/L (miconazole, econazole), 2 mg/L (fenticonazole), and 3,200 mg/L (boric acid). For
N. glabratus
, they were 1 mg/L (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, itraconazole), 2 mg/L (econazole, fenticonazole), and 12,800 mg/L (boric acid). Non-WT isolates were detected for azoles in
N. glabratus
(10%–35%),
C. albicans
(5%–16%), and
C. parapsilosis
(≤ 3%). All isolates were WT for boric acid. Local ECOFFs were established for three major
Candida
species causing VVC, guiding the identification of non-WT isolates potentially associated with treatment failure.

IMPORTANCE

The interpretation of
in vitro
susceptibility data of
Candida
isolates from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is challenging due to the lack of clinical breakpoints (CBPs) and epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) for drugs used in VVC. In the present study, local ECOFFs were established for three major
Candida
species causing VVC, guiding the identification of non-wild type isolates potentially associated with treatment failure. This paper provides the framework for developing ECOFFs and ultimately CBPs that would help guide antifungal therapy of VVC.
Therapeutic quality of exercise interventions for chronic low back pain: a meta-research study using i-CONTENT tool
Authors: Geraci Ignazio , Bargeri Silvia , Basso Giacomo , Castellini Greta , Chiarotto Alessandro , Gianola Silvia , Ostelo Raymond , Testa Marco , Innocenti Tiziano
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the therapeutic quality of exercise interventions delivered in chronic low back pain (cLBP) trials using the international Consensus on Therapeutic Exercise aNd Training (i-CONTENT) tool and its inter-rater agreement.

Methods

We performed a meta-research study, starting from the trials’ arms included in the published Cochrane review (2021) ‘Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain’. Two pairs of independent reviewers applied the i-CONTENT tool, a standardised tool designed to ensure the quality of exercise therapy intervention, in a random sample of 100 different exercise arms. We assessed the inter-rater agreement of each category calculating the specific agreement. A percentage of 70% was considered satisfactory.

Results

We included 100 arms from 68 randomised controlled trials published between 1991 and 2019. The most assessed exercise types were core strengthening (n=27 arms) and motor control (n=13 arms). Among alternative approaches, yoga (n=11) and Pilates (n=7) were the most representative. Overall, most exercise interventions were rated as having a low risk of ineffectiveness for patient selection (100%), exercise type (92%), outcome type and timing (89%) and qualified supervisor (84%). Conversely, some items showed more uncertainty: the safety of exercise programmes was rated as ‘probably low risk’ in 58% of cases, exercise dosage in 34% and adherence to exercise in 44%. The items related to exercise dosage (31%) and adherence (29%) had heterogenous judgements, scoring as high risk of ineffectiveness or probably not done. Among all exercise types, Pilates scored best in all domains. A satisfactory specific agreement for ‘low risk category’ was achieved in all items, except dosage of exercise (60%) and adherence to exercise (54%).

Conclusion

Exercises delivered for patients with cLBP generally demonstrate favourable therapeutic quality, although some exercise modalities may present poor therapeutic quality related to dosage and adherence. While the i-CONTENT judgements generally showed satisfactory specific agreement between raters, disagreements arose in evaluating some crucial items.
Chronic pancreatitis: a case ascertainment study
Authors: Quammie Shauntelle , Rashid Adil , Munyal Rahul , Nicholson Edward S , Clarke Christopher , Venkatachalapathy Suresh V , Crooks Colin J , Aithal Guruprasad P , Aravinthan Aloysious D
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a debilitating condition, characterised by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the pancreas. The population frequency of CP is poorly understood. Therefore, we used a broad pragmatic approach to estimate the frequency of CP among a patient population undergoing investigations at a UK tertiary university hospital.

Method

All adult patients who, during 2006–2014, underwent abdominal CT MRI, abdominal X-ray, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), faecal elastase testing, received a pancreatin prescription or a recorded primary/comorbid ICD diagnosis of CP were screened (screening cohort) for inclusion. By applying the well-recognised CT, MRI and EUS criteria to the screening cohort, patients with CP were identified (study cohort). The incidence and point prevalence of CP were calculated, and changes in incidence were modelled using Poisson regression.

Results

Screening cohort included 24 271 cases, and 1003 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for CP were included in the study cohort. The median age of diagnosis was 65 (IQR 50–76); the majority were males (n=656, 65.4%) and of European ancestry (n=884, 88.1%). The annual incidence of diagnosis increased by a mean of 4.1% per year (95% CI 0.5% to 7.8%; p=0.03) over the study period ranging from 8.5 to 13.8 per 100 000 general population. The point prevalence also increased reaching 53.6 (95% CI 48.3 to 59.4) per 100 000 population at the end of the study period.

Conclusion

This study provides a clear method of pragmatically identifying patients with CP in a clinical setting. The incidence of CP diagnosis in patients undergoing investigations in hospital increased gradually in Greater Nottingham.
The Ethics of Ozempic and Wegovy
Authors: Ryan Nanette , Savulescu Julian
Published: January 2025

Semaglutide, sold under the brand names of Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, is one of the most popular drugs on the market. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, semaglutide is the newest in a family of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists used most commonly to treat type II diabetes. To date, the results of semaglutide for the treatment of type II diabetes have been overwhelmingly positive. It is for the drug’s effects on appetite suppression and weight loss, however, that have led its surge in popularity, with many hailing semaglutide as the new ‘miracle drug for weight loss’. Despite its popularity, both the governmental and popular reception to the drug has largely been mixed. In this paper, we address a range of ethical concerns and argue that while many are legitimate, they do not provide conclusive reason not to prescribe semaglutide for weight loss.
Worldwide epidemiology of paediatric multiple sclerosis: data from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS, third edition
Authors: Gombolay Grace , Johnson Laura , King Rachel , Hebert Madeleine , Banwell Brenda , Chitnis Tanuja , Helme Anne
Published: January 2025

Background

Limited data are available on the global rates of paediatric multiple sclerosis. Here, we report on the estimated worldwide prevalence of paediatric MS.

Methods

We included paediatric prevalence data in 2020–2022 (Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS) and the prevalence of child neurologists (International Child Neurology Association). Data were split into prevalence bands per 100 000. Countries were classified by the WHO Region and World Bank Income. Descriptive analyses were performed. An estimated worldwide prevalence rate was calculated from the 2020–2022 paediatric prevalence data, which was adjusted to reduce outliers’ impact and to reflect worldwide income distribution. The Atlas of MS data was obtained via survey of coordinators from the countries who use different tracking methods including national registries vs crude estimates.

Results

Paediatric data were available in 24% (53/219) countries (38 higher and 15 lower income) with 31 420 total paediatric MS cases. In 2022, 67% (10/15) of lower income countries reported prevalence bands of ‘<1.0’ compared with 34% (13/38) of higher income countries. Only 7% (1/15) of lower income countries reported prevalence bands ‘≥3.1’compared with 34% (13/38) of higher income countries. The rates of child neurologists positively correlated with the prevalence band. In 2020–2022, the estimated global prevalence (crude) was 2.53/100 000 (95% CI 2.51 to 2.56), with an adjusted prevalence rate of 1.48/100 000 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.51).

Conclusions

Access to epidemiology data from resource-limited countries is challenging including surveillance for case ascertainment. Increased resources and standard methodologies will facilitate the understanding of rare disease epidemiology.
Quantile regression of tobacco tax pass-through in the UK 2017–2021: how have manufacturers passed through tax changes for different tobacco products in small retailers? Analysis at the national level and by neighbourhood of deprivation
Authors: Wilson Luke B , Angus Colin , Brennan Alan , Gillespie Duncan , Shortt Niamh K , Tunstall Helena , Valiente Roberto , Pearce Jamie
Published: January 2025

Background

The effectiveness of tax increases in reducing tobacco consumption relies on the tobacco retailers and producers passing on increases to consumers (tax pass-through). Previous UK research on supermarkets found heterogeneous levels of tax pass-through across the market segments and price distribution of tobacco products. This study uses data from small retailers across the UK to assess whether recent tax changes have been passed on to consumers and if this varies across the price distribution, between countries of the UK and by neighbourhood deprivation.

Methods

We use panel data quantile regression analysis of tobacco sales in small retailers in the UK from March 2017 to December 2021 combined with UK tax rates and store-level index of multiple deprivation (IMD). We calculated the rate of tax pass-through for factory-made cigarettes (FM) and roll-your-own tobacco (RYO).

Results

Following increases in the duty payable on tobacco, we find evidence of overshifting across the entire price distribution for FM and RYO. For England, Scotland and Wales, the rate of the overshift in tax increased with product price. For Scotland, we find that stores in the least deprived IMD pass-through taxes at a higher rate.

Conclusions

Our evidence shows heterogeneous levels of tax pass-through by price, region and level of deprivation. The findings emphasise the importance of understanding the pricing strategies of the tobacco industry (TI) and how these vary across the UK to develop robust approaches to mitigate the pricing strategies of the TI.
Investigation on the electromagnetic properties of the $$ D^{(*)} \Sigma _c^{(*)}$$ molecules
Authors: Özdem Ulaş
Published: January 2025

We systematically explore their electromagnetic characteristics to improve our understanding of the quark-gluon dynamics underlying the complex and controversial nature of multiquark systems. In this study, the magnetic dipole moments of

$$ D \Sigma _c$$

D

Σ
c

,

$$ D \Sigma _c^{*}$$

D

Σ
c

∗

and

$$ D^{*} \Sigma _c$$

D

∗

Σ
c

doubly-charmed pentaquarks are extracted, which are directly related to the inner organization of the relevant states. The magnetic dipole moments of these pentaquarks are evaluated employing the QCD light-cone sum rules technique with isospin spin-parity

$$\mathrm{I(J^P)} = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{2}^-)$$

I
(

J
P

)

=

1
2

(

1
2

-

)

,

$$\mathrm{I(J^P)} = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{3}{2}^-)$$

I
(

J
P

)

=

1
2

(

3
2

-

)

and

$$\mathrm{I(J^P)} = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{3}{2}^-)$$

I
(

J
P

)

=

1
2

(

3
2

-

)

, for

$$ D \Sigma _c$$

D

Σ
c

,

$$ D \Sigma _c^{*}$$

D

Σ
c

∗

and

$$ D^{*} \Sigma _c$$

D

∗

Σ
c

doubly-charmed pentaquarks, respectively. Our predictions for the magnetic dipole moment

$$\mu _{D\Sigma _c} = 2.98^{+0.76}_{-0.54}~\mu _N$$

μ

D

Σ
c

=
2
.

98

-
0.54

+
0.76

μ
N

for the

$$ D \Sigma _c$$

D

Σ
c

pentaquark,

$$\mu _{D\Sigma _c^*} = 1.65^{+0.45}_{-0.34}~\mu _N$$

μ

D

Σ
c
∗

=
1
.

65

-
0.34

+
0.45

μ
N

for the

$$D\Sigma _c^*$$

D

Σ
c
∗

pentaquark, and

$$\mu _{D^*\Sigma _c} = -3.63^{+0.79}_{-0.60}~\mu _N$$

μ

D
∗

Σ
c

=
-
3
.

63

-
0.60

+
0.79

μ
N

for the

$$D^*\Sigma _c$$

D
∗

Σ
c

pentaquark. Furthermore, we have also extracted the electric quadrupole and the magnetic octupole moments of the

$$ D \Sigma _c^{*}$$

D

Σ
c

∗

and

$$ D^{*} \Sigma _c$$

D

∗

Σ
c

doubly-charmed pentaquarks. These values show a non-spherical charge distribution. As a by-product, the magnetic dipole moments of the isospin-

$$\frac{3}{2}$$

3
2

partners associated with these doubly-charmed pentaquarks have also been determined. The magnetic dipole moments are calculated as follows:

$$\mu _{D\Sigma _c} = 3.78^{+0.94}_{-0.70}~\mu _N$$

μ

D

Σ
c

=
3
.

78

-
0.70

+
0.94

μ
N

,

$$ \mu _{D\Sigma _c^*} = 2.08^{+0.57}_{-0.43}~\mu _N$$

μ

D

Σ
c
∗

=
2
.

08

-
0.43

+
0.57

μ
N

,

$$\mu _{D^*\Sigma _c} = -4.59^{+0.99}_{-0.76}~\mu _N$$

μ

D
∗

Σ
c

=
-
4
.

59

-
0.76

+
0.99

μ
N

for the isospin-

$$\frac{3}{2}$$

3
2

partners

$$ D \Sigma _c$$

D

Σ
c

,

$$ D \Sigma _c^{*}$$

D

Σ
c

∗

and

$$ D^{*} \Sigma _c$$

D

∗

Σ
c

doubly-charmed pentaquarks, respectively. We hope that our predictions of the magnetic dipole moments of the doubly-charmed pentaquarks, in conjunction with the results of other theoretical investigations of the spectroscopic parameters and decay widths of these intriguing pentaquarks, will prove valuable in the search for these states in future experiments and in elucidating the internal structure of these pentaquarks.
A strong technique for solving the fractional model of multi-dimensional Schnakenberg reaction-diffusion system
Authors: Jagatheeshwari R. , Ravichandran C. , Veeresha P. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: January 2025

In recent times, researchers have increasingly directed their focus toward Reaction-Diffusion models, attracted by their versatile applications across various scientific domains. Within these models, the Schnakenberg Reaction-Diffusion System (SRDS) has gained significant attention for its ability to explain intricate phenomena such as oscillatory behavior, limit cycles, pattern formations and diffusion in biochemistry. This paper specifically delves into the Fractional Schnakenberg Reaction Diffusion System (FSRDS), an extension of SRDS that incorporates principles of fractional calculus. This extension provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding complex dynamics. The unique aspect of this work lies in the innovative approach used to derive an analytical solution for FSRDS – the Residual Power Series Method with Laplace Transform (L.T.)/Laplace Residual Power series Method (LRPSM). By employing LRPSM and considering the provided initial conditions, our objective is to unveil an analytical solution for FSRDS.
Memory effects on MHD Williamson fluid over a stretched lubricated surface with microbes
Authors: Sarma S. Venkata Krishna , Gangadhar Kotha , Lakshmi K. Bhanu , Dinarvand Saeed
Published: January 2025

The principal aim of the work is to investigate the flow of Williamson fluid on a power law extended lubrication surface with partial sliding under the Magnetohydrodynamic issue on account of alterable thickness lubricated film. Accounting for the influence of microbes, assumption of activation energy, Cattaneo–Christov mass and heat flux took place in the equations of concentration and also in the temperature. Our paper will provide remarkable help to the medical and industrial areas because of the inspection under electro osmosis along with MHD effects in the Williamson fluid flow. With the influence of boundary conditions, built-in equations were studied. The BVP4C technique adopted to solve numerically the transformed ordinary differential equations from nonlinear partial differential equations using innumerable variables. The significant outlines of microorganisms, temperature, concentration and velocity were discussed. Decreases in the velocity distribution were observed with magnetic parameters. Also, an increase in friction coefficient was noticed as 3.1069% for rising magnetic field strength.