bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil carbon management and enhanced rock weathering: The separate fates of organic and inorganic carbon
Authors: Manning David A. C. , de Azevedo Antonio Carlos , Zani Caio F. , Barneze Arlete S.
Published: July 2024

Soil carbon (C) management has been promoted as one of the few readily available strategies to mitigate the rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 and its associated impacts on climate change. One of these carbon management strategies is enhanced rock weathering (ERW) which involves adding crushed silicate rocks to the soil. These rocks weather and remove atmospheric CO2 by converting it into bicarbonate in solution. The approach requires careful interpretation of the differences between soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) and their measurement, with implications for land management and C credit accounting. In this Opinion, we emphasise the distinct nature and fates of SOC and SIC, advocating for their separate management, particularly in C credit schemes. It is imperative that protocols for soil C management explicitly recognise the difference between SOC and SIC to prevent any ambiguity. Farmers should be able to claim credits for increases in SOC alongside and independently of any claim for credits for ERW (i.e. SIC). Despite the potential of ERW for C removal, we emphasise that further research is needed to improve the measurement and monitoring of SIC and to understand ERW's potential implications for SOC turnover and greenhouse gas emissions.

Highlights

Enhanced Rock Weathering increases dissolved inorganic carbon (bicarbonate).

Soil organic carbon (SOC) may be influenced by Enhanced Rock Weathering.

Carbon credit via Enhanced Rock Weathering is separate from credit linked to soil organic carbon.

Soil organic matter and enhanced rock weathering both have roles to play for carbon credits.
Proteinuria is a key to suspect autoimmune nodopathies
Authors: Funakoshi Kei , Kokubun Norito , Suzuki Keisuke , Yuki Nobuhiro
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

Reports of patients who have autoimmune nodopathies concurrent with nephrotic syndrome are increasing. We investigated whether proteinuria could be a biomarker of autoimmune nodopathies.

Methods

Qualitative urinalysis results were retrospectively obtained from 69 patients who were diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) at a hospital in Japan. Proteinuria was graded as mild to severe (i.e., mild, 30–99; moderate, 100–299; severe, 300 mg/dL or more) according to the results of the urine dipstick test. Autoantibodies against the paranodal proteins contactin 1 (CNTN1), neurofascin 155 (NF155), and contactin‐associated protein 1 (Caspr1) and the nodal protein neurofascin 186 (NF186) were measured, and the predominant IgG subclass was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in sera from the 69 patients.

Results

Four patients (6%), five patients (7%), and one (1%) patient were positive for anti‐CNTN1, anti‐NF155, and anti‐Caspr1 IgG4 antibodies, respectively. No patients had IgG4 antibodies against NF186. Proteinuria of mild or greater levels was found in three patients with anti‐CNTN1 IgG4 and two patients with anti‐NF155 IgG4 antibodies. The autoantibody‐positive patients more frequently had proteinuria of mild or greater levels than the seronegative patients (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Proteinuria is a possible biomarker of autoimmune nodopathies associated with autoantibodies targeting CNTN1 or NF155. Urinalysis results should be carefully checked for quick differentiation of autoimmune nodopathies from CIDP. Patients who present with nephrotic syndrome should be tested for anti‐CNTN1 IgG4 antibodies, and patients who exhibit mild proteinuria should be tested for anti‐NF155 IgG4 antibodies.
Knowing Gender in Kim de l'Horizon's Blutbuch
Authors: Salvo Sophie
Published: July 2024

This article reads Kim de l'Horizon's award‐winning novel Blutbuch (2022) as a contribution to the epistemology of gender. Amid philosophical debates about internality and externality in the construction of gender, about the feasibility of gender identity as a coherent concept, about gender feels and gender as process, de l'Horizon's novel offers something else: it shows the foolishness of attempting an etiology of gender and the compulsion to attempt one anyway. Instead of setting the ultimate knowability of gender aside, the typical move of today's gender theory, Blutbuch dwells within this impasse. In the novel, I argue, gender appears simultaneously as an empty signifier and an essential aspect of the self.
The ‘Coronavirus Crisis’ and xenophobia in South Africa: How did the pandemic affect anti‐immigrant sentiment?
Authors: Gordon Steven Lawrence
Published: July 2024

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on xenophobia in South Africa is little understood. The Behavioural Immune System (BIS) theory would predict that hostility towards immigrants increases during periods of heightened pathogen stress. This BIS‐hypothesis is tested against the relative strength of three other possible drivers of anti‐immigrant sentiment. These included anger at the national lockdown system, intertemporal relative deprivation, and racial transformation ideology. For these tests nationally representative data (N = 2996), gathered during the height of the ‘Omicron’ wave, were used. Multivariate analysis showed that COVID‐19 exposure was not associated with more negative sentiments towards immigrants. Fear‐based reactions to the Coronavirus were, in fact, correlated with pro‐immigrant attitudes. Intertemporal relative deprivation and transformation orientations were much better predictors of anti‐immigrant sentiment than pathogen stress. These findings raised questions about the applicability of the BIS‐hypothesis in the context of the Coronavirus and suggest new avenues of academic inquiry.
Stay away or stay in? Exploring settlement decisions of economic migrants and war refugees from Ukraine in the structural approach framework
Authors: Shelest‐Szumilas Olena , Wozniak Marcin
Published: July 2024

A sound understanding of immigrants' settlement intentions and the factors that influence them is crucial for developing successful integration policies and predicting the economic performance of the host country. It can also help us better comprehend migration patterns and individual decisions. Drawing upon a structural approach, we examined selected phenomena such as a skills mismatch and perceived discrimination and explored how they influence migrants' choices between staying and integrating into Poland or returning to their home countries. Additionally, we considered the mediating role of the concept of social (dis)integration in shaping these behaviours. Through empirical analysis conducted on two groups of Ukrainians—economic migrants and war refugees—using data collected in the Greater Poland region, our findings revealed a stronger negative impact of perceived discrimination on settlement intentions for the sample of Ukrainian citizens who arrived before the war, compared with the sample of war refugees. This relationship is fully mediated by disintegration. However, we did not confirm the mediating role of disintegration in the relationship between intentions to settle in Poland and migrants' skills mismatch. Furthermore, we identified some differences in the loadings of factors between these two groups, particularly in relation to settlement intentions and discrimination.
Understanding the influence of digital ecosystems on digital transformation: The OCO (orientation, cooperation, orchestration) theory
Authors: Oberländer Anna Maria , Karnebogen Philip , Rövekamp Patrick , Röglinger Maximilian , Leidner Dorothy E.
Published: July 2024

Digital transformation is a complex, multi‐level phenomenon that still challenges research and practice. Recent research has highlighted the influence of digital ecosystems on digital transformation, but we lack knowledge about how this relationship unfolds across the organisational and the ecosystem levels. Following a phenomenon‐based theorising approach and applying a digital resource‐based view, we present the OCO (orientation, cooperation, orchestration) theory of digital transformation. The OCO theory explains the relationship between an organisation's digital transformation and its integration into a digital ecosystem. We uncover and explain three interdependent mechanisms, that is, orientation, cooperation, and orchestration, that are set in motion by cross‐level interactions between the organisational and the ecosystem levels and that centre around digital resources. Our work advances the frontier of multi‐level digital transformation research explaining the influence of a digital ecosystem on digital transformation. We conclude through six propositions that the deeper its digital ecosystem integration, the more likely an organisation's digital transformation is effective. Therewith, we aim at mobilising future digital transformation research to bridge the organisational and the ecosystem levels and provide four future research themes. Our work also encourages practitioners to acknowledge and manage the influence of digital ecosystems on digital transformation.
Climate Change and Rye (Secale cereale L.) Production: Challenges, Opportunities and Adaptations
Authors: Ghafoor Abu Zar , Karim Hassan , Studnicki Marcin , Raza Ali , Javed Hafiz Hassan , Asghar Muhammad Ahsan
Published: July 2024

This comprehensive review examined the intricate relationship between climate change and rye (Secale cereale L.) production, focusing on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities posed by changing environmental conditions. Rye is a versatile cereal crop cultivated in temperate regions and is known for its resilience and adaptability to adverse growing conditions. However, as global temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations rise, the effects of climate change on rye growth, yield and grain quality become increasingly apparent. In this review, we summarised the recent research findings on various aspects of rye production and quality under climate change, focusing on factors such as temperature (e.g., increasing temperature) resilience, and viability of rye production in the face of ongoing climate challenges, altered rainfall patterns (changing rainfall distributions with decreasing rainfall in the spring and early summer months as well as heavy rainfall events), biotic stress, agronomic practices and greenhouse gas emissions. Exploring the dynamic interplay among climate change, soil quality, biotic stressors and plant–microbe interactions reveals insights into the response of rye to environmental changes. These interactions shape the complex dynamics that influence the adaptation of rye to evolving environmental conditions. Implications for food security, agricultural sustainability and future research directions are also discussed, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive strategies to ensure the resilience and viability of rye production in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Clinical decision support systems in addiction and concurrent disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tai Andy Man Yeung , Kim Jane J. , Schmeckenbecher Jim , Kitchin Vanessa , Wang Johnston , Kazemi Alireza , Masoudi Raha , Fadakar Hasti , Iorfino Frank , Krausz Reinhard Michael
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This review aims to synthesise the literature on the efficacy, evolution, and challenges of implementing Clincian Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in the realm of mental health, addiction, and concurrent disorders.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed. Searches conducted in databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science through 25 May 2023, yielded 27,344 records. After necessary exclusions, 69 records were allocated for detailed synthesis. In the examination of patient outcomes with a focus on metrics such as therapeutic efficacy, patient satisfaction, and treatment acceptance, meta‐analytic techniques were employed to synthesise data from randomised controlled trials.

Results

A total of 69 studies were included, revealing a shift from knowledge‐based models pre‐2017 to a rise in data‐driven models post‐2017. The majority of models were found to be in Stage 2 or 4 of maturity. The meta‐analysis showed an effect size of −0.11 for addiction‐related outcomes and a stronger effect size of −0.50 for patient satisfaction and acceptance of CDSS.

Discussion

The results indicate a shift from knowledge‐based to data‐driven CDSS approaches, aligned with advances in machine learning and big data. Although the immediate impact on addiction outcomes is modest, higher patient satisfaction suggests promise for wider CDSS use. Identified challenges include alert fatigue and opaque AI models.

Conclusion

CDSS shows promise in mental health and addiction treatment but requires a nuanced approach for effective and ethical implementation. The results emphasise the need for continued research to ensure optimised and equitable use in healthcare settings.
Autostereoscopic 3D viewing can change the dimensions of the crystalline lens in myopes
Authors: Huang Yangyi , Ten Weijung , Zhan Biyun , Shen Yang , Sun Bingqing , Xu Haipeng , Zhou Xingtao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Autostereoscopic displays have become increasingly common, but their impact on ocular dimensions remains unknown. We sought to identify changes in the crystalline lens dimensions induced by autostereoscopic three‐dimensional (3D) viewing.

Methods

Forty young adults (age: 22.6 ± 2.0 years, male/female: 15/25) were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (3D and two‐dimensional [2D] viewing groups) to watch a 30‐min movie clip displayed in 3D or 2D mode on a tablet computer. The lens thickness (LT), diameter, curvature, decentration and tilt were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography under both non‐accommodating (static) and accommodating conditions.

Results

In the static condition, the LT decreased by 0.03 ± 0.03 mm (p < 0.001) and the anterior radius of curvature (ARC) increased by 0.49 ± 0.59 mm (p = 0.001) post‐3D viewing. In contrast, following 2D viewing, the ARC decreased by 0.23 ± 0.25 mm (p = 0.001). Additionally, the increase in the steep ARC post‐3D viewing was greater in high‐myopic eyes than low to moderate myopic eyes (p = 0.04). When comparing the accommodative with the static (non‐accommodative) condition, for 3D viewing the lens decentration decreased (−0.03 ± 0.05 mm, p = 0.02); while for 2D viewing, the posterior curvature radius (−0.14 ± 0.20 mm, p = 0.006) and diameter (−0.13 ± 0.20 mm, p = 0.01) decreased.

Conclusions

Viewing with the autostereoscopic 3D tablet could temporally decrease the thickness and curvature of the lens under non‐accommodating conditions. However, its long‐term effect requires further exploration.
Effect of positive end expiratory pressure on non‐hypoxic apnea time and atelectasis during induction of anesthesia in infant: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Eun‐Hee , Park Jung‐Bin , Kang Pyoyoon , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Jang Young‐Eun , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Jin‐Tae , Kim Hee‐Soo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the impact of positive‐end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) on the non‐hypoxic apnea time in infants during anesthesia induction with an inspired oxygen fraction of 0.8.

Methods

This age stratified randomized controlled trial included patients under 1 year of age. Preoxygenation was performed using an inspired oxygen fraction of 0.8 for 2 min. Inspired oxygen fraction of 0.8 was administered via a face mask with volume‐controlled ventilation at a tidal volume of 6 mL.kg−1, with or without 7 cmH2O of PEEP. Tracheal intubation was performed after 3 min of ventilation; however, it was disconnected from the breathing circuit. Ventilation was resumed once the pulse oximetry readings reached 95%. The primary outcome was the non‐hypoxic apnea time, defined as the time from the cessation of ventilation to achieving a pulse oximeter reading of 95%. The secondary outcome measures included the degree of atelectasis assessed by ultrasonography and the presence of gastric air insufflation.

Results

Eighty‐four patients were included in the final analysis. In the positive end‐expiratory pressure group, the atelectasis score decreased (17.0 vs. 31.5, p < .001; mean difference and 95% CI of 11.6, 7.5–15.6), while the non‐hypoxic apnea time increased (80.1 s vs. 70.6 s, p = .005; mean difference and 95% CI of −9.4, −16.0 to −2.9), compared to the zero end‐expiratory pressure group, among infants who are 6 months old or younger, not in those aged older than 6 months.

Discussion

The application of positive end‐expiratory pressure reduced the incidence of atelectasis and extended the non‐hypoxic apnea time in infants who are 6 months old or younger. However, it did not affect the incidence of atelectasis nor the non‐hypoxic apnea time in patients aged older than 6 months.
The increase in earnings inequality in Italy: The role and persistence of atypical contracts
Authors: Depalo Domenico , Lattanzio Salvatore
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the factors that shape earnings inequality, using administrative matched employer‐employee data from the Italian Social Security Institute (INPS), between 1990 and 2021. It reveals that inequality in annual earnings rose steadily over time according to various measures, such as the Gini index, the interquartile ranges, and the variance. When exploring the mechanisms behind such an increase, it shows that the rise in inequality is driven by the quantity of work, which varied heterogeneously across workers, as atypical contracts (e.g., part‐time and fixed‐term) became widespread in the economy. We compare these measures based on the annual compensation of workers with those based on full‐time equivalent weekly wages, which display a much less dispersed evolution over time, except during the double‐dip recession in 2008–2012. Finally, we document a large persistence, increasing over time, in disadvantaged positions both in the short‐ and in the long‐run.
Characterization of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol in donor whole blood and apheresis red blood cells: Implications for transfusion recipients
Authors: Kinard Theresa N. , Sharma Pragya , Alegria Kathy N. , Langman Loralie J. , Jannetto Paul J. , Snozek Christine L. H.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a long‐term marker of alcohol consumption used frequently in clinical scenarios such as liver transplant evaluation. Recent cases have demonstrated that packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion creates the potential for artificial elevation or decrease of observed PEth concentrations in recipients. Very little is known about the prevalence or stability of PEth in pRBCs.

Methods

Apheresis and whole‐blood (WB) donations were tested for PEth using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry with limit of quantitation 10 ng/mL. Units were stored under routine blood bank conditions to evaluate the stability of PEth and the impact of irradiation.

Results

Over 40% of apheresis and WB donors had PEth ≥10 ng/mL (maximum observed 587 ng/mL). As WB units were processed into component pRBCs, PEth concentrations increased and were higher than donor WB levels (EDTA sample) prior to collection (maximum observed 711 ng/mL). Storage for up to 5 weeks post donation resulted in mean 17.3% decrease in PEth‐positive units; in contrast to a prior report, we observed no PEth formation in units with negative (<10 ng/mL) baseline concentrations. Irradiation of pRBCs did not substantially affect PEth concentrations in either PEth‐positive or PEth‐negative units.

Discussion

PEth concentrations in healthy blood donors may potentially confound alcohol use or abstinence assessment in pRBC recipients. Transfusion medicine services and clinical practices such as transplantation and behavioral medicine should recognize this phenomenon and collaborate on testing protocols to appropriately interpret PEth in pRBC recipients.
Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Turkey: A comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Kıran Pınar , Uçku Reyhan
Published: July 2024

Aims

Brucellosis remains a common zoonotic disease, in developing countries, as well as in Turkey where it is endemic, underdiagnosed, and underreported. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to provide a comprehensive estimate of seroprevalence with a large sample size, covering all regions of Turkey, including both grey literature and published studies.

Methods and Results

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE (via PubMed), TürkMedline (National Health Sciences‐Periodicals Database), and YÖKSİS database (Higher Education Council Information System) until May 5th, 2023. The quality of the studies was evaluated independently using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tool for prevalence studies. A random‐effects model (DerSimion and Laird) was utilized to estimate the overall pooled prevalence. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding studies with a high risk of bias. The subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Egger test and funnel plot were used to assess publication bias. The meta‐analysis included 30 studies in total published between 1999 and 2021 with 51,560 individuals. In Turkey, the pooled seroprevalence of human brucellosis was estimated to be 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8%–5.3%). According to the subgroup analysis, a higher seroprevalence was found in rural areas (8.0%, 95% CI: 5.4%–10.7%), high‐risk occupational groups (9.9%, 95% CI: 5.3%–14.6%), and the Central East Anatolia Region (13%, 95% CI: 3.2%–22.8%). The meta‐regression analysis identified living in rural areas and certain geographic regions as significant risk factors associated with higher seroprevalence.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis revealed a significant burden of human brucellosis in Turkey. The findings highlight the need for public health measures and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of this zoonotic disease, especially in rural areas, high‐risk occupational groups, and the East Anatolia Region.
Advancing robust underwater acoustic target recognition through multitask learning and multi-gate mixture of experts
Authors: Xie Yuan , Ren Jiawei , Li Junfeng , Xu Ji
Published: July 2024

Underwater acoustic target recognition has emerged as a prominent research area within the field of underwater acoustics. However, the current availability of authentic underwater acoustic signal recordings remains limited, which hinders data-driven acoustic recognition models from learning robust patterns of targets from a limited set of intricate underwater signals, thereby compromising their stability in practical applications. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a recognition framework called M3 (multitask, multi-gate, multi-expert) to enhance the model's ability to capture robust patterns by making it aware of the inherent properties of targets. In this framework, an auxiliary task that focuses on target properties, such as estimating target size, is designed. The auxiliary task then shares parameters with the recognition task to realize multitask learning. This paradigm allows the model to concentrate on shared information across tasks and identify robust patterns of targets in a regularized manner, thus, enhancing the model's generalization ability. Moreover, M3 incorporates multi-expert and multi-gate mechanisms, allowing for the allocation of distinct parameter spaces to various underwater signals. This enables the model to process intricate signal patterns in a fine-grained and differentiated manner. To evaluate the effectiveness of M3, extensive experiments were implemented on the ShipsEar underwater ship-radiated noise dataset. The results substantiate that M3 has the ability to outperform the most advanced single-task recognition models, thereby achieving the state-of-the-art performance.
Metapresence: a tool for accurate species detection in metagenomics based on the genome-wide distribution of mapping reads
Authors: Sanguineti Davide , Zampieri Guido , Treu Laura , Campanaro Stefano
Published: July 2024

Shotgun metagenomics allows comprehensive sampling of the genomic information of microbes in a given environment and is a tool of choice for studying complex microbial systems. Mapping sequencing reads against a set of reference or metagenome-assembled genomes is in principle a simple and powerful approach to define the species-level composition of the microbial community under investigation. However, despite the widespread use of this approach, there is no established way to properly interpret the alignment results, with arbitrary relative abundance thresholds being routinely used to discriminate between present and absent species. Such an approach can be affected by significant biases, especially in the identification of rare species. Therefore, it is important to develop new metrics to overcome these biases. Here, we present Metapresence, a new tool to perform reliable identification of the species in metagenomic samples based on the distribution of mapped reads on the reference genomes. The analysis is based on two metrics describing the breadth of coverage and the genomic distance between consecutive reads. We demonstrate the high precision and wide applicability of the tool using data from various synthetic communities, a real mock community, and the gut microbiome of healthy individuals and antibiotic-associated-diarrhea patients. Overall, our results suggest that the proposed approach has a robust performance in hard-to-analyze microbial communities containing contaminated or closely related genomes in low abundance.

IMPORTANCE

Despite the prevalent use of genome-centric alignment-based methods to characterize microbial community composition, there lacks a standardized approach for accurately identifying the species within a sample. Currently, arbitrary relative abundance thresholds are commonly employed for this purpose. However, due to the inherent complexity of genome structure and biases associated with genome-centric approaches, this practice tends to be imprecise. Notably, it introduces significant biases, particularly in the identification of rare species. The method presented here addresses these limitations and contributes significantly to overcoming inaccuracies in precisely defining community composition, especially when dealing with rare members.
In-hospital areas with distinct maintenance and staff/patient traffic have specific microbiome profiles, functions, and resistomes
Authors: Duller Stefanie , Kumpitsch Christina , Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Wink Lisa , Koskinen Mora Kaisa , Mahnert Alexander
Published: July 2024

Hospitals are subject to strict microbial control. Stringent cleaning and confinement measures in hospitals lead to a decrease in microbial diversity, but an increase in resistance genes. Given the rise of antimicrobial resistances and healthcare-associated infections, understanding the hospital microbiome and its resistome is crucial. This study compared the microbiome and resistome at different levels of confinement (CL) within a single hospital. Using amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and genome/plasmid reconstruction, we demonstrate that microbial composition differs in a stable way between the CLs and that the most restrictive confinement level CL1 had the lowest microbial but the highest functional diversity. This CL also exhibited a greater abundance of functions related to virulence, disease, defense, and stress response. Comparison of antibiotic resistance also showed differences among CLs in terms of the selection process and specific mechanisms for antimicrobial/antibiotic resistance. The resistances found in the samples of CL1 were mostly mediated via antibiotic efflux pumps and were mainly located on chromosomes, whereas in the other, less restrictive CL antibiotic resistances were more present on plasmids. This could be of particular importance for patient-related areas (CL2), as the potential spread of antibiotic resistances could be a major concern in this area. Our results show that there are differences in the microbiome and resistome even within a single hospital, reflecting room utilization and confinement. Since restrictive confinement selects for resistant microorganisms, strategies are required to deepen our understanding of dynamic processes of microbiome and resistome within hospital environments.

IMPORTANCE

Effective measures to combat antibiotic resistances and healthcare-associated infections are urgently needed, including optimization of microbial control. However, previous studies have indicated that stringent control can lead to an increase in the resistance capacities of microbiomes on surfaces. This study adds to previous knowledge by focusing on the conditions in a single hospital, resolving the microbiomes and their resistomes in three different confinement levels (CL): operating room, patient-related areas, and non-patient-related areas. We were able to identify stable key taxa; profiled the capacities of taxa, functions, and antimicrobial resistances (AMR); and reconstruct genomes and plasmids in each CL. Our results show that the most restrictive CL indeed had the highest functional diversity, but that resistances were mostly encoded on chromosomes, indicating a lower possibility of resistance spread. However, clever strategies are still required to strike a balance between microbial control and selective pressures in environments where patients need protection.
Physiology, fast and slow: bacterial response to variable resource stoichiometry and dilution rate
Authors: Peoples Logan M. , Isanta-Navarro Jana , Bras Benedicta , Hand Brian K. , Rosenzweig Frank , Elser James J. , Church Matthew J.
Published: July 2024

Microorganisms grow despite imbalances in the availability of nutrients and energy. The biochemical and elemental adjustments that bacteria employ to sustain growth when these resources are suboptimal are not well understood. We assessed how
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 adjusts its physiology at differing dilution rates (to approximate growth rates) in response to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stress using chemostats. Cellular elemental and biomolecular pools were variable in response to different limiting resources at a slow dilution rate of 0.12 h
−1
, but these pools were more similar across treatments at a faster rate of 0.48 h
−1
. At slow dilution rates, limitation by P and C appeared to alter cell growth efficiencies as reflected by changes in cellular C quotas and rates of oxygen consumption, both of which were highest under P- and lowest under C- stress. Underlying these phenotypic changes was differential gene expression of terminal oxidases used for ATP generation that allows for increased energy generation efficiency. In all treatments under fast dilution rates, KT2440 formed aggregates and biofilms, a physiological response that hindered an accurate assessment of growth rate, but which could serve as a mechanism that allows cells to remain in conditions where growth is favorable. Our findings highlight the ways that microorganisms dynamically adjust their physiology under different resource supply conditions, with distinct mechanisms depending on the limiting resource at slow growth and convergence toward an aggregative phenotype with similar compositions under conditions that attempt to force fast growth.

IMPORTANCE

All organisms experience suboptimal growth conditions due to low nutrient and energy availability. Their ability to survive and reproduce under such conditions determines their evolutionary fitness. By imposing suboptimal resource ratios under different dilution rates on the model organism
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440, we show that this bacterium dynamically adjusts its elemental composition, morphology, pools of biomolecules, and levels of gene expression. By examining the ability of bacteria to respond to C:N:P imbalance, we can begin to understand how stoichiometric flexibility manifests at the cellular level and impacts the flow of energy and elements through ecosystems.
Evaluation of Xpert point-of-care assays for detection of HIV infection in persons using long-acting cabotegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Fogel Jessica M. , Piwowar-Manning Estelle , Moser Amber , Hill Tinia , Ahmed Shahnaz , Cummings Vanessa , Mostafa Heba H. , Wang Zhe , Jennings Andrea , Gallardo-Cartagena Jorge A. , Figueroa María Inés , St Clair Marty , Rinehart Alex R. , Adeyeye Adeola , Rooney James F. , Cohen Myron S. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Landovitz Raphael J. , Eshleman Susan H. ,   On behalf of the HPTN 083 Study Team
Published: July 2024

Detection of HIV infection may be challenging in persons using long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) due to viral suppression and reduced/delayed antibody production. We evaluated two point-of-care tests for detecting HIV infection in persons who received CAB-LA in the HPTN 083 trial. Samples were obtained from 12 participants who received CAB-LA and had delayed detection of HIV infection using HIV rapid tests and an antigen/antibody test (52 plasma samples; 18 dried blood spot [DBS] samples). Plasma samples were tested with the Xpert HIV-1 Viral Load XC test (Xpert VL-XC); DBS samples were tested with the total nucleic acid Xpert HIV-1 Qual XC test (Xpert Qual-XC). Results from these assays were compared to results from three reference, laboratory-based, plasma RNA assays (Aptima HIV-1 Qualitative assay [Aptima Qual]; Aptima HIV-1 Quant DX Assay [Aptima Quant]; cobas HIV-1/HIV-2 Qualitative Test [cobas]). HIV RNA was detected with all four plasma assays for all samples with viral loads (VLs) ≥ 200 copies/mL; the number of samples with VLs < 200 copies/mL with HIV RNA detected was: Xpert VL-XC: 19/26 (73.1%); Aptima Qual: 17/26 (65.4%); Aptima Quant: 17/26 (65.4%); and cobas: 12/21 (57.1%). The Xpert Qual-XC assay was positive for all DBS samples with VLs ≥ 200 copies/mL and 1/10 DBS with VLs < 200 copies/mL. The performance of the Xpert VL-XC assay was comparable to the reference assays for detecting HIV infection in these cases. The Xpert Qual-XC assay was less sensitive than plasma-based HIV RNA assays for detecting HIV in the setting of CAB-LA PrEP.

IMPORTANCE

HIV RNA assays can detect HIV infections earlier than HIV rapid tests or Ag/Ab tests in persons using CAB-LA PrEP. Earlier HIV diagnosis could allow for earlier treatment initiation and reduced risk of INSTI resistance. POC tests may help detect HIV infection before CAB-LA administration and may be more accessible than laboratory-based assays in some settings. In this study, the POC Xpert VL-XC assay detected HIV RNA in most samples from individuals who received CAB-LA PrEP and had delayed detection of HIV infection with HIV rapid tests and an Ag/Ab test. The performance of this assay was similar to laboratory-based HIV RNA assays in this cohort. The POC Xpert Qual-XC assay detects both HIV RNA and DNA, with a higher viral load cutoff for RNA detection. This assay was negative for most lower viral load samples and did not offer an advantage for HIV screening in persons using CAB-LA PrEP.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate to Ammonia at Oxidized Vanadium Surfaces with V(3+) and V(4+) Oxidation States
Authors: Adesope Qasim , Altafi Mohammad K. , Amagbor Stella C. , Balogun Kabirat , Guragain Manan , Kafle Alankar , Mesilov Vitaly , D’Souza Francis , Cundari Thomas R. , Kelber Jeffry A.
Published: July 2024

The electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia is of interest as an energy/environmentally friendly source of ammonia for agriculture and energy applications and as a route toward groundwater purification. We report in situ photoemission data, electrochemical results, and density functional theory calculations that demonstrate vanadium oxide—prepared by ambient exposure of V metal, with a distribution of surface V3+ and V4+ oxidation states—specifically adsorbs and reduces nitrate to ammonia at pH 3.2 at cathodic potentials. Negligible cathodic activity in the absence of NO3
− indicates high selectivity with respect to non-nitrate reduction processes. In situ photoemission data indicate that nitrate adsorption and reduction to adsorbed NO2 is a key step in the reduction process. NO3RR activity is also observed at pH 7, albeit at a much slower rate. The results indicate that intermediate (non-d0) oxidation states are important for both molecular nitrogen and nitrate reduction to ammonia.
Bridging Pharma and Sustainability: Green Electrochemical Analysis of Antiparkinsonian Drug in Pharmaceuticals and Plasma, Aligned with United Nations Goals via the NQS Index
Authors: Helmy Marwa I. , El Hamd Mohamed A. , Obaydo Reem H. , Nashed Dania , Nessim Christine K.
Published: July 2024

This study presents a sustainable electrochemical investigation of pramipexole (PRA) in pharmaceuticals and human plasma, using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. Key parameters, including potential range, buffer pH, accumulation period, and scan rate were optimized, establishing efficient voltammetric methods for PRA analysis. The analytical range was 0.60–12.00 μg ml−1, with a detection limit of 0.14 μg ml−1 and a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. Recovery rates for PRA ranged from 98.60 ± 0.26% to 101.33 ± 0.38%, validating the methodology’s applicability in human plasma with an average recovery of 99.25 ± 0.45%. The study highlights the environmental sustainability of the developed voltammetric electrode, evaluated through SWOT analysis, and assesses the greenness impact using tools like Complementary Green Analytical Procedure Index (ComplexGAPI), Analytical greenness (AGREE) and Analytical greenness for sample preparation (AGREEprep). Significantly, this work aligns with numerous United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), specifically goals 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17, illustrating our commitment to sustainable pharmaceutical research. The sustainability of the method was further quantified using the newly introduced Need, Quality, Sustainability (NQS) index, demonstrating significant alignment with sustainable analytical practices.
Exercise as a tool to mitigate metabolic disease
Authors: Esteves Joao Victor , Stanford Kristin I.
Published: July 2024

Metabolic diseases, notably obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), have reached alarming proportions and constitute a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. In contrast, exercise training emerges as a potent intervention, exerting numerous positive effects on metabolic health through adaptations to the metabolic tissues. Here, we reviewed the major features of our current understanding with respect to the intricate interplay between metabolic diseases and key metabolic tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver, describing some of the main underlying mechanisms driving pathogenesis, as well as the role of exercise to combat and treat obesity and metabolic disease.
Extraction and Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Immature and Mature Corn Silk
Authors: Khushe Khursheda Jahan , Wazed Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Rakibul , Awal Md. Shihabul , Mozumder N. H. M. Rubel
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this research was to assess the mineral content, bioactive compounds, α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, and antioxidant of two‐maturity stages of corn silks, i.e., immature and mature with standard methods. Corn silks have been dried with sun and oven‐drying methods and extracted through methanol and water, two individual solvents. The results revealed that both corn silks were good sources of mineral content. The higher calcium (13.37 ± 0.06) and magnesium (890.00 ± 0.00) were found in the sun‐dried immature corn silk. The sun‐dried mature corn silk also exhibited a higher content of iron, zinc, and manganese. The results also revealed that all the extraction systems yielded significant amounts of TPC, TFC, β‐carotene, and anthocyanin content; ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity; and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Moreover, sun‐dried methanolic extracts exhibited the highest levels of TFC (127.58 ± 7.95 mg QE/100 g DM), β‐carotene (0.28 ± 0.00 mg/100 mL), TAC (42.53 ± 1.02 mg C3GE/kg DM), DPPH (75.65 ± 2.38%), and ABTS (94.22 ± 0.00%), showcasing their superior antioxidant potential. Conversely, oven‐dried methanolic extracts demonstrated a higher TPC of 20.82 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g DM, while water extracts showed maximum α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of 76.19 ± 0.00%. Therefore, the obtained results demonstrated that sun‐dried methanolic extracts from corn silks might be a good source of therapeutic agents and natural ingredients for manufacturing food, feed, and pharmaceutical products. It could also encourage researchers to carry out more studies to commercialize corn silk.
Supplementary Table 3 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Table 3 includes the sequence of the primers used in our study.
Supplementary Figure 6 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Figure 6 describes RNA-seq shows differential gene expression induced by oncogenic KRAS.
Supplementary Figure 1 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Figure 1 shows correlation of SNP rs1992901 and GLI2 Transcript Expression.
Inibidores da bomba de prótons e sua relação com a microbiota gastrointestinal: O benefício compensa o risco?
Authors: Tanimaru Aline Namie , Mendes Anderson Benegas , Mello Danilo Saragiotto Ferreira de
Published: July 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged exposure to PPIs on the gastrointestinal microbiota, as well as to assess its potential implication on the development of gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: This literature review was based on the "National Library of Medicine” (PubMed) research platform, using the descriptors (intestinal microbiota OR gastrointestinal microbiomes OR gut microbiota OR gastrointestinal flora) AND (Proton pump inhibitors OR PPIs). The applied filters for work selection were: published within the last 5 years; written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish; excluding systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: Recent studies have revealed a series of alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota, which have been associated with the exacerbation of pre-existing pathologies or the onset of new conditions. Prolonged use of PPIs has shown considerable impacts on the quantity of gastrointestinal microorganisms such as Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes, Veillonellaceae, among others. In addition, an increased incidence of diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cirrhosis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and intestinal infections have been found. Conclusion: The results showed that the dysbiosis triggered by chronic use of PPIs leads to an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a rational prescription of these drugs, carefully considering the risks and benefits to ensure safe and effective use in clinical practice. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to define possible risk groups related to chronic use of PPIs, such as patients with hepatic cirrhosis or hepatitis B
Comparação dos modelos de trabalho na atenção primária em saúde por meio da análise de indicadores de desempenho
Authors: Batistuta Jaqueline , Nunes Altacílio
Published: July 2024

This study aims to compare two working models in health care developed in Primary Health Care (PHC), through the evaluation of the results of performance indicators postulated by the Previne Brasil Program to compare the performance of two PHC units in Ribeirão Preto-SP – Brazil, with similar enrolled populations: the first with a conventional work model (Family Health Strategy – ESF), called Unit A, and the second, with a “parametrized” composition (Primary Care Team – EAB), called Unit B. The data were obtained through the Hygia system, e-Gestor AB and statistical data from B.I. (Business Intelligence), between January and December 2021. Unit A achieved a Final Synthetic Indicator (ISF), represented by the average of the Weighted Scores of the Indicators of each unit, equivalent to the value of 6 for the year 2021, while the Unit B recorded an ISF of 3.4 over the same period, verifying that the Family Health Strategy (ESF) model demonstrated superior performance to the parameterized Primary Care Team (EAB), with a percentage discrepancy of 76.47%. According to the indicators of the Previne Brasil Program for the year 2021, the performance in managing the work process of the assistance model called conventional ESF was greater than that of the model called parameterized EAB, with a difference of more than 75%