bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Excess Mortality on Longevity During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in South Asia
Authors: Rabbi Ahbab Mohammad Fazle , Khan Hafiz T. A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Throughout the twentieth century and beyond, a global trend of declining mortality rates and an increase in life expectancies was noted until the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. A reduction in life expectancies was observed in most countries, including South Asia, during 2020 and 2021 due to the excess mortality caused by the pandemic.

Objective

This study aims to examine the change in life expectancy in selected South Asian countries and the relative change in age‐ and sex‐specific mortality rates over time due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition to that, we further examined the effect of a pandemic on a short‐term forecast of life expectancy.

Data and Methods

Estimated age‐ and sex‐specific mortality rates of seven South Asian countries were utilised from the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects (WPP 2022). Changes in life expectancies are estimated using standard life table estimation techniques. To estimate the relative change in age‐ and sex‐specific mortality levels and change in mortality forecasts as a result of the pandemic, we applied the Lee‐Carter method.

Results

The application of the Lee–Carter model revealed age‐ and sex‐specific variations in mortality improvements, reflecting heightened mortality rates within the region. This decline in mortality improvement is highly observed for both sexes in Pakistan, followed by India and Bangladesh. Populations exhibiting slower rates of improvement throughout their lifespan demonstrated minimal alterations attributable to the pandemic's impact. Comparative life expectancy forecasts indicate a slower rise in post‐pandemic life expectancy at birth and in remaining life expectancies at older ages among most of these populations.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the pandemic's profound impact on mortality dynamics, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to mitigate its long‐term effects on population health and longevity.
The impact of age, sex, and gender on polypharmacy and potential prescribing cascades: Lessons from five databases
Authors: Rochon Paula A. , Li Joyce , O'Mahony Denis , Onder Graziano , Petrovic Mirko , Sternberg Shelley A. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Savage Rachel D. , Wu Wei , Giannakeas Vasily , Kthupi Altea , Dalton Kieran , McCarthy Lisa M. , Mason Robin , Giancola Amanda , Borhani Parya , Cherubini Antonio
Published: December 2024

Background

Few studies describe how gender‐related factors may contribute to polypharmacy and prescribing cascades. Describing these patterns using cross‐national comparisons can improve the robustness of findings and provide lessons on the importance of considering age, sex, and gender in pharmacological research. The aim of the study was to explore the intersection of age, sex, and gender with polypharmacy and co‐prescribing suggesting a potential prescribing cascade.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional descriptive study, we assessed polypharmacy and calcium channel blocker and diuretic co‐prescribing suggesting a prescribing cascade in patients aged ≥65 years from five international secondary databases: population‐level community and nursing home (ICES, Maccabi Healthcare Services), clinical trial (SENATOR), and patient registry (Report‐AGE, SHELTER). The intersection of age, sex, and gender was explored.

Results

All databases provided age and sex; none included gender‐identity data. Gender‐related sociocultural factors, socioeconomic status (SES) measured as income and educational attainment, and marital status were not uniformly collected. Compared with males, females had lower income, has less educational attainment, and were more frequently widowed. Polypharmacy was more common in men. Co‐prescribing suggesting a prescribing cascade was more frequent in females in four databases and was also more frequent in lower SES and unmarried groups (significant in ICES (community and nursing home) and Maccabi (community), with a nonsignificant trend in Maccabi (nursing home) and three remaining databases). Using two population‐level databases, the prevalence of co‐prescribing suggesting a prescribing cascade was highest among females 85 years and older who were also in the lower SES group (11.0% ICES and 14.6% Maccabi). Gender disparity was highest in this group (ICES Differential Prevalence = 3.0%, Maccabi Differential Prevalence = 3.8%).

Conclusion

Older adults with lower SES experienced polypharmacy or co‐prescribing suggesting a prescribing cascade more frequently than those with higher SES. Within the lower SES groups, females more frequently than males had evidence of co‐prescribing suggesting a prescribing cascade. Considering the role of sex and gender‐related sociocultural factors may help to better understand some contributors to polypharmacy and prescribing cascades. The research applications are highlighted in our five lessons learned.
Test Assets and Weak Factors
Authors: GIGLIO STEFANO , XIU DACHENG , ZHANG DAKE
Published: December 2024

We show that two important issues in empirical asset pricing—the presence of weak factors and the selection of test assets—are deeply connected. Since weak factors are those to which test assets have limited exposure, an appropriate selection of test assets can improve the strength of factors. Building on this insight, we introduce supervised principal component analysis (SPCA), a methodology that iterates supervised selection, principal‐component estimation, and factor projection. It enables risk premia estimation and factor model diagnosis even when weak factors are present and not all factors are observed. We establish SPCA's asymptotic properties and showcase its empirical applications.
Quantitative Data Quality Assurance, Analysis and Presentation
Authors: Slater Paul , Hasson Felicity
Published: December 2024

Quantitative data quality assurance is the systematic process and procedures used to ensure the accuracy, consistency, reliability, and integrity of data throughout the research process. Effective quality assurance helps identify and correct errors, reduce biases, and ensure the data meets the standards needed for analysis and reporting. This paper provides an overview of key issues to consider when working with data and reporting findings.
Clinical importance of borderline proteinuria in nonazotemic cats and evaluation of other risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mortier Femke , Daminet Sylvie , Marynissen Sofie , Verbeke Joren , Paepe Dominique
Published: December 2024

Background

Borderline proteinuria is associated with decreased survival in cats with azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objectives

Determine the clinical importance of borderline proteinuria in nonazotemic cats.

Animals

A total of 201 healthy client‐owned cats ≥7 years of age; 150 nonproteinuric (urinary protein : creatinine ratio [UPC] <0.2) and 51 borderline proteinuric (UPC 0.2‐0.4).

Methods

Prospective study. Cats were thoroughly screened and subsequently examined every 6 months for 2 years. Kaplan‐Meier curves were compared between nonproteinuric and borderline proteinuric cats. Univariable and multivariable Cox models were fit to determine the relationship between development of renal disease and potential risk factors such as age, sex, breed, weight, dental disease, blood pressure, serum creatinine concentration (sCrea), serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration (sSDMA), blood urea nitrogen concentration, urine specific gravity (USG), and UPC.

Results

Significantly more cats with borderline proteinuria at inclusion developed renal disease (International Renal Interest Society [IRIS] ≥ stage 2 CKD or renal proteinuria; log‐rank P = .004) or died (log‐rank P = .02) within 2 years, compared with nonproteinuric cats. In the multivariate analysis, IRIS stage 1 CKD (persistent USG <1.035 or sSDMA >14 μg/dL; hazard ratio [HR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0‐8.8; P < .001), sCrea ≥1.6 mg/dL (≥140 μmol/L; HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1‐6.4; P = .04), borderline proteinuria (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2‐5.2; P = .01), and age at inclusion (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2‐1.5; P < .001) were significantly associated with diagnosis of renal disease 6 months later.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Borderline proteinuria should receive more attention in healthy mature adult and senior cats because it is associated with renal disease and death.
Effects of polyphenol rich sugarcane extract on growth performance, survival, immune responses, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot syndrome virus infections of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Wimanhaemin Parattagorn , Chuchird Niti , Rairat Tirawat , Keetanon Arunothai , Phansawat Putsucha , Kumphaphat Sunisa , Kitsanayanyong Lalitphan , Arnott Tom , Flavel Matthew
Published: December 2024

Polyphenol‐rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) is a product of sugarcane obtained from the sugar refinery industry and can potentially be used as a feed additive in farmed animals. The purposes of the current study were to evaluate the effects of PRSE on growth performance, survival, immune responses, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infections of Pacific white shrimp, (Litopenaeus vannamei). In Experiment 1, the postlarvae were randomly divided into five groups (8 replicates/group and 80 shrimp/tank) and fed commercial feeds supplemented with PRSE at the rate of 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8% of the diets four times/day for 60 days to evaluate the body weight, survival rate, and immune function. In Experiment 2, the juvenile shrimp from Experiment 1 were randomly redistributed into six groups (four treatment groups as in Experiment 1, positive control, and negative control with 3 replicates/group and 30 shrimp/tank) and challenged with either V. parahaemolyticus or WSSV via immersion (105 colony‐forming units/mL) and oral (feeding with infected tissues) routes, respectively, to evaluate disease resistance. Our results demonstrated that shrimp body weight for the 0.8% PRSE group was significantly greater than the other groups, and those fed 0.4%–0.8% PRSE demonstrated a significant improvement in survival, total hemocyte count, phagocytic activity, phenoloxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity compared with the controls. On day 7 following the V. parahaemolyticus challenges, the survival rates of the 0.4%–0.8% PRSE‐fed shrimp (70%–73%) were significantly greater than the control counterpart (46%). However, shrimp challenged with WSSV suffered severe mortality regardless of the treatment groups, but those treated with 0.4%–0.8% PRSE showed delayed mortality. In conclusion, results suggested that dietary PRSE supplemented at 0.4%–0.8% diets were beneficial for improving overall health and disease resistance in shrimp culture.
A pre and post evaluation of the communication and interaction training programme for professionals in dementia care
Authors: Trees Sophie , James Ian Andrew , Stapleton Sally , Rippon Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background

NICE guidelines advocate that healthcare professionals should aim to use non‐pharmacological and person‐centred approaches as primary strategies to reduce or prevent distress in people living with dementia who reside within care settings. However, despite these recommendations, recent studies have illustrated that there is still a requirement for healthcare professionals to have adequate opportunities to access training programmes and guidance on how to effectively use non‐pharmacological approaches in dementia care settings. Communication and Interaction Training (CAIT) was developed to train healthcare professionals in dementia care on how to apply person‐centred principles to effectively reduce or negate distress in people living with dementia in a non‐invasive manner.

Aims

This paper provides an overview of current debates regarding the use of non‐pharmacological approaches in dementia care, as initial care strategies, to reduce the primary use of pharmacological interventions that may have deleterious side effects for people living with dementia. Furthermore, this paper provides a summary of an evaluation that assessed the extent to which a 2‐day CAIT programme could enhance healthcare professionals in their perceived ability to communicate therapeutically with and provide care for people living with dementia.

Materials & Methods

In this evaluation, 35 healthcare professionals in dementia care engaged with the 2‐day CAIT programme. The Confidence in Dementia Scale, Knowledge in Dementia Scale and Compassionate Competence Scale were administered for participants to complete pre and post training.

Results

A series of parametric paired samples t‐tests were completed, and the results indicated that the 2‐day CAIT course was effective in enhancing healthcare professionals' perceived confidence, communication skills, sensitivity, and ability to meet the care needs of people living with dementia. However, staff’ knowledge of dementia did not significantly increase following the CAIT course, which could be due to participants already having high levels of knowledge on dementia prior to training.

Discussion & Conclusion

These results indicated that engaging in CAIT could be beneficial in enhancing healthcare professionals' perceived ability to use therapeutic communication strategies in their interactions with people living with dementia. Discussion is provided on how the delivery of training programmes, such as CAIT, may assist in re‐enforcing guidelines that advocate for the use of non‐pharmacological and non‐invasive approaches in dementia care.
Outcomes of children with isolated antenatal hydronephrosis
Authors: Akyol Onder Esra Nagehan , Yilmaz Omer , Taneli Can , Ertan Pelin
Published: December 2024

Background

Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is one of the most common abnormalities detected during prenatal ultrasound. There is significant variability in the postnatal management of ANH. Our objective was to report the outcomes of patients with ANH, spontaneous resolution rates, surgical intervention rates, and factors contributing to these parameters.

Methods

A total of 227 patients and 264 renal units with ANH were included in this study. We used the renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter and the Society for Fetal Urology grading system to classify and compare ANH as mild, moderate, and severe.

Results

The patients’ median follow‐up period was 48 months (with a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 136 months). Of the 264 renal units, 123 (46.6%) had mild, 101 (38.26%) had moderate, and 40 (15.15%) had severe antenatal hydronephrosis. The spontaneous resolution rate was 91.9% in the mild hydronephrosis group (n = 113), 81.2% (n = 82) in the moderate hydronephrosis group, and 37.5% (n = 15) in the severe hydronephrosis group. The patients with higher hydronephrosis grades required a longer time to resolve. Only one patient with a posterior urethral valve had reduced estimated glomerular filtration. None of the patients had proteinuria or hypertension.

Conclusion

Although the outcome of the patients with mild hydronephrosis was excellent, there was a progression of the disease, especially within the first 6 months, and 6% of our cases required surgical intervention. Additional prospective studies are needed to define the risk of urinary tract abnormalities with any degree of ANH.
Survey and characterization of oomycete species associated with root rot in UK red raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Authors: Browne Eithne Y. , Edwards Simon G. , Deakin Greg , Fernández Felicidad Fernández , Nellist Charlotte F.
Published: December 2024

Phytophthora rubi has been reported as the primary causal agent of raspberry root rot (RRR) in the UK, resulting in severe economic losses. Recent observations suggest the RRR complex may be more diverse than previously thought. This study investigated the Peronosporales species present in UK raspberry plants and factors affecting their diversity and abundance. Eighty‐six symptomatic root and 86 cane samples were collected from seven farms in the UK in 2020 and 2021. Five additional samples were collected from blackberry roots. Symptomatic tissue was plated onto selective media, and resultant isolates were identified by ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) barcoding. Twelve isolates of five species of Phytophthora (P. citrophthora, P. pini, P. erythroseptica, P. cryptogea and P. pseudocryptogea) and seven isolates of two Phytopythium species (Pp. vexans and Pp. litorale) were collected. Isolate pathogenicity was assessed on detached leaves, with Pp. litorale and Pp. vexans exhibiting significantly higher pathogenicity on raspberry leaves than an isolate of P. rubi. High‐throughput sequencing of the ITS region of symptomatic root samples revealed farm location had a significant effect on Peronosporales community composition (p = 0.001), and both farm location and plant variety significantly affected the abundance of taxa (p < 0.002 and p < 2 × 10−16, respectively). This study presents Pp. vexans and Pp. litorale as new potential pathogens for further study. Furthermore, we recommend the inclusion of other Peronosporales species into resistance screens in raspberry breeding programmes to produce genotypes more resilient to community composition shifts in raspberry root pathospheres in the UK.
The Transformative Role of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Microbiomes in Biofloc Systems for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ramasubburayan Ramasamy , Prakash Santhiyagu , Immanuel Grasian , Mubarakali Davoodbasha , Rajakumar Govindasamy , Thirumurugan Durairaj , Palavesam Arunachalam
Published: December 2024

Global demand for animal protein has increased dramatically due to the exponential development of the human population, which in turn led to intensification of aquaculture. However, the aforementioned fact impose stress on cultivable organisms, resulting in susceptibility to infectious diseases. Alternatively, this situation warranted the search for an environmentally friendly approach to replace the application of various chemical, physical, and biological processes that fail to cope with the required standards. In this context, biofloc technology (BFT) has emerged as a viable technique for aquaculture management with a sustainable and environmentally benign approach that has proven to have no adverse effects. BFT provides a conducive environment for cultivable aquatic species and system sustainability. Also, by maintaining the C:N ratio, the microbiome of BFT offers an appropriate carbon source and recycles waste. As well, the addition of probiotics and prebiotics (polysaccharides) in BFT certainly improves the host's antioxidant status, innate immunity, and disease resistance. Numerous studies on the use of BFT for various aquatic farmed species have been carried out recently, and it has evolved as a promising technique for the growth of sustainable aquaculture. BFT uses less water, increases productivity, provides biosecurity, and improves the health status of numerous aquaculture species. This review aims to compile and validate the scientific data about the benefits of biofloc in ensuring the health, biosecurity, and sustainability of aquaculture in light of the transformative role of probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiomes.
The Applicability of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide Behavior Among Junior High School Students in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Azasu Enoch Kordjo , Quarshie Emmanuel Nii‐Boye , Messias Erick , Joe Sean
Published: December 2024

Background

The interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTSB) is widely applied to explain non‐fatal suicide behaviors, but yet to be tested empirically with a Ghanaian sample.

Aims

Using a total of 800 junior high school students (JHS) in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, this study tests the utility of the IPTSB with the aim of having a better understanding of how suicide behavior is occurring among this young generation of Ghanaians.

Materials and Methods

The study used the WHO‐CIDI's self‐reported measures on suicide behavior and the Interpersonal needs questionnaire, which measures the elements of the IPTSB. Structural equation modeling was performed using Mplus to test the overall fit of the model as well as associations among the predictor variables and outcome variables.

Results

The study found the IPTSB was significant for explaining 12‐month and lifetime suicide behaviors in the sample. Also, 12‐month suicide attempt was significantly associated with increased 12‐month suicide ideation, increased acquired capability and increased perceived burdensomeness. In addition, 12‐month suicide ideation was significantly associated with increased thwarted belongingness and increased perceived burdensomeness.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study provides new information for clinicians and policy makers working to reduce suicide behavior among Ghanaian adolescents.
Evolutionary Mismatch and Lifestyle‐Related Diseases: A Study of a 6‐Month Intensive Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: MacDonald Christopher Scott , Bennekou Mia Aagaard , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Junker Anders Ellekær , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Langberg Henning , Christensen Robin , Lieberman Daniel E. , Zachariae Claus , Pallisgaard Jannik Langtved
Published: December 2024

Chronic medical conditions caused by the inadequate adaptation of the body to modern lifestyles, such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, are on the rise. This study assessed whether a comprehensive lifestyle intervention, including high volumes of supervised exercise, could improve health outcomes. Eight volunteers with lifestyle‐related diseases received a 6‐month lifestyle intervention consisting of 8000–10 000 steps/day, 6 moderate‐intensity endurance and 3 resistance training sessions per week, a 5‐week long hike, and dietary advice. This was followed by 7 months of limited remote supervision, ending 13 months from baseline. The participants (3 females, 5 males; mean age 42.9 years) had conditions including type 2 diabetes (T2D), depression/stress, and metabolic syndrome (MS). After 6 months, body weight decreased significantly by 23 kg (95% CI; −33.7 to −12.2), with a minor non‐significant decrease in lean body mass of 1.96 kg (95% CI; −4.34 to 0.27). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased by 18.5 mL/O2/kg/min. (95% CI; 13.8–23.1) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased by 33 (95% CI; −39 to −26) and 18 mmHg (95% CI; −23 to −14), respectively. Three of the 4 participants with T2D had normalized glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and all showed improved 2‐h oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) without pharmacological treatment. Participants with T2D continued to lower HbA1c during the 7‐month follow‐up period. This 6‐month lifestyle intervention restored metabolic health and improved cardiovascular health in 8 participants with lifestyle‐related diseases while reducing the need for pharmacological treatments. These findings suggest that comprehensive lifestyle changes can reverse several medical conditions caused by evolutionary mismatch.
Genetic dissection of ear‐related trait divergence between maize and teosinte
Authors: Wu Shenshen , Zhang Han , Fang Zhengfu , Li Zichao , Yang Ning , Yang Fang
Published: December 2024

Maize has undergone remarkable domestication and shows striking differences in architecture and ear morphology compared to its wild progenitor, called teosinte. However, our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the ear morphology differences between teosinte and cultivated maize is still limited. In this study, we explored the genetic basis of ear‐related traits at both early and mature stages by analyzing a population derived from a cross between Mo17 and a teosinte line, mexicana. We identified 31 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with four IM‐related and four ear‐related traits, with 27 QTLs subjected to selection during the domestication process. Several key genes related to ear development were found under selection, including KN1 and RA1. Analysis of gene expression in the IM of developing ears from the population revealed the prominent roles of cis‐variants in gene regulation. We also identified a large number of trans‐eQTLs responsible for gene expression variation, and enrichment analysis on a trans‐eQTL hotspot revealed the possible involvement of the sulfur metabolic pathway in controlling ear traits. Integrating the expression and phenotypic mapping data, we pinpointed several candidate genes potentially influencing ear development. Our findings advance the understanding of the genetic basis driving ear trait variation during maize domestication.
A removal lemma for ordered hypergraphs
Authors: Towsner Henry
Published: December 2024

We prove a removal lemma for induced ordered hypergraphs, simultaneously generalizing Alon–Ben‐Eliezer–Fischer's removal lemma for ordered graphs and the induced hypergraph removal lemma. That is, we show that if an ordered hypergraph has few induced copies of a small ordered hypergraph then there is a small modification so that has no induced copies of . (Note that we do not need to modify the ordering .) We give our proof in the setting of an ultraproduct (i.e., a Keisler graded probability space), where we can give an abstract formulation of hypergraph removal in terms of sequences of ‐algebras. We then show that ordered hypergraphs can be viewed as hypergraphs where we view the intervals as an additional notion of a “very structured” set. Along the way we give an explicit construction of the bijection between the ultraproduct limit object and the corresponding hyerpgraphon.
A Visual Representation of Engineering Catalogs Using Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Sridhara Saketh , Suresh Krishnan
Published: December 2024

Catalogs have been used for over a century for designing engineering systems. While catalogs are excellent repositories of engineering information, they are difficult to navigate and visualize, specifically to spot clusters, gaps, substitutes, and outliers. Inspired by Ashby charts for material selection, we propose here a visual representation of engineering catalogs using neural networks. In particular, we employ variational autoencoders (VAEs) to project catalog data onto a lower-dimensional latent space. The latent space can then be visualized to explore the underlying structure of the catalog. Specifically, catalog creators can identify gaps and outliers in their data, while end-users can compare catalogs from competitors and easily find substitutes. Contours can be superimposed on the latent space to enable selection based on user-defined attributes; these contours are generalizations of design indices associated with Ashby charts. Various examples of catalogs ranging from materials and bearings, to motors and batteries are illustrated using the proposed method. By using these examples, we (1) study the impact of the latent space dimension on the representational error, (2) illustrate how designers can easily choose alternate configurations based on their design requirements, and (3) identify gaps in catalog offerings, providing a stimulus for new product development.
A case of eosinophilic cystitis misdiagnosed by ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Shuhe , Zhang Di , Wang Xiaoxue , Guo Xu , Jin Guangming
Published: December 2024

.
Doppler ultrasound in the era of angiography
Authors: Chis Bogdan-Augustin
Published: December 2024

.
The gene
MAB_2362
is responsible for intrinsic resistance to various drugs and virulence in
Mycobacterium abscessus
by regulating cell division
Authors: Ju Yanan , Li Lijie , Zhang Jingran , Yusuf Buhari , Zeng Sanshan , Fang Cuiting , Tian Xirong , Han Xingli , Ding Jie , Zhang Han , Ma Wanli , Wang Shuai , Chen Xinwen , Zhang Tianyu
Published: December 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus
exhibits intrinsic resistance to most antibiotics, hence leading to infections that are difficult to treat. To address this issue, the identification of new molecular targets is essential for the development or repositioning of therapeutic agents. This study demonstrated that the
MAB_2362
-knockout strain, Mab
Δ2362
, became significantly susceptible to a range of antibiotics, not only
in vitro
but also exhibited susceptibility to rifabutin, bedaquiline, and linezolid
in vivo
. While the bacterial burden of the wild-type
M. abscessus
(Mab
Wt
) increased by over 1 log
10
CFU/lung in a murine infection model 16 days post-infection, that of Mab
Δ2362
strain decreased by more than 1 log
10
CFU/lung, which suggests that the disruption leads to attenuation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that MAB_2362 shares the highest similarity (41.35%) with SteA, a protein known to influence cell division in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
, suggesting that MAB_2362 might be involved in cell division. Mab
Δ2362
cells exhibited a median length of 2.62 µm, which was substantially longer than the 1.44 µm recorded for Mab
Wt
cells. Additionally, multiple cell division septa were observed in 42% of Mab
Δ2362
cells, whereas none were seen in Mab
Wt
cells. An ethidium bromide uptake assay further suggested a higher cell envelope permeability in Mab
Δ2362
compared to Mab
Wt
. Collectively, these findings underscore the role of
MAB_2362
in intrinsic resistance and virulence of
M. abscessus
possibly through the regulation of cell division. Thus, MAB_2362 emerges as a promising candidate for targeted interventions in the pursuit of novel antimicrobials against
M. abscessus
.
Development and application of a quadruple RT-qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of NoV GI, NoV GII, and HAV in bivalve shellfish
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Jinfeng , Wei Maolin , Liu Libing , Wang Jianchang , Xu Xiangdong
Published: December 2024

To achieve rapid and simultaneous detection of NoV GI, NoV GII, and HAV, a quadruple real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay was developed using MS2 bacteriophage as a process control virus. The quadruple RT-qPCR assay effectively detected NoV GI, NoV GII, HAV, and MS2 RNA with detection limits of 10
2
copies/μL, 10
3
copies/μL, 10
2
copies/μL, and 10
3
copies/μL, respectively, within 1 hour 50 minutes. The quadruple RT-qPCR assay could specifically detect NoV GI, NoV GII, HAV, and MS2 without cross-reactions with other common pathogens, demonstrating good reproducibility with intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation all below 2.11%. In this study, 337 bivalve shellfish samples collected from various regions of Hebei Province were pretreated using the proteinase K-PEG 8000 precipitation-chloroform method, and viral nucleic acids were enriched and extracted from a volume of viral solution that was doubled. The developed quadruple RT-qPCR assay was used to detect NoV GI, NoV GII, and HAV in bivalve shellfish samples, and the positive rates were 19.88% (67/337), 20.47% (69/337), and 4.75% (16/337), respectively. In addition, mixed infections of NoV GI and NoV GII (10.68%, 36/337) and NoV GI and HAV (0.89%, 3/337) were observed. In all, 200 bivalve shellfish samples were randomly selected for the assay, and it was found that the total, positive, negative coincidence rates, and Kappa values of the quadruple RT-qPCR assay were 98.3%, 99.1%, 98.2%, and 0.945, respectively, compared with the single RT-qPCR assay. These results show that the developed quadruple RT-qPCR assay has comparable performance to the single RT-qPCR assay.

IMPORTANCE

Food-borne diseases caused by viral contamination have become a growing concern, and bivalve shellfish is a crucial source of infection, with many outbreaks of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis associated with raw food or the use of undercooked shellfish such as oysters. As food contamination problems caused by NoV and HAV become more severe, it is important to study and establish a sensitive and efficient assay to simultaneously detect NoV and HAV by applying the MS2 process control virus for the protection of bivalve shellfish food safety and the monitoring of the above food-borne viral contamination. In addition, bivalve shellfish samples contain a large number of PCR inhibitors such as polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins, so optimization of the virus enrichment and extraction method is essential and is expected to provide a research basis for subsequent related experiments.
An adenoviral vector encoding an inflammation-inducible antagonist, HMGB1 Box A, as a novel therapeutic approach to inflammatory diseases
Authors: Shirey Kari Ann , Joseph John , Coughlan Lynda , Nijhuis Haye , Varley Alan W. , Blanco Jorge C. G. , Vogel Stefanie N.
Published: December 2024

Influenza, as well as other respiratory viruses, can trigger local and systemic inflammation resulting in an overall “cytokine storm” that produces serious outcomes such as acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that gene therapy platforms could be useful in these cases if the production of an anti-inflammatory protein reflects the intensity and duration of the inflammatory condition. The recombinant protein would be produced and released only in the presence of the inciting stimulus, avoiding immunosuppression or other unwanted side effects that may occur when treating infectious diseases with anti-inflammatory drugs. To test this hypothesis, we developed AdV.C3-Tat/HIV-Box A, an inflammation-inducible cassette that remains innocuous in the absence of inflammation but releases HMGB1 Box A, an antagonist of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in response to inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or influenza virus infection. We report here that this novel inflammation-inducible HMGB1 Box A construct in a non-replicative adenovirus (AdV) vector mitigates lung and systemic inflammation therapeutically in response to influenza infection. We anticipate that this strategy will apply to the treatment of multiple diseases in which HMGB1-mediated signaling is a central driver of inflammation.

IMPORTANCE

Many inflammatory diseases are mediated by the action of a host-derived protein, HMGB1, on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to elicit an inflammatory response. We have engineered a non-replicative AdV vector that produces HMGB1 Box A, an antagonist of HMGB1-induced inflammation, under the control of an endogenous complement component C3 (C3) promoter sequence, that is inducible by LPS and influenza
in vitro
and
ex vivo
in macrophages (Mϕ) and protects mice and cotton rats therapeutically against infection with mouse-adapted and human non-adapted influenza strains, respectively,
in vivo
. We anticipate that this novel strategy will apply to the treatment of multiple infectious and non-infectious diseases in which HMGB1-mediated TLR4 signaling is a central driver of inflammation.
Comparative evaluation of sensititre YeastOne and VITEK2 antifungal susceptibility tests with CLSI broth microdilution method of clinical
Cryptococcus
isolates in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Tzu-Ping , Wang Shin-Wei , Lo Shih-Ting , Su Shu-Li , Hsieh Ming-I , Tsai Pei-Jane , Tsai Pei-Fang , Wu Chi-Jung , Lee Nan-Yao , Ko Wen-Chien , Chen Po-Lin
Published: December 2024

Commercial antifungal susceptibility tests were available for clinical yeast isolates. However, the updated Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) version YO10C excluded
Cryptococcus
species for susceptibility testing. Uncorrelation of antifungal susceptibility patterns by SYO and therapeutic outcomes had been recently reported. We compared the performance of current commercial susceptibility tests with the standard CLSI broth microdilution (BMD) method for clinical
Cryptococcus
isolates. Forty-seven clinical
Cryptococcus
isolates were included from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2023, among which 44 isolates were
Cryptococcus neoformans
while 3 were
Cryptococcus gattii
. The performance of SYO version YO10C and VITEK2 YS09 was compared with the CLSI BMD method and correlated with MLST analysis and ERG11 mutation detection. Non-wild-type (non-WT) strains to amphotericin B (AMB) were observed in 11 isolates with the CLSI BMD method and 8 with SYO among 44
C
.
neoformans
isolates, but only 1 isolate was classified as non-WT by both methods. Additionally, all
C. neoformans
isolates were susceptible to AMB with their MIC ≤1 µg/mL according to the clinical breakpoint defined by EUCAST. Non-WT to FLC were observed in 5
C
.
neoformans
isolates with SYO, but they were classified as WT by CLSI BMD and VITEK2. The essential agreements between SYO and CLSI BMD were >90% to most antifungal agents except ITC in
C. neoformans
isolates (64%) and AMB in
C. gattii
group (67%). Between SYO and CLSI BMD, the major error (ME) rates were 11% (
n
= 5) to FLC, 5% (
n
= 2) to ITC, and 2% (
n
= 1) to 5FC in
C. neoformans
isolates, and the very major error to 5FC was found in one
C. gattii
isolate. ERG11 mutation with identical I199V was detected in 89% (
n
= 39)
C. neoformans
isolates, and 97% (
n
= 38) of them belonged to sequence type (ST) 5. The ERG11 mutation or cryptococcal ST was not associated with a decrease of antifungal susceptibilities. ME of FLC by SYO version YO10C compared to the CLSI BMD method reached up to 11% of
C. neoformans
isolates. The results of FLC MIC by SYO should be interpreted cautiously and correlated with therapeutic response, and further verification with the CLSI BMD method or VITEK2 is required.

IMPORTANCE

The study pointed out the major errors of fluconazole susceptibility results in clinical
Cryptococcus neoformans
isolates between the commercial Sensititre YeastOne Susceptibility Plate version YO10C and the standard CLSI broth microdilution method. The results should be interpreted carefully with clinical correlation, and a different method of antifungal susceptibility testing should be considered if a discrepancy of susceptibility results is suspected.
A novel sustained-release agent based on disulfide-induced recombinant collagen hydrogels for the prevention and treatment of
Schistosoma
infections
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Lijun , Xing Yuntian , Dai Yang , Hu Jinyuan , Qu Guoli , Xu Yongliang , Yin Xuren , Hang Derong , Zhang Jianfeng , Xiong Chunrong , Shi Liang , Xu Fei
Published: December 2024

Schistosomiasis is commonly managed using the praziquantel, but it is only effective against adult worms and duration of action is short. Liver fibrosis will worsen if eggs are still present after stopping treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sustained drug release system for effectively preventing and treating schistosomiasis. A disulfide bond-induced three-dimensional (3D) recombinant collagen hydrogel was developed for sustained praziquantel release. Three collagen sequences were developed based on the sequence for
Scl2
of
S. pyogene
, with different substitutions of residues for cysteine (S-VCL-S1, S-VCL-S2, and S-VCL-S3). Their properties were tested. Mice were infected with
Schistosoma japonicum
cercariae and treated either with praziquantel collagen hydrogel or niclosamide collagen hydrogel. The worm-killing effect was examined. The application of hydrogel-niclosamide on the skin for 24 h effectively prevented
Schistosome
cercariae from infecting mice and showed 70.95% and 81.73% reduction in the number of eggs and worms, respectively. The combined use of niclosamide and anti-cercariae cream showed 100% protection after 24 h. The hydrogel-praziquantel also showed a 100% reduction of worms and eggs after 24 h of subcutaneous injection. The subcutaneous injection of praziquantel after 28 days of infection showed 95.19% and 80.12% reduction of worm and egg counts, respectively, and the development of larvae was significantly slowed down. Liver analysis showed no infection after 7 days of treatment. These results suggest developing a novel type of sustained-release agent against schistosomiasis based on the recombinant collagen hydrogel that provides a potential new treatment for schistosomiasis.

IMPORTANCE

This study introduces an new way for treating schistosomiasis: a special collagen hydrogel that gradually releases medication to treat schistosomiasis effectively. This innovation provides a promising way to treat schistosomiasis. It represents a significant step forward in the fight against this disease and offers hope for more effective and safer treatments in the future.
The compatibility and dynamics of optical soliton solutions for higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger model
Authors: Iqbal M. Ashik , Gepreel Khaled A. , Ali Akbar M. , Osman M. S.
Published: December 2024

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation describes a wide spectrum of non-linear wave phenomena across different fields of physics and engineering, including optical pulse transmission, propagation of intense light pulses, soliton propagation, quantum optics, self-phase modulation, dynamics of ultra-cold atomic gases, non-linear dynamics of plasma waves, dynamics of wave packets, quantum information theory, etc. In this study, we investigate the higher-order non-linear Schrödinger equation (hNLSE) and the perturbed non-linear Schrödinger equation (pNLSE) with Kerr law non-linearity by using a conformable and reliable expansion scheme. The solutions are constructed in terms of transcendental functions, specifically the exponential and trigonometric functions, and their dynamics are explained through two-, three-dimensional, and contour plots using the symbolic computation software Mathematica for certain parameter values, exhibiting soliton characteristics within the defined ranges. The solutions exhibit distinct soliton characteristics, like kink-shaped, one-sided kink-shaped, anti-bell-shaped, parabolic-shaped, and others. The solutions attained are compared with those documented in the existing literature, which highlights their originality. The obtained soliton solutions hold potential for theoretical analysis of soliton propagation, non-linear dynamics of plasma waves and ultra-cold atomic gases, communications through optical fiber, etc.
Seismic Behaviors of Shuttle-Shaped Double-Restrained Buckling-Restrained Braces: Experimental, Numerical, and Restoring Force Model Parameter Identification
Authors: Shi Jun , Jin Shuangshuang , Xu Lueqin , Xin Jingzhou , Zhou Jianting , Chen Mingyang
Published: December 2024

The research aims to explore seismic behaviors of a novel shuttle-shaped double-restrained buckling-restrained brace (SDR-BRB). To this end, three SDR-BRB specimens showing various restraining ratios were first prepared to conduct low-cycle cyclic loading tests to investigate their failure modes, hysteretic performance, and fatigue performance. Afterwards, the ABAQUS finite element (FE) model verified by experiments was established, and effects of multiple critical factors upon seismic behaviors of SDR-BRBs were discussed through parametric analysis. Finally, an improved dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm considering global optimization and local exploration was proposed by combining Tent chaotic mapping, adaptive T-distribution perturbation strategy, and Osprey optimization algorithm. Based on this algorithm, the parameter identification method was developed for the improved Bouc–Wen model of SDR-BRB. Results indicate that hysteretic curves of SDR-BRBs are plump and symmetrical, showing excellent energy-dissipation capacity and fatigue performance, and obvious strain-strengthening characteristics. The restraining ratio, core yield length, initial imperfection, and core diameter-thickness ratio have significant effects upon seismic behavior of SDR-BRBs, while the gap of the core and the external tube merely exerts a slight effect. As recommended, the restraining ratio should exceed 2.0, the diameter-thickness ratio need to be less than 15, and the gap should not be less than 2[Formula: see text]mm. The proposed parameter identification method for the restoring force model of SDR-BRB has high accuracy and agrees well with experimental and numerical results. It provides reference for applying SDR-BRBs to analyze elastoplastic seismic responses of a structural system.
Regular fractal Dirac systems
Authors: Allahverdiev Bilender P. , Tuna Hüseyin , Golmankhaneh Alireza Khalili
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the classical one-dimensional Dirac equation is considered under the framework of fractal calculus. First, the maximal and minimal operators corresponding to the problem are defined. Then the symmetric operator is obtained, the Green’s function corresponding to the problem is constructed, and the eigenfunction expansion is given. Finally, some examples are given.
‘Superpowers’ of Gender Equality Failing to Establish Gender Balance in IT
Authors: Corneliussen Hilde G.
Published: December 2024

How the gender equality norm produces barriers for recruiting girls into information technology careers.
Model-based Toolchain for Core Flight System (cFS) Embedded Systems
Authors: Valente Hugo , de Miguel Miguel , Pérez-Muñoz Ángel , Alonso Alejandro , Zamorano Juan , de la Puente Juan
Published: December 2024

The space domain is experiencing a paradigm shift with the rise of micro and nanosatellites. Historically, launching a satellite required a big financial risk only sustained by governments or big companies. Nowadays, with the miniaturization of satellites, there has been a significant reduction in costs and, as a consequence, a greater opportunity for universities and smaller businesses to launch satellites into space.

Companies are taking advantage of this reduction in launch and manufacturing costs to gain a competitive edge by adopting what is known as “Agile Space”, which emphasizes rapid iterations. To facilitate this high development pace, specialized toolchains and frameworks are designed for satellite software development.

In this article, we provide a solution to reduce the development time of embedded software systems by ensuring consistency between the design and the implementation. We have integrated the core Flight System (cFS), a message-oriented framework developed by NASA based on a publish-subscribe architecture, with TASTE, a toolset from the European Space Agency. This integration combines modeling capabilities and automatic code generation, reducing error-prone repetitive tasks. It ensures consistency across different development stages allowing the end-user to focus on the implementation-specific details. To demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of this model-based toolchain, we present a case study of the UPMSat-2 microsatellite. This study demonstrates how this approach can be used to successfully support the development of embedded software systems.
Appearance-Preserving Scene Aggregation for Level-of-Detail Rendering
Authors: Zhou Yang , Huang Tao , Ramamoorthi Ravi , Sen Pradeep , Yan Ling-Qi
Published: December 2024

Creating an appearance-preserving level-of-detail (LoD) representation for arbitrary 3D scenes is a challenging problem. The appearance of a scene is an intricate combination of both geometry and material models and is further complicated by correlation due to the spatial configuration of scene elements. We present a novel volumetric representation for the aggregated appearance of complex scenes and a pipeline for LoD generation and rendering. The core of our representation is the
Aggregated Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function
(ABSDF) that summarizes the far-field appearance of all surfaces inside a voxel. We propose a closed-form factorization of the ABSDF that accounts for spatially varying and orientation-varying material parameters. We tackle the challenge of capturing the correlation existing locally within a voxel and globally across different parts of the scene. Our method faithfully reproduces appearance and achieves higher quality than existing scene filtering methods. The memory footprint and rendering cost of our representation are decoupled from the original scene complexity.