bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Decoding Mobile Genetic Elements, Virulence Factors, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes Driving Biofilm Formation in MRSA via Network Analysis”
Authors: Iram Daraksha , Sansi Manish Singh , Ganguly Indrajit , Singh Sanjeev , Dixit Satpal
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to analyze the genome of the Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strain d1418m22 through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis with six references strains.De novoassembly resulted in 61 scaffolds with a total genome size of 2.78 Mb. Functional annotation revealed 2,625 predicted genes, including those involved in metabolism, cellular processes, and virulence. Comparative genomic analysis identified 20 antibiotic resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. In addition, 21 virulence factors (VFs) were identified, including Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and various enterotoxins. The presence of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVa and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as prophages and transposons, underscored the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the evolution and transmission of resistance and virulence factors. Interaction network analysis identified key hub genes involved in various cellular processes, including biofilm formation. This comprehensive genomic analysis provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup of MRSA strain d1418m22, contributing to a better understanding of its pathogenicity and potential public health implications. Six reference MRSA strains were isolated from (MRSA-AMRF4 and MRSA-AMRF5) eye infections, (MRSA and MRSA-15) wound pus, (VMRSA-WC071, and VMRSA-WC081) urine samples. The analysis identified resistance genes, virulence factors, GC content, ANI values, andSCCmecelements, which were found to be similar to those present in the resistant MRSA d1418m22 strain genome.
Heterochronous laminar maturation in the human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sydnor Valerie J. , Petrie Daniel , McKeon Shane D. , Famalette Alyssa , Foran Will , Calabro Finnegan J. , Luna Beatriz
Published: January 2025

The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) exhibits markedly protracted developmental plasticity, yet whether reductions in plasticity occur synchronously across prefrontal cortical layers is unclear. Animal studies have shown that intracortical myelin consolidates neural circuits to close periods of plasticity. Here, we use quantitative myelin imaging collected from youth (ages 10-32 years) at ultra-high field (7T) to investigate whether deep and superficial PFC layers exhibit different timeframes of plasticity. We find that myelin matures along a deep-to-superficial axis in the PFC; this axis of maturational timing is expressed to a different extent in cytoarchitecturally distinct regions along the frontal cortical hierarchy. By integrating myelin mapping with electroencephalogram and cognitive phenotyping, we provide evidence that deep and superficial prefrontal myelin dissociably impact timescales of neural activity, task learning rates, and cognitive processing speed. Heterochronous maturation across deep and superficial layers is an underrecognized mechanism through which association cortex balances cognitively-relevant increases in circuit stability and efficiency with extended neuroplasticity.
Effects of
H−
low beam irradiation and high field pulsing tests in different metals
Authors: Serafim C. , Calatroni S. , Djurabekova F. , Peacock R. , Bjelland V. , Perez-Fontenla A. T. , Wuensch W. , Grudiev A. , Sgobba S. , Lombardi A. , Sargsyan E.
Published: January 2025

This work studies the suitability of a set of different materials for manufacturing more efficient and durable radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) structures compared to that currently used in many linear particle accelerators, traditionally made out of copper. RFQs are susceptible to vacuum breakdowns caused by the exposure to high electric fields, resulting in surface degradation. Additionally, a further limitation of present-day copper RFQs is surface blistering under hydrogen ion beam exposure, due to beam halo losses. Irradiation is associated with a further reduction of the breakdown field strength of the metal surface thereby affecting the overall efficiency of the RFQ. The investigated materials, Cu-OFE, CuCr1Zr, CuBe2, Ti6Al4V, SS316LN, Nb, and Ta, were submitted to low-energy (45 keV) H− irradiation and tested in a direct-current (dc) system with pulsed high voltage. For comparison, the maximum surface electric field was measured for both irradiated and pristine (nonirradiated) surfaces of the same material. The effects of irradiation on the surface of the materials, before and after being submitted to high electric fields, were studied with the help of microscopic imaging and chemical analysis. Blistering caused by H− irradiation has been observed in all copper and copper alloy materials. Despite reductions in breakdown field strength postirradiation, no indications were found that the blisters on the surface have a direct cause in triggering breakdowns during high electric field tests. SS316LN, Ti6Al4V, CuBe2, and CuCr1Zr showed maximum surface electric fields higher than copper, making these promising candidate materials for future RFQs manufacturing. This paper focuses on the results with CuCr1Zr, CuBe2, SS316LN, and Ta, complementing and expanding previous work exploring Cu-OFE, Nb, and Ti6Al4V.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Pauli principle forbids
ΩQQQΩQQQΩQQQ
bound states
Authors: Garcilazo H. , Valcarce A.
Published: January 2025

Lattice QCD studies have shown the attractive character of the S01 ΩQQQΩQQQ, Q=s, c, b, interaction, predicting deeply bound states as the mass of the heavy quark increases. This has led to the question of the possible existence of bound states of more than two ΩQQQ baryons, in particular

Ω

Q

Q

Q

Ω

Q

Q

Q

Ω

Q

Q

Q

bound states. We discuss how these states might not exist in nature in any flavor sector. The reason would be due to the simultaneous action of two consequences of the Pauli principle in the different partial waves: one at the baryon level, affecting the S01 partial wave, and the other due to the quark substructure, affecting the S25 partial wave.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Line shape of the
J/ψ→γηc
decay
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Xiaolong , Liao Guangrui , Zhu Kai
Published: January 2025

An accurate description of the photon spectrum line shape is essential for extracting resonance parameters of the ηc meson through the radiative transition J/ψ→γηc. However, a persistent challenge remains in the form of a divergent tail at high photon energies, arising from the Eγ3 factor in theoretical calculations. Various damping functions have been proposed to mitigate this effect in practical experiments, but their empirical nature lacks a rigorous theoretical basis. In this study, we introduce two key considerations: incorporating full-order contributions of the Bessel function in the overlap integral of charmonium wave functions and the phase space factor neglected in previous experimental studies. By accounting for these factors, we demonstrate a more rational and effective damping function of the divergent tail associated with the Eγ3 term. We present the implications of these findings on experimental measurements and provide further insights through toy Monte Carlo simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Defining the Type IIB Matrix Model without Breaking Lorentz Symmetry
Authors: Asano Yuhma , Nishimura Jun , Piensuk Worapat , Yamamori Naoyuki
Published: January 2025

The type IIB matrix model is a promising nonperturbative formulation of superstring theory, which may elucidate the emergence of (3+1)-dimensional space-time. However, the partition function is divergent due to the Lorentz symmetry, which is represented by a noncompact group. This divergence has been regularized conventionally by introducing some infrared cutoff, which breaks the Lorentz symmetry. Here we point out, in a simple model, that Lorentz-invariant observables become classical as one removes the infrared cutoff and that this “classicalization” is actually an artifact of the Lorentz symmetry breaking cutoff. In order to overcome this problem, we propose a natural way to “gauge-fix” the Lorentz symmetry in a fully nonperturbative manner. Thus, we arrive at a new definition of the type IIB matrix model, which also enables us to perform numerical simulations in such a way that the time evolution can be extracted from the generated configurations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Plasmonic Polarization Sensing of Electrostatic Superlattice Potentials
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Fonseca Jordan , Bennett Daniel , Sun Zhiyuan , Zhang Junhe , Jing Ran , Xu Suheng , He Leo , Moore S. L. , Rossi S. E. , Ovchinnikov Dmitry , Cobden David , Jarillo-Herrero Pablo , Fogler M. M. , Kim Philip , Kaxiras Efthimios , Xu Xiaodong , Basov D. N.
Published: January 2025

Plasmon polaritons are formed by coupling light with delocalized electrons. The half-light and half-matter nature of plasmon polaritons endows them with unparalleled tunability via a range of parameters, such as dielectric environments and carrier density. Therefore, plasmon polaritons are expected to be tuned when in proximity to polar materials since the carrier density is tuned by an electrostatic potential; conversely, the plasmon polariton response might enable the sensing of polarization. Here, we use infrared nanoimaging and nanophotocurrent measurements to investigate heterostructures composed of graphene and twisted hexagonal boron nitride (t-BN), with alternating polarization in a triangular network of moiré stacking domains. We observe that the carrier density and the corresponding plasmonic response of graphene are modulated by polar domains in t-BN. In addition, we demonstrate that the nanometer-wide domain walls of graphene moirés superlattices, created by the polar domains of t-BN, provide momenta to assist the plasmonic excitations. Furthermore, our study establishes that the plasmon of graphene could function as a delicate sensor for polarization textures. The evolution of polarization textures in t-BN under uniform electric fields is tomographically examined via plasmonic imaging. Strikingly, no noticeable polarization switching is observed under applied electric fields up to 0.21  V/nm, at variance with transport reports. Our nanoimages unambiguously reveal that t-BN with triangular domains acts like a ferrielectric rather than a ferroelectric as claimed by many previous studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Holistic framework for the adoption determinants of mobile health applications: a systematic literature review
Authors: Al-Jabali Rasha Najib , Ahmad Norasnita , Khatib Saleh F.A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the adoption determinants of mobile health (M-health) applications for health behavior change following a systematic methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This review systematically identified 134 peer-reviewed studies out of 10,687 from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) published between 2010 and 2021. This review used a thematic analysis to produce the main themes conceptualizing a holistic framework of the investigated M-health application adoption factors.

Findings

Despite the exploration of multifaceted adoption determinants and behaviors, the current publications exhibit limitations. The studies not only show a lack of representation of multiple health behaviors and medical conditions but also fail to involve data from low- and middle-developing countries, where M-health application utilization is crucial. Findings revealed that there is a considerable absence of a solid theoretical foundation that unveils a gap in interpreting the adoption factors effectively. Understanding cultural and demographic variances and exploring financial factors and healthcare provider involvement is essential for tailoring M-health application interventions. Continuous assessment of technological factors and evaluation of the actual impact of M-health application usage on behavioral changes and health outcomes will further enhance the effectiveness and adoption of these technologies.

Originality/value

This review is one of the first comprehensive reviews of determinants of M-health application adoption targeting health behavior change for the general public and patients.
Effect of FDM process parameters on mechanical properties of 3D-printed fabrics and yarns from polyethylene terephthalate glycol, nylon and thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Sapkota Ashok , Ghimire Shree Kaji , Adanur Sabit
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Optimization of FDM process parameters has emerged as a major step toward mitigating the issue of reduced mechanical strength of fused deposition modeling (FDM) products. This study aims to evaluate the impact of process parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed fabric yarns of three different materials, namely, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), nylon and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Design/methodology/approach

2/1 Twill fabric samples with variations of extrusion temperatures and printing profiles are produced, and the individual yarns, manually separated from the fabric samples, are tested for tensile strength, modulus, strain and energy at maximum force. The tensile test results are further subjected to statistical analysis with MINITAB software to detect the standard level of influence of each parameter and evaluate their significance.

Findings

Both extrusion temperature and printing profile, along with their interaction, are significantly important parameters for the mechanical behavior of PETG. However, for nylon and TPU, the influence of a few parameters is found to be insignificant. For all variations of fabric yarns, relatively lower extrusion temperature is concluded to be preferable for better mechanical properties.

Originality/value

This research is new and original. It provides knowledge about how FDM process parameters influence the mechanical behavior of fabrics. It also identifies the optimum process parameters for the best performance of the final product. This article can be a foundation for further parametric analysis of 3D-printed fabric. No artificial intelligence or similar software was used in the preparation of this manuscript.
‘They Begged with Borrowed Children and a Woman in Men's Clothing’: Gender and the Regulation of Begging in Late Medieval Germany
Authors: Edgren Allison
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the role that gender played in the regulation of begging in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in southern German cities. Central to this analysis is an unusual legal case from Nuremberg, in which two blind beggars were exiled for seeking alms with borrowed children and a cross‐dressing woman. This case provides insight into many of the factors that influenced medieval reactions to mendicancy, including perceptions of gender, disability and deceptive begging practices. Contextualising the case in local literary and legal records reveals that all these factors together contributed to the group's condemnation, as authorities considered this near‐familial group as a whole. The case thus suggests that medieval observers considered beggars’ gender not only individually but also in terms of their relationships; the more a group resembled a family unit, the less potential donors and authorities were willing to tolerate divergence from accepted gender norms.
Stress‐Testing Monitoring Design to Lock in Conservation Success
Authors: Taylor S. , Alves F. , Potts J. , Rayner L. , Stojanovic D.
Published: January 2025

Effective monitoring of threatened species is key to identifying trends in populations and informing conservation management decisions. However, clearly defined monitoring questions that are informed by local circumstances and species traits are commonly neglected. We propose a decision framework as a guide to prioritise what data to collect and methods to use for population monitoring. We applied our decision framework to trial monitoring of Gang‐gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum), a threatened, iconic species in Southeast Australia. To meet our program objectives, we trailed distance sampling surveys to estimate population abundance across the urban landscape in the Australian Capital Territory. Despite consistently high reporting rates in the study area, detection rates were too low to estimate the abundance of Gang‐gang Cockatoos. As part of assessing the appropriateness of distance sampling as an approach, we simulated surveys under a hypothetically inflated survey effort and population size. Simulations show that even if our field survey effort was doubled or if the population size of Gang‐gang Cockatoos was improbably high, detections would remain too low for distance sampling to be a practical approach. We then revisit our decision framework to make new recommendations for future monitoring of Gang‐gang Cockatoos and demonstrate the importance of a clear monitoring framework when evaluating how best to achieve conservation goals in the context of methodological uncertainty. The first steps of designing and implementing a monitoring program are crucial—our decision framework offers practitioners a clear, reasoned approach to deciding which methods are needed to address their conservation objectives, along with contingencies for when plans go awry.
Rooted in routine: Fostering higher order vegetable‐shopping habits using a randomised simple planning intervention
Authors: More Kimberly R. , More Curt , Harris Natasha , Phillips L. Alison
Published: January 2025

A healthy diet is a protective factor against a host of negative health outcomes. To maintain such a diet necessitates the consumption of at least 240 g of vegetables per day. However, most of the population fails to meet this threshold. Utilising a randomised controlled trial, the present study tested the effectiveness of a one‐off higher order habit intervention aimed at shopping for a variety of vegetables and the mechanisms that may support such habit development. Specifically, participants (N = 198; 54.5% female; 20 to 74 years of age) were allocated to the intervention or control group to explore (1) how effective an action‐ and coping‐planning intervention is at targeting the formation of vegetable‐shopping higher order habits and (2) whether healthy‐eater identity, intrinsic motivation and self‐efficacy were mechanisms of action. Follow‐up measures of habit, the mechanisms of action and behaviour were taken post‐intervention, weekly for 4 weeks and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups. The intervention led to stronger higher order habit formation after 6 months and that it was particularly effective for those with low baseline higher order habits for vegetable shopping. These findings demonstrate that a simple, one‐off, intervention can lead to long‐lasting change in higher order habits within the nutrition domain.
Sex‐related changes in lactate dehydrogenase A expression differently impact the immune response in melanoma
Authors: Iozzo Marta , Comito Giuseppina , Ippolito Luigi , Sandrini Giada , Pardella Elisa , Pranzini Erica , Capone Mariaelena , Madonna Gabriele , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Chiarugi Paola , Giannoni Elisa
Published: January 2025

Melanoma is more aggressive in male patients than female ones and this is associated with sexual dimorphism in immune responses. Taking into consideration the impact tumour metabolic alterations in affecting the immune landscape, we aimed to investigate the effect of the sex‐dependent metabolic profile of melanoma in re‐shaping immune composition. Melanoma is characterised by Warburg metabolism, and secreted lactate has emerged as a key driver in the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment. Here, we identified lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH‐A) as a crucial player in modulating sex‐related differences in melanoma immune responses, both in vitro and in patient‐derived specimens. LDH‐A is associated with higher lactate secretion in male melanoma cells, which leads to a significant enrichment in pro‐tumoural regulatory T cells (Treg) with a concurrent decrease in the number and activity of anti‐tumour CD8+ T cells. Remarkably, pharmacological and genetic impairment of LDH‐A in male melanoma cells normalises Treg and CD8+ infiltration. In keeping with this, in vivo pharmacological targeting of LDH‐A in melanoma‐bearing male mice impairs tumour growth and lung colonisation, with a concomitant modulation of Treg and CD8+ T cells infiltration. Taken together, our findings highlight the sex‐related differences promoted by LDH‐A in immune reshaping in melanoma, and suggest that therapeutic targeting of LDH‐A could be leveraged as an effective strategy to abolish the sex‐gap in melanoma progression.
Pancreatic congestion is associated with exocrine pancreatic function in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kokubu Masahito , Imamura Yoshiki , Kumagi Teru , Hirooka Masashi , Numata Yuki , Okujima Yusuke , Ishikawa Sho , Marui‐Sato Kaori , Koizumi Mitsuhito , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2025

Aim

Portal hypertension resulting from liver cirrhosis (LC) can lead to pancreatic congestion and impaired insulin secretion. Therefore, this prospective study aimed to assess the association between pancreatic congestion and exocrine pancreatic function in patients with LC.

Methods

In our clinical study, pancreatic congestion and exocrine pancreatic function were evaluated using shear wave dispersion (SWD) and fecal elastase‐1 (FE‐1). Additionally, pancreatic acinar cells, venous walls, and fibrosis were assessed in an autopsy study.

Results

The FE‐1 levels were lower in the LC group (n = 41) than in the control group (n = 41) (312 ± 89 vs. 442 ± 100 μg/g, p < 0.001). The LC group included six patients (14.6%) with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, whereas there were none in the control group. Pancreatic SWD values were significantly higher in the LC group than in the control group (14.8 ± 2.3 vs. 10.0 ± 1.28 [m/s]/kHz, p < 0.001). Fecal elastase‐1 was significantly negatively correlated with pancreatic SWD (R = −0.55, p < 0.001). As for the autopsy study, the percentage of the trypsin‐positive area was significantly lower in the LC group (n = 11) than in the control group (n = 10) (38.1 ± 10.1% vs. 26.5 ± 3.0%, p = 0.0055). The percentage of trypsin‐positive area was significantly negatively correlated with the wall thickness of the pancreatic vein (R = −0.76, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Exocrine pancreatic function was reduced and significantly correlated with pancreatic congestion in patients with LC. Portal hypertension may affect the exocrine pancreatic function.
The outcome of full and deep pulpotomy in teeth with extremely deep carious lesion and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shah Aaqib , PV Amritha , Sharma Sidhartha , Kumar Vijay , Chawla Amrita , Logani Ajay
Published: January 2025

Aim

To compare the outcome of full and deep pulpotomy performed in mature permanent teeth with extremely deep carious lesion and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology

This parallel‐group, double‐blind, non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted after ethical clearance. Patients with mature permanent teeth with extremely deep carious lesion and diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were recruited. Teeth were randomly allocated to two study groups, i.e. Group I: full pulpotomy (excision of pulp tissue up to the level of root canal orifices) and Group II: deep pulpotomy (excision of radicular pulp tissue 2–3 mm apical to root canal orifices). Haemostasis was achieved using cotton pellet moistened with 2.5% NaOCl for up to 10 min. Mineral trioxide aggregate was used as a pulp capping agent and teeth were restored in the same visit with resin composite. Outcome assessment was performed at 12‐month follow‐up based on clinical and radiographic evaluation. The success rate was determined by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analysis. Two sample t‐tests were used to compare the time taken to achieve haemostasis and determine its association with treatment outcome.

Results

A total of sixty teeth received treatment in both study groups. The bleeding time was significantly more in Group I (6.13 ± 1.59 min) compared to group II (5.23 ± 1.22 min) (p < .0171). The recall rate was 86.6% at study end point when fifty‐two teeth were analysed at 12‐month follow up. The success rate was 88.46% and 92.30% for per protocol analysis and 76.67 and 80% for ITT analysis for Group I and Group II, respectively, without any statistically significant difference (p = .610). The absolute risk difference between each treatment was within the 10% non‐inferiority limit. There was no statistically significant association between time taken to achieve haemostasis and treatment outcome in both study groups.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between full and deep pulpotomy techniques, with respect to achievement of haemostasis and treatment outcome for management of teeth with extremely deep caries and irreversible pulpitis.
LAG Time in the Era of Immunotherapy—New Molecular Insights Into the Immunosuppression Mechanism of Lymphocyte Activation Gene‐3
Authors: Luca Vincent C.
Published: January 2025

The immune checkpoint receptor lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG3) inhibits T‐cell activation and was recently validated as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Despite its emergence as a therapeutic target, a lack of molecular‐level insight has obscured our understanding of the LAG3 immunosuppression mechanism. This review highlights a series of breakthroughs that have illuminated fundamental aspects of LAG3 molecular biology. Key discoveries include structural insights into LAG3 interactions with ligands and antibodies, mechanistic studies of LAG3 interference with T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling, and the development of novel therapeutics. A particular focus is placed on structure–function relationships for LAG3‐targeting drugs, as it has become apparent that several distinct approaches to LAG3 antagonism are viable. In addition to LAG3 antagonists, agonistic LAG3 antibodies and immunostimulatory LAG3 extracellular domains (ECDs) are discussed in the context of current structural and mechanistic data. Collectively, these findings should provide an updated landscape for the design of optimal LAG3‐based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Engaging with the Nicene Creed through Contextual Bible Study: Mark 10:17‐22
Authors: West Gerald O.
Published: January 2025

The year 2025 offers the church an opportunity to reflect on the Nicene Creed in dialogue with Mark 10:17‐22. This Bible study–based dialogue invites us all – particularly those who have been marginalized by political, economic, and ecclesial systems of oppression – to be instructed by Jesus on the mechanisms of systemic economic oppression. Even the Nicene Creed can learn from Jesus if we incorporate into each of its four sections the voices of the marginalized who have, through contextual Bible study work, offered the church revised forms of the Nicene Creed.
The Berlin Conference
Authors: Mwombeki Fidon R.
Published: January 2025

Colonization and Christian mission had a symbiotic relationship. This has raised the question of the relationship between missionaries and colonizers. Most would agree that they influenced each other: colonialism facilitated the growth of Christianity, and missionary work provided fertile ground for colonialism in some parts of Africa. However, it is important to also highlight that some missionary work in Africa was purely for the spread of the gospel and not colonialism. With the partition of Africa after the Berlin Conference of 1884–85, many colonial powers restricted mission work in their colonies to missionaries from their own countries. This resulted in a denominational division and distribution that is still reflected in African churches today. However, in nations that are predominantly Muslim, the mission was not successful by either persuasion or coercion. Although the gospel was brought to Africa by the Europeans and linked to colonialism, it is not European. African Christians do not see the gospel as colonial or needing to be decolonized but are willing to share with others, including their former colonizers.
Provincial Industrial Policy and Corporate Emissions: Evidence From China
Authors: Lin Nan , Lin Shuping , Zhang Pengdong , Zhang Qihao
Published: January 2025

Industrial policy plays a crucial role in economic development and is gaining increasing attention. While previous literature has demonstrated the positive impact of these policies on economic and industrial growth, their environmental impact remains unclear. Using establishment‐level data, we investigate how Chinese provincial industrial policies affect corporate pollution levels. We find that establishments encouraged by provincial industrial policies exhibit significantly higher sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This effect is mainly driven by: (1) lower risks of environmental penalties, (2) increased use of cost‐effective but polluting energy sources, and (3) reduced investments in environmental technologies. The impact of provincial industrial policies on a firm's emissions is more pronounced under certain conditions: when local governments face substantial economic pressures; when government officials are locally promoted or have a high probability of political promotion; when firms are economically important or state‐owned; when firms lack rigorous external oversight; and when firms operate in environments with higher citizen environmental participation. Our findings suggest that industrial policies aimed at rapid economic growth may conflict with environmental goals, providing insights for policymakers on balancing economic development and environmental protection in emerging economies.
No‐Biopsy Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease in Children Without Anti‐Endomysial IgA Antibody Testing: Combining Anti‐Tissue Transglutaminase IgA and Anti‐Deamidated Gliadin IgG Antibodies
Authors: Pumar Marsus , Choo Sharon , Rosenbaum Jeremy , Alex George , Ho Shaun S. C.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To determine the utility of anti‐tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (tTG‐IgA) and anti‐deaminated gliadin peptide IgG antibodies (DGP‐IgG) in detecting coeliac disease (CD) and whether DGP‐IgG can replace anti‐endomysial IgA antibody in the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition no‐biopsy approach in diagnosing CD.

Methods

Children aged < 19 years who had paired tTG‐IgA and DGP‐IgG performed and had a gastroscopy with biopsies between 1 March 2016 and 31 October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of 1206 patients who fulfilled the study criteria, 298 (24.7%) patients were diagnosed with CD. Fifteen patients with IgA deficiency were excluded from any tTG‐IgA analysis. tTG‐IgA had sensitivity and specificity of 93.5% and 92.0%, respectively, in detecting CD, while DGP‐IgG had sensitivity of 97.0% and specificity of 86.7%. tTG‐IgA ≥ 10x upper limit of normal (ULN) alone had a specificity of 99.3% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.8%. An optimal DGP‐IgG threshold was identified to be 70 U/mL (3.5x ULN) based on > 99% specificity in detecting CD. When tTG‐IgA ≥ 10x ULN was combined with DGP‐IgG ≥ 3.5 ULN, the PPV in diagnosing CD was 98.5%. DGP‐IgG performed well in detecting CD in 126 children aged < 3 years, with all patients with CD having an elevated DGP‐IgG (sensitivity 100%).

Conclusions

Combined tTG‐IgA ≥ 10x ULN and DGP‐IgG ≥ 3.5x ULN provided a high PPV (98.5%) in diagnosing CD. DGP‐IgG testing can potentially replace EMA testing in those children with tTG‐IgA ≥ 10x ULN. Future studies should evaluate DGP‐IgG testing as a sequential test.
Geographically Weighted Regression–Based Modeling on the Basis of Bandwidth and Autoregressive Coefficient Uncertainty Determined Using Akaike Weights
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Qiang , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2025

Geographical modeling has to be based on fundamental characteristics of geographical processes. To simultaneously consider the three fundamental characteristics in one model, the recently developed multi‐scale geographically weighted regression with spatial autoregressive (MGWR‐SAR) model uses SAR, spatially varying coefficients, and covariate‐specific bandwidths to account for spatial autocorrelation, nonstationary regression relationships and multi‐scale effects (i.e., different operational scales of different underlying processes, corresponding to different bandwidths of different coefficients), respectively. On the basis of bandwidth and autoregressive coefficient uncertainty determined using Akaike weights, we propose a method to test differences in operational scale among different MGWR‐SAR coefficients, further identify the constant regression coefficients with the global operational scale, and test the significance of the autoregressive coefficient for model specification. After evaluating the proposed method using numerical experiments, we demonstrate its applicability in empirical analysis. A mixed MGWR‐SAR model specified by our method outperforms the other five baseline models.
Lattices in function fields and applications
Authors: Bagshaw Christian , Kerr Bryce
Published: January 2025

In recent decades, the use of ideas from Minkowski's Geometry of Numbers has gained recognition as a helpful tool in bounding the number of solutions to modular congruences with variables from short intervals. In 1941, Mahler introduced an analogue to the Geometry of Numbers in function fields over finite fields. Here, we build on Mahler's ideas and develop results useful for bounding the sizes of intersections of lattices and convex bodies in , which are more precise than what is known over . These results are then applied to various problems regarding bounding the number of solutions to congruences in , such as the number of points on polynomial curves in low‐dimensional subspaces of finite fields. Our results improve on a number of previous bounds due to Bagshaw, Cilleruelo, Shparlinski and Zumalacárregui. We also present previous techniques developed by various authors for estimating certain energy/point counts in a unified manner.
Uso de catéteres caudales para analgesia postoperatoria en lactantes y neonatos llevados a cirugía abdominal: Una revisión narrativa
Authors: Fajardo Angelica Paola , Rezk Schuler Gabriel Salim , Clavijo Vega Silvia
Published: January 2025

Introducción: El manejo del dolor en menores de un año implica desafíos por la inmadurez fisiológica, limitaciones éticas y dificultades en la medición del dolor. Se emplean escalas como PiPP y FLACC para ello. Aunque la analgesia multimodal, especialmente la regional, es crucial, las dosis se restringen dado el peso y la inmadurez fisiológica.
Métodos: Se efectuó una búsqueda de literatura en inglés y español entre 2013 y 2023, enfocándose en revisiones, metaanálisis y ensayos clínicos sobre analgesia caudal en neonatos e infantes menores.
Resultados: Numerosos estudios respaldan la eficacia y seguridad de la analgesia caudal en menores de un año sometidos a cirugías, destacando beneficios como menor tiempo de extubación, bajos puntajes de dolor y reducción de complicaciones. Aunque se observan tasas de complicaciones, estas no parecen ser una barrera significativa para el uso de bloqueos caudales en esta población.
Discusión:  La analgesia caudal en neonatos e infantes es crucial debido a su inmadurez fisiológica. A pesar de beneficios como extubación temprana y reducción de complicaciones de analgesia intravenosa, la heterogeneidad en estudios y la falta de estándares dificultan las recomendaciones. A pesar de las complicaciones, se destaca la necesidad de entrenamiento especializado en la colocación de catéteres caudales en esta población.
Surveillance and prevention of infection in clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Stewart Adam G. , Fishman Jay A.
Published: January 2025

Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of living organs, tissues, or cells between species, carries the potential to address the global shortage of human organs for patients with end-stage organ failure. Recent advances in genetic engineering have improved prospects for clinical xenotransplantation by reducing immune and inflammatory responses to grafts, controlling coagulation on endothelial surfaces, and modifying viral risks, including the porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV). Management of infectious risks posed by clinical xenotransplantation requires meticulous attention to the biosecure breeding and microbiological surveillance of source animals and recipients and consideration of novel infection control requirements. Infectious risks in xenotransplantation stem from both known human pathogens in immunosuppressed transplant recipients and from porcine organisms for which the clinical manifestations, microbial assays, and therapies are generally limited. Both known and unknown zoonoses may be transmitted from pigs to humans. Some pig-specific pathogens do not infect human cells but have systemic manifestations when active within the xenograft, including porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), which contributes to graft rejection and consumptive coagulopathy. The role of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) in humans remains uncertain despite the absence of documented transmissions and the availability of swine with inactivated genomic PERV. New technologies, such as metagenomic sequencing and multi-omics approaches, will be essential for detection of novel infections and for understanding interactions between the xenograft, the host’s immune system, and potential pathogens. These approaches will allow development of infection control protocols, pathogen surveillance requirements, and tailored antimicrobial therapies to enhance the safety and success of clinical xenotransplantation.
Gut microbe-derived betulinic acid alleviates sepsis-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome in mice
Authors: Tang Xuheng , Zeng Tairan , Deng Wenyan , Zhao Wanning , Liu Yanan , Huang Qiaobing , Deng Yiyu , Xie Weidang , Huang Wei
Published: January 2025

Sepsis-induced acute liver injury (SALI) is a prevalent and life-threatening complication associated with sepsis. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the maintenance of health and the development of diseases. The impact of physical exercise on gut microbiota modulation has been well-documented. However, the potential impact of gut microbiome on exercise training-induced protection against SALI remains uncertain. Here, we discovered exercise training ameliorated SALI and systemic inflammation in septic mice. Notably, gut microbiota pre-depletion abolished the protective effects of exercise training in SALI mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation treatment revealed that exercise training-associated gut microbiota contributed to the beneficial effect of exercise training on SALI. Exercise training modulated the metabolism of
Ligilactobacillus
and enriched betulinic acid (BA) levels in mice. Functionally, BA treatment conferred protection against SALI by inhibiting the hepatic inflammatory response in mice. BA bound and inactivated hnRNPA2B1, thus suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Collectively, this study reveals gut microbiota is involved in the protective effects of exercise training against SALI, and gut microbiota-derived BA inhibits the hepatic inflammatory response via the hnRNPA2B1-NLRP3 axis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for SALI.

IMPORTANCE

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to an infection that leads to multiple organ dysfunction. The occurrence of acute liver injury is frequently observed during the initial stage of sepsis and is directly linked to mortality in the intensive care unit. The preventive effect of physical exercise on SALI is well recognized, yet the underlying mechanism remains poorly elucidated. Exercise training alters the gut microbiome in mice, increasing the abundance of Ligilactobacillus and promoting the generation of BA. Additionally, BA supplementation can suppress the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages by directly binding to hnRNPA2B1, thereby mitigating SALI. These results highlight the beneficial role of gut microbiota-derived BA in inhibiting the hepatic inflammatory response, which represents a crucial stride toward implementing microbiome-based therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of sepsis.
CRISPR editing of candidate host factors that impact influenza A virus infection
Authors: Kyawe Pyae Phyo , Liu Ping , Jiang Zhaozhao , Bradley Evan S. , Cicuto Thomas , Trombly Melanie I. , Silverman Neal , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , McDougall William M. , Wang Jennifer P.
Published: January 2025

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a respiratory pathogen with a segmented negative-sense RNA genome that can cause epidemics and pandemics. The host factors required for the complete IAV infectious cycle have not been fully identified. Here, we examined three host factors for their contributions to IAV infectivity. We performed CRISPR-mediated knockout of cytidine monophosphate N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase (CMAS) as well as CRISPR-mediated overexpression of beta-1,4 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4GALNT2) and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) in the human bronchial epithelial A549 cell line and evaluated the impact on IAV and other RNA viruses. We confirmed that knockout of
CMAS
or overexpression of
B4GALNT2
restricts IAV infection by diminishing binding to the cell surface but has no effect on vesicular stomatitis virus infection. Although ADAR1 overexpression does not significantly inhibit IAV replication, it has a pro-viral effect with coxsackie B virus (CVB) infection. This pro-viral effect is not likely secondary to reduced type I interferon (IFN) production, as the induction of the IFN-stimulated genes
ISG15
and
CXCL10
is negligible in both parent and ADAR1-overexpressing A549 cells following CVB challenge. In contrast,
ISG15
and
CXCL10
production is robust and equal for parent and ADAR1-overexpressing A549 cells challenged with IAV. Taken together, these data provide insights into how host factors can be further explored to understand the dynamics of pro- and anti-viral factors.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A virus (IAV) remains a global threat due to its ability to cause pandemics, making the identification of host factors essential for developing new antiviral strategies. In this study, we utilized CRISPR-based techniques to investigate host factors that impact IAV infectivity. Knockout of CMAS, a key enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis, significantly reduced IAV binding and infection by disrupting sialic acid production on the cell surface. Overexpression of B4GALNT2 had similar effects, conferring resistance to IAV infection through diminished cell-surface binding. Overexpression of ADAR1, known for its role in RNA editing and immune regulation, impacted IAV replication minimally but enhanced coxsackie B virus replication. Such findings reveal the diverse roles of host factors in viral infection, offering insights for targeted therapeutic development against IAV and other pathogens.
CT angiography of the lower abdomen should be considered with vaginal trauma and excessive bleeding, even though there are no pelvic fractures present
Authors: Keuning Martine C , Löwik Claudia , van Tilburg-Huisman Claartje , Rijk Paul
Published: January 2025

A healthy woman in her 20s presented to the emergency department (ED) after she endured a high-energy trauma during a dirt bike race. Physical examination showed no signs of thoracic or abdominal injury. Her pubic bone was painful at palpation, with a large amount of vaginal bleeding and a rupture of the vaginal back wall. Additional imaging with X-rays and extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma showed no fractures or free fluid in the abdomen, and the patient was then taken to the operating room for closure of the rupture. This patient became haemodynamically unstable during the operative procedure because of a transection of a side branch of the left internal iliac artery. Angiography with selective embolisation was performed, after which the bleeding stopped. We present a rare case of a high-pressure arterial bleed in the pelvis due to blunt trauma without osseous injuries. The learning point of this case is that prior to the operative procedure, a CT angiography of the abdomen should have been performed in the ED. Even though traumatic isolated injury to the internal iliac artery is a rare occurrence and the patient was initially haemodynamically stable, the intensity of the trauma and a large amount of vaginal bleeding warranted additional imaging.
NIFTy: near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to prevent postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PoSH) after thyroid surgery—a phase II/III pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol in patients undergoing a total or completion thyroidectomy
Authors: Croft Julie , Ainsworth Gemma , Corrigan Neil , Gordon Katie , Perry Anna , Twiddy Maureen , Strachan Mark , Wadsley Jonathan , Mehanna Hisham , Sharma Neil , Glenister Elizabeth , Stocken Deborah D , Balasubramanian Sabapathy Prakash P
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PoSH) is an iatrogenic condition that occurs as a complication of several different procedures with thyroid surgery being the most common. PoSH has significant short- and long-term morbidities. The volume of thyroid surgery is increasing, and PoSH is therefore likely to increase. Some studies have shown promising results using near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging in reducing the risk of PoSH which has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and costs associated with monitoring and treatment.

Methods and analysis

NIFTy is an unblinded, parallel group, multicentre, seamless phase II/III randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy. The trial incorporates a process evaluation (IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term follow-up framework) 2a) to inform the trial protocol, a phase II (IDEAL 2b) analysis using a surrogate primary outcome of 1 day transient hypocalcaemia to determine early futility and phase III (IDEAL 3) assessment of the primary outcome of PoSH at 6 months after surgery. 454 participants will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to evaluate thyroid surgery with NIRF and indocyanine green against standard thyroid surgery in reducing PoSH at 6 months after surgery, with the phase II analysis occurring once data are available for 200 participants. Analysis in both phases will be using multilevel logistic regression incorporating random effects with respect to surgeon and adjusting for minimisation factors. Phase III secondary outcomes include protracted hypoparathyroidism, hypercalcaemia, complications, length of stay, readmissions and patient reported quality of life using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire and Hypoparathyroid Patient Questionnaire instruments.

Ethics and dissemination

NIFTy is funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme (Grant Ref: 17/11/27) and approved by a Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/WA/0375) and Health Research Authority (HRA). Trial results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publication and through relevant patient groups.

Trial registration number

NCT59074092
.