bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational Teaching in Mental Health Education: A 20‐Year Narrative Review
Authors: Shearer Kelly Duggan , Lister Zephon D.
Published: February 2025

Relational teaching emphasizes the development of the student in the context of the teacher‐student relationship. Given that the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) emphasizes relationships as central to the discipline, relational teaching practices provide an approach for MFT educators to train relationally attuned, socially just clinicians. We conducted a narrative review of published research from 2003 to 2023 on the conceptualization and application of a relational teaching framework in mental health clinical education programs. After screening, a total of 25 articles were identified for analysis. Four themes were identified within the literature: (1) using isomorphism to teach relational skills, (2) addressing power, (3) course application, and (4) obstacles to implementation. The findings of this study suggest that applying a relational framework to MFT education capitalizes on systemic concepts of isomorphism and social justice, conceptualizing the teacher‐student relationship as a means to train students in relational processes that are essential in therapeutic relationships.
Comparison of the effect of Kegel plus abdominal exercises and Kegel only exercises on urinary incontinence severity, quality of life, and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Başgöl Şükran , Koç Emine , Kaydırak Meltem Mecdi
Published: February 2025

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Kegel exercises plus abdominal exercises to Kegel only exercises on urinary incontinence severity, quality of life, and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This prospective, randomized controlled trial adhered to the CONSORT guidelines and included 70 postmenopausal women (35 in each group) diagnosed with SUI who attended an Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic in northern Turkey between May and November 2023. The experimental group performed Kegel and abdominal exercises, while the control group practiced Kegel exercises only. Both groups followed a 12‐week exercise program, with data collected through pre‐ and post‐tests and three face‐to‐face interviews during the intervention period.

Results

After the 12‐week exercise programs, both Kegel only and Kegel plus abdominal exercise combination decreased the severity of incontinence and improved quality of life and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with SUI (p < 0.001). However, in this population, Kegel plus abdominal exercises give better results than Kegel only exercises (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

According to the outcome of this evidence‐based study, it is recommended that exercise programs combining Kegel and abdominal exercises be established for postmenopausal women with SUI within the scope of conservative treatment.
Generics as Expectations: Typicality and Diagnosticity
Authors: Gärdenfors Peter , Osta‐Vélez Matías
Published: February 2025

Generic statements play a crucial role in concept learning, communication and education. Despite many efforts, the semantics of generics remain a controversial issue, as they do not seem to fit our standard theories of meaning. In this article, we attempt to shed light on this problem by focusing on how these sentences function in reasoning. Drawing on a distinction between property and diagnostic generics, we defend three theses: First, property generics are not about facts but express relations between concepts. Second, generics play an important role in everyday reasoning by interacting with our expectations about the world. Third, diagnostic generics emphasise properties that separate the category in the generics from other categories in the same contrast class. We use the theory of conceptual spaces to advance measures of typicality and diagnosticity capable of modelling different aspects of generics and apply them to the modifier effect and the inverse conjunction fallacy. Finally, we discuss the pragmatics of generics.
The visual representation of 3D orientation in macaque areas STPp and VPS
Authors: Wang Rong , Zhao Bin , Chen Aihua
Published: February 2025

In the current study, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying the representation of three‐dimensional (3D) surface orientation within the posterior portion of the superior temporal polysensory area (STPp) and the visual posterior Sylvian area (VPS) in the macaque brain. Both areas are known for their integration of visual and vestibular signals, which are crucial for visual stability and spatial perception. However, it remains unclear how exactly these areas represent the orientation of 3D surfaces. To tackle this question, we used random dot stereograms (RDS) to present 3D planar stimuli defined by slant and tilt, with depth via binocular disparity. Through this method, we examined how STPp and VPS encode this information. Our results suggest that both regions encode the orientation and depth of 3D surfaces, with interactions among these parameters influencing neural responses. Additionally, we investigated how motion cues affect the perception of 3D surface orientation. STPp consistently encoded plane orientation information regardless of motion cue, whereas VPS responses showed less stability. These findings shed light on the distinct processing mechanisms for 3D spatial information in different cortical areas, offering insights into the neural basis of visual stability and spatial perception.

image

Key points

Both STPp and VPS can encode 3D surface orientation.

Slant is encoded independently from tilt and disparity in STPp and VPS areas.

TDD neurons shift their depth preferences based on tilt in STPp and VPS areas.

STPp maintains stable 3D orientation encoding under motion conditions, while VPS shows less stability with changes in tilt and disparity preferences.
Goal‐directed action preparation in humans entails a mixture of corticospinal neural computations
Authors: Wadsley Corey G. , Nguyen Thuan , Horton Chris , Greenhouse Ian
Published: February 2025

The seemingly effortless ability of humans to transition from thinking about actions to initiating them relies on sculpting corticospinal (CS) output from the primary motor cortex. The present study tested whether canonical additive and multiplicative neural computations, well‐described in sensory systems, generalize to the CS pathway during human action preparation. We used non‐invasive brain stimulation to measure CS input–output across varying action preparation contexts during instructed‐delay finger response tasks. Goal‐directed action preparation was marked by increased multiplicative gain of CS projections to task‐relevant muscles and additive suppression of CS projections to non‐selected and task‐irrelevant muscles. Individuals who modulated CS gain to a greater extent were faster to initiate prepared responses. Our findings provide physiological evidence of combined additive suppression and gain modulation in the human motor system. We propose that these computations support action preparation by enhancing the contrast between selected motor representations and surrounding background activity to facilitate response selection and execution.

image

Key points

Neural computations determine what information is transmitted through brain circuits.

We investigated whether the motor system uses computations similar to those observed in sensory systems by non‐invasively stimulating the corticospinal pathway in humans during goal‐directed action preparation.

We discovered physiological evidence indicating that corticospinal projections to behaviourally relevant muscles exhibit non‐linear gain computations, whereas projections to behaviourally irrelevant muscles exhibit linear suppression.

Our findings suggest that certain computational principles generalize to the human motor system and serve to enhance the contrast between relevant and background neural activity.

These results indicate that neural computations during goal‐directed action preparation may support motor control by increasing signal‐to‐noise within the corticospinal pathway.
Assessment of a Liquid Hydrogen Conditioning System for Retrofitting on Kerosene Designed Turbofans
Authors: Rompokos Pavlos , Kyritsis Vasileios , Mourouzidis Christos , Roumeliotis Ioannis
Published: February 2025

As energy transition to alternative fuels for civil aviation is likely to be gradual, hydrogen?s first entry to service may be implemented on existing gas turbine engines. In this paper a novel liquid hydrogen conditioning system for retrofitting on kerosene designed geared turbofans is assessed in terms of performance and engine rematching. The aim of the analysis is to identify emerging requirements for the design of the fuel and thermal management system within the constraints of a certified engine design. The conditioning system proposed, an LH2 preheater, enables the control of the gaseous hydrogen temperature at combustor entry and consists of a secondary combustor and a heat exchanger. The examined configuration considers various bleed source locations within the engine to supply the preheater system.

For performing the analysis, a kerosene fuelled engine has been designed and suitable integrated models capable to simulate the retrofitted hydrogen fuelled engine as well as the LH2 preheater operation have been developed. The system performance has been analysed for the different bleed source locations identifying operating limits and performance changes. From all the examined bleed source positions, utilizing the by- pass duct minimizes the impact on component rematching and engine efficiency. Additionally, through a gas path geometry multi-parametric analysis, it was found that by readjusting the capacity of the high-pressure turbine and the core nozzle area the certified limits can be met for the retrofitted engine.
Characterization of Crankcase Ventilation Gas on Stationary Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Quintero Arturo , Zdanowicz Andrew , Windom Bret , Olsen Daniel B.
Published: February 2025

Natural gas stands out as a prominent alternative fuel, boasting a well-established infrastructure for extraction and transport, substantial cost advantages, and potential for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Its primary component, methane (CH4), offers lower CO2 emissions per unit of energy due to its high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio. However, it's crucial to note that CH4 is a potent greenhouse gas, with a heat-trapping capacity approximately 28 times greater than CO2, subject to strict regulation by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This research presents a preliminary investigation into crankcase vent emissions, comprehensively characterizing field-engine, and lab-engine crankcase gas properties, including composition, flow rates, temperatures, pressures, and oil concentration/distribution. This study focuses on evaluating three engine types: Caterpillar G3516 ULB (four-stroke lean-burn), Caterpillar CG137-8 (four-stroke stoichiometric), and GMV-4TF (two-stroke lean-burn). A custom crankcase sampling probe, equipped with multiple instrumentation facilitated this study.

Findings highlight the significance of crankcase gas ventilation in contributing to CH4 emissions for four-stroke engines, ranging from 17% to 69% of total engine CH4 emissions. Additionally, entrained oil concentration ranged from 213.2 to 288.8 mg/m3-std, with oil particle sizes from 0.010µm to 10µm for four-stroke engines. Ongoing research aims to utilize these insights to develop an optimized closed recirculation system with efficient oil removal, preventing air-system fouling while effectively curtailing unnecessary CH4 emissions.
Detailed Investigation of Diesel-gas Dual Fuel Combustion Phenomena by Means of Combustion Chamber Endoscopy and 3D-CFD Simulation
Authors: Redtenbacher Christoph , Kiesling Constantin , Malin Maximilian , Nickl Andreas , Eder Lucas , Lackner Marcel , Wimmer Andreas
Published: February 2025

The original paper's abstract is too long to be inserted here. It can be found in the uploaded PDF file.
Sonar micro-Doppler effect induced by ship oscillatory motion in waves: Phenomenon, model, and experimentation
Authors: Wang Minhao , Zheng Cuie , Sun Dajun , Xu Jian
Published: February 2025

Traditional research attributes the modulated sidebands of ship radiation line-spectrum signals to reflections off rough ocean surfaces, but the Doppler effect caused by vessel motion may also contribute. This study establishes a micro-Doppler signal model based on wave-induced ship swaying, explaining that this phenomenon arises from the ship oscillatory motion in waves. The sea trial results demonstrate that the peak wave frequency, the frequency of ship micro-motions, and the micro-Doppler characteristic frequency recorded by the beacon exhibit a sudden frequency shift occurring synchronously from 0.075 to 0.115 Hz, thereby verifying the validity of the proposed model.
Frequency band analysis and comparison of localisation techniques for drones using microphone array measurements
Authors: Altena Anique , Snellen Mirjam , Luesutthiviboon Salil , de Croon Guido , Voskuijl Mark
Published: February 2025

This study covers three aspects of acoustic localisation of drones using a microphone array. First, it assesses a grid-free approach, using differential evolution, to estimate the three-dimensional position of a drone. It is found that this is indeed possible for the drone in the near-field. For larger distances, it still provides the angular position of the drone. Second, the study emphasizes the essence of localisation over small frequency bands with the bands jointly spanning a large frequency range to reveal the presence of multiple sound sources and maximise the drone localisation range. Third, it addresses the localisation ranges for six different drones.
Liquid channel tunable lens for phased-based ultrasonic beamforming
Authors: Rostami Sina , Mobley Joel
Published: February 2025

This work reports on the design and characterization of a tunable lens with a planar aperture that employs liquid channels to perform phase-based beamforming. The desired phase patterns are produced using specific speed-of-sound profiles and can be flexibly configured for a range of frequencies and beam types without changes to its shape or structure. Measurements of the fields show that the lens performs comparably to stepped designs, such as the fraxicon, for a range of focal configurations. The planar geometry and reconfigurable phasing provide for a range of possible applications from nearfield trapping to imaging and therapeutics.
Diversity and abundance of filamentous and non-filamentous “
Leptothrix”
in global wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Seguel Suazo Karina , Nierychlo Marta , Kondrotaite Zivile , Petriglieri Francesca , Peces Miriam , Singleton Caitlin , Dries Jan , Nielsen Per H.
Published: February 2025

Species belonging to the genus
Leptothrix
are widely distributed in the environment and in activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). They are commonly found in iron-rich environments and reported to cause filamentous bulking in WWTPs. In this study, the diversity, distribution, and metabolic potential of the most prevalent
Leptothrix
spp. found in AS worldwide were studied. Our 16S rRNA amplicon survey showed that
Leptothrix
belongs to the general core community of AS worldwide, comprising 32 species with four species being most commonly found. Their taxonomic classification was re-evaluated based on both 16S rRNA gene and genome-based phylogenetic analysis showing that three of the most abundant “
Leptothrix”
species represented species in three other genera,
Rubrivivax
,
Ideonella
, and the novel genus,
Ca
. Intricatilinea. New fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (FISH) probes revealed rod-shaped morphology for the novel
Ca
. Rubrivivax defluviihabitans and
Ca
. Ideonella esbjergensis
,
while filamentous morphology was found only for
Ca
. Intricatilinea gracilis. Analysis of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes revealed metabolic potential for aerobic growth, fermentation, storage of intracellular polymers, partial denitrification, photosynthesis, and iron reduction. FISH in combination with Raman microspectroscopy confirmed the
in situ
presence of chlorophyll and carotenoids in
Ca
. Rubrivivax defluviihabitans and
Ca
. Intricatilinea gracilis. This study resolves the taxonomy of abundant but poorly classified “
Leptothrix”
species, providing important insights into their diversity, morphology, and function in global AS wastewater treatment systems.

IMPORTANCE

The genus
Leptothrix
has been extensively studied and described since the 1880s, with six species currently described but with the majority uncultured and undescribed. Some species are assumed to have a filamentous morphology and can cause settling problems in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Here, we revised the classification of the most abundant
Leptothrix
spp. present in WWTPs across the world, showing that most belong to other genera, such as
Rubrivivax
and
Ideonella
. Furthermore, most do not have a filamentous morphology and are not problematic in WWTPs as previously believed. Metabolic reconstruction, including some traits validated
in situ
by the application of new fluorescence
in situ
hybridization probes and Raman microspectroscopy, provided additional insights into their metabolism. The study has contributed to a better understanding of the diversity, morphology, and function of “
Leptothrix
,” which belong to the abundant core community across global activated sludge WWTPs.
Quorum sensing and DNA methylation play active roles in clinical
Burkholderia
phase variation
Authors: Coulon Pauline M. L. , Groleau Marie-Christine , Hachani Abderrahman , Padula Matthew P. , Stinear Timothy P. , Déziel Eric
Published: February 2025

Phenotypic diversity in bacteria often results from adaptation to changing environmental conditions, exemplified by variable colony morphotypes. In
Burkholderia pseudomallei
, discrete genomic alterations and modulation of gene expression facilitate adaptation. Adapted variants of species within the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) often lose the pC3 virulence megaplasmid, impacting their colony morphology and their production of virulence factors. In this study, we characterize variants arising in
Burkholderia ambifaria
clinical isolates using proteomics and phenotypic tests and show that some of them have retained the pC3, indicating a distinct phase variation mechanism at play in this Bcc species. Interestingly, variants of
B. ambifaria
strains CEP0996 (pC3-null) and HSJ1 (pC3-positive) still share similarities in phenotypes controlled by the Cep quorum-sensing (QS) system. We further investigated the role of QS in
B. ambifaria
HSJ1 phase variation and confirmed that the Cep QS system is important for the emergence of variants. Given that DNA methylation is a key epigenetic factor regulating virulence factors in
Burkholderia cenocepacia
, we hypothesized that adenosine DNA methylation also governs phase variation in
B. ambifaria
HSJ1. By deleting the genes encoding putative adenosine DNA methyltransferases, we discovered that an orphan type II DNA methyltransferase inhibits the emergence of phase variants. This study is the first to demonstrate that quorum sensing and adenosine DNA methylation are two antagonistic systems independently controlling phase variation in
B. ambifaria
.

IMPORTANCE

Some
Burkholderia
species are pathogenic to plants, animals, or humans. In immunocompromised individuals, and people suffering from cystic fibrosis, infection from the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) can lead to “
cepacia
syndrome.” In northern Australia and southeast Asia, melioidosis caused by
Burkholderia pseudomallei
is prevalent among native population, particularly among people with diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease or alcoholism.
Burkholderia
’s phenotypic plasticity, including colony morphotype variation (CMV), enables rapid adaptation to diverse environments, enhancing its survival and pathogenicity. This study reveals phase variation as a new CMV mechanism within the Bcc group and is the first to report that quorum sensing and DNA methylation are involved in phase variation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of CMV could lead to the development of targeted therapies against these highly antibiotic-tolerant bacteria.
Development of a nanobody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the sensitive detection of antibodies against porcine deltacoronavirus
Authors: Yu Ruiming , Zhang Liping , Bai Yingjie , Zhou Peng , Yang Jun , Wang Dongsheng , Wei Liyang , Zhang Zhongwang , Yan Chenghua , Wang Yonglu , Guo Huichen , Pan Li , Yuan Ligang , Liu Xinsheng
Published: February 2025

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging porcine enteric coronavirus causing significant economic losses to the pig farming industry globally. In this study, we expressed the S protein of a highly virulent PDCoV strain in the CHO eukaryotic expression system. After immunizing alpaca with the PDCoV S protein and employing the phage display library technique, a high-affinity and specific nanobody Nb3 against PDCoV S protein was successfully established by three rounds of biopanning and a phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, a competitive ELISA (cELISA) was developed based on Nb3 to rapidly and efficiently detect PDCoV antibody levels. The cELISA displayed no cross-reaction with positive sera of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine rotavirus (PoRV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), or porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), thereby showing good specificity. The cELISA successfully detected positive sera diluted 1:127 (percentage inhibition ≥ 50.02%), indicating high sensitivity. Both the intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation were less than 10%, indicating good repeatability. The cELISA had a total coincidence rate of 98.33% with the indirect immunofluorescence assay and a significant positive correlation with the virus neutralization test (
r
= 0.861,
P
< 0.001), suggesting that the cELISA can be used to measure the neutralizing antibody titers in serum samples. In conclusion, our nanobody-based cELISA showed good performance indicators and can be used to monitor and evaluate antibody levels following clinical infection of PDCoV or vaccine immunization.

IMPORTANCE

This study screened out a high-affinity and specific nanobody Nb3 against porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) S protein and established a nanobody-based competitive ELISA (cELISA) for PDCoV antibody detection. This cELISA is a simple, rapid, and specific method that can effectively measure the neutralizing antibody titers in serum samples.
Challenges for activating undergraduate research: a summary from the 2021 American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators
Authors: Orton Ginger , Barnes Matthew A. , Syed Shifath Bin , Reid Joshua W. , Smith Allie C.
Published: February 2025

Based on a growing understanding of the many benefits of undergraduate research, advocacy for undergraduate research experiences has increased, with an emphasis on implementing course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). To understand existing efforts to promote undergraduate research as well as challenges to implementation on higher education campuses, we hosted a session about undergraduate research at the 2021 American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators. Session participants were surveyed about their experiences with undergraduate research on their home campuses, and we then conducted additional research on the undergraduate research offerings at the participants’ home institutions. Survey responses and the discussion group identified many challenges to impactful undergraduate research facilitation. Several overarching themes emerged across survey responses and breakout room discourse, including funding, mentor recruitment, early skill development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and identifying and connecting with students. In this perspective, we elaborate on this discourse to inspire and assist those seeking to foster undergraduate research in the field of microbiology and beyond.
Deglycosylation and truncation in the neuraminidase stalk are functionally equivalent in enhancing the pathogenicity of a high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in chickens
Authors: Kobayashi Daiki , Hiono Takahiro , Arakawa Hiromu , Kaji Hiroyuki , Ohkawara Ayako , Ichikawa Takaya , Ban Hinako , Isoda Norikazu , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: February 2025

Influenza A viruses with fewer amino acids in the neuraminidase (NA) stalk domain are primarily isolated from chickens rather than wild ducks, indicating that a shortened NA stalk is considered an adaptation marker of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) to chickens. Experimental passages of an H7N7 nonpathogenic AIV (rgVac2-P0) in chickens resulted in a highly pathogenic variant (Vac2-P3L4) with a 34-amino-acid deletion in the NA stalk, encompassing five potential
N
-glycosylation sites. To investigate how amino acid truncation and deglycosylation in the NA stalk contribute to increased pathogenicity, a virus with glycosylation-deficient mutations at these sites (rgVac2-P3L4/P0NAΔGlyco) was constructed. Contrary to expectations, chickens inoculated with rgVac2-P3L4/P0NAΔGlyco exhibited variable clinical outcomes, attributed to the genetic instability of the virus. A single mutation stabilized the virus, and the mutant (rgVac2-P3L4/P0NAΔGlyco-Y65H) resulted in higher pathogenicity compared with a virus with restored glycosylation (rgVac2-P3L4/P0NA-Y65H). Glycan occupancy analysis revealed 3–4 glycans at the five potential sites. In functional analysis, glycosylation-deficient mutants, similar to the short-stalk NA virus, showed significantly reduced erythrocyte elution activity. Additionally, mutational analysis indicated variable contributions of
N
-glycans to elution activity across the sites. Moreover, the functionally most contributing sites of the five potential
N
-glycosylation motifs were consistently included in the amino acid deletions of the stalk-truncated NA in N7-subtyped field isolates, despite the varying truncation position or length. These findings suggest that the loss of glycosylation is functionally equivalent to a reduction in amino acids, and it plays a crucial role in enhancing pathogenicity in chickens and affecting NA function.

IMPORTANCE

Avian influenza poses significant economic challenges to the poultry industry and presents potential risks to human health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that facilitate the emergence of chicken-adapted avian influenza viruses (AIVs) from non-pathogenic duck-origin influenza viruses is crucial for improving AIV monitoring systems in poultry and controlling this disease. Amino acid deletions in the neuraminidase (NA) stalk domain serve as one of the molecular markers for AIV adaptation to Galliformes. This study highlights the critical role of
N
-glycosylation in the NA stalk domain in the pathogenesis of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in chickens. The findings propose a novel theory that the loss of glycosylation at the NA stalk domain, rather than a reduction in stalk length, is responsible for both NA function and increased virus pathogenicity in chickens.
Characterization and therapeutic potential of newly isolated bacteriophages against
Staphylococcus
species in bovine mastitis
Authors: Cho Jae-hyun , Lee Gyu Min , Ko Seyoung , Kim Youngju , Kim Donghyuk
Published: February 2025

Bovine mastitis, primarily caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
, significantly affects the dairy industry by reducing milk production and quality. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has prompted the need for alternative treatments. The three newly isolated bacteriophages, OPT-SA02, OPT-SC01, and OPT-SX11, were isolated from chicken fecal and sewage samples in South Korea. These bacteriophages were characterized via physiological and genomic analyses, identifying their therapeutic potential against
S. aureus
-induced mastitis. The bacteriophages were identified as members of the
Herelleviridae
family, exhibiting stability across broad pH (2–12) and temperature (37–70°C) ranges, as well as strong antibacterial activity at low multiplicity of infection (MOI) levels. Genomic analysis revealed that the conservation of lysis-related genes (holin and endolysin) is responsible for their lytic capabilities. Additionally, protein structural predictions revealed multi-domain structures in their endolysins, enhancing their lytic potential. These findings suggest that OPT-SA02, OPT-SC01, and OPT-SX11 show significant promise as alternative treatments for bovine mastitis.

IMPORTANCE

Bovine mastitis, caused by pathogens such as
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus xylosus
, remains a major challenge in dairy farming, leading to significant economic losses and reduced milk quality. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains further complicates treatment, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies. This study identifies three newly isolated bacteriophages with effective antibacterial activity against these pathogens and provides comprehensive genomic and structural insights into their mechanisms. Genomic characterization revealed conserved lytic cassettes and genetic diversity within related bacteriophages, offering a deeper understanding of their evolutionary relationships and potential applications. Furthermore, protein structure analysis of the endolysin derived from these bacteriophages identified multi-domain architectures with preserved catalytic cores, underscoring their lytic efficacy against bacterial cell walls. These findings advance the understanding of the genetic and structural mechanisms of bacteriophage-mediated lysis and highlight their potential as sustainable tools for managing bovine mastitis and improving milk quality in dairy farming.
The genetic variation of mitochondrial sequences and pathological differences of
Echinococcus multilocularis
strains from different continents
Authors: Guo Baoping , Guo Gang , Qi Wenjing , Aizezi Malike , Wu Chuanchuan , Tian Mengxiao , Casulli Adriano , Zhang Wenbao , Li Jun
Published: February 2025

Alveolar echinococcosis is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by the fox tapeworm
Echinococcus multilocularis
. The parasite is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and exhibits low genetic diversity among populations. To compare the differences among four
E. multilocularis
strains from different geographical locations, namely, Alaska (EM-AK), Japan (EM-JP), Xinjiang (EM-XJ), and Ningxia (EM-NX), their complete mitochondrial (mt) sequences were compared, and their induced pathological lesions were analyzed in mouse models. The complete mt sequence of EM-AK resulted in 0.84%–0.86% variation as compared with the other strains, which had a lower variation. Phylogenetic analysis and parsimony network indicated that EM-AK resulted in 30,000 years of evolutionary distance from the other three strains. EM-AK induced more pathological damage than the other three strains, which was likely to induce more host cell infiltration and acute granuloma in the liver. More importantly, EM-AK produced more protoscoleces than the other three strains, which may impact the transmission dynamics of the parasite. Given the geographical location of four strains, which is far from each other, and also the pathological differences, the strains of
E. multilocularis
are likely models for addressing the relationship and interfacial immune response between the host and the helminth.

IMPORTANCE

Echinococcus multilocularis
is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, which is considered the most serious parasitic disease in the Northern Hemisphere. There are many genotypes, but the pathogenic and mitochondria sequence and differences are still unclear. Therefore, this study showed both pathological and genetic differences between the four strains of
E. multilocularis
. EM-AK induced more severe immune responses and especially induced more host cell infiltration, which resulted in more severe granuloma in the liver. EM-JP has metacestode lesions morphologically closer to those of
E. granulosus
with clear cyst fluid. However, this strain produced much fewer protoscoleces (PSCs). Genetically, EM-AK is more distant from other strains.
Antibiotic use among young, hospitalized children in Jordan, 2010–2023
Authors: Hayek Haya , Amarin Justin Z. , Hamdan Olla , Qwaider Yasmeen Z. , Khraise Tala , Banerjee Ritu , Spieker Andrew J. , Chappell James D. , Khuri-Bulos Najwa , Katz Sophie E. , Howard Leigh M. , Halasa Natasha B. ,   for the Jordan Viral Surveillance Studies Group
Published: February 2025

Inappropriate antibiotic use drives antimicrobial resistance, a global health threat causing increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding antibiotic practices in low-resource settings is essential to identify intervention targets. This study investigates antibiotic prescription practices in Amman, Jordan. We conducted three prospective viral surveillance studies at the largest public hospital in Amman, Jordan (2010–2013, 2020, and 2023) and included children <2 years old hospitalized with fever or respiratory symptoms. The data collected included antibiotic use and the results of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures performed. We classified antibiotics according to the 2023 WHO AWaRe system. Nasal or throat samples were tested in a research laboratory for respiratory viruses using RT-PCR. The median age of the 4,724 children included was 3.5 months (IQR, 1.6–8.4). A clinical blood, urine, or CSF sample was collected from 2,565/4,712 children (54.4%), 356 (13.9%) of whom tested positive. During hospitalization, 4,375 children (92.6%) received at least one antibiotic, and 4,245 (97.0%) received at least one antibiotic from the
Watch
group. One or more respiratory viruses were detected in 3,911 children (82.8%). Providers ordered cultures most often for children 0–2 months old (
n
= 1,579 [73.5%]) and those with an admission diagnosis of rule-out sepsis (
n
= 1,164 [95.4%]). Antibiotic use and testing practices were consistent across study years, age groups, and admission diagnoses. In conclusion, widespread antibiotic use despite the preponderance of viral infections highlights a significant discrepancy in aligning treatment practices with disease etiology. Strengthening diagnostic and preventive capabilities in low-resource settings is crucial to combat antimicrobial resistance.

IMPORTANCE

In this study of 4,724 children under 2 years old hospitalized in the largest public hospital in Jordan between 2010 and 2023, 92.6% received antibiotics despite 82.8% testing positive for respiratory viruses and only 13.9% of collected cultures suggesting bacterial infection. Despite the predominance of viral infections, the widespread use of antibiotics, particularly from the World Health Organization Watch group, highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship and diagnostic capabilities in Jordan.
Topography and mineralogy of clay deposits signify an epoch of warm and humid climate on early Mars
Authors: Klidaras Athanasios , Navarre Ryan , Horgan Briony , Farrand William H. , Broz Adrian , Goudge Timothy A. , Moore Rhianna
Published: February 2025

Little is known about the surface of Earth for the first billion years of its history, because subaerial deposits of this age are very poorly preserved in the geologic record. Such deposits could answer important questions about the atmosphere, climate, and emergence of life on primordial terrestrial planets. In contrast, the ancient crust of Mars is far better preserved and has undergone minimal deformation. Outcrops of >3.6 Ga clay sequences where aluminous clay minerals overlie iron/magnesium smectite have been interpreted as evidence for warm and habitable surface environments early in Martian history. Two main hypotheses for the origin of these clay sequences have been proposed: subaerial formation through pedogenic leaching, or subaqueous formation via detrital deposition and/or alteration. The topographic properties of these clay deposits could be used to test between these two hypotheses. However, the few previous topographic analyses were restricted to a handful of sites and usually only measured vertical thickness, which fails to account for strike/dip of geologic layers. Here, we report true thicknesses of clay stratigraphies at 46 outcrops globally, extract vertical profiles of clay mineralogy from orbital reflectance spectra at 14 areas, and investigate the relationship with antecedent topography at Mawrth Vallis. We find strong support for the pedogenic leaching model, especially for the upper aluminous portion. The very high total true thickness of these weathering profiles (global mean 59 m), rivaled only by temperate-tropical analogs on Earth, suggests intense aqueous leaching under ∼0.2−8 m.y. of warm and humid conditions or a longer period of oscillating climates. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that early Mars experienced epochs of prolonged habitable surface environments conducive to microbial life.
Supplemental Material: Primary enrichment and epigenetic magmatic-hydrothermal reactivation caused a new type of stratiform Cu-Co deposits in the Jianglang Dome, Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dai Yanpei , Zhu Yudi , et al.
Published: February 2025

Table S1: Cu and Co contents (ppm) of unmineralized hosting rocks and sulfide ores. Table S2: REE data (ppm) for monazite within two-mica quartz schist (sample DZ-1). Table S3: REE data (ppm) for sulfides selected from the Heiniudong and Zhongzui deposits.
Enhancing Efficiency in Railway Freight Logistics Using a Two-Stage Decision Support Technique with q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Bakioglu Gozde
Published: February 2025

Enhancing railway freight logistics efficiency is crucial for strengthening global supply chain performance, yet persistent challenges such as infrastructure limitations, operational inefficiencies, and fragmented intermodal integration hinder optimal performance. Despite its critical role in economic and environmental sustainability, limited research offers comprehensive, universally applicable solutions for addressing these issues. This study bridges this gap by introducing a novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework that integrates inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis (MULTIMOORA) with Q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs) to handle complex and conflicting decision-making scenarios. These methods were selected for their complementary strengths. CRITIC effectively quantifies the importance of criteria by considering their interdependencies, MULTIMOORA offers robust multi-objective optimization capabilities, and q-ROFSs manage the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity of real-world logistics problems. Their integration provides a comprehensive framework capable of addressing both the complexity and uncertainty in railway freight logistics decision-making while offering actionable solutions to policymakers and industry leaders.
The benchmark mode $$\Omega _c \rightarrow \Omega ^-\pi ^+$$ and its related processes
Authors: Zeng Shuge , Xu Fanrong , Gu Yu
Published: February 2025

The benchmark mode

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^- \pi ^+$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

π
+

, which receives purely factorization contribution, is of great importance among all the decay channels of

$$\Omega _c^0$$

Ω
c
0

decays. In this work, within the framework of non-relativistic quark model (NRQM), we calculate all the 6 baryon transition form factors involving

$$\frac{1}{2} ^+\rightarrow \frac{3}{2} ^+$$

1
2

+

→

3
2

+

decays. The absolute branching fractions of non-leptonic decays

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^- \pi ^+$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

π
+

,

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^- \rho ^+$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

ρ
+

and

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Xi ^- \pi ^+$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ξ
-

π
+

as well as semi-leptonic decays

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^- \ell ^+ \nu _{\ell } \; (\ell =e,\mu )$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

ℓ
+

ν
ℓ

(
ℓ
=
e
,
μ
)

are calculated although they cannot be measured directly by current experiment. Based on the prediction

$$\mathcal {B}(\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^-\pi ^+)=(3.43{\pm 0.48})\%$$

B

(

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

π
+

)

=

(
3.43

±
0.48

)

%

in our work, we further predict the ratios between interested modes and the benchmark mode, giving

$$R(\Xi ^-\pi ^+)=0.16\pm {0.06}$$

R
(

Ξ
-

π
+

)
=
0.16
±

0.06

,

$$R(\Omega ^-\rho ^+)=5.33{\pm 0.94}$$

R
(

Ω
-

ρ
+

)
=
5.33

±
0.94

,

$$R(\Omega ^- e^+\nu _e)=1.18{\pm 0.22}$$

R
(

Ω
-

e
+

ν
e

)
=
1.18

±
0.22

and

$$R(\Omega ^- \mu ^+\nu _\mu )=1.11{\pm 0.20}$$

R
(

Ω
-

μ
+

ν
μ

)
=
1.11

±
0.20

. The predictions on

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Xi ^-\pi ^+$$

Ω
c
0

→

Ξ
-

π
+

and

$$\Omega _c^0\rightarrow \Omega ^- e^+\nu $$

Ω
c
0

→

Ω
-

e
+

ν

agree well with recent measured ratios reported by LHCb in 2023 and ALICE in 2024, respectively.
A Quantitative Approach for Forensic Footwear Quality Assessment using Machine and Deep Learning
Authors: Choudhury Bismita , Lin En-Tni , Speir Jacqueline
Published: February 2025

Forensic footwear impressions play a crucial role in criminal investigations, assisting in possible suspect identification. The quality of an impression collected from a crime scene directly impacts the forensic information that can be garnered from any future comparison, which in turn impacts the performance of matching algorithms, and an examiner’s opinion of source association. However, accurately assessing the quality of footwear impressions remains a challenging task; at present, there is no standard definition or methodology to assess the quality of this domain-specific imagery. In this paper, we propose a quantitative approach to predict impression quality utilizing Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. A publicly available footwear impression dataset was used to crowd-source quality labels using a five-point rating scale. Subsequently, each image was decomposed into a series of features, extracted using traditional image processing techniques, and through transfer learning using a pre-trained VGG16 model. Random Forest (RF) and Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) classifiers were trained on these extracted features to predict quality (
i.e.
, very poor, poor, moderate, good, and excellent) using crowd-sourced opinions as ground truth. Results indicate success ranging from 80% to a 100% depending on the approach used, and when accuracy is defined by no more than one quality-level difference between prediction and ground truth (
e.g.,
good versus excellent, or very poor versus poor). The highest accuracy was associated with transfer learning, and the results lay the foundation for a reference-free and standardized quality assessment model for forensic footwear applications.
Reflections on the Introduction of Surfactant Therapy for Neonates with Respiratory Distress
Authors: Possmayer Fred , Veldhuizen Ruud AW , Jobe Alan H
Published: February 2025

When pulmonary surfactant was first detected in the 1950s by Pattle and Clements, many thousands of infants perished each year due to a respiratory illness termed Hyaline Membrane Disease. Hyaline membranes are formed by plasma leaking through damaged endothelial barriers into the terminal bronchiolar: alveolar spaces. Since the leaking plasma lacks erythrocytes, these clots are opaque. Insightful research by Avery and Mead soon led to the suggestion that the neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) did not arise because of the presence of hyaline membranes, but rather was related to the lack of sufficient pulmonary surfactant, mainly as a result of immaturity. Unfortunately, initial attempts at treating RDS with aerosolized dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine, the major single molecular component, proved unsuccessful. Almost 20 years later it was demonstrated by Enhorning and Robertson that treating prematurely delivered rabbit pups with natural surfactant prevents respiratory failure. Initially, it appeared unlikely that animal surfactants could be used for therapy with human infants. However, in 1980, Fujiwara demonstrated that a modified bovine surfactant promoted gaseous exchange with infants suffering from RDS. Soon a number of bovine and porcine modified surfactants and two wholly synthetic formulations were shown to alleviate RDS. The present review relates some of the key scientific findings and significant clinical contributions responsible for reducing the neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with RDS. It further describes some of the more recent findings on the biological, biophysical and physiological significance of pulmonary surfactant in health and disease.
Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time with Aortic Stiffness and Autonomic Function in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Nuckols Virginia R. , Davis Kristen G. , Pierce Gary L. , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Whitaker Kara M.
Published: February 2025

Rapid cardiovascular and autonomic adaptations occur during early pregnancy to accommodate augmented cardiac output and placental circulation, with inadequate adaptation associated with hypertensive pregnancy complications. Habitual physical activity (PA) and limiting time in sedentary behaviors (SED) may improve pregnancy-related vascular and autonomic function. The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude of the predicted associations between device-measured PA and SED with cardiovascular and autonomic biomarkers including aortic stiffness, blood pressure variability (BPV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women (N=92, 21-44 years of age) free from cardiovascular disease were assessed between 100-126 weeks gestation. Participants wore a thigh-mounted activPAL device for seven days to assess PA (light intensity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity) and SED. Aortic stiffness was measured by non-invasive applanation tonometry and expressed as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Beat-to-beat blood pressure and R-R interval were synchronously recorded for 10 minutes via finger plethysmography and ECG to derive beat-to-beat BPV and spontaneous cardiovagal BRS (sequence method). In the entire group, neither PA or SED were related to cfPWV, BPV or BRS and this finding was similar in nulliparous and parous pregnant women. In stratified analyses, the association between moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA and cfPWV differed by gestational age, such that this inverse association was only present in the 12th week of gestation (β = -0.365, P=0.015). The present study indicates that PA and SED are not associated with aortic stiffness or autonomic function in the first trimester.