bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersal, habitat filtering, and eco-evolutionary dynamics as drivers of local and global wetland viral biogeography
Authors: ter Horst Anneliek M. , Fudyma Jane D. , Sones Jacqueline L. , Emerson Joanne B.
Published: May 2023

Wetlands store 20-30% of the world’s soil carbon, and identifying the microbial controls on these carbon reserves is essential to predicting feedbacks to climate change. Although viral infections likely play important roles in wetland ecosystem dynamics, we lack a basic understanding of wetland viral ecology. Here 63 viral size-fraction metagenomes (viromes) and paired total metagenomes were generated from three time points in 2021 at seven fresh- and saltwater wetlands in the California Bodega Marine Reserve. We recovered 12,826 viral population genomic sequences (vOTUs), 4.4% of which were also detected at the same field site two years prior, indicating a small degree of population stability or recurrence. Viral communities differed most significantly across the seven wetland sites and were also structured by habitat (plant community composition and salinity). Read mapping to a new version of our reference database, PIGEONv2.0 (now with 515,763 vOTUs), revealed 196 vOTUs present over large geographic distances, often reflecting shared habitat characteristics. Wetland vOTU microdiversity was significantly lower locally than globally and lower within than between time points, indicating greater divergence with increasing spatiotemporal distance. Viruses tended to have broad predicted host ranges via CRISPR spacer linkages to metagenome-assembled genomes (whether this reflects true biology remains to be seen), and increased SNP frequencies in CRISPR-targeted major tail protein genes suggest viral eco-evolutionary dynamics, potentially in response to both immune targeting and to changes in host cell receptors involved in viral attachment. Together, these results highlight the importance of dispersal, environmental selection, and eco-evolutionary dynamics as drivers of local and global wetland viral biogeography.
An End-to-end Pipeline for Succinic Acid Production at an Industrially Relevant Scale usingIssatchenkia orientalis
Authors: Tran Vinh G. , Mishra Somesh , Bhagwat Sarang S. , Shafaei Saman , Shen Yihui , Allen Jayne L. , Crosly Benjamin A. , Tan Shih-I , Fatma Zia , Rabinowitz Joshua , Guest Jeremy S. , Singh Vijay , Zhao Huimin
Published: May 2023

As one of the top value-added chemicals, succinic acid has been the focus of numerous metabolic engineering campaigns since the 1990s. However, microbial production of succinic acid at an industrially relevant scale has been hindered by high downstream processing costs arising from neutral pH fermentation. Here we describe the metabolic engineering ofIssatchenkia orientalis, a non-conventional yeast with superior tolerance to highly acidic conditions, for cost-effective succinic acid production. Through deletion of byproduct pathways, transport engineering, and expanding the substrate scope, the resulting strains could produce succinic acid at the highest titers in sugar-based media at low pH (pH 3) in fed-batch fermentations using bench-top reactors, i.e. 109.5 g/L in minimal medium and 104.6 g/L in sugarcane juice medium. We further performed batch fermentation in a pilot-scale fermenter with a scaling factor of 300×, achieving 63.1 g/L of succinic acid using sugarcane juice medium. A downstream processing comprising of two-stage vacuum distillation and crystallization enabled direct recovery of succinic acid, without further acidification of fermentation broth, with an overall yield of 64.0%. Finally, we simulated an end-to-end low-pH succinic acid production pipeline, and techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment indicate our process is financially viable and can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 34-90% relative to fossil-based production processes. We expectI. orientaliscan serve as a general industrial platform for the production of a wide variety of organic acids.
Chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury promotes Galectin-9-driven modulation of T cell function
Authors: Jansen Suze A. , Cutilli Alessandro , de Koning Coco , van Hoesel Marliek , Sierra Leire Saiz , Nierkens Stefan , Mokry Michal , Nieuwenhuis Edward E.S. , Hanash Alan M. , Mocholi Enric , Coffer Paul J. , Lindemans Caroline A.
Published: May 2023

The intestine is vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its high epithelial proliferative rate, making gut toxicity an off-target effect in several cancer treatments, including conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In allo-HCT, intestinal damage is an important factor in the development of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD), an immune complication in which donor immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues. Here, we developed a novel human intestinal organoid-based 3D model system to study the direct effect of chemotherapy-induced intestinal epithelial damage on T cell behavior. Chemotherapy treatment using busulfan, fludarabine, and clofarabine led to damage responses in organoids resulting in increased T cell migration, activation, and proliferation in ex-vivoco-culture assays. We identified galectin-9 (Gal-9), a beta-galactoside-binding lectin released by damaged organoids, as a key molecule mediating T cell responses to damage. Increased levels of Gal-9 were also found in the plasma of allo-HCT patients who later developed acute GVHD, supporting the predictive value of the model system in the clinical setting. This study highlights the potential contribution of chemotherapy-induced epithelial damage to the pathogenesis of intestinal GVHD through direct effects on T cell activation and trafficking promoted by galectin-9.
A human omentum-specific mesothelial-like stromal population inhibits adipogenesis through IGFBP2 secretion
Authors: Ferrero Radiana , Rainer Pernille Yde , Russeil Julie , Zachara Magda , Pezoldt Joern , van Mierlo Guido , Gardeux Vincent , Saelens Wouter , Alpern Daniel , Favre Lucie , Mantziari Styliani , Zingg Tobias , Pitteloud Nelly , Suter Michel , Matter Maurice , Canto Carles , Deplancke Bart
Published: May 2023

Adipose tissue plasticity is orchestrated by molecularly and functionally diverse cells within the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). While several mouse and human adipose SVF cellular subpopulations have now been identified, we still lack an understanding of the cellular and functional variability of adipose stem and progenitor cell (ASPC) populations across human fat depots. To address this, we performed single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analyses of >30 Lin–SVF samples across four human adipose depots, revealing two ubiquitous hASPC subpopulations with distinct proliferative and adipogenic properties but also depot- and BMI-dependent proportions. Furthermore, we identified an omental-specific, highIGFBP2-expressing stromal population that transitions between mesothelial and mesenchymal cell states and inhibits hASPC adipogenesis through IGFBP2 secretion. Our analyses highlight the molecular and cellular uniqueness of different adipose niches while our discovery of an anti-adipogenic IGFBP2+ omental-specific population provides a new rationale for the biomedically relevant, limited adipogenic capacity of omental hASPCs.
Play the game, live the story: pushing narrative boundaries with young adult videogames
Authors: Theodoulou Jack , Curwood Jen Scott
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Videogames are complex, meaningful and multimodal texts. This study aims to explore how students could learn about narratives from, and be engaged by, playing a videogame and how a teacher adapted their pedagogy to incorporate the young adult videogame (YA game)What Remains of Edith Finchinto an English Language Arts curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study examined the experiences of a classroom teacher and students in a Year 10 English class in Australia. Thematic analysis included a wide range of data, including interviews, surveys, observations and artefacts.

Findings

First, students demonstrated a strong understanding of the game as a narrative text, including essential components of narrative such as plot, characterisation, themes, settings and literary techniques. Second, students experienced a consistently high level of engagement and embodiment throughout the study as a consequence of the interactive, collaborative and multimodal nature of YA games. Third, the teacher discovered that he was able to achieve key curriculum outcomes with the videogame through re-imagining pedagogy.

Originality/value

A playful approach allows teachers and students to be curious about the diverse narrative pathways possible within YA games and offers new opportunities to experience embodiment within and through digital texts.
The value relevance of accounting information: empirical evidence from Jordan
Authors: Abdelrahim Ahmad Khader Osama , Shareif Hussein Shanak Hosni
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This empirical study’s primary goal is to examine the connection between accounting information and share price for financial companies listed on Jordan’s expanding Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2014 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The correlation between accounting data and share price was investigated using multiple regression analysis. In this vein, “pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effect and random effect” static panel data estimators were used. The OLS model was chosen as the best model after a series of diagnostic tests.

Findings

The multiple proxies of accounting information value relevance have a positive and considerable impact on the market value per share, according to panel data research. Comparatively, the authors find proof that among the other accounting data – earnings, dividends and cash flow from operations – book value is statistically the most value-relevant.

Research limitations/implications

This empirical investigation was only conducted in Jordan. Because it is very likely to obtain different results in other nations, the findings cannot be applied to other business environments.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper may highlight the amazing relationship between accounting information and share price for policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders in developing nations, notably in Jordan. This could pave the way for effective accounting disclosures.

Originality/value

Seldom does empirical research on the relationship between accounting data and share prices from publicly traded companies on ASE exist. So, by demonstrating empirical findings from Jordanian companies, this study fills the gap in the existing literature and knowledge.
Legality of export restrictions imposed during COVID-19 in international economic law
Authors: Gadkari Ahan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine options under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) for exempting or justifying export restrictions or prohibitions that are in principle prohibited under Article XI:1 GATT. The paper begins by examining the exception under Article XI:2 (a) GATT, before going on to the arguments under GATT Article XX (b) and (j). In addition, the analysis considers the national security exception in Article XXI (b) (iii) GATT, given that WTO members have increasingly invoked this provision in recent years, as well as during the pandemic, when Namibia implemented COVID-19-related trade restrictions under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade based on national security concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade have been far-reaching. Countries have attempted to place export restrictions on personal protective equipment and COVID-19 vaccines. Even though export restrictions are generally unlawful under the GATT, countries have decided it is necessary at this time. Members have relied heavily on the “national security” and “critical shortage” exceptions outlined in the GATT.

Findings

This paper concludes that, depending on the circumstances of a particular case, a pandemic may constitute an emergency in international relations, as defined in Article XXI (b) (iii) GATT, and that, in such a situation, a WTO member may legitimately take action to protect its vital security interests.

Originality/value

The paper provides an original conclusion based on WTO case law on an issue of contemporary relevance.
Meaning in challenging times: how we might respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Steger Michael F. , Sung Angelina , Dao Truc Anh L. , Tompkins Trudy M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine meaning in life as an important resource during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarized key research establishing links between meaning in life and mental health and well-being variables, reviewed the literature on meaning as a protective factor and meaning-making as a coping mechanism amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as provided focal points in cultivating meaning in life.

Findings

Studies strongly support the notion that meaning in life is essential for health and well-being. Research also suggests that meaning protects against worsening mental health, and that engaging in meaning-making is a coping process that ultimately leads to improved adjustment despite the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight themes are also identified in cultivating skills to build meaning during adverse times.

Practical implications

Integrating what research has found about meaning, resilience and coping can help individuals develop practical strategies to cultivate meaning in their lives to support themselves and their communities during stressful times.

Originality/value

Understanding the ways in which meaning can support individuals’ health and well-being is critical during a global upheaval such as that of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The credit cycle and corporate strategy: challenges and solutions
Authors: Calandro Jr. Joseph , Paharia Vivek
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper offers a practical overview of the U.S. credit cycle and the challenges it poses, along with a perspective on where we seem to be in the cycle in early 2023. Suggestions are then offered for how corporate executives can address cyclical challenges from a corporate strategy perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The United States credit cycle was out into context by following the trend of Moody’s Baa corporate bond yields from January 1919 to November 2022. Under the Moody’s rating system, Baa is the lowest level of investment grade credit, and as such it possesses speculative characteristics that are sensitive to cyclical dynamics. Another reason for choosing Baa credit patterns for analysis is data availability: over 100-years of continuous Baa data is searchable at the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Findings

The prior credit cycle wave of progressively lower inflation and interest rates began in 1982 and ended in 2020. The current credit cycle of wave of progressively higher inflation and interest rates will present strategic risks and opportunities that executives will increasingly have to deal with.

Originality/value

This is the first corporate strategy paper we are aware that practically addresses the credit cycle change. It is also the first paper we are aware that provides practical suggestions on how to address that change from a corporate strategy perspective.
A flexible pressure sensor with interference immunity capability
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Rui , Wang Junyao , Chen Xingyu , Li Yunpeng , Cui Bowen , Lang Tianhong , Zhu Weihua
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Flexible pressure sensor arrays have promising applications in analog haptics, reconfiguration of sensory functions, artificial intelligence, wearable devices and human-computer interaction. The force disturbance generated by the connecting material between the sensor array units will reduce the detection accuracy of the unit. The purpose of this paper is to propose a flexible pressure sensor with interference immunity capability. A C-type bridge flexible piezoelectric structure is used to improve the pressure perturbation. The interference immunity capability of the sensor has been improved.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a C-type pressure sensor array structure by rapid injection moulding is manufactured through the positive piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric material. The feasibility of C-type interference immunity structure in a flexible sensor array is verified by further analysis and experiment. A flexible pressure sensor array with C-type interference immunity structure has been proposed.

Findings

In this paper, we present the results of the perturbation experiment results of the C-type pressure sensor array, showing that the perturbation error is less than 8%. The test of the flexible sensor array show that the sensor can identify the curved angle of up to 120 °, and the output sensitivity of the sensor in the horizontal state reaches 0.12 V/N, and the sensor can withstand the pressure of 80 N. The flexible sensor can work stably in the stretch rate range of 0–8.6% and the stretch length range of 0–6 mm.

Originality/value

In this paper, C-type pressure sensor array structure is fabricated by rapid injection moulding for the first time. The research in this paper can effectively reduce the disturbance of input pressure on the sensor’s internal array and improve the output accuracy. The sensor can intuitively reflect the number of fingers sliding on the sensor by the order in which the maximum voltage appears. Due to the strong interference immunity capability and flexibility of the flexible sensor array mechanism, it has a broad application prospect in the practical fields of haptic simulation, perceptual function reconstruction, artificial intelligence, wearable devices and human–computer interaction.
The writing quality scale (WQS): A new tool to identify writing difficulties in students
Authors: Stuart N. J. , Barnett A. L.
Published: May 2023

Students in higher education (HE) are required to complete a variety of writing tasks for coursework and examinations. However, for some students writing presents a major challenge. In the UK, the availability of tools for specialist assessors to help identify difficulties with the quality of written composition is limited. The aim of this study was to develop a practical new tool, the Writing Quality Scale (WQS) for assessing writing quality in HE, that was both easy to use and did not require specialist or subject knowledge. The reliability and validity of the tool and its ability to identify students in HE who may need support were evaluated by examining scripts from 120 students (60 male) aged 17 to 25 years. The WQS was found to have good inter‐rater reliability and was sensitive enough to pick up age differences and differentiate between groups of students with and without dyslexia. The WQS will be a useful tool for specialist assessors in HE to help in the identification of those with poor writing quality and to understand more about the nature of their difficulties.
Analyzing the impact of polder‐type flood control pattern on river system's regulation and storage capacity under urbanization
Authors: Gao Yuqin , Wu Ming , Liu Yunping , Gao Li , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: May 2023

The rapid development of urbanization has led to changes in the morphology and structure of the river system, exacerbating flooding in the basin and seriously affecting the regulation and storage capacity of the river system. We propose the evaluation indexes of the regulation and storage capacity, establish a hydrological–hydrodynamic model to investigate the effects of the polder‐type flood control pattern on the regulation and storage capacity during urbanization. The results show that the river system's static regulation and storage capacity exhibits a decreasing trend during the urbanization process. The change in static regulation and storage capacity of low‐grade rivers has a more significant impact on the total regulation and static storage capacity. The construction of polders increases the flood pressure of the river system and reduces the dynamic regulation and storage capacity. The smaller the size of the flood, the more pronounced the effect. With the increase in flood‐protected areas, the dynamic regulation and storage capacity gradually decreases, and minor flooding is more sensitive to the number of polders.
Variance effective population size is affected by census size in sub‐structured populations
Authors: Ryman Nils , Laikre Linda , Hössjer Ola
Published: May 2023

Measurement of allele frequency shifts between temporally spaced samples has long been used for assessment of effective population size (Ne), and this ‘temporal method’ provides estimates of Ne referred to as variance effective size (NeV). We show that NeV of a local population that belongs to a sub‐structured population (a metapopulation) is determined not only by genetic drift and migration rate (m), but also by the census size (Nc). The realized NeV of a local population can either increase or decrease with increasing m, depending on the relationship between Ne and Nc in isolation. This is shown by explicit mathematical expressions for the factors affecting NeV derived for an island model of migration. We verify analytical results using high‐resolution computer simulations, and show that the phenomenon is not restricted to the island model migration pattern. The effect of Nc on the realized NeV of a local subpopulation is most pronounced at high migration rates. We show that Nc only affects local NeV, whereas NeV for the metapopulation as a whole, inbreeding (NeI), and linkage disequilibrium (NeLD) effective size are all independent of Nc. Our results provide a possible explanation to the large variation of Ne/Nc ratios reported in the literature, where Ne is frequently estimated by NeV. They are also important for the interpretation of empirical Ne estimates in genetic management where local NeV is often used as a substitute for inbreeding effective size, and we suggest an increased focus on metapopulation NeV as a proxy for NeI.
Blockade of Kv7 channels reverses the inhibitory effects of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP activation on purinergic contractions of the murine detrusor
Authors: Fong Zhihui , Lall Anshika , Mullins Nicolas D. , Santana L. Fernando , Hollywood Mark A. , Thornbury Keith D. , Sergeant Gerard P.
Published: May 2023

Purinergic contractions of the detrusor are reduced by cAMP, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We examined the effects of BK and Kv7 channel modulators on purinergic contractions of the detrusor and tested if the inhibitory effects of activators of the cAMP effectors, PKA and EPAC, were reduced by blockade of BK or Kv7 channels. Purinergic contractions of the murine detrusor were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS) or application of the P2X receptor agonist α,β‐MeATP. EFS responses were inhibited by the L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine, but not by the SERCA inhibitor CPA or the SOCE blocker GSK7975A. The Kv7 channel opener retigabine and BK channel activator compound X inhibited purinergic responses, while blockade of Kv7 or BK channels with XE991 or iberiotoxin, respectively, augmented these responses. Application of the EPAC activator 007‐AM or PKA activator 6‐MB‐cAMP inhibited EFS responses. These effects were unaffected by iberiotoxin; however, XE991 reduced the effects of 007‐AM, but not 6‐MB‐cAMP. Kv7.5 was the only Kv7 transcript detected in isolated detrusor myocytes. These data suggest that purinergic contractions of the detrusor are regulated by BK and Kv7 channels and the latter may also play a role in EPAC‐dependent inhibition of this activity.
Humour, empathic concern and perspective‐taking in children. Cartooning about social inequality
Authors: Pedrazzini Ana , Zinkgräf Constanza , Bugallo Lucía , D'Adamo Paola , Lozada Mariana
Published: May 2023

This research is motivated by two inter‐related arguments. Humour and cartooning in children are useful means to (1) address sensitive socio‐political issues and (2) foster empathic concern and perspective‐taking. Humorous cartoons and multimodal narratives were created by 10–13‐year olds in school workshops about social inequality and social empathy. Students made cartoons related to concrete situations of economic, gender, racial and ethnic inequality. Children showed empathic concern towards the victims depicted, evidenced by representing positive empathy between characters or by denouncing a lack of empathy. This research suggests that composing humorous multimodal narratives can favour immersive experiences, perspective‐taking, empathy and pro‐sociality.
Methamphetamine exposure and depression—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Leung Janni , Mekonen Tesfa , Wang XiaoXuan , Arunogiri Shalini , Degenhardt Louisa , McKetin Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Issues

Methamphetamine use is a public health concern that has been associated with comorbid mental health problems. We aim to better understand the relationship between methamphetamine use and depression by: (i) systematically reviewing and meta‐analysing the risks of depression by methamphetamine use; and (ii) investigating the risk of unmeasured confounding.

Approach

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched to identify human studies reporting on the association between methamphetamine or amphetamine use and depressive outcomes. The data were summarised narratively and meta‐analysed, stratified by cross‐sectional and longitudinal estimates. Unmeasured confounding was assessed by E‐values analyses.

Key Findings

From the 6606 studies that came up from the search, 14 eligible studies were included in the narrative review and had data for meta‐analysis. A significant association was found between any use of methamphetamine and any depression outcomes in cross‐sectional (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34, 2.05]) and longitudinal estimates (OR = 1.18 [95% CI 1.08, 1.28]). People with a methamphetamine use disorder had significantly higher odds of depression than those without (OR = 2.80 [95% CI 1.40, 5.90]). The E‐values ranged from 1.28 to 6.30 for cross‐sectional studies and from 2.37 to 3.21 for longitudinal studies.

Conclusion

Based on limited data, people who used methamphetamine have higher odds of depression than people who do not. There were mostly a low to moderate risk of unmeasured confounding in the longitudinal study results. Future longitudinal studies conducted using causal framework methods are warranted.
Differences in electroencephalography oscillations between normal aging and mild cognitive impairment during semantic memory retrieval
Authors: Chiang Hsueh‐Sheng , Lydon Elizabeth A. , Kraut Michael A. , Hart John , Mudar Raksha A.
Published: May 2023

Semantic memory remains relatively stable with normal cognitive aging and declines in early stages of neurodegenerative disease. We measured electroencephalography (EEG) oscillatory correlates of semantic memory retrieval to examine the effects of normal and pathological aging. Twenty‐nine cognitively healthy young adults (YA), 22 cognitively healthy aging adults (HA) and 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) completed a semantic memory retrieval task with concurrent EEG recording in which they judged whether two words (features of objects) led to retrieval of an object (retrieval) or not (non‐retrieval). Event‐related power changes contrasting the two conditions (retrieval vs. non‐retrieval) within theta, alpha, low‐beta and high‐beta EEG frequency bands were examined for normal aging (YA vs. HA) and pathological aging effects (HA vs. MCI). With no behavioural differences between the two normal age groups, we found later theta and alpha event‐related power differences between conditions only in YA and a high‐beta event‐related power difference only in HA. For pathological aging effects, with reduced accuracy in MCI, we found different EEG patterns of early event‐related beta power differences between conditions in MCI compared with HA and an event‐related low‐beta power difference only in HA. Beta oscillations were correlated with behavioural performance only in HA. We conclude that the aging brain relies on faster (beta) oscillations during the semantic memory task. With pathological aging, retrieval accuracy declines and pattern of beta oscillation changes. The findings provide insights about age‐related neural mechanisms underlying semantic memory and have implications for early detection of pathological aging.
Complex life cycles drive community assembly through immigration and adaptive diversification
Authors: Saltini Marco , Vasconcelos Paula , Rueffler Claus
Published: May 2023

Most animals undergo ontogenetic niche shifts during their life. Yet, standard ecological theory builds on models that ignore this complexity. Here, we study how complex life cycles, where juvenile and adult individuals each feed on different sets of resources, affect community richness. Two different modes of community assembly are considered: gradual adaptive evolution and immigration of new species with randomly selected phenotypes. We find that under gradual evolution complex life cycles can lead to both higher and lower species richness when compared to a model of species with simple life cycles that lack an ontogenetic niche shift. Thus, complex life cycles do not per se increase the scope for gradual adaptive diversification. However, complex life cycles can lead to significantly higher species richness when communities are assembled trough immigration, as immigrants can occupy isolated peaks of the dynamic fitness landscape that are not accessible via gradual evolution.
Cervical precancerous lesion classification using quantum invasive weed optimization with deep learning on biomedical pap smear images
Authors: Mishra Awanish Kumar , Gupta Indresh Kumar , Diwan Tarun Dhar , Srivastava Swati
Published: May 2023

Biomedical imaging devices, in general, have been made and used a lot lately to examine the insides of the body during diagnostic and analytic procedures. Biomedical imaging gives accurate information about metabolites, which can be used to find and classify diseases because it is not invasive. For the study of cervical cancer (CC), the pap smear is a crucial type of biological imaging. CC is a crucial reason to enhance the rate of women's mortalities. Proper screening of pap smear images is critical for assisting in the early detection and analysis of CC. Computer‐aided systems for cancerous cell recognition need well established artificial intelligence (AI) methods. In this study, we introduce an automated Cervical Precancerous Lesion Classification using Quantum Invasive Weed Optimization with Deep Learning (CPLC‐QIWODL) on biomedical pap smear images. The presented CPLC‐QIWODL technique examines the pap smear images for cervical cancer classification. To do so, the presented CPLC‐QIWODL technique pre‐processes the biomedical images using a Gabor filtering (GF) approach. Moreover, the CPLC‐QIWODL technique uses a deep convolutional neural network‐based SqueezeNet system for feature extraction. Furthermore, the hyperparameter tuning of the SqueezeNet methodology takes place using the QIWO technique, showing the novelty of the work. Finally, to classify CC, the deep variational autoencoder (DVAE) model is applied. The experimental result analysis of the CPLC‐QIWODL technique is tested using a benchmark medical image database. Extensive comparative results demonstrated the enhanced outcomes of the CPLC‐QIWODL technique over other existing algorithms, with a maximum accuracy of 99.07%.
Field strength effect on elastoplastic behavior of aluminoborosilicate glass: II. Volumetric recovery
Authors: Fry Aubrey L. , Ogrinc Andrew L. , Kim Seong H. , Mauro John C.
Published: May 2023

The field strength (FS) effect of six different network modifiers on the elastoplastic properties of aluminoborosilicate glasses was explored using a volumetric recovery study. This work, in conjunction with Part I, explored the intersection of hardness, crack resistance, and other physical properties with glass elasticity. Results showed that (1) the elastic volume fraction decreased with FS for both the alkali and alkaline earth (AE) glasses; (2) the Poisson's ratio did not trend with pile‐up or shear flow volume fraction; (3) the elastic‐to‐plastic deformation ratio increased with applied load and decreased with modifier FS for both the alkali and AE glasses; and (4) an increase in plasticity correlated with increased hardness, crack resistance, and elastic moduli.
Resistance and genomic characterization of a plasmid pkh2101 harbouring erm(B) isolated from emerging fish pathogen Lactococcus garvieae serotype II in Japan
Authors: Akmal Muhammad , Akatsuka Mami , Nishiki Issei , Yoshida Terutoyo
Published: May 2023

The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogenic strains of Lactococcus garvieae serotype II isolated from fish in Japan has become a growing concern in recent years. The data on drug susceptibility and its associated resistance mechanism are limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chemotherapeutic agents against 98 pathogenic strains of emerging Lactococcus garvieae serotype II isolated from fish from six different prefectures in Japan from 2018 to 2021. The tested strains were resistant to erythromycin, lincomycin and tiamulin. PCR amplification revealed the presence of erm(B) in all erythromycin‐resistant strains, while a conjugation experiment confirmed that these strains carried erm(B) that could be transferred to recipient Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF with frequencies from 10−4 to 10−6 per donor cells. Nucleotide sequencing of the representative isolated plasmid pkh2101 from an erythromycin‐resistant strain showed that it was a 26,850 bp molecule with an average GC content of 33.49%, comprising 31 CDSs, 13 of which remained without any functional annotation. Comparative genomic analysis suggested that pkh2101 shared the highest similarity (97.57% identity) with the plasmid pAMbeta1, which was previously isolated clinically from Enterococcus faecalis DS‐5. This study provides potential evidence that the plasmid harbouring erm(B) could be a source of antibiotic resistance transmission in emerging L. garvieae infection in aquaculture.
Was cratonic Asia deeply subducted beneath the Pamir? Evidence from P–T conditions and tectonic affinities of Cenozoic Pamir crustal xenoliths
Authors: Li Yi‐Peng , Ding Lin , Robinson Alexander C. , Liu De‐Liang , Xie Jing , Zhang Li‐Yun , Zhao Chen‐Yuan , Yue Ya‐Hui , Liu Yiduo , Oimuhammadzoda Ilhomjon , Gadoev Mustafo , Rajabov Negmat
Published: May 2023

One of the most striking geological features of the Pamir is the south‐dipping lithospheric slab beneath the orogen characterized by an intracontinental Wadati‐Benioff zone. A widely accepted hypothesis over the past 40 years interprets the slab to represent southward subducted cratonic Asian continental lithosphere, which predicts significant cratonic Asia‐sourced crustal materials (e.g., Tarim Basin) beneath the Pamir. Alternatively, recent studies have interpreted the slab to be lithosphere delaminated from the base of the Pamir. To test these hypotheses, depth–tectonic affinity relations of crustal xenoliths carried by Miocene volcanic rocks in the eastern Pamir, interpreted to be sourced from the Pamir deep lithosphere, are used to determine whether they represented Asian affinity cratonic crust. Thermodynamic calculations, zircon U–Pb geochronology combined with rare earth element analysis, and whole‐rock major‐trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic analyses document that (1) eclogite and pyroxenite xenoliths (~31–43 kbar/~960–1170°C) are the deepest sourced portions of the lithosphere from ~100 to 140 km depth, the protoliths of which represent the mid‐lower crustal rocks of the Cretaceous Pamir magmatic arc, rather than material from cratonic Asia, and (2) granulite xenoliths (~20 kbar/~900°C) represent the Cenozoic lower crustal rocks of Pamir terranes from ~70 km depth. These results indicate the south‐dipping slab represents delaminated Pamir lower crust and mantle lithosphere, rather than intracontinental subduction of Asian lithosphere, and further support the hypothesis of minimal Cenozoic northward translation of the Pamir.
Evaluation of haem dipstick pad, urine protein, urinepHand urine protein:creatinine ratio results as a marker of bacteriuria in dogs and cats with inactive urine sediment
Authors: Broadbridge C. , Williams T. L.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Evaluation of haem dipstick pad, urine protein, urine pH and urine protein:creatinine ratio results as a marker of bacteriuria in dogs and cats with inactive urine sediment.

Materials and Methods

Cats and dogs with contemporaneous urine dipstick, microscopic sediment analysis and microbiological culture and sensitivity results over a four‐year period (2016 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. Dogs and cats with active urine sediments (at least five erythrocytes and/or five leukocytes per high‐power field) and/or spermaturia were excluded. Association between urine pH, haem dipstick result, protein dipstick result and urine protein:creatinine ratio with bacteriuria were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis. Likelihood ratios for bacteriuria were calculated at different diagnostic thresholds.

Results

A total of 668 and 169 dog and cat urine samples were included. Of these, 166 dogs (25%) had a positive urine culture, whilst only 29 cats (17%) had a positive urine culture. In dogs and cats, any positive haem dipstick result was significantly associated with bacteriuria, although only a ≥4+ haem positive result in dogs was associated with a small increase in the likelihood of a positive urine culture, and positive likelihood ratios did not support the use of haem dipstick results as a screening test for bacteriuria in cats. pH, urine protein:creatinine ratio and protein dipstick results were not associated with bacteriuria.

Clinical Significance

Our findings provide proof of concept that haem dipstick pad results in dogs with inactive sediment and without spermaturia might be useful as a screening test for bacteriuria, although further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Oral health care in adult intensive care units: A national point prevalence study
Authors: Kelly Niamh , Blackwood Bronagh , Credland Nicki , Stayt Louise , Causey Christine , Winning Lewis , McAuley Daniel F. , Lundy Fionnuala T. , El karim Ikhlas
Published: May 2023

Background

The importance of good oral hygiene for patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is well recognized, however, the most effective way to achieve good oral care in the ICU is unclear.

Aim

This study aimed to provide a national picture of oral care practices in adult ICUs in the United Kingdom (UK) to identify areas for improvement.

Study Design

A national one‐day point prevalence study was undertaken in adult ICUs in the UK in the period from 30th September to 14th October 2021. Data were collected on all patients in the ICU on the date of data collection. Using a validated electronic data collection form, anonymised data were collected on methods and frequency of oral care provided, and the use of oral care protocols within the ICU. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis.

Results

Data from 195 patients in 15 ICUs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were collected. Written oral care protocols were available for use in the care of 65% (n = 127) of patients. 73% (n = 142) of patients received oral care within the 24‐h period. Oral care methods included toothbrushing 41% (n = 79), foam sticks 3% (n = 5), moisturizing the oral cavity 10% (n = 19) and mouth rinse with chlorhexidine 3% (n = 5) and other oral care methods not specified 12% (n = 23). 44% (n = 85) of patients had an oral assessment within the 24‐h period and variable assessment methods were used.

Conclusion

There is large variability in oral care provision and methods for intubated ICU patients and a lack of consensus was revealed in the study. Oral assessment is conducted less frequently using multiple tools. Optimal oral care standards and further research into oral care provision is pivotal to address this important patient‐relevant practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Oral care is a fundamental part of care for ICU patients, however, there is a large degree of variability, and oral care is often not based upon oral assessment. The use of an oral care protocol and oral assessments would help to improve patient care, ease of use for staff and provide a tailored oral care plan for patients, improving efficiency and preventing wasted resources.
Exploring gastrointestinal health in MECP2 duplication syndrome
Authors: Pehlivan Davut , Ak Muharrem , Glaze Daniel G. , Suter Bernhard , Motil Kathleen J.
Published: May 2023

Background

MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare neurogenetic syndrome caused by duplications of MECP2 at the Xq28 region. Although constipation and gastrointestinal reflux are reported in MDS, a comprehensive characterization of gastrointestinal health has not been fully explored.

Methods

We conducted a parent survey to explore the characteristics of gastrointestinal health in individuals with MDS using a secure online registry and compared differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between individuals with MDS and those with Rett syndrome (RTT).

Key Results

One hundred six surveys were analyzed. Symptoms commonly associated with constipation occurred in 72% to 89% of MDS individuals. Eleven percent of MDS individuals underwent surgery for complications associated with constipation. We observed a bimodal distribution for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastrostomy feeding, with higher prevalence in 0‐3 and >12‐year‐old MDS individuals. Constipation and GERD were significantly more common, and gas bloating was significantly less common in MDS than in RTT. Biliary tract disease requiring surgery was an unrecognized problem in 5% of MDS individuals. We determined that gastrointestinal problems in MDS individuals contribute to caretaker burden.

Conclusion and Inferences

Our study is the first in‐depth investigation that characterizes gastrointestinal health in MDS and enumerates differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between MDS and RTT. Strategies to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms will alleviate caregiver burden in MDS. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanisms that cause gastrointestinal problems in MDS.
Carbon quantum dots as immune modulatory therapy in a Sjögren's syndrome mouse model
Authors: Fu Cuicui , Qin Xiaoyun , Shao Wenlong , Zhang Jin , Zhang Ting , Yang Jiaqi , Ding Chong , Song Yeqing , Ge Xuejun , Wu Gang , Bikker Floris J. , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in immunomodulation on non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, as the model for Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

Carbon quantum dots were generated from Setaria viridis via a hydrothermal process. Their toxic effects were tested by cell viability and blood chemistry analysis, meanwhile therapeutic effects were investigated in NOD mice in the aspects of saliva flow, histology, and immune cell distribution.

Results

Carbon quantum dots, with rich surface chemistry and unique optical properties, showed non‐cytotoxicity in vitro or no damage in vivo. Intravenously applied CQDs alleviated inflammation in the submandibular glands in NOD mice after 6‐week treatments. The inflammatory area index and focus score were significantly decreased in CQD‐treated mice. Besides, the levels of anti‐SSA and anti‐SSB were decreased in the presence of CQDs. The stimulated saliva flow rates and weight of submandibular glands were significantly increased in CQD‐treated mice by reducing the apoptosis of cells. The CD3+ and CD4+ T cells distributed around the ducts of submandibular glands were significantly decreased, while the percentage of Foxp3+ cells was higher in CQD‐treated mice than that in the control group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CQDs may ameliorate the dysregulated immune processes in NOD mice.
The trace of the affine Hecke category
Authors: Gorsky Eugene , Neguț Andrei
Published: May 2023

We compare the (horizontal) trace of the affine Hecke category with the elliptic Hall algebra, thus obtaining an “affine” version of the construction of Gorsky et al. (Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN 2022 (2022) 11304–11400). Explicitly, we show that the aforementioned trace is generated by the objects as , where denote the Wakimoto objects of Elias and denote Rouquier complexes. We compute certain categorical commutators between the 's and show that they match the categorical commutators between the sheaves on the flag commuting stack that were considered in Neguț (Publ. Math. Inst. Hautes Études Sci. 135 (2022) 337–418). At the level of ‐theory, these commutators yield a certain integral form of the elliptic Hall algebra, which we can thus map to the ‐theory of the trace of the affine Hecke category.
Detection and Genomic Characterization of an Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) Strain Isolated from a Pelican in Peru
Authors: Fernández-Díaz Manolo , Villanueva-Pérez Doris , Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Montalvan-Avalos Angela , Isasi-Rivas Gisela , Lulo-Vargas Milagros , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo
Published: May 2023

Surveillance helps us identify and monitor strains with zoonotic potential. A tracheal swab from a pelican on a Peruvian beach was H5N1 positive (clade 2.3.4.4b) using Oxford Nanopore’s MinION platform. The near-complete genome sequence of strain VFAR-140 will aid us in understanding avian influenza epidemiology and spread.
Characterization of Temperate LPS-Binding Bordetella avium Phages That Lack Superinfection Immunity
Authors: Serian Dorothee , Churin Yury , Hammerl Jens André , Rohde Manfred , Jung Arne , Müller Anja , Yue Min , Kehrenberg Corinna
Published: May 2023

To maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics over the long term, alternatives to treat infectious diseases are urgently needed. Therefore, phages have recently come back into focus as they can specifically infect and lyse bacteria and are naturally occurring.
The

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Mutation 343A>G, Resulting in a Thr115Ala Substitution, Is Associated with an Elevated Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Vancomycin in Clostridioides difficile Clinical Isolates from Florida
Authors: Wickramage Ishani , Peng Zhong , Chakraborty Soumyadeep , Harmanus Céline , Kuijper Ed J. , Alrabaa Sally , Smits Wiep Klaas , Sun Xingmin
Published: May 2023

The perpetually evolving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of
C. difficile
is an important contributor to its epidemiology and is a grave concern to global public health. This exacerbates the challenge of treating the infections caused by this multidrug-resistant causative organism of potentially life-threatening diarrhea.
Leishmania donovani Attenuates Dendritic Cell Trafficking to Lymph Nodes by Inhibiting C-Type Lectin Receptor 2 Expression via Transforming Growth Factor-β
Authors: Yadav Manisha , Akhtar Md. Naushad , Mishra Manish , Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Raj , Shubham  , Nandal Anil , Sen Pradip
Published: May 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in initiating T cell-mediated protective immunity against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world. However, the T cell-inducing ability of DCs critically depends on the extent of DC migration to regional lymph nodes.
OpenSpeaks before AI: Frameworks for Creating the AI/ML Building Blocks for Low-Resource Languages
Authors: Panigrahi Subhashish
Published: May 2023

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.