bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: A scoping review
Authors: Hussein Said , Eiriksson Lauren , MacQuarrie Maureen , Merriam Scot , Dalton Maria , Stein Eleanor , Twomey Rosie
Published: June 2024

Background

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS) is a debilitating, complex, multisystem illness. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the multiple and interconnected barriers to optimal care will help advance strategies and care models to improve quality of life for people living with ME in Canada.

Objectives

To: (1) identify and systematically map the available evidence; (2) investigate the design and conduct of research; (3) identify and categorize key characteristics; and (4) identify and analyse knowledge gaps related to healthcare system barriers for people living with ME in Canada.

Methods

The protocol was preregistered in July 2022. Peer‐reviewed and grey literature was searched, and patient partners retrieved additional records. Eligible records were Canadian, included people with ME/CFS and included data or synthesis relevant to healthcare system barriers.

Results

In total, 1821 records were identified, 406 were reviewed in full, and 21 were included. Healthcare system barriers arose from an underlying lack of consensus and research on ME and ME care; the impact of long‐standing stigma, disbelief, and sexism; inadequate or inconsistent healthcare provider education and training on ME; and the heterogeneity of care coordinated by family physicians.

Conclusions

People living with ME in Canada face significant barriers to care, though this has received relatively limited attention. This synthesis, which points to several areas for future research, can be used as a starting point for researchers, healthcare providers and decision‐makers who are new to the area or encountering ME more frequently due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Evaluation of quantitative bias analysis in epidemiological research: A systematic review from 2010 to mid‐2023
Authors: Akbaş Kübra Elif , Hark Betül Dağoğlu
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aimed to demonstrate the use of quantitative bias analysis (QBA), which reveals the effects of systematic error, including confounding, misclassification and selection bias, on study results in epidemiological studies published in the period from 2010 to mid‐23.

Method

The articles identified through a keyword search using Pubmed and Scopus were included in the study. The articles obtained from this search were eliminated according to the exclusion criteria, and the articles in which QBA analysis was applied were included in the detailed evaluation.

Results

It can be said that the application of QBA analysis has gradually increased over the 13‐year period. Accordingly, the number of articles in which simple is used as a method in QBA analysis is 9 (9.89%), the number of articles in which the multidimensional approach is used is 10 (10.99%), the number of articles in which the probabilistic approach is used is 60 (65.93%) and the number of articles in which the method is not specified is 12 (13.19%). The number of articles with misclassification bias model is 44 (48.35%), the number of articles with uncontrolled confounder(s) bias model is 32 (35.16%), the number of articles with selection bias model is 7 (7.69%) and the number of articles using more than one bias model is 8 (8.79%). Of the 49 (53.85%) articles in which the bias parameter source was specified, 19 (38.78%) used internal validation, 26 (53.06%) used external validation and 4 (8.16%) used educated guess, data constraints and hypothetical data. Probabilistic approach was used as a bias method in 60 (65.93%) of the articles, and mostly beta (8 [13.33%)], normal (9 [15.00%]) and uniform (8 [13.33%]) distributions were selected.

Conclusion

The application of QBA is rare in the literature but is increasing over time. Future researchers should include detailed analyzes such as QBA analysis to obtain inferences with higher evidence value, taking into account systematic errors.
Development of barnyard millet flour rich in bioactive compounds with enhanced functional properties by application of multipin atmospheric cold plasma
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Tomar Mahipal Singh , Sahoo Sibasish , Pradhan Rama Chandra
Published: June 2024

Cold plasma, a nonthermal technology, aids in modifying food materials with the least thermal damage and negligible rise in temperature. This research explains the implications of multipin atmospheric cold plasma (MACP) treatment on barnyard millet flour (BMF), focusing on its functional properties and bioactive compounds, such as total phenols and flavonoids, along with antinutrients, as well as its physicochemical properties, including color, pH, moisture content, proximate composition, and morphological alterations. Dehulled and ground barnyard millet was treated with MACP at different power levels (10–30 kV) for 10–30 min. The higher voltage–time treatments (30 kV:20 min and 30 kV:30 min) were found significantly affecting the samples compared to the control. Specifically, the 30 kV:30 min treatment showed a prominent increase in water solubility index (0.83–3.92 g/g), water absorption capacity (1.08–1.59 g/g), viscosity (164.31–180.14 centipoise), oil absorption (1.94–2.35 g/g), emulsifying (37.40%–44.51%), and foaming capacity (20.61%–24.99%), along with the bioactive compounds such as phenol content (229.33–280.54 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g) and flavonoid content (173.75–244.71 mg quercetin equivalents/100 g). Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis revealed shifts in functional groups, X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated changes in crystallinity, and scanning electron microscopy imaging depicted morphological alterations post‐MACP treatment. The antinutrient factors, phytic and tannic acid, decreased significantly (p < .05), with the most prominent decrease at 30 kV:20 min for the latter. The 30 kV:30 min treated flour, in particular, demonstrated significant improvements in BMF properties, and MACP can be further employed for better solubility and dispersibility of powdered food products, offering versatile applications in baked, functional, and gluten‐free products.

Practical applications

Barnyard millet, a naturally gluten‐free grain rich in protein and fiber, upon the multipin atmospheric cold plasma treatment, offers opportunities in a wide range of practical applications due to the increased functional properties, including water solubility, water absorption, oil binding capacity, foaming–emulsifying abilities, and viscosity. Additionally, the enhanced properties allow for the development of better extruded products, including nutritious breakfast cereals and healthy snacks with improved texture and stability, while promoting the utilization of underutilized grains like barnyard millet.
PagMYB128 regulates secondary cell wall formation by direct activation of cell wall biosynthetic genes during wood formation in poplar
Authors: Hao Yuanyuan , Lu Fachuang , Pyo Seung‐Won , Kim Min‐Ha , Ko Jae‐Heung , Yan Xiaojing , Ralph John , Li Quanzi
Published: June 2024

The biosynthesis of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses in plant secondary cell walls (SCWs) is regulated by a hierarchical transcriptional regulatory network. This network features orthologous transcription factors shared between poplar and Arabidopsis, highlighting a foundational similarity in their genetic regulation. However, knowledge on the discrepant behavior of the transcriptional‐level molecular regulatory mechanisms between poplar and Arabidopsis remains limited. In this study, we investigated the function of PagMYB128 during wood formation and found it had broader impacts on SCW formation compared to its Arabidopsis ortholog, AtMYB103. Transgenic poplar trees overexpressing PagMYB128 exhibited significantly enhanced xylem development, with fiber cells and vessels displaying thicker walls, and an increase in the levels of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses in the wood. In contrast, plants with dominant repression of PagMYB128 demonstrated the opposite phenotypes. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription – quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that PagMYB128 could activate SCW biosynthetic gene expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation along with yeast one‐hybrid, and effector–reporter assays showed this regulation was direct. Further analysis revealed that PagSND1 (SECONDARY WALL‐ASSOCIATED NAC‐DOMAIN PROTEIN1) directly regulates PagMYB128 but not cell wall metabolic genes, highlighting the pivotal role of PagMYB128 in the SND1‐driven regulatory network for wood development, thereby creating a feedforward loop in SCW biosynthesis.
Scurvy and vitamin C deficiency in an Australian tertiary children's hospital
Authors: van Heerden Carolyn , Cheng Daryl R , McNab Sarah , Burgess Rosemary , Russell Ashleigh , Wang Yichun , Bleathman Freya , Maharaj Isabella , Zhang Jerry , Easterbrook Marley , Papadopulos Marie , Ibrahim Laila F
Published: June 2024

Aim

We aimed to investigate the frequency of vitamin C deficiency scurvy in the Australian paediatric context, describe cohorts at risk, and identify factors associated with development of symptoms in children with vitamin C deficiency. We also aimed to propose a management guideline for children with features of scurvy.

Method

A retrospective study was done at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Australia over a three‐year period, from August 2019 to July 2022. Children from birth to 18 years old, whose vitamin C levels were low (<23 μmol/L), were included. Data extracted from hospital medical records included demographics, weight, co‐morbidities, eating disorder diagnoses, clinical features, investigations and treatment. Descriptive statistics and risk statistics were performed.

Results

In a cohort of 887 patients who had their vitamin C levels checked, we identified 272 (31%) who had a vitamin C level <23 μmol/L. Of these, 13 (5%) were symptomatic of vitamin C deficiency and 19 (7%) may have been symptomatic. In patients with vitamin C deficiency, 248 (91%) had comorbidities, neurodevelopmental disorders being most common, and 176 (65%) had restricted eating. When the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups were compared, in the symptomatic group, there was a significantly lower vitamin C level and disordered eating related to autism spectrum disorders was more common.

Conclusion

In order to avoid delayed diagnoses and unnecessary investigations, clinicians should be familiar with symptoms of scurvy and perform a dietary assessment, vitamin C assay, and commence empiric vitamin C supplementation where appropriate.
Impact of blur on clinical and occupational colour vision test results
Authors: Álvaro Leticia , Formankiewicz Monika A. , Waugh Sarah J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate whether colour vision normal (CVN) adults pass two Fletcher–Evans (CAM) lantern tests and to investigate the impact of imposed blur on Ishihara, CAM lantern and computerised colour discrimination test (colour assessment and diagnosis test [CAD] and Cambridge colour test [CCT]) results.

Methods

In a pilot experiment, 20 (16 CVN and 4 colour vision deficient [CVD]) participants with normal VA were tested with the CAM lantern. In the main experiment, the impact of imposed dioptric blur (up to +8.00 D) on visual acuity and the Ishihara test, CAM lantern, CAD and CCT was assessed for 15 CVN participants.

Results

CVN participants can fail the CAM lantern, with specificity of 81.25% (aviation mode) and 75% (clinical mode), despite following the test requirements of participants having at least 0.18 logMAR (6/9) in the better eye. With blur, test accuracy was affected. As expected, significant detrimental effects of blur on test results were found for logMAR VA and CAM lantern (aviation) with +1.00 D or higher. Ishihara, CAD and CCT results were not detrimentally affected until +8.00 D. Yellow‐blue discrimination was more affected by blur for the CAD than the CCT, which was not explained by the different colour spaces used or vectors tested.

Conclusion

False‐positive findings on lantern colour vision tests with small apertures are likely to be increased in patients with blur due to uncorrected refractive error or ocular and visual pathway disease. Other colour vision tests with larger stimuli are more robust to blur.
A renaissance of microRNAs as taxonomic and phylogenetic markers in animals
Authors: Fromm Bastian
Published: June 2024

Molecular markers for tracing animal sample origins and compositions are critical for applications such as parasite detection, contamination screening, and sample authentication. Among these, microRNAs have emerged as promising candidates due to their deep conservation, near‐hierarchical evolution, and stability. I here review the suitability of microRNAs as taxonomic and also phylogenetic markers and show how careful annotation efforts and the establishment of the curated microRNA gene database MirGeneDB and tools like MirMachine have revitalized microRNA research. These advancements enable accurate phylogenetic and taxonomic studies, highlighting microRNAs' potential in resolving long‐standing questions in animal relationships and extending to applications in ancient DNA and environmental RNA analysis. Future research must focus on expanding microRNA complements across all Metazoa and further improving annotation methodologies.
Exantema varicela-like asociado a covid-19 como diagnóstico diferencial de infección por varicela zóster. Presentación de caso
Authors: Peña López Carolina , Sánchez Cárdenas Julie Paola , Suárez Fuente Maria Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Se ha descrito un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas secundarias a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. En la población pediátrica, las lesiones cutáneas se dan de manera aislada o preceden los síntomas y signos más frecuentes; en algunos casos, incluso, se asemejan a las lesiones características de la infección por el virus de varicela zóster. El objetivo de esta presentación de caso es sensibilizar al lector sobre un diagnóstico diferencial que debe tenerse en cuenta para su identificación temprana y prevención de posibles complicaciones. Presentación de caso: Adolescente de 16 años con sintomatología respiratoria alta y posterior aparición de lesiones vesiculares y costras con progresión cefalocaudal. Se realizó RT-PCR de SARS-CoV-2, cuyo reporte fue positivo. En una reconsulta a urgencias se indicó toma de IgG e IgM de varicela zóster (ambas negativas). Se diagnosticó infección por SARS-CoV-2 con manifestación cutánea tipo varicela-like. Conclusiones: Debe dársele importancia a la variabilidad en la presentación clínica de esta enfermedad, especialmente en la edad pediátrica, en la cual las manifestaciones cutáneas pueden llegar a presentarse de manera aislada.
Combustion and Emission Characteristics of an Ammonia Microgas Turbine Combustor With a Twin-Fluid Atomizer
Authors: Jo Hyun , Shimura Masayasu , Kurata Osamu , Okafor Ekenechukwu Chijioke , Yamashita Hirofumi , Inoue Takahiro , Tsujimura Taku , Iki Norihiko , Fan Yong
Published: June 2024

In this study, combustion and emission characteristics in the test rig of microgas turbine with liquid ammonia fuel injection using the twin-fluid atomizers (TFAs) are investigated and compared with the previous result using the pressure-swirl atomizer (PSA). The combustion situation was simulated using the test rig of microgas turbine, and experiments were conducted by controlling the ratio of ammonia and methane to create a pure ammonia combustion situation. The TFA has spray cone angles of 60 deg, 90 deg, and 120 deg, and its combustion characteristics were analyzed and compared with the PSA. At 60 deg TFA, the blow-off of ammonia flame occurred before the pure ammonia combustion stage, and the flame blow-off occurred after the pure ammonia combustion at the 90 deg and 120 deg TFAs. This means that the blow-off of ammonia flame easily occurred when the spray cone angle of the atomizer is small, because the recirculation flow to the upstream of ammonia flame is weak. In addition, the 90 deg and 120 deg TFAs showed significantly reduced emissions of NO, N2O, and unburned NH3 compared to the 60 deg TFA and PSA. This can be concluded that a large spray cone angle forms a strong recirculation flow within the combustor, and emissions are reduced because the high-temperature zone sufficiently stays in the primary combustion zone.
The Integration of Robotic Arm and Vision System With Magnetic Tractor Beam Control for Precision Catheter Manipulation in Medical Procedures
Authors: Limpabandhu Chayabhan , Tse Zion Tsz Ho
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the challenges of traditional catheterization techniques by integrating UFACTORY's uArm Swift Pro robotic arm with the OpenMV camera module, enhanced by the magnetic tractor beam (MTB) method. The goal is to improve precision, stability, and minimally invasive operation in catheter-based medical procedures. The uArm Swift Pro offers a robust and adaptable platform, while the OpenMV camera provides accurate real-time tracking of catheter tips. To evaluate the system's effectiveness, experimental models replicating realistic anatomical scenarios were created using advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. Preliminary results demonstrate that this integrated system enhances the accuracy and safety of catheterization, suggesting its potential to advance medical robotics and contribute to more patient-friendly interventions. This work underscores the potential for robotics to revolutionize medical procedures, ensuring better outcomes and reduced patient discomfort.
What to screen and how to screen MASLD patients?
Authors: Sporea Ioan , Popescu Alina
Published: June 2024

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Parsonage Turner syndrome after needle electromyography: a needle in a haystack
Authors: Abdulsalam Ahmad J. , Aksakal Mahmud Fazıl , Kara Murat , Kaymak Bayram , Özçakar Levent
Published: June 2024

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Lung ultrasound manifestations of right lung squamous cell carcinoma with iodine-125 seeds implantation
Authors: Zhao Haotian , Wang Xiaona , Yan Yaru Yan , Li Li
Published: June 2024

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A perceptual similarity space for speech based on self-supervised speech representations
Authors: Chernyak Bronya R. , Bradlow Ann R. , Keshet Joseph , Goldrick Matthew
Published: June 2024

Speech recognition by both humans and machines frequently fails in non-optimal yet common situations. For example, word recognition error rates for second-language (L2) speech can be high, especially under conditions involving background noise. At the same time, both human and machine speech recognition sometimes shows remarkable robustness against signal- and noise-related degradation. Which acoustic features of speech explain this substantial variation in intelligibility? Current approaches align speech to text to extract a small set of pre-defined spectro-temporal properties from specific sounds in particular words. However, variation in these properties leaves much cross-talker variation in intelligibility unexplained. We examine an alternative approach utilizing a perceptual similarity space acquired using self-supervised learning. This approach encodes distinctions between speech samples without requiring pre-defined acoustic features or speech-to-text alignment. We show that L2 English speech samples are less tightly clustered in the space than L1 samples reflecting variability in English proficiency among L2 talkers. Critically, distances in this similarity space are perceptually meaningful: L1 English listeners have lower recognition accuracy for L2 speakers whose speech is more distant in the space from L1 speech. These results indicate that perceptual similarity may form the basis for an entirely new speech and language analysis approach.
Integration mapping of cardiac fibroblast single-cell transcriptomes elucidates cellular principles of fibrosis in diverse pathologies
Authors: Patrick Ralph , Janbandhu Vaibhao , Tallapragada Vikram , Tan Shannon S. M. , McKinna Emily E. , Contreras Osvaldo , Ghazanfar Shila , Humphreys David T. , Murray Nicholas J. , Tran Yen T. H. , Hume Robert D. , Chong James J. H. , Harvey Richard P.
Published: June 2024

Single-cell technology has allowed researchers to probe tissue complexity and dynamics at unprecedented depth in health and disease. However, the generation of high-dimensionality single-cell atlases and virtual three-dimensional tissues requires integrated reference maps that harmonize disparate experimental designs, analytical pipelines, and taxonomies. Here, we present a comprehensive single-cell transcriptome integration map of cardiac fibrosis, which underpins pathophysiology in most cardiovascular diseases. Our findings reveal similarity between cardiac fibroblast (CF) identities and dynamics in ischemic versus pressure overload models of cardiomyopathy. We also describe timelines for commitment of activated CFs to proliferation and myofibrogenesis, profibrotic and antifibrotic polarization of myofibroblasts and matrifibrocytes, and CF conservation across mouse and human healthy and diseased hearts. These insights have the potential to inform knowledge-based therapies.
Quantum effects in the interaction of low-energy electrons with light
Authors: Synanidis Adamantios P. , Gonçalves P. A. D. , Ropers Claus , de Abajo F. Javier García
Published: June 2024

The interaction between free electrons and optical fields constitutes a unique platform to investigate ultrafast processes in matter and explore fundamental quantum phenomena. Specifically, optically modulated electrons in ultrafast electron microscopy act as noninvasive probes that push space–time–energy resolution to the picometer–attosecond–microelectronvolt range. Electron energies well above the involved photon energies are commonly used, rendering a low electron–light coupling and, thus, only providing limited access to the wealth of quantum nonlinear phenomena underlying the dynamical response of nanostructures. Here, we theoretically investigate electron–light interactions between photons and electrons of comparable energies, revealing quantum and recoil effects that include a nonvanishing coupling of surface-scattered electrons to light plane waves, inelastic electron backscattering from confined optical fields, and strong electron–light coupling under grazing electron diffraction by an illuminated crystal surface. Our exploration of electron–light–matter interactions holds potential for applications in ultrafast electron microscopy.
Efficacy of ivermectin and its metabolites against
Plasmodium falciparum
liver stages in primary human hepatocytes
Authors: Annamalai Subramani Pradeep , Tipthara Phornpimon , Kolli Surendra Kumar , Nicholas Justin , Barnes Samantha J. , Ogbondah Madison M. , Kobylinski Kevin C. , Tarning Joel , Adams John H.
Published: June 2024

Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug, has been proposed as a novel vector control tool to reduce malaria transmission by mass drug administration. Ivermectin and some metabolites have mosquito-lethal effect, reducing
Anopheles
mosquito survival. Ivermectin inhibits liver stage development in a rodent malaria model, but no inhibition was observed in a primate malaria model or in a human malaria challenge trial. In the liver, cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A5 enzymes metabolize ivermectin, which may impact drug efficacy. Thus, understanding ivermectin metabolism and assessing this impact on
Plasmodium
liver stage development is critical. Using primary human hepatocytes (PHHs), we characterized ivermectin metabolism and evaluated the efficacy of ivermectin and its primary metabolites M1 (3″-
O
-demethyl ivermectin) and M3 (4-hydroxymethyl ivermectin) against
Plasmodium falciparum
liver stages. Two different modes of ivermectin exposure were evaluated: prophylactic mode (days 0–3 post-infection) and curative mode (days 3–5 post-infection). We used two different PHH donors and modes to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of ivermectin, M1, M3, and the known anti-malarial drug pyrimethamine, with IC
50
values ranging from 1.391 to 14.44, 9.95–23.71, 4.767–8.384, and 0.9073–5.416 µM, respectively. In our PHH model, ivermectin and metabolites M1 and M3 demonstrated inhibitory activity against
P. falciparum
liver stages in curative treatment mode (days 3–5) and marginal activity in prophylactic treatment mode (days 0–3). Ivermectin had improved efficacy when co-administered with ketoconazole, a specific inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme. Further studies should be performed to examine ivermectin liver stage efficacy when co-administered with CYP3A4 inhibitors and anti-malarial drugs to understand the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions that enhance efficacy against human malaria parasites
in vitro
.
Enterovirus 3A protein disrupts endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis through interaction with GBF1
Authors: Hirano Junki , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Kitamura Kouichi , Nishimura Yorihiro , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Okamoto Toru , Okada Kazuma , Uemura Kentaro , Yeh Ming Te , Ono Chikako , Taguwa Shuhei , Muramatsu Masamichi , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2024

Enteroviruses are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses causing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to induce or modulate downstream signaling pathways known as the unfolded protein responses (UPR). However, viral and host factors involved in the UPR related to viral pathogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to identify the major regulator of enterovirus-induced UPR and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We showed that host Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistant guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (GBF1), which supports enteroviruses replication, was a major regulator of the UPR caused by infection with enteroviruses. In addition, we found that severe UPR was induced by the expression of 3A proteins encoded in human pathogenic enteroviruses, such as enterovirus A71, coxsackievirus B3, poliovirus, and enterovirus D68. The N-terminal-conserved residues of 3A protein interact with the GBF1 and induce UPR through inhibition of ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) activation via GBF1 sequestration. Remodeling and expansion of ER and accumulation of ER-resident proteins were observed in cells infected with enteroviruses. Finally, 3A induced apoptosis in cells infected with enteroviruses via activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway of UPR. Pharmaceutical inhibition of PERK suppressed the cell death caused by infection with enteroviruses, suggesting the UPR pathway is a therapeutic target for treating diseases caused by infection with enteroviruses.

IMPORTANCE

Infection caused by several plus-stranded RNA viruses leads to dysregulated ER homeostasis in the host cells. The mechanisms underlying the disruption and impairment of ER homeostasis and its significance in pathogenesis upon enteroviral infection remain unclear. Our findings suggested that the 3A protein encoded in human pathogenic enteroviruses disrupts ER homeostasis by interacting with GBF1, a major regulator of UPR. Enterovirus-mediated infections drive ER into pathogenic conditions, where ER-resident proteins are accumulated. Furthermore, in such scenarios, the PERK/CHOP signaling pathway induced by an unresolved imbalance of ER homeostasis essentially drives apoptosis. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the virus-induced disruption of ER homeostasis might be a potential target to mitigate the pathogenesis of enteroviruses.
Phage SEP1 hijacks
Staphylococcus epidermidis
stationary cells’ metabolism to replicate
Authors: Silva Maria Daniela , Pinto Graça , França Angela , Azeredo Joana , Melo Luís D. R.
Published: June 2024

In nature, bacteria often survive in a stationary state with low metabolic activity. Phages use the metabolic machinery of the host cell to replicate, and, therefore, their efficacy against non-dividing cells is usually limited. Nevertheless, it was previously shown that the
Staphylococcus epidermidis
phage SEP1 has the remarkable capacity to actively replicate in stationary-phase cells, reducing their numbers. Here, we studied for the first time the transcriptomic profiles of both exponential and stationary cells infected with SEP1 phage using RNA-seq to gain a better understanding of this rare phenomenon. We showed that SEP1 successfully takes over the transcriptional apparatus of both exponential and stationary cells. Infection was, however, delayed in stationary cells, with genes within the
gp142-gp154
module putatively implicated in host takeover.
S. epidermidis
responded to SEP1 infection by upregulating three genes involved in a DNA modification system, with this being observed already 5 min after infection in exponential cells and later in stationary cells. In stationary cells, a significant number of genes involved in translation and RNA metabolic and biosynthetic processes were upregulated after 15 and 30 min of SEP1 infection in comparison with the uninfected control, showing that SEP1 activates metabolic and biosynthetic pathways necessary to its successful replication.

IMPORTANCE

Most phage-host interaction studies are performed with exponentially growing cells. However, this cell state is not representative of what happens in natural environments. Additionally, most phages fail to replicate in stationary cells. The
Staphylococcus epidermidis
phage SEP1 is one of the few phages reported to date to be able to infect stationary cells. Here, we unveiled the interaction of SEP1 with its host in both exponential and stationary states of growth at the transcriptomic level. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for a better implementation of phage therapy since phages able to infect stationary cells could be more efficient in the treatment of recalcitrant infections.
Role of urine Gram stain in young febrile infants with a suspected urinary tract infection: a cohort study
Authors: Gomez Borja , Mier Ana , Ugedo Alberto , Aguirre-Quiñonero Amaia , Benito Javier , Mintegi Santiago
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyse the performance of the urine Gram stain for predicting a positive urine culture (UC) in young infants with fever without source (FWS) and pyuria.

Design

Observational study; secondary analysis of a prospective registry-based cohort study.

Setting

Paediatric emergency department; tertiary teaching hospital.

Patients

Infants ≤90 days old with FWS, pyuria and urine Gram stain requested seen between 2010 and 2022.

Main outcome measure

Performance of the Gram stain, defined as positive if any bacteria were seen, for predicting urinary tract infection (UTI: UC by urethral catheterisation growing >10 000 CFU/mL of a single bacterial pathogen).

Results

Among 367 febrile infants with pyuria, 281 (76.6%) had a positive Gram stain and 306 (83.3%) had a positive UC (277; 90.5%Escherichia coli).

Rates of positive UC in patients with positive and negative Gram stains were 97.2% and 38.4%, respectively (p<0.01), showing a sensitivity of 89.2% (95% CI: 85.2% to 92.2%) and a specificity of 86.9% (95% CI: 76.2% to 93.2%). Sensitivity was lower for diagnosing UTIs caused by bacteria other thanE. coli(69.0% vs 91.3% for UTIs caused byE. coli; p<0.01).

Two (2.1%) of the 86 infants with negative Gram stains were diagnosed with bacteraemia unrelated to a UTI (Streptococcus pneumoniaeandStaphylococcus aureus).

Conclusions

Around a third of infants with pyuria and a negative Gram stain will eventually be diagnosed with a UTI. These patients have a higher rate of UTIs caused by bacteria other thanE. coli. Bacterial infections other than UTIs should also be considered in such cases.
Genetic parameters and correlations for female reproductive performance and early growth performance of piglets in Landrace breed across various regions of Vietnam
Authors: Van Le Sang , Trinh Son Hong
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters for reproductive and early performance traits in Vietnam-purebred Landrace pigs. Traits analysed included the total number of pigs born (TB), number of pigs born alive (NBA), number of weaned pigs (NW), individual birth weight (BW), litter birth weight (LBW), individual weaning weight (WW), and litter weaning weight (LWW). This analysis was based on 5294 farrowing records collected from 2013 to 2019 from 1500 Landrace sows across three locations in Vietnam. Genetic parameters were estimated using ASReml-R. Heritability estimates for reproduction traits were negligible, below 0.10, ranging from 0.019 ± 0.012 to 0.071 ± 0.014, with repeatability ranging from 0.019 ± 0.014 to 0.152 ± 0.016. The genetic correlations ranged from −0.788 ± 0.09 to 0.993 ± 0.163, with the highest between IBW and LWW and the lowest between TB and IBW. NBA showed positive and moderate to high correlations with other traits, except for a negative correlation with IBW. Phenotypic correlations among reproductive traits ranged from −0.42 ± 0.013 to 0.879 ± 0.004. Negative phenotypic correlations were observed between TB, NBA, and NW with IBW and IWW, while positive correlations were observed with LBW and LWW. In conclusion, the heritability for reproductive performance and early growth traits in Vietnam-purebred Landrace pigs is negligible, indicating limited genetic progress from direct selection.
The Folster Lake Formation, Nunavut: remnant of a littoral to fluvio-deltaic source to the Paleoproterozoic-age Penrhyn basin
Authors: Corrigan David , Wodicka Natasha , Lebeau Lorraine
Published: June 2024

The Folster Lake Formation consists of Paleoproterozoic-age sedimentary cover units unconformably deposited on deeply weathered Archean basement of the Rae craton on Melville Peninsula, Nunavut. It comprises a lower member, formed of basal conglomerate, hematite-specularite iron-formation, mudstone, siltstone, silty limestone, and cross-bedded arkose, and an upper member dominated by arkose with planar and trough cross-beds, including giant (up to 10 m thick) compound cross-beds, overlain by quartz arenite with heavy mineral laminae. The entire succession has been historically interpreted as a near-shore, tide-dominated succession derived from a source to the southeast. Our field observations, supported by SHRIMP U–Pb analyses on detrital zircon, suggest that the Folster Lake Formation represents the remnants of a 1.91–1.88 Ga sand-dominated delta advancing on a tide-dominated shoreline, sourced by detritus eroded from the Thelon, Queen Maud, and Boothia-Somerset uplift to the west-northwest. This fluvio-deltaic system transported sediments to the Upper Penrhyn Group, which was contemporaneously being deposited in a basin opened to the southeast.
Linear Complexity of r-Ary Sequences Derived from Euler Quotient Modulo pq
Authors: Xiao Zibi , Li Zepeng , Yang Bo , Fan Jinmei
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present a generic construction of [Formula: see text]-ary sequences with period [Formula: see text] based on the Euler quotient modulo [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are odd primes satisfying that [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is any prime less than [Formula: see text]. The minimal polynomial and the linear complexity of the proposed sequences are determined in most cases under the assumption that [Formula: see text]. The result shows that each of the sequences has large linear complexity.
Comprehensive Exploration of the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Leaves in Treating Neurological Disorders
Authors: Liu Qiwei , Wang Jinghui , Gu Zongyun , Ouyang Ting , Gao Honglei , Kan Hongxing , Yang Yinfeng
Published: June 2024

Neurological disorders (NDs) are diseases that seriously affect the health of individuals worldwide, potentially leading to a significant reduction in the quality of life for patients and their families. Herbal medicines have been widely used in the treatment of NDs due to their multi-target and multi-pathway features. Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs), one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world, have been demonstrated to present therapeutic effects on NDs. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of GBLs in the treatment of neurological disorders have not been systematically summarized. This study aimed to summarize the molecular mechanism of GBLs in treating NDs from the cell models, animal models, and clinical trials of studies. Four databases, i.e., PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Web of Science were searched using the following keywords: “Ginkgo biloba”, “Ginkgo biloba extract”, “Ginkgo biloba leaves”, “Ginkgo biloba leaves extract”, “Neurological disorders”, “Neurological diseases”, and “Neurodegenerative diseases”. All items meeting the inclusion criteria on the treatment of NDs with GBLs were extracted and summarized. Additionally, PRISMA 2020 was performed to independently evaluate the screening methods. Out of 1385 records in the database, 52 were screened in relation to the function of GBLs in the treatment of NDs; of these 52 records, 39 were preclinical trials and 13 were clinical studies. Analysis of pharmacological studies revealed that GBLs can improve memory, cognition, behavior, and psychopathology of NDs and that the most frequently associated GBLs are depression, followed by Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the clinical studies of depression, AD, and stroke are the most common, and most of the remaining ND data are available from in vitro or in vivo animal studies. Moreover, the possible mechanisms of GBLs in treating NDs are mainly through free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory response, mitochondrial protection, neurotransmitter regulation, and antagonism of PAF. This is the first paper to systematically and comprehensively investigate the pharmacological effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of GBLs in the treatment of NDs thus far. All findings contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy and complexity of GBLs in treating NDs, which is of great significance for the further clinical application of this herbal medicine.
An Optimized 3DOF-FOPID2-DF Controller with Improved Power Quality for Multi-Level Inverter in Grid-Connected PV Systems
Authors: Shankar Moguthala , Kumar R Senthil
Published: June 2024

Multi-level Inverters (MLIs) are increasingly employed in grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) systems to optimize power quality. The use of MLIs offers several benefits over traditional inverters, including improved output waveform quality, reduced Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and increased efficiency. However, the control of MLI is complex, and a precise control system is required to ensure that the system operates at optimal conditions. Therefore, an Adaptive Chaotic Mapping Philippine Eagle Optimization (ACM-PEO) algorithm-based Three degrees of freedom Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative with Dual Filter (3DOF-FOPID2-DF) controller is proposed. The dual derivative and dual filter component introduced in the 3DOF-FOPID controller improve the transient response of the system even under sudden load changes. The ACM-PEO algorithm further enhances the system performance of the 3DOF-FOPID2-DF controller by optimizing the parameter gains. The proposed ACM-PEO-based 3DOF-FOPID2-DF control technique is simulated in MATLAB and the simulation results demonstrate that it has improved transient and dynamic response, reduced THD, faster convergence and better tracking of the reference signal. These benefits enhance the efficiency and reliability of the systems.
On L-Fuzzy Preproximity Spaces and L-Fuzzy Ideals
Authors: Ramadan Ahmed A. , Fawakhreh Anwar Jabor
Published: June 2024

In this work, our interest is restricted to study the links among [Formula: see text]-fuzzy pre-proximity spaces and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy ideals. We also show that there is a Galois correspondence between the categories of stratified [Formula: see text]-fuzzy ideals and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy pre-proximity spaces. Finally, we establish the relationship between [Formula: see text]-fuzzy prime ideal spaces and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy co-topological spaces.
Influence of Sn4+ substitution for Si4+ on the microwave dielectric properties of Mg2Al4Si5−xSnxO18 ceramics
Authors: Guo Junbo , Wang Xiangpeng , Song Yang , Yao Leijun , Min Chuanshi , Li Xiao , Wang Fanshuo , Lai Yuanming
Published: June 2024

The Mg2Al4[Formula: see text]Snx[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) ceramics were successfully synthesized via the solid-state reaction method. The XRD results show that the main phase of the ceramics is Mg2Al4Si5[Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], there is a second phase of Al2SiO5. With the increase of x, the content of [Formula: see text] gradually increased, the Al2SiO5 phase disappeared, and the SnO2 and MgAl2O4 phases appeared. In addition, the cell volume of the ceramic changes with the increase of x, which indicates that partial [Formula: see text] successfully enters the lattice with ion substitution and lattice distortion. The relative density and [Formula: see text] are highly correlated. The quality factor (Qf) is not only affected by the relative density but also by the symmetry of the [Si4Al2] ring. The bond strength as an evaluation of the stability of the crystal structure determines the magnitude of [Formula: see text]. Good microwave dielectric properties were achieved for samples at [Formula: see text] with sintering at 1400∘C: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GHz and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ppm/∘C, demonstrating that Mg2Al4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] ceramics are an ideal candidate for microwave electronics.
Security Challenges of Intent-Based Networking
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Okhravi Hamed , Tian Dave (Jing) , Ujcich Benjamin E.
Published: June 2024

Intent-based networking (IBN) offers advantages and opportunities compared with SDN, but IBN also poses new and unique security challenges that must be overcome.
Query Lower Bounds for Log-concave Sampling
Authors: Chewi Sinho , de Dios Pont Jaume , Li Jerry , Lu Chen , Narayanan Shyam
Published: June 2024

Log-concave sampling has witnessed remarkable algorithmic advances in recent years, but the corresponding problem of proving
lower bounds
for this task has remained elusive, with lower bounds previously known only in dimension one. In this work, we establish the following query lower bounds: (1) sampling from strongly log-concave and log-smooth distributions in dimension

\(d\ge 2\)

requires

\(\Omega (\log \kappa)\)

queries, which is sharp in any constant dimension, and (2) sampling from Gaussians in dimension
d
(hence also from general log-concave and log-smooth distributions in dimension
d
) requires

\(\widetilde{\Omega }(\min (\sqrt \kappa \log d, d))\)

queries, which is nearly sharp for the class of Gaussians. Here,

\(\kappa\)

denotes the condition number of the target distribution. Our proofs rely upon (1) a multiscale construction inspired by work on the Kakeya conjecture in geometric measure theory, and (2) a novel reduction that demonstrates that block Krylov algorithms are optimal for this problem, as well as connections to lower bound techniques based on Wishart matrices developed in the matrix-vector query literature.
Unmaking Electronic Waste
Authors: Lu Jasmine , Lopes Pedro
Published: June 2024

The proliferation of new technologies has led to a proliferation of unwanted electronic devices. E-waste is the largest-growing consumer waste-stream worldwide, but also an issue often ignored. In fact, HCI primarily focuses on designing and understanding device interactions during one segment of their lifecycles—while users use them. Researchers overlook a significant space—when devices are no longer “useful” to the user, such as after breakdown or obsolescence. We argue that HCI can learn from experts who upcycle e-waste and give it second lives in electronics projects, art projects, educational workshops, and more. To acquire and translate this knowledge to HCI, we interviewed experts who unmake e-waste. We explore their practices through the lens of unmaking both when devices are physically unmade and when the perception of e-waste is unmade once
waste
becomes, once again,
useful
. Last, we synthesize findings into takeaways for how HCI can engage with the issue of e-waste.
Anodic Electrochemical Behaviors of 2219 Aluminum Alloy in NaNO3 and NaCl Electrolytes
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Qu Ningsong , Chen Jiajie
Published: June 2024

Because to its exceptional performance, 2219 aluminum alloy is extensively employed in the aerospace sector for large thin-wall structures. However, the machining of such structures commonly results in issues like chatter and deformation, making electrochemical machining (ECM) the preferred method. The primary focus of ECM for anode materials involves understanding their behavior during the electrochemical dissolution process. The anode electrochemical behavior of 2219 aluminum alloy in 10 wt% NaNO3 electrolyte and 10 wt% NaCl electrolyte is reported for the first time. Passivation-related characteristics and interface structures were assessed through linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy curves. The growth and composition of passivated films were determined through open-cricuit potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Results indicate that in NaNO3 electrolyte, a thicker and more stable passivation film forms, enhancing corrosion resistance and inhibiting material dissolution. ECM tests reveal pitting in 2219 aluminum alloy under low current density, with the oxide layer breaking at higher densities. Notably, ECM of 2219 aluminum alloy with NaNO3 electrolyte yields superior surface morphology, evident in both microstructure and macro-morphology.
Deacetylation mimetic mutation of mitochondrial SOD2 attenuates ANG II-induced hypertension by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Dikalova Anna , Ao Mingfang , Tkachuk Liliya , Dikalov Sergey
Published: June 2024

Essential hypertension is associated with hyperacetylation of key mitochondrial antioxidant SOD2; however, the pathophysiological role of SOD2 acetylation has not been defined. Our animal study of angiotensin II hypertension model shows that deacetylation mimetic SOD2-K68R mutation prevents pathogenic increase in vascular mitochondrial superoxide, abrogates vascular oxidative stress, preserves endothelial nitric oxide, protects endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, and attenuates hypertension. These data support the important role of SOD2-K68 acetylation in vascular oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of hypertension.