bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lawsonella clevelandensis
as a cause of monomicrobial breast abscess: a case report
Authors: Lindstrom Meghan , Ferrieri Patricia , Kubiak Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Lawsonella clevelandensis
is a recently characterized fastidious anaerobic Gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacillus associated with monomicrobial abscess formation.

Case Summary

This case report features a 56-year-old female who developed right breast pain and was found to have subareolar breast abscess. Aspiration of the abscess grew pinpoint to small waxy colonies within 5 days on phenylethyl alcohol agar under anaerobic conditions. The organism was maintained with sustained growth from a subculture in thioglycolate broth. Conventional identification techniques, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, failed to identify the organism, which was confirmed as
L. clevelandensis
by 16S rDNA sequencing.

Conclusion

This case marks the fifth reported case of
L. clevelandensis
as the causative organism of monomicrobial breast abscess. Additionally, this case marks the first reported instance of
L. clevelandensis
being maintained and cultivated within liquid-based growth media.
Chest wall-necrotizing soft tissue infection caused by
Finegoldia magna
and
Helcococcus kunzii
in an immunocompromised patient: a case report
Authors: Alaifan Thamer , Al-Thaqafi Abdualhakeem , Munshi Enas , Kaaki Mai , Khojah Abdulrahman , Sakhakhni Abdulrazak
Published: December 2024

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are life-threatening conditions that require prompt diagnosis and intervention. This case report presents a rare case of chest wall-necrotizing soft tissue infection caused by
Finegoldia magna
and
Helcococcus kunzii
in an immunocompromised patient.

Case Summary

A 60-year-old female with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma and multiple comorbidities presented with swelling of the right breast and discharge. Surgical intervention revealed extensive necrosis, and cultures identified
Finegoldia magna
and
Helcococcus kunzii
. Despite antibiotic therapy and repeated debridement, the patient developed septic shock and coagulopathy, ultimately succumbing to infection.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential of rare organisms to cause severe necrotizing soft tissue infections in immunocompromised individuals. Rare microbiological and anatomical presentations and findings are interesting incidents that require further attention. It is important to note that, although these organisms are rare, they still pose a significant risk for the development of necrotizing soft tissue infections. By reporting such cases, we will aid in raising awareness of these organisms.
Targeted syndromic next-generation sequencing panel for simultaneous detection of pathogens associated with bovine reproductive failure
Authors: Periyasamy Dhinesh , Huang Yanyun , Hill Janet E.
Published: December 2024

Bovine reproductive failure, which includes infertility, abortion, and stillbirth in cattle, leads to significant economic losses for beef and milk producers. Diagnosing the infectious causes of bovine reproductive failure is challenging as there are multiple pathogens associated with it. The traditional stepwise approach to diagnostic testing is time-consuming and can cause significant delays. In this study, we have developed a syndromic next-generation sequencing panel (BovReproSeq) for the simultaneous detection of 17 pathogens (bacteria, virus, and protozoa) associated with bovine reproductive failure. This targeted approach involves amplifying multiple pathogen-specific targets using ultra-multiplex PCR, followed by sequencing with the Oxford Nanopore platform and subsequent analysis of the data using a custom bioinformatic pipeline to determine the presence or absence of pathogens. We tested 116 clinical samples and found that BovReproSeq results matched with current diagnostic methods for 93% of the samples, and most of the disagreements occurring in samples with very low pathogen loads (Ct >35). At the optimal read-count threshold of 10 reads (minimum number of reads to classify the sample as positive), the clinical sensitivity of the assay was approximately 82%, while clinical specificity was 100%. The overall accuracy of the assay was 98.8%. Matthews correlation coefficient (correlation coefficient of binary classification) was approximately 0.90 and F1 score (harmonic mean of precision and recall) was 0.90, indicating excellent overall performance. Our study presents a significant advancement in detecting the infectious agents associated with bovine reproductive failure and the BovReproSeq panel’s ability to detect 17 pathogens makes it a promising tool for veterinary diagnostics.

IMPORTANCE

Bovine reproductive failure causes substantial economic losses to beef and milk producers, and infectious disease contributes significantly to this syndrome. Etiologic diagnosis is complicated since multiple pathogens can be involved and infections with some pathogens are asymptomatic or cause similar clinical signs. A stepwise approach to diagnostic testing is time-consuming and increases the risk of missing the correct diagnosis. BovReproSeq is a next-generation sequencing-based diagnostic panel that allows detection of 17 reproductive failure pathogens simultaneously.
Deubiquitinase USP37 enhances the anti-HIV-2/SIV ability of the host restriction factor SAMHD1
Authors: Cui Wenzhe , Wang Hongfei , Gao Yuan , Zhang Xue , Xin Jingguo , Li Zhaolong , Li Guangquan , Gao Wenying , Zhang Wenyan
Published: December 2024

The Vpx protein encoded by HIV-2/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can antagonize the restriction of the host intrinsic restriction factor, SAMHD1, in nondividing cells by promoting its polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation, thereby facilitating viral replication and immune evasion. However, the role of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in the dynamics of virus and host remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that DUB USP37 significantly reverses the Vpx-mediated degradation of SAMHD1 in various HIV-2/SIV subtypes by interacting with SAMHD1 and removing its ubiquitin chains. Notably, USP37 deubiquitinates SAMHD1 by directly recognizing SAMHD1 rather than by targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase. The deubiquitinase activity of USP37 and its ubiquitin interacting motifs are essential for the deubiquitination of SAMHD1, whereas the phosphorylation state of USP37 does not influence its activity. Additionally, USP37 enhances the suppression of the retrotransposition of LINE-1 elements by SAMHD1 via stabilizing SAMHD1. Our findings provide important evidence that enhancing the deubiquitinating activity of some DUBs results in the stability of the host restriction factor and might be a viable strategy against HIV/SIV infections.

IMPORTANCE

SAMHD1 is a multifunctional protein, including restricting virus replication, maintaining genomic integrity through DNA repair, modulating the immune response by influencing the production of type I interferons and other cytokines, and affecting cancer cell proliferation and sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, HIV-2/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-encoded Vpx and the host E3 ligase TRIM21 can induce the degradation of SAMHD1 via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Therefore, it is necessary to find the strategy to stabilize SAMHD1. Our study demonstrates that the deubiquitinase USP37 reverses Vpx- and TRIM21-mediated degradation of SAMHD1, thereby inhibiting SIV replication and LINE-1 activity by stabilizing SAMHD1. Thus, we report a novel role of USP37, which represents a potentially useful target for the development of new drugs.
The
Trypanosoma brucei
tRNA methylome
Authors: Militello Kevin T.
Published: December 2024

Herein, the
Trypanosoma brucei
procyclic form and bloodstream form tRNA methylome is reported as revealed by small RNA bisulfite sequencing. 5-Methylcytosines were identified at six unique positions with 54 total 5-methylcytosines revealed. The main hot spot for 5-methylcytosine in tRNA is the junction between the variable region and the T-arm.
Draft genome sequences of
Flagellimonas
sp. MMG031 and
Marinobacter
sp. MMG032 isolated from the dinoflagellate
Symbiodinium pilosum
Authors: Farrell Morgan V. , Aljaber Aya M. , Amoruso Madison , Chan Wyman F. , Dael Jiellen R. , De Tomas Mathieu L. , Delavega Emily G. , Eslava Jacob M. , Holdbrook-Smith Benjamin J. , Lee Precilla , Mai Van , Michael Laith R. , Moreno Stephanie V. , Quevedo Jose F. , Roberts Aaron G. , Villanueva Jorge , Westin Carl , Zazueta Daniela M. , Shikuma Nicholas J.
Published: December 2024

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Flagellimonas
sp. MMG031 and
Marinobacter
sp. MMG032, isolated from coral-associated dinoflagellate
Symbiodinium pilosum
, assembled and analyzed by undergraduate students participating in a Marine Microbial Genomics (MMG) course. A genomic comparison suggests MMG031 and MMG032 are novel species and a resource for restoration and biotechnology.
Characterization of the microbial communities in paddy soils in Lajas, Puerto Rico using 16S rRNA gene
Authors: Rivera-Lopez Edwin Omar , Huertas-Miranda Javier , Rios-Velazquez Carlos
Published: December 2024

The microbiota in the paddy soils of the Lajas Agricultural Experimental Station at the University of Puerto Rico (LAES-UPR) plays a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems. Despite being at an experimental station, these soils represent natural environments supporting rice cultivation. Microbial diversity was evaluated during pre-harvest and post-harvest periods.
Draft genome sequences of two distinct
Clostridioides difficile
isolates coinfecting a patient
Authors: Lu Xin , Feng Yu , Wang Xiaohui
Published: December 2024

Clostridioides difficile
is a spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus. In this study, two distinct strains of
C. difficile
causing coinfection were isolated from the same fecal sample. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on these two strains to elucidate their genomic characteristics.
Dysbiosis of gut microbiota in COVID-19 is associated with intestinal DNA phage dynamics of lysogenic and lytic infection
Authors: Ishizaka Aya , Tamura Azumi , Koga Michiko , Mizutani Taketoshi , Yamayoshi Seiya , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Yasuhara Atsuhiro , Yamamoto Shinya , Nagai Hiroyuki , Adachi Eisuke , Suzuki Yutaka , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

This study compared intestinal DNA phage dynamics and gut microbiota changes observed at the onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The study participants included 19 healthy individuals and 19 patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Significant differences were observed in the diversity of the intestinal DNA virome after the onset of COVID-19 compared with that in healthy individuals. Classification by their tail morphology resulted in the order Caudovirales, a double-stranded DNA phage, accounting for >95% of all participants. In classifying phages based on host bacteria, a decreased number of phages infecting mainly the Clostridia class was observed immediately after the onset of COVID-19 and recovered over time. After the onset of COVID-19, two distinct movement patterns of intestinal phages and their host bacteria were observed: phage- and bacteria-predominant. The abundance of obligate anaerobes, such as
Clostridium_sense_strict_1
,
Fusicatenibacter
, and
Romboutsia
, and the phages hosting these bacteria decreased immediately after the onset of COVID-19, and faster phage recovery was observed compared with bacterial recovery. In contrast, the genus
Staphylococcus
, a facultative anaerobic bacterium, increased immediately after the onset of COVID-19, whereas the phages infecting
Staphylococcus
decreased. Furthermore, immediately after the onset of COVID-19, the percentage of lytic phages increased, whereas that of temperate phages decreased. These observations suggest that the gut microbiota dysbiosis observed immediately after the onset of COVID-19 may be linked to phage dynamics that control gut microbiota and may also affect the recovery from dysbiosis.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteriophages infect and replicate with bacteria and archaea and are closely associated with intestinal bacteria. The symbiotic relationship between gut microbiota and bacteriophages is of interest, but it is challenging to study their dynamics in the human body over time. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported to alter the gut microbiota, which is involved in gut immune regulation and pathophysiology, although changes in the intestinal phages of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and their dynamic relationship with the gut microbiota remain unclear. SARS-CoV-2 infection, which follows a transient pathological course from disease onset to cure, may provide a reliable model to investigate these interactions in the gut environment. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the correlation between gut microbiota and intestinal DNA virome dynamics in COVID-19 pathogenesis. This study found that the dysbiosis observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection involves a growth strategy that depends on the phage or bacterial dominance.
Establishment and application of a rapid new detection method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
based on MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Zhang Yapei , Fan Fanghua , Wang Xuan , Zhu Jie , Dong Shilei
Published: December 2024

The earlier appropriate treatment of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
infections according to the antimicrobial susceptibility profile based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) has a great clinical benefit. Our objective was to establish a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) for
K. pneumoniae
that produces reliable results within a few hours. Our rapid method is similar to the classical turbidity-based microdilution method. We confirmed, theoretically and experimentally, that MALDI-TOF MS can replace the naked eye in judging the results (MIC
MS
) by “seeing” the bacterial growth in the presence of different concentrations of antibiotics, including determination of the lower limit of bacterial count detection (4 × 10
5
cfu), the optimal period of incubation (2 h), and bacterial growth curve assay. Based on the study mentioned above, we determined the susceptibility of
K. pneumoniae
to imipenem. The MIC
MS
and MIC data agreed over 85% (40/46) within 1 dilution range. Susceptibility profiles determined with our rapid method and the reference broth microdilution method were also compared. MIC
MS
resulted in 97.9% (45/46) category agreement, 2.2% minor discrepancies, no major discrepancies, and no very major discrepancies. The summarized category agreement resulted in a kappa coefficient of almost 1 for weighted Cohen’s kappa, which could be considered a nearly perfect agreement. It took just 2 h to produce a susceptibility profile with a low failure rate using our new rapid AST method, a work day earlier than the broth microdilution method.

IMPORTANCE

Empirical antimicrobial use before antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) is necessary but risks patient harm and excess costs. It is particularly worrying that the inappropriate use of carbapenems has allowed carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
to become the commonest transmissible carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales worldwide. Guidelines recommend targeted therapy based on minimum inhibitory concentration results, which directly reflect the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs. The gold standard method of AST relies on visible bacterial growth, causing long turnaround times. Current rapid AST techniques are hampered by factors such as high costs, technological complexities, and limited detection capabilities. We present a novel rapid method and applied to the determination of the susceptibility of
K. pneumoniae
to imipenem. It took just 2 h to produce a susceptibility profile with a low failure rate, a work day earlier than the standard method. Our method is potentially a faster, more precise, cost-efficient, and user-friendly AST method that can enhance the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Microhabitat accessibility determines peptide substrate degradation by soil microbial community
Authors: Arellano-Caicedo Carlos , Ohlsson Pelle , Moradi Saleh , Hammer Edith C.
Published: December 2024

Soil pore space, considered the most complex biomaterial that exists, generates a complex environment, that gives rise to a wide variety of properties, such as microbial diversity and carbon storage. Soils contain, at the same time, the largest carbon reservoir on earth and an immense amount of nutrient-limited microbial biomass. The reason why this carbon is not consumed by soil microbes is attributed to the complex nature of soil, which forms a labyrinth where carbon and microbes cannot be in direct contact. In the present study, by using microfluidics, we tested the effect of labyrinth-like structures of decreasing accessibility on the decomposing activity of soil microbial communities from a soil inoculum. The two parameters used to study the effect of microhabitat accessibility were either the turning angle in an array of channel-like pore structures or the fractal order in an array of maze-like pore structures. We found that in both cases, channels and mazes, decreasing accessibility produced a higher peptide substrate degradation. When we analyzed the degradation within the structures, we found that most of the activity is concentrated in the regions of intermediate accessibility. We think that the increased degradation activity in low accessibility mazes might be due to the reduced interactions within the microbial communities which leads to a reduction in competition. Lowered competition allows different communities with a wide range of metabolic strategies to cohabit in the structures, which resulted in a bulk increase of the peptide substrate degradation.

IMPORTANCE

The role microbes have in the environment is highly influenced by the characteristics of their habitat. Here, we show that a complex habitat enhances the enzymatic activity of a soil microbial inoculum. This might occur due to a reduced competition in complex habitats, which allows a more diverse community to coexist and explore a wider variety of metabolic strategies. The different rates of enzymatic activity in different levels of complexity suggest emergent properties of microbial communities in complex microhabitats which could have important implication for microbial processes, such as soil carbon storage and nutrient cycling.
Thyroid function test interpretation for general paediatricians
Authors: Hardy Amelia Isadora Alice , Tetlow Lesley , Patel Leena , Banerjee Indraneel
Published: December 2024

A thyroid function test (TFT) is a common investigation, often undertaken by general paediatricians and general practitioners. TFT involves the measurement of serum free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to guide the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, requiring treatment with medications such as levothyroxine (LT4) and carbimazole. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in early life neurodevelopment; therefore, the correct interpretation of TFT is required to optimise treatment outcomes. TFT needs to be contextualised to influencing factors such as intercurrent illness, diet, presence of obesity, assay interference and non-adherence to treatment.
Predictive validity of interleukin 6 (IL-6) for the mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients with the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant in Vietnam: a single-centre, cross-sectional study
Authors: Nguyen Chi Van , Luong Chinh Quoc , Dao Co Xuan , Nguyen My Ha , Pham Dung Thi , Khuat Nhung Hong , Pham Quynh Thi , Hoang Dat Tien , Nguyen Anh Diep , Nguyen Phuong Minh , Cao Duong Dai , Pham Dung Thuy , Nguyen Thai Quoc , Nong Vuong Minh , Dang Dung Tuan , Nguyen Dat Tuan , Nguyen Vinh Duc , Le Thuan Quang , Nguyen Viet Khoi , Ngo Hung Duc , Nguyen Dung Van , Pham Thach The , Nguyen Dung Tien , Nguyen Nguyen Trung , Do Tan Dang , Huynh Nhung Thi , Phan Nga Thu , Nguyen Cuong Duy , Vo Khoi Hong , Vu Thom Thi , Do Cuong Duy , Dang Tuan Quoc , Vu Giap Van , Nguyen Tan Cong , Do Son Ngoc
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the serum IL-6 levels and their rate of change in predicting the mortality of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Vietnam.

Design

A single-centre, cross-sectional study.

Setting

An Intensive Care Centre for the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Participants

We included patients aged 18 years or older who were critically ill with COVID-19 and presented to the study centre from 30 July 2021 to 15 October 2021. We excluded patients who did not have serum IL-6 measurements between admission and the end of the first day.

Primary outcome measures

The primary outcome was hospital all-cause mortality.

Results

Of 90 patients, 41.1% were men, the median age was 60.5 years (Q1–Q3: 52.0–71.0), and 76.7% of patients died in the hospital. Elevated IL-6 levels were observed on admission (41.79 pg/mL; Q1–Q3: 20.68–106.27) and on the third day after admission (72.00 pg/mL; Q1–Q3: 26.98–186.50), along with a significant rate of change in IL-6 during that period (839.5%; SD: 2753.2). While admission IL-6 level (areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.610 (95% CI: 0.459 to 0.761); cut-off value ≥15.8 pg/mL) and rate of change in IL-6 on the third day of admission (AUROC: 0.586 (95% CI: 0.420 to 0.751); cut-off value ≥−58.7%) demonstrated poor discriminatory ability in predicting hospital mortality, the third day IL-6 rate of change from admission ≥−58.7% (adjusted OR: 12.812; 95% CI: 2.104 to 78.005) emerged as an independent predictor of hospital mortality.

Conclusions

This study focused on a highly selected cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients with a high IL-6 level and mortality rate. Despite the poor discriminatory value of admission IL-6 levels, the rate of change in IL-6 proved valuable in predicting mortality. To identify critically ill COVID-19 patients with the highest risk for mortality, monitoring the serial serum IL-6 measurements and observing the rate of change in serum IL-6 levels over time are needed.
Biopsychosocial factors associated with physical activity among Resettlers of the former Soviet Union in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Ouma Mary Achieng , Juma Kenneth , Meisinger Christa , Stolpe Susanne , Becher Heiko , Winkler Volker Franz , Deckert Andreas
Published: December 2024

Objective

Previous research suggests an overall lower cardiovascular disease mortality among ethnic German Resettlers from the Former Soviet Union. However, evidence points to a high burden of metabolic risk factors and chronic conditions among Resettlers, factors which are correlated to lower levels of physical activity. Thus, this study aims to assess factors associated with physical activity among Resettlers, by investigating the interplay between biopsychosocial factors and physical activity between men and women.

Design

We conducted a cross-sectional study by administering questionnaires between 2011 and 2012. Data from 595 individuals were analysed, and total and extracurricular physical activity scores were generated. A backward stepwise linear regression was run to investigate the effect of various predictors on various physical activity domains.

Setting

Augsburg, Germany.

Participants

We targeted Resettlers who had moved to Augsburg, Germany between 1990 and 1999.

Results

Disease and psychological distress were linked to decreasing physical activity in men. Higher socioeconomic status was correlated with increasing physical activity except for work-related physical activity for both men and women. Single women were less likely to report extracurricular activity, and so did women who reported a shorter duration of stay and men who smoked.

Conclusions

Migration experience and culture account for gender-related sex differences in physical activity alongwith other interlocking social factors such as psychological stressors and health status among Resettlers. Individual psychological stressors may hinder or motivate physical activity, but physical activity can reverse the influence of such stressors on Resettlers. Understanding migrant health and experiences is crucial due to the migration influx and health disparities. However, data on this topic are scarce in Germany.
Effects of core training based on respiratory therapy on elderly stable COPD patients in the rehabilitation hospital: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Su Jianqing , Qu Yan , Wei Yingjun , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Jingjing , Gao Bingyang , Niu Chunlai , Zhang Zinan , Feng Wei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Elderly stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients frequently experience walking dysfunction. Research indicates that balance training holds promise for enhancing walking stability in these individuals, whereas respiratory therapy (RT) can enhance walking endurance effectively. However, existing balance training regimens tailored for COPD are intricate and lack specificity, and the impact of combined RT on patients’ walking function remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the influence of core training (CT) integrated with RT on walking function among elderly stable COPD patients.

Methods and analysis

This randomised, assessment-blinded, routine rehabilitation-controlled trial will be carried out at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Rehabilitation, the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai. A total of 42 elderly patients diagnosed with stable COPD will be randomly allocated to either the study group (SG) or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will undergo 6 weeks of standard rehabilitation training. Additionally, patients in the SG will receive CT based on RT. The primary outcome of the study is the 6 min walk test. Secondary outcomes encompass ultrasound indicators of the diaphragm and multifidus, pulmonary function tests, Berg balance scale test, trunk impairment scale test, COPD assessment test and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai (2023-01-01, see online supplemental file 1). All patients will provide written informed consent before participation. The results of the trial are intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2400080276.
Efficacy and safety of individual nutrition support in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure at nutrition risk: a study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Luo Qiumin , Wang Peipei , Wang Lu , Zheng Xingrong , Zhang Yeqiong , Xu Wenxiong , Peng Liang
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Malnutrition is a common complication of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) typically associated with poor prognosis. Despite nutritional treatment, the outcomes for these patients are limited by the symptoms and complications associated with ACLF. So far, the benefits of nutritional interventions in these populations have not been proven. This study aims to explore a new nutritional intervention method for patients with HBV-ACLF and evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Methods and analysis

This study is an investigator-initiated, nonblind, randomised controlled clinical trial. We will recruit 60 patients with HBV-ACLF according to the Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B criteria hospitalised in the Infectious Diseases Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to the nutrition support group (intervention group) and the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the nutrition support group will receive 10 days of tailor-made nutrition therapy consisting of oral nutritional supplements and supplementary parenteral nutrition. Patients in the control group will receive standard nutrition with dietary advice. All assessments will be conducted at baseline, 30 days and 90 days. The primary outcome measure is the liver transplant-free mortality rate. The secondary indicators include the incidence of clinical adverse outcomes and changes in indicators such as muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function and quality of life (EQ-5D scale).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (approval number: II2023-242-03). The results and conclusions of the clinical trial will be published in academic conferences or journals.

Trial registration number

NCT06128421.
Experimental study on multi-parameter performance differences of coal with different rockburst tendencies
Authors: Li Yanhui , Bai Jianbiao , Wang Xiangyu , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhao Xiangqian
Published: December 2024

Addressing the difficult issue of precursor damage warning signs for the destruction of coal with different rockburst tendency, this paper conducted research on the multi-parameter evolution laws by acoustic-thermal-energy synchronization experiments. The results show that as rockburst tendency increases, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), elastic strain energy density, energy ringing count, cumulative energy counts, and acoustic emission (AE) impact intensity all increase significantly; the post-peak stress–strain curve is gradually steeper and the impact damage is more severe than that because the denser structure accumulates more elastic energy, causing severe impact damage; moreover, the damage form gradually changes from shear to split damage, triggering the infrared radiation temperature changing from warming to cooling type. Disaster precursor signatures appear in each covariate, respectively, and a calm zone appears in the energy ringing counts of coal specimens with weak and strong rockburst tendency; as rockburst tendency increases, the b-value precursor signature points fall behind, being 87%, 95.3%, and 97.9% of the UCS, respectively; correspondingly, a calm period appears in the infrared radiant temperature, but lags behind the signals of AE and the UCS. There are differences in homologous monitoring information, mainly due to the different densification, strength, and damage form. This paper lays a foundation for rockburst prevention and control.
The QED nonfactorizable correction to the semileptonic charmed three-body B decays
Authors: Yang Yueling , Wang Liting , Li Jiazhi , Chang Qin , Sun Junfeng
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the nonfactorizable photonic corrections to the effective four-fermion vertex for the

$$\overline{B}$$

B
¯

$${\rightarrow }$$

→

$$D^{({*})}$$

D

(

∗

)

$$+$$

+

$${\ell }^{-}$$

ℓ

-

$$+$$

+

$$\bar{\nu }_{\ell }$$

ν

¯

ℓ

decays are considered at the quark level within SM, where

$${\ell }$$

ℓ

$$=$$

=

e,

$${\mu }$$

μ

and

$${\tau }$$

τ

. It is found that the QED corrections are closely related with the mass of the charged lepton. The QED contributions will enhance branching ratios, which results in the slight reduction of ratios

$$R(D^{(*)})$$

R
(

D

(

∗
)

)

and the relationship

$$R(D^{(*)})_{e}$$

R

(

D

(

∗
)

)

e

<

$$R(D^{(*)})_{\mu }$$

R

(

D

(

∗
)

)

μ

.
The cosmic timeline implied by the highest redshift quasars
Authors: Melia Fulvio
Published: December 2024

The conventional picture of supermassive black-hole growth in the standard model had already been seriously challenged by the emergence of

$$\sim 10^9\;M_\odot $$

∼

10
9

M
⊙

quasars at

$$z\sim 7.5$$

z
∼
7.5

, conflicting with the predicted formation of structure in the early

$$\varLambda $$

Λ

CDM Universe. But the most recent JWST discovery of a

$$\sim 10^8\;M_\odot $$

∼

10
8

M
⊙

source at

$$z\sim 10.1$$

z
∼
10.1

argues even more strongly against the possibility that these black holes were created in Pop II or III supernovae, followed by Eddington-limited accretion. Attempts at resolving this anomaly have largely focused on the formation of seeds via an exotic, direct collapse of primordial gas to an initial mass

$$\sim 10^5\;M_\odot $$

∼

10
5

M
⊙

– a process that has never been seen anywhere in the cosmos. Our goal in this Letter is to demonstrate that the emergence of these black holes is instead fully consistent with standard astrophysics in the context of the alternative Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmology known as the

$$R_\textrm{h}=ct$$

R
h

=
c
t

universe. We show that, while the predicted evolution in the standard model is overly compressed, the creation, growth and appearance of such high-z quasars fall comfortably within the evolutionary history in this cosmology, thereby adding considerable observational support to the existing body of evidence favoring it over the standard scenario.
Geometric morphometric analysis of
Idiognathodus
species across the Atokan–Desmoinesian boundary in north-central New Mexico, USA
Authors: Hogancamp Nicholas J. , Barrick James E.
Published: December 2024

Landmark-based geometric morphometric analyses of three
Idiognathodus
species (
Idiognathodus salensae
,
Idiognathodus obstipus
and
Idiognathodus amplificus
) occurring in highest Atokan to lower Desmoinesian strata in New Mexico show that they represent three similar, but distinctive, P
1
element species.
Idiognathodus salensae
has the most twisted element and the smallest, most restricted rostral lobe.
Idiognathodus amplificus
has the least twisted element and the largest, most expanded rostral lobe.
Idiognathous obstipus
represents an intermediate taxon between these two end-members. The sinistral elements are more clearly distinguishable between the species than the dextral elements. Other oral features of the P
1
element in these species are highly variable and the analyses demonstrate plasticity in carinal length, adcarinal ridge constriction, transverse ridge disarticulation, and the size and arrangement of the nodes on the lobes. These variations and the overall shape changes in ontogeny and chirality are interpreted to be intraspecific variability and are not useful for species discrimination in this group of species. The morphological groups were distinguished along canonical variance axes, but were not differentiated by the principal component axes, highlighting the importance of using canonical variance analysis to detect specific variations undetected by principal component analysis.
Comparing Echo Chamber Detection Metrics: A Cross-modeling and Cross-platform Analysis of Twitter and Reddit
Authors: Impiccichè Paola , Viviani Marco
Published: December 2024

Social media platforms have become central arenas for public discourse, enabling the exchange of ideas and information among diverse user groups. However, the rise of echo chambers, where individuals reinforce their existing beliefs through repeated interactions with like-minded users, poses significant challenges to the democratic exchange of ideas and the potential for polarization and information disorder. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the main metrics that have been proposed in the literature for echo chamber detection, with a focus on their application in a cross-platform scenario constituted by the two major social media platforms, i.e., Twitter (now renamed

\(\mathbb {X} \)

) and Reddit. The echo chamber detection metrics considered encompass network analysis, content analysis, and hybrid solutions. The findings of this work shed light on the unique dynamics of echo chambers present on the two social media platforms, while also highlighting the strengths and limitations of various metrics employed to identify them, and their transversality to the different social graph modeling and domains considered.
Prognostic Value of Coronary CT Angiography–Derived Quantitative Flow Ratio in Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Li Zehang , Tu Shengxian , Matheson Matthew B. , Li Guanyu , Chen Yankai , Rochitte Carlos E. , Chen Marcus Y. , Dewey Marc , Miller Julie M. , R. Scarpa Matuck Bruna , Yang Wenjie , Qin Le , Yan Fuhua , Lima João A. C. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin
Published: December 2024

Coronary CT angiography–derived quantitative flow ratio was independently predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events, with 5-year prognostic value similar to invasive coronary angiography/SPECT in suspected coronary artery disease.
Gold Nanoparticle Functionalized Carrageenan Polysaccharide and Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8: Biopolymer Nanocomposite for Selective Serotonin Sensing
Authors: Nathiya D. , Kalla Reddi Mohan Naidu , Thenrajan T. , Prasad Gajapaneni Venkata , Raju Chikkili Venkateswara , Wilson J. , Lee Jaewoong
Published: December 2024

Herein, a biopolymer, Carrageenan (CA), decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), showed a highly stable structure with more active sites for serving as an electrochemical sensing platform. Furthermore, the adsorption of Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) on Au NPs decorated CA (Au@CA) structure resulted in a strong hybrid composite formation for the sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing of serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter. The morphology of ZIF-8 decorated Au-modified CA (Au@CA/ZIF-8) based hybrid nanocomposite was studied by scanning electron microscopy and its affirmed interactions was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV–visible spectroscopy. After that, the electrochemical studies revealed its excellent conductivity and sensing behaviour towards 5-HT (0.15 V) at a sensitivity of 7.232 μA with a wide linear range of 10 nM to 1 mM and a lower detection limit of 2 nM. Also, the composite has achieved good cyclic and long-term stability, selectivity, and reproducibility. Furthermore, the real sample results have demonstrated its efficient sensing of 5-HT in urine samples with excellent recoveries, which suggests that the Au@CA/ZIF-8 hybrid composite is a perfect transducer material for a 5-HT biosensor.
Impact of Silicon Impurity on the Hydrometallurgical Recovery of NCM622 Cathode
Authors: Zheng Yadong , Yang Zhenzhen , Wang Yan
Published: December 2024

Hydrometallurgy is one of the best approaches to date for recycling LIBs due to its high efficiency, low energy usage, and industrial scalability. However, impurities have always been a thorny issue because they could have unintended impacts on the recovered cathode materials. This research marks the first systematic investigation into the influence of silicon impurity on the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) cathode obtained from hydrometallurgical recycling. We find that silicon nanoparticles will be nucleated at the center of the precursor particles during co-precipitation synthesis, and the silicon core will slowly dissolve in the surrounding ammonia, creating a special hollow structure in the particle. More importantly, the dissolution of silicon impurity will eventually lead to the deposition of silicates in the cathode material, which is an unfavorable result. Test data indicate that NCM622 cathode with 5 at% silicon has a capacity of 148.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1/3 C, approximately 10 mAh g−1 lower than the virgin. Despite being relatively mild, the adverse influence of silicon impurity in hydrometallurgical recycling still requires attention.
Role of versican in extracellular matrix formation: analysis in 3D culture
Authors: Jahan Nushrat , Islam Shamima , Sivasundaram Karnan , Ota Akinobu , Naito Munekazu , Kuroda Junpei , Watanabe Hideto
Published: December 2024

We established a 3-D-culture system useful for analyzing fibroblast behavior and matrix formation. The initial cleavage site by ADAMTSs in versican core protein is mainly involved in versican turnover. Accumulating versican facilitates fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblastic differentiation in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Accumulating versican promotes the deposition of fibronectin and collagens.
The Protective Effects of Microbe Derived Antioxidants on Digestive Tissue Morphology, Functions, and Intestinal Microbiota Diversity of Eriocheir sinensis Exposed to Glyphosate
Authors: Song Yameng , Wu Mengyao , Cheng Yongxu , Niu Chao , Yu Xiaowen , Pang Yangyang , Yang Xiaozhen
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The use of glyphosate (Gly) has caused unnecessary economic losses to the aquaculture industry, but research on the effect of Gly on Eriocheir sinensis is very limited. The aim of this study is to reduce the negative effects of Gly, reduce yield loss, and improve economic benefits through nutritional feed control technology.

Methods: The experiment involved 80 crabs randomly divided into four groups: control group, Gly group (48.945 mg/L), microbe‐derived antioxidant (MA) group, and Gly and MA treatment group. The study lasted for 7 days. In this study, the effects of Gly on the digestive function of E. sinensis were investigated using histology and spectrophotometer, and the gut microorganisms of E. sinensis were analyzed using high‐throughput sequencing technology.

Results: The study found that exposure to Gly resulted in separation of the folds of the midgut mucosa of Eriocheir sinensis from the basement membrane, a decrease in the fold area of the hindgut mucosa, and an increase in the number of B cells in hepatic tubules. Additionally, the lipase activity of the intestine in the Gly group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the MA + Gly group, while the hepatopancreatic lipase decreased significantly. The amylase activity in the intestine and hepatopancreas of the Gly group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The trypsin activity in the hepatopancreas of the MA + Gly group was significantly higher than that of the Gly group. The Shannon diversity index in MA + Gly group was significantly lower than that in control group. At the phylum level, the abundance of the Campilobacterota in the MA + Gly group decreased. At the genus level, the proportion of the Citrobacter and Flavobacterium in the MA + Gly group decreased.

Conclusion: Gly has certain effects on the digestive tissue function, intestinal microbial diversity index and intestinal microbiota structure of E. sinensis, and MA can ameliorate the negative effects of Gly on E. sinensis.
Economic Impact of Chemical Pesticide Ban on Mealybug Management in Commercial Banana Farms in Cameroon Highlights the Need for Policy Initiatives on Sustainable Alternatives
Authors: Becke Henry Ikome , Achiri Tange Denis , Okolle Justin Nambangia , Ntonifor Nelson Neba , Ngosong Christopher
Published: December 2024

Banana (Musa spp.) production is source of food, income and foreign exchange, but banana mealybug (Pseudococcus elisae) infestation is a major production constraint that was only highlighted in 2007 following rejection of banana from Cameroon Development Cooperation (CDC) in international markets. Increased banana rejection with the ban on chlorpyrifos insecticide‐treated bags in 2019, requires insights on the current status of banana rejection and relevant policies. In order to advance evidence‐based debates on policy implications of chlorpyrifos ban on banana trade, we explored secondary data from CDC at prechlorpyrifos ban (PreCB; 2014–2016) and postchlorpyrifos ban (PostCB; 2020–2022). Thereby, providing situational insights on impacts of mealybug infestation at CDC farms on market rejection of banana and financial losses in PreCB and PostCB. This will facilitate relevant policy formulations that can enable adaptation to current and future shocks on pesticide use and banana trade. Findings revealed no banana rejection due to mealybug infestation in at least 2 months of PreCB years, whereas banana was rejected in all 12 months of PostCB years. Rejection of banana bunches due to mealybug infestation increased by 6–folds in PostCB with the highest in February 2021 and January 2022. Monthly financial loss resulting from mealybug infestation differed significantly (p < 0.029) between PreCB (∼US$3100) and PostCB (∼US$7600). Besides market rejection of banana and economic losses due to mealybug infestation, business rating and reputation of CDC are downgraded, highlighting the urgent need for policy initiatives to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, and promote sustainable alternative management options.
Therapeutic Targeting and Structural Characterization of a Sotorasib-Modified KRAS G12C–MHC I Complex Demonstrate the Antitumor Efficacy of Hapten-Based Strategies
Authors: Pandey Apurva , Rohweder Peter J. , Chan Lieza M. , Ongpipattanakul Chayanid , Chung Dong hee , Paolella Bryce , Quimby Fiona M. , Nguyen Ngoc , Verba Kliment A. , Evans Michael J. , Craik Charles S.
Published: December 2024

Antibody-based therapies have emerged as a powerful strategy for the management of diverse cancers. Unfortunately, tumor-specific antigens remain challenging to identify and target. Recent work established that inhibitor-modified peptide adducts derived from KRAS G12C are competent for antigen presentation via MHC I and can be targeted by antibody-based therapeutics, offering a means to directly target an intracellular oncoprotein at the cell surface with combination therapies. Here, we validated the antigen display of “haptenated” KRAS G12C peptide fragments on tumors in mouse models treated with the FDA-approved KRAS G12C covalent inhibitor sotorasib using PET/CT imaging of an 89Zr-labeled P1B7 IgG antibody, which selectively binds sotorasib-modified KRAS G12C–MHC I complexes. Targeting this peptide–MHC I complex with radioligand therapy using 225Ac- or 177Lu-P1B7 IgG effectively inhibited tumor growth in combination with sotorasib. Elucidation of the 3.1 Å cryo-EM structure of P1B7 bound to a haptenated KRAS G12C peptide–MHC I complex confirmed that the sotorasib-modified KRAS G12C peptide is presented via a canonical binding pose and showed that P1B7 binds the complex in a T-cell receptor–like manner. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential value of targeting unique oncoprotein-derived, haptenated MHC I complexes with radioligand therapeutics and provide a structural framework for developing next generation antibodies.

Significance: Radioligand therapy using an antibody targeting KRAS-derived, sotorasib-modified MHC I complexes elicits antitumor effects superior to those of sotorasib alone and provides a potential strategy to repurpose sotorasib as a hapten to overcome resistance.
Supplementary Table S2 from Multiomic Profiling of Central Nervous System Leukemia Identifies mRNA Translation as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Vanner Robert J. , Dobson Stephanie M. , Gan Olga I. , McLeod Jessica , Schoof Erwin M. , Grandal Ildiko , Wintersinger Jeff A. , Garcia-Prat Laura , Hosseini Mohsen , Xie Stephanie Z. , Jin Liqing , Mbong Nathan , Voisin Veronique , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Kennedy James A. , Waanders Esmé , Morris Quaid , Porse Bo , Chan Steven M. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Danska Jayne S. , Minden Mark D. , Mullighan Charles G. , Dick John E.
Published: December 2024

B-ALL Xenografts Used in Current Study.
Supplementary Figures S1-S6 from Multiomic Profiling of Central Nervous System Leukemia Identifies mRNA Translation as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Vanner Robert J. , Dobson Stephanie M. , Gan Olga I. , McLeod Jessica , Schoof Erwin M. , Grandal Ildiko , Wintersinger Jeff A. , Garcia-Prat Laura , Hosseini Mohsen , Xie Stephanie Z. , Jin Liqing , Mbong Nathan , Voisin Veronique , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Kennedy James A. , Waanders Esmé , Morris Quaid , Porse Bo , Chan Steven M. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Danska Jayne S. , Minden Mark D. , Mullighan Charles G. , Dick John E.
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Figures S1-S6