bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peatlands Versus Permafrost: Landscape Features as Drivers of Dissolved Organic Matter Composition in West Siberian Rivers
Authors: Starr Sommer F. , Frey Karen E. , Smith Laurence C. , Kellerman Anne M. , McKenna Amy M. , Spencer Robert G. M.
Published: February 2024

West Siberia contains some of the largest soil carbon stores on Earth owing to vast areas of peatlands and permafrost, with the region warming far faster than the global average. Organic matter transported in fluvial systems is likely to undergo distinct compositional changes as peatlands and permafrost warm. However, the influence of peatlands and permafrost on future dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition is not well characterized. To better understand how these environmental drivers may impact DOM composition in warming Arctic rivers, we used ultrahigh resolution Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to analyze riverine DOM composition across a latitudinal gradient of West Siberia spanning both permafrost‐influenced and permafrost‐free watersheds and varying proportions of peatland cover. We find that peatland cover explains much of the variance in DOM composition in permafrost‐free watersheds in West Siberia, but this effect is suppressed in permafrost‐influenced watersheds. DOM from warm permafrost‐free watersheds was more heterogenous, higher molecular weight, and relatively nitrogen enriched in comparison to DOM from cold permafrost‐influenced watersheds, which were relatively enriched in energy‐rich peptide‐like and aliphatic compounds. Therefore, we predict that as these watersheds warm, West Siberian rivers will export more heterogeneous DOM with higher average molecular weight than at present. Such compositional shifts have been linked to different fates of DOM in downstream ecosystems. For example, a shift toward higher molecular weight, less energy‐rich DOM may lead to a change in the fate of this material, making it more susceptible to photochemical degradation processes, particularly in the receiving Arctic Ocean.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts rewire the estrogen receptor response in luminal breast cancer, enabling estrogen independence
Authors: Reid Steven E. , Pantaleo Jessica , Bolivar Paulina , Bocci Matteo , Sjölund Jonas , Morsing Mikkel , Cordero Eugenia , Larsson Sara , Malmberg Maria , Seashore-Ludlow Brinton , Pietras Kristian
Published: February 2024

Advanced breast cancers represent a major therapeutic challenge due to their refractoriness to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant constituents of the tumor microenvironment and have been linked to most hallmarks of cancer. However, the influence of CAFs on therapeutic outcome remains largely unchartered. Here, we reveal that spatial coincidence of abundant CAF infiltration with malignant cells was associated with reduced estrogen receptor (ER)-α expression and activity in luminal breast tumors. Notably, CAFs mediated estrogen-independent tumor growth by selectively regulating ER-α signaling. Whereas most prototypical estrogen-responsive genes were suppressed, CAFs maintained gene expression related to therapeutic resistance, basal-like differentiation, and invasion. A functional drug screen in co-cultures identified effector pathways involved in the CAF-induced regulation of ER-α signaling. Among these, the Transforming Growth Factor-β and the Janus kinase signaling cascades were validated as actionable targets to counteract the CAF-induced modulation of ER-α activity. Finally, genes that were downregulated in cancer cells by CAFs were predictive of poor response to endocrine treatment. In conclusion, our work reveals that CAFs directly control the luminal breast cancer phenotype by selectively modulating ER-α expression and transcriptional function, and further proposes novel targets to disrupt the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells to reinstate treatment response to endocrine therapy in patients.
Neural sensitivity following stress predicts anhedonia symptoms: a 2-year multi-wave, longitudinal study
Authors: Kirshenbaum Jaclyn S. , Pagliaccio David , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Auerbach Randy P.
Published: February 2024

Animal models of depression show that acute stress negatively impacts functioning in neural regions sensitive to reward and punishment, often manifesting as anhedonic behaviors. However, few human studies have probed stress-induced neural activation changes in relation to anhedonia, which is critical for clarifying risk for affective disorders. Participants (N = 85, 12–14 years-old, 53 female), oversampled for risk of depression, were administered clinical assessments and completed an fMRI guessing task during a baseline (no-stress) period to probe neural response to receipt of rewards and losses. After the initial task run of the fMRI guessing task, participants received an acute stressor and then, were re-administered the guessing task. Including baseline, participants provided up to 10 self-report assessments of life stress and symptoms over a 2 year period. Linear mixed-effects models estimated whether change in neural activation (post- vs. pre-acute stressor) moderated the longitudinal associations between life stress and symptoms. Primary analyses indicated that adolescents with stress-related reductions in right ventral striatum response to rewards exhibited stronger longitudinal associations between life stress and anhedonia severity (β = −0.06, 95%CI[−0.11, −0.02], p = 0.008, pFDR = 0.048). Secondary analyses showed that longitudinal positive associations between life stress and depression severity were moderated by stress-related increases in dorsal striatum response to rewards (left caudate β = 0.11, 95%CI[0.07,0.17], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002; right caudate β = 0.07, 95%CI[0.02,0.12], p = 0.002, pFDR = 0.003; left putamen β = 0.09, 95%CI[0.04, 0.14], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002; right putamen β = 0.08, 95%CI[0.03, 0.12], p < 0.001, pFDR = 0.002). Additionally, longitudinal positive associations among life stress and anxiety severity were moderated by stress-related reductions in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (β = −0.07, 95%CI[−0.12,.02], p = 0.008, pFDR = 0.012) and right anterior insula (β = −0.07, 95%CI[−0.12,−0.02], p = 0.002, pFDR = 0.006) response to loss. All results held when adjusting for comorbid symptoms. Results show convergence with animal models, highlighting mechanisms that may facilitate stress-induced anhedonia as well as a separable pathway for the emergence of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
CHOP-mediated Gasdermin E expression promotes pyroptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Ma Nannan , Lu Hao , Li Ning , Ni Weijian , Zhang Wenbo , Liu Qiang , Wu Wenzheng , Xia Shichao , Wen Jiagen , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2024

In clinical practice, renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), often leading to acute renal failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The current understanding of renal IRI mechanisms remains unclear, and effective therapeutic strategies and clear targets are lacking. Therefore, the need to find explicit and effective ways to reduce renal IRI remains a scientific challenge. The current study explored pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-regulated programmed cell death, and the role of Gasdermins E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis, mitochondrial damage, and inflammation in renal IRI. The analysis of human samples showed that the expression levels of GSDME in normal human renal tissues were higher than those of GSDMD. Moreover, our study demonstrated that GSDME played an important role in mediating pyroptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage in renal IRI. Subsequently, GSDME-N accumulated in the mitochondrial membrane, leading to mitochondrial damage and activation of caspase3, which generated a feed-forward loop of self-amplification injury. However, GSDME knockout resulted in the amelioration of renal IRI. Moreover, the current study found that the transcription factor CHOP was activated much earlier in renal IRI. Inhibition of BCL-2 by CHOP leaded to casapse3 activation, resulting in mitochondrial damage and apoptosis; not only that, but CHOP positively regulated GSDME thereby causing pyroptosis. Therefore, this study explored the transcriptional mechanisms of GSDME during IRI development and the important role of CHOP/Caspase3/GSDME mechanistic axis in regulating pyroptosis in renal IRI. This axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Alternative Wnt-signaling axis leads to a break of oncogene-induced senescence
Authors: Kluge Viola , Kappelmann-Fenzl Melanie , Fischer Stefan , Zimmermann Tom , Pommer Michaela , Kuphal Silke , Bosserhoff Anja-Katrin
Published: February 2024

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is an important process that suppresses tumor development, but the molecular mechanisms of OIS are still under investigation. It is known that BRAFV600E-mutated melanocytes can overcome OIS and develop melanoma, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Using an established OIS model of primary melanocytes transduced with BRAFV600E, YAP activity was shown to be induced in OIS as well as in melanoma cells compared to that in normal epidermal melanocytes. This led to the assumption that YAP activation itself is not a factor involved in the disruption of OIS. However, its role and interaction partners potentially change. As Wnt molecules are known to be important in melanoma progression, these molecules were the focus of subsequent studies. Interestingly, activation of Wnt signaling using AMBMP resulted in a disruption of OIS in BRAFV600E-transduced melanocytes. Furthermore, depletion of Wnt6, Wnt10b or β-catenin expression in melanoma cells resulted in the induction of senescence. Given that melanoma cells do not exhibit canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity, alternative β-catenin signaling pathways may disrupt OIS. Here, we discovered that β-catenin is an interaction partner of YAP on DNA in melanoma cells. Furthermore, the β-catenin–YAP interaction changed the gene expression pattern from senescence-stabilizing genes to tumor-supportive genes. This switch is caused by transcriptional coactivation via the LEF1/TEAD interaction. The target genes with binding sites for LEF1 and TEAD are involved in rRNA processing and are associated with poor prognosis in melanoma patients. This study revealed that an alternative YAP-Wnt signaling axis is an essential molecular mechanism leading to OIS disruption in melanocytes.
The plasmidome associated with Gram-negative bloodstream infections: A large-scale observational study using complete plasmid assemblies
Authors: Lipworth Samuel , Matlock William , Shaw Liam , Vihta Karina-Doris , Rodger Gillian , Chau Kevin , Barker Leanne , George Sophie , Kavanagh James , Davies Timothy , Vaughan Alison , Andersson Monique , Jeffery Katie , Oakley Sarah , Morgan Marcus , Hopkins Susan , Peto Timothy , Crook Derrick , Walker A. Sarah , Stoesser Nicole
Published: February 2024

Plasmids carry genes conferring antimicrobial resistance and other clinically important traits, and contribute to the rapid dissemination of such genes. Previous studies using complete plasmid assemblies, which are essential for reliable inference, have been small and/or limited to plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, we sequenced 1,880 complete plasmids from 738 isolates from bloodstream infections in Oxfordshire, UK. The bacteria had been originally isolated in 2009 (194 isolates) and 2018 (368 isolates), plus a stratified selection from intervening years (176 isolates). We demonstrate that plasmids are largely, but not entirely, constrained to a single host species, although there is substantial overlap between species of plasmid gene-repertoire. Most ARGs are carried by a relatively small number of plasmid groups with biological features that are predictable. Plasmids carrying ARGs (including those encoding carbapenemases) share a putative ‘backbone’ of core genes with those carrying no such genes. These findings suggest that future surveillance should, in addition to tracking plasmids currently associated with clinically important genes, focus on identifying and monitoring the dissemination of high-risk plasmid groups with the potential to rapidly acquire and disseminate these genes.
Mapping dysfunctional circuits in the frontal cortex using deep brain stimulation
Authors: Hollunder Barbara , Ostrem Jill L. , Sahin Ilkem Aysu , Rajamani Nanditha , Oxenford Simón , Butenko Konstantin , Neudorfer Clemens , Reinhardt Pablo , Zvarova Patricia , Polosan Mircea , Akram Harith , Vissani Matteo , Zhang Chencheng , Sun Bomin , Navratil Pavel , Reich Martin M. , Volkmann Jens , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Baldermann Juan Carlos , Dembek Till A. , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Alho Eduardo Joaquim Lopes , Franceschini Paulo Roberto , Nanda Pranav , Finke Carsten , Kühn Andrea A. , Dougherty Darin D. , Richardson R. Mark , Bergman Hagai , DeLong Mahlon R. , Mazzoni Alberto , Romito Luigi M. , Tyagi Himanshu , Zrinzo Ludvic , Joyce Eileen M. , Chabardes Stephan , Starr Philip A. , Li Ningfei , Horn Andreas
Published: February 2024

Frontal circuits play a critical role in motor, cognitive and affective processing, and their dysfunction may result in a variety of brain disorders. However, exactly which frontal domains mediate which (dys)functions remains largely elusive. We studied 534 deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted to treat four different brain disorders. By analyzing which connections were modulated for optimal therapeutic response across these disorders, we segregated the frontal cortex into circuits that had become dysfunctional in each of them. Dysfunctional circuits were topographically arranged from occipital to frontal, ranging from interconnections with sensorimotor cortices in dystonia, the primary motor cortex in Tourette’s syndrome, the supplementary motor area in Parkinson’s disease, to ventromedial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our findings highlight the integration of deep brain stimulation with brain connectomics as a powerful tool to explore couplings between brain structure and functional impairments in the human brain.
The CNK–HYP scaffolding complex promotes RAF activation by enhancing KSR–MEK interaction
Authors: Maisonneuve Pierre , Sahmi Malha , Bergeron-Labrecque Fanny , Ma Xianjie Iris , Queguiner Juliette , Arseneault Geneviève , Lefrançois Martin , Kurinov Igor , Fronzes Rémi , Sicheri Frank , Therrien Marc
Published: February 2024

The RAS–MAPK pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, and its dysregulation is associated with cancer development. The pathway minimally comprises the small GTPase RAS and the kinases RAF, MEK and ERK. Activation of RAF by RAS is notoriously intricate and remains only partially understood. There are three RAF isoforms in mammals (ARAF, BRAF and CRAF) and two related pseudokinases (KSR1 and KSR2). RAS-mediated activation of RAF depends on an allosteric mechanism driven by the dimerization of its kinase domain. Recent work on human RAFs showed that MEK binding to KSR1 promotes KSR1–BRAF heterodimerization, which leads to the phosphorylation of free MEK molecules by BRAF. Similar findings were made with the single Drosophila RAF homolog. Here we show that the fly scaffold proteins CNK and HYP stabilize the KSR–MEK interaction, which in turn enhances RAF–KSR heterodimerization and RAF activation. The cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the minimal KSR–MEK–CNK–HYP complex reveals a ring-like arrangement of the CNK–HYP complex allowing CNK to simultaneously engage KSR and MEK, thus stabilizing the binary interaction. Together, these results illuminate how CNK contributes to RAF activation by stimulating the allosteric function of KSR and highlight the diversity of mechanisms impacting RAF dimerization as well as the regulatory potential of the KSR–MEK interaction.
Numerical evaluation of sweeping gas membrane distillation for desalination of water towards water sustainability and environmental protection
Authors: Cao Yan , Taghvaie Nakhjiri Ali , Ghadiri Mahdi
Published: February 2024

Sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD) is considered a membrane distillation configuration. It uses an air stream to collect the water vapour. A 2D mathematical model is prepared in the current study to predict the effect of various operating parameters on the SGMD performance. Also, the temperature distribution in the SGMD was obtained. The effect of air inlet temperature, salt concentration, feed and air flowrate on air and salted solution outlet temperature and vapour flux through the membrane is investigated. There was good agreement between experimental data and modelling outputs. It was found that increase in air inlet temperature from 40 to 72 °C was increased the outlet temperature of air stream and cold solution from 37 to 63 °C and 38 to 65 °C respectively. Furthermore, increase in air inlet temperature led to the enhancement of vapour flux in the membrane distillation. Also, the salt concentration and feed flow rate did not have meaningful influence on the outlet temperatures, however, the flux was increased by increasing feed flowrate.
Machine learning-based disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature predicts prognosis, immune infiltration and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pu Lei , Sun Yan , Pu Cheng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Dong , Liu Xingning , Guo Pin , Wang Bing , Xue Liang , Sun Peng
Published: February 2024

Disulfidptosis a new cell death mode, which can cause the death of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, the significance of disulfidptosis-related Long non-coding RNAs (DRLs) in the prognosis and immunotherapy of HCC remains unclear. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression model to construct DRL Prognostic Signature (DRLPS)-based risk scores and performed Gene Expression Omnibus outside validation. Survival analysis was performed and a nomogram was constructed. Moreover, we performed functional enrichment annotation, immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analyses. Five DRLs (AL590705.3, AC072054.1, AC069307.1, AC107959.3 and ZNF232-AS1) were identified to construct prognostic signature. DRLPS-based risk scores exhibited better predictive efficacy of survival than conventional clinical features. The nomogram showed high congruence between the predicted survival and observed survival. Gene set were mainly enriched in cell proliferation, differentiation and growth function related pathways. Immune cell infiltration in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that in the high-risk group. Additionally, the high-risk group exhibited higher sensitivity to Afatinib, Fulvestrant, Gefitinib, Osimertinib, Sapitinib, and Taselisib. In conclusion, our study highlighted the potential utility of the constructed DRLPS in the prognosis prediction of HCC patients, which demonstrated promising clinical application value.
In vitro digestion and colonic fermentation of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant potential in Australian beach-cast seaweeds
Authors: Subbiah Vigasini , Ebrahimi Faezeh , Agar Osman Tuncay , Dunshea Frank R. , Barrow Colin J. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: February 2024

Beach-cast seaweed has recently garnered attention for its nutrient-rich composition, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. This study focuses on the phenolic content and antioxidant potential of five Australian beach-cast seaweed species during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. The bioaccessibility of the selected phenolic compounds was estimated and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production was determined. Cystophora sp., showed a notable increase in phenolic content (23.1 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (0.42 mg CE/g) during the intestinal and gastric phases of in vitro digestion. Durvillaea sp. demonstrated a significant release of flavonoids (0.35 mg QE/g), while Phyllosphora comosa released high levels of tannins (0.72 mg CE/g) during the intestinal phase. During colonic fermentation, P. comosa released the highest levels of phenolic compounds (4.3 mg GAE/g) after 2 h, followed by an increase in flavonoids (0.15 mg QE/g), tannins (0.07 mg CE/g), and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 0.12 mg TE/g; FRAP: 0.61 mg TE/g) after 4 h. Moreover, P. comosa released a considerable amount of phenolic compounds during both in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. All species consistently released phenolic compounds throughout the study. Phloroglucinol, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid were identified as the most bioaccessible phenolic compounds in all five Australian beach-cast seaweeds in the in vitro digestion. Nevertheless, compound levels declined during the colonic fermentation phase due to decomposition and fermentation by gut microbiota. With regard to SCFAs, P. comosa displayed elevated levels of acetic (0.51 mmol/L) and propionic acid (0.36 mmol/L) at 2 h, while Durvillaea sp. showed increased butyric (0.42 mmol/L) and valeric (0.26 mmol/L) production acid after 8 h. These findings suggest that seaweed such as Cystophora sp., Durvillaea sp., and P. comosa are promising candidates for food fortification or nutraceutical applications, given their rich phenolic content and antioxidant properties that potentially offer gut health benefits.
Metagenomic analysis of the microbial communities and associated network of nitrogen metabolism genes in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer
Authors: Maruyama Rio , Yasumoto Ko , Mizusawa Nanami , Iijima Mariko , Yasumoto-Hirose Mina , Iguchi Akira , Hermawan Oktanius Richard , Hosono Takahiro , Takada Ryogo , Song Ke-Han , Shinjo Ryuichi , Watabe Shugo , Yasumoto Jun
Published: February 2024

While microbial biogeochemical activities such as those involving denitrification and sulfate reduction have been considered to play important roles in material cycling in various aquatic ecosystems, our current understanding of the microbial community in groundwater ecosystems is remarkably insufficient. To assess the groundwater in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer of Okinawa Island, which is located in the southernmost region of Japan, we performed metagenomic analysis on the microbial communities at the three sites and screened for functional genes associated with nitrogen metabolism. 16S rRNA amplicon analysis showed that bacteria accounted for 94–98% of the microbial communities, which included archaea at all three sites. The bacterial communities associated with nitrogen metabolism shifted by month at each site, indicating that this metabolism was accomplished by the bacterial community as a whole. Interestingly, site 3 contained much higher levels of the denitrification genes such as narG and napA than the other two sites. This site was thought to have undergone denitrification that was driven by high quantities of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In contrast, site 2 was characterized by a high nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content and a low amount of DOC, and this site yielded a moderate amount of denitrification genes. Site 1 showed markedly low amounts of all nitrogen metabolism genes. Overall, nitrogen metabolism in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer was found to change based on environmental factors.
Deep learning-based, fully automated, pediatric brain segmentation
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Hong EunPyeong , Yum Mi-Sun , Lee Yun-Jeong , Kim Jinyoung , Ko Tae-Sung
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the performance of a fully automated, deep learning-based brain segmentation (DLS) method in healthy controls and in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, SCN1A mutation, under eleven. The whole, cortical, and subcortical volumes of previously enrolled 21 participants, under 11 years of age, with a SCN1A mutation, and 42 healthy controls, were obtained using a DLS method, and compared to volumes measured by Freesurfer with manual correction. Additionally, the volumes which were calculated with the DLS method between the patients and the control group. The volumes of total brain gray and white matter using DLS method were consistent with that volume which were measured by Freesurfer with manual correction in healthy controls. Among 68 cortical parcellated volume analysis, the volumes of only 7 areas measured by DLS methods were significantly different from that measured by Freesurfer with manual correction, and the differences decreased with increasing age in the subgroup analysis. The subcortical volume measured by the DLS method was relatively smaller than that of the Freesurfer volume analysis. Further, the DLS method could perfectly detect the reduced volume identified by the Freesurfer software and manual correction in patients with SCN1A mutations, compared with healthy controls. In a pediatric population, this new, fully automated DLS method is compatible with the classic, volumetric analysis with Freesurfer software and manual correction, and it can also well detect brain morphological changes in children with a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Repeated microdoses of LSD do not alter anxiety or boldness in zebrafish
Authors: Hagen Ethan V. , Schalomon Melike , Zhang Yanbo , Hamilton Trevor J.
Published: February 2024

The therapeutic use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has resurfaced in the last decade, prompting further scientific investigation into its effectiveness in many animal models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a popular model organism in medical sciences and are used to examine the repeated administration of pharmacological compounds. Previous zebrafish research found acute LSD altered behaviour and cortisol levels at high (250 µg/L) but not low (5–100 µg/L) levels. In this study, we used a motion tracking system to record and analyze the movement patterns of zebrafish after acute and repeated 10-day LSD exposure (1.5 µg/L, 15 µg/L, 150 µg/L) and after seven days of withdrawal. The open-field and novel object approach tests were used to examine anxiety-like behaviour, boldness, and locomotion. In the acute experiments we observed a significant decrease in high mobility with 1.5 µg/L, 15 µg/L, and 150 µg/L of LSD compared to the control and a decrease in velocity with 1.5 and 15 µg/L. In repeated experiments, there were no significant differences in the levels of anxiety, boldness, or locomotion between all LSD groups and controls immediately after 10-day treatment or after withdrawal.
Comparative pangenomic analysis of Campylobacter fetus isolated from Spanish bulls and other mammalian species
Authors: Pena-Fernández Nerea , Ocejo Medelin , van der Graaf-van Bloois Linda , Lavín Jose Luís , Kortabarria Nekane , Collantes-Fernández Esther , Hurtado Ana , Aduriz Gorka
Published: February 2024

Campylobacter fetuscomprises two closely related mammal-associated subspecies:Campylobacter fetussubsp.fetus(Cff) andCampylobacter fetussubsp.venerealis(Cfv). The latter causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis, a sexually-transmitted disease endemic in Spain that results in significant economic losses in the cattle industry. Here, 33C. fetusSpanish isolates were whole-genome sequenced and compared with 62 publicly availableC. fetusgenomes from other countries. Genome-based taxonomic identification revealed high concordance with in silico PCR, confirming Spanish isolates asCff(n = 4),Cfv(n = 9) andCfvbiovarintermedius(Cfvi, n = 20). MLST analysis assigned the Spanish isolates to 6 STs, including three novel: ST-76 and ST-77 forCfvand ST-78 forCff. Core genome SNP phylogenetic analysis of the 95 genomes identified multiple clusters, revealing associations at subspecies and biovar level between genomes with the same ST and separating theCfvigenomes from Spain and other countries. A genome-wide association study identifiedpqqLas aCfv-specific gene and a potential candidate for more accurate identification methods. Functionality analysis revealed variations in the accessory genome ofC. fetussubspecies and biovars that deserve further studies. These results provide valuable information about the regional variants ofC. fetuspresent in Spain and the genetic diversity and predicted functionality of the different subspecies.
Biomolecular evidence for changing millet reliance in Late Bronze Age central Germany
Authors: Orfanou Eleftheria , Zach Barbara , Rohrlach Adam B. , Schneider Florian N. , Paust Enrico , Lucas Mary , Hermes Taylor , Ilgner Jana , Scott Erin , Ettel Peter , Haak Wolfgang , Spengler Robert , Roberts Patrick
Published: February 2024

The Bronze Age of Central Europe was a period of major social, economic, political and ideological change. The arrival of millet is often seen as part of wider Bronze Age connectivity, yet understanding of the subsistence regimes underpinning this dynamic period remains poor for this region, in large part due to a dominance of cremation funerary rites, which hinder biomolecular studies. Here, we apply stable isotope analysis, radiocarbon dating and archaeobotanical analysis to two Late Bronze Age (LBA) sites, Esperstedt and Kuckenburg, in central Germany, where human remains were inhumed rather than cremated. We find that people buried at these sites did not consume millet before the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) (ca. 1600 BCE). However, by the early LBA (ca. 1300–1050 BCE) people consumed millet, often in substantial quantities. This consumption appears to have subsequently diminished or ceased around 1050–800 BCE, despite charred millet grains still being found in the archaeological deposits from this period. The arrival of millet in this region, followed by a surge in consumption spanning two centuries, indicates a complex interplay of cultural and economic factors, as well as a potential use of millet to buffer changes in aridity in a region increasingly prone to crop failure in the face of climate change today.
A hybrid ResNet-ViT approach to bridge the global and local features for myocardial infarction detection
Authors: Wahid Junaid Abdul , Mingliang Xu , Ayoub Muhammad , Husssain Shabir , Li Lifeng , Shi Lei
Published: February 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant contributor to global mortality and morbidity, necessitating accurate and timely diagnosis. Current diagnostic methods encounter challenges in capturing intricate patterns, urging the need for advanced automated approaches to enhance MI detection. In this study, we strive to advance MI detection by proposing a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of ResNet and Vision Transformer (ViT) models, leveraging global and local features for improved accuracy. We introduce a slim-model ViT design with multibranch networks and channel attention mechanisms to enhance patch embedding extraction, addressing ViT’s limitations. By training data through both ResNet and modified ViT models, we incorporate a dual-pathway feature extraction strategy. The fusion of global and local features addresses the challenge of robust feature vector creation. Our approach showcases enhanced learning capabilities through modified ViT architecture and ResNet architecture. The dual-pathway training enriches feature extraction, culminating in a comprehensive feature vector. Preliminary results demonstrate significant potential for accurate detection of MI. Our study introduces a hybrid ResNet-ViT model for advanced MI detection, highlighting the synergy between global and local feature extraction. This approach holds promise for elevating MI classification accuracy, with implications for improved patient care. Further validation and clinical applicability exploration are warranted.
Optimal social distancing in epidemic control: cost prioritization, adherence and insights into preparedness principles
Authors: Pisaneschi Giulio , Tarani Matteo , Di Donato Giovanni , Landi Alberto , Laurino Marco , Manfredi Piero
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic experience has highlighted the importance of developing general control principles to inform future pandemic preparedness based on the tension between the different control options, ranging from elimination to mitigation, and related costs. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been confirmed to be the critical response tool until vaccines become available. Open-loop optimal control of a transmission model for COVID-19 in one of its most aggressive outbreaks is used to identify the best social distancing policies aimed at balancing the direct epidemiological costs of a threatening epidemic with its indirect (i.e., societal level) costs arising from enduring control measures. In particular, we analyse how optimal social distancing varies according to three key policy factors, namely, the degree of prioritization of indirect costs, the adherence to control measures, and the timeliness of intervention. As the prioritization of indirect costs increases, (i) the corresponding optimal distancing policy suddenly switches from elimination to suppression and, finally, to mitigation; (ii) the “effective” mitigation region—where hospitals’ overwhelming is prevented—is dramatically narrow and shows multiple control waves; and (iii) a delicate balance emerges, whereby low adherence and lack of timeliness inevitably force ineffective mitigation as the only accessible policy option. The present results show the importance of open-loop optimal control, which is traditionally absent in public health preparedness, for studying the suppression–mitigation trade-off and supplying robust preparedness guidelines.
Prevalence and impact of fertility concerns in young women with breast cancer
Authors: Mannion Samantha , Higgins Alexandra , Larson Nicole , Stewart Elizabeth A. , Khan Zaraq , Shenoy Chandra , Nichols Hazel B. , Su H. Irene , Partridge Ann H. , Loprinzi Charles L. , Couch Fergus , Olson Janet E. , Ruddy Kathryn J.
Published: February 2024

Survey data from the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry were used to assess fertility counseling and fertility preservation strategies in a modern cohort of young women with breast cancer. One hundred respondents were identified who were under age 50 at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and who expressed interest in future childbearing near the time of diagnosis and/or 1 year later. Ninety-three percent of the 81 respondents to the year one survey recalled fertility counseling prior to cancer treatment. Most who reported a high level of fertility concern declared that this concern had impacted their treatment decisions, often shortening their planned duration of endocrine therapy. Approximately half had taken steps to preserve future fertility, and a third had used a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist either alone or combined with another method (e.g., embryo or oocyte cryopreservation).
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and influencing factors among Chinese hospital staff: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Shangyao , Hao Jinjuan , Su Yu , Zhan Haoran , Zhou Nuo , Qiu Yitong , Lu Yitong , Sun Ke , Tian Yu
Published: February 2024

We aimed to investigate the willingness of hospital staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and explore the associated factors and reasons of vaccine hesitancy among Chinese hospital staff, which were not yet known. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted online on the vaccine hesitancy of staff in a grade A tertiary general hospital in Beijing from February 22 to 23, 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations between potential influencing factors and vaccine hesitancy. A total of 3269 valid respondents were included, and the rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 32.67%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that women [1.50 (1.22–1.83)], having high-school education level [1.69 (1.04–2.76)], college degree [2.24 (1.35–3.72)] or graduate degree [2.31 (1.33–4.03)], and having underlying disease [1.41 (1.12–1.77)] were associated with a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The main reasons for vaccine hesitancy included doubts for the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine and worries in adverse reactions. Hospital staff's willingness to vaccinate COVID-19 vaccine is generally high in the study. Hospitals should spread the knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine through multiple channels to improve the cognition of hospital staff and encourage vaccination based on associated factors.
Mass irradiation of adult Aedes mosquitoes using a coolable 3D printed canister
Authors: Balestrino F. , Bimbilé Somda N. S. , Samuel M. , Meletiou S. , Bueno O. , Wallner T. , Yamada H. , Mamai W. , Vreysen M. J. B. , Bouyer J.
Published: February 2024

In the last decade, the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) to suppress mosquito vectors have rapidly expanded in many countries facing the complexities of scaling up production and procedures to sustain large-scale operational programs. While many solutions have been proposed to improve mass production, sex separation and field release procedures, relatively little attention has been devoted to effective mass sterilization of mosquitoes. Since irradiation of pupae en masse has proven difficult to standardise with several variables affecting dose response uniformity, the manipulation of adult mosquitoes appears to be the most promising method to achieve effective and reliable sterilization of large quantities of mosquitoes. A 3D-printed phase change material based coolable canister was developed which can compact, immobilize and hold around 100,000 adult mosquitoes during mass radio sterilization procedures. The mass irradiation and compaction treatments affected the survival and the flight ability of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti adult males but the use of the proposed irradiation canister under chilled conditions (6.7–11.3 °C) significantly improved their quality and performance. The use of this cooled canister will facilitate adult mass irradiation procedures in self-contained irradiators in operational mosquito SIT programmes.
Safety and efficacy of one-hole split endoscope technique for surgical treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum
Authors: Sha Qi , Huang Zhengdong , Liu Jinhao , Ge Peng , Zhang Yong , Song En , Sun Zhaozhong , Zhu Tenyue , Shen Cailiang , Qian Jun
Published: February 2024

Surgical intervention is typically recommended for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel non-coaxial one-hole split endoscope (OSE) technique for treating TOLF. We performed OSE procedure on 13 patients with TOLF from June 2022 to July 2023. The mean operative time was 117.5 ± 15.4 min. VAS scores for lower limbs decreased from 6.5 ± 0.8 preoperative to 1.6 ± 0.4 at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). ODI scores improved from 62.4 ± 5.7 preoperative to 18.6 ± 2.2 at the last follow-up (P < 0.001), and mJOA scores increased from 5.1 ± 1.6 preoperative to 8.4 ± 1.5 at the latest follow-up (P < 0.001). All patients achieved ASIA scale grade D or E at the final follow-up, except for two patients remained residual limb numbness. None of the thirteen patients suffered from severe perioperative complications. The OSE technique proves to be a safe and effective procedure for treating TOLF or even with dura mater ossification, characterized by minimal surgical trauma, relatively smooth learning curve and flexible operation.
Enhancing the seawater desalination performance of multilayer reduced graphene oxide membranes by introducing in-plane nanopores: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Alinia Z. , Akbarzadeh H. , Mohammadi Zonoz F. , Tayebee R.
Published: February 2024

In this study, using MD simulation, the effect of creating in-plane nanopores in a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membrane and the formation of a reduced nanoporous graphene oxide (rNPGO) membrane is proposed to increase salt rejection and water flux.
Galvanic replacement synthesis of PtPdAu hollow nanorods as peroxidase mimic with high specific activity for colorimetric detection
Authors: Tan Yi , Yuan Jincheng , Shang Rui , Hao Jian , Hu Shengyang , Cai Kai
Published: February 2024

Trimetallic PtPdAu hollow nanorods with a specific activity value of 563.71 U mg−1 were developed by a galvanic replacement reaction, which exhibited low limits of detection for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and ascorbic acid as a nanozyme.
Gastrodia elata polysaccharide alleviates Parkinson's disease via inhibiting apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways and modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Gan Qing-xia , Peng Mao-yao , Wei Hao-bo , Chen Lin-lin , Chen Xiao-yan , Li Zi-han , An Guang-qin , Ma Yun-tong
Published: February 2024

Gastrodia elata polysaccharide significantly alleviated motor dysfunction, inhibited α-synuclein accumulation in PD mice via inhibiting apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways and modulating the gut microbiota.
Water-mediated one-pot multi-step synthesis of chiral 1,3-diarylpropan-1-ols by the asymmetric hydrofunctionalisation of simple alkynes
Authors: Yu Pinke , Liu Qixing , Zuo Linhong , Zhang Xumu , Yin Congcong , Zhou Haifeng
Published: February 2024

An enantioselective hydration–condensation-asymmetric transfer hydrogenation cascade process of simple alkynes and aldehydes in only water to prepare chiral 1,3-diarylpropan-1-ols has been developed.
The use of a tertiary solvent mixture to study solvent dynamic effects in the photoinduced electron transfer reaction of excited singlet pyrene and indole
Authors: Landgraf Stephan , Grampp Guenter , Rasmussen Kenneth , Suwunwong Thitipone , Choto Patcharanan
Published: February 2024

The solvent dynamic effects in the PET reactions were studied in a series of tertiary solvent mixtures PA/BN/DEP, spanning a wide range of dielectric constants (5.90 < εs < 23.4) while maintaining refractive index and viscosity constant.
NCN-pincer organopnictogen(iii) bis(aryloxides)
Authors: Duneş Gabriel , Silvestru Cristian
Published: February 2024

New hypercoordinated organopnictogen(iii) bis(aryloxides), ArPn(SC6H3R2-2,6)2 (Pn = Sb, Bi; Ar = NCN-pincer ligand; R = iPr, OMe), have been prepared and their solution and solid state structures have been investigated.
Modification of silicon-polyurethane-based sol–gel coatings through diverse plasma technologies: investigation of impact on surface properties
Authors: Chwatal Simon , Zažímal Frantisek , Buršíková Vilma , Kaindl Reinhard , Homola Tomáš
Published: February 2024

In this study, the chemical and physical properties of sol–gel coatings were analyzed after curing with various atmospheric plasma sources.
GO-tagged PEI sizing agent imparts self-healing and excellent mechanical properties to carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminates
Authors: Mandal Samir , Samanta Ketaki , Manna Kunal , Kumar Subodh , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: February 2024

A nanoparticle GO-tagged PEI sizing agent imparts self-healing and excellent mechanical properties to carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminates with exceptional EMI shielding and deicing properties.
A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives
Authors: Chen Liang , Gong Jingwen , Yong Xu , Li Youbin , Wang Shuojin
Published: February 2024

Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, as well as its derivatives produced through structural modification, exhibit noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.
A mean-field theory for predicting single polymer collapse induced by neutral crowders
Authors: Chaboche Quentin , Campos-Villalobos Gerardo , Giunta Giuliana , Dijkstra Marjolein , Cosentino Lagomarsino Marco , Scolari Vittore F.
Published: February 2024

Depletion forces arising from molecular crowding compact single polymers. Simulations lead to a unified description. Collapse is governed by the packing fraction of crowders and the ratio of crowder to monomer size, and can be hindered by jamming.
BODIPY phototether enables oligonucleotide cyclization and subsequent deprotection by tissue-transparent red light
Authors: Wohlrábová Lucie , Sahlbach Marlen , Heckel Alexander , Slanina Tomáš
Published: February 2024

The BODIPY phototether enables cyclization and subsequent linearization of oligonucleotides by tissue-transparent light. This approach enables the control of oligonucleotide hybridization by light.
Improving the photocatalytic activity of porphyrins for hydrogen evolution from water splitting through combined effects inspired by meso-carboxyfuryl substitution
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Zhang Guo-Lei , Song Yue-Xin , Zhang Ying-Hui
Published: February 2024

Meso-tetra(5-carboxyfuryl)porphyrin (H2TCFP) shows improved photocatalytic activity compared to meso-tetra(5-carboxythienyl)porphyrin (H2TCTP) and meso-tetra(m-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H2TmCPP) for H2 evolution from water splitting.
Perovskite materials in X-ray detection and imaging: recent progress, challenges, and future prospects
Authors: Miah Md. Helal , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Aminul Islam Mohammad , Nur-E-Alam Mohammad , Osman Hamid , Ullah Md. Habib
Published: February 2024

Perovskite-based X-ray detection and imaging have reached new milestones due to rapid advancements in evolution of materials, cost-effective fabrication techniques, and architectural modifications in device design.
Results of experimental studies of geologic profile over hydrocarbon deposits
Authors: Yanushkevich Viktar , Dauhiala Dzmitry , Burachonak Iryna , Grozberg Yury , Fedarovich Natallia
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of experimental studies of geologic profile over hydrocarbon deposits in the Republic of Belarus. Experimental studies were carried out at the Marmovichi and the Geologicheskoye fields of hydrocarbon deposits in the Gomel region. Measurement of the phase of the surface impedance of the geological profile over hydrocarbon deposits under the influence of electromagnetic waves with amplitude-frequency modulation was carried out. It has been found that the use of two modes for measuring the phase of surface impedance increases the accuracy of delineation of hydrocarbon deposits. A method at carrier frequencies of 0.1...2 GHz for amplitude-frequency modulated signals has been developed. The above studies can be applied to the development of methods for exploration of hydrocarbon deposits.
Editorial
Authors: Wiemers Anna , Dillenhöfer Stefanie , Schlegtendal Anne
Published: February 2024

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,

Wir freuen uns sehr, Euch in Bochum – im Herzen des Ruhrgebiets – zur
45. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Pneumologie
begrüßen zu dürfen.
Cannabiskonsum im Teenageralter: Ergebnisse des Präventionsradars von
2016 bis 2023
Authors: Hanewinkel Reiner , Hansen Julia
Published: February 2024

Trends des Cannabiskonsums in der Adoleszenz sollen von 2016 bis 2023 abgebildet
werden. Basierend auf sieben Wellen des Präventionsradars, einer schulbasierten
epidemiologischen Studie in der Sekundarstufe I, wurden die Lebenszeit- und
Monatsprävalenzen des Cannabiskonsums von 12-bis 17-Jährigen für den Zeitraum
von 2016 bis 2023 ermittelt. Der Auswertung lagen 54.242 Fragebögen mit Angaben
zum Konsum von Cannabis zugrunde. Das Geschlechterverhältnis war ausgeglichen
(50% weiblich). Das durchschnittliche Alter betrug 13,9 Jahre (SD=1,3). Von 2016
bis zum Ausbruch der COVID-19-Pandemie stieg die Lebenszeitprävalenz des
Cannabiskonsums statistisch bedeutsam an, im ersten Jahr der Pandemie sank sie
signifikant. Post-pandemisch hatten 12,3% (95 % KI: 11,6-13,1) der
Heranwachsenden mindestens einmal in ihrem Leben Cannabis konsumiert. Dieser
Wert liegt auf dem Niveau von 2016. Die Monatsprävalenz des Cannabiskonsums lag
2022/2023 bei 3,8% (95% KI: 3,4-4,3). Sowohl die Lebenszeit- als auch die
Monatsprävalenz des Cannabiskonsums von Jungen liegen signifikant über den
Werten der Mädchen. Angesichts der bekannten Risiken, die mit dem Cannabiskonsum
im Jugendalter einhergehen können, ist es besorgniserregend, dass 2022/2023 etwa
jeder achte Jugendliche bereits mit Cannabis experimentiert hatte. Konsequente
verhältnis- und verhaltenspräventive Maßnahmen sind erforderlich, um den
Cannabiskonsums im Teenageralter einzudämmen.
LemPhos – New P-Chiral Phospholene Core Based Ligand
Authors: Włodarczyk Adam , Ponikiewski Łukasz
Published: February 2024

Synthesis and modifications of new chiral phospholene-based scaffolds are described. The construction of base molecules was accomplished via McCormack synthesis. Separation of single P-epimers was accomplished with column chromatography on silica gel.