bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoinducer-2 enhances the defense of
Vibrio furnissii
against oxidative stress and DNA damage by modulation of c-di-GMP signaling via a two-component system
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhao Wenjin , Yang Wenguang , Zhang Huimin , Qian Xinyu , Sun Kai , Yang Qiao , Shen Xihui , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2025

As a universal language across the bacterial kingdom, the quorum sensing signal autoinducer-2 (AI-2) can coordinate many bacterial group behaviors. However, unknown AI-2 receptors in bacteria may be more than what has been discovered so far, and there are still many unknown functions for this signal waiting to be explored. Here, we have identified a membrane-bound histidine kinase of the pathogenic bacterium
Vibrio furnissii
, AsrK, as a receptor that specifically detects AI-2 under low boron conditions. In contrast with another well-known AI-2 receptor LuxP that recognizes the borated form of AI-2, AsrK is found to show higher affinity with AI-2 under borate-depleted conditions, and thus boron has a negative effect on AI-2 sensing by AsrK in regulation of the biofilm and motility phenotypes. AI-2 binds to the extracytoplasmic dCache_1 domain of AsrK to inhibit its autokinase activity, thus decreasing the phosphorylation level of its cognate response regulator AsrR and activating the phosphodiesterase activity of AsrR to degrade the cellular second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). AI-2 perception by the AsrK-AsrR system remarkably reduces intracellular c-di-GMP levels and enhances tolerance of
V. furnissii
to oxidative stress and DNA damage by upregulating the transcription of universal stress proteins including UspA1, UspA2, and UspE. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism for AI-2 detection in bacteria and also provides new insights into the important role of AI-2 in bacterial defense against oxidative stress and DNA damage.

IMPORTANCE

The QS signal AI-2 is widely synthesized in bacteria and has been implicated in the regulation of numerous bacterial group behaviors. However, in contrast to the wide distribution of this signal, its receptors have only been found in a small number of bacterial species, and the underlying mechanisms for the detection of and response to AI-2 remain elusive in most bacteria. It is worth noting that the periplasmic protein LuxP is the uniquely identified receptor for AI-2 in
Vibrio
spp. Here, we identify a second type of AI-2 receptor, a membrane-bound histidine kinase with a periplasmic dCache_1 sensory domain, in a member of the genus
Vibrio
, and thus show that AI-2 enhances the defense of
V. furnissii
against oxidative stress and DNA damage by modulation of c-di-GMP signaling via the AsrK-AsrR two-component system. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized AI-2 sensing mechanism and expand our understanding of the physiological roles of AI-2 in bacteria.
Association between the
ABCC11
gene polymorphism-determined earwax properties and external auditory canal microbiota in healthy adults
Authors: Amari Yasunobu , Hosonuma Masahiro , Mizukami Takuya , Isobe Junya , Azetsu Yuki , Funayama Eiji , Maruyama Yuki , Tsurui Toshiaki , Tajima Kohei , Sasaki Aya , Yamazaki Yoshitaka , Nakano Ryota , Sano Yutaka , Ishida Atsushi , Nakanishi Tatsuya , Mochizuki Seiji , Yoshizawa Yuri , Kumagai Sumito , Yasuhara Sakiko , Ryu Kakei , Oguchi Tatsunori , Kuramasu Atsuo , Yoshimura Kiyoshi , Sambe Takehiko , Kobayashi Sei , Uchida Naoki
Published: January 2025

The concept of genome–microbiome interactions, in which the microenvironment determined by host genetic polymorphisms regulates the local microbiota, is important in the pathogenesis of human disease. In otolaryngology, the resident bacterial microbiota is reportedly altered in non-infectious ear diseases, such as otitis media pearls and exudative otitis media. We hypothesized that a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 11 (
ABCC11
) gene, which determines earwax properties, regulates the ear canal microbiota. We analyzed
ABCC11
gene polymorphisms and ear canal microbiota in healthy individuals to understand the relationship between genome–microbiome interactions in the ear canal. The study included 21 subjects who were divided into two groups: 538GA (9) and 538AA (12).
Staphylococcus auricularis
and
Corynebacterium
spp. were observed in the 538GA group, whereas
Methylocella
spp. was observed in the 538AA group. PICRUSt analysis revealed significant enrichment of certain pathways, such as superpathway of N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmannosamine and N-acetylneuraminate degradation, chlorosalicylate degradation, mycothiol biosynthesis, and enterobactin biosynthesis in the GA group, whereas allantoin degradation IV (anaerobic), nitrifier denitrification, starch degradation III, L-valine degradation I, and nicotinate degradation I were significantly enriched in the AA group. The
ABCC11
gene polymorphism regulates the composition of the ear canal microbiota and its metabolic pathways. This study revealed a genome–microbiome interaction within the resident microbiota of the external auditory canal that may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of ear diseases and develop novel therapies.

IMPORTANCE

The
ABCC11
gene polymorphism, which determines earwax characteristics, regulates the composition of the ear canal microbiota and its metabolic pathways. We determined the presence of genome–microbiome interactions in the resident microbiota of the ear canal. Future studies should focus on
ABCC11
gene polymorphisms to elucidate the pathogenesis of ear diseases and develop therapeutic methods.
Molecular identification and antibiotic clearance of
Mycoplasma arginini
and
Mycoplasma orale
from cell cultures infected with
Rickettsia
or
Ehrlichia
species
Authors: Allerdice Michelle E. J. , Shooter Savannah L. , Galletti Maria F. B. M. , Hecht Joy A. , Karpathy Sandor E. , Paddock Christopher D.
Published: January 2025

Mycoplasma (Class: Mollicutes) contamination in cell cultures is a universal concern for research laboratories. Some estimates report contamination in up to 35% of continuous cell lines. Various commercial antibiotic treatments can successfully decontaminate clean cell lines
in vitro
; however,
in vitro
decontamination of bacterial cultures remains challenging. Intracellular bacteria like those in the genera
Rickettsia
and
Ehrlichia
require cell culture for primary isolation and propagation and are thus vulnerable to contamination with mycoplasmas. Some analyses have reported successful antibiotic clearance of contaminating mycoplasmas in
Rickettsia
cultures; however, many of these studies do not identify the contaminating mycoplasma species and often include only a few isolates. To our knowledge, there are no published studies reporting decontamination of mycoplasmas from
Ehrlichia
cultures. In this study, we developed a specific multiplex assay to identify two of the most common mycoplasma culture contaminants,
Mycoplasma arginini
and
Mycoplasma orale
, in cell cultures infected with
Rickettsia
or
Ehrlichia
species. We further describe the successful
in vitro
decontamination of
M. arginini
,
M. orale,
and co-contaminations with both mycoplasmas from multiple
Rickettsia
and
Ehrlichia
cultures using daptomycin and clindamycin.

IMPORTANCE

Mycoplasma contamination is a frequent problem in bacterial cell culture. These prolific organisms thrive in the extracellular environment
in vitro
and can persist in cell lines indefinitely without treatment. Historically, mycoplasma-contaminated
Rickettsia
cultures were cleared of contaminants by inoculating laboratory mice and re-isolating mycoplasma-free
Rickettsia
from brain endothelial cells. However, this method requires the sacrifice of live animals and is not always effective. Mycoplasma clearance via mouse inoculation requires a patent infection of murine central nervous system endothelial cells, which may not occur with some mildly pathogenic or nonpathogenic rickettsial species.
In vitro
antibiotic treatment represents an alternate method to eliminate contaminating mycoplasmas from rickettsial cultures. This method requires minimal adjustment of laboratories that already maintain rickettsial cultures and is not dependent on the use of laboratory animals. As such, the comprehensive strategy for
Mycoplasma arginini
and
Mycoplasma orale
elimination presented here can improve laboratory efficiency for
in vitro
research with intracellular bacteria.
Enhanced bacteriostatic effects of phage vB_C4 and cell wall-targeting antibiotic combinations against drug-resistant
Aeromonas veronii
Authors: Cao Xin , Tang Yanqiong , Lu ZhenZhang , Ma Xiang , Li Hong , Chi Xue , Li Juanjuan , Liu Zhu
Published: January 2025

Aeromonas veronii
is a vital zoonotic pathogen known for its extensive drug resistance and ability to form biofilms, which contribute to its antibiotic resistance. In this study, the phage vB_C4, specifically targeting
A. veronii
, was isolated and subjected to bioinformatic analysis and bacteriostatic activity assays. The combination of phage vB_C4 with antibiotics such as cephalothin and cefoxitin, which target the bacterial cell wall, resulted in a significantly enhanced bacteriostatic effect compared to either the phage or antibiotics alone. Furthermore, the phage dosage was critical in optimizing the antimicrobial effect when used in conjunction with antibiotics. This combined treatment exhibited a more distinct effect in removing mature biofilms and inhibiting biofilm formation, leading to a considerable decrease in bacterial density within the biofilm. Overall, the synergistic use of phage and antibiotics offers a novel attitude for treating pathogenic bacteria and holds significant potential in preventing the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

IMPORTANCE

The combined application of phages and antibiotics not only effectively inhibits the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria but also reduces the required effective concentration of antibiotics. Additionally, this combination therapy demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on clinical infections mediated by biofilms. Consequently, this study establishes a basis for evaluating the parameters essential for utilizing phage-antibiotic combination therapy in the treatment of biofilm-associated infections, thereby offering a novel selection for the clinical management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genomic insertion of functional genes into
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
WCFS1
Authors: Wiull Kamilla , Haugen Lisa K. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Mathiesen Geir
Published: January 2025

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum,
a natural inhabitant of the human body, is a promising candidate vehicle for vaccine delivery. An obstacle in developing bacterial delivery vehicles is generating a production strain that lacks antibiotic resistance genes and contains minimal foreign DNA. To deal with this obstacle, we have constructed a finetuned, inducible two-plasmid CRISPR/Cas9-system for chromosomal gene insertion in
L. plantarum
. The knock-in plasmid was designed with a cassette-like structure to simplify the insertion of target DNA and streamline the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, bringing it one step closer to becoming a routine procedure. We demonstrate that the system enables efficient insertion of expression cassettes for both inducible and constitutive production of a fluorescent reporter protein, mCherry, and for inducible production of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two variants of RBD were successfully expressed, one directed to the cytoplasm and one directed to the cell surface. All the knock-in strains produced the target protein, although with lower yields than strains with plasmid-encoded expression.

IMPORTANCE

Genetic engineering of lactic acid bacteria, such as
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum,
has proven to be difficult. This study presents an inducible two-plasmid CRISPR/Cas9-system for inserting genes into the chromosome of
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
. Our system successfully knock-in four expression cassettes varying in length from ~800–1,300 bp with high efficiency and insert an expression cassette encoding a SARS-CoV-2 antigen receptor-binding domain (RBD) with an anchor mediating surface display, which has not been achieved previously using CRISPR/Cas9. We demonstrate the production of the insertion genes. Importantly, the plasmid carrying the SgRNA, Cas9, and homology-directed repair template is designed for easy component exchange. These plasmids represent valuable contributions to the field as they could facilitate rapid CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of
L. plantarum
strains.
Glutathione reductase plays a role in the metabolism of methylmercury degradation in
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Guo Yi , Deng Wenlong , Mo Qigui , Yu You , Zhang Zhenwang , Wei Mingjie , Tang Ruiling , Lu Surui , Su Yanting
Published: January 2025

Mercury pollution is a kind of heavy metal pollution with great harm and strong toxicity which exists worldwide. Some microorganisms can convert highly toxic methylmercury into inorganic mercury compounds with significantly reduced toxicity. This is an effective means of methylmercury pollution remediation. As a safe microorganism with great potential in the remediation of heavy metal pollution,
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
has not been studied in the remediation of methylmercury. Here, a
R. mucilaginosa
strain Rm4 with high methylmercury resistance was obtained by wild-strain screening. Its minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum lethal concentration reached 3 and 6 mg/L, respectively. At the same time, Rm4 can also degrade methylmercury. Unlike the traditional microbial methylmercury degradation pathways,
R. mucilaginosa
’s genome does not encode the organomercury lyase gene MerB. However, transcriptomic analysis revealed that the glutathione reductase of
R. mucilaginosa
responds to the methylmercury degradation process. Structural domain analysis and molecular docking experiments suggest that the glutathione reductase of
R. mucilaginosa
has the potential to directly or indirectly participate in methylmercury degradation metabolism. Metabolic indicator tests of engineered strains overexpressing the glutathione reductase encoding gene also support this notion.

IMPORTANCE

The remediation of methylmercury pollution is crucial for environmental health. The ability of
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
to resist and degrade methylmercury offers a new avenue for bioremediation efforts. Understanding the metabolic pathways involved, particularly the role of glutathione reductase, enhances our knowledge of how
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
responds to methylmercury and opens up new possibilities for future research in bioremediation strategies.
Macrolide resistance due to
erm
(55)
Authors: Alexander David C. , Farquhar Tayah , Adams Joshua M. E. , Suchan Danae M. , Workman Sean D. , Wallace Richard J. , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , El-Halfawy Omar M. , Cameron Andrew D. S.
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat. The identification and
characterization of novel resistance genes is integral to AMR surveillance.
The
erm
(55) gene was originally identified through whole
genome sequencing of macrolide-resistant strains of
Mycobacterium
chelonae
. The gene was annotated as a ribosomal
methyltransferase, but its role as a determinant of macrolide resistance was
not formally demonstrated. Three
erm
(55) alleles have now
been documented. The plasmid-borne
erm
(55)
P
, the
transposon-associated
erm
(55)
T
, and the
chromosomal encoded
erm
(55)
C
exhibit ≈82%
amino acid sequence identity. Here, we confirm that, when expressed from
plasmids in a macrolide-susceptible strain of
Escherichia
coli
, all three
erm
(55) variants confer
resistance to azithromycin and clarithromycin.

IMPORTANCE

Macrolide antibiotics are often the only oral treatment option for infections
with rapidly growing mycobacteria such as
Mycobacterium
abscessus
and
Mycobacterium chelonae
. We
previously identified three variants of a newly predicted macrolide
resistance gene,
erm
(55), in
M. chelonae
,
including the first case of a plasmid-mediated macrolide resistance in
mycobacteria. The present study provides experimental evidence that the
three
erm
(55) variants confer macrolide resistance and that
each variant is unique in the degree to which it reduces susceptibility to
clinically relevant macrolides.
Supplying standardized ileal digestible lysine via soybean meal below estimated requirements for late gestating gilts does not negatively affect mammary development
Authors: Gillies C.R. , Farmer C. , Huber L.
Published: January 2025

Forty-eight Yorkshire × Landrace gilts were used to determine whether supplying lysine via soybean meal below estimated requirements influences mammary development in late gestation. Gilts were assigned one of three isocaloric (2505 kcal/kg net energy) diets on gestation day 90: (1) control (CON; 18.38% crude protein (CP); 18.2 g/day standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys, being near NRC (2012) estimated requirements; n = 16), or diets that provided SID Lys below estimated requirements with Lys supplied primarily by soybean meal: SBM1 (14.69% CP; 12.4 g SID Lys/day; n = 16) or SBM2 (17.81% CP; 14.6 g SID Lys/day; n = 16). Mammary development was assessed on gestation day 110. Gilt body weight and backfat depth gain between gestation days 90 and 110 were not influenced by dietary treatment ( P > 0.10). Moreover, mammary parenchymal and extraparenchymal tissue masses, as well as protein and fat contents and concentrations of DNA and RNA in parenchymal tissue were not influenced by dietary treatment ( P > 0.10). Therefore, providing Lys up to 34% below estimated requirements via soybean meal in late gestation had no immediate detrimental effect on mammary development.
University farm benefits from a long-term student-generated soil data set
Authors: Wells Amy , Krzic Maja , Brown Sandra , Bomke Art
Published: January 2025

To enhance student learning about impacts of soil management practices, the Sustainable Soil Management course at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver led development of a long-term, student-generated soil data set focused on the UBC Farm, a teaching, research, and community engaged production farm. The objectives of this paper are to (i) describe development of the student-generated soil data set, (ii) illustrate data interpretation done by students in the Sustainable Soil Management course, and (iii) outline key implications of having the long-term student-generated data set for sustainable soil management at a university farm. The data set, generated by students using the same sampling protocol and analytical methods since 2004, provides a long-term record of soil properties for each of the 27 fields at the UBC Farm. Students are engaged in a real-life scenario, collecting data and assessing the impacts of soil management practices on soil health. Concurrently, the data set allows the farm manager to assess the impacts of their soil management practices, and to monitor soil health. Despite various challenges such as the need for continuing funding for laboratory analyses, quick turnaround time of laboratory analyses, and ongoing maintenance of the database associated with the student-generated soil data set, having such a data set are still of enormous importance, benefiting both students and farm managers. The UBC student-generated soil data set can serve as an example for other instructors interested in involving students in long-term monitoring and data generation at university farms.
Inclusive Online Teaching: A toolkit
Authors: McKenna Kelly , Kaiser Leann , Murray-Johnson Kayon , Gupta Kalpana
Published: January 2025

This article introduces a comprehensive open-access online toolkit as a resource for online educators, seeking to engage in continuous improvement of their inclusive teaching practices. The toolkit was created as an output following participation in a three-semester Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence. Two of the developers who focus on inclusivity, equity, and culturally responsive teaching acted as mentors, contributing to the creation of the toolkit and ultimately the professional development of the primary creators. All authors have extensive experience teaching online with a minimum of 10 years facilitating online learning in adult and higher education. Within the toolkit, the authors share frameworks/lenses that have shaped its development, describe its core domains and content areas, and outline important implications for inclusion in online learning all based on personal experience and the prevailing literature.
Educators and AI Tutors: Complementary or competing roles?
Authors: Echeverry Natalia
Published: January 2025

Motivated by the likely scenario that AI tutors will soon become indistinguishable from human educators, this article discusses some of the challenges and opportunities that will arise from this shift and calls for reflection on how the role of human educators could evolve in light of emerging technologies.
A Novel Voltammetric Strategy of Furazidin Determination with the Use of Co-Ferrierite/Mesoporous Carbon Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Fendrych Katarzyna , Porada Radosław , Baś Bogusław
Published: January 2025

Furazidin (FUR) is a 5-nitrofuran derivative with a well-known and unique antibacterial activity, commonly applied in the treatment of urinary tract infections. FUR has been used regionally and globally in medicine, resulting in its continuous release into the natural ecosystem. Therefore, an accurate determination of trace levels of FUR in complex samples is highly reasonable and desirable. In this context, we propose a simple, fast, and highly sensitive electroanalytical method of FUR determination by means of differential pulse voltammetry with the use of Co-ferrierite/mesoporous carbon modified glassy carbon electrode (CoFER/MC-GCE). The advantageous features and electrochemical properties of CoFER/MC-GCE were confirmed by morphological and textural research, including X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption method, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy measurements, as well as electrochemical studies involving cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The linear response of CoFER/MC-GCE was achieved in the FUR concentration ranges of 0.02 − 0.29 mg l−1 and 0.33 − 0.48 mg l−1 with a detection limit of 3.9 μg l−1. The acceptable results of pharmaceuticals, wastewater, and biological fluids analysis confirmed the analytical usefulness of the proposed voltammetric strategy of FUR determination using CoFER/MC-GCE.
Investigating the nature of trust in the medical student-professor relationship: an interview study
Authors: Gupta Shivani , Centner Aliya , Patel Nidhi , Kibble Jonathan D.
Published: January 2025

This series of interviews with medical students and their faculty were formally analyzed to shed light on how trust is formed in the teacher-learner relationship. We propose best practice points aimed at promoting a powerful and trusting learning environment in medical school.
Regulation of fibroblast phenotype in osteoarthritis using CDKN1A-loaded copper sulfide nanoparticles delivered by mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Ji Ming , Yang Tao , Zou Shihua , Qiu Xingan , Zhan Fangbiao , Chen Jian , Yan Fei , Ding Fan , Li Ping
Published: January 2025

This study introduces MSCs@CuS@CDKN1A, a nanoengineered MSC platform that targets fibroblast phenotypes in osteoarthritis (OA). By modulating CDKN1A expression, this innovative approach not only enhances cartilage repair but also effectively mitigates fibroblast-driven inflammation, marking a significant advancement in OA therapeutics with demonstrated efficacy and biocompatibility.
Travelling Wave Solutions of a Time Regularised Long Wave Equation Associated With the Korteweg‐de Viries Equation in Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Çelik Ercan
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we investigate the physical significance of the time regularised long wave (TRLW) equation within the realm of mathematics. Other varieties of travelling wave solutions to the analysed problem in hyperbolic form are looked at using the (1/G′)‐expansion method. Physically, the singular point’s shock wave structure offers the framework for asymptotic mathematics analyses. It offers a scientific perspective on the phenomenon of non‐linear propagation. By giving particular values to constants in solutions, 3‐D, contour, and 2‐D graphs can depict the state of the wave at any given time.
Reinforcement Learning–Based Ramp Metering Strategy Considering Queue Management
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Shixuan , Ding Fan , Han Yu
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces an action replacement module for reinforcement learning (RL)–based ramp metering to address the issue of ramp queue spillback during the training process. Ramp queue spillback leads to significant impacts on the traffic efficiency of adjacent road networks, making it a critical concern in ramp control. Existing RL approaches often employ ramp states as reward functions to encourage agents to learn strategies that avoid queue overflow. However, due to the trial‐and‐error nature of RL, these methods frequently generate actions that cause queue spillback during training, posing challenges for real‐time online training in real‐world applications. To overcome this limitation, the proposed action replacement module utilizes the store‐and‐forward model to estimate a lower bound for ramp metering rates. By identifying and replacing actions that fail to meet this constraint, the strategy effectively prevents queue spillback. In addition, penalties are imposed on replaced actions to guide the agent in learning effective and practical control policies. The proposed method is evaluated in both single‐ramp and multiramp scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the agent can learn the queue spillback prevention strategies, and nearly eliminate ramp queue spillback without compromising control performance.
A Simulation‐Based Multiple‐Objective Optimization for Designing K‐Stacks Autonomous Valet Parking Lots
Authors: Zhang Chu , Xue Shaopei , Chen Jiayi , Chen Jun
Published: January 2025

Autonomous valet parking has drawn wide attention these years. The k‐stacks layout, known for its ability to increase parking capacity by stacking vehicles more compactly, is of great practicality among all possible layout patterns. Although this layout can increase the capacity of a parking lot, it generates relocations, which let vehicles move additional distances and influence the lot’s peak hour service ability. For the sake of optimizing them all simultaneously, we propose a simulation‐based multiple‐objective optimization (SMOO) and use NSGA II to solve the problem, obtaining candidate solutions. Then, a nondominated sorting based on cumulative advantages (NSCA) method is put forward to select the most robust solution from all candidates, considering different demand scenarios. K‐stacks parking lots optimized by the SMOO can provide 36%–59% more parking spaces than a traditional parking lot while keeping other evaluations fine. In addition, we specify high‐demand and low‐demand scenarios and discuss the impact of different aspect ratios. It is recommended to use k‐stacks layouts when a lot’s length is close to its width.
Manifestation of Cytomegalovirus‐Associated Gastritis and Colitis With Immunosuppression and Review of Literature
Authors: Mirza Ahmad , Yap John Erikson , Kapoor Rajan , Gani Imran
Published: January 2025

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompromised patients can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment helps to improve outcome. We present a case of postrenal transplant CMV infection causing both upper and lower gastrointestinal infection and symptoms. Patient developed significant co‐morbidity which required multiple hospital admissions and therapeutic interventions.
Enhanced Benefit of STA‐MCA Bypass Surgery in Chronic Terminal Internal Carotid and/or Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Patients With Impaired Collateral Circulation: Introducing a Novel Assessment Approach for Collateral Compensation
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Zhang Yanping , Yu Zhiqiang , Xu Yonghui , Huang Yongjiang , Huang Tianci , Ma Jun , Zhao Jinbing
Published: January 2025

Background: Ischemic stroke is one of the major emergency diseases leading to death and disability worldwide, characterized by its acute onset and the urgent need for prompt medical intervention to reduce mortality and long‐term disability. Chronic terminal internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery occlusion (CTI/MCAO) is an important subtype of intracranial artery occlusive disease. The superficial temporal artery‐to‐MCA (STA‐MCA) bypass has been proposed to improve cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR), potentially enhancing neurological outcomes. However, its safety and efficacy in CTI/MCAO patients remain controversial.

Methods: A total of 107 CTI/MCAO patients from Nanjing Brain Hospital, enrolled between July 2019 and June 2022, were divided into surgical and medical treatment groups. Cerebral perfusion and collateral formation were evaluated using pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score and complication rates were compared between the two groups. In addition, correlations between Matsushima grades, early‐arriving flow proportion (EFP), and lesion‐side cerebrovascular (LCBV) scores were analyzed.

Results: The surgical group showed significantly lower mRS scores than the medical group (p = 0.018), with no significant differences in complication rates at the 6‐month follow‐up (p = 0.861). CBF differed significantly among affected MCA segments (p < 0.001), particularly in the insular and opercular regions (M2‐M3) (p = 0.006). Matsushima grades in unilateral CTI/MCAO patients were negatively correlated with preoperative LCBV scores (γs = −0.468, p = 0.005) and EFP (γs = −0.648, p = 0.007). EFP demonstrated high accuracy in predicting LCBV scores in CTI/MCAO patients (AUC = 0.902, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: STA‐MCA bypass surgery improved neurological outcomes in CTI/MCAO patients, particularly those with poor preoperative collateral compensation. EFP may serve as a reliable, noninvasive tool for assessing collateral circulation status in this population.
Dynamic Dual‐Level Overcurrent Protection Scheme for Distributed Energy Resource Networks Using Digital Twins Technology
Authors: Alasali Feras , El-Naily Naser , Mustafa Haytham Y. , Loukil Hassen , Saad Saad M. , Saidi Abdelaziz Salah , Holderbaum William
Published: January 2025

The integration of distributed generators (DGs), particularly renewable energy sources, into conventional distribution networks (DNs) presents significant protection challenges. This study introduces a novel digital twins‐based overcurrent relay (OCR) protection scheme with dynamic dual‐level characteristic curves for microgrids. By utilizing advanced technologies such as digital‐twin technology and hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) testing, the proposed scheme enhances fault management and relay coordination. Key contributions of this work include the integration of advanced technologies and dynamic OCR settings, using digital‐twin technology and HIL testing to provide real‐time insights and robust validation under practical conditions. Additionally, the research thoroughly examines protection strategies for both grid‐connected and islanded modes, ensuring reliable operation during faults or grid failures. The study’s findings show substantial improvements over traditional OCR methods. The traditional OCR recorded a total tripping time of 14.87 s, while the dual‐level OCR reduced it to 8.97 s. The results highlight the proposed scheme’s enhanced sensitivity, faster fault isolation capability, and overall superior performance, providing a robust and reliable protection scheme for modern power distribution systems. Further testing results for the digital‐twin OCR, comparing both the digital simulation twin relay and the physical twin relay for the traditional single‐level OCR scheme and the proposed dual‐level scheme, provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of these protection strategies. The close alignment between the simulation and physical results highlights the robustness and precision of the dual‐level scheme.
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Image Quality of MDCT Multiphasic Liver Scans in HCC Patients
Authors: El-Sayed Mohamed Zakaria , Rawashdeh Mohammad , Hassan Hend Galal Eldeen Mohamed Ali , El Safwany Mohamed M. , Islam I. E.  , Khedr Yasser I. , Soula Moustafa A. , Ali Magdi A.
Published: January 2025

Background: The quality of CT images obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is complex, affecting diagnostic accuracy, precision, and radiation dose assessment due to increased exposure risks.

Objectives: The study evaluated image quality qualitatively and quantitatively by comparing quality levels with an effective radiation dose to ensure acceptable quality accuracy.

Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 100 known HCC patients (Li‐RADS‐5) who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) multiphasic scans for follow‐up of their health condition between January and October 2023. The evaluation involved quantitative and qualitative analyses of parameters such as SD, SNR, and CNR, as well as a qualitative assessment by two radiology consultants. The outcomes were compared, and the effective dose was calculated and compared with both quantitative and qualitative assessments of image quality.

Results: ROC curve analysis revealed significant differences in CT image quality, with high to moderate specificity and sensitivity across all the quantitative parameters. However, multivariate examination revealed decreasing importance levels, except for CNR (B, 0.203; p = 0.001) and SD BG (B, 0.330; p = 0.002), which increased in B. The CNR and SD BG remained independent variables for CT image quality prediction, but no statistically significant relationship was found between the effective dose and image quality, either quantitatively or qualitatively.

Conclusion: This study underscores the vital role of both quantitative and qualitative assessments of CT images in evaluating their quality for patients with HCC and highlights the predictive importance of CNR, SNR, and SD. These findings emphasize the value of these devices in assessing and predicting outcomes to minimize the effective dose.
Evaluation of Emerging Antimicrobials Resistance in Nosocomial Infections Caused by E. coli: The Comparison Results of Observed Cases and Compartmental Model
Authors: Eshrati Babak , Karimzadeh-Soureshjani Elaheh , Nasehi Mahshid , Janani Leila , Baradaran Hamid Reza , Bitaraf Saeid , Simab Pouria Ahmadi , Mobarak Sara , Kalkhajeh Sasan Ghorbani , Kogani Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Background: In recent years, the global rise of antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) has become a significant threat to public health. This study aimed to identify and track outbreaks of antibiotic resistance, specifically among the antibiotics used to treat nosocomial E. coli infections.

Materials and Methods: This hospital‐based study utilized data from a nosocomial infection surveillance system to investigate reported cases of antibiotic resistance. The study analyzed the results of 12,954 antibiogram tests conducted across 57 hospitals in 31 provinces of Iran. The data was divided into two periods: the first and second halves of 2017. Before developing a predictive model for resistant E. coli cases, the model’s validity was tested using the first half of the year’s data. The predicted cases were then compared to the actual observed cases in 2017, with a statistically significant difference indicating an outbreak.

Findings: The study found that, in 2017, hospitals in Iran experienced an outbreak of E. coli resistant to ampicillin and ceftazidime. This resistance was more prevalent than expected, highlighting the emergence of these drugs as major contributors to nosocomial E. coli infections.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the utility of the compartmental model in forecasting outbreaks of antibiotic‐resistant E. coli. It provides a framework for investigating similar outbreaks in the future, using diverse data sources and methodologies.
Association Between Glycemic Control and Complications With Concentration of Urinary Exfoliated Proximal Tubule Kidney Cells in People With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Henry H. L. , Bhagavath Venkatesha , Nguyen Long The , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Goldys Ewa M. , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia
Published: January 2025

Background: Emerging evidence suggests cell exfoliation could be operating under the control of cell metabolism. It is unclear if there are associations between the concentration of exfoliated kidney proximal tubule cells (PTCs) in urine with glycemic control and complications. Our study is aimed at exploring this.

Methods: Urine samples were collected from 122 adult study participants and stored at −80°C. Exfoliated PTCs were extracted from thawed urine using a validated specific immunomagnetic separation method based on anti‐CD13 and anti‐SGLT‐2 antibodies. The number of PTCs was assessed using brightfield microscopy. Study participants were grouped into those with no diabetes mellitus (DM) and those with DM. Individuals with DM were further subgrouped into those with and without retinopathy. Adjusted Poisson regression analysis was conducted for the DM cohort, investigating associations between demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters with mean urinary exfoliated PTCs.

Results: The adjusted Poisson regression analysis noted sex to have a significant association with mean number of urinary exfoliated PTCs, with a lower incidence rate in males compared to females (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.89, p = 0.014). Each 1% increase in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was associated with an increase of 1.03 times in mean exfoliated PTCs (IRR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p = 0.007), and DM patients with retinopathy had an increase of 1.68 times in mean exfoliated PTCs compared to those without retinopathy (IRR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.62, p = 0.024). No significant associations were observed with albuminuria or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Conclusions: Our results indicate increased shedding of PTCs into the urinary tract in patients with poorer glycemic control, particularly those with diabetic retinopathy and in females.
A Note on Skew Derivations and Antiautomorphisms of Prime Rings
Authors: Alqarni Faez A. , Rehman Nadeem U. R. , Alnoghashi Hafedh , Nisar Junaid , Al-Mallah Omar
Published: January 2025

In this article, we investigate the behavior of a prime ring which admits a skew derivation satisfying certain functional identities involving an antiautomorphism. We employ tools such as generalized identities and commutativity‐preserving maps to analyze these rings. Furthermore, examples demonstrate that the conditions imposed on the hypotheses are essential.
Characteristics of Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis With Different Disease Severity
Authors: Zeng Yinhui , Lin Ting , Xie Wanhua , Gao Shengli , Zeng Qingxiang , Luo Xi , Liu Wenlong
Published: January 2025

Background: Although numerous studies have focused on diagnostic biomarkers to help identify allergic rhinitis (AR), data on the characteristics of pediatric AR with different severity is limited. We aimed to compare the characteristics of pediatric AR with different severity.

Methods: A total of 1054 children with AR were enrolled and classified into mild intermittent AR, mild persistent AR, moderate‐to‐severe intermittent AR, and moderate‐to‐severe persistent AR. All children were surveyed using a questionnaire that included detailed demographic information. Blood cell analysis was performed using an automatic hematology analyzer.

Results: No significant differences were observed in feeding patterns, dietary habits, outdoor activity time, total IgE, eosinophil count, and eosinophil percentage among the different AR subgroups. However, a higher prevalence of a family history of AR was noted in the moderate‐to‐severe persistent group. Symptoms were more likely to exacerbate when using air conditioning in children with moderate‐to‐severe persistent AR. Multivariate regression analysis also showed that symptom exacerbation when using air conditioning was associated with disease severity.

Conclusions: This study suggests that exacerbation of symptoms during air conditioning use can be considered a predictive factor for the severity of pediatric AR. Doctors and parents should pay special attention to these children to prevent more severe symptoms and improve the quality of life of these patients as early as possible.
The Concept of Pain in Children Attending Primary School: Implications for School‐Based Pain Education
Authors: Odendaal Talita , Diener Ina , Louw Quinette Abegail , Ernstzen Dawn Verna
Published: January 2025

Introduction: A child’s concept of pain comprises their understanding of what pain is, the purpose of pain, and biological processes underpinning pain. The concept of pain can influence pain experiences, pain beliefs, and pain‐related behaviour. This study aimed to assess the concept of pain among children attending primary schools in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A secondary aim was to explore demographic and pain‐related information that may contribute to a child’s concept of pain.

Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study with an analytic component was used. The cross‐culturally adapted Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) was used to assess the concept of pain amongst 12‐year‐old school‐attending children. Children from seven primary schools that were selected via stratified random sampling participated. Participants completed the adapted COPI and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results: There were 119 participants. Participants’ concept of pain partially aligned with contemporary pain science (mean = 34.39 out of 56; standard deviation = 6.49), indicating a partial understanding of the factors influencing pain. Demographic factors and pain‐related information investigated did not influence participants’ concept of pain. However, differences in the concept of pain were observed amongst participants from different schools.

Conclusions: Participants had a developing concept of pain that was partially aligned with contemporary pain science. Participants had pain knowledge strengths and gaps that can be used to develop a tailored school‐based pain education intervention for them. There were indications that contextual factors may have influenced the participants’ concept of pain. Further studies to explore socioenvironmental factors that influence pain knowledge in children are recommended.
Human iPSC Reprogramming Success: The Impact of Approaches and Source Materials
Authors: Pozner Tatyana , Grandizio Christine , Mitchell Matthew W. , Turan Nahid , Scheinfeldt Laura
Published: January 2025

Since their discovery, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been instrumental in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative therapies. Their use has significantly increased over recent years driven by the ability of hiPSCs to provide differentiated cell models without requiring embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, the transition from integrating to non‐integrating reprogramming methodologies has contributed to the increase in utilisation. This shift minimises the risk of genomic alterations, enhancing the safety and reliability of hiPSCs. However, the factors that contribute to reprogramming success are still not well understood. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the most prevalent non‐integrating reprogramming methods across a range of starting source materials to assess their impact on reprogramming success rates. We found that while source material does not significantly impact success rates, the Sendai virus reprogramming method yields significantly higher success rates relative to the episomal reprogramming method. Our findings offer important insights from a biobanking perspective, for which long‐term reliability, integrity and reproducibility of hiPSCs are crucial.
Diversity of the H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Xue Ruixue , Ma Huiling , Jiang Zixin , Xing Linlin , Wang Guisheng , Lan Zouran , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2025

H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) is one of the main pathogens causing respiratory disease in chicken; however, differentiating this virus from infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and newcastle disease virus (NDV) only using clinical signs is difficult. In this study, 492 tracheal and lung tissue samples were collected from chicken farms in Shandong reporting respiratory symptoms and tested using Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) for the presence of H9N2 AIVs, IBVs, and NDVs. The H9N2 AIVs positive samples were inoculated with chicken embryos. Whole‐genome sequences of the positive strains were obtained using Illumina MiSeq and analyzed for genetic evolution and key amino acid sites mutation. Seventy‐two samples were positive for H9N2 subtype AIV, with a positive rate of 14.63%, while the positive rates of IBV and NDV were 6.10% and 0.41%, respectively. Thirty‐four strains of H9N2 AIVs were obtained from positive samples. Phylogenetic tree analysis of HA and NA genes revealed that the 34 H9N2 AIV strains belonged to Y280‐like and F/98‐like branches, respectively. Clear temporalphylogenetic branching was observed, with some strains found in the “pre‐2013 isolates” clade and others in the “post‐2013 isolates” clade, which raised the possibility that strains in the former clade may have undergone recombination with viral strains from 10 years ago. Among the internal amino acid sites that are key to mammalian adaptation, all strains had an I368V mutation in the PB1 gene that enhanced viral transmissibility in mammals, and the PB2 genes of some strains were mutated to enhance the mammalian adaptation of I292V and A588V. Thus, the H9N2 AIV gene segments in Shandong have different degrees of recombination and gene variation, necessitating vigilant monitoring of virus variation.