bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle fibre typology affects whole‐body metabolic rate during isolated muscle contractions and human locomotion
Authors: Swinnen Wannes , Lievens Eline , Hoogkamer Wouter , De Groote Friedl , Derave Wim , Vanwanseele Benedicte
Published: March 2024

The wide variation in muscle fibre type distribution across individuals, along with the very different energy consumption rates in slow versus fast muscle fibres, suggests that muscle fibre typology contributes to inter‐individual differences in metabolic rate during exercise. However, this has been hard to demonstrate due to the gap between a single muscle fibre and full‐body exercises. We investigated the isolated effect of triceps surae muscle contraction velocity on whole‐body metabolic rate during cyclic contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow (n = 11) or fast (n = 10) muscle fibre typology by means of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Subsequently, we examined their whole‐body metabolic rate during walking and running at 2 m/s, exercises with comparable metabolic rates but distinct triceps surae muscle force and velocity demands (walking: low force, high velocity; running: high force, low velocity). Increasing triceps surae contraction velocity during cyclic contractions elevated net whole‐body metabolic rate for both typology groups. However, the slow group consumed substantially less net metabolic energy at the slowest contraction velocity, but the metabolic difference between groups diminished at faster velocities. Consistent with the more economic force production during slow contractions, the slow group exhibited lower metabolic rates than the fast group while running, whereas metabolic rates were similar during walking. These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole‐body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole‐body metabolic rates.

image

Key points

Muscle fibre typology is often suggested to affect whole‐body metabolic rate, yet convincing in vivo evidence is lacking.

Using isolated plantar flexor muscle contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow or fast muscle fibre typology, we demonstrated that having predominantly slow muscle fibres provides a metabolic advantage during slow muscle contractions, but this benefit disappeared at faster contractions.

We extended these results to full‐body exercises, where we demonstrated that higher proportions of slow fibres associated with better economy during running but not when walking.

These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole‐body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole‐body metabolic rate.
Vancomycin heteroresistance caused by unstable tandem amplifications of the
vanM
gene cluster on linear conjugative plasmids in a clinical
Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Sun Lingyan , Zhuang Hemu , Chen Mengzhen , Chen Yan , Chen Yiyi , Shi Keren , Yu Yunsong
Published: March 2024

Vancomycin heteroresistance is prone to missed detection and poses a risk of clinical treatment failure. We encountered one clinical
Enterococcus faecium
strain, SRR12, that carried a complete
vanM
gene cluster but was determined as susceptible to vancomycin using the broth microdilution method. However, distinct subcolonies appeared within the clear zone of inhibition in the E-test assay, one of which, named SRR12-v1, showed high-level resistance to vancomycin. SRR12 was confirmed as heteroresistant to vancomycin using population analysis profiling and displayed “revive” growth curves with a lengthy lag phase of over 13 hours when exposed to 2–32 mg/L vancomycin. The resistant subcolony SRR12-v1 was found to carry an identical
vanM
gene cluster to that of SRR12 but a significantly increased
vanM
copy number in the genome. Long-read whole genome sequencing revealed that a one-copy
vanM
gene cluster was located on a pELF1-like linear plasmid in SRR12. In comparison, tandem amplification of the
vanM
gene cluster jointed with IS
1216E
was seated on a linear plasmid in the genome of SRR12-v1. These amplifications of the
vanM
gene cluster were demonstrated as unstable and would decrease accompanied by fitness reversion after serial passaging for 50 generations under increasing vancomycin pressure or without antibiotic pressure but were relatively stable under constant vancomycin pressure. Further,
vanM
resistance in resistant variants was verified to be carried by conjugative plasmids with variable sizes using conjugation assays and S1-pulsed field gel electrophoresis blotting, suggesting the instability/flexibility of
vanM
cluster amplification in the genome and an increased risk of
vanM
resistance dissemination.
Sub-MIC levels of bedaquiline and clofazimine can select
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
mutants with increased MIC
Authors: Villellas Cristina , Stevenaert Frederik , Remmerie Bart , Andries Koen
Published: March 2024

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients not cured at the time of stopping treatment are exposed to Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and sub-MIC levels for many months after discontinuing bedaquiline (BDQ) or clofazimine (CFZ) treatment.
In vitro
cultures treated with BDQ and CFZ sub-MIC concentrations clearly showed enrichment in the
Rv0678
mutant population, demonstrating that pre-existing
Rv0678
mutants can be selected by sub-MIC concentrations of BDQ and CFZ if not protected by an alternative MDR-TB treatment.
Bacterial hemophilin homologs and their specific type eleven secretor proteins have conserved roles in heme capture and are diversifying as a family
Authors: Grossman Alex S. , Gell David A. , Wu Derek G. , Carper Dana L. , Hettich Robert L. , Goodrich-Blair Heidi
Published: March 2024

Cellular life relies on enzymes that require metals, which must be acquired from extracellular sources. Bacteria utilize surface and secreted proteins to acquire such valuable nutrients from their environment. These include the cargo proteins of the type eleven secretion system (T11SS), which have been connected to host specificity, metal homeostasis, and nutritional immunity evasion. This Sec-dependent, Gram-negative secretion system is encoded by organisms throughout the phylum Proteobacteria, including human pathogens
Neisseria meningitidis, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii,
and
Haemophilus influenzae
. Experimentally verified T11SS-dependent cargo include
t
ransferrin-
b
inding
p
rotein B (TbpB), the hemophilin homologs
h
eme
r
eceptor
p
rotein C (HrpC),
h
emo
ph
ilin
A
(HphA), the immune evasion protein
f
actor-
H b
inding
p
rotein (fHbp), and the host symbiosis factor
n
ematode
i
ntestinal
l
ocalization protein C (NilC). Here, we examined the specificity of T11SS systems for their cognate cargo proteins using taxonomically distributed homolog pairs of T11SS and hemophilin cargo and explored the ligand binding ability of those hemophilin cargo homologs.
In vivo
expression in
Escherichia coli
of hemophilin homologs revealed that each is secreted in a specific manner by its cognate T11SS protein. Sequence analysis and structural modeling suggest that all hemophilin homologs share an N-terminal ligand-binding domain with the same topology as the ligand-binding domains of the
Haemophilus haemolyticus
heme binding protein (Hpl) and HphA. We term this signature feature of this group of proteins the hemophilin ligand-binding domain. Network analysis of hemophilin homologs revealed five subclusters and representatives from four of these showed variable heme-binding activities, which, combined with sequence-structure variation, suggests that hemophilins are diversifying in function.

IMPORTANCE

The secreted protein hemophilin and its homologs contribute to the survival of several bacterial symbionts within their respective host environments. Here, we compared taxonomically diverse hemophilin homologs and their paired Type 11 secretion systems (T11SS) to determine if heme binding and T11SS secretion are conserved characteristics of this family. We establish the existence of divergent hemophilin sub-families and describe structural features that contribute to distinct ligand-binding behaviors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that T11SS are specific for their cognate hemophilin family cargo proteins. Our work establishes that hemophilin homolog-T11SS pairs are diverging from each other, potentially evolving into novel ligand acquisition systems that provide competitive benefits in host niches.
Diagnostic accuracy of tongue swab testing on two automated tuberculosis diagnostic platforms, Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Molbio Truenat MTB Ultima
Authors: Wood Rachel C. , Luabeya Angelique K. , Dragovich Rane B. , Olson Alaina M. , Lochner Katherine A. , Weigel Kris M. , Codsi Renée , Mulenga Humphrey , de Vos Margaretha , Kohli Mikashmi , Penn-Nicholson Adam , Hatherill Mark , Cangelosi Gerard A.
Published: March 2024

Tongue dorsum swabbing is a potential alternative to sputum collection for tuberculosis (TB) testing. Previous studies showed that Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) can detect
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
DNA on tongue swabs stored in buffer, with 72% sensitivity and 100% specificity relative to a sputum microbiological reference standard (sputum MRS). The present study evaluated a more convenient sample collection protocol (dry swab storage), combined with streamlined sample processing protocols, for evaluating two commercial TB diagnostic tests: Xpert Ultra and Molbio Truenat MTB Ultima (MTB Ultima). Copan FLOQSwabs were self-collected or collected by study workers from 321 participants in Western Cape, South Africa. All participants had symptoms suggestive of TB, and 245 of them had sputum MRS-confirmed TB (by sputum MGIT culture and/or Xpert Ultra). One tongue swab per participant was tested on Xpert Ultra, and another tongue swab was tested with MTB Ultima. Xpert Ultra was 75.5% sensitive and 100% specific relative to sputum MRS, similar to previous methods that used swabs stored in buffer. MTB Ultima was 71.6% sensitive and 96.9% specific relative to sputum MRS. When sample lysates that were false-negative or invalid by MTB Ultima were frozen, thawed, and re-tested, MTB Ultima sensitivity rose to 79.1%. Both tests were more sensitive with swabs from participants with higher sputum Xpert Ultra semi-quantitative results. Although additional development could improve diagnostic accuracy, these results further support tongue swabs as easy-to-collect samples for TB testing.

IMPORTANCE

Tongue dorsum swabbing is a promising alternative to sputum collection for tuberculosis (TB) testing. Our results lend further support for tongue swabs as exceptionally easy-to-collect samples for high-throughput TB testing.
Evaluation of analyte-specific reagents for the direct detection of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
Authors: Giffen Samantha R. , Stoeppler Elizabeth , Elliott Avian , Miller Melissa B.
Published: March 2024

Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia (PJP) is a serious and sometimes fatal infection occurring in immunocompromised individuals. High-risk patients include those with low CD4 counts due to human immunodeficiency virus infection and transplant recipients. The incidence of PJP is increasing, and rapid detection of PJP is needed to effectively target treatment and improve patient outcomes. A common method used is an immunofluorescent assay (IFA), which has limitations, including labor costs, low sensitivity, and requirement for expert interpretation. This study evaluates the performance of the DiaSorin Molecular
Pneumocystis jirovecii
analyte-specific reagent (ASR) in a laboratory-developed test (LDT) for the direct detection of
P. jirovecii
DNA without prior nucleic acid extraction. Respiratory samples (
n
= 135) previously tested by IFA from 111 patients were included. Using a composite standard of in-house IFA and reference lab PJP PCR, the percent positive agreement for the LDT using the DiaSorin ASR was 97.8% (90/92). The negative percent agreement was 97.7% (42/43). The lower limit of detection of the assay was determined to be 1,200 copies/mL in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Analytical specificity was assessed using cultures of oropharyngeal flora and common respiratory bacterial and fungal pathogens. No cross-reactivity was observed. Our study suggests that the DiaSorin
Pneumocystis
ASR accurately detects
P. jirovecii
DNA and demonstrates improved sensitivity compared to the IFA method.

IMPORTANCE

Our study is unique compared to other previously published studies on the DiaSorin analyte-specific reagent (ASR) because we focused on microbiological diagnostic methods commonly used (immunofluorescent assay) as opposed to pathology findings or reference PCR. In addition, in our materials and methods, we describe the protocol for the use of the DiaSorin ASR as a singleplex assay, which will allow other users to evaluate the ASR for clinical use in their lab.
Performance evaluation of machine-assisted interpretation of Gram stains from positive blood cultures
Authors: Walter Christian , Weissert Christoph , Gizewski Eve , Burckhardt Irene , Mannsperger Heiko , Hänselmann Siegfried , Busch Winfried , Zimmermann Stefan , Nolte Oliver
Published: March 2024

Manual microscopy of Gram stains from positive blood cultures (PBCs) is crucial for diagnosing bloodstream infections but remains labor intensive, time consuming, and subjective. This study aimed to evaluate a scan and analysis system that combines fully automated digital microscopy with deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to assist the interpretation of Gram stains from PBCs for routine laboratory use. The CNN was trained to classify images of Gram stains based on staining and morphology into seven different classes: background/false-positive, Gram-positive cocci in clusters (GPCCL), Gram-positive cocci in pairs (GPCP), Gram-positive cocci in chains (GPCC), rod-shaped bacilli (RSB), yeasts, and polymicrobial specimens. A total of 1,555 Gram-stained slides of PBCs were scanned, pre-classified, and reviewed by medical professionals. The results of assisted Gram stain interpretation were compared to those of manual microscopy and cultural species identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The comparison of assisted Gram stain interpretation and manual microscopy yielded positive/negative percent agreement values of 95.8%/98.0% (GPCCL), 87.6%/99.3% (GPCP/GPCC), 97.4%/97.8% (RSB), 83.3%/99.3% (yeasts), and 87.0%/98.5% (negative/false positive). The assisted Gram stain interpretation, when compared to MALDI-TOF MS species identification, also yielded similar results. During the analytical performance study, assisted interpretation showed excellent reproducibility and repeatability. Any microorganism in PBCs should be detectable at the determined limit of detection of 10
5
CFU/mL. Although the CNN-based interpretation of Gram stains from PBCs is not yet ready for clinical implementation, it has potential for future integration and advancement.
Draft genome sequences of
Chryseobacterium
sp. MHB01,
Rhodococcus qingshengii
MHB02, and
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
MHB03 isolated from superabsorbent polymer granules inoculated with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Abdellatif Lobna , Huynh Amanda , Xu Renlin , Banchini Claudia , Akuma Mercy , Paré Louis , Stefani Franck , Tambong James T.
Published: March 2024

Chryseobacterium
sp. MHB01,
Rhodococcus qingshengii
MHB02, and
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
MHB03 were isolated from superabsorbent polymer granules cultured with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Whole-genome sequencing of these three strains revealed genome sizes of 4.57 Mb, 7.13 Mb, and 5.49 Mb with G + C contents of 36.9%, 62.5%, and 58.2%, respectively.
The complete genome sequence of probiotic
Lactobacillus acidophilus
ATCC 9224 isolated from sour milk
Authors: Kumar Anand , Rawat Manmeet , Kunde Yuliya A. , Davenport Karen W. , Al-Sadi Rana , Chain Patrick Sam Guy , Ma Thomas Y.
Published: March 2024

We present the complete genome sequence of the probiotic strain
Lactobacillus acidophilus
ATCC 9224. The genome sequence provides a valuable resource for investigating the phylogenetic evolution of this lineage and conducting comparative genomics with other
Lactobacillus
strains and species.
Draft genome sequence of
Neofusicoccum caryigenum
associated with pecan leaf dieback
Authors: Arthur Erin , Jo Young-Ki
Published: March 2024

Pecan leaf dieback caused by
Neofusicoccum caryigenum
is an emerging disease in southeastern United States pecan orchards. In this study, a first draft
N. caryigenum
genome was sequenced and assembled. Genome size was estimated as 42.5 Mbp, and genome completeness was estimated as 97.4%.
Eight complete genome sequences of bacteria isolated from laboratory stock of giant kelp gametophytes
Authors: Tolentino Bernadeth , Nuzhdin Sergey
Published: March 2024

We report whole-genome sequences of eight bacteria isolated from laboratory-kept
Macrocystis pyrifera
gametophytes. The bacterial culture collection is maintained in cryostorage and will be utilized in future applications as inoculants. The genomes were assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technology long-read sequencing.
Genome sequencing of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages; UF_RH7 and UF_RH9
Authors: Hashemi Shahraki Abdolrazagh , Vahed Majid , Mirsaeidi Mehdi
Published: March 2024

We have sequenced the genomes of two lytic phages, UF_RH7 and UF_RH9, which infect
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. UF_RH7 belongs to
Casjensviridae
family and has a genome length of 58,217 bp and encodes 82 proteins. UF_RH9 belongs to
Caudoviricetes
class and has a genome length of 42,609 bp and encodes 55 proteins.
Draft genome sequencing of
Brucella melitensis
isolated from aborted Iraqi sheep
Authors: Khudhair Yahia I. , Ayyez Hayder Naji , Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Martínez-Ocampo Fernando , Ben Said Mourad
Published: March 2024

Brucellosis remains a significant zoonotic disease, with
Brucella melitensis
maintaining endemicity in Middle Eastern nations. This study presents the draft genome sequencing of an Iraqi
B. melitensis
strain, representing a crucial step in monitoring virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and exploring the diversity and evolution of the
Brucella
genus.
A comparative medical genomics approach may facilitate the interpretation of rare missense variation
Authors: Haque Bushra , Guirguis George , Curtis Meredith , Mohsin Hera , Walker Susan , Morrow Michelle M , Costain Gregory
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To determine the degree to which likely causal missense variants of single-locus traits in domesticated species have features suggestive of pathogenicity in a human genomic context.

Methods

We extracted missense variants from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals database for nine animals (cat, cattle, chicken, dog, goat, horse, pig, rabbit and sheep), mapped coordinates to the human reference genome and annotated variants using genome analysis tools. We also searched a private commercial laboratory database of genetic testing results from >400 000 individuals with suspected rare disorders.

Results

Of 339 variants that were mappable to the same residue and gene in the human genome, 56 had been previously classified with respect to pathogenicity: 31 (55.4%) pathogenic/likely pathogenic, 1 (1.8%) benign/likely benign and 24 (42.9%) uncertain/other. The odds ratio for a pathogenic/likely pathogenic classification in ClinVar was 7.0 (95% CI 4.1 to 12.0, p<0.0001), compared with all other germline missense variants in these same 220 genes. The remaining 283 variants disproportionately had allele frequencies and REVEL scores that supported pathogenicity.

Conclusion

Cross-species comparisons could facilitate the interpretation of rare missense variation. These results provide further support for comparative medical genomics approaches that connect big data initiatives in human and veterinary genetics.
Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection at a UK electricity-generating company: a test-negative design case-control study
Authors: Rutter Charlotte E , van Tongeren Martie , Fletcher Tony , Rhodes Sarah , Chen Yiqun , Hall Ian , Warren Nicholas , Pearce Neil
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Identify workplace risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, using data collected by a UK electricity-generating company.

Methods

Using a test-negative design case-control study, we estimated the OR of infection by job category, site, test reason, sex, vaccination status, vulnerability, site outage and site COVID-19 weekly risk rating, adjusting for age, test date and test type.

Results

From an original 80 077 COVID-19 tests, there were 70 646 included in the final analysis. Most exclusions were due to being visitor tests (5030) or tests after an individual first tested positive (2968).

Women were less likely to test positive than men (OR=0.71; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.86). Test reason was strongly associated with positivity and although not a cause of infection itself, due to differing test regimes by area, it was a strong confounder for other variables. Compared with routine tests, tests due to symptoms were highest risk (94.99; 78.29 to 115.24), followed by close contact (16.73; 13.80 to 20.29) and broader-defined work contact 2.66 (1.99 to 3.56). After adjustment, we found little difference in risk by job category, but some differences by site with three sites showing substantially lower risks, and one site showing higher risks in the final model.

Conclusions

In general, infection risk was not associated with job category. Vulnerable individuals were at slightly lower risk, tests during outages were higher risk, vaccination showed no evidence of an effect on testing positive, and site COVID-19 risk rating did not show an ordered trend in positivity rates.
Analysis of elastic α-58Ni scattering in the energy region 82–699 MeV by the S-matrix model
Authors: Berezhnoy Y. A. , Pilipenko V. V. , Onyshchenko G. M. , Kuznietsov P. E. , Yakymenko I. I. , Anataichuk A. V.
Published: March 2024

Elastic scattering of [Formula: see text]-particles on medium-weight nuclei [Formula: see text]Ni is analyzed in the energy range approximately from 20 to 175[Formula: see text]MeV/nucleon using the original six-parameter S-matrix model. Energy dependences of the model parameters as well as the total reaction cross-sections, nuclear rainbow angles and Fraunhofer crossover angles are studied. Behaviors of the quantum deflection function and the S-matrix modulus are investigated as well. Regular behavior of the studied quantities indicates the consistency of the model and the reliability of the obtained parameters. The results are compared to the ones obtained from the optical model. Acceptable values of [Formula: see text] obtained in calculations by the S-matrix model demonstrate the applicability of this model in the entire considered energy range.
Clinical photodynamic therapy: The evolution of photodynamic therapy treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Biel Merrill A.
Published: March 2024

The modern era of photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment of human cancer began in earnest in 1978, with the publication by Dougherty et al. of the first large series of humans with refractory or recurrent skin cancers successfully treated with PDT using HpD (Photofrin). The first human series of head and neck cancer patients successfully treated with PDT (Photofrin) was published in 1985, by Keller et al. Since that time, numerous clinical investigators around the world have treated thousands of head and neck cancer patients with PDT in clinical trials. These head and neck cancer PDT clinical trials enrolled patients with various stages of disease, and locations of the tumor and were treated using a variety of photosensitizers. Head and neck cancer PDT treatments were performed as the primary treatment with the intent to cure, as a late-stage treatment for palliation of the tumor, or as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment in combination with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and most recently immunotherapy. Over the past five decades, head and neck cancer PDT has evolved as newer and more targeted photosensitizers became available for clinical use, as well as advances in laser and fiberoptic technologies allowing for the activating light to be successfully and more easily delivered deep into large invasive tumors. In addition, PDT can be accurately delivered using endoscopic, robotic, CT, ultrasound and MRI guidance thereby specifically targeting the tumor and reducing treatment morbidity. Significant progress has been achieved in the ease of use and treatment efficacy of head and neck cancer PDT in various stages of the disease.
Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential ofMitragyna parvifoliaLeaves-Assisted Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Khandelwal Vishal
Published: March 2024

This work includes the use of leaves of Mitragyna parvifolia for green synthesis of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles ([Formula: see text] NPs), which offers a sustainable eco-friendly approach. Characterization of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs was done by UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and FESEM studies. FTIR exhibited the existence of Fe-O, O–H and COO–Fe stretching owing to the occurrence of the carboxylic group. FESEM analysis revealed that the average size of [Formula: see text] NPs was 92 nm, which varies in their shape. The study also includes the determination of antibacterial, in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory efficacy of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs. Results suggested that [Formula: see text] NPs exhibit potent antibacterial efficacy against B. subtilis and S. aureus, gram-positive as well as E. coli and P. aureginosa, gram-negative bacterial strains used in this study. The study exhibited significant ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs against concanavalin-A activated Wistar albino rat’s splenocytes. The green synthesized [Formula: see text] NPs using M. parvifolia leaves may offer a novel approach in the medicinal and immunological field to overcome oxidative stress as well as enhance immune responses for potential health benefits of human beings.
SPContrastNet: A Self-Paced Contrastive Learning Model for Few-Shot Text Classification
Authors: Chen Junfan , Zhang Richong , Jiang Xiaohan , Hu Chunming
Published: March 2024

Meta-learning has recently promoted few-shot text classification, which identifies target classes based on information transferred from source classes through a series of small tasks or episodes. Existing works constructing their meta-learner on Prototypical Networks need improvement in learning discriminative text representations between similar classes that may lead to conflicts in label prediction. The overfitting problems caused by a few training instances need to be adequately addressed. In addition, efficient episode sampling procedures that could enhance few-shot training should be utilized. To address the problems mentioned above, we first present a contrastive learning framework that simultaneously learns discriminative text representations via supervised contrastive learning while mitigating the overfitting problem via unsupervised contrastive regularization, and then we build an efficient self-paced episode sampling approach on top of it to include more difficult episodes as training progresses. Empirical results on eight few-shot text classification datasets show that our model outperforms the current state-of-the-art models. The extensive experimental analysis demonstrates that our supervised contrastive representation learning and unsupervised contrastive regularization techniques improve the performance of few-shot text classification. The episode-sampling analysis reveals that our self-paced sampling strategy improves training efficiency.
Prolegomena to a Description Language for GenAI Tools in Cities
Authors: Degbelo Auriol
Published: March 2024

The potential of generative AI has been recently demonstrated through different applications. The open government and smart city initiatives can leverage this potential to produce innovations that improve government workflows and the lives of citizens. This commentary makes the case for a description language enabling the structured documentation of these upcoming innovations. The description language would facilitate the communication between governments, citizens, and innovators. The key elements of the description language are briefly sketched and its usefulness is shown by the generation of ideas for GenAI tools related to interactive maps in cities.
Unveiling cell subpopulations in T1D mouse islets using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Yang Huan , Luo Junming , Liu Xuyang , Luo Yue , Lai Xiaoyang , Zou Fang
Published: March 2024

In this study, we created a comprehensive single-cell atlas of pancreatic islets in a T1D mouse model using scRNA-Seq and identified 11 major cell types in the islets, highlighting the role of alpha and beta cells in T1D. This study revealed a significant reduction in the maturity alpha and beta cells in T1D mice through flow cytometry. It also demonstrated the heterogeneity of alpha and beta cells, potentially crucial for T1D progression. Overall, our scRNA-Seq analysis provided new insights for understanding and treating T1D by studying cell subtype changes and functions.
Theoretical Analysis of the Power Performance of a Monostable Galloping‐Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Zhang Lu , Lan Chunbo , Lu Fangjie , Lu Yang
Published: March 2024

In the past few years, different kinds of structural nonlinearities, such as external magnetic interaction and multistable structures, have been introduced into galloping energy harvesters to enhance energy harvesting efficiency. However, since the galloping‐based piezoelectric energy harvester (GPEH) is a self‐excited system, the conventional impedance matching method that is widely used in vibration energy harvesters is no longer valid for it. Therefore, the power characteristics of the nonlinear GPEH are still an open question to be solved. To this end, this paper is motivated to derive the approximate analytical solution of a monostable galloping‐based piezoelectric energy harvester through the harmonic balance method and impedance matching theory. The analytical maximum power, power limit, and critical electromechanical coupling are studied from the perspective of the influence of structural nonlinearity on the power performance. Firstly, the approximate analytical solutions of output power, power limit, optimal resistance, and critical electromechanical coupling coefficient are derived. The accuracy of the analytical solution is verified by numerical simulation. It is found that the influence of structural nonlinearity on the power characteristics of the nonlinear GPEH is quite different under different wind speeds. After that, the power characteristics of the system under different wind speeds and different coupling conditions are investigated. The results showed that the maximum power of the system can be increased by introducing stiffness nonlinearity under low wind speed and weakly coupled configuration. Even more, the system can be shifted into a strongly coupled system when the nonlinearity is enhanced to a certain level. Reasonable design of stiffness nonlinearity can effectively reduce the critical electromechanical coupling, which indicates that stiffness nonlinearity is a feasible and effective way to improve the power performance of low‐speed wind energy harvesting.
A new species of planthopper in the genus Colpoptera (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Nogodinidae) from the Northeastern coast of Jamaica
Authors: BAHDER BRIAN W. , MYRIE WAYNE , HELMICK ERICKA E. , DAM ALEX R. VAN , BARTLETT CHARLES R.
Published: March 2024

A new species of Colpoptera Burmeister, 1835, C. japortla sp. nov. (Colpopterinae: Colpopterini), is described from Jamaica. The new species was found during a survey of planthoppers associated with coconut palms to document taxa that are potential phytoplasma vectors. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene is provided and compared to available members of Colpopterini. Syntypes of Colpoptera rugosa Van Duzee borrowed for comparison with the new species were found to be a mixed series including representatives of Jamaha elevans (Walker). A lectotype designation, with an amended diagnosis, is made for Colpoptera rugosa, to preserve the stability of nomenclature and this species is transferred to Jamaha as J. rugosa, comb. nov.
A review of the millipede genus Carlopeltis Verhoeff, 1938 (Polydesmida: Chelodesmidae: Batodesmini)
Authors: ROMERO-RINCON JUAN
Published: March 2024

The chelodesmid genus Carlopeltis Verhoeff, 1938 is revised. Currently, the genus contains the type species Carlopeltis alatus (Carl, 1914), know from Bolivar department, Carlopeltis goajirensis (Jeekel, 2009) stat. nov. ex Carlopeltis alatus goajirensis Jeekel, 2009 know from La Guajira, Tolima, and Meta departments, both redescribed here, and a new species is described: C. uraba n. sp. from Antioquia department; all from Colombia. A key and their distribution map for all three species of the genus are provided.
A new species of Phloeosinus from Bhutan (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Phloeosinini)
Authors: KNÍŽEK MILOŠ , TSHERING KAKA
Published: March 2024

A new species of Phloeosinus Chapuis, 1869 from Bhutan is described. The species is suggested to be endemic to Bhutan, occurring on Cupressus corneyana Knight & Perry ex Carrière (Cupressaceae).
Unraveling Moral Evaluations: A Qualitative Exploration of Young Individuals’ Causal Beliefs and Moral Emotions
Authors: B. Hester Erin
Published: March 2024

This article presents an empirical examination of attribution and appraisal theories, focusing on young individuals’ beliefs about causality and feelings toward two social issues impacting the welfare of others: food insecurity and opioid addiction. Using a deductive qualitative approach, this investigation deepens and expands our theoretical understanding of how causal beliefs shape moral evaluations and corresponding emotions. Through focus group discussions ( N = 9), participants revealed distinct patterns of causal cognitions and specific negative, other-oriented moral emotions. Causes of individuals’ hardships were characterized along four themes (personal choices, inherited circumstances, systemic issues, unexpected events), linking beliefs with corresponding discrete emotional experiences resembling contempt, pity, resentment, and compassion. Findings provide a description of attributions that supports a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between causality and emotion, thus contributing to the current theoretical perspective. Practical implications and opportunities for further investigation are discussed in view of the broader goal of developing strategies to amplify civic engagement.
Trends and Changes in Intensive Care Use for Patients With Heart Failure in the Last Month of Life
Authors: Chou Pi-Ling , Lin Pei-Chao , Lin Chia-Chin , Lee Hsiang-Chun , Huang Yu-Tung
Published: March 2024

A good death is a human right. Unfortunately, patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in the terminal stage still receive inappropriate life-sustaining treatment before death. There is limited understanding of the status of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and even extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with CHF before death, as well as their use of hospice-related services. This study investigated the trends and trend changes in intensive procedures and hospice-related services for patients with CHF in the last month of life. This population-based retrospective observational study included 25 375 patients with CHF from the National Health Insurance research database in Taiwan and collected information on their intensive treatments during the last month of life. We computed intensive treatment utilization rates and analyzed the trends and trend changes via joinpoint regression. The average percentage of patients with CHF admitted to ICUs was 53.27% (n = 13 516). A total of 327 (1.29%) patients with CHF received ECMO. The percentages of patients receiving MV (54.3%’41.5%) and CPR (41.5%’17%) decreased over time. Conversely, the percentage of ECMO use (0.52%’1.78%) increased. However, only 222 (0.87%) patients with CHF received hospice care in the last month of life between 2001 and 2013. The rates of ICU admission and life-sustaining treatment among patients with CHF in the month before death remain high, and hospice-related services remain inadequate. This study highlights the need for research and training in providing palliative and hospice care for patients with CHF.
Methods, design, and initial results of an angiographic core lab from VOYAGER-PAD
Authors: Rogers R Kevin , Herold Joerg , Govsyeyev Nicholas , Iezzi Roberto , Morrison Justin , Hogan Shea E , Nehler Mark , Bricker Rory , Andring Brice , Bergmark Brian , Cavender Matt , Malgor Emily , Jacobs Donald , Young Michael N , Capell Warren , Yčas Joseph W , Anand Sonia S , Berkowitz Scott D , Debus E Sebastian , Haskell Lloyd P , Muehlhofer Eva , Patel Manesh R , Hess Connie N , Bauersachs Rupert M , Anderson Victoria , Bonaca Marc P
Published: March 2024

Background: Anatomy is critical in risk stratification and therapeutic decision making in coronary disease. The relationship between anatomy and outcomes is not well described in PAD. We sought to develop an angiographic core lab within the VOYAGER-PAD trial. The current report describes the methods of creating this core lab, its study population, and baseline anatomic variables. Methods: Patients undergoing lower-extremity revascularization for symptomatic PAD were randomized in VOYAGER-PAD. The median follow up was 2.25 years. Events were adjudicated by a blinded Clinical Endpoint Committee. Angiograms were collected from study participants; those with available angiograms formed this core lab cohort. Angiograms were scored for anatomic and flow characteristics by trained reviewers blinded to treatment. Ten percent of angiograms were evaluated independently by two reviewers; inter-rater agreement was assessed. Clinical characteristics and the treatment effect of rivaroxaban were compared between the core lab cohort and noncore lab participants. Anatomic data by segment were analyzed. Results: Of 6564 participants randomized in VOYAGER-PAD, catheter-based angiograms from 1666 patients were obtained for this core lab. Anatomic and flow characteristics were collected across 16 anatomic segments by 15 reviewers. Concordance between reviewers for anatomic and flow variables across segments was 90.5% (24,417/26,968). Clinical characteristics were similar between patients in the core lab and those not included. The effect of rivaroxaban on the primary efficacy and safety outcomes was also similar. Conclusions: The VOYAGER-PAD angiographic core lab provides an opportunity to correlate PAD anatomy with independently adjudicated outcomes and provide insights into therapy for PAD. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02504216)
Safety and effectiveness of the Phoenix atherectomy device for endovascular treatment of common femoral and popliteal arteries: Results of the EN-MOBILE trial
Authors: Schöfthaler Christoph , Troisi Nicola , Torsello Giovanni , Jehn Amila , Lichtenberg Michael , Karcher Jan C , Stavroulakis Konstantinos , D’Oria Mario , Saratzis Athanasios , Zayed Hany , Andrassy Martin , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aimed to assess the peri- and postprocedural outcomes of atherectomy-assisted endovascular treatment of the common femoral (CFA) and popliteal arteries. Methods: Phoenix atherectomy was used for the treatment of 73 and 53 de novo CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, in 122 consecutive patients. Safety endpoints encompassed perforation and peripheral embolization. Postprocedural endpoints included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and clinical success (an improvement of ⩾ 2 Rutherford category [RC]). In addition, 531 patients treated for popliteal artery stenosis or occlusion without atherectomy were used as a comparator group. Results: Procedural success (residual stenosis < 30% after treatment) was 99.2%. The need for bail-out stenting was 2 (2.7%) and 3 (5.7%) in CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively. Only one (1.4%) embolization occurred in the CFA, which was treated by catheter aspiration. No perforations occurred. After 1.50 (IQR = 1.17–2.20) years, CD-TLR occurred in seven (9.2%) and six (14.6%) patients with CFA and popliteal artery lesions, respectively, whereas clinical success was achieved in 62 (91.2%) and 31 (75.6%), respectively. Patients treated with atherectomy and DCB in the popliteal artery after matching for baseline RC, lesion calcification, length, and the presence of chronic total occlusion, exhibited higher freedom from CD-TLR compared to the nondebulking group (HR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1–8.5, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Atherectomy can be used safely and is associated with low rates of bail-out stenting in CFA and popliteal arteries. CD-TLR and clinical success rates are clinically acceptable. In addition, for the popliteal artery, atherectomy combined with DCB demonstrates lower CD-TLR rates compared to a DCB alone strategy. (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00016708)
Design of the STRIVE-IPF trial- study of therapeutic plasma exchange, rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin for acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kulkarni Tejaswini , Criner Gerard J. , Kass Daniel J. , Rosas Ivan O. , Scholand Mary Beth , Dilling Daniel F. , Summer Ross , Duncan Steven R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) affect a significant proportion of patients with IPF. There are limited data to inform therapeutic strategies for AE-IPF, despite its high mortality. We discuss the rationale and design of STRIVE-IPF, a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), among patients with acute IPF exacerbations.

Methods

The STRIVE-IPF trial will randomize 51 patients among five sites in the United States. The inclusion criteria have been designed to select a study population with AE-IPF, as defined by American Thoracic Society criteria, while excluding patients with an alternative cause for a respiratory decompensation. The primary endpoint of this trial is six-month survival. Secondary endpoints include supplement oxygen requirement and six-minute walk distance which will be assessed immediately prior to treatment and after completion of therapy on day 19, as well as at periodic subsequent visits.

Discussion

The experimental AE-IPF therapy proposed in this clinical trial was adapted from treatment regimens used in other antibody-mediated diseases. The regimen is initiated with TPE, which is expected to rapidly reduce circulating autoantibodies, followed by rituximab to reduce B-cells and finally IVIG, which likely has multiple effects, including affecting feedback inhibition of residual B-cells by Fc receptor occupancy. We have reported potential benefits of this experimental therapy for AE-IPF in previous anecdotal reports. This clinical trial has the potential to profoundly affect current paradigms and treatment approaches to patients with AE-IPF.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03286556.
Artesunate-loaded thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel promotes osteogenesis of maxillary tooth extraction through regulating T lymphocytes in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Luo Jinghong , Liang Chen , Chen Kun , Zeng Kai , Bai Rui , Tang Chan , Li Jiaquan , Nong Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes severe bone loss after tooth extraction as a hyperglycemic environment causes aberrant bone homeostasis. Artesunate (ART) is known to possess anti-inflammation and osteogenic properties. However, its osteogenesis property in alveolar bone remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the osteogenic and immunoregulatory effects of artesunate-loaded thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel (ART-loaded TCH) on maxilla tooth extraction in T2DM rats.

Methods

T2DM rats were induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Different concentrations of ART-loaded TCH were applied in tooth extraction sockets. Bone loss and the expression of osteogenic regulatory factors (OPG, ALP, RANK) were evaluated. The immunoregulatory effects of ART-loaded TCH were observed through detecting the infiltration of T lymphocytes and their cytokines. The underlying mechanisms were explored.

Results

Results showed that the 150 mg/ml ART-loaded TCH group significantly ameliorated maxilla bone height and bone mineral density when compared with the T2DM group (p < 0.05). It also improved the expression of OPG, ALP, and RANK. Although the alteration of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and CD4+:CD8+ T ratio has no significant difference among groups, the release of Th1 and Th2 in the 150 mg/ml ART-loaded TCH group has been significantly regulated than in the T2DM group (p < 0.05). Besides, ART-loaded TCH treatment inhibited the expression of p38 MAPK and ERK1 in T2DM maxilla.

Conclusions

Therefore, the results indicated that 150 mg/ml ART-loaded TCH could be an effective method to prevent bone loss in T2DM tooth extraction rats by modulating the immunoregulation of Th1 and Th2 and the MAPK signaling pathway.
Evaluation of enamel surface integrity after orthodontic bracket debonding: comparison of three different system
Authors: Ghaleb Labib , Al-Worafi Naseem Ali , Thawaba Ahmed , Abdulqader Abbas Ahmed , Alkamel Aqlan , Abdo Yaser , Yang Zhao , Noman Nashwan , Al-Aroomi Maged Ali , Yulou Tian
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate enamel surface integrity and time consumed during residual cement removal after bracket debonding using different adhesive removal burs with and without a dental loupe.

Material and Methods

Sixty human-extracted premolars were collected, cleaned, mounted, and prepared for orthodontic bracket bonding. Teeth were randomly divided into three main groups (n = 20) based on the adhesive removal method: tungsten carbide system (TC), sof-lex discs system (SD), and diamond system (DB) groups. Then, each group was subdivided into two subgroups (naked eye and magnifying loupe subgroups). The brackets were bonded and then debonded after 24 h, and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was assessed. The adhesive remnants were removed by different systems, and the final polishing was performed by Silicone OneGloss. The enamel surface roughness was evaluated before bracketing (T0), after residual cement removal (T1), and finally after polishing (T2) using surface Mitutoyo SJ-210 profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to determine the Enamel Damage Index (EDI) score. The time consumed for adhesive removal was recorded in seconds.

Results

The Kruskal Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in roughness values at T1 compared to T2 between subgroups (p < 0.001). When comparing EDI at T1 and T2, the Kruskal–Wallis H-test showed statistically significant differences in all subgroups. The pairwise comparisons revealed that EDI scores showed a statistically significant difference at T1 and T2 between DB vs. TC and SD (p = 0.015) but not between TC vs. SD (p = 1.000), indicating the highest roughness value observed in the DB group. The time for cement removal was significantly shorter in the magnifying loupe group than in the naked eye group and was shortest with the TC group, whereas the time was the longest with the DB group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

All three systems were clinically satisfactory for residual orthodontic adhesive removal. However, TC system produced the lowest enamel roughness, while the DB system created the greatest. The polishing step created smoother surfaces regardless of the systems used for resin removal.