bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of gender discrimination on young Indian women’s mental health: do benevolent childhood experiences play any role?
Authors: Jadhav Bhoomika N. , Padma Sri Lekha P. , Abdul Azeez E.P. , Sharma Jyoti , Yadav Archana , Begam J. Mufina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Gender discrimination exists in various settings globally and harms women’s mental health. This study aims to understand the impact of gender discrimination on hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. Further, we attempted to determine whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) moderate the relationships of gender discrimination with hopelessness and emotional vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 445 young women from India was gathered from a cross-sectional survey. Measures included gender discrimination inventory, Beck’s hopelessness inventory, emotional vulnerability scale and BCE scale.

Findings

Results yielded a significant positive association of gender discrimination with hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. BCEs were negatively related to hopelessness, emotional vulnerability and gender discrimination. Further, gender discrimination predicted increased feelings of hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. However, BCEs do not neutralize the effect of gender discrimination.

Social implications

It is evident from this study that gender discrimination exists independent of socioeconomic class, domicile and educational qualification, taking a toll on women’s well-being and mental health. Incorporating attitudinal changes at the community and societal level in reducing gender norms responsible for negative outcomes will allow women to function to their full capacity and experience improved mental health.

Originality/value

The research on gender discrimination and its impact on women’s mental health is limited, especially exploring the role of BCEs. Previous studies have indicated that BCEs have protective roles in neutralizing adversities. However, the present study uniquely contributes to establishing the limited role of BCEs in the context of gender discrimination, though it contributes to mental health. The policy and psychosocial implications of the study are discussed.
Application of biosensors against food-borne pathogens
Authors: Singh Lochan , Sharanagat Vijay Singh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Nature and occurrence of food-borne pathogens in raw and processed food products evolved greatly in the past few years due to new modes of transmission and resistance build-up against sundry micro-/macro-environmental conditions. Assurance of food health and safety thus gained immense importance, for which bio-sensing technology proved very promising in the detection and quantification of food-borne pathogens. Considering the importance, different studies have been performed, and different biosensors have been developed. This study aims to summarize the different biosensors used for the deduction of food-borne pathogens.

Design/methodology/approach

The present review highlights different biosensors developed apropos to food matrices, factors governing their selection, their potential and applicability. The paper discusses some related key challenges and constraints and also focuses on the needs and future research prospects in this field.

Findings

The shift in consumers’ and industries’ perceptions directed the further approach to achieve portable, user and environmental friendly biosensing techniques. Despite of these developments, it was still observed that the comparison among the different biosensors and their categories proved tedious on a single platform; since the food matrices tested, pathogen detected or diagnosed, time of detection, etc., varied greatly and very few products have been commercially launched. Conclusively, a challenge lies in front of food scientists and researchers to maintain pace and develop techniques for efficiently catering to the needs of the food industry.

Research limitations/implications

Biosensors deduction limit varied with the food matrix, type of organism, material of biosensors’ surface, etc. The food matrix itself consists of complex substances, and various types of food are available in nature. Considering the diversity of food there is a need to develop a universal biosensor that can be used for all the food matrices for a pathogen. Further research is needed to develop a pathogen-specific biosensor that can be used for all the food products that may have accuracy to eliminate the traditional method of deduction.

Originality/value

The present paper summarized and categorized the different types of biosensors developed for food-borne pathogens.

Graphical abstract
Regulatory constraints, responsibilities and consultation (CRC) for legal institutionalization of cryptocurrencies in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Rahman Ullah , Ullah Karim , Atiq Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize the existing literature with insights gained from interviews conducted with regulatory experts. The objective is to analyse the challenges associated with incorporating cryptocurrencies into regulatory frameworks and to explore constraints in the regulatory institutionalization of cryptocurrencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study methodology consists of two steps. The first step is to identify regulatory constraints in the literature review and in the next step, interviews are conducted with officials of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The study used a qualitative case study methodology, in which a single case (regulatory constraint) was selected as a unit of analysis.

Findings

The findings show that lack of traceability, legal status, lack of governmental control due to decentralization, difficulty enforcing laws, volatility, lack of skills with regulators and difficulty integrating cryptocurrencies into the current financial system are the main obstacles to the introduction of a regulatory framework. Thus, on a broader conceptual level, the findings can be grouped into opportunism, lack of strategic capability and fragmented global laws.

Research limitations/implications

This study could inform global cryptocurrency regulation discussions, sharing a developing country’s views on balancing the government, central banks, the financial sector and public interests. This could guide countries to consider cryptocurrency adoption in similar situations. This could affect the cryptocurrency market, impacting demand, supply and investor trust in Pakistan.

Practical implications

The study has implications for policy making officials. The research aims to offer valuable insights to the SBP and other regulatory authorities, helping them identify potential risks and create an effective regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

Social implications

The study has implications for society in knowing about the volatile nature of cryptos and anonymity of their issuers, which poses regulatory constraints. This then implies its harmfullness to its traders and the huge losses that may arise from their trading due to its volatile nature.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the constraints, responsibilities and consultation framework of cryptocurrency regulations.
Handle with care; considerations of Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis
Authors: Hole Lee
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support potential users of thematic analysis (as outlined by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke). Researchers with the intention of applying thematic analysis are advised to consider the theoretical framework of their work and how differing ontological and epistemological standpoints influences their approach to thematic analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers aspects of the work that has been done around thematic analysis to guide future potential users. The flexibility, recipe-like use and ease of thematic analysis are discussed, along with guidance being offered to avoid the seemingly common trip hazards of navigating the approach.

Findings

Users of thematic analysis seemingly continue to cite Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis whilst repeatedly contradicting the guidance of their work.

Practical implications

Readers of this paper that intend on using thematic analysis will be redirect to further learning, personal reflection and adjustments to the way in which they engage with, utilise and report their qualitative work using Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis.

Social implications

It is possible that past research that has been reported as using Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis has been misinterpreted, misunderstood and misused. This as a result of researchers potentially having failed to embrace the need to engage in reflexive, epistemological and ontologically clear processes during the use of thematic analysis.

Originality/value

While Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis seems to have developed a significant level of popularity and use, the finer but impactful understanding of the approach has been overlooked. Other work has been done in relation to thematic analysis but there has not been anything to support thinking and learning around the suitable, accurate and knowledgeable use of the approach.
The role of contextual voice efficacy on employee voice and silence
Authors: Huang Xu , Wilkinson Adrian , Barry Michael
Published: November 2023

Given recent studies have begun to question the siloed nature of employee voice research this paper attempts to theorise the boundaries between Organisational Behavior (OB), Human Resource Management (HRM) and Industrial and Employment Relations (I/ER) voice. Researchers examine specific organisational contexts that may influence employees' voice behavior, with OB researchers paying particular attention to the micro contextual influences of leadership behavior and psychological safety climate on individual voice behavior; HR researchers emphasizing the meso role of HR practices that may facilitate employee voice; and I/ER researchers focusing more on how macro institutional supports such as unions and collective bargaining can protect employees and facilitate voice. The paper proposes a model of “contextual voice efficacy” as a bridge between these disparate literatures, and develops propositions as to how OB, HR and I/ER voice mechanisms can combine together in a single model.
Representing personal and common futures: Insights and new connections between the theory of social representations and the pragmatic sociology of engagements
Authors: Wallace Ross , Batel Susana
Published: November 2023

To understand social issues and practices such as those related to climate change and technological change that are clearly future‐oriented – collectively experienced events that are “not yet” – and co‐constructed by different actors, we need nuanced conceptualizations of how people think about, negotiate and co‐create futures that allow us to understand not only what people (can) think and do about future‐related issues but also how that happens, what for and with which implications. However, so far, one of the key theoretical approaches that has conceptualised how people make meaning in situations of change and uncertainty – the socio‐psychological social representations theory (SRT) – has not often engaged with the future or with different forms of temporality. By contrast, the French pragmatic sociology of engagements and critique (PS) has engaged with these notions, conceptualising them in relation to materiality and a plurality of moral orientations – two dimensions often seen as key to how collective futures are made and imagined. To offer a more nuanced and systematic conceptualization of how people represent the future and with what consequences, this paper will present, compare and synthesise SRT and PS, as a first step towards an interdisciplinary research agenda on social change and representations of the future.
Human Circovirus is not detected in plasma pools for fractionation
Authors: Pérot Philippe , Da Rocha Nicolas , Farcet Maria R. , Kreil Thomas R. , Eloit Marc
Published: November 2023

Background

Human Circovirus 1 and 2 were recently described in a French hepatitis case and in two Chinese drug users. Because of its small size and presumable high resistance to both inactivation and removal by nanofilters, such viruses—if determined to be even pathogenic—should be considered with respect to the safety of plasma derivatives. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and titer of these viruses in plasma pools before fractionation.

Methods and Materials

We tested for the presence of Human Circovirus 1 and 2 by qPCR in 48 plasma pools derived from healthy donors from Europe, USA, and Japan, corresponding to more than 200,000 plasma donations.

Results

We did not detect the presence of Human Circovirus 1 and 2 in any of the plasma pools, with a limit of detection of 300–600 genome copies per mL of plasma.

Conclusions

These results indicate that high levels of circovirus are not widely prevalent in such donations.
Determinants of Contraceptive Discontinuation among Homeless Women in Kenya
Authors: Pkaremba Lydia Cheruto , Oleche Martine Odhiambo , Owiti Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

This paper examines factors affecting contraceptive discontinuity among homeless women in Kenya, using data from a sample of 384 homeless women. The findings were estimated using logistic regression. The estimated results from regression analysis show that living with a partner, drug use, health facility delivery, and knowledge of female sterilization and previously emigrating from an urban area, strongly encourage contraceptive discontinuation. The estimated results further show that being assisted by a midwife during delivery, earning above a dollar a day, and going through neonatal or pregnancy loss reduces incidences of contraceptive discontinuation. The study concludes with implications for policies that will encourage consistent use of contraceptives. These policies include the establishment of family planning programs to curb drug abuse and setting up family planning programs to educate women on the importance of initiating a form of contraception after incidences of abortions, stillbirths, or miscarriages. Other policy recommendations include the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers for women struggling with drug abuse and the provision of alternative sources of income. The government is also advised to train more midwives who can offer home based care for homeless women who cannot visit health centers.
Kloosterman sums do not correlate with periodic functions
Authors: Steiner Raphael S.
Published: November 2023

We provide uniform bounds for sums of Kloosterman sums in all arithmetic progressions. As a consequence, we find that Kloosterman sums do not correlate with periodic functions.
Numerical Investigations of Turbulent Flow Through a 90-Degree Pipe Bend and Honeycomb Straightener
Authors: Jurga Agata Patrycja , Janocha Marek Jan , Ong Muk Chen , Yin Guang
Published: November 2023

Pipe bends are commonly used in piping systems in offshore and subsea installations. The present study explores the design considerations for the honeycomb straightener inserted downstream of a 90-degree pipe bend. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the honeycomb in suppressing the flow swirling for different distances from the bend outlet (Lb) and different values of the honeycomb thickness (t). The turbulent flow through the 90-degree circular pipe bend with the honeycomb straightener is investigated by carrying out numerical simulations using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence modeling approach. The explicit Algebraic Reynolds Stress Model (EARSM) is adopted to resolve the Reynolds stresses. The honeycomb thickness to pipe diameter ratio (t/D) is varied between 0.1 and 1. The normalized distance from the bend outlet to the honeycomb straightener (Lb/D) is varied between 1 and 5. The disturbance in the velocity field is generated by the pipe bend with the curvature radius to pipe diameter ratio (Rc/D) of 2 and Reynolds number (Re) of 2 × 105. It is found that both the increase in Lb/D and t/D improve the performance of the device in removing the swirl behind the bend outlet. The best performance is observed for the honeycomb straightener with the distance Lb/D=5 and thickness t/D=0.5.
Instability of Poiseuille Flow in a Bidisperse Porous Medium Subject to a Uniform Vertical Throughflow Effect
Authors: Hajool Shahizlan Shakir , Harfash Akil J.
Published: November 2023

In this article, we investigate the influence of the vertical throughflow Reynolds number on the instability of Poiseuille flow in a bidisperse porous medium. The Brinkman model was employed to describe fluid flow in the porous medium with large pores, referred to as “macropores,” while the Darcy model was utilized for fluid flow in the porous medium with small pores, referred to as “micropores”. The resulting eigenvalue system was solved using the Chebyshev collocation method (CCM), renowned for its accuracy and flexibility, rendering it one of the most reliable methods available. Regardless of its direction, the impact of the vertical throughflow Reynolds number on system instability is not uniform; it exhibits a dual nature, acting as a destabilizing factor at specific values while serving as a stabilizing influence at others. In the case of the permeability ratio, porous parameter, and interaction parameter, our observations indicate that elevating these parameters results in an enhancement of system stability.
0D Modeling of Dry-Electrical Discharge Machining Plasma Discharge
Authors: Mujumdar Soham , Bayki Shayan
Published: November 2023

There is a growing interest in developing the dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) process as a sustainable alternative to the conventional liquid dielectric-based EDM process. It is shown that the dry EDM process possesses advantages over the conventional process in terms of thermal damage, recast layer, and tool wear. However, there is a need to increase the productivity of the dry EDM process for its successful adaptation in the industry. This paper presents a dry EDM plasma discharge model with air as the dielectric medium. The model uses global modeling (0D) approach in which equations of mass balance, energy balance, and plasma expansion are solved simultaneously to obtain a time-dependent description of the plasma in terms of its composition, temperature, diameter, and heat flux to electrodes. The model includes reaction kinetics involving 622 reactions and 55 species to determine the air plasma composition. A single discharge dry EDM operation is successfully simulated using the model, and the effects of the interelectrode gap and discharge current on the plasma are studied. An increase in the interelectrode gap decreases the average electron density, plasma temperature, and heat flux. On the other hand, an increase in the discharge current increases the electron density, temperature, and diameter of the plasma linearly, while heat flux to the workpiece increases exponentially. Overall, the model provides an essential tool to study the dry EDM process mechanisms at a fundamental level and devise methods for process improvements.
Data-Efficient Surrogate Model for Rapid Prediction of Temperature Evolution in a Microscale Selective Laser Sintering System
Authors: Grose Joshua , Liao Aaron , Foong Chee Seng , Cullinan Michael
Published: November 2023

Current metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems suffer from limitations on the minimum feature sizes they can produce during part formation. The microscale selective laser sintering (μ-SLS) system addresses this drawback by enabling the production of parts with minimum feature resolutions of the order of a single micrometer. However, the production of microscale parts is challenging due to unwanted heat conduction within the nanoparticle powder bed. As a result, finite element (FE) thermal models have been developed to predict the evolution of temperature within the particle bed during laser sintering. These thermal models are not only computationally expensive but also must be integrated into an iterative model-based control framework to optimize the digital mask used to control the distribution of laser power. These limitations necessitate the development of a machine learning (ML) surrogate model to quickly and accurately predict the temperature evolution within the μ-SLS particle bed using minimal training data. The regression model presented in this work uses an “Element-by-Element” approach, where models are trained on individual finite elements to learn the relationship between thermal conditions experienced by each element at a given time-step and the element's temperature at the next time-step. An existing bed-scale FE thermal model of the μ-SLS system is used to generate element-by-element tabular training data for the ML model. A data-efficient artificial neural network (NN) is then trained to predict the temperature evolution of a 2D powder-bed over a 2 s sintering window with high accuracy.
Acoustic Assembly Photopolymerization of Bioinspired Multimaterial Hierarchical Films With Programmable Adhesion
Authors: Lichade Ketki M. , Pan Yayue
Published: November 2023

Devices with stimuli-responsiveness, programmable and reversible adhesion, and adaptability to uneven surfaces have attracted extensive attention for applications such as microgrippers and soft robots. Despite recent advances, challenges still exist in rapid shape morphing, noncontact control, and reversible switching between attachment and detachment. Fundamentally, those challenges are owing to the material limitation, manufacturing constraints, and design complexity involved in the production of those devices. To overcome these challenges, we report a simple and rapid manufacturing approach, acoustic assembly photopolymerization (AAP), for the production of magnetic-responsive devices with programmable and reversible adhesion. The proposed AAP process provides an environmentally sustainable approach to fabricating micro- to macroscale multimaterial films with hierarchical surface features within seconds. The locally controlled composition enables precise magnetic control, while the flexible hierarchical surface structures allow rapid attachment and detachment. The combined effects of material and structural composition enable remarkable control over the adhesive property without requiring any complicated treatment and power source. In this work, a photocurable magnetic composite material was developed, and the adhesion programmability of the printed films was investigated. As a proof of concept, test cases were performed, including soft magnetic robots and untethered grippers. The results indicated the promising applications of such AAP-printed films, with the advantages of programmable adhesion, locally engineered flexibility, rapid, and remote noncontact magnetic actuation. The AAP manufacturing capability and the proposed multimaterial hierarchical film design possess a broad range of applications, including surface engineering, soft robotics, and microfluidics.
Optimization Design of Oil Groove Shape on the Surface of Friction Plate in High-Speed Wet Clutch Aimed at Minimizing Drag Torque
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Yuansheng , Wei Chao , Yan Yunbing
Published: November 2023

The wet clutch, a crucial component of the vehicle transmission system, experiences high-frequency impact and friction between the friction plate and the steel plate under high-speed separation conditions. This leads to a significant increase in drag torque, which is detrimental to the transmission efficiency and reliability of the high-speed wet clutch. This article aims to reduce the high-speed drag torque in a no-load wet clutch by optimizing the oil groove shape on the surface of the friction plate. Initially, a theoretical model of high-speed drag torque for the friction plate with arbitrary oil groove shape is established. Subsequently, a low-drag oil groove shape optimization model is proposed by establishing design parameters, constraint conditions, and an objective function, combined with an experiment design method, approximation modeling, and a global search optimization method. Finally, the stiffness and damping coefficients of the clearance flow field and the drag torque with the optimized oil groove shape are calculated. The simulation results and the proposed optimization method are validated through experiments. The experiment indicates that a friction plate with the optimized oil groove shape can significantly decrease high-speed drag torque, demonstrating strong practical engineering value.
Analysis of Cavity Disk Heat Transfer by Solving Inverse Heat Transfer Problem
Authors: Diemel E. , Odenbach S. , Uffrecht W. , Rey Villazon J. , Guijarro Valencia A.
Published: November 2023

The flow and heat transfer within compressor rotor cavities of aero-engines is a conjugate problem. The operating conditions buoyancy forces, caused by radial temperature difference between the cold throughflow and the hotter shroud, can influence the amount of entrained air significantly. By this, the heat transfer depends on the radial temperature gradient of the cavity walls, and in turn, the disk temperatures are dependent on the heat transfer. In this article, disk Nusselt numbers are calculated in reference to the air inlet temperature and in comparison to a modeled local air temperature inside the cavity. The local disk heat flux is determined from measured steady-state surface temperatures by solving the inverse heat transfer problem in an iterative procedure. The conduction equation is solved on a 2D mesh using a validated finite element approach, and the heat flux confidence intervals are calculated with a stratified Monte Carlo approach. An estimate for the amount of air entering into the cavity is calculated by a simplified heat balance. The major influences on the Nusselt number were found to be the mass flowrate entering the cavity and the density of the fluid inside the cavity.
Physical Education Teachers’ Swimming Skill Analysis in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children: Findings From an Online Survey
Authors: Fokken Inga , Staub Ilka , Vogt Tobias
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how physical education teachers analyze their students’ swimming skills. Particular attention is given to information gathering within the diagnostic process. Methods: Data were collected from a quantitative online survey of German physical education teachers from primary and secondary schools (n = 551). This survey’s questionnaire is based on evaluated statements from a qualitative interview study (n = 10). Findings: Teachers’ diagnostic approaches vary greatly and differ in terms of quality criteria and usability. The predominant method used is movement observation, but 50.3% of the teachers do it rather rarely or without the use of criteria. Many of them (63.8%) would like to be supported by a diagnostic tool for the analysis of swimming skills. Discussion/Conclusion: It has been concluded that an accurate analysis of the students’ swimming skills as a precondition for adaptive lesson structuring is not achieved. It is necessary to determine whether a diagnostic tool could improve this process.
Virulence attributes of successful methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
lineages
Authors: Jiang Jhih-Hang , Cameron David R. , Nethercott Cara , Aires-de-Sousa Marta , Peleg Anton Y.
Published: November 2023

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a leading cause of severe and often fatal infections. MRSA epidemics have occurred in waves, whereby a previously successful lineage has been replaced by a more fit and better adapted lineage. Selection pressures in both hospital and community settings are not uniform across the globe, which has resulted in geographically distinct epidemiology. This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. While the important role of antibiotic resistance will be mentioned throughout, factors which influence the capacity of
S. aureus
to colonize and cause disease within a host will be the primary focus of this review. We show that while MRSA possesses a diverse arsenal of toxins including alpha-toxin, the success of a lineage involves more than just producing toxins that damage the host. Success is often attributed to the acquisition or loss of genetic elements involved in colonization and niche adaptation such as the arginine catabolic mobile element, as well as the activity of regulatory systems, and shift metabolism accordingly (e.g., the accessory genome regulator,
agr
). Understanding exactly how specific MRSA clones cause prolonged epidemics may reveal targets for therapies, whereby both core (e.g., the alpha toxin) and acquired virulence factors (e.g., the Panton-Valentine leukocidin) may be nullified using anti-virulence strategies.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
TolC contributes to antimicrobial resistance, exopolysaccharide production, and virulence
Authors: Bina X. Renee , Weng Yuding , Budnick James , Van Allen Mia E. , Bina James E.
Published: November 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes a variety of human diseases, ranging from pneumonia to urinary tract infections and invasive diseases. The emergence of
K. pneumoniae
strains that are resistant to multiple antibiotics has made treatment more complex and led to
K. pneumoniae
becoming a global health threat. Addressing this threat necessitates the development of new therapeutic strategies to combat this pathogen, including strategies to overcome antimicrobial resistance and therapeutics for novel targets such as antivirulence. Here, we investigated the function of TolC, an outer membrane protein essential for the function of tripartite transporters, in
K. pneumoniae
. Mutation of
tolC
rendered
K. pneumoniae
hypersensitive to multiple antibiotics. Moreover, the
tolC
mutation impaired capsule production and affected the expression of key capsule biosynthetic genes, indicating a regulatory role for TolC in capsule biosynthesis. Additionally, TolC was essential for growth under iron-limiting conditions, suggesting its involvement in iron acquisition. The
tolC
mutant exhibited increased adherence to human enterocytes and enhanced serum sensitivity. In the
Galleria mellonella
infection model, the
tolC
mutant displayed reduced virulence compared to the wild type. Our findings highlight the pleiotropic role of TolC in
K. pneumoniae
pathobiology, influencing antimicrobial resistance, capsule production, iron homeostasis, adherence to host cells, and virulence. Understanding the multifaceted role of TolC in
K. pneumoniae
may guide the development of new therapeutic strategies against this pathogen.
Complete genome sequence of
Methylomonas
sp. UP202 isolated from an urban waterway sediment
Authors: Teh Beng-Soon , Hii Yiik-Siang , Hinks Jamie , Abdul-Wahab Mohd Firdaus , Swarup Sanjay
Published: November 2023

We report the complete genome sequence of
Methylomonas
sp. UP202 isolated from an urban waterway sediment in Singapore. The genome contains genes involved in methane, methanol, formaldehyde, and formate oxidation. It also contains genes utilizing various nitrogen sources such as nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, urea, and ammonium.
Dual analysis of wild-type and attenuated
Orf virus
and host cell transcriptomes revealed novel virus-host cell interactions
Authors: Yao Xiaoting , Jing Tian , Geng Qingru , Pang Ming , Zhao Xuanduo , Li Shaofei , Chen Dekun , Ma Wentao
Published: November 2023

The attenuated
Orf virus
(ORFV) strain (aFX0910), derived from continuous passages of wild-type strain FX0910
in vitro
, displays obviously lower virulence in kids. However, the latent virulence determinants and intracellular mechanisms for the attenuated variant remain unknown. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive analysis of the ORFV and goat lip fibroblasts transcriptomes during viral infection using RNA sequencing. Focusing on the host transcriptome, we performed gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, and biological pathway analysis, among others. This integrated analysis allowed us to assess potential changes in mRNA expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in both viral and host genes. In general, the global patterns of immune gene expression induced by different ORFV isolates were mostly shared. However, host transcripts and non-synonymous of viral genes differed between the wild-type and attenuated ORFV strains. Notably, the natural ORFV isolate (FX0910) predominantly triggered an innate immune response in host cells, while aFX0910 downregulated innate immune response and antiviral response. Analysis of viral transcriptomes manifested that FX0910 and aFX0910 had different SNP events in multiple functional genes. Collectively, our findings highlighted novel insights into virus-host interactions and shed light on the molecular basis of ORFV virulence at the genomic level. Furthermore, this study may contribute to the development of targeted intervention strategies and the advancement of vaccine research in the field of ORFV.

IMPORTANCE

Currently, the only available commercial vaccines for
Orf virus
(ORFV) are live attenuated vaccines, which present a potential risk of reversion to virulence. Therefore, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of different virulent strains of ORFV and host immune responses triggered by these viruses is crucial for developing new vaccines and interventions. In this study, we found that the attenuated strain downregulates the host innate immune response and antiviral activity. In addition, we noted that the wild-type strain can induce the immune response pattern centered on interferon-stimulated genes and interferon regulatory factor gene family. We predicted that STAT1 and STAT2 are the main transcription factors upstream of target gene promoters through gene regulatory networks and exert significant regulatory effects on co-expressed genes. Our study elucidated the complex interaction between ORFV strains and host cell immune responses, providing new insights into vaccine research for ORFV.
scMAR-Seq: a novel workflow for targeted single-cell genomics of microorganisms using radioactive labeling
Authors: Lo Hao-Yu , Wink Konstantin , Nitz Henrike , Kästner Matthias , Belder Detlev , Müller Jochen A. , Kaster Anne-Kristin
Published: November 2023

Current methods for the identification of specific microorganisms based on an
in situ
metabolism are often hampered by insufficient sensitivity and habitat complexity. Here, we present a novel approach for identifying and sequencing single microbial cells metabolizing a specific organic compound with high sensitivity and without prior knowledge of the microbial community. The workflow consists of labeling individual cells with a [
14
C] substrate based on their metabolic activity, followed by encapsulating cells in alginate with nuclear emulsion by using microfluidics. We here adapted the concept of microautoradiography to visually distinguish between encapsulated labeled and non-labeled cells, which are then sorted via flow cytometry for single cell genomics. As a proof-of-concept, we labeled, separated, lysed, and sequenced single cells of the benzene degrader
Pseudomonas veronii
from mock microbial communities. The cells of
P. veronii
were isolated with 100% specificity. Single-cell microautoradiography and genome sequencing is an innovative method for elucidating microbial identity, activity, and function in diverse habitats, contributing to elucidate novel taxa and genes with potential for biotechnological applications such as bioremediation.

IMPORTANCE

A central question in microbial ecology is which member of a community performs a particular metabolism. Several sophisticated isotope labeling techniques are available for analyzing the metabolic function of populations and individual cells in a community. However, these methods are generally either insufficiently sensitive or throughput-limited and thus have limited applicability for the study of complex environmental samples. Here, we present a novel approach that combines highly sensitive radioisotope tracking, microfluidics, high-throughput sorting, and single-cell genomics to simultaneously detect and identify individual microbial cells based solely on their
in situ
metabolic activity, without prior information on community structure.
Phenotype versus genotype discordant rifampicin susceptibility testing in tuberculosis: implications for a diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Qadir Mehmood , Faryal Rani , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Khan Sajjad Ahmed , Zhang Shulin , Li Weimin , Wei Dong Qing , Tahseen Sabira , McHugh Timothy D.
Published: November 2023

The World Health Organization recommends culture-based techniques as the gold standard for rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis. However, as rapid molecular assays are rolled out, discordance in resistance has been observed. The current study compared 516 clinical isolates on Lowenstein–Jenson (LJ) and Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) drug susceptibility testings (DSTs) with
rpoB
sequencing. The discordance rate was higher in MGIT DST (24%) compared to LJ (9.4%). We report discordant results for RpoB mutations 430P (MGIT: 14/20; LJ: 19/20), 435Y (MGIT: 5/21; LJ: 17/21), 445N (MGIT: 11/18; LJ: 15/18), 445L (MGIT: 0/9; LJ: 8/9), 452P (MGIT: 5/20; LJ: 17/20), and 445C (MGIT: 1/6; LJ: 2/6) on LJ and MGIT DSTs, respectively. Mutations N438K and T444A, sensitive on LJ and MGIT DSTs, are novel. Two novel discordant mutations, Q436H+N437del and S428I, were also detected. One novel large deletion (Del) ggaccagaacaacccg/G (Del of DQNNP at positions 435–439) demonstrated concordance on LJ and MGIT DST. Numerous double and triple mutations including some novel combinations, M434V+H445N, L430R+D435Y, H445N+S450W, S428R+L430P, M434L+H445N, D435G+A451V, and M434I+D435G+A451V, have also shown higher discordant results on MGIT DST. The discordance results of RR are higher in MGIT DST compared to LJ. We suggest that the genotypic result should be preferred instead of phenotypic DST in case of discordant mutations. Physicians should be aware of such discordance to prescribe an effective treatment. Untargeted whole-genome sequencing to capture MGIT-sensitive and large deletions may be reconsidered for better treatment outcomes in high-burden countries.

IMPORTANCE

An accurate diagnosis of drug resistance in clinical isolates is an important step for better treatment outcomes. The current study observed a higher discordance rate of rifampicin resistance on Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) drug susceptibility testing (DST) than Lowenstein–Jenson (LJ) DST when compared with the
rpoB
sequencing. We detected a few novel mutations and their combination in rifampicin resistance isolates that were missed by MGIT DST and may be useful for the better management of tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes. Few novel deletions in clinical isolates necessitate the importance of
rpoB
sequencing in large data sets in geographic-specific locations, especially high-burden countries. We explored the discordance rate on MGIT and LJ, which is important for the clinical management of rifampicin resistance to avoid the mistreatment of drug-resistant TB. Furthermore, MGIT-sensitive isolates may be subjected to molecular methods of diagnosis for further confirmation and treatment options.
In vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, aztreonam-avibactam, and comparators toward carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates
Authors: Li Dan , Yu Hua , Huang Xiangning , Long Shanshan , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2023

Carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CR-hvKP) strains are increasingly reported, posing a significant threat to public health. Therefore, effective antimicrobial therapy is urgently needed. This study aimed to analyze the
in vitro
activity of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), imipenem-relebactam (IMR), and aztreonam-avibactam (AZA) toward CR-hvKP and carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) isolates. Non-repetitive clinical CRKP and CR-hvKP strains were collected from Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital between August 2018 and June 2022. CR-hvKP strains were screened using string tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate
in vitro
antibacterial activity of CZA, IMR, and AZA toward CRKP and CR-hvKP stains. The molecular characteristics of CRKP and CR-hvKP strains were investigated using PCR amplification. The virulence features of CR-hvKP strains were investigated using serum resistance assays and a
Galleria mellonella
infection model. A total of 114 CRKP and 40 CR-hvKP strains were collected. The susceptibility rates of CRKP and CR-hvKP to tigecycline, colistin, and polymyxin B exceeded 89.5%. The susceptibility rates of CRKP and CR-hvKP to CZA were 64.0% and 77.5%, respectively; the susceptibility rates to IMR were 92.5% and 71.9%, respectively; and the susceptibility rates to AZA were 89.5% and 75.0%, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing and
wzi
-loci sequencing identified sequence type 11 KL64 as the predominant type in CRKP and CR-hvKP strains. Carbapenemase genes were dominated by
bla
KPC-2 and
bla
NDM-1. IMR and AZA may be promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of infections caused by CRKP and CR-hvKP isolates.

IMPORTANCE

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the
in vitro
activity of two novel antimicrobial drugs, including imipenem-relebactam (IMR) and aztreonam-avibactam (AZA), toward carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CR-hvKP) strains. Our
in vitro
activity study revealed that only few antibacterial agents (including several novel agents) exhibit high antimicrobial activity toward carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) and CR-hvKP isolates. IMR and AZA may be promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of infections caused by CRKP and CR-hvKP isolates.
Supplemental Material: Evolution of an earthquake-induced landslide complex in the South Island of New Zealand: How fault damage zones and seismicity contribute to slope failures
Authors: Singeisen Corinne , al. et
Published: November 2023

Ground model provides a 3-D model of the landslide including the two geophysical profiles and interpretation of landslide failure mechanism. The model can be viewed using the free desktop application Leapfrog viewer, which can be downloaded from https://www.seequent.com/products-solutions/leapfrog-viewer/. 
Supplemental Material: Storm-driven sedimentation and dynamics of a sediment slug in an ephemeral stream: Influence on sediment-routing systems within source areas
Authors: García Antonio F. , Mahan Shannon A.
Published: November 2023

Detailed description of unit Qa1a sediments and stratigraphy.  
A well child with prolonged oral thrush: an unexpected diagnostic journey
Authors: Gounari Eleni , Elfeky Reem , Ghataore Lea , Muhi-Iddin Nadia , Buchanan Charles R , Arya Ved Bhushan
Published: November 2023

Oral thrush is a familiar presentation in both general practice and paediatrics, and is usually responsive to treatment in the community. Here, we present the diagnostic journey of a previously well boy aged 3 years who presented with treatment-resistant thrush and describe how ‘unexpected’ results led to eventual diagnosis and management. This intriguing case was managed jointly by district hospital general paediatric team and tertiary hospital specialist teams.
Advances in the understanding and management of alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Thursz Mark , Lingford-Hughes Anne
Published: November 2023

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological trends indicate recent and predicted increases in the burden of disease. Disease progression is driven by continued alcohol exposure on a background of genetic predisposition together with environmental cofactors. Most individuals present with advanced disease despite a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple missed opportunities to intervene. Increasing evidence supports the use of non-invasive tests to screen for and identify disease at earlier stages. There is a definite role for public health measures to reduce the overall burden of disease. At an individual level, however, the ability to influence subsequent disease course by modifying alcohol consumption or the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remains limited due to a comparative lack of effective, disease-modifying medical interventions. Abstinence from alcohol is the key determinant of outcome in established ALD and the cornerstone of clinical management. In those with decompensated ALD, liver transplant has a clear role. There is consensus that abstinence from alcohol for an arbitrary period should not be the sole determinant in a decision to transplant. An increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver disease in susceptible individuals offers the prospect of new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying drugs. Successful translation will require significant public and private investment in a disease area which has traditionally been underfunded when compared to its overall prevalence.
Does Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduce colorectal adenoma (CRA) recurrence: protocol of a registry-based, cohort study and a qualitative interview
Authors: Cheng Yi , Di Yuan Ming , Zhang Anthony Lin , Hu Peixin , Mo Jiahao , Zhang Haiyan , Xue Charlie Changli , Zhang Beiping
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Colorectal adenoma (CRA) is a precancerous lesion for colorectal cancer. Endoscopic resection is the first-line treatment for CRA. However, CRA recurrence rate is high. This proposed study aims to determine if Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) reduces CRA recurrence.

Methods and analysis

This project encompasses an observational, registry-based, cohort study and a nested qualitative study. The cohort study aims to include 364 postpolypectomy CRA participants at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM), China, with a follow-up phase of up to 1 year. In addition to routine care, these participants will receive a CHM treatment prescribed by experienced Chinese medicine (CM) clinicians. The CHM treatment encompasses CHM products and CHM formulae according to CM syndromes. The primary outcome is CRA recurrence rate at 1 year after enrolment. Secondary outcomes include characteristics of recurrent CRA, incidence of colorectal polyp (except for CRA), incidence of advanced CRA, incidence of colorectal cancer, improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms commonly seen in CRA patients, faecal occult blood test result, lipid level, fasting plasma glucose level, uric acid level, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, quality of life and safety evaluations. Logistic regression analysis will be used to explore the correlation between exposure and outcome. Qualitative interviews will be conducted among approximate 30 CRA patients from the cohort study and 10 CM practitioners in Department of Gastroenterology at GPHCM. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of GPHCM (YF2022-320-02) and registered at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) HREC. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and international academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200065713.