bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of biogenic Se-Au nanoparticles against most prevalent pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Hosseini Mansoure , Mashreghi Mansour , Eshghi Hossein , Kosanjian Fateme 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Luminescent bacteria, having reductase enzymes, can reduce metal ions as nanoparticles. In this study, the synergic effect of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), using Pseudomonas putida KT2440, carrying lux AB gene with biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is assessed. The SeNPs were first purified and then characterized using different techniques, including UV-visible and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analyses. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of SeNPs were also evaluated with and without AuNPs, at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg l−1 concentrations. The SEM images showed that biogenic SeNPs were spherical attached to the surface of the producing bacteria. The FTIR spectroscopic results revealed the presence of protein molecules on the surface of the synthesized SeNPs. It is found that purified SeNPs have proper antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against several potential human pathogenic bacteria, depending on the NPs concentrations. It was also found that the presence of AuNPs enhances the antibacterial activity of SeNPs. Our results showed that adding SeNPs improved the antibacterial activity of AuNPs against Bacillus subtilis (71%), Staphylococcus aureus (55%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (52%), Escherichia coli (47%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26%). Also, the antibiofilm activity of SeNPs improved by about 26% and 37% against E. faecalis and S. aureus, respectively. In conclusion, the mixture of biosynthesized SeNPs and AuNPs, using luminescent bacteria as Se-Au nanoparticles is more effective and can be applied as an antimicrobial agent against multi-antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria.
FNI-DETR: real-time DETR with far and near feature interaction for small object detection
Authors: Han Zixian , Jia Dongli , Zhang Lei , Li Jinjiang , Cheng Pan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In recent years, real-time object detectors have gained significant traction in domains such as autonomous driving, industrial inspection, and remote sensing. The Detection Transformer has emerged as a research focal point due to its end-to-end architecture that eliminates the need for post-processing. However, due to the Transformer’s tendency to focus on global information, small objects are often overlooked. To address this limitation, we propose FNI-DETR, a real-time Detection Transformer tailored for small object detection by incorporating Far and Near Feature Interaction. Specifically, FNI-DETR integrates state space models with the Transformer to form a Mamba-Encoder block, enabling the interaction of feature information across different spatial scales. This enhances the representation and learning of near-end information while improving the extraction of semantic information. Additionally, we introduce a Lightweight Spatial Attention block in the backbone stage to capture detailed information in regions of interest. Furthermore, the ADOWN block is employed for downsampling, reducing the likelihood of discarding small objects from the feature map and increasing the model’s focus on small objects. Experimental results show that FNI-DETR achieves an average precision(mAP50:95) of 49.5% on the COCO val2017 dataset, which is 4.2% higher than the Real-Time Detection Transformer (RT-DETR) and 1.7% higher than the YOLOv10-L network. The detection results for small targets also reach 31.7% APs. Moreover, our network achieves a real-time detection speed of 116 FPS on the COCO dataset. On the VisDrone 2019 test dataset, FNI-DETR’s mAP50 and mAP50:95 achieved 37.4% and 21.7%, reaching the SOTA detection level. Our code is made available at https://github.com/hzx-123-wq/FNI-DETR/tree/master/FNI-DETR.
A comprehensive benchmark study of methods for identifying significantly perturbed subnetworks in cancer
Authors: Yang Le , Chen Runpu , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Network-based methods utilize protein–protein interaction information to identify significantly perturbed subnetworks in cancer and to propose key molecular pathways. Numerous methods have been developed, but to date, a rigorous benchmark analysis to compare the performance of existing approaches is lacking. In this paper, we proposed a novel benchmarking framework using synthetic data and conducted a comprehensive analysis to investigate the ability of existing methods to detect target genes and subnetworks and to control false positives, and how they perform in the presence of topological biases at both gene and subnetwork levels. Our analysis revealed insights into algorithmic performance that were previously unattainable. Based on the results of the benchmark study, we presented a practical guide for users on how to select appropriate detection methods and protein–protein interaction networks for cancer pathway identification, and provided suggestions for future algorithm development.
Bulgarian endemic Carex riloensis, a synonym of Carex tricolor (Cyperaceae): morphological and genetic evidence
Authors: Więcław Helena , Cembrowska-Lech Danuta , Kalinka Anna , Denchev Teodor T , Denchev Cvetomir M , Koopman Jacob 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Carex riloensis was described from Bulgaria as a species morphologically very similar to C. tricolor but differing significantly in the number of chromosomes. This species is regarded as endemic to Bulgaria, recorded only from the Rila Moutains and the Western Rhodopes.
The goal of this study was to clarify the taxonomic status of C. riloensis through an integrative approach that includes comparative morphological, caryological, molecular phylogenetic, and genome size investigations. Morphological relationships between the examined species were tested using principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis. We also analysed the effect of DNA barcoding (ETS, ITS, and matK) on species separation. Our study revealed largely continuous variability within the group of C. tricolor and C. riloensis specimens, as well as the absence of statistically significant morphological differences between the two species. Carex riloensis and C. tricolor have identical ETS, ITS, and matK sequences, a chromosome number of 2n = 26, and identical nuclear DNA content. It is not justifiable to treat Carex riloensis as a distinct species; therefore, we propose to reduce it to a synonym of C. tricolor.
Transcatheter mitral valve implantation in severe mitral annular calcification: a case report
Authors: Russo Giulio , Maffi Valerio , Massaro Gianluca , Chiricolo Gaetano , Sangiorgi Giuseppe Massimo , Moschovitis Aris , Taramasso Maurizio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is characterized by severe calcification of mitral annulus and might be associated with both mitral regurgitation and stenosis. It is technically challenging for both surgical and percutaneous approach and is burdened by high mortality.

Case summary
The present case report describes a complex case of mitral steno-insufficiency (baseline transvalvular gradient = 5 mmHg, effective regurgitant orifice area 0.45 cm2, vena contracta 0.8 cm), due to MAC in an 83-year-old lady. In consideration of the clinical context (MAC) and patient’s several comorbidities and history of previous surgical interventions, she was deemed not suitable for surgery and a percutaneous treatment was selected (valve-in-MAC). Due to significant paravalvular leak, further implantation of a plug was required.

Conclusion
The MAC represents a clinical and technical challenge for surgery. Transcatheter mitral valve implantation in MAC is a feasible alternative although it is technically challenging and burdened by high mortality. Detailed procedural planning is of utmost importance to achieve successful outcomes.
When the heart and tumours intertwine: pulmonary hypertension associated with a neuroendocrine tumour—a case report
Authors: Cortez Maicol , López Bryam , Mamani Julio , de María Ibáñez Flor , Miranda Gustavo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary hypertension caused by extrinsic pulmonary vascular compression secondary to mediastinal neuroendocrine tumours is a very rare condition, posing a diagnostic challenge. There is no clear consensus regarding the best treatment strategy due to the lack of clinical data, leading to poor prognoses for these patients.

Case summary
We present the case of a 38-year-old man hospitalized with signs of pulmonary hypertension and acute heart failure. He had experienced progressive dyspnoea over the 12 months prior to admission. Studies performed at our institution revealed dilation of the right heart chambers with right ventricular systolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Cardiac tomography showed extrinsic vascular compression, leading to emergency endovascular treatment for superior vena cava syndrome, followed by stent implantation in the pulmonary arteries and innominate vein. Further studies identified a mediastinal neuroendocrine tumour, for which chemotherapy was initiated, without clinical response. During outpatient follow-up, cardiac function worsened, and the patient died 48 months after symptoms onset due to a lung infection.

Discussion
Pulmonary hypertension secondary to extrinsic vascular compression by mediastinal tumour is a rare condition that presents a diagnostic challenge. This case highlights the importance of considering oncological aetiology in patients with progressive dyspnoea and pulmonary vascular extrinsic compression. Despite early treatment, the prognosis for these patients remains poor.
Origin of subsidence within the Aso caldera after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake: contributions of afterslip, viscoelastic deformation and volcanic deformation
Authors: Munekane Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tomokazu 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
We investigated the origin of subsidence within the Aso caldera after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data. Tectonic deformation was effectively removed via an approximation in terms of a low-order spatial polynomial. Viscoelastic deformation caused by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake was calculated with the refined coseismic fault model and removed from the deformation; 3-D quasi-static deformation equations for the proposed viscoelastic structures were solved to achieve this. Subsequently, we jointly estimated the afterslips and volume changes of the volcanic deformation source beneath the Aso caldera, and found that the main subsidence contributor was the existence of afterslips on two faults within the caldera. The volume changes of the volcanic deformation source were in equilibrium during the analysis period (2015–2021); this trend did not seem to change before or after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. The GNSS baseline data suggested that the volcanic deformation source has been in equilibrium since approximately 2012.
High-resolution image on terminus of fault rupture: relationship with volcanic hydrothermal structure
Authors: Kobayashi Tomokazu , Matsuo Koji , Ando Ryosuke , Nakano Takayuki , Watanuki Genki 
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY
Earthquake-volcano interactions have been discussed to understand the underlying mechanisms of seismic ruptures or eruptions, yet the involvement of volcanic activity and the environment with fault slip termination remains unclear. Here, we present an unprecedented high-resolution image of fault motions and crustal structure at the rupture terminus in volcanic area from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake by conducting synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data analysis and gravity inversion. We obtained a 3-D displacement field by applying multiple SAR analysis methods: standard SAR interferometry, split-bandwidth interferometry and pixel offset. We successfully mapped the ground displacements with a high-spatial resolution in the Aso caldera which was located on the eastern extension of the Futagawa fault that was the main source fault of this seismic event. We found that the rupture propagating on the Futagawa fault eastward penetrated into the Aso caldera and was divided into two major fault systems: a right-lateral fault system on the northern side and a left-lateral fault system on the southern side. However, they progressively converged immediately after penetrating into the caldera. A gravity-inferred 3-D density contrast structure revealed that a locally distributed low-density body existed in the shallow part (from the subsurface to a depth of ∼3 km) of the western edge of the caldera. The slip distribution model showed that the slips on the bifurcated faults penetrated into the low-density region and subsequently dissipated. A numerical simulation on 3-D dynamic rupture demonstrated that the low-stress state in the caldera played a role in suppressing the rupture evolution. A thermally activated hydrothermal field has developed in the area where the fault slips were attenuated. We interpret that the hydrothermal system may create conditions favourable for low-stress field, and plastic properties in the hydrothermal environment may facilitate a further decrease in rock brittleness owing to the high temperature, resulting in the terminus of fault rupture.
Hypophosphatemia is a frequent finding in infertile men and is associated with low motile sperm count
Authors: Yahyavi Sam Kafai , Wall-Gremstrup Gustav , Probst-Drejer Benedicte , Toft Frederikke Bay , Jorsal Mads Joon , Holt Rune , Aksglaede Lise , Jørgensen Niels , Juul Anders , Blomberg Jensen Martin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Is serum phosphate linked with semen quality and reproductive hormones in infertile men?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Hypophosphatemia is a frequent finding in infertile men and is associated with lower number of motile sperm.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Phosphate is available in fluid from all segments of the male reproductive tract in concentrations manyfold higher than in serum. However, the role of phosphate in male fertility is largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This cross-sectional study included 1242 men referred due to infertility between January 2017 and May 2020 at the Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Each man underwent a physical examination, had semen parameters assessed, and had blood analyzed prospectively for concentrations of phosphate, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and reproductive hormones. After 246 men were excluded due to serious comorbidities, 1242 were included in the analyses.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Infertile men have a high prevalence of mild (25.5%, 0.66–0.80 mmol/l) and moderate hypophosphatemia (10.9%, 0.32–0.65 mmol/l). The percentages of motile spermatozoa and progressively motile spermatozoa were lower in men with moderate hypophosphatemia than in men with mild hypophosphatemia or normophosphatemia (44%, 49%, 51%, P = 0.040, and 32%, 35%, 41%, P = 0.036, respectively). The total numbers of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa were also lower (13, 12, 18 million, P = 0.009, and 10, 9, 14 million, P = 0.006, respectively). Serum concentrations of total and free estradiol were highest in men with moderate hypophosphatemia (97.5, 96.2, 92.1 pmol/l, P = 0.004, and 2.4, 2.3, 2.2 pmol/l, P = 0.034, respectively).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The study question is compromised by the descriptive study design. It remains to be shown whether there exist a causal link between serum phosphate and semen quality in infertile men

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
As fertility stands as a critical concern in the world, there is a need to find regulators of fertility during adulthood to identify possible treatments. Therefore, the precise mechanisms through which hypophosphatemia may impact sperm motility remain needs to be further clarified.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This study was supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation, Beckett Foundation, Medical doctor Sofus Carl Emil Friis and spouse Olga Doris Friis’s Grant, Candys Foundation, and The Innovation Foundation. There was no influence from any sponsor on the study design, and the authors have nothing to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
A fitness-based indicator for the effect of aquaculture-produced salmon lice on wild sea trout
Authors: Bolstad Geir H , Diserud Ola H , Paterson Rachel A , Ulvan Eva M , Karlsson Sten , Ugedal Ola , Næsje Tor F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Sea trout, the anadromous phenotype of brown trout (Salmo trutta), is severely affected by high salmon lice infestation pressure that occurs in areas of Atlantic salmon (S. salar) aquaculture. Yet, and in contrast to Atlantic salmon, there is currently no effect indicator implemented for sea trout for regulating the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Here, we present such an indicator centred on the concept of fitness. Our numerical example, based on previous published estimates of reduced survival and reduced marine feeding time of sea trout due to spillback of salmon lice from aquaculture, demonstrates that the indicator is readily implementable. There are several benefits of our indicator: (i) multiple effects of salmon lice on sea trout can be implemented in a single biologically meaningful indicator; (ii) the indicator can be customized and simplified depending on data availability and knowledge; (iii) the simplifications provide a conservative yet effective indicator; (iv) the indicator is on the same scale as the already implemented Atlantic salmon indicator, making it possible to use the same management threshold values; and (v) the changes in fitness measured by the indicator can provide scenarios for the evolution of anadromy.
In vitro susceptibility of 147 international clinical Mycobacterium abscessus isolates to epetraborole and comparators by broth microdilution
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Vu H , Calado Nogueira de Moura Vinicius , Keepers Tiffany R , van Ingen Jakko , Daley Charles L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycobacterium abscessus is a highly drug-resistant non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) for which treatment is limited by the lack of active oral antimycobacterials and frequent adverse reactions. Epetraborole is a novel oral, boron-containing antimicrobial that inhibits bacterial leucyl-tRNA synthetase, an essential enzyme in protein synthesis, and has been shown to have anti-M. abscessus activity in preclinical studies.

Objectives
To determine epetraborole MIC distribution for 147 recent M. abscessus isolates via broth microdilution.

Methods
M. abscessus isolates collected in 2021 from the USA (n = 122) from pulmonary sources and during 2019–22 predominantly from Europe (n = 25) from pulmonary and extrapulmonary sources had MICs determined by broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines for epetraborole and a panel of 12 other antimycobacterials. Descriptive analyses were done on the MIC values.

Results
Of the 147 M. abscessus isolates, 101 were subspecies abscessus, 6 were bolletii and 40 were massiliense. Epetraborole MICs ranged from 0.03 to 0.25 mg/L and were consistent across subspecies. Epetraborole MIC50/MIC90 for all isolates were 0.06/0.12 mg/L. When stratified by subspecies, amikacin resistance, clarithromycin resistance and morphotype, the MIC50/MIC90 values remained 0.06/0.12 mg/L.

Conclusions
Epetraborole demonstrated potent in vitro activity against M. abscessus with MICs from 0.03 to 0.25 mg/L and consistent activity against all subspecies, resistance phenotypes and morphotypes. These data support clinical evaluation of epetraborole as a therapeutic option for M. abscessus disease.
Communicating Genetic Information: An Empathy-based Framework
Authors: Betzler Riana J , Roberts Jonathan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Contemporary healthcare environments are becoming increasingly informationally demanding. This requires patients, and those supporting them, to engage with a broad range of expert knowledge. At the same time, patients must find ways to make sense of this information in the context of their own values and needs. In this article, we confront the problem of communication in our current age of complexity. We do this by focusing on a field that has already had to grapple with these issues directly: genetic counseling. We articulate an empathy-based framework that provides a way to integrate the teaching and counseling models of genetic counseling. As well as being useful for those providing genetic counseling in the era of genomic medicine, this framework has the potential to address challenges of communication in healthcare settings beyond genetic counseling. Furthermore, it has important ramifications for ethical debates about autonomy and decision-making.
Mobile and platform users’ mediatized rituals in response to terrorist attacks: a discourse analysis of continuously collected screenshots
Authors: Fitzgerald Andrew A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article conducts a discourse analysis of continuously collected screenshot data capturing responses from US mobile users and their broader ecosystems to a series of Daesh (ISIS) terrorist attacks in Europe and North Africa in 2017. It identifies four genres of mediatized rituals in observed responses. Three micro-ritual genres focus on individual reparative action detached from systemic analysis or obvious collective action. The fourth genre, accretion of violence, draws on the micro-rituals while aiming to mobilize users against the specter of a left-liberal-Islamist alliance, the decline of “Western Civilization,” and coming sectarian violence. These mediatized ritual genres overlap beyond a confined “space” or “time” as we might understand more traditional conceptions of ritual, and traverse platforms and events. Most urgently, the accretion of violence articulates transnational far-right authoritarian and conspiratorial discourses. The ritual accretion of violence reveals mediatized dynamics among contemporary anti-democratic subjects, with political implications beyond personalized reparative actions.
Wastewater surveillance using differentiable Gaussian processes
Authors: Somerset Emily , Brown Patrick E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance tracks disease spread within communities by analyzing biological markers in wastewater. A key component of effective wastewater-based surveillance is the reliable inference of underlying viral signals and their changes for accurate interpretation and dissemination. This paper proposes a Bayesian hierarchical modelling framework to jointly estimate wastewater viral signals and their derivatives, while accounting for common features and limitations of wastewater data. Our framework uses differentiable Gaussian processes to model both a common viral trend and deviations at individual stations. Specifically, the common trend is modelled as an Integrated Wiener Process and station-specific signals are smoothed assuming a Matérn covariance function of order 1.5. We demonstrate the framework’s utility by modelling SARS-CoV-2 concentrations across Canada and London, UK, as well as pepper mild mottle virus-normalized respiratory syncytial virus concentrations in Central California. Our results show that this framework reliably estimates both the signal and its derivative in retrospective and surveillance contexts, and show that inference of the signal’s average rates of change is sensitive to the differentiability of the modelling process.