bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auto‐Bäcklund Transformations for New Matrix First and Second Painlevé Hierarchies
Authors: Gordoa Pilar Ruiz , Pickering Andrew 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe define a new doubly extended matrix second Painlevé hierarchy, and in addition a new extended matrix first Painlevé hierarchy. For the former, we present three auto‐Bäcklund transformations (auto‐BTs) that constitute nontrivial extensions to our new hierarchy of previously derived results on the auto‐BTs of a much simpler matrix second Painlevé hierarchy; for the latter, we define an auto‐BT analagous to the third of these matrix second Painlevé auto‐BTs. In addition, for both of our new hierarchies, we define a new class of auto‐BT. In the scalar reduction, these then give rise to a new Bäcklund process for the second Painlevé equation, as well as to a similar Bäcklund process for the first Painlevé equation. These new Bäcklund processes provide mappings of arbitrary constants appearing in solutions.
The Riemann Problem for the Flow Pattern in Deviated Pipes Carrying Isentropic Two‐Phase Flows
Authors: Shah Sarswati 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe study the Riemann problem for the one‐dimensional two‐phase isentropic flow in deviated pipes. The model under consideration is nonconservative and conditionally strictly hyperbolic. The generalized Rankine–Hugoniot conditions are established for the present system with nonconservative products to define weak solutions. Exact Riemann solutions are presented in fully explicit forms for the nonhomogeneous model, where the elementary waves are discussed along parabolic curves. Moreover, it is demonstrated that a delta shock wave appears in the Riemann solutions under specific conditions when the pressure vanishes.
Uniform Asymptotic Expansions for the Zeros of Parabolic Cylinder Functions
Authors: Dunster T. M. , Gil Amparo , Ruiz‐Antolin Diego , Segura Javier 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe real and complex zeros of the parabolic cylinder function are studied. Asymptotic expansions for the zeros are derived, involving the zeros of Airy functions, and these are valid for positive or negative and large in absolute value, uniformly for unbounded (real or complex). The accuracy of the approximations of the complex zeros is then demonstrated with some comparative tests using a highly precise numerical algorithm for finding the complex zeros of the function.
The Lelek fan admits a completely scrambled weakly mixing homeomorphism
Authors: Oprocha Piotr 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe prove that the Lelek fan admits a completely scrambled weakly mixing homeomorphism. This is then used to show that for every there is a continuum of topological dimension admitting a weakly mixing completely scrambled homeomorphism. This provides a final answer to a question from 2001.
Hip Adduction and Abduction Strength Reference Values of Gaelic Football and Rugby Union Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: O’Connor Ciaran , McIntyre Martin , Delahunt Eamonn , Thorborg Kristian 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to report isometric hip adduction and abduction strength reference values of men’s and women’s Gaelic football and rugby union players and compare values between sexes and between sports. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study consisted of 331 club-level athletes. Maximum isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values were measured with a ForceFrame across several testing positions. Results: Hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength reference values for men’s and women’s Gaelic and rugby union footballers were provided with mean and 1 SD. A 2-way analysis of variance demonstrated significant sport × sex interaction main effects for hip adduction squeeze (η2 = .159–.228), abduction press (η2 = .099–.144), and adduction:abduction ratio (η2 = .120). Men demonstrated significantly greater relative (Newtons per kilogram) maximum isometric hip adduction squeeze (15.5%–26.4%, 0.48–1.00 N/kg) and hip abduction press (9.6%–19.6%, 0.20–0.67 N/kg) strength across all testing positions when compared with women of the same sport. Male Gaelic football players demonstrated significantly greater hip adduction (8.7%–14.0%, 0.30–0.52 N/kg) and abduction (6.1%–8.6%, 0.16–0.31 N/kg) strength (Newtons per kilogram) than their rugby counterparts, while no significant between-sports differences in strength were observed between female athletes. Conclusion: Reference values are provided with mean and 1 SD. Sport and sex interaction had significant main effects for hip adduction, abduction, and adduction:abduction ratio, with medium to large effect sizes. Male athletes demonstrate significantly greater hip strength than female athletes of the same sport, and male Gaelic players demonstrate greater hip strength than male rugby players.
Increasing rates of
erm
(B) and
erm
(N) in human
Campylobacter coli
and
Campylobacter jejuni
erythromycin-resistant isolates between 2018 and 2023 in France
Authors: Jehanne Quentin , Bénéjat Lucie , Ducournau Astrid , Aptel Johanna , Pivard Marie , Gillet Léo , Jauvain Marine , Lehours Philippe 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Macrolides are the first-line compounds used for the treatment of campylobacteriosis. Macrolide resistance remains low in France, with mutations in
23S rDNA
being the main associated resistance mechanism. However, two erythromycin methyltransferases have also been identified
: erm
(B), which is mainly described in animal reservoirs, and
erm
(N), which is strictly described in humans. In France, between 2018 and 2023, erythromycin-resistant
Campylobacter
species strains were systematically sequenced and analyzed
via
an in-house bioinformatics pipeline, leading to the identification of the resistomes, MLST and cgMLST, as well as the characterization of the source of contamination. In this study, the genomes of 280 erythromycin-resistant strains were sequenced over a 6-year period. The identification of erythromycin-associated resistance markers revealed a predominance of
23S rDNA
mutations, in 90% of cases, but also
erm
-type methyltransferases in 10% of cases: 75% for
erm
(N) and 25% for
erm
(B). Over this period, an important increase in the rate of
erm
-positive isolates was observed: 2% in 2018 compared with 13% in 2023, with 10% for
erm
(N) and 3% for
erm
(B).
erm
(N) has been found exclusively within a CRISPR–Cas9 operon, whereas
erm
(B) has been found within diverse types of resistance genomic islands. Each
erm
(N)- or
erm
(B)-positive isolate had at least two other resistance markers (mostly ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, or ampicillin) and often carried aminoglycoside-associated resistance genes. The majority of the
erm
-positive isolates were obtained from chicken. The increasing rates of
erm
-positive and multiresistant isolates make the monitoring of erythromycin-resistant
Campylobacter
strains, specifically within the chicken meat production, a topic of serious importance.
Microbial hauberks: composition and function of surface layer proteins in gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs
Authors: Hamilton Richard , Gebbie William , Bowman Chynna , Mantanona Alex , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Many species of proteobacterial methane-consuming bacteria (methanotrophs) form a hauberk-like envelope represented by a surface (S-) layer protein (SLP) matrix. While several proteins were predicted to be associated with the cell surface, the composition and function of the hauberk matrix remained elusive. Here, we report the identification of the genes encoding the hauberk-forming proteins in two gamma-proteobacterial (Type I) methanotrophs,
Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense
5GB1 (EQU24_15540) and
Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum
20Z
R
(MEALZ_0971 and MEALZ_0972). The proteins share 40% amino acid (AA) sequence identity with each other and are distantly related to the RsaA proteins from
Caulobacter crescentus
(20% AA sequence identity). Deletion of these genes resulted in loss of the characteristic hauberk pattern on the cell surface. A set of transcriptional fusions between the MEALZ_0971 and a superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) further confirmed its surface localization. The functional roles of the hauberk and cell-surface-associated proteins, including MEALZ_0971, MEALZ_0972, EQU24_15540, and a copper-induced CorA protein, were further investigated via gene expression studies and phenotypic tests. The hauberk core protein of
M. alcaliphilum
20Z
R
showed constitutive expression across 18 growth conditions with reduced growth at high salinity, high methanol, and metal-limited conditions, suggesting a role in cell-envelope stability and metal scavenging. Overall, understanding the genetics, composition, and cellular functions of S-layers contributes to our knowledge of methanotroph adaptation to environmental perturbations and opens a promising prospect for (nano)biotechnology applications.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the genetics, composition, and cellular functions of the cell envelope proteins, such as S-layers, contributes to our knowledge of microbial cell biology and stress responses and molecular adaptations to environmental perturbations. In addition, this study opens a promising prospect for (nano)biotechnology applications of methane-derived self-assembling protein materials.
Genomic and metabolic characterization of
Trueperella pyogenes
isolated from domestic and wild animals
Authors: Magossi Gabriela , Gzyl Katherine E. , Holman Devin B. , Nagaraja T. G. , Amachawadi Raghavendra , Amat Samat 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Trueperella pyogenes
is an important bacterial pathogen implicated in infections such as mastitis, metritis, pneumonia, and liver abscesses in both domestic and wild animals, as well as endocarditis and prosthetic joint infections in humans. Understanding the genomic and metabolic features that enable
T. pyogenes
to colonize different anatomical sites within a host and its inter-kingdom transmission and survival is important for the effective control of this pathogen. We employed whole-genome sequencing, phenotype microarrays, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to identify genomic, metabolic and phenotypic features, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in
T. pyogenes
recovered from different livestock, companion, and wildlife animals. For comparative genomic analysis, 83
T. pyogenes
genomes, including 60 isolated in the current study and 23 publicly available genomes were evaluated. These genomes represented
T. pyogenes
strains originating from 16 different body sites of 11 different animal hosts (e.g., cattle, swine, ovine, deer, bison, horse, chamois, and cat). Additionally, 49
T. pyogenes
isolates (cattle, sheep, deer, swine, and cats) were evaluated for phenotypic AMR using disk diffusion, and for metabolic profiling using the Biology GENIII MicroPlates. The
T. pyogenes
strains were found not to be host- or body site-specific. The presence of conserved virulence genes (
plo
and
fimA
), as well as genotypic and phenotypic AMR may contribute to the ability of
T. pyogenes
to cause infections in livestock, wildlife, and pets. Most of the tested isolates metabolized diverse carbon sources and chemical compounds, suggesting that this metabolic versatility may enhance the survival, competitiveness, and pathogenic potential of
T. pyogenes
.

IMPORTANCE

Trueperella pyogenes
is an important animal pathogen with zoonotic potential, posing a significant health concern to both animals and humans due to its ability to cause infections across different animal host species and tissues. Current understanding of this pathogen’s adaptability and survival mechanisms is limited. Here, we evaluated the genomic, virulence, metabolic, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) characteristics of
T. pyogenes
recovered from 16 different body sites of 11 different animal hosts (livestock, companion, and wild animals). We identified multiple AMR and virulence genes that may enable
T. pyogenes
for sustained infection and transmission. Additionally,
T. pyogenes
strains displayed metabolic versatility which could also contribute to its ability to thrive in diverse environments. Understanding the genomic and metabolic, and AMR characteristics that enable
T. pyogenes
to colonize different anatomical sites within a host and its transmission between different animal species is important for the effective control of this pathogen.
Novel inhibition of
Staphylococcus aureus
sortase A by plantamajoside: implications for controlling multidrug-resistant infections
Authors: Chen Yujia , Li Wei , Wang Li , Wang Bingmei , Suo Jian 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

In confronting the significant challenge posed by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), the development of innovative anti-infective strategies is essential. Our research focuses on sortase A (SrtA), a vital enzyme for anchoring surface proteins in
S. aureus
. We discovered that plantamajoside (PMS), a phenylpropanoid glycoside extracted from
Plantago asiatica L
. (Plantaginaceae), acts as an effective and reversible inhibitor of SrtA, with a notable IC
50
value of 22.93 µg/mL. This breakthrough provides a novel approach to combat both resistance and virulence in MRSA. PMS significantly inhibits
S. aureus
adhesion to fibrinogen, reducing biofilm formation and hindering the anchoring of staphylococcal protein A to the cell wall. Live-dead cell assays demonstrated increased survival rates in PMS-treated MRSA-infected A549 cells. Fluorescence quenching experiments revealed a robust interaction between PMS and SrtA, with mechanistic analyses pinpointing the critical R197 amino acid residue as the target site.
In vivo
, PMS was highly effective in a
Galleria mellonella
infection model, reducing mortality rates in MRSA-infected larvae. Additionally, PMS demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a mouse pneumonia model, improved survival rates, reduced the bacterial load in pulmonary tissues, and mitigated lung damage. These results validate PMS as a promising compound to mitigate MRSA virulence and thwart resistance by targeting SrtA. This study highlights PMS as a leading candidate for controlling MRSA infections, showing the potential of targeting specific bacterial mechanisms in the fight against MDR infections.

IMPORTANCE

The increasing issue of antibiotic resistance, particularly in methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), demands innovative solutions. Our study presents plantamajoside (PMS) as a novel inhibitor of sortase A (SrtA), a key enzyme in
S. aureus
pathogenicity. By targeting SrtA, PMS shows promise in curbing the ability of MRSA to adhere, invade, and form biofilms, thereby reducing its virulence without exerting selective pressure for resistance. This research is significant because it introduces a potential new strategy in the antimicrobial arsenal, aligning with the global effort to combat drug-resistant infections. This study is crucial because it identifies a natural compound that can reduce the harmful effects of MRSA, a type of bacteria that is very hard to treat owing to resistance to many antibiotics. This discovery could lead to new treatments that are less likely to cause bacteria to become resistant, which is a major win in the fight against infections that are difficult to cure.
Are we serologically prepared against an avian influenza pandemic and could seasonal flu vaccines help us?
Authors: Sanz-Muñoz Iván , Sánchez-Martínez Javier , Rodríguez-Crespo Carla , Concha-Santos Corina S. , Hernández Marta , Rojo-Rello Silvia , Domínguez-Gil Marta , Mostafa Ahmed , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Eiros Jose M. , Nogales Aitor 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

The current situation with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) is causing a worldwide concern due to multiple outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, and mammals. Moreover, multiple zoonotic infections in humans have been reported. Importantly, HPAI H5N1 viruses with genetic markers of adaptation to mammals have been detected. Together with HPAI H5N1, avian influenza viruses H7N9 (high and low pathogenic) stand out due to their high mortality rates in humans. This raises the question of how prepared we are serologically and whether seasonal vaccines are capable of inducing protective immunity against these influenza subtypes. An observational study was conducted in which sera from people born between years 1925–1967, 1968–1977, and 1978–1997 were collected before or after 28 days or 6 months post-vaccination with an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine. Then, hemagglutination inhibition, viral neutralization, and immunoassays were performed to assess the basal protective immunity of the population as well as the ability of seasonal influenza vaccines to induce protective responses. Our results indicate that subtype-specific serological protection against H5N1 and H7N9 in the representative Spanish population evaluated was limited or nonexistent. However, seasonal vaccination was able to increase the antibody titers to protective levels in a moderate percentage of people, probably due to cross-reactive responses. These findings demonstrate the importance of vaccination and suggest that seasonal influenza vaccines could be used as a first line of defense against an eventual pandemic caused by avian influenza viruses, to be followed immediately by the use of more specific pandemic vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A viruses (IAV) can infect and replicate in multiple mammalian and avian species. Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs primarily in poultry and wild water birds. Due to the lack of population immunity in humans and ongoing evolution of AIV, there is a continuing risk that new IAV could emerge and rapidly spread worldwide, causing a pandemic, if the ability to transmit efficiently among humans was gained. The aim of this study is to analyze the basal protection and presence of antibodies against IAV H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes in the population from different ages. Moreover, we have evaluated the humoral response after immunization with a seasonal influenza vaccine. This study is strategically important to evaluate the level of population immunity that is a major factor when assessing the impact that an emerging IAV strain would have, and the role of seasonal vaccines to mitigate the effects of a pandemic.
Genome sequence of bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) isolate from India
Authors: Verma Assim , Kamboj Himanshu , Khandelwal Nitin , Kumar Ram , Riyesh Thachamvally , Kumar Naveen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Recently, we identified bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) in a vaginal swab from aborted cattle. It was unusual in two aspects: first, its association with abortion (it is otherwise mainly associated with encephalitis), and second, it is the first report from India (as it is mostly restricted to South American countries). In this study, we conducted the genome sequencing of the BoHV-5 isolate and provided insights into its phylogenetic relationships with other BoHV-5 strains. These findings contribute valuable knowledge toward understanding the epidemiology and evolution of BoHV-5.
A thermodynamic bottleneck in the TCA cycle contributes to acetate overflow in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shahreen Nabia , Ahn Jongsam , Alsiyabi Adil , Chowdhury Niaz Bahar , Shinde Dhananjay , Chaudhari Sujata S. , Bayles Kenneth W. , Thomas Vinai C. , Saha Rajib 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

During aerobic growth,
S. aureus
relies on acetate overflow metabolism, a process where glucose is incompletely oxidized to acetate, for its bioenergetic needs. Acetate is not immediately captured as a carbon source and is excreted as waste by cells. The underlying factors governing acetate overflow in
S. aureus
have not been identified. Here, we show that acetate overflow is favored due to a thermodynamic bottleneck in the TCA cycle specifically involving the oxidation of succinate to fumarate by succinate dehydrogenase. This bottleneck reduces flux through the TCA cycle, making it more efficient for
S. aureus
to generate ATP via acetate overflow metabolism. Additionally, the protein allocation cost of maintaining ATP flux through the restricted TCA cycle is greater than that of acetate overflow metabolism. Finally, we show that the TCA cycle bottleneck provides
S. aureus
the flexibility to redirect carbon toward maintaining redox balance through lactate overflow when oxygen becomes limiting, albeit at the expense of ATP production through acetate overflow. Overall, our findings suggest that overflow metabolism offers
S. aureus
distinct bioenergetic advantages over a thermodynamically constrained TCA cycle, potentially supporting its commensal–pathogenic lifestyle.
Fish oil and vitamin D in pregnancy for the prevention of early childhood asthma: study protocol for two double-blinded, randomised controlled trials
Authors: Brustad Nicklas , Vahman Nilo , Ralfkiaer Ulrik , Mikkelsen Marianne , Brandt Sarah , Kyvsgaard Julie Nyholm , Vinding Rebecca , Stokholm Jakob , Chawes Bo , Bønnelykke Klaus 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPrevious randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have indicated a protective role of pregnancy supplementation with fish oil and high-dose vitamin D, respectively, on offspring asthma, infections and several other disorders in early childhood. However, current evidence is not considered sufficient for recommending these supplements in pregnancy. In two RCTs, we aim to investigate whether these protective effects can be confirmed in larger trials with the goal of changing clinical practice and improving child health.Methods and analysisRandomisation of 4000 pregnant women to either (1) (n=2000) the fish oil trial of 2.4 g/day (55% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 37% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) in triacylglycerol form versus placebo or (2) (n=2000) the vitamin D trial of high-dose (3200 IU/day) vitamin D versus placebo on top of the recommended 400 IU/day. Supplementation begins in gestational week 24 (22–26) until 1 week after delivery. Allocation to the trials will be determined based on the preinterventional maternal blood levels of EPA+DHA with a dried blood screening test. Women with low levels (below 4.7% of total fatty acids) will be assigned to the fish oil RCT, and women with high levels will be assigned to the vitamin D RCT. Maternal blood will be used for genetic, metabolomic and proteomic profiling. A 3-year follow-up of the children with longitudinal registration of parent-reported symptoms, diagnoses, medication use and hospitalisations will be performed. The primary outcome is persistent wheeze or asthma until age 3 years, with predefined analyses of effect modification by maternal genotypes. Secondary outcomes are lower respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, croup, troublesome lung symptoms, eczema, allergy, bone fractures, developmental milestones, mental health, cognition and growth until age 3 years. A follow-up on both primary and secondary outcomes is planned after unblinding, from age 3–6 years.Ethics and disseminationThe RCTs are approved by the Danish local ethics committee (H-23055833). The studies are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06560255andNCT06570889). Study results will be communicated to the medical community, including publications in peer-reviewed journals. All results will be published and available onwww.copsac.com.Trial registration numberNCT06560255andNCT06570889.