bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Elevated Temperature Tribological Performance of Tough and Superhard TaMoN–Ag Films With Solute and Nanocomposite Structures
Authors: Wang Huiying , Li Hang , Li Jianliang , Wei Ningxin , Sun Longlong , Huang Jiewen , Kong Jian , Wu Qiujie , Shi Yan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Films have been prepared with not only high hardness to guarantee excellent wear resistance but also high toughness to prevent brittle fracture at low to middle-high temperatures. On the basis of ternary transition metal nitrides with significantly improved hardness and toughness, TaMoN–Ag films with solute and nanocomposite structure were prepared by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering technology. Friction wear tests were performed between room temperature (RT) and 700 °C. When doping with trace amounts of Ag atoms (∼1.12 at%, 4 W), TaMoN–Ag film maintain solid solution structure. TaMoN–Ag films with the Ag target power is 4 W show the highest hardness (H ∼ 62.1 GPa), which is 58% higher than TaMoN film and 44% better than that of TaMoN films. Meanwhile, a lower wear rate (KIC ∼ 5.87 × 10−7 mm3/N·m) is obtained. The tribological properties of TaMoN–Ag films at room temperatures are related to the H3/E2 and lubricious Ag phase, while the tribological properties at high temperatures are mainly due to the formation of lubricating binary metal oxides (AgxTMyOz (Magnéli phases)). The composite films generally have good resistance to plastic deformation.
Evaluation of Clustering Techniques for Solar Irradiance Prediction for Optimal Design of Microgrids in Rural Communities
Authors: Pesantes Luis A. , Punin Alicia A. , Torres Miguel A. , Soriano Guillermo , Ugarte Luis F. , Aragundi Jorge 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The electrification of rural communities is crucial from both social and economic perspectives, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7: ”Affordable and Clean Energy.” This study presents a comprehensive comparison of clustering techniques, including k-means, Gaussian mixture models (GMM), hierarchical clustering, density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), and agglomerative clustering, aimed at enhancing solar irradiance prediction. Leveraging historical climate data from a rural community in the coastal region of Ecuador, each technique is evaluated using error metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of determination (R2). This assessment identifies the most effective clustering technique in this specific context. In order to delve deeper into these comparisons, simulations are conducted in AMPL to validate and refine the selection of techniques. In this process, it is considered the sizing and design of a microgrid within the Barcelona community, Ecuador, which integrates various energy sources, including solar. Additionally, a penalty system is introduced for unmet energy demands during less critical periods, thereby optimizing efficiency and enhancing energy availability within the community. In conclusion, this article introduces a scalable methodology to analyze algorithms for solar irradiance prediction, emphasizing the significance of comparing clustering techniques as its main contribution. This advancement in prediction accuracy has the potential to enhance the feasibility and efficiency of renewable energy systems for rural communities, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and bolstering efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Identification and characterization of thiamine analogs with antiplasmodial activity
Authors: Fathoni Imam , Ho Terence C. S. , Chan Alex H. Y. , Leeper Finian J. , Matuschewski Kai , Saliba Kevin J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Thiamine is metabolized into thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), an essential enzyme cofactor. Previous work has shown that oxythiamine, a thiamine analog, is metabolized by thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK) into oxythiamine pyrophosphate within the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
and then inhibits TPP-dependent enzymes, killing the parasite
in vitro
and
in vivo
. To identify a more potent antiplasmodial thiamine analog, 11 commercially available compounds were tested against
P. falciparum
and
P. knowlesi
. Five active compounds were identified, but only N3-pyridyl thiamine (N3PT), a potent transketolase inhibitor and candidate anticancer lead compound, was found to suppress
P. falciparum
proliferation with an IC
50
value 10-fold lower than that of oxythiamine. N3PT was active against
P. knowlesi
and was >17 times less toxic to human fibroblasts, as compared to oxythiamine. Increasing the extracellular thiamine concentration reduced the antiplasmodial activity of N3PT, consistent with N3PT competing with thiamine/TPP. A transgenic
P. falciparum
line overexpressing TPK was found to be hypersensitized to N3PT. Docking studies showed an almost identical binding mode in TPK between thiamine and N3PT. Furthermore, we show that [
3
H]thiamine accumulation, resulting from a combination of transport and metabolism, in isolated parasites is reduced by N3PT. Treatment of
P. berghei
-infected mice with 200 mg/kg/day N3PT reduced their parasitemia, prolonged their time to malaria symptoms, and appeared to be non-toxic to mice. Collectively, our studies are consistent with N3PT competing with thiamine for TPK binding and inhibiting parasite proliferation by reducing TPP production, and/or being converted into a TPP antimetabolite that inhibits TPP-dependent enzymes.
In vivo
pharmacodynamic evaluation of the novel nystatin derivative BSG005 in the invasive candidiasis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis mouse models
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , Massey Justin , Zarnowski Robert , Olesen Tine K. , Jones Ryley , Andes David R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Nystatin, a polyene, is one of the oldest antifungal drugs with wide
in vitro
potency. BSG005 is a novel, chemically modified, nystatin-like molecule in development for systemic therapy. We evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships and target exposures using
in vivo
invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and invasive candidiasis (IC) infection models for BSG005 against common fungal pathogens including
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Candida albicans
,
Candida auris
, and
Candida glabrata
. For each species group, three to four strains were selected. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing was done by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Single-dose kinetics for BSG005 were performed at four dose levels. The immunosuppressed mouse IPA model was used for
A. fumigatus
studies. For all
Candida
studies, we utilized the neutropenic disseminated candidiasis model. We used quantitative PCR to enumerate
Aspergillus
in the lung and colony forming units (CFU) counts for
Candida
in the kidney. Treatment results were evaluated based on both area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC and maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
)/MIC exposures. The BSG005 MIC was 1 mg/L against all strains. Escalating doses of BSG005 resulted in increased effect and, in general, the dose-response curves within each species were concordant. The median 96-h AUC/MIC associated with net stasis was lowest at 6.08 for
C. glabrata
. Increasing exposures were needed for same outcome for
C. auris
at 18.7,
C. albicans
at 29.3, and
A. fumigatus
at 102.4.
C
max
/MIC targets for the four groups were 0.22, 0.48, 0.60, and 1.41. BSG005 demonstrated potent activity against a variety of fungal pathogens in the neutropenic mouse models.
C
max
/MIC PK/PD targets were numerically lower than other polyene studies using the same infection models.
Identification and characterization of a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Klein Vivien Jessica , Troøyen Susanne Hansen , Fernandes Brito Luciana , Courtade Gaston , Brautaset Trygve , Irla Marta 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Formaldehyde is a known toxic compound, and functional formaldehyde detoxification is crucial for the survival of all living cells. Such detoxification systems are of particular importance for methylotrophic microorganisms that rely on formaldehyde as a central metabolite in their one-carbon metabolism. Understanding formaldehyde dissimilation pathways in non-methylotrophic industrial microorganisms is necessary for ongoing research aiming at engineering methylotrophy into their metabolism (synthetic methylotrophy). There is a variety of formaldehyde dissimilation pathways across microorganisms, often based on the activity of formaldehyde dehydrogenases. In this study, we investigated the role of the
yycR
gene of
Bacillus subtilis
putatively encoding a novel, uncharacterized zinc-type alcohol dehydrogenase-like protein. We showed that the
B. subtilis
Δ
yycR
mutant displayed a reduced formaldehyde tolerance level and confirmed the enzymatic activity of recombinantly produced and purified YycR as formaldehyde dehydrogenase
in vitro
. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that YycR activity is optimal at 40°C, with the highest measured activity at pH 9.5, formaldehyde is the preferred substrate, and the kinetic constants are

K
m

of 0.19 ± 0.05 mM and
V
max
of 2.24 ± 0.05 nmol min
−1
. Altogether, we showed that YycR is a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase with a role in formaldehyde detoxification in
B. subtilis
, providing valuable insights for future research on synthetic methylotrophy in this organism.

IMPORTANCE

Formaldehyde is a key metabolite in methanol assimilation for many methylotrophic microorganisms, and at the same time, it is toxic to all living cells, which means its intracellular concentrations must be tightly controlled. An in-depth understanding of methanol detoxification systems in industrially relevant microorganisms is a prerequisite for the introduction of methanol utilization pathways into their metabolism (synthetic methylotrophy).
Bacillus subtilis
, an industrial workhorse conventionally used for the production of enzymes, is known to possess two formaldehyde detoxification pathways. Here, we identify a novel formaldehyde dehydrogenase in this bacterium as a path towards creating innovative prospect strategies for strain engineering towards synthetic methylotrophy.
Draft genome sequence of heat-tolerant
Escherichia coli
strain AKS1GF CIFRI isolated from a coal power plant discharge in the river ganga
Authors: Kumar Sahoo Amiya , Kumar Meena Dharmendra , Das Basanta Kumar , Dasgupta Subhankhi , Samantaray Smruti , Mohanty Debasmita , Gadnayak Ayushman , Behera Subhasmita , Bera Asit Kumar 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
strain, AKS1GF ICAR-CIFRI, was isolated from a thermally contaminated water with average water temperatures of 45°C ± 2.5°C in river Ganga, India. The draft genome sequence is of 4.7 MB consisting of 44 contigs. The strain contains 4,314 protein coding genes and 96 RNA genes.
Exploring the dynamic adult hard ticks-camel-pathogens interaction
Authors: Makwatta JohnMark O. , Ndegwa Paul N. , Oyieke Florence A. , Ahuya Peter , Masiga Daniel K. , Getahun Merid N. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The ability of ticks to interact and adapt to different ecologies and hosts determines their vectorial competence for various pathogens; however, ticks-livestock-pathogens interaction studies are limited. With our ticks-hosts-pathogens interface studies, we found 14 species of hard ticks feeding on various livestock. Ticks showed a strong preference for one-humped camels (
Camelus dromedarius
). The camel nostril was the most preferred predilection site. The most prevalent tick species on camels was
Hyalomma rufipes
. We found two novel
Amblyomma gemma
variants which are distinct both morphologically and genetically from previously described
Amblyomma gemma
. The signature odors from camel breath and body were attractive to adult
H. rufipes
, demonstrating ticks utilize camel-derived metabolites to find their host. Our research shows that
H. rufipes
and camel hosts have unique and shared pathogens showing
H. rufipes
’ vector and dromedary camel’s reservoir host qualities. Our study unravels the dynamic interactions between hard ticks, pathogens, and host camels that all influence the likelihood of pathogen adaptation and transmission dynamics.

IMPORTANCE

Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arachnids, serving as vectors for a wide array of pathogens that can be transmitted to animals and humans. The ability of ticks to acquire and transmit various pathogens depends on their attraction to quality reservoir hosts and the survival of the pathogens in ticks’ gut and other tissues. However, the complex dynamics of tick-pathogen interaction and host-seeking behavior remain understudied. This investigation revealed notable variation in tick preference for domestic animals, with camel being the most preferred host. Moreover, our spatial analysis of tick attachment sites showed nostrils are the most preferred sites by various tick species. Our epidemiology data showed variation in the pathogens harbored by camel (host) and vector (
Hyalomma rufipes
), demonstrating the camel’s efficiency as reservoir host and ticks’ vector competence for various pathogens. With our behavioral experiment using
H. rufipes
and its preferred host’s (camel) breath and body signature odors, we identified novel attractants for
H. rufipes
, thus offering new avenues for combating tick-borne diseases. Overall, our study presents novel insights into how multiple factors shape tick-host-pathogen interaction.
Quantitating SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies from human dried blood spots
Authors: Berman Katherine , Van Slyke Greta , Novak Hayley , Rock Jean M. , Bievenue Rachel , Damjanovic Amanda K. , DeRosa Kate L. , Mirabile Gianna , Phipps Kara , Machowski Jessica , Bialosuknia Sean , Giradin Roxie C. , Dupuis Alan P. , Payne Anne F. , Lee William T. , McDonough Kathleen A. , Parker Monica M. , Styer Linda M. , Mantis Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

In the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the collection of dried blood spots (DBS) enabled public health laboratories to undertake population-scale seroprevalence studies used to estimate rates of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. With SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity levels now estimated to exceed 94% in the United States, attention has turned to using DBS to assess neutralizing antibodies within cohorts of interest. With this goal in mind, we generated contrived DBS (cDBS) and whole blood-derived DBS from convalescent and vaccinated individuals and subjected DBS eluates to a battery of assays, including a SARS-CoV-2 multiplexed microsphere immunoassay (MIA), a receptor binding domain (RBD)-human ACE2 inhibition assay (iACE2), a cell-based pseudovirus neutralization assay, and real-time PCR-based surrogate neutralization assay (NAB-Sure). The DBS results were benchmarked against paired serum samples tested in a clinically validated SARS-CoV-2 plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) assay. The results of an 8-plex MIA and NAB-Sure assays demonstrated highly significant correlations with PRNT values when evaluated with a panel of 86 paired serum–DBS samples. Both the MIA and NAB-Sure are adaptable to automated liquid handlers for high-throughput capacity. While neutralizing assays were limited to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 WA1, this study nonetheless represents an important proof of concept demonstrating the potential utility of DBS as a biospecimen type for use in assessing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 at the community and population levels.

IMPORTANCE
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern continue to circulate globally and remain a serious health threat to large segments of the population. From a public health standpoint, identifying vulnerable communities based on immune status is critical in terms of vaccine booster recommendations. In this report, we investigated the utility of dried blood spots (DBS) as a biospecimen type from which to estimate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers. Using contrived and whole blood-derived DBS, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies are readily measurable in DBS eluates and correlate with plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) values from paired serum samples. Moreover, several of the methods used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in DBS eluates are adaptable to high-throughput platforms.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia delivered by nurses and physicians for patients in primary care (the NPD study): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Torrens-Darder Maria del Mar , Torrens-Darder Isabel , Gonzalez Torrente Susana , Vicens Caterina , Leiva Alfonso , Pizá-Portell Maria Rosa , Esteva Arrom Apol lonia , Lorente Patricia , Serrano-Ripoll Maria-Jesus , Vidal-Thomas Maria Clara , Miralles-Xamena Jerónima , Ramírez Manent José Ignacio , Esteva Magdalena 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and it adversely impacts daily living and increases the risk of chronic and acute health problems. Of the few individuals who seek treatment for insomnia, most pursue help in primary care settings. The management of insomnia most commonly focuses on the prescription of hypnotics and sleep hygiene recommendations, although these are not the most effective treatments. Conversely, cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i), which is considered to be the first-line treatment for persistent insomnia, is seldom prescribed by primary care physicians (PCPs) or primary care nurses (PCNs). The hesitancy of these professionals to provide CBT-i is mainly attributed to their heavy workloads and the difficulties in acquiring the skills needed to administer this intervention.

Methods and analysis
A two-arm cluster-randomised study (in which patients are assigned to a PCP or PCN) will be conducted in primary health centres of Majorca Island (Spain). A total of 206 patients will be recruited. Healthcare professionals will be allocated to the intervention or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will receive CBT-i and the control group will receive usual care. We will include patients with Insomnia Severity Index scores of 8 or more who also report that insomnia interferes with daily functioning or is noticeable to others. The CBT-i will consist of four individual structured sessions, three in person (20 min each) and one by telephone (10 min) that are administered at intervals of 2–3 weeks. An additional session will be provided for patients taking hypnotic medications. The primary outcome measure is the decrease in sleep latency, which will be measured with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality index at 6 months and 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination
This project was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Balearic Islands (IB 4604/21 PI) and the Primary Care Research Committee of the Department of Majorca Primary Care (PI19/24). All participants are required to provide written informed consent and no study-related procedures will be performed until consent is obtained. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10144646.
National census of UK endoscopy services in 2023
Authors: Bendall Oliver , Pohl Keith , Siau Keith , Dodds Phedra , Feeney Mark , Butler Jessica , Bano Madeline , Cullinan Daniel , Griffiths Helen , Mills Sarah , Jarvis Mark , Dunckley Paul , Rutter Matt 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) conducts a biennial census of UK endoscopy services. The 2023 census aimed to assess the current status of endoscopy services and compare them with pre-pandemic census benchmark data.MethodsAn electronic survey was sent to all JAG participating services in April 2023. Key domains included activity, waiting times, workforce and safety. Whole census and service level paired comparison was made with 2019 census data.ResultsThere were 334 census responses representing 443 JAG-participating services (86.7% response rate). NHS services were operating at 110% of pre-pandemic activity levels. In the first 3 months of 2023, 53.6% of NHS services met urgent suspected cancer waiting time targets, 26.5% met routine waits and 26.2% met surveillance waits. The proportion of NHS services meeting all three targets decreased from 40.9% to 21.9% between 2019 and 2023. Compared with 2019, the proportion of independent sector activity has significantly increased. Insourcing activity has significantly increased and is being used by 57.9% of NHS services. Staff shortages were the most cited reasons for services not meeting waiting time targets or providing training. Absence through sickness rates for Band 2–6 nursing and healthcare support workers were significantly higher in 2023 compared with 2019 (p<0.001).ConclusionThe 2023 census presents a system under strain. While overall activity is above pre-pandemic levels, this is set against workforce concerns, increasing staff absences and reliance on insourcing for additional activity. This census re-emphasises the need to proactively plan for rising demand, while maximising all current available resources.
Connect, care, create: practical framework for physical environment design for person-centred palliative care
Authors: Beuls Iris , Petermans Ann , Vanrie Jan 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis article aims to explore architectural-rich insights derived from users’ experiences within everyday practice in palliative environments and provides a practical framework for healthcare organisations, architects and researchers involved in (re)designing palliative environments for person-centred care.MethodsAn ethnographic study involving participatory observation was undertaken to gain insight into the influence of palliative environments on the diverse users’ subjective experiences. This immersive research took place across multiple palliative environments, encompassing a palliative care unit, a day care centre for palliative care and a hospice located in Belgium. Also, informal conversations and photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with residents, family members, healthcare professionals, volunteers and maintenance staff.ResultsAnalysing the subjective experiences yielded a practical framework of four architectural atmospheres (proximity, support, engagement, comfort) intended to serve as guiding principles for designing palliative environments. To shape these atmospheres, this article elaborates on 17 spatial aspects and aligns them with real-life experiences of users within palliative environments, thereby enriching and contextualising these insights.ConclusionsThis study presents a practical framework encompassing atmospheres, spatial aspects and overarching insights. It is augmented by supplemental material featuring real-life user experiences, all directed towards guiding the design of palliative environments in pursuit of person-centred palliative care. This article advocates for a collaborative, interdisciplinary, holistic design approach that acknowledges these considerations’ interconnectedness and considers the users’ multiple perspectives. Ultimately, this approach serves as a means of bridging design intentions and actual experiences encountered by users in their real-life contexts to assist healthcare organisations and architects in creating environments for person-centred palliative care.