bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(p)ppGpp Buffers Cell Division When Membrane Fluidity Decreases in Escherichia coli
Authors: Singh Vani , Harinarayanan Rajendran 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFluidity is an inherent property of biological membranes and its maintenance (homeoviscous adaptation) is important for optimal functioning of membrane‐associated processes. The fluidity of bacterial cytoplasmic membrane increases with temperature or an increase in the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and vice versa. We found that strains deficient in the synthesis of guanine nucleotide analogs (p)ppGpp and lacking FadR, a transcription factor involved in fatty acid metabolism exhibited a growth defect that was rescued by an increase in growth temperature or unsaturated fatty acid content. The strain lacking (p)ppGpp was sensitive to genetic or chemical perturbations that decrease the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids over saturated fatty acids. Microscopy showed that the growth defect was associated with cell filamentation and lysis and rescued by combined expression of cell division genes ftsQ, ftsA, and ftsZ from plasmid or the gain‐of‐function ftsA* allele but not over‐expression of ftsN. The results implicate (p)ppGpp in positive regulation of cell division during membrane fluidity loss through enhancement of FtsZ proto‐ring stability. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a (p)ppGpp‐mediated regulation needed for adaptation to membrane fluidity loss in bacteria.
Explanations for language choice in the social context of the L2 classroom
Authors: Rindal Ulrikke 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe use of students’ first language (L1) in additional language (L2) instruction has been a recurring theme in language education research. While research has documented the amount of L1 use and its purposes in L2 instruction, little research has investigated the multifaceted motives that influence language choices at the micro level of social activity where language learning takes place. This study contributes new perspectives by exploring the beliefs of teachers and students from two cases of Norwegian use during English lessons, applying video‐stimulated recall in semistructured interviews to elicit reflections about observed language choices in concrete classroom interactions. The findings revealed the complexity of factors influencing language choice in the L2 classroom. First, although teachers agreed on a mainly English ideal, competing beliefs led to varying instructional practices. Second, monolingual ideals were stronger among the students in comparison with their teachers, but these ideals operated alongside an affective dimension of language choice in interactions with the teacher and group work with peers. The study demonstrates how teacher and student beliefs are influenced by macro‐level sociopolitical discourses about multilingualism and indicates that language choice is influenced by such beliefs in combination with more temporary stances and roles.
Intra‐Abdominal Candidiasis in Cancer Patients: A 10‐Year Experience in a Middle‐Income Country
Authors: de Almeida Bianca Leal , Arcieri Vitor Ciampone , Razente Danilo Mardegam , Freire Maristela Pinheiro , Guimarães Thais , Araújo Evangelina da Motta Pacheco Alves de , Abdala Edson , Magri Marcello Mihailenko Chaves 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundInvasive candidiasis (IC) represents a significant threat to both mortality and morbidity, especially among vulnerable populations. Intra‐abdominal candidiasis (IAC) frequently occurs in critically ill and cancer patients, with these specific groups carrying a heightened risk for such invasive fungal infections. Despite this, there is a noticeable lack of attention to IAC in cancer patients within the literature, highlighting a critical gap that requires urgent consideration.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of IAC and identify prognostic factors in a cancer centre in a middle‐income country over 10 years.Patients/MethodsA retrospective cohort observational study of adults diagnosed with IAC was conducted at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), a tertiary hospital specialising in oncological diseases with 499 beds, including 85 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, from December 2009 through May 2021.ResultsA total of 128 episodes were included: 67.2% admitted to the ICU; 54.7% males; and median age 62 years. The predominant diagnosis was peritonitis (75.8%). Blood culture samples were collected from 128 patients upon admission, revealing candidemia in 17.2% (22). The most frequently isolated were C. albicans (n = 65, 50.8%) and C. glabrata (n = 42, 32.8%). Antifungal treatment was administered to 91 (71%) patients, with fluconazole (64.8%) and echinocandins (23.4%) being the most common choices. A significant proportion of these patients had a history of abdominal surgery or antibiotic use. Independent factors associated with 30‐day mortality included the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of 6 (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.094–1.562, p = 0.003), days of treatment (median 10.5) (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.870–0.993, p = 0.031) and abdominal source control (78.1%) (OR = 0.148, 95% CI 0.030–0.719, p = 0.018). The 30‐day mortality rate was 41.1%.ConclusionsOur study underscores the critical importance of implementing effective source control as a key strategy for reducing mortality in IAC.
Higher cost of gluten‐free products compared to gluten‐containing equivalents is mainly attributed to staple foods
Authors: Bathrellou Eirini , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Lamprou Despoina , Fragedaki Evanthia , Papachristou Eleftheria , Vriesekoop Frank , Kontogianni Meropi D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe high cost of gluten‐free products (GFPs) is being discussed as a potential barrier to adherence to a gluten‐free diet, rendering monitoring of their pricing an ongoing demand in a market subject to continuous fluctuations. The current study aimed to assess the current pricing status of GFPs in the Greek retail market, with a focus on differences between staple and non‐staple foods. The retail price and packaging weight of all available GFPs and their gluten‐containing (GCPs) counterparts of a GFP‐shopping basket (formulated based on the results of a preceding online survey) were recorded by visiting one store of the five most popular reported supermarket chains. The food categories were grouped into staple (e.g. breads, pasta and flours) and non‐staple (e.g. chips, sweets and sauces) foods. Adjusting for supermarket chain and product type, a quantile mixed regression model was applied to assess the extent to which median product price (per 100 g) differed between GFPs and GCPs. The unique products recorded were 1058 (of which 408 GFPs), with a total of 2165 retail price recordings. While the overall median price/100 g of GFPs was not found to be significantly different from that of GCPs, the median price of staple GFPs was estimated to be higher than staple GCPs (+€1.03 [95% CI: €0.93; €1.13] per 100 g), whilst that of non‐staple GFPs was slightly lower (−€0.20 [95% CI: −€0.37; −€0.02] per 100 g). In conclusion, the persisting higher cost of staple GFPs suggests the need for ongoing financial support for people with coeliac disease.
Exploring the experience of cardiothoracic ICU clinicians during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A grounded theory study
Authors: Hughes Leah , Shelley Benjamin , McPeake Joanne 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrior to the COVID‐19 pandemic a flexible approach to visiting was adopted by many Intensive Care Units in the United Kingdom. Due to the rapid spread globally of COVID‐19, significant policy changes were put in place, including the restriction on visitors to patients in hospital. Evidence has emerged demonstrating the negative impact of these restrictions on patients with COVID‐19, their families and the staff caring for them. However, there is limited data about the impact of these restrictions in the non‐COVID ICU environment.AimThis study aimed to explore the experiences of staff caring for non‐COVID‐19 patients in a cardiothoracic critical care unit during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Study DesignThis qualitative research study adopted a grounded theory methodological approach. This methodology was used due to the unique situation, with no prior research available. We recruited healthcare staff that worked in a cardiothoracic critical care unit during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Semi structured interviews were carried out, transcribed, and analysed. Using the data collected, a theory was constructed.ResultsInterviews were carried out with 20 healthcare staff from a range of professions including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. Following data analysis four main categories emerged from the data: impact and implementation of visiting restrictions; the dehumanisation of patients; end‐of‐life care and witnessing distress. From these four categories, a theory has emerged suggesting that healthcare staff in a non‐covid ICU were regularly exposed to potentially moral injurious events, despite being shielded from caring for patients with COVID‐19.ConclusionsThis study provides a theory that healthcare staff caring for non‐COVID‐19 critical care patients during the period of visiting restrictions were exposed to potentially morally injurious events.Relevance to clinical practiceRepeated exposure to potentially morally injurious events can lead to the development of moral injury and its adverse consequences. This study highlights the need to support all staff in the post COVID era, including those who worked in a non‐COVID environment.
Cell‐type‐aware regulatory landscapes governing monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis in the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Li Chenxin , Colinas Maite , Wood Joshua C. , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Hamilton John P. , Jones Sophia L. , Caputi Lorenzo , O'Connor Sarah E. , Buell C. Robin 
Published: October 2024

Summary
In plants, the biosynthetic pathways of some specialized metabolites are partitioned into specialized or rare cell types, as exemplified by the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) pathway of Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle), the source of the anticancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine. In the leaf, the C. roseus MIA biosynthetic pathway is partitioned into three cell types with the final known steps of the pathway expressed in the rare cell type termed idioblast. How cell‐type specificity of MIA biosynthesis is achieved is poorly understood.
We generated single‐cell multi‐omics data from C. roseus leaves. Integrating gene expression and chromatin accessibility profiles across single cells, as well as transcription factor (TF)‐binding site profiles, we constructed a cell‐type‐aware gene regulatory network for MIA biosynthesis.
We showcased cell‐type‐specific TFs as well as cell‐type‐specific cis‐regulatory elements. Using motif enrichment analysis, co‐expression across cell types, and functional validation approaches, we discovered a novel idioblast‐specific TF (Idioblast MYB1, CrIDM1) that activates expression of late‐stage MIA biosynthetic genes in the idioblast.
These analyses not only led to the discovery of the first documented cell‐type‐specific TF that regulates the expression of two idioblast‐specific biosynthetic genes within an idioblast metabolic regulon but also provides insights into cell‐type‐specific metabolic regulation.
Trends in Phototherapy Utilization, Payments, and Geographic Distribution: An Analysis of United States Medicare Part B From 2000 to 2021
Authors: Xia Eric , Kam Lisa , Mostaghimi Arash 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTrends in phototherapy utilization in the context of new therapeutics have not been evaluated.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate phototherapy utilization, payments, and geographic distribution for Medicare beneficiaries from 2000 to 2021.Patients/MethodsA longitudinal analysis of the Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files was conducted to obtain phototherapy utilization and payment amounts. Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service datasets were used to determine provider type and geographic distribution.ResultsBetween 2000 and 2021, total Medicare phototherapy volume increased from 335,152 to 621,850, correlating with a 3.0% annual growth rate (5.0% between 2000 and 2015, −3.1% between 2016 and 2021). Ultraviolet B phototherapy represented the majority of use, rising from 68.1% in 2000 to 78.0% in 2021. Psoralens plus ultraviolet A decreased by 11.3% annually, while laser treatments increased by 17.3%. Between 2013 and 2021, the number of clinics offering phototherapy declined; facilities were available in only 9.9% of counties, mainly clustered along both coasts and east of the Mississippi.ConclusionsOverall, phototherapy continues to be an important therapeutic option. Limited access in non‐urban areas remains a significant challenge, and further work is necessary to both evaluate this impact and reduce disparities.
Different physical exercise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Deng Tianqing , Yu Weihua , Lü Yang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is rapidly becoming one of the most expensive, burdening, and deadly diseases of this century. Up to now, there is still a lack of pharmacotherapy with substantial efficacy, and physical exercise is a promising and low‐cost way to aid in delaying the process of AD. The aim of this review is to summarise the efficacy of different physical exercise approaches and doses in the management of AD, including aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and multicomponent exercise. A literature search using MeSH terms for each topic is undertaken using PubMed and the Web of Science Core Collection database, supplemented by hand searching for additional references. Retrieved articles were reviewed, synthesised, and summarised. This review shows that aerobic exercise has been almost unanimously recognised for the improvement of cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms and activities of daily living. Resistance exercise also shows a good prospect in the above aspects and has a unique advantage in enhancing muscle strength, while multicomponent physical activity does not seen to significantly improve cognitive function. Each type of exercise has a dose effect, but for individuals with AD, the most appropriate exercise dose is still controversial.
Beyond the Win–Win Discourse: Designing Seaweed Farming for Long‐Term Success
Authors: Chaigneau Tomas , Nicolini Giulia , Orchel Katharine , Daniels Carly , Ashton Ian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCommunication about seaweed aquaculture has so far been dominated by its many socio‐economic and ecological advantages. A key risk of this ‘hype’ is the potential loss of support from communities affected by seaweed cultivation if reality fails to live up to expectations. This could have justice and equity implications for impacted communities, and undermine potential benefits for those communities, as well as affecting the long‐term success of emerging industries. This paper highlights experiences from other marine sectors in which a similar emphasis on benefits has drowned out discussion of potential costs, often leading to initial success but long‐term failure. We highlight the importance of clearly communicating possible negative impacts, and meaningfully engaging stakeholders to shape marine interventions. Finally, we recommend further research into the social dimensions of seaweed farming in geographies where this practice is nascent, and increased attention to the potential trade‐offs of scaling up seaweed cultivation.
A Novel Intravaginal Contraceptive Plug for Cats: A Preliminary Biocompatibility Assessment on Haematology and Vaginal Swab
Authors: Ainun Sella Sofia , Santoso Muhammad Irham Bagus , Yessa Elma Yuliani , Gunanti  , Nasution Ahmad Kafrawi , Saidin Syafiqah , Ulum Mokhamad Fakhrul 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis preliminary study evaluated the biocompatibility of a novel degradable intravaginal plug contraceptive composed of PEG 4000 and chitosan in cats using haematological profiling and vaginal cytology. Five healthy, non‐pregnant female cats were fully anaesthetised and fitted with an intravaginal plug (10 × 0.3 mm) using an applicator, following oestrogen administration 3 h prior. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein on days 0 (pre‐insertion) and 3 and 7 (post‐insertion). Vaginal cytology examinations were conducted on day 0 (pre‐ and post‐oestrogen injection) and days 1, 3 and 7 post‐insertion. Haematological parameters, including red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, haematocrit values, total white blood cell count and differentiation, showed no significant changes after contraceptive insertion (p > 0.05). Vaginal cytology indicated an acute inflammatory response in one out of five subjects on day three post‐insertion. The distribution of vaginal epithelial cells (parabasal, intermediate and superficial) remained unaffected by contraception. Oestrogen injection resulted in the dominance of superficial cells up to day 7 of observation (p < 0.05). Overall, PEG 4000 and chitosan‐based intravaginal plug contraceptives demonstrated sufficient biocompatibility, indicating their potential as viable contraceptive options for feline use.
Shared Class, Shared Opinion? Policy Preference Congruence Between Citizens and Legislators
Authors: Wüest Reto , Helfer Luzia , Varone Frédéric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRecent studies have shown that policymakers and policy outcomes in advanced democracies are biased against the preferences of less affluent and working‐class citizens. One reason for this inequality in substantive representation might be that most policymakers are well‐off themselves. In this paper, we explore the effect of shared class background on the congruence between legislators' and citizens' policy preferences. To do so, we rely on original data from surveys conducted among citizens and active legislators in Switzerland. We focus on six economic and welfare policy proposals where we find differences in opinion between social classes. When we match legislators' and citizens' opinion in a one‐to‐many relationship, we find that social class matters more for lower social classes than for the more affluent, at least for some policy proposals.
Identification of the Novel HLA‐A*03:01:01:122 Allele in a Chinese Individual Using PacBio HiFi Sequencing
Authors: Han Yue , Li Yankun , Wang Yuqi , Ren Juan , Wang Xiaoning 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHLA‐A*03:01:01:122 differs from HLA‐A*03:01:01:01 by one nucleotide change in intron 3.
Monazite Beats Zircon Regarding Dating of Young Metamorphic Events—An Example From Polycyclic Granitic Gneiss of the Pohorje Mountains, Slovenia
Authors: Li Botao , Massonne Hans‐Joachim , Zhang Junfeng , Yuan Xiaoping , Luo Tao 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe result of dating U–(Th)–Pb bearing minerals in metamorphic rocks frequently suffers from the interpretative relation of their growth to a specific metamorphic event. This problem occurs in the southern Pohorje Mountains. Therefore, granitic gneiss from this area was studied. Rims of zircon in these rocks gave U–Pb ages around 90 Ma interpreted as an indicator of Late Cretaceous metamorphism. However, in situ dating of monazite with LA–ICP–MS yielded Early Miocene U–Th–Pb ages consistent with contact metamorphism by magmas forming the Pohorje pluton. This is supported by geothermobarometry using compositions of garnet and muscovite in granitic gneiss. This method led to pressure–temperature conditions of 6.5 kbar and 625°C, in line with intrusion depths estimated for the southeastern part of the Pohorje pluton. Consequently, zircon was not suitable for dating the latest metamorphic event but monazite was. Furthermore, monazite dating suggests two main intrusion pulses of magmas differing by 2–3 Ma.
Selection Criteria for Rotor Number and Rotational Direction in Arrays of Closely Spaced Darrieus Turbines
Authors: Mohamed Omar Sherif , Melani Pier Francesco , Soraperra Giuseppe , Brighenti Alessandra , Balduzzi Francesco , Bianchini Alessandro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The efficiency gains observed in a pair of closely spaced Darrieus turbines suggest the deployment of multiple turbines as an appealing solution for wind and, particularly, hydrokinetic applications, where the inflow direction is constant. The present study develops some design guidelines for closely spaced hydrokinetic Darrieus turbines by analyzing the trends of both power augmentation and wake development within arrays of multiple rotors, including not only an even number of rotors, which is the usual case in literature, but also an odd one. The analysis is carried out by means of two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations and includes not only the assessment of instantaneous blade forces but also locally sampled flow fields past each blade that allowed the reconstruction of dynamic polar data, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms at play in such compact setups. The study demonstrates a consistent power augmentation mechanism across different layouts, even in the case of an odd number of rotors. This enhancement originates from flow blockage in the mutual interaction areas, favorably altering the inflow angle and subsequently increasing the angle of attack and lift generation. While this mechanism aligns with previous observations on arrays of counter-rotating pairs, its application to multiple turbines introduces complexities due to potential asymmetries in inflow, leading to an uneven power enhancement across turbines within the array. The identified efficiency improvement pattern suggests that maximizing leeward mutual interactions within an array of multiple Darrieus turbines would enhance the overall efficiency of the setup.
A Comparison Between Four Chaotic Indicators in Systems With Hidden Attractors
Authors: Maaita Jamal-Odysseas , Prousalis Dimitrios 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A nonregular oscillation is not enough to define a system as chaotic. A more in-depth investigation is required to prove the existence of chaotic behavior, which is challenging. Although many scientists use the Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents to detect chaos, it is not the only method. Several scientists have introduced different methods that utilize various properties of dynamical systems. Hidden Attractors may be chaotic or regular. The fact that they have small basins of attraction introduces difficulties in locating and characterizing them. The paper presents four different chaotic indicators based on the evolution of the deviation vectors: the maximal Lyapunov Exponent, the Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents, the Fast Lyapunov Index (FLI), and the Small Alignment Index. It includes their properties and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Also, it includes the algorithms to calculate them and their implementation in Python. The paper closes with a comparison between the four indices applied to a system with hidden attractors.