bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of salivary biomarkers vitronectin and fetuin‐A levels in periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease post scaling and root planing
Authors: Mahendra Jaideep , Dave Pavithra , Priya Lakshmi , Arumugam Moongilpatti , Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Ardila Carlos M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionTwo biomarkers that are gaining attention for their roles in the progression of both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases are vitronectin and fetuin‐A. This study evaluated vitronectin and fetuin‐A expression in saliva samples of periodontitis (P) patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) after scaling and root planing (SRP).MethodsSixty patients were divided into three groups: PH + SH (periodontally and systemically healthy), P (stage II/III grade B periodontitis), and P + CAD (periodontitis with CAD). Demographic, periodontal, and cardiac parameters were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (day 0) and after SRP. On day 90, periodontal parameters and vitronectin/fetuin‐A expression were reassessed.ResultsP + CAD patients had higher age, weight, BMI, and lower income (p < .001, .025, .002, < .001, respectively), along with elevated plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and reduced clinical attachment levels (p < .001). Vitronectin was elevated, while fetuin‐A was lower in P + CAD, but both improved post‐SRP (p < .001).ConclusionsEnhanced vitronectin and fetuin‐A levels post‐SRP indicate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for both periodontal and CAD.
Gendered Contexts? The Effect of Neighbourhood Socio‐Economic Deprivation on Girls' and Boys' Cognitive and Non‐Cognitive Development
Authors: Silva Laura 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDoes socio‐economic deprivation of adolescents' residential neighbourhoods affect their cognitive and non‐cognitive development? Leveraging data from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) in the UK, this study investigates this question focusing on gender differences. By exploiting the quasi‐exogenous social housing allocation procedures in the UK, I aim to limit issues related to the endogeneity of neighbourhood selection. Results show that living in more deprived areas has overall a negative effect on cognitive and non‐cognitive development. However, neighbourhood deprivation negatively affects girls', as compared to boys', cognitive skills, academic motivation and employability skills, while no significant gender difference is detected for problem behaviour. On the one hand, these findings highlight the importance of taking gender into account in neighbourhood studies and, on the other hand, they suggest that the availability of support within the local area and the quality of institutions should be considered as relevant theoretical mechanisms to understand the role of neighbourhoods on different spheres of adolescent development.
Brucella microti and Rodent‐Borne Brucellosis: A Neglected Public Health Threat
Authors: Rudolf Ivo , Kejíková Romana , Kosoy Michael , Hubálek Zdeněk , Mravcová Kristína , Šikutová Silvie , Whatmore Adrian M. , Al Dahouk Sascha 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBrucellosis is one of the most important zoonoses worldwide, primarily affecting livestock but also posing a serious threat to public health. The major Brucella species are known to cause a feverish disease in humans with various clinical signs. These classical Brucella species are (re‐)emerging, but also novel strains and species, some of them transmitted from rodents, can be associated with human infections. As a result of our review on rodent‐borne brucellosis, we emphasise the need for more comprehensive surveillance of Brucella and especially Brucella microti in rodent populations and call for further research targeting the ecological persistence of rodent‐associated Brucella species in the environment, their epizootic role in wild rodents and their virulence and pathogenicity for wildlife.
Data Generation and Training of Surrogate Models for Friction Factor and Nusselt Number in Low Reynolds Number Flows Through Pin Fin Geometries
Authors: Pai Saeel S. , Navaresse Bruno , Weibel Justin A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The design of various biomedical, electronics cooling, and microfluidic devices relies on geometry-specific models and empirical correlations for flow and heat transfer through microscale pin fin geometries. Machine learning (ML) techniques are being used across many branches of science to develop more generalized surrogate models that can predict such transport processes. To collapse the simulation of flow and thermal properties across many different pin fin surfaces into a single predictive tool, the present study develops machine-learning-based surrogate models for the friction factor and Nusselt number (for constant wall temperature conditions) for fully developed low Reynolds number flow across pin fin geometries of differing cross section shape (circular, square, triangular) in aligned or staggered arrangements, oriented at any angle to the incoming flow, and for a range of transverse and longitudinal pitches, with water as the working fluid. The model training data are generated using an automated workflow that allows thousands of numerical simulations to be carried out on across different geometric and flow configurations. A total of ∼14,800 distinct simulation cases, for both friction factor and Nusselt number, are generated while varying the Reynolds number and aforementioned geometric parameters to train and test the machine learning models. The machine learning model architecture takes inputs of both image and vector data, and then outputs a scalar friction factor or Nusselt number. The trained models yield a goodness of fit (R2) value of 0.98 on unseen data.
Techno-Economic Comparative Assessment of High-Temperature Heat Pump Architectures for Industrial Pumped Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Trevisan Silvia , Buchbjerg Bjarke , Höeg Arne , Guedez Rafael 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The industrial sector is a key global source of wealth, but it is also recognized as a major challenge toward worldwide decarbonization. Today, the industrial sector requires more than 22% of the global energy demand as thermal energy and produces for this about 40% of the total CO2 emissions. Solutions to efficiently decarbonize the industrial sector are deemed. This work presents a comparative techno-economic performance assessment of a high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) integration within a molten salts (MSs) based power-to-heat system for industrial heat flexible generation. The main system performance is reported in terms of required working conditions and temperature for the heat pump and thermal demand size as well as reduction of the attainable levelized cost of heat (LCoH) against nonflexible electric boiler based systems. The impact of different industrial load profiles, electricity prices, heat pump capital cost, and heat pump real to Carnot efficiency ratio are also presented. The results highlight that the proposed system can be cost-competitive, particularly for thermal demand around 10 MW and waste heat temperatures above 80 °C. Under these conditions, LCoH reductions higher than 15%, with respect to the considered nonflexible electric boiler alternative, are attainable. These LCoH reductions are primarily driven by savings in electrical consumption as high as 30%. This study sets the ground for further power-to-heat techno-economic investigations addressing different industrial sectors and identifies main system and components design strategies, integrations, and targets.
Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Single-Span Rotor Under Cross-Coupling Stiffness Control on Nondrive End
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Li Qihang , Yang Bowen , Zhang Rui , Wang Weimin , Yao Jianfei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The sealing-induced cross-coupling stiffness (CCS) often decreases the rotordynamic stability of turbomachinery. In our previous study, an active negative CCS control strategy applied between two bearings in the middle of the rotor was validated to enhance the stability of the rotor system. In this paper, a different approach was taken by applying both positive and negative CCS control strategies to the nondrive end, aiming to investigate their effects on rotordynamic stability using a rotordynamic model. The model represented a single-span centrifugal compressor rotor with CCS at the seal node. The logarithmic decrements and unbalance response of the rotor system were compared under different CCS applications at the nondrive end and in the span. The results demonstrate that applying both positive and negative CCS at the nondrive end can improve system stability, but the positive CCS strategy has limitations, and its applicability is not as extensive as negative CCS. A “critical stiffness” phenomenon emerges when the rotor system is actively stabilized at the nondrive end, resembling critical resonance. Furthermore, when components like seals introduce cross-coupling stiffness out of the span, they contribute to system stabilization. These findings provide valuable insights into actively enhancing the stability of rotor systems.
Exploring the Perceived Barriers of Effective Communication Within the Coach–Athlete Relationship: A Sample of Scandinavian Coaches and Athletes
Authors: Davis Louise , Wachsmuth Svenja , Jowett Sophia , Räisänen Petteri , Hajo Kendal , Nordberg Niclas , Sommer Marius 
Published: October 2024

Coaching is a process that guides development and is shaped by sound relationships between athletes and coaches. Interpersonal communication represents a mechanism for developing functional relationships. However, not all interactions between coaches and athletes are optimal, and limited research has attempted to understand the factors that impede the ability to engage in effective communication. This study aimed to contribute to the literature by exploring the barriers experienced by high-performance coaches and athletes that hinder interpersonal communication within the coach–athlete relationship. A qualitative design grounded in a pragmatic philosophical position was utilised, and 20 semistructured interviews with 12 coaches and eight athletes participating in elite team sports were carried out. Interviews were conducted either in person or digitally via an online platform and analysed through content analysis. Barriers were identified for either coaches, athletes, or both and categorised as follows: (a) intrapersonal (e.g., lack of skills and negative experiences), (b) interpersonal (e.g., lack of concern/interest and power imbalance), and (c) environmental factors (e.g., hierarchy and toxic culture). These results suggest efforts should be focused on equipping coaches and athletes with intra- and interpersonal skills and empowering them to co-create a safe and united culture for themselves and their sport.
A Scoping Review of Physical Activity Interventions Among Sexual Minority Adults: A Call to Action for Future Research
Authors: Peterson Keegan T. , Wilson Oliver W.A. , Herrick Shannon S.C. , Frederick Ginny M. , Fedewa Michael V. , Sullivan Katherine , Bopp Melissa 
Published: October 2024

Physical activity (PA) has a variety of well-established benefits for physical and mental health. However, there are PA disparities based on numerous sociodemographic characteristics, including sexual orientation. Mapping of PA interventions tailored to sexual minorities (ie, nonheterosexual) is currently absent from the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the existing interventions focused on promoting PA among sexual minority (SM) adults. Methods: A search strategy was developed in consultation with a research librarian for PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. The scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Randomized and nonrandomized interventions that focused on increasing PA among SM adults were included. Data on study design, sample demographics, purpose of research, methodology, intervention components, theory-based constructs used, PA measures, and outcomes of the intervention were extracted. Results: Our search yielded 7289 articles, with 26 articles requiring full-text review. Four interventions were identified that focused on increasing PA among SM adults, with 2 focusing on lesbian/bisexual women, 1 focusing on lesbian/gay cancer survivors, and 1 focusing on men who have sex with men. Two of the 4 studies were successful at increasing PA, with varying psychosocial theories (ie, social cognitive theory and theory of reasoned action) and intervention strategies (ie, PA counseling, group meetings, and pedometers). Conclusion: Findings of this review demonstrate a clear lack of PA interventions targeting SM adults, limiting the available knowledge required for preventionists, practitioners, and health care professionals to effectively promote PA through behavioral modification among this group.
Characterization of novel sequence type 12531 and O8:H7 serotype carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
with strong swimming and intestinal epithelial cell barrier migration abilities
Authors: Ma Zhexiao , Zeng Weiliang , Liu Haifeng , Chen Huanchang , Ye Lulu , Liu Sichen , Qian Changrui , Zhou Tieli , Cao Jianming 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
have become widely prevalent globally because of antibiotic misuse and the spread of drug-resistant plasmids, where carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
(CREC) is one of the most common and prevalent pathogens. Furthermore,
E. coli
has been identified as a member of normal gut flora and does not cause disease under normal circumstances. However, certain strains of
E. coli
, due to the expression of virulence genes, can cause severe intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Therefore, clinically, drug resistance and pathogenic
E. coli
strains are significantly challenging to treat. In this study, a novel CREC strain DC8855 was isolated from the ascites of a patient with intestinal perforation, identified as a novel sequence type 12531 (ST12531) and an unreported serotype O8:H7. It was revealed that the resistance of ST12531 CREC was predominantly conferred by an IncFII(K) plasmid carrying
bla
NDM-4
. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis indicated that this is the first discovery of such plasmids in China and the first identification in
E. coli
. Moreover, regarding virulence, the swimming assays, qRT-PCR, and
in vitro
intestinal barrier model indicated that DC8855 had significantly higher motility, flagella gene expression, and intestinal epithelial cell barrier migration ability than the other sequence types CREC strains (ST167 and ST410). In conclusion, this study identified novel CREC which was multidrug resistant as well as enteropathogenic and therefore requires continuous monitoring.
Comprehensive analysis of the global impact and distribution of tick paralysis, a deadly neurological yet fully reversible condition
Authors: Deng Yuan-Ping , Fu Yi-Tian , Elsheikha Hany M. , Cao Mei-Ling , Zhu Xing-Quan , Wang Jin-Lei , Zhang Xue‑Ling , Xie Shi-Chen , Yao Chaoqun , Liu Guo-Hua 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARY
Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by neurotoxins secreted by the salivary glands of certain ticks. Documented cases have been reported worldwide, predominantly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with additional reports from Europe and Africa. This condition also affects animals, leading to significant economic losses and adverse impacts on animal health and welfare. To date, 75 tick species, mostly hard ticks, have been identified as capable of causing this life-threatening condition. Due to symptom overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis of tick paralysis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, which could result in adverse patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on tick paralysis, including the implicated tick species, global distribution, tick toxins, molecular pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention. Enhancing awareness among medical and veterinary professionals is critical for improving the management of tick paralysis and its health impacts on both humans and animals.
Student-led discussions of landmark discovery articles: a foothold in teaching primary virology literature
Authors: Hippee Camilla E. , Klingelhutz Aloysius , Wu Li 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introducing students to primary scientific literature is essential for establishing scientific literacy; however, students can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information within a research article. In our virology discussion courses, we address this issue by creating a student-centered and active learning environment. Students present and guide discussions on the rationales, background, methods, results, and conclusions from research literature in class. This approach has been applied in both undergraduate and graduate settings for students studying microbiology, with different expectations and criteria between the two groups. Student evaluations collected from three semesters were positive toward the teaching methods. Students praised the inclusion of “landmark discovery” articles, which examined paradigm-shifting concepts in virology. Undergraduates expressed their increased confidence in comprehending scientific literature and highlighted the impact of group work. In a critique of the course, students suggested more variety in the topics covered and inclusion of recent publications. Overall, our enhanced approach and methods improved student experiences with primary scientific literature and promoted student learning.
Biochemical analysis of packing and assembling heptad repeat motifs in the coronavirus spike protein trimer
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Kanou Kazuhiko , Okura Hiyori , Akter Tahmina MST , Fukushi Shuetsu , Matsuyama Shutoku 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

During a coronavirus infection, the spike protein undergoes sequential structural transitions triggered by its receptor and the host protease at the interface between the virus and cell membranes, thereby mediating membrane fusion. After receptor binding, the heptad repeat motif (HR1/HR2) within the viral spike protein bridges the viral and cellular membranes; however, the intermediate conformation adopted by the spike protein when drawing the viral and cellular membranes into close proximity remains unclear due to its transient and unstable nature. Here, we experimentally induced conformational changes in the spike protein of a murine coronavirus by incubating the virus with its receptor, followed by exposure to trypsin. We then treated the virus/receptor complex with proteinase K to probe the tightly packed core structure of the spike protein. The conformations of the spike protein were predicted from the sizes of the protease digestion products detected by western blot analysis. Upon receptor binding, two bands (each showing different reactivity with a fusion-inhibiting HR2-peptide) were detected; we propose that these bands correspond to the packed and unpacked HR1/HR2 motifs. After trypsin-mediated triggering, measurement of temperature and time dependency revealed that packing of the remaining unpacked HR1/HR2 motifs and assembly of three HR1 motifs in a trimer occur almost simultaneously. Thus, the trimeric spike protein adopts an asymmetric-unassembled conformation after receptor binding, followed by direct assembly into the post-fusion form triggered by the host protease. This biochemical study provides mechanistic insight into the previously unknown intermediate structure of the viral fusion protein.

IMPORTANCE
During infection by an enveloped virus, receptor binding triggers fusion between the cellular membrane and the virus envelope, enabling delivery of the viral genome to the cytoplasm. The viral spike protein mediates membrane fusion; however the molecular mechanism underlying this process is unclear. This is because using structural biology methods to track the transient conformational changes induced in the unstable spike trimer is challenging. Here, we harnessed the ability of protease enzymes to recognize subtle differences on protein surfaces, allowing us to detect structural differences in the spike protein before and after conformational changes. Differences in the size of the degradation products were analyzed by western blot analysis. The proposed model explaining the conformational changes presented herein is a plausible candidate that provides valuable insight into unanswered questions in the field of virology.
Candida glabrata
maintains two
HAP1
ohnologs,
HAP1A
and
HAP1B
, for distinct roles in ergosterol gene regulation to mediate sterol homeostasis under azole and hypoxic conditions
Authors: Saha Debasmita , Gregor Justin B. , Hoda Smriti , Eastman Katharine E. , Gutierrez-Schultz Victor A. , Navarrete Mindy , Wisecaver Jennifer H. , Briggs Scott D. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida glabrata
exhibits innate resistance to azole antifungal drugs but also has the propensity to rapidly develop clinical drug resistance. Azole drugs, which target Erg11, is one of the major classes of antifungals used to treat
Candida
infections. Despite their widespread use, the mechanism controlling azole-induced
ERG
gene expression and drug resistance in
C. glabrata
has primarily revolved around Upc2 and/or Pdr1. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses revealed that
C. glabrata
, following a whole genome duplication event, maintained
HAP1A
and
HAP1B
, whereas
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
only retained the
HAP1A
ortholog,
HAP1
. In this study, we determined the function of two zinc cluster transcription factors, Hap1A and Hap1B, as direct regulators of
ERG
genes. In
S. cerevisiae,
Hap1, an ortholog of Hap1A, is a known transcription factor controlling
ERG
gene expression under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Interestingly, deleting
HAP1
or
HAP1B
in either
S. cerevisiae
or
C. glabrata,
respectively, showed altered susceptibility to azoles. In contrast, the strain deleted for
HAP1A
did not exhibit azole susceptibility. We also determined that the increased azole susceptibility in a
hap1B
Δ strain is attributed to decreased azole-induced expression of
ERG
genes, resulting in decreased levels of total ergosterol. Surprisingly, Hap1A protein expression is barely detected under aerobic conditions but is specifically induced under hypoxic conditions, where Hap1A is required for the repression of
ERG
genes. However, in the absence of Hap1A, Hap1B can compensate as a transcriptional repressor. Our study shows that Hap1A and Hap1B is utilized by
C. glabrata
to adapt to specific host and environmental conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Invasive and drug-resistant fungal infections pose a significant public health concern.
Candida glabrata
, a human fungal pathogen, is often difficult to treat due to its intrinsic resistance to azole antifungal drugs and its capacity to develop clinical drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the pathways that facilitate fungal growth and environmental adaptation may lead to novel drug targets and/or more efficacious antifungal therapies. While the mechanisms of azole resistance in
Candida
species have been extensively studied, the roles of zinc cluster transcription factors, such as Hap1A and Hap1B, in
C. glabrata
have remained largely unexplored until now. Our research shows that these factors play distinct yet crucial roles in regulating ergosterol homeostasis under azole drug treatment and oxygen-limiting growth conditions. These findings offer new insights into how this pathogen adapts to different environmental conditions and enhances our understanding of factors that alter drug susceptibility and/or resistance.