bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyoverdine–antibiotic combination treatment: its efficacy and effects on resistance evolution in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vollenweider Vera , Roncoroni Flavie , Kümmerli Rolf 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern for global health, demanding innovative and effective strategies to combat pathogenic bacteria. Pyoverdines, iron-chelating siderophores produced by environmental Pseudomonas spp., present a novel class of promising compounds to induce growth arrest in pathogens through iron starvation. While we previously demonstrated the efficacy of pyoverdines as antibacterials, our understanding of how these molecules interact with antibiotics and impact resistance evolution remains unknown. Here, we investigated the propensity of three Escherichia coli strains to evolve resistance against pyoverdine, the cephalosporin antibiotic ceftazidime, and their combination. We used a naive E. coli wildtype strain and two isogenic variants carrying the blaTEM-1 β-lactamase gene on either the chromosome or a costly multicopy plasmid to explore the influence of genetic background on selection for resistance. We found that strong resistance against ceftazidime and weak resistance against pyoverdine evolved in all E. coli variants under single treatment. Ceftazidime resistance was linked to mutations in outer membrane porin genes (envZ and ompF), whereas pyoverdine resistance was associated with mutations in the oligopeptide permease (opp) operon. In contrast, ceftazidime resistance phenotypes were attenuated under combination treatment, especially for the E. coli variant carrying blaTEM-1 on the multicopy plasmid. Altogether, our results show that ceftazidime and pyoverdine interact neutrally and that pyoverdine as an antibacterial is particularly potent against plasmid-carrying E. coli strains, presumably because iron starvation compromises both cellular metabolism and plasmid replication.
The Impact of Hormone Therapy on Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals
Authors: Hassan Bashar , Suchan Andrew , Brown Madyson , Kishan Arman , Liang Fan , Truta Brindusa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global healthcare problem that affects around 3 million people in the United States. Although the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on IBD severity has been studied in cisgender patients, there is currently no literature on the impact of exogenous hormone therapy (HT) in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of TGNB adults diagnosed with IBD and treated with HT for gender dysphoria at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015-2022). We aimed to determine whether the use of GAHT was associated with subsequent increase in IBD severity. We compared the incidence of flares before vs after GAHT.ResultsTwenty-two patients were analyzed. More than half (59%) of them were assigned female at birth, identified as transmen, and underwent masculinizing HT. Their median (interquartile range) age was 30 (25-36) years. More patients had Crohn’s disease compared with ulcerative colitis (13 [59.1%] vs 9 [40.9%], P = .23) with a median IBD duration of 6.2 (1.8-12.3) years. Nine (41%) patients were on biologics. Of 15 patients on HT, 8 (36.3%) experienced at least one flare. Most of them were treated with steroids (66.7%), and 6 (40%) required hospital or emergency room admission. The proportion of patients who flared after GAHT was similar to that before GAHT: 9 (60%) vs 8 (53.3%), P = 1.0.ConclusionsGAHT was not associated with increased incidence of flares. Larger prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings and understand the interaction between GAHT and IBD in TGNB individuals.
Potential for on-grid hybrid renewable energy in a humid subtropical climatic zone: technological, economic, and environmental aspects
Authors: Hai Tao , Jaffar Hussein A , Shami Hayder Oleiwi , Al-Rubaye Ameer H , Rajab Husam , Farqad Rand Otbah , Hussein Abbas Hameed Abdul , Alhaidry Wesam Abed A L Hassan , Idan Ameer Hassan , Singh Narinderjit Singh Sawaran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
China’s abundant natural resources reveal inconsistencies in economics, environment, and society. Renewable energy sources can reduce environmental pollutants and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Using HOMER software, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China, optimizes the economic, environmental, and technological aspects of creating an off-grid hybrid power system for 100 houses. According to the results, the most economically feasible photovoltaic (PV)–wind turbine (WT)–grid hybrid system is made up of one WT, 25.55 kW converters, and 80 kW PV panels. Its total net present cost (NPC) is $494 119, and its cost of energy (COE) is $0.043/kWh. However, because it has the greatest operation expenses, the PV–grid hybrid configuration has the highest NPC of $687 906 and COE of $0.068/kWh. Furthermore, according to the technical analysis’s findings, WT contributed 49.2% of the overall power generation, equivalent to $357 694/kWh. The optimal WT/PV/grid configuration, which is the suggested configuration, has the lowest yearly emissions of carbon dioxide (174 236 kg/year), whereas the PV–grid configuration has the highest carbon dioxide emissions (246 769 kg/year). The results of the sensitivity evaluation’s findings demonstrate that the COE and NPC amounts for the ideal configuration decline as solar irradiation and wind velocity increase. To clarify, raising the system’s velocity of wind or radiation from the sun can make it more economically viable. It may be concluded that the WT–PV–grid hybrid configuration is the more environmentally friendly and economical technology. Zhanjiang, China, has the potential to develop a sustainable alternative energy system combining WT and biomass power generation, but factors like fuel limitations and energy consumption must be considered.
Antibiotic biocompatibility assay and anti-biofilm strategies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in bioengineered artificial skin substitutes
Authors: Quiñones-Vico María I , Andrades-Amate Marta , Fernández-González Ana , Ubago-Rodríguez Ana , Moll Kirsten , Norrby-Teglund Anna , Svensson Mattias , Gutiérrez-Fernández José , Arias-Santiago Salvador 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Bioengineered artificial skin substitutes (BASS) are an advanced therapy for treating extensively burned patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections represent a major challenge in these patients as formation of biofilms impede wound healing and perpetuate a chronic inflammatory state. Here we assessed antibiotics (alone or in combination) with respect to cytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial efficacy in P. aeruginosa biofilm formed on infection of BASS.

Methods
Cell viability, structure and functionality were evaluated using microscopy and trans-epidermal water loss analyses, respectively. BASS were established and infected for 24 h to allow P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, after which two antimicrobial approaches, treatment and prevention, were tested. In the latter, antibiotics were added to BASS before infection. The antimicrobial effect was determined using real-time calorimetry.

Results
In dose–response experiments, 1.25 mg/mL amikacin, 0.02 mg/mL ciprofloxacin, 0.051 mg/mL colistin, 1 mg/mL meropenem and colistin in combination with either amikacin, ciprofloxacin and meropenem did not affect BASS’ viability, structure and functionality. All antibiotics, except colistin, showed effective antimicrobial activity at these non-cytotoxic concentrations. For concentrations below the highest non-cytotoxic ones, successive treatments resulted in higher bacterial metabolic rates. Only the combinations managed to eradicate the infection with repeated treatments. With respect to prevention of infection, all antibiotics at the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations and the combinations were effective. This preventive capacity was maintained for at least 5 days.

Conclusion
The findings highlight the potential for developing BASS with antimicrobial properties that can prevent infections during wound healing in burn patients.
Host adaptability of Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Noctuidae
Authors: Di Xue-yuan , Yan Bin , Tian Shuang , Ren Peng , Wu Hui-zi , Yang Mao-fa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Biological control is an effective and sustainable method of integrated pest management. Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a common internal parasitoid wasp of the order Lepidoptera. To determine a suitable host species for the reproduction of parasitoids, it is essential to assess host suitability and parasitic potential of the parasitized pests. Herein, we investigated host selection and exploitation of M. manilae. We evaluated the parasitic efficacy of M. manilae in 4 pest species in the Spodoptera and Mythimna genera of the Noctuidae family. The results indicated that the parasitism rate of M. manilae on 3 species in the Spodoptera genus is higher than on Mythimna separata in the Mythimna genus, with M. manilae exhibiting a higher parasitism rate and shorter development duration on Spodoptera litura compared to other species. The parasitism rate for 1st instars hosts was 86.67 ± 0.04%, while the development duration was 14.1 ± 0.03 days. However, when parasitizing the 3rd instar of Spodoptera frugiperda, parasitoids showed a higher sex ratio, of 0.71 ± 0.05. Additionally, M. manilae had parasitic effect on M. separata, providing a new choice for its parasitism. The results identify the optimal host, which could enhance and reproduction rate and survival rate of M. manilae, thus facilitating their large-scale propagation. Understanding the parasitic effects of M. manilae on pests can further its field application, also plays a major role in promoting the development of biological control technologies and sustainable agricultural production.
Petrophysical and geophysical constrained inversion of gravity data based on starting and referenced models
Authors: Liu Shuang , Hu Xiangyun , Fedi Maurizio , Baniamerian Jamaledin , Abbas Mahmoud Ahmed , Chauhan Mahak Singh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
To reduce the inherent ambiguity of gravity-data modeling in mineral resources exploration, it is important to incorporate available a priori information into the inversion process. In this paper, we study the use of starting and reference density models, based on two kinds of a priori information: (i) by interpolating the physical properties available from petrophysical or direct (well logs) knowledge; (ii) converting into densities by another geophysical property, such as resistivity or seismic velocity, previously estimated from geophysical modeling. We use both kinds of model as either a starting or reference model to optimally solve the regularized inverse problem using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. We validate both the procedures using synthetic datasets produced by a high-density ore-layer model with drill-hole log constraints, and then apply them to the field data of an iron-ore deposit and a polymetallic ore region, in southern China. Both the procedures produce an improved and detailed density model; the use of a priori information as a reference model is, however, preferred, giving indeed a more compact and detailed solution, which seems more suitable to mining exploration.
A new model measuring bacterial phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in humans using the intradermal injection of methylene blue–labeled Escherichia coli
Authors: Collins George B , de Souza Carvalho Jhonatan , Jayasinghe Sandali C , Gumuliauskaite Urte , Lowe David M , Thomas David C , Årstad Erik , De Maeyer Roel P H , Gilroy Derek W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Phagocytosis is an important leukocyte function; however, using existing models it cannot be measured in human tissues in vivo. To address this, we characterized a new phagocytosis model using intradermal methylene blue–labeled Escherichia coli injection (MBEC). Methylene blue (MB) is a licensed human medicine and bacterial stain potentially useful for labeling E. coli that is safe for human injection. Ex vivo coculture of leukocytes with MBEC caused MB to transfer into neutrophils and macrophages by phagocytosis. During this, a “red shift” in MB fluorescence was shown to be caused by phagolysosomal oxidation. Hence, MBEC coculture could be used to measure phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in humans, ex vivo. In healthy volunteers, inflammatory exudate sampling using suction blisters 2 to 24 h after intradermal MBEC injection showed that tissue-acquired neutrophils and monocytes contained more MB than their circulating counterparts, whereas blood and inflamed tissue T, B, and natural killer cells were MBlo. This was validated with spectral flow cytometry by visualizing the MB emission spectrum in tissue-acquired neutrophils. Neutrophil MB emission spectra demonstrated more red shift at 24 h compared with earlier time points, in keeping with progressive phagolysosomal MB oxidation in neutrophils over time in vivo. This new MBEC model can therefore measure bacterial phagocytosis and phagolysosomal oxidation in human skin, in vivo. This has a number of important research applications, e.g. in studying human phagocyte biology, testing novel antimicrobials, and understanding why certain groups such as males, the elderly or those with diabetes, recent surgery, or malnutrition are at increased risk of bacterial infection.
Viable Trypanosoma cruzi cultured from a dead Paratriatoma lecticularia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) encountered in a large dog kennel environment in south Texas, USA
Authors: Busselman Rachel E , Killets Keswick C , Saunders Ashley B , Hamer Sarah A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) is a protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) insects and is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Oral transmission of the parasite occurs through consumption of contaminated food or infected triatomines and may depend on the degree to which T. cruzi survives in triatomine abdomens. Dead triatomines may be abundant in areas with insecticide use, such as dog kennels where animals may encounter them. We attempted to culture T. cruzi from the gut material of 108 triatomines collected near dog kennels—14 found alive and 94 found dead—and also tested for T. cruzi DNA and discrete typing units using PCR. In total, 30 (27.8%) tested positive for T. cruzi using PCR, 5 alive (35.7%) and 25 dead (26.6%), with no difference in infection between insects found alive versus dead (P-value = 0.53) and more PCR positives identified in dead triatomines with intact gut contents than in dead desiccated triatomines (P-value = 0.049). One Paratriatoma lecticularia (Stål, 1859) that was found dead (1.1%, n = 94) had T. cruzi growth in culture. Given the use of bleach for external decontamination of triatomines as well as the level of bacterial and fungal contamination of cultures, both of which may have impacted the growth of T. cruzi, the apparent prevalence of viable parasites in this study should be interpreted as a conservative estimate. Vector control initiatives should consider that dead insects may still pose a risk of T. cruzi transmission to animals and humans.
The feasibility and acceptability of home phlebotomy for patients with cancer
Authors: Bange Erin M , Bernal Camila , Gaffney Kemi Bolutayo , Ackerman Jill , Kwong David , Thomas Jithin , Daly Bobby 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Time toxicity is a considerable burden for oncology patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating mobile phlebotomy into standard of care procedures. From September 26, 2022, through December 31, 2023, a total of 345 patients had 1464 home laboratory test collection visits completed. These mobile phlebotomy laboratory collection visits occurred in New York (68.6% of visits), New Jersey (29.9%), Connecticut (1.1%), and Pennsylvania (0.5%). Specimen quality for home laboratory test collection surpassed the Memorial Sloan Kettering Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine benchmarks. Acceptability was high, 173 patients were approached, and 149 responded (86% response rate); most respondents (147 of 149, 99%) would use the service again or recommend it to others. This study assessed the integration of mobile phlebotomy into standard of care management for the collection of routine cancer laboratory tests. Mobile phlebotomy results in high patient satisfaction with superior specimen quality, offering a valuable solution to oncology patients for improved efficiency and convenience.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Rates Among U.S. Military Veteran Females and Males and Non-Veterans in the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Dubiel Lillian J , Vinekar Kavita S , Than Claire T , Chawla Neetu , Hoggatt Katherine J , Yano Elizabeth M , Danan Elisheva R 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of multiple cancers. Active duty service members have higher rates of HPV infection than civilians, while Veterans are diagnosed with a disproportionately high burden of HPV-associated cancers compared to civilians without prior service. While a highly effective HPV vaccine has been available for over a decade, vaccination rates in the United States remain suboptimal. The objective of this study was to investigate HPV vaccination rates among male and female Veterans compared with their non-Veteran counterparts.

Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of cross-sectional National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data pooled from 2015 to 2018 to analyze HPV vaccination rates for respondents aged 18–45 years. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare HPV vaccination rates between Veterans and non-Veterans stratified by sex while controlling for sociodemographic factors, including age, race/ethnicity, education level, income, insurance coverage, and VA coverage. All analyses used NHIS survey weights to produce national estimates.

Results
Among 45,493 respondents aged 18 to 45 years, vaccination rates were low across all groups: 9.6% of male Veterans and 8.4% of male non-Veterans (P = .21) had received at least one HPV immunization, whereas 32.0% of female Veterans and 25.1% of female non-Veterans (P = .02) were immunized. After controlling for sociodemographics, both male Veterans (AOR 1.79; 95%CI 1.31, 2.44) and female Veterans (AOR 1.56; 95%CI 1.1, 2.21) exhibited higher odds of HPV vaccination compared to their non-Veteran counterparts. VA coverage was also independently associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination among female Veterans (AOR 2.39; 95%CI 1.10, 5.21).

Conclusions
Veterans of both sexes are more likely to be vaccinated than their non-Veteran civilian counterparts. However, vaccination rates overall remain low. To our knowledge, ours is the first study of its kind to establish HPV vaccination rates among female Veterans. These findings underscore the important role of DoD and VA health care systems in improving HPV vaccine uptake and mitigating HPV-associated cancer risk among Veterans.
BOWIE-ALIGN: how formation and migration histories of giant planets impact atmospheric compositions
Authors: Penzlin Anna B T , Booth Richard A , Kirk James , Owen James E , Ahrer E , Christie Duncan A , Claringbold Alastair B , Esparza-Borges Emma , López-Morales M , Mayne N J , McCormack Mason , Meech Annabella , Panwar Vatsal , Powell Diana , Sergeev Denis E , Taylor Jake , Wheatley Peter J , Zamyatina Maria 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Hot Jupiters present a unique opportunity for measuring how planet formation history shapes present-day atmospheric composition. However, due to the myriad pathways influencing composition, a well-constructed sample of planets is needed to determine whether formation history can be accurately traced back from atmospheric composition. To this end, the BOWIE-ALIGN survey (A spectral Light Investigation into hot gas Giant origiNs by the collaboration of Bristol, Oxford, Warwick, Imperial, Exeter, +) will compare the compositions of eight hot Jupiters around F stars, four with orbits aligned with the stellar rotation axis, and four misaligned. Using the alignment as an indicator for planets that underwent disc migration or high-eccentricity migration, one can determine whether migration history produces notable differences in composition between the two samples of planets. This paper describes the planet formation model that motivates our observing programme. Our model traces the accretion of chemical components from the gas and dust in the disc over a broad parameter space to create a full, unbiased model sample from which we can estimate the range of final atmospheric compositions. For high metallicity atmospheres ($\mathrm{ O}\mathrm{ /H}\ge 10 \times$ solar), the C/O ratios of aligned and misaligned planets diverge, with aligned planets having lower C/O ($\lt 0.25$) due to the accretion of oxygen-rich silicates from the inner disc. However, silicates may rain out instead of releasing their oxygen into the atmosphere. This would significantly increase the C/O of aligned planets (C/O $\gt 0.6$), inverting the trend between the aligned and misaligned planets. Nevertheless, by comparing statistically significant samples of aligned and misaligned planets, we expect atmospheric composition to constrain how planets form.
Pathogen-encoded Rum DNA polymerase drives rapid bacterial drug resistance
Authors: Jaszczur Malgorzata M , Pham Phuong , Ojha Debika , Pham Cecilia Q , McDonald John P , Woodgate Roger , Goodman Myron F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The acquisition of multidrug resistance by pathogenic bacteria is a potentially incipient pandemic. Horizontal transfer of DNA from mobile integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) provides an important way to introduce genes that confer antibiotic (Ab)-resistance in recipient cells. Sizable numbers of SXT/R391 ICEs encode a hypermutagenic Rum DNA polymerase (Rum pol), which has significant homology with Escherichia coli pol V. Here, we show that even under tight transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation imposed by host bacteria and the R391 ICE itself, Rum pol rapidly accelerates development of multidrug resistance (CIPR, RifR, AmpR) in E. coli in response to SOS-inducing Ab and non-Ab external stressors bleomycin (BLM), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and UV radiation. The impact of Rum pol on the rate of acquisition of drug resistance appears to surpass potential contributions from other cellular processes. We have shown that RecA protein plays a central role in controlling the ability of Rum pol to accelerate antibiotic resistance. A single amino acid substitution in RecA, M197D, acts as a ‘Master Regulator’ that effectively eliminates the Rum pol-induced Ab resistance. We suggest that Rum pol should be considered as one of the major factors driving development of de novo Ab resistance in pathogens carrying SXT/R391 ICEs.
SNF2L suppresses nascent DNA gap formation to promote DNA synthesis
Authors: Nelligan Anthony , Dungrawala Huzefa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Nucleosome remodelers at replication forks function in the assembly and maturation of chromatin post DNA synthesis. The ISWI chromatin remodeler SNF2L (or SMARCA1) travels with replication forks but its contribution to DNA replication remains largely unknown. We find that fork elongation is curtailed when SNF2L is absent. SNF2L deficiency elevates replication stress and causes fork collapse due to remodeling activities by fork reversal enzymes. Mechanistically, SNF2L regulates nucleosome assembly to suppress post-replicative ssDNA gap accumulation. Gap induction is not dependent on fork remodeling and PRIMPOL. Instead, gap synthesis is driven by MRE11 and EXO1 indicating susceptibility of nascent DNA to nucleolytic cleavage and resection when SNF2L is removed. Additionally, nucleosome remodeling by SNF2L protects nascent chromatin from MNase digestion and gap induction highlighting a critical role of SNF2L in chromatin assembly post DNA synthesis to maintain unperturbed replication.