bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An uncertainty‐based evaluation of sulphuric compounds transport in reservoirs considering sensitivity analysis
Authors: Gholizadeh Fatemeh , Zeynolabedin Amin , Behboudian Massoud 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeepwater bodies such as dam reservoirs are among the most prominent water resources that supply societies' water demand. Hence, water quality in these resources requires continuous and meticulous monitoring. This study evaluated the water quality of Changuleh Dam, a dam under construction in western Iran, using the CE‐QUAL‐W2 model to predict fluctuations in sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) concentrations. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the dependence of model outputs on input variables. Additionally, an uncertainty analysis was performed using MATLAB to address the inherent uncertainties of the input variables through an ARIMA (2, 2, 1) time series model and Monte Carlo simulations. The results indicated a high sulphate concentration averaging 955.6 mg/l, considerably exceeding the drinking water standard of 400 mg/l, identifying the reservoir as a sulphate‐rich water resource. Seasonal fluctuations of H2S concentrations were also observed in the reservoir's anaerobic bed sediments, peaking at 87 mg/l. The sensitivity analysis showed that nitrate and total dissolved solids (TDS) varied more noticeably than dissolved oxygen (DO) at different depths, with the greatest variation at 50 m. This study highlights the critical need for continuous and meticulous monitoring of water quality in dam reservoirs to meet water supply standards.
Whole-genome sequencing resolves biochemical misidentification of
Neisseria
species from urogenital specimens
Authors: Smith Amanda C. , Shrivastava Apurva , Cartee John C. , Bélanger Myriam , Sharpe Samera , Lewis Jorden , Budionno Suzanna , Gomez Raquel , Khubbar Manjeet K. ,   Neisseria gonorrhoeae Working Group, Pham Cau D. , Gernert Kim M. , Schmerer Matthew W. , Raphael Brian H. , Learner Emily R. , Kersh Ellen N. , Joseph Sandeep J. , Tran Mike , Hun Sopheay , Olusegun Soge O. , Hua Chi , Hiatt Brian , Veliz Kirstin , Jolly Lindsay , Spann Maya , Keller Eric , Moore Terence , Loomis Jillian , Chapel Neil , Lee Benjamin , Neff Lindsay , Casey Ravyn , Wagner Jenni , Young Erin , Oakeson Kelly F. , Baldwin Tamara , Wang Chun , Rahman Maliha , Oh Bonnie 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Neisseria meningitidis
(Nm) and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(Ng) are human pathogens that sometimes occupy the same anatomical niche. Ng, the causative agent of gonorrhea, infects 87 million individuals annually worldwide and is an urgent threat due to increasing drug resistance. Ng is a pathogen of the urogenital tract and may infect the oropharyngeal or rectal site, often asymptomatically. Conversely, Nm is an opportunistic pathogen. While often a commensal in the oropharyngeal tract, it is also the leading cause of bacterial meningitis with 1.2 million cases globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is likely to occur between Ng and Nm due to their shared anatomical niches and genetic similarity, which poses challenges for accurate detection and treatment. Routine surveillance through the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project and Strengthening the U.S. Response to Resistant Gonorrhea detected six concerning urogenital
Neisseria
isolates with contradicting species identification in Milwaukee (MIL). While all six isolates were positive for Ng using nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight identified the isolates as Ng, two biochemical tests, Gonochek-II and API NH, classified them as Nm. To address this discrepancy, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina MiSeq on all isolates and employed various bioinformatics tools. Species detection analysis using BMScan, which uses WGS data, identified all isolates as Ng. Furthermore, Kraken revealed over 98% of WGS reads mapped to the Ng genome and <1% to Nm. Recombination analysis identified putative HGT in all MIL isolates within the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (
ggt
) gene, a key component in the biochemical tests used to differentiate between Nm and Ng. Further analysis identified Nm as the source of HGT event. Specifically, the active Nm
ggt
gene replaced the Ng pseudogenes,
ggt1
and
ggt2
. Together, this study demonstrates that closely related
Neisseria
species sharing a niche underwent HGT, which led to the misidentification of species following biochemical testing. Importantly, NAAT accurately detected Ng. The misidentification highlights the importance of using WGS to continually evaluate diagnostic or bacterial identification tests.
The actin-binding protein palladin associates with the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein
Authors: Shahriari Shadi , Ghildyal Reena 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) matrix (M) protein plays an important role in infection as it can interact with viral components as well as the host cell actin microfilaments. The M–actin interaction may play a role in facilitating the transportation of virion components to the apical surface, where RSV is released. We show that M protein’s association with actin is facilitated by palladin, an actin-binding protein. Cells were infected with RSV or transfected to express full-length M as a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged protein, followed by removal of nuclear and cytosolic proteins to enrich for cytoskeleton and its associated proteins. M protein was present in inclusion bodies tethered to microfilaments in infected cells. In transfected cells, GFP-M was presented close to microfilaments, without association, suggesting the possible involvement of an additional protein in this interaction. As palladin can bind to proteins that also bind actin, we investigated its interaction with M. Cells were co-transfected to express GFP-M and palladin as an mCherry fluorescent-tagged protein, followed by cytoskeleton enrichment. M and palladin were observed to colocalize towards microfilaments, suggesting that palladin is involved in the M–actin interaction. In co-immunoprecipitation studies, M was found to associate with two isoforms of palladin, of 140 and 37 kDa. Interestingly, siRNA downregulation of palladin resulted in reduced titer of released RSV, while cell associated RSV titer increased, suggesting a role for palladin in virus release. Together, our data show that the M–actin interaction mediated by palladin is important for RSV budding and release.

IMPORTANCE
Respiratory syncytial virus is responsible for severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children under 5 years old, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed. The interaction of the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein with the host actin cytoskeleton is important in infection but has not been investigated in depth. In this study, we show that the respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein associates with actin microfilaments and the actin-binding protein palladin, suggesting a role for palladin in respiratory syncytial virus release. This study provides new insight into the role of the actin cytoskeleton in respiratory syncytial virus infection, a key host–RSV interaction in assembly. Understanding the mechanism by which the RSV M protein and actin interact will ultimately provide a basis for the development of therapeutics targeted at RSV infections.
Inhibition of
Streptococcus pyogenes
biofilm by
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
and
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Gómez-Mejia Alejandro , Orlietti Mariano , Tarnutzer Andrea , Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , Zinkernagel Annelies S. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The human pathobiont
Streptococcus pyogenes
forms biofilms and causes infections, such as pharyngotonsillitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Bacterial biofilms are more resilient to antibiotic treatment, and new therapeutic strategies are needed to control biofilm-associated infections, such as recurrent pharyngotonsillitis.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
and
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
are two bacterial commensals used for their probiotic properties. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-biofilm properties of
L. plantarum
and
L. rhamnosus
cell-free supernatants (LPSN and LRSN, respectively) on
S. pyogenes
biofilms grown
in vitro
in supplemented minimal medium. When planktonic or biofilm
S. pyogenes
were exposed to LPSN or LRSN
, S. pyogenes
survival was reduced significantly in a concentration-dependent manner, and the effect was more pronounced on preformed biofilms. Enzymatic digestion of LPSN and LRSN suggested that glycolipid compounds might cause the antimicrobial effect. In conclusion, this study indicates that
L. plantarum
and
L. rhamnosus
produce glycolipid bioactive compounds that reduce the viability of
S. pyogenes
in planktonic and biofilm cultures.

IMPORTANCE

Streptococcus pyogenes
infections are a significant concern for populations at risk, such as children and the elderly, as non-invasive conditions such as impetigo and strep throat can lead to severe invasive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis. Despite its susceptibility to current antibiotics, the formation of biofilm by this pathogen decreases the efficacy of antibiotic treatment alone. The ability of commensal lactobacillus to kill
S. pyogenes
has been documented by previous studies using
in vitro
settings. The relevance of our study is in using a physiological setup and a more detailed understanding of the nature of the lactobacillus molecule affecting the viability of
S. pyogenes
. This additional knowledge will help for a better comprehension of the molecules’ characteristics and kinetics, which in turn will facilitate new avenues of research for its translation to new therapies.
Accurate measurements of delayed neutron data for reactor applications: methodology and application to 235U(nth,f)
Authors: Leconte Pierre , Belverge Dorian , Bernard David , Chebboubi Abdelhazize , Kessedjian Grégoire , Foligno Daniela , Geslot Benoit , Sardet Alix , Casoli Pierre , Kooyman Timothée , Pépino Alexandra , Domergue Christophe , Doré Diane , Ledoux Xavier , Mathieu Ludovic , Méplan Olivier , Billebaud Annick , Cheymol Benjamin , Marie Nathalie , Lecolley François-René , Lecouey Jean-Luc , Koester Ulli , Solder Torsten , Mutti Paolo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLarge inconsistencies still exist in nuclear data libraries regarding the kinetic parameters of delayed neutron (DN) precursors. As an example, there is a 17% gap between ENDF-B/VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 on the average lifetime T1/2 of DN precursors from thermal fission of 235U. This parameter is of major importance for reactivity predictions of nuclear reactors in nominal or accidental configurations. In this context, CEA is actively participating to the ALDEN project (Average number and Lifetime of DElayed Neutrons) which aims at providing the nuclear data community with new data sets of DN from thermal and fast neutron induced fission of various actinides. A dedicated experimental setup was designed and optimized for that purpose and is presented in this paper. It consists of a “long counter” detector containing 16 proportional counters filled with 3He, embedded in a high density polyethylene matrix. The detector surrounds a fissile target prepared in the form of a miniature fission chamber, containing a few hundreds of micro-grams of fissile material. This set-up is connected to fast and efficient neutron shutters that can produce step-irradiations of variable durations. The equations driving the DN counting following step-irradiations of the fissile target are established and discussed in the perspective of DN yield or group parameter measurement. A comprehensive analysis of the different steps of data reduction is detailed: dead time characterization, Region of Interest (ROI) determination, absolute and relative efficiency calibration, fission rate estimation, irradiation time and background determination, DN decay curve production and physical parameter fitting. Following a prototype experiment performed in 2018 at the PF1b cold neutron beam line of Institute Laue Langevin (ILL, Grenoble, France), we discuss here the analysis of two campaigns occurring in 2019 and 2021 in which significant improvements were achieved in terms of background minimization, counting statistics and fission rate determination. The achievements of this work are the measurement of the delayed neutron emission per fission for the thermal neutron induced fission of 235U, estimated at (1.625 ± 0.010) % and the group parameters leading to an estimated lifetime of $${T}_{1/2}$$

T

1
/
2

= (8.87 ± 0.10) s. Those results are consistent with the values recommended by the IAEA/CRP work and they come with reduced uncertainties compared with previously published results.
Chiral Separation of Racemic Atracurium through β-Cyclodextrin Sulphated Sodium Modified Gold Nanoparticles/Pencil Graphite Electrode: An Eco-Friendly Voltammetric Behavior of Cisatracurium Isomer in Real Samples
Authors: Nessiem Marina A. , Riad Safa’a M. , Fayed Ahmed S. , Arafa Reham M. 
Published: October 2024

A novel electrochemical sensor for chiral separation of racemic Atracurium (racATR) into its three isomers (cis-cis, cis-trans, trans-trans) was assembled. The sensor was based on immobilization of β-cyclodextrin sulphated sodium salt (S-β-CD) with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) on pencil graphite electrode (S-β-CD/Au-NPs/PGE). A significant increase in peak currents of cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry was noticed through applying this sensor. This is attributed to the electrochemical sensitivity of Au-NPs along with high chiral discrimination of S-β-CD via the host-guest interaction. The sensor's construction was tested by the electrochemical oxidation behavior of cisatracurium (cisATR) isomer in Britton Robinson buffer (pH = 11) at scan rate 30 mV s−1. The peak currents increased proportionally as the cisATR concentration varying between 8.0 × 10–8−1.0 × 10–6 M. The correlation coefficient and limit of detection have been demonstrated to be 0.9999 and 8.8 × 10–9, respectively. The analytical applications of S-β-CD/Au-NPs/PGE electrode were assessed through the dosage form and human plasma as a real sample. The proposed method was found to be an eco-friendly electrochemical approach according to the four greenness assessment tools: Analytical Eco-Scale, National Environmental Method Index, Green Analytical Procedure Index, and Analytical Greenness metric.
An Enhanced YSZ Gas Sensor through Optimizing Electrode Thickness for ppb-level H2S Detection
Authors: Wei Lei , Yang Zheng , Yao Dongting , Rong Qian , Zhao YongLi , Zhang Chuanhui , Li Kun , Yu Yi , Guo Youmin 
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, there is uncertainty regarding the impact of sensing electrode thickness on the gas sensing performance of mixed potential gas sensors due to simultaneous competitive heterogeneous catalytic reaction and electrochemical reaction. In this study, yttrium oxide doped zirconia gas sensors with varying thickness of NiFe2O4 sensing electrode have been fabricated for H2S gas detection. The operating temperature of yttrium oxide doped zirconia gas sensors have been firstly optimized, followed by a systematic study of the effects of NiFe2O4 sensing electrode thickness on H2S sensing performance. The best sensing performance have been achieved for the yttrium oxide doped zirconia gas sensor with a 10 μm-thick sensing electrode (S-10 sensor). Sensitivities of −8.7 and −44.6 mV/decade have been attained for 10–100 ppb and 100–10000 ppb, respectively, with a lower limit of detection as low as 10 ppb at 510 °C for the S-10 sensor. Furthermore, the potential application of the S-10 sensor in halitosis detection was further evaluated using simulated exhaled breath from patient with halitosis and healthy volunteers. The significant change in human exhaled gas response values detect by the S-10 sensor at different times provide additional support for the prospect of diagnosing halitosis.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder: A Transcriptomic Approach
Authors: Sun Lu , Ren CaiLi , Leng HaoBo , Wang Xin , Wang DaoRan , Wang TianQi , Wang ZhiQiang , Zhang GuoFu , Yu Haitao 
Published: October 2024

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex condition characterized by persistent depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, loss of energy or fatigue, and, in severe case, recurrent thoughts of death. Despite its prevalence, reliable diagnostic biomarkers for MDD remain elusive. Identifying peripheral biomarkers for MDD is crucial for early diagnosis, timely intervention, and ultimately reducing the risk of suicide. Metabolic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been observed in animal models of depression, suggesting that PBMC could serve as a valuable matrix for exploring potential peripheral biomarkers in MDD.Methods: We performed a transcriptomic analysis of PBMCs from patients with MDD and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 20 per group).Results: Our analysis identified 270 differentially expressed genes in PBMCs from MDD patients compared to controls, which correlated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. These genes are involved in several KEGG pathways, including the herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway, NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism—all of which are linked to various aspects of the immune response. Further machine learning analysis and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) validation identified three key genes—TRPV2, ZNF713, and CTSL—that effectively distinguish MDD patients from healthy controls.Conclusions: The immune dysregulation observed in PBMCs is closely related to the pathogenesis of MDD. The candidate biomarkers TRPV2, ZNF713, and CTSL, identified and validated through machine learning and qPCR, hold promise for the objective diagnosis of MDD.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2300076589
A Retrospective Analysis of Concordance Between Clinical and Histopathologic Diagnoses and Completeness of Oral Biopsy Forms at a Tertiary Dental Hospital in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Keshwar Shashi , Jain Neetu , Raut Toniya , Singh Vimmi , Shrestha Ashish 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Histopathological diagnosis remains the gold standard tool for the diagnosis, yet accurate and detailed clinical descriptions are necessary to facilitate the final diagnosis. Histopathologists believe that clinicians are unaware of how histopathology departments operate, partly because of the less information on requisition forms. The objective of the present study is to assess the concordance of clinical and histological diagnoses of all oral and maxillofacial biopsy samples, along with the completion of the requisition form provided with the biopsy sample.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Oral Pathology. The biopsy request forms of year 2018–2019 were retrieved from the archive of the department and were analyzed for clinicopathological concordance. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using SPSS.Results: Of 338 forms, 243 (71.89%) forms had total concordance between clinical and histopathologic diagnosis; 20 forms (5.92%) had concordance with the histopathological diagnosis, but only after the clinical diagnosis had been refined. Of all the forms analyzed, 36 (10.65%) forms lack habit history in cases suspected of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorder, and 24 (7.10%) cases lack radiographic details. The categories of clinicohistopathological concordance and the different clinical information groups showed a statistically significant relationship. We also found that the sign‐out time for histopathological reports depend on the extent of clinical information provided which was statistically significant too.Conclusions: The current study concluded a sufficient level of concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnosis. A high completion rate of biopsy forms indicated that the clinicians/operating surgeons perceive the significance of clinical information in histopathological diagnosis. We also recommend, irrespective of the type of suspected oral lesions, submitted for biopsy, a detailed clinical information is the backbone for accurate and timely reporting of the histopathological diagnosis.
Effect of Oral Insulin on Early Combined Glucose and C‐Peptide Endpoints in Individuals at High‐Risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Triolo Taylor M. , Jacobsen Laura M. , Cuthbertson David , Sims Emily K. , Ismail Heba M. , Redondo Maria J. , Lundgren Markus , DiMeglio Linda A. , Gottlieb Peter A. , Atkinson Mark A. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Schatz Desmond A. , Sosenko Jay M. 
Published: October 2024

Background: The TrialNet Oral Insulin (OI) prevention trial showed no overall treatment effect, using the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes as an endpoint. A significant delay in onset was only found in a high‐risk stratum (termed secondary stratum 1) of participants with low first‐phase insulin release (FPIR).Methods: Since trials with an endpoint of type 1 diabetes take years to complete, in this post hoc analysis, we assessed whether a novel combination of glucose and C‐peptide markers could identify a therapeutic benefit after 1 year of follow‐up (trial participants followed for a median 2.7 years).Results: Participants were relatives with multiple islet autoantibodies and low FPIR (n = 40). Glucose rose, and C‐peptide declined in the placebo group, whereas glucose rose minimally, and C‐peptide increased in the OI group. When glucose and C‐peptide were plotted on two‐dimensional grids using 30–120‐min oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) time points, changes in ratios of their central points (centroid ratio) differed between groups (p = 0.037 adjusted for age, BMI, and baseline C‐peptide and glucose).Conclusions: These findings support a favorable early effect of OI on combined glucose and C‐peptide endpoints in high‐risk individuals, indicating metabolic benefit. With further study, these measures may allow for shorter trials compared to the standard endpoint of type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
Warhol’s Death and Disaster
Authors: Gage Simone Ophelia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In his Death and Disaster series, Andy Warhol’s Byzantine Catholic upbringing and beliefs take shape in his portraits of celebrities and unnamed disaster victims alike. While previous scholarship on the series describes Warhol’s representation of death as consumerist, callous, and contributing to spectacle culture driven by mass media, my work instead focuses on Warhol’s adoption and transformation of the Byzantine iconic tradition. In choosing to appropriate tabloid images of otherwise anonymous fatalities in the Disaster series, Warhol dignifies disaster victims as the secular martyrs of a rapidly modernizing world, where we are often mere casualties sacrificed in the name of industrial progress. Through his utilization of Byzantine visual language, Warhol’s Death and Disaster works venerate victims of tragedy, moving them away from their former lives as tabloid spectacles and instead positioning them as secular icons of the twentieth century—their images memorialized as the saints and martyrs of our time.
The Forgotten Narratives: Mobilization, Recruitment and Wartime Experiences of World War Two African Servicemen from Southern Rhodesia, (Colonial Zimbabwe) c.1939–1945
Authors: Chikumbu Anotida 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article discusses the mobilization, recruitment and wartime experiences of Africans who participated in the Second World War. Centred on the accounts of ex-servicemen, their families, and friends, this article argues that some Africans were either hoodwinked or forced to join the imperial forces. Consequently, they began to question their position as colonial subjects in the war. Their experiences revived anticolonial sentiments and abetted the rise of labour activism and mass nationalism in the colony during the war. The bulk of the material for this article was obtained from written family records, oral histories, and archival sources.